DISCLAIMER: Mine! Mine! They're all mine! Aaaaand then I woke up. CBS, Jerry Bruckheimer blah blah blah. You know the deal.
SPOILERS: It's set early on in season 5 I reckon, before the gang got separated, not that it matters all that much. I knicked a few lines from "Buffy", credit to Joss and all his people.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: To my C.S.I partner in crime Mike, and to Yolanda, what a holiday!
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Caribbean Blues
By Pure Intent
Part 3
Catherine found Sara in the reception area of the hotel. Don't be disillusioned, it may have been the reception, however it was possibly the classiest areas of the hotel. It was huge, soft lighted, with two bars and big soft leather couches. And there she was, in the corner of a couch, beer and cigarette in hand, away in a booth, furthest from sight.
"Thought you'd quit," said Catherine, sitting across from her.
"Yeah, I quit."
"What? Quitting?"
Sara chuckled, "Yeah something like that." She paused and took a swig of beer. "Look Cath," Sara looked anything but her. Wow. How long must it have taken them to weave that roof? My god, I could have orchestrated world peace in that time! "I didn't mean to interfere there you know, I just got the impression that you didn't…well, that he wouldn't…you know, that the two of you…"
"Thank you Sara."
Sara shut up.
"Hey, in all the time I've known you, I've never valued you as much as right now." She stood up and began to walk away. Suddenly she stopped and looked back. "I'll see you at 7." Then she left.
"Huh, how 'bout that," Sara took another swig.
At 6.30 that evening Sara stepped out of the shower. Drying off she slipped on a pair of shorts and a t-top and made her way to the wardrobe. Ah hell. Why do I own absolutely zero amount of classy clothes. She ran her hand along the row of clothes, shorts, t-shirts, vests and the 2 suits she'd brought for the presentations. Eventually her hands stopped at a pair of thin dark blue jeans with small gold sequins making a flowing pattern up the right leg. Well kid, doesn't look like you have much of a choice. She decided that those, with her pale pink crop top and dark red wrap around over shirt would do. After adorning all the items she was pleased the outfit. There was a slight gap between the hem of her shirt and that of her pants in which her gold "S" belly bar with blue stones shone. Ok, smart/casual should work. Just two work colleagues going out for something to eat. It'll be fine. God! Why did she get herself into these situations? She grabbed her bag less than enthusiastically and shoved 20 cigarettes in just to be sure. She grabbed her key card and left the safety of her room.
Sara stood at Catherine's door, and had been for the last two minutes and hadn't made a move to knock. Why am I so nervous? Sure, you don't get on that well most of the time but Catherine obviously wanted to go. She could have gotten out of it when she found me in the reception. With that Sara knocked.
"Hold on." Pause. "Just a minute." Pause. Thump. "Ow, damnit." The door opened to reveal a rather dishevelled Catherine. Her wet hair clung to her shoulders as she clutched a towel round her. "Hey Sara, I'm running late. Sit down and help yourself to the mini bar," she said over her shoulder as she walked back into the bathroom.
Wow, Sara thought. Wish I looked that good getting out the shower.
Sara poured herself a scotch with some ice and made one for Catherine leaving it on the dresser. She walked out onto the balcony, leaning over the edge and looked out on the people below. Families with overactive children on sugar rushes making there way to that nights show, couples walking hand in hand down to the beach speaking lovingly into each others ear. Sara wished she had someone like that to share this with. Her single status didn't bother her most of the time, but when it was shoved in her face like this she couldn't help but become a bit sullen. She proceeded to go through the failed relationships in her mind. She had just reached Hank when Catherine stepped out onto the balcony beside her with her drink in hand.
"Not interrupting anything am I?"
"Not at all," Sara said startled. "Wow. You look great."
"What's with all the compliments Sidle? You wanna be careful, one of these days I might begin to think you actually like me."
Sara scoffed, "Well, I was actually just saying that because I didn't want to make you feel bad, but honestly, you look like a street walker." She smiled.
Catherine laughed, patted her on the back, "Now that's more like it!" she caught Sara's hand and started pulling her to the door.
Sara stopped still holding Catherine hand, who gave her a confused look. "Everything ok?"
"Catherine, I know we haven't always gotten on, and there's some things that we'll never see eye to eye on. But that doesn't mean I don't want to try. I think you're a remarkable person, even though I don't always convey it, and I'd like to get to know you better. I think we could be really good friends if we tried." She was embarrassed at her confession. "Okay, rant over," she added looking at her shoes.
Catherine was certainly taken aback. They had never really gelled since their first meeting but that didn't mean she didn't want to give it a shot. "I agree," she said. Sara looked up into her eyes and saw a glint there, followed by a mischievous smile. "Let's start tonight." She pulled Sara out of the room.
Dinner was perfect. They had gone down to the Italian restaurant to avoid the families with small children. A string quartet played in the corner adding an inviting ambience. The service was exceptional which they thanked by leaving a huge tip. They talked about anything and everything. Catherine's upbringing, her life as a stripper, her path into crime scene investigation. Sara didn't really want to talk about her family, she was having too much of a good time, so she opted for her childhood friends, her college years and life in San Fransisco. When they'd finished their coffee they went out into the main forum and sat by the bar. Sara ordered herself a beer and Catherine a "Sex on the Beach". There is no way something that colour could be healthy for you. Now beer, that's like bread. Good and wholesome. They sat and watched the impressionistic version of "The Lion King" that was being played out on the stage. Disney for grown ups huh? I'd never have guessed. Despite her pre-conceptions Sara really enjoyed it. She chuckled at Catherine every now and again when she found her bopping her head and singing along.
When Catherine finally caught her she said, "Lindsey's influence," and then continued with "Be Prepared".
When the show came to an end, and with many drinks under their belts they decided they where too wired to sleep yet.
"I hear there's a club somewhere on sight that stays open all night. Fancy it?"
Sara thought about it for a second. She did go out occasionally but clubs weren't her kind of thing. Too many people and too nervous to strike up a conversation. But she was with Catherine, an expert in that field, and she really didn't want to part company just yet. Hell, why not. She downed the rest of her drink and stood up. "Lead the way."
It was 10.15 when they entered the club and by 10.30, four guys had joined them, getting their drinks, chatting animatedly, asking them to dance. Catherine was in her element and was glowing. Sara had to admit that she was enjoying herself. She didn't normally receive this much attention and as a result she'd convinced herself she didn't want it. But a girl likes to be flattered every now and again. She did know that part of it was due to Catherine. Something about being in her presence was immediately uplifting. Eventually the six of them formed a circle in the middle of the dance floor, which quickly grew in size. Everybody took turns dancing in the middle, which raised many laughs. When the opening notes of "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode boomed from the speakers Catherine had an idea. Everyone in the group was swaying in time to the music as she got hold of Sara's hand and led her into the middle of the circle as the first verse began. She placed her arms around Sara's neck and pulled her close as she felt Sara's hands move to her waist. She smiled, amused yet seductively into Sara's terrified eyes whilst mouthing the words.
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Pick up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
Catherine ran her hand down Sara's cheek, bringing there bodies flush. Sara felt a rush of confidence bolt through her and moved both hands to cover the smaller blondes rear. The guys went wild, but that didn't matter.
Take second best
Put me to the test
Things on your chest
You need to confess
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
She turned her back to Sara without breaking the contact. Sara put her hands on low on Catherine's stomach. Catherine held one hand over Sara's while the other went to the brunette's neck, gently tickling the skin she found there. She felt Sara shiver into her back and smiled as she continued to sing softly into her ear.
Reach out and touch faith
Sara's hands began to roam Catherine's sides.
Reach out and touch faith
They continued to dance much to everyone's approval until the song ended. They took a few bows laughing then excused themselves and headed to the bar, still hand in hand.
They ordered their drinks and sat there for a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Catherine turned to Sara, "Hey there."
"Hey yourself," Sara smiled, grateful the silence had been broken.
"I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable up there. I mean, it didn't feel like it but if I did then I apologise."
"No need," Sara replied enthusiastically. "I had a fantastic time. And so did they by the looks of it," she gestured to the group that they had just left behind that where still sending whistles their way. They laughed. "We make quite the team don't we?"
"That we certainly do," Catherine said she clinked her glass with Sara's beer bottle. She checked her watch. 1.30pm. "Hey, my feet are killing me. It's been a while since I've put my body through this much exercise. Fancy coming back to my room for a couple?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Sara, getting to her feet. Catherine linked her arm through Sara's as they made there way back to the room.
Part 4
Catherine tried over again, pushing it in and sliding it out, but to no avail due to her intoxicated state. "I'm too pissed for this," she announced throwing the plastic implement at Sara, "You try.
After a few attempts the door swung open, "Tada!" Sara said waving the key card.
When there was no reply she turned around, falling into a fit of hysterics at the sight she was greeted with. Catherine was hopping around in circles in the hallway on one foot whilst trying to pull her shoe off at the heel. When she had finally completed her task she threw the first shoe unceremoniously at Sara, who caught it. Not liking to be beaten, Catherine threw the other one, which was also easily intercepted by the taller woman. Sara scrunched her face and pulled her tongue out as she staggered backward into the room. She fell on the couch as Catherine dumped her bag and went to the mini bar. She handed a glass of some unrecognisable brownish-purple liquid to Sara. Local tipple I guess, she thought as she took a swig.
"Jesus H Cath, what in the hell is this?!" she sputtered out between coughs.
"No idea, good though innit? Pachs a punch," she slurred.
Catherine finally came to flop down beside Sara after fiddling with the CD player. She brought the bottle with her.
"Classical? I had no idea," Sara commented on the music coming from the speaker.
"Oh yeah," Catherine said, "Nothing too intense, but I find it relaxing. In small doses."
"Ah, my favourite," Sara announced as "Canon in D" began to play.
"Isn't that everyone's favourite?"
"Very stereotypical I agree."
"But I suppose it's only stereotypical because it's the best."
"Hurray to that," said Sara raising her glass in the air, which Catherine promptly filled to the brim.
I didn't know they had brass bands in the Caribbean, Sara thought as she tentatively opened one eye. Oh wait, that was her brain bouncing around in her skull.
God I could never be an alcoholic, but then again, I suppose I'd never have a hangover like this.
She cast her mind back to the events of the previous night, and despite her current state, she smiled. She and Catherine had made more progress in those few hours than they had since they'd met. Wonder how she's feeling this morning?
She got her answer almost immediately.
Cough. "Ohhhhhhh God, when did something crawl into my mouth and die?"
"Probably the same time I signed planning permission for someone to start road works in my head," complained Sara.
"Sara? What are you doing here?"
"I have no idea. Last thing I remember was falling over while dancing to "We are family."
"Nyah, what time is it?"
Sara rolled over on the floor to look at the wall clock. "7.30."
"Oh well, it's still early." Remembering that they had no conference commitments today she added, "I'm going to bed, night."
"Yeah, me too. See ya later." Sara grabbed her stuff and shut the door quietly behind her.
Hands roamed up and down her sides as two strong thighs held her in place on the sand. The sun was setting which cast the golden haired beauty in a heavenly glow as she ground herself up and down her thigh. Sara tried to grab out for something to keep her grounded but all she came into contact with was sand. She moved her hands to her companion's hips as she felt her breasts being roughly caressed. She felt her eyes squeeze shut as her breathing became faster and more erratic. Her neck craned back as she began to shake… "Now I've got you I'm never letting go…"
Sara's eyes shot open. "Wha…fucking hell," she said between haggard breaths. She had never in her life been this aroused by a dream before. It wasn't until she tried to sit up she realised her hand was nestled between her overheated core and her underwear. She untangled herself from the sheets and rolled out of bed, standing for a second trying to get her breathing under control.
There was a knock at the door. She could feel herself blush. She was embarrassed but had no idea why. It's not like someone had caught her in the act. Or had they? Had she been talking in her sleep? Or was it because she had a fair idea who would be on the other side?
"You look flustered," Catherine said as the door was finally opened, "didn't interrupt anything did I?"
"Errr…no…no, nothing at all," Sara stammered. "To many covers on the bed, little hot is all." If only you knew.
She didn't know if Catherine believed her but she didn't inquire further. "Well, I'm starved, I'm gonna go grab lunch, just seeing if you wanted to join me."
"Yeah," Sara replied. "I'll just have a shower and get changed. I'll come to your room in about fifteen minutes ok."
"See you then."
Lunch was an uneventful but enjoyable affair. Afterwards the two women decided on a stroll down the beach and maybe get some gifts for the guys back home.
Catherine picked out the perfect Spider in a glass case for Grissom to keep his other one company in his office. Sara spotted the wooden bong for Greg made even more personal by the carved women performing sexually favours on one another. For Nick it was a hand stitched rich brown leather football and a thick silver cross necklace for Warrick as a replacement for the one that had broke on a case. He'd gone on about it for weeks after so maybe this would please everyone.
As Catherine was paying for the last one Sara slipped off to buy another gift. She was pretty sure she'd never have the chance to give it to the intended party but what the hell; she could always keep it for herself.
Continuing on down the beach they spotted two empty sun beds at the same time two 30-something year-old guys had. The four of them grinned at each other and made a dash for the recliners. It was at times like these Sara thanked god for her long legs as she reached her destination and dived, landing squarely over both beds. Catherine, not far behind her followed suit. They looked up to see the two guys slowly coming to a halt nearby. "Damn," said one as he punched his friend in the arm. He smiled at them both before good naturedly squirting them with water from a bottle and jogging away.
Sara pretended to be pissed but actually she'd found the short interaction funny, also, she loved to win. "Hey, we'll get you back for that!"
"I hope that's a promise," the guy called back looking at them while waving. He didn't notice the sand castle blocking his path, and when his foot sunk in he couldn't manage to pull it out in time and went flying face first into the surf. After looking to see if the guy was all right, the two women giggled to themselves as the settled more comfortably on the beds.
Forty-five minutes later Sara threw down the book she had been reading and rubbed her eyes. She glanced over at Catherine who hadn't moved for the past half an hour. She must be asleep. Her lotion-coated skin was glistening in the afternoon sunlight. Sara was mesmerised by the steady rise and fall of her chest and the bead of perspiration that emerged and slowly slid up to rest at the hollow of Catherine's neck. Sara swallowed hard and dragged her eyes away. She scooted down to the end of the bed and sat with her elbows on her knees, her chin resting on her hands staring pensively out at the ocean. She had no idea how long she'd been like that before she heard Catherine say, "Penny for them?"
Sara turned her head when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "What?"
"Your thought's, though looking at you it might take more than a penny."
Sara smiled gently. "It's nothing. Nothing serious anyway. You have a nice sleep?"
"Oh no you don't, come on, tell me. Think of it as another step forward in our budding friendship."
"I don't think so," said Sara laughing.
"Don't make me hurt you!"
"Ha, like you could."
Catherine's head fell to one side, thinking for a second before looking back at Sara, "Maybe not, but I can do this."
She leapt from her position grabbing hold of Sara and pulling them both onto the sand. Sara, in a state of shock wasn't able to fight back as Catherine rolled them over and settled herself above the brunette, pinning her down with one hand. The other hand roamed Sara's sides until she found the spot and dug her fingers in. Laughter coursed through Sara and no matter how hard she bucked she could not remove Catherine.
"Please, stop. I can't, need to breath…don't." Sara managed to force out before she gave over to the laughter again.
"Oh no Sidle. I have ways of making you talk, and now I've got you I'm never letting go."
Sara immediately stopped moving, her eyes boring holes through Catherine's. Fear swept through Catherine, "Shit, Sara I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" She got up and pulled Sara to her feet. Her eyes searched the younger woman's face for some kind of sign. "I didn't mean to, I just… damn, you okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied but it was too late and Catherine was fretting too much to hear what she was saying. Sara grabbed her shoulders and repeated, "Cath, I'm fine. Honestly." She let go just as quickly as she had grabbed hold. "I think I need to go back to my room, I need to get out of this sun for a bit. I'll call Grissom when I get there, let him know things are going all right. I'll see you later." By the time she finished talking she was already walking away from Catherine, who followed her retreating form with her eyes. What the hell was that about?