DISCLAIMER: CSI and its characters are the property of CBS and Jerry Bruckheimer.
SERIES: Seventh part of the 'Sara & Catherine: The Unfinished Story' series.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Sara & Catherine: The Unfinished Story
By MBInc
Chapter 7: Lovers, Friends…And Other Acquaintances
After Sara's mind-blowing kiss, Catherine's face had a permanent smile fixed on it even though she knew that all eyes were on them now.
"I've got some things that need to be taken care of first." Sara said, referring to the murder case "After that, I think we need to have a talk with some of our friends."
Nodding her head towards Greg and Nick –both staring and with their jaws practically hanging on the floor– Sara kept smiling at her girlfriend. All shift long she had wanted to touch the strawberry blonde, and now she was reluctant to let go of her.
But she knew business came before pleasure, so, with a last chaste kiss on the older woman's cheek, and telling her that they'd meet up later she headed off towards the room that Brass and Sophie were in.
Entering the room she noticed the look on Brass' face. It wasn't one with contempt, but one filled with admiration, and when she passed him he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm glad to see you've found someone. Although I never thought this person would be Catherine, I have to say you've found your match."
Sara looked sheepishly at the ground. "Thanks Jim." Talking with Brass about this all made her feel like a teenager again, telling her father about her girlfriend.
Looking over at Sophie she saw a smile on the girl's face, but her eyes betrayed her. They were filled with tears that were trying to force their way out. Sara knew what occupied the young woman's mind.
Walking towards the table where Sophie was seated Sara spoke up "I'm sorry…"
But before she could continue she was stopped by Sophie who held up her hand. "Don't be. I'm glad for you." A tear slipped over her cheek.
Sara didn't know exactly what to do. She was having an internal conflict. Should she feel happy, because she had Catherine as her lover and finally came out? Or should she feel sad, because of what had happened to Chris and Sophie…or rather what they would never have?
A sob left Sophie's throat before she said "Can we please finish this? I want to get out of here."
"Sure," Brass said as he placed himself against the wall, opposite the table "we'll start with your statement."
Meanwhile, Catherine, who was still a bit stunned about her lover's actions, walked down the hall –walking past Greg and Nick who both quickly stepped into a lab, pretending to be busy.
As she entered her office she had to laugh a little.
Sitting down she started to swivel in her desk chair. "Well, this definitely wasn't the way I thought we would tell them," she said to herself "but we still need to tell all of them…officially."
"Tell what?"
She turned around to face the person whose voice that had startled her.
"Oh, nothing," she said "just make sure that you'll be in the break room after shift. No excuses."
Grissom raised an eyebrow as he watched the smiling woman in front of him, giving her a questioning look.
"Don't worry Gil, we've got something to tell you all."
"We?" Grissom asked. Since he hadn't witnessed the display of affection in the hall minutes before, he didn't know who Catherine was talking about.
Not wanting to talk about this without Sara by her side, she walked over to Grissom "Just be there, then you'll know." And with that said she ushered him out of her office.
Sophie stepped out of the room, followed by Brass and Sara. Walking the young woman towards the exit of the CSI HQ Sara handed her a card.
"In case you need someone to talk to, you can always call me."
"Thanks." Sophie answered as she pulled Sara into a hug to show how she appreciated all that the CSI had done for her. Releasing the taller woman from her grip she turned, shook hands with Brass, and walked off.
While Brass and Sara were watching the retreating form of Sophie they both heard footsteps coming their way.
Feeling someone stop beside her and grab her hand, she turned to face her lover –a gap toothed smile came onto her face as she felt the other woman's thumb started to caress her hand.
Brass, seeing the easy interaction between the women, got a smile of his own on his face. The two women seemed to forget all their surroundings –getting lost in each other's eyes.
Letting out a little cough to get their attention the Captain placed himself in front of Catherine and embraced her, whispering in her ear "Take good care of her."
"You know I will Jim." Catherine answered sincerely.
"Yeah…Just wanted to be sure." He said as he let go and walked off.
"Oh, Jim?" Catherine called after him.
"Yeah?"
"Although you know already about…about us," she held up their entwined hands "we would like you to come to the break room after shift."
"We do?" Sara looked at her a little surprised.
Being pulled closer to Catherine and receiving a squeeze from her, Sara spoke up again "We do." –This time not a question but a statement.
"Sure, I'll be there." he answered, and with a last wave he was off.
Catherine pulled Sara towards her office. "Where are we going?"
"To my office to…talk."
"Yeah right." Sara laughed as she noticed the sneaky look on the strawberry blonde's face.
The second after the door of Catherine's office was closed the older woman's lips were fiercely attacking Sara's lips. It was as if an electric shiver went through her entire body as she felt Sara's tongue tracing her lower lip, searching entrance to deepen the kiss.
Breaking away from the kiss –leaving a breathless Catherine behind– Sara had to laugh again. "Strange way of talking."
"Didn't you like it?" came Catherine's reply
"Oh you know I did. A lot even. But was that all, or was there really something you wanted to talk about?"
"Well," Catherine started as she placed her forehead against Sara's, leaning her body more into the well-toned one of the brunette, "since Nick and Greg saw us in the hall, and Brass being the only one that really knows about us, I asked the entire graveyard shift to wait in the break room at the end of shift."
"So that we can tell them all…officially" Sara said before she started placing light kisses in the nape of Catherine's neck.
"Hmmm, yeah." Catherine moaned. "I hope you don't mind."
Cupping Catherine's chin, and making her look straight into her eyes, she answered "Of course not. I thought I had made that clear to you back in the hall." To emphasize her words she claimed the soft lips in front of her once more.
"Well then," Sara started as she extricated herself from the strawberry blonde's embrace, "I'll see you in about an hour."
Just before she reached the door Sara felt her arm being pulled back, and as she turned around Catherine inched closer –their lips almost touching– and whispered "You forgot something."
Sara's lips curled up in a smile "And what would that be?" she asked, her lips grazing along the other woman's as she spoke. Having Catherine this close, feeling her breath already touching her lips, Sara's mind almost shut down.
Catherine decided not to give into Sara's need and tease her a little, and backed away picking up a file. "I still need you to sign the paperwork of last week's B&E."
Letting out a frustrated groan Sara grabbed the file, picked up a pen and signed the papers. Throwing the file back on the blonde's desk she said "There, you happy now?" Looking at her lover she saw her coming over, a sneaky smile on her face.
After placing a chaste kiss on Sara's cheek Catherine whispered in her ear "Thanks babe. See you in an hour." She picked up the file again and walked out of her office, leaving a stunned and turned on brunette behind.
Only five minutes of shift were left when Catherine found Sara in the locker room, walking back and forth, her entire body language betraying her nervousness.
"Sara, are you ok?" Catherine asked as she walked over and placed a hand on the brunette's tense shoulder effectively stopping the brunette's pacing.
After some hesitation she answered "Yeah, it's just…"
Seeing the nervousness of the younger woman Catherine pushed her towards the bench in the middle of the locker room. "Come here, let's sit down for a minute."
Sara complied wordlessly and took a seat while Catherine kneeled in front of her. Placing herself in between the brunette's long legs Catherine cupped her chin and forced her to look into her eyes.
"Look, I don't know how they'll all react, but that's not even important. Most important is that I love you and together we'll get through this, no matter what their reaction will be."
Catherine's words reestablished the feeling of being loved in the brunette, and gave her back the confidence she needed. Placing her hand on Catherine's cheek she leaned in and engaged their lips in a passionate kiss.
"I love you too, and I'm sorry about…"
But before she could continue, she was stopped by Catherine's finger on her lips. "Don't be. Just remember what I told you." The strawberry blonde got up and held out her hand.
"Come on, let's go. They're probably waiting for us already."
Taking the offered hand, Sara followed Catherine out of the locker room. Standing just outside the break room, they watched their friends.
"Did you see last night's game?" Warrick asked Brass
"Nope, had to work. Not all of us have time to sit back and relax." He answered as he swatted Warrick's shoulder before walking over to the table where Grissom was seated reading a file.
Nick and Greg were still a bit shocked by what they had seen in the hall. They hadn't told anyone else, but had been talking about it with one another for the rest of shift. When Catherine had asked them to come to the break room after shift, they didn't dare to look her in the eyes.
Now sitting on a couch in the break room they continued speculating about what would happen. "You think they're really 'together-together'?" Greg asked.
Before Nick could enter Catherine and Sara walked in. He bent towards Greg and whispered "I think we're going to find out right now."
"Hey guys, glad you're all here."
"What's up Cath?" Warrick asked as he walked over.
"Would you all please take a seat?" she asked.
As Brass walked by the two women he gave them an approving look. Giving the Captain a smile as he also took a seat, Sara felt she was doing the right thing. Even though her mind wasn't totally convinced of what they were about to do, in her heart she knew it was the right thing.
As she looked at all her colleagues who were looking at them expectantly she found back her courage, and grabbed Catherine's hand. Although she planned –well, rather hoped– Catherine would do the talking, Sara was the first to speak up.
Her mind had been working on how they could break this news carefully, but all the ideas left her mind as soon as her lips started moving. "We wanted to tell you all that we're having a relationship" she said as her eyes locked with those of the strawberry blonde next to her.
Catherine had to smile 'Definitely Sara's way to bring the news…just bluntly throw it out in the open' Squeezing the younger woman's hand Catherine continued.
"And we're really happy together. We've been seeing each other for about two weeks now and we decided we wanted to keep it to us first, see how it worked out. But now we wanted to share our happiness with all of you. And we're sorry Nick, Greg…that you had to find it out the way you did."
"So you're 'together-together'?" Greg asked again, this time the question directed at the two women.
"Yeah Greg, we're 'together-together'" Sara smiled a gap toothed smile before placing a kiss on Catherine's cheek.
Warrick stood up and walked over to them. "I'm happy for you Cath" He said as he embraced the older woman. Turning to Sara he continued "And of course also for you. I'm glad you both found someone."
"Thanks Warrick." Sara answered as she also was engulfed in the arms of the tall dark man.
Feeling someone tap her shoulder, she extricated herself from Warrick's hug and turned to face Greg, who had a sneaky smile on his face –apparently he had already overcome his shocked state.
"Guess I never had a chance huh?" he asked.
"Nope, sorry Greg." Sara said as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "But I was really flattered by your attention"
"Yeah right." He quipped back "Anyway, what's it like…you know...with Catherine…give me some details."
"Oh no Greg," Catherine said as she linked her arm around the younger woman, "those details are not intended for your ears. You're a young healthy guy with probably enough imagination, so I don't think you'll need our details."
Seeing Greg's face getting redder by the second, laughter filled the room. Until Catherine and Sara noticed Nick, he was still seated and hadn't said a thing. He just sat there, still trying to cope with everything that had happened.
Catherine let go of her lover's waist and walked over to the Texan. "Nick? Are you ok?" she asked as she placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah…yeah," He started, "just a little surprised that's all. I mean…you two weren't the best of friends from the start."
"We know Nick." Sara said as she walked over and took a seat next to him "It also surprised us. But we've spent a lot of time together, and…"
"You love each other." Nick finished, his lips curling up into a little smile.
"Yeah, we do." Catherine said as she stepped closer to Sara who immediately placed her arm around her waist.
"I'm sorry about the way I reacted." Nick said, a feeling of shame coming over him.
"That's ok, Nick. We didn't mean to rub it in your face like we did before, back in the hall. But I had been working on a hard case, and I just…" Sara said looking up to her lover and then moving her focus to Nick.
"Needed someone to comfort you. And who can do that better than your lover, right?" Nick continued "Well, it's good to know you both got someone that you can share things with." He stood up and walked over to the women.
"But don't forget about us. I mean, now you've got each other, remember we're here for you, too."
Catherine embraced the square-jawed Texan "We won't Nick, don't worry about that." As she said that she looked over his shoulder into two dark brown eyes that were filled with love…love for her.
Brass just sat there, taking it all in, and a smile on his face. He was glad Sara finally found someone equal, someone she could share everything with. But when he noticed the stern look on Grissom's face his own smile disappeared.
Catherine noticed the change in Brass' appearance and followed his gaze. Seeing Grissom she let go of Nick and motioned Sara to come along.
Standing in front of their boss –and friend– they waited for his response. He stood up and placed the file under his arm, and started to walk to the door. "Catherine, Sara, my office please." was the only thing he said before walking out of the break room –leaving the rest of the team behind, all of them with a stunned expression on their face.
Catherine saw Sara tense up entirely, and knew how important Grissom's acceptance was for the brunette.
Entering Gil's office, the two women saw him sitting behind his chair, a pensive look on his face. As he motioned them to take a seat, Catherine pulled Sara with her into the direction of the chairs opposite Grissom's.
Sara looked over at her girlfriend, who glared angrily at their boss. Minutes of eerie silence –that seemed more like hours to both of the women – passed before Catherine decided to speak up.
"Gil, if you're having a problem with this…"
But before she could finish her sentence Grissom raised his hand, effectively stopping the strawberry blonde's angry ranting.
"Although I'm not sure whether it is smart what you are doing, I cannot stop the two of you from being…intimate, but this cannot interfere with your job. As soon as this," he pointed from Sara to Catherine "comes between you and doing your job properly, reprimands will follow."
Noticing how Catherine had a death-grip on the armrest Sara thought it best to intervene before the older woman would do something she'd regret later.
"We're professionals Grissom, we know how to keep work and private matters separated." Sara said while reaching for Catherine's hand.
Grissom looked at both of them and noticed all the emotions that were visible on their faces –anger, seriousness, love. "Good." He stated "Now, Catherine if you don't mind I'd like to have a word with Sara, alone."
Raising an eyebrow, the older woman looked from Grissom to Sara, and as she saw the brunette's nod she gave her hand a little squeeze "I'll be waiting for you in the break room." and with that said she left.
"Sara, do you realize what you're getting yourself into?" Grissom asked.
When she heard his question Sara felt her anger rise "Yes, Grissom, I definitely know that. And I want it, all, with all my heart. I love Catherine and Lindsey. They make me feel like part of a family, and I don't have to tell you how much I've wanted that my whole life."
Grissom didn't say a thing, he only nodded.
"I don't care if you can't stand seeing me and Catherine together, I know she loves me, and that's what matters the most to me." She said. 'Ok,' Sara thought 'that's not entirely true. I do want his support'
As she saw Grissom wasn't about to say anything more she got up and turned to leave.
"Sara, wait." Grissom spoke before the woman reached the door.
A sigh escaped her lips as she turned back to face him. She placed one hand in her side and the other up in the air. "What?!"
"Just be careful Sara. Catherine ca…"
"Save it Gil." Was the last thing the brunette said before leaving –a single tear finding its trail over her cheek.
Before she entered the break room –where Catherine was waiting for her– she tried to compose herself, not wanting the blonde to know how much Grissom's words had affected her.
But it was of no use. With just one look into those dark brown eyes Catherine exactly knew how the brunette felt. Walking over to the taller woman she pulled her into her own body, giving her all the comfort she could offer.
Brass –seeing how Sara's happiness had been replaced by sorrow– felt his temper rise, and walked out of the room.
Warrick, Nick and Greg, who had been talking to Catherine about what had happened in Grissom's office, all had apologetic looks on their faces –not really knowing what to say. None of them had expected their boss to react the way he had.
Noticing the exhausted look on Sara's face Catherine grabbed her stuff and pulled the other woman along.
"Come on, let's go home."
The End