"Dream a little"
Author: Poppie
Pairing: GSR (Of Course)
Rating: M (for the boldness)
Chapter: 8
Disclaimer: They're not mine; I'm just playing with them for a few minutes.
Summary: Add Grissom and Sara, to a road trip, plus a motel, add some UST, and a drop of angst and (Of Course) eventual boldness! Mix them all together and hey presto you end up with this Fic!
A/N: As always I would have nothing to post if it weren't for my clever beta and bestest friend in the whole wide world Dee, who tirelessly works to fix my messy ups! Thanks even though you are a Tramo of the highest order! Also I dedicate this fic to Hodiestoe, who was brave enough to follow her dream.
The walk to the Beatty PD had been a pleasant and relaxed affair; initially there was a moment of awkwardness but it passed quickly as a new sense of ease passed between them. All too soon they reached the sheriff's office, where over thirty cadets were waiting.
Once they had divided the large group into teams of five they headed out toward the ghost town. Grissom decided to use the remains of the old train station as a make shift base camp; it was just outside the small town and offered some cover from the desert wind that had gathered strength and was whistling eerily through the old ruins.
Sara was given charge of three cadets and was also joined by the young deputy that she had met the day before. Grissom allotted them a search area, and armed with their radios and torches they set off. He watched until she had completely disappeared into the darkness.
As they walked to their designated area, Sara chatted briefly with the young cadets instructing them as to what they should be looking for. The young deputy had been quiet since they left the train station and Sara wondered if he was a little embarrassed about their first meeting. He had been ill at the crime scene the day before and truth be told he didn't look any better today. She tried striking up a conversation with him, in the hopes that it would help the young man relax.
"Hey, I guess I don't need to tell you what to expect out here?" Sara asked, letting the others walk on ahead of them.
"No Ma'am." He said, giving the dirt ahead of them all of his attention.
"So... Um, Sheriff Foster said you guys patrol this town every night, I guess you'd know if anything was disturbed recently?" Sara asked.
"I guess so." He said again not meeting her eyes.
"Look, I don't know you but... It's okay, you know... to be upset about..." She said, struggling to find the right words.
"Actually, I am feelin kinda stupid, about how I reacted yesterday." He said glancing up at her, Sara could see the deep flush that ravaged his cheeks and understood his embarrassment.
"Hey, don't worry about it; you wouldn't be human if something like that didn't bother you, we've all been there." She said smiling.
"Thanks Miss Sidle"
"Don't worry about it, and please its Sara okay?"
"Thanks Sara... I'm Sam...Sam Stone." They shook hands and continued on their way.
As the hours passed, one by one the teams reported back to Grissom at base camp before being given another site to search. Unknowingly he watched for Sara's return; her group had been given one of the furthest areas to search and although he knew they would be one of the last groups to check in, he couldn't help that every so often his eyes drifted in the direction they had left.
Sara was nothing if not thorough and under her instruction the small group scrutinized every corner, every alcove of the ruins for evidence of a body, or signs of disturbance. As Sara searched through the last of the dilapidated buildings she noticed what looked like a small wall outside, toward the back of the building. She started toward the small pile of blocks when Deputy Stone call to her.
"Hey, Miss Sidle."
"I told you it's Sara" she said, smiling as she turned to face him.
"Sorry... Sara." he said, a little embarrassed. "We're finished here; do you want to head back now?" He asked hovering in the doorway.
"Sure." she said as she ran her torch over what was left of the room. As he turned to leave Sara called him back.
"Hey Sam; what's that?" she asked shining her torch through the rotten window frame toward the small pile of rubble.
"Oh, that. It's nothing; just what's left of an old boundary wall." He said dismissively as he headed back outside.
Sara followed him out and was met by the other members of her search party. "Okay guys, thanks for your help you can report back to Grissom at the train station." She said before she turned to go back into the building.
"Aren't you coming?" Sam asked, sounding a little apprehensive.
"I'll be right behind you." Sara said, trying to reassure the young police officer.
"Do you want me to wait with you?" He asked as the others began their trek back to the train station.
"Thanks, but I'm good, really, I do this for a living remember?" She said, waving him off before she disappeared back into the old structure. Something about the small pile of rocks bothered Sara, and she wanted to take a closer look.
As she neared that pile of old stones she realised that it wasn't a wall, but some sort of circular structure, although half of it was caved in, the original shape was still visible. As Sara shone her torch over the pile of broken blocks something reflected it's light, beneath the rubble lay a metal grate that was covering a large hole, she crouched down to take a closer look, it must have been an old well, Sara thought as she began to remove some of the surface stones.
A short time later the other members of Sara's search party arrived back to the base camp, Grissom was bent over a map of the area with Sheriff Foster when he saw them approach without Sara; curiosity got the better of him, he called out to one of the young cadets.
"Hey, you guys took your time."
"Yeah, Miss Sidle is very... thorough."
Grissom smiled at the young cadet's comment. "Yes, she is. Speaking of Miss Sidle, where is she?"
"Ah... I don't know she was right behind us." The young man said glancing over his shoulder.
Grissom reached for his radio and tried to contact her with no success, he tried her cell phone but he knew there was little or no signal this far into the dessert. A cold chill ran down Grissom's spine. Something felt off. He alerted the Sheriff of his concerns and was joined by two deputies as he headed out to where her team had been searching.
Sara had managed to clear away most of the larger stones that were covering the rusty old grate and noticed the brick work that remained standing was badly scraped, it was clear that the metal covering had been moved recently; it was then Sara noticed the smell coming from the darkness below. She tried to shine her torch down into the hole but the tight bars of the grate were too narrow. Although she didn't need to see, what her sense of smell had already confirmed, there was decomposing flesh hidden below.
She began to pull at the metal covering hoping to make a gap wide enough for her torch to fit through; with surprisingly little effort the grate lifted free, lightly scraping against the old stones as she opened it fully. She shone her torch into the darkness below, waving the light back and forth trying to catch a glimpse of what she was sure were the missing limbs of their Jane Doe when she heard a noise behind her, she had barely turned to see where the noise had come from when she was pushed hard from behind and fell head first into the hole.
A loud splash echoed up from the darkness as Sara plunged head first into the icy debts below, freezing water pierced her flesh like a thousand needles as she struggled to stay afloat. She gasped for air and tried to latch onto the smooth stone of the wall that encased her, it was only then she felt something brush against her back, she turn her head and came face to face with the bloated head of Laurel Mathews.
As Grissom and the two deputies reached the search site he began calling her name loudly, listening intermittently for any sound that would tell him she was okay, there was no reply. He began frantically searching through the old ruins, calling out to her, by the time he reached the last building his heart was beating louder and faster than he had ever experienced. He called out to the two deputies who were still searching the other ruins, when they surfaced with nothing, panic washed over him; he began screaming her name at the top of his voice.
Sara was in deep shock and totally horrified by the sight before her as the young missing girl's limbs bobbed around her in the arctic water, she could feel bile rising from her stomach and sting the back of her throat. She tried desperately to quell the urge to vomit and faced the wall closing her eyes, trying to shut out the horrific scene before her, it was then she heard someone calling her name.
The cold water was taking its toll; she could barely catch her breath and as much as she tried to call out no sound would come, so she weakly began to splash around hoping the noise of the water echoing upward would draw their attention.
Grissom was almost hoarse but continued to call to her; as the helplessness of his situation began to suffocate him, he was desperate for any sign she was okay and then her heard it; the faint sound of water being thrashed about. One of the two deputies heard it too and began to run in the direction of the small pile of stones.
"It's the old well, someone's down there" He yelled to his colleague as he raced towards Sara's prison.
"I'll call the Sheriff and get some help." The other young officer said reaching for his radio.
Grissom raced after the younger man and fell to his knees beside him calling down into the blackness below.
"Sara! Are you down there, Sara?"
Sara was so exhausted, that she was barely keeping herself afloat, then she heard his voice, he was there; she was going to be alright. A rush of adrenaline flowed through her and she found the strength to call out to him.
"I'm here, Gil please." She said weakly as tears began to stream down her face.
A team of deputies, and cadets watched on as Sara was pulled from the old well, she was shivering uncontrollably and fell into Grissom's arms.
"Laurel... She's down there... They put her down there." Sara said, as tears consumed her. Eventually after she had calmed down, Grissom wrapped her in a dry blanket and slowly walked her to their car after instructing the cadets and their supervisor to seal off the crime scene and wait for the coroner. Then, accompanied by Sheriff Foster and despite her protests Grissom took her to the local Doctor's office insisting that she get fully checked.
After she had been given something for shock, the doctor told Grissom that she should be watched for the next few hours. Realisingthat she would be far more comfortable in the Motel, Grissom offered to take her back to her room and promised to keep an eye on her. Before they left, Sara showered and changed into a pair of Lab issue overalls that Grissom had brought her from his car, he then placed her wet clothes into a large clear plastic bag before handing then to the sheriff.
"Make sure these go with anything else they collect from the scene."
"You're not processing it yourself?" The surprised Sheriff asked.
"There are over thirty cadets, not to mention their very capable supervisor there, I'm needed here." he said watching Sara intently, she hadn't said anything throughout her check up and that worried him.
"Sure thing Dr Grissom, Well I'd better be on my way back, looks like I have some bad news to deliver to Charlie." He said as he tipped his hat in Sara's direction. "Feel better Miss Sidle, we can talk in the morning" He said before he left. Both the sheriff and Grissom thought it best not to mention to Sara that Sam hadn't made it back to the base camp either and as the hours passed fears were growing for his safety, although Grissom wasn't overly convinced, perhaps it was in his nature to distrust the missing deputy but someone pushed Sara down that well and according to the other members of their search party Sam was last seen following Sara back into the old building.
The door to Grissom's motel room swung open, he stood back to let her enter placing his hand on the small of her back as she passed him, he closed the door and reached for the light switch.
"Don't" Sara said quietly.
"Let me turn on the light, honey I need to see that your okay." He said sounding desperate.
"Please no lights, I just need... I need..." Sara couldn't finish her sentence as grief washed over her. He watched her for a moment a little unsure what to do; and suddenly felt very out of his depth. He watched on a little stunned as she fell apart before him, her hands covered her eyes, as her body curled forward, small swallowed sobs filled the empty silence of the room.
Recovering from the initial shock of the sight before him, Grissom walked to her and wrapped his arms around her lithe frame, he felt her relax into his embrace as she cried. After a while her sobs died down, he leaned back enough to meet her eyes.
"Feel better?"
"A little... Thanks" Sara said unconvincingly
"Would you like something to eat?" He asked as he brushed her now wildly curling hair off her face.
"No, I'm... I'm really tired." She said as tears welled in her dark brown orbs once more. He felt her shiver in his arms and placed his hand under her chin drawing it upward.
"Do you trust me?" he asked his heart breaking at the sight of her looking so utterly lost and broken.
"Yes." Her reply was barely above a whisper.
Grissom broke his embrace and met her eyes as he reached for the top button of her jumpsuit and slipped it free. Images of his dream flashed through his mind but they were quickly dispelled from his thoughts as he moved his attention to the next button. Their eyes remained locked in an almost erotic, comforting gaze as he reached the last button.
"Turn around Sara."
She complied as if helpless to deny him anything, and very slowly Grissom reached around and pulled the jumpsuit off her shoulders and downward along her arms until the top was gathered at her waist. He then reached for the clasp on her Bra. Sara drew in a breath and held it as the soft material of her bra sagged forward. Sara couldn't contain the moan that escaped her lips as his fingers grazed her shoulders as he pushed the straps of her brazier down along the same path as the sleeves of her jumpsuit.
Sara allowed the scrap of damp material fall to the floor before her, the cool air of the room turning her skin to goose flesh as her nipples hardened almost painfully. Grissom was trembling as he reached for the t shirt he had worn to bed earlier that day.
"Raise your arms honey." He whispered.
Sara complied and fought a fresh set of tears that threatened her, she had never felt so cared for, so loved, Grissom slipped the large warm shirt over her head and pulled the heavy fabric down its hem stopping just below her buttocks, it felt as though he had wrapped her up inside him. He turned her to him once more, meeting her eyes before lowering himself onto his knees, as gently as he could he tugged the jumpsuit downward along her long legs and encouraged her step free of them.
As he returned to a standing position, his eyes uncontrollably swept over the length of her legs, Sara fought the grin that bubbled inside her when she heard an audible gulp escape his lips. Embarrassment had flushed his cheeks by the time he was brave enough to meet her eye again, the impish smile he now wore belied his real emotions as he nervously twisted the navy material in his hands before dropping the jumpsuit on a nearby chair.
He reached out and offered her his hand, Sara accepted without hesitation entwining her fingers with his. Slowly Grissom lead her to one side of the double bed and without releasing her hand he pulled the comforter back taking the top sheet with it. He gently pulled her toward him and eased her down into the clean bed, without taking his eyes from hers he grabbed the covers and tucked them in around her shivering body.
Without the need for invitation he sat on the side of the bed and stroked her hair whispering words of comfort and warmth until her eyes began to droop and finally close. When he thought she was finally asleep he stood up and stretched his weary body before heading toward the bathroom and a long hot shower.
"Don't leave?" she asked, her timid voice startling him.
"Hey, I thought you were sleeping?" He whispered as he returned to her side.
"Please don't leave." She said again her voice wavering slightly.
"I'm not going anywhere honey, I'm staying right here. Try to get some rest okay?" He said as his hand stroked her messy curls.
"Will you lay with me?" She asked as her eyes filled with unshed tears.
"Is that what you want?" he asked as his emotions ran riot.
"Please."
Without another word Grissom walked to the other side of the bed and kicked off his shoes, he removed his cell phone and wallet from his pants and placed them on the nightstand, he then paused for a moment conflicted, would it be inappropriate for him to undress, coming to a decision he removed his shirt and he slid into the bed beside her wearing his undershirt and pants. Turning onto his side to face her he lay there in silence unsure what he should do next.
After a few minutes he felt her side of the bed shift and then suddenly without warning her body was flush against his; without a word she reached for his hand, wrapping his arm around her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Grissom instinctively tensed but when he felt the tremble that still wracked her body he curled protectively around her, locking her in his embrace. He felt her body relax as the heat of his body mingled with hers; it wasn't long before the she drifted off into a restful sleep.
He knew he could have slipped out of the bed without waking her, it was the prudent thing to do but in truth he had never felt so content, she looked so beautiful as she slept, so tempting, so very young. He waited for it, the usual piercing wave of panic that consumed him whenever he imagined how it would feel to just allow himself to have her. But this time it didn't come, he didn't want to push her away, the need to hold her, to protect her, was much stronger than any fear he had. Sara stirred n her sleep and without thought he hugged her closer, willing whatever had disturbed her away, he closed his eyes and listened as her breathing evened out again and it wasn't long before he followed her into restful slumber.
A/N Sorry for the long delay in chapters but yet again RL decided to rain on my parade! Only one or two more chapters to go depending on how much you are enjoying my ramblings. Thanks for all the lovely thoughts and words you really inspiring!!!
Pairing: GSR (Of Course)
Rating: M (for the boldness)
Chapter: 8
Disclaimer: They're not mine; I'm just playing with them for a few minutes.
Summary: Add Grissom and Sara, to a road trip, plus a motel, add some UST, and a drop of angst and (Of Course) eventual boldness! Mix them all together and hey presto you end up with this Fic!
A/N: As always I would have nothing to post if it weren't for my clever beta and bestest friend in the whole wide world Dee, who tirelessly works to fix my messy ups! Thanks even though you are a Tramo of the highest order! Also I dedicate this fic to Hodiestoe, who was brave enough to follow her dream.
The walk to the Beatty PD had been a pleasant and relaxed affair; initially there was a moment of awkwardness but it passed quickly as a new sense of ease passed between them. All too soon they reached the sheriff's office, where over thirty cadets were waiting.
Once they had divided the large group into teams of five they headed out toward the ghost town. Grissom decided to use the remains of the old train station as a make shift base camp; it was just outside the small town and offered some cover from the desert wind that had gathered strength and was whistling eerily through the old ruins.
Sara was given charge of three cadets and was also joined by the young deputy that she had met the day before. Grissom allotted them a search area, and armed with their radios and torches they set off. He watched until she had completely disappeared into the darkness.
As they walked to their designated area, Sara chatted briefly with the young cadets instructing them as to what they should be looking for. The young deputy had been quiet since they left the train station and Sara wondered if he was a little embarrassed about their first meeting. He had been ill at the crime scene the day before and truth be told he didn't look any better today. She tried striking up a conversation with him, in the hopes that it would help the young man relax.
"Hey, I guess I don't need to tell you what to expect out here?" Sara asked, letting the others walk on ahead of them.
"No Ma'am." He said, giving the dirt ahead of them all of his attention.
"So... Um, Sheriff Foster said you guys patrol this town every night, I guess you'd know if anything was disturbed recently?" Sara asked.
"I guess so." He said again not meeting her eyes.
"Look, I don't know you but... It's okay, you know... to be upset about..." She said, struggling to find the right words.
"Actually, I am feelin kinda stupid, about how I reacted yesterday." He said glancing up at her, Sara could see the deep flush that ravaged his cheeks and understood his embarrassment.
"Hey, don't worry about it; you wouldn't be human if something like that didn't bother you, we've all been there." She said smiling.
"Thanks Miss Sidle"
"Don't worry about it, and please its Sara okay?"
"Thanks Sara... I'm Sam...Sam Stone." They shook hands and continued on their way.
As the hours passed, one by one the teams reported back to Grissom at base camp before being given another site to search. Unknowingly he watched for Sara's return; her group had been given one of the furthest areas to search and although he knew they would be one of the last groups to check in, he couldn't help that every so often his eyes drifted in the direction they had left.
Sara was nothing if not thorough and under her instruction the small group scrutinized every corner, every alcove of the ruins for evidence of a body, or signs of disturbance. As Sara searched through the last of the dilapidated buildings she noticed what looked like a small wall outside, toward the back of the building. She started toward the small pile of blocks when Deputy Stone call to her.
"Hey, Miss Sidle."
"I told you it's Sara" she said, smiling as she turned to face him.
"Sorry... Sara." he said, a little embarrassed. "We're finished here; do you want to head back now?" He asked hovering in the doorway.
"Sure." she said as she ran her torch over what was left of the room. As he turned to leave Sara called him back.
"Hey Sam; what's that?" she asked shining her torch through the rotten window frame toward the small pile of rubble.
"Oh, that. It's nothing; just what's left of an old boundary wall." He said dismissively as he headed back outside.
Sara followed him out and was met by the other members of her search party. "Okay guys, thanks for your help you can report back to Grissom at the train station." She said before she turned to go back into the building.
"Aren't you coming?" Sam asked, sounding a little apprehensive.
"I'll be right behind you." Sara said, trying to reassure the young police officer.
"Do you want me to wait with you?" He asked as the others began their trek back to the train station.
"Thanks, but I'm good, really, I do this for a living remember?" She said, waving him off before she disappeared back into the old structure. Something about the small pile of rocks bothered Sara, and she wanted to take a closer look.
As she neared that pile of old stones she realised that it wasn't a wall, but some sort of circular structure, although half of it was caved in, the original shape was still visible. As Sara shone her torch over the pile of broken blocks something reflected it's light, beneath the rubble lay a metal grate that was covering a large hole, she crouched down to take a closer look, it must have been an old well, Sara thought as she began to remove some of the surface stones.
A short time later the other members of Sara's search party arrived back to the base camp, Grissom was bent over a map of the area with Sheriff Foster when he saw them approach without Sara; curiosity got the better of him, he called out to one of the young cadets.
"Hey, you guys took your time."
"Yeah, Miss Sidle is very... thorough."
Grissom smiled at the young cadet's comment. "Yes, she is. Speaking of Miss Sidle, where is she?"
"Ah... I don't know she was right behind us." The young man said glancing over his shoulder.
Grissom reached for his radio and tried to contact her with no success, he tried her cell phone but he knew there was little or no signal this far into the dessert. A cold chill ran down Grissom's spine. Something felt off. He alerted the Sheriff of his concerns and was joined by two deputies as he headed out to where her team had been searching.
Sara had managed to clear away most of the larger stones that were covering the rusty old grate and noticed the brick work that remained standing was badly scraped, it was clear that the metal covering had been moved recently; it was then Sara noticed the smell coming from the darkness below. She tried to shine her torch down into the hole but the tight bars of the grate were too narrow. Although she didn't need to see, what her sense of smell had already confirmed, there was decomposing flesh hidden below.
She began to pull at the metal covering hoping to make a gap wide enough for her torch to fit through; with surprisingly little effort the grate lifted free, lightly scraping against the old stones as she opened it fully. She shone her torch into the darkness below, waving the light back and forth trying to catch a glimpse of what she was sure were the missing limbs of their Jane Doe when she heard a noise behind her, she had barely turned to see where the noise had come from when she was pushed hard from behind and fell head first into the hole.
A loud splash echoed up from the darkness as Sara plunged head first into the icy debts below, freezing water pierced her flesh like a thousand needles as she struggled to stay afloat. She gasped for air and tried to latch onto the smooth stone of the wall that encased her, it was only then she felt something brush against her back, she turn her head and came face to face with the bloated head of Laurel Mathews.
As Grissom and the two deputies reached the search site he began calling her name loudly, listening intermittently for any sound that would tell him she was okay, there was no reply. He began frantically searching through the old ruins, calling out to her, by the time he reached the last building his heart was beating louder and faster than he had ever experienced. He called out to the two deputies who were still searching the other ruins, when they surfaced with nothing, panic washed over him; he began screaming her name at the top of his voice.
Sara was in deep shock and totally horrified by the sight before her as the young missing girl's limbs bobbed around her in the arctic water, she could feel bile rising from her stomach and sting the back of her throat. She tried desperately to quell the urge to vomit and faced the wall closing her eyes, trying to shut out the horrific scene before her, it was then she heard someone calling her name.
The cold water was taking its toll; she could barely catch her breath and as much as she tried to call out no sound would come, so she weakly began to splash around hoping the noise of the water echoing upward would draw their attention.
Grissom was almost hoarse but continued to call to her; as the helplessness of his situation began to suffocate him, he was desperate for any sign she was okay and then her heard it; the faint sound of water being thrashed about. One of the two deputies heard it too and began to run in the direction of the small pile of stones.
"It's the old well, someone's down there" He yelled to his colleague as he raced towards Sara's prison.
"I'll call the Sheriff and get some help." The other young officer said reaching for his radio.
Grissom raced after the younger man and fell to his knees beside him calling down into the blackness below.
"Sara! Are you down there, Sara?"
Sara was so exhausted, that she was barely keeping herself afloat, then she heard his voice, he was there; she was going to be alright. A rush of adrenaline flowed through her and she found the strength to call out to him.
"I'm here, Gil please." She said weakly as tears began to stream down her face.
A team of deputies, and cadets watched on as Sara was pulled from the old well, she was shivering uncontrollably and fell into Grissom's arms.
"Laurel... She's down there... They put her down there." Sara said, as tears consumed her. Eventually after she had calmed down, Grissom wrapped her in a dry blanket and slowly walked her to their car after instructing the cadets and their supervisor to seal off the crime scene and wait for the coroner. Then, accompanied by Sheriff Foster and despite her protests Grissom took her to the local Doctor's office insisting that she get fully checked.
After she had been given something for shock, the doctor told Grissom that she should be watched for the next few hours. Realisingthat she would be far more comfortable in the Motel, Grissom offered to take her back to her room and promised to keep an eye on her. Before they left, Sara showered and changed into a pair of Lab issue overalls that Grissom had brought her from his car, he then placed her wet clothes into a large clear plastic bag before handing then to the sheriff.
"Make sure these go with anything else they collect from the scene."
"You're not processing it yourself?" The surprised Sheriff asked.
"There are over thirty cadets, not to mention their very capable supervisor there, I'm needed here." he said watching Sara intently, she hadn't said anything throughout her check up and that worried him.
"Sure thing Dr Grissom, Well I'd better be on my way back, looks like I have some bad news to deliver to Charlie." He said as he tipped his hat in Sara's direction. "Feel better Miss Sidle, we can talk in the morning" He said before he left. Both the sheriff and Grissom thought it best not to mention to Sara that Sam hadn't made it back to the base camp either and as the hours passed fears were growing for his safety, although Grissom wasn't overly convinced, perhaps it was in his nature to distrust the missing deputy but someone pushed Sara down that well and according to the other members of their search party Sam was last seen following Sara back into the old building.
The door to Grissom's motel room swung open, he stood back to let her enter placing his hand on the small of her back as she passed him, he closed the door and reached for the light switch.
"Don't" Sara said quietly.
"Let me turn on the light, honey I need to see that your okay." He said sounding desperate.
"Please no lights, I just need... I need..." Sara couldn't finish her sentence as grief washed over her. He watched her for a moment a little unsure what to do; and suddenly felt very out of his depth. He watched on a little stunned as she fell apart before him, her hands covered her eyes, as her body curled forward, small swallowed sobs filled the empty silence of the room.
Recovering from the initial shock of the sight before him, Grissom walked to her and wrapped his arms around her lithe frame, he felt her relax into his embrace as she cried. After a while her sobs died down, he leaned back enough to meet her eyes.
"Feel better?"
"A little... Thanks" Sara said unconvincingly
"Would you like something to eat?" He asked as he brushed her now wildly curling hair off her face.
"No, I'm... I'm really tired." She said as tears welled in her dark brown orbs once more. He felt her shiver in his arms and placed his hand under her chin drawing it upward.
"Do you trust me?" he asked his heart breaking at the sight of her looking so utterly lost and broken.
"Yes." Her reply was barely above a whisper.
Grissom broke his embrace and met her eyes as he reached for the top button of her jumpsuit and slipped it free. Images of his dream flashed through his mind but they were quickly dispelled from his thoughts as he moved his attention to the next button. Their eyes remained locked in an almost erotic, comforting gaze as he reached the last button.
"Turn around Sara."
She complied as if helpless to deny him anything, and very slowly Grissom reached around and pulled the jumpsuit off her shoulders and downward along her arms until the top was gathered at her waist. He then reached for the clasp on her Bra. Sara drew in a breath and held it as the soft material of her bra sagged forward. Sara couldn't contain the moan that escaped her lips as his fingers grazed her shoulders as he pushed the straps of her brazier down along the same path as the sleeves of her jumpsuit.
Sara allowed the scrap of damp material fall to the floor before her, the cool air of the room turning her skin to goose flesh as her nipples hardened almost painfully. Grissom was trembling as he reached for the t shirt he had worn to bed earlier that day.
"Raise your arms honey." He whispered.
Sara complied and fought a fresh set of tears that threatened her, she had never felt so cared for, so loved, Grissom slipped the large warm shirt over her head and pulled the heavy fabric down its hem stopping just below her buttocks, it felt as though he had wrapped her up inside him. He turned her to him once more, meeting her eyes before lowering himself onto his knees, as gently as he could he tugged the jumpsuit downward along her long legs and encouraged her step free of them.
As he returned to a standing position, his eyes uncontrollably swept over the length of her legs, Sara fought the grin that bubbled inside her when she heard an audible gulp escape his lips. Embarrassment had flushed his cheeks by the time he was brave enough to meet her eye again, the impish smile he now wore belied his real emotions as he nervously twisted the navy material in his hands before dropping the jumpsuit on a nearby chair.
He reached out and offered her his hand, Sara accepted without hesitation entwining her fingers with his. Slowly Grissom lead her to one side of the double bed and without releasing her hand he pulled the comforter back taking the top sheet with it. He gently pulled her toward him and eased her down into the clean bed, without taking his eyes from hers he grabbed the covers and tucked them in around her shivering body.
Without the need for invitation he sat on the side of the bed and stroked her hair whispering words of comfort and warmth until her eyes began to droop and finally close. When he thought she was finally asleep he stood up and stretched his weary body before heading toward the bathroom and a long hot shower.
"Don't leave?" she asked, her timid voice startling him.
"Hey, I thought you were sleeping?" He whispered as he returned to her side.
"Please don't leave." She said again her voice wavering slightly.
"I'm not going anywhere honey, I'm staying right here. Try to get some rest okay?" He said as his hand stroked her messy curls.
"Will you lay with me?" She asked as her eyes filled with unshed tears.
"Is that what you want?" he asked as his emotions ran riot.
"Please."
Without another word Grissom walked to the other side of the bed and kicked off his shoes, he removed his cell phone and wallet from his pants and placed them on the nightstand, he then paused for a moment conflicted, would it be inappropriate for him to undress, coming to a decision he removed his shirt and he slid into the bed beside her wearing his undershirt and pants. Turning onto his side to face her he lay there in silence unsure what he should do next.
After a few minutes he felt her side of the bed shift and then suddenly without warning her body was flush against his; without a word she reached for his hand, wrapping his arm around her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Grissom instinctively tensed but when he felt the tremble that still wracked her body he curled protectively around her, locking her in his embrace. He felt her body relax as the heat of his body mingled with hers; it wasn't long before the she drifted off into a restful sleep.
He knew he could have slipped out of the bed without waking her, it was the prudent thing to do but in truth he had never felt so content, she looked so beautiful as she slept, so tempting, so very young. He waited for it, the usual piercing wave of panic that consumed him whenever he imagined how it would feel to just allow himself to have her. But this time it didn't come, he didn't want to push her away, the need to hold her, to protect her, was much stronger than any fear he had. Sara stirred n her sleep and without thought he hugged her closer, willing whatever had disturbed her away, he closed his eyes and listened as her breathing evened out again and it wasn't long before he followed her into restful slumber.
A/N Sorry for the long delay in chapters but yet again RL decided to rain on my parade! Only one or two more chapters to go depending on how much you are enjoying my ramblings. Thanks for all the lovely thoughts and words you really inspiring!!!