Reaper

Author: Moggie

Status: Complete

Summary: [GSR] On the verge of meeting the reaper reveals a long time secret, which makes it just that more difficult to let go.

Genre: Drama & Angst

Spoilers: Playing With Fire

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

It was dark at fist, but then a light flickered on. The noise of metal scrapping metal could be heard and electrical wires sparking when they swung and hit each other. Six people in total were in the room. An explosion erupted from no where and now the room was ready to collapse any second.

They were questioning a suspect about a bombing down town. They arrived at the suspects work place, but before the first question was asked, the room exploded.

-

He couldn’t move. His body felt weighed down. His eyes stung with dust and what smelt like blood.

Feeling something move, he felt agonising pain shoot through his chest. Crying out in pain, he felt the weight lift.

“Griss?”

Holding the cry in, he muffled a whimpered reply. “Sara.”

She tried to open her eyes, but couldn’t. They hurt and stung. “Grissom…” She called out his name in a panic. “Grissom… Griss…”

Grissom found her hand and squeezed. “I’m here. Are you ok?” He asked through his own pain.

“I can’t see Grissom… I can’t see.” She started to move around, but stopped when Grissom cried out. “Oh God!” She exclaimed, feeling something metal and sharp. “Grissom stay still.” She ordered firmly.

“No choice.” He gritted through clenched teeth.

Sara groped for his face and found his cheek. He was very warm. She held his hand tightly as she moved towards his face blindly. She stopped when she felt his breath on her face. “How you feeling?” She asked in a whisper.

Grissom turned towards her voice and could faintly make her face out. He saw blood trickle down one side of her face. A large gash above her right eye was bleeding continuously. “I can’t see very well. I think I got dust in my eyes, but I can’t move much.”

“Ok, hold on.” She moved slowly, so not to hurt him. She couldn’t see so she had to be careful where she put her hands. She pulled her shirtsleeve over her hand and gently wiped his eyes. “That better?”

He opened his eyes and could see the gash clearly now. Both eyes were open, but he could see the damage something did. Her right eye was badly blood shot, but her left was only half blood shot. “Can you see anything?” He asked into the silence.

Sara flinched when he reached up and touched her cheek. After a minute and through that time, Grissom could see that she was moving her eyes, but didn’t seem to focus on anything. She shook her head and held her breath at the sickness she suddenly felt. “I don’t feel too good.” She remarked dropping her head slightly.

“Nausea?” He asked. She nodded and tried to turn, but stopped when her hand was squeezed tighter. “Where you going?”

She looked down at his voice and frowned. “There were six people in this room all together. Me and you. The suspect and two others. I need to find them.” She moved again, but Grissom wouldn’t let go. “I’ll be back Griss, just rest.” She knew he was in pain, so was she. She felt the metal in his chest, but he could breath, which was a good sign at least. It was probably above his left lung, but she couldn’t be sure.

“Don’t go far Sara. You can’t see.” He watched as she crawled a short distance. He saw her stop and heard her be sick. “Sara?” He called.

She didn’t answer for a minute. “I’m fine, just stay still.” He did as he was told. It hurt to move anyway. Sara found a leg and a hand, both of which belong to two different people by the feel of things. One hand connected to a smooth arm, female and the leg was connected to a mans size 13’s and wearing turned up slacks. She couldn’t find a pulse in either and tried to find the other person. Hearing Grissom in pain, she turned back and retraced her movements. “Hey, how you doing?” She asked quietly after she found his hand.

He pulled on it so he could see her. “Let me see your face Sara?” He didn’t really ask.

“I’m fine.” She protested, but moved closer.

“Find anyone?” He asked checking her eyes. Seeing the blood slowly start to clot and the blood still in her eyes, he squeezed her hand and pulled her closer. “Lay down Sara.”

She sighed and did as he said. “I found two bodies, male and female, both dead. I couldn’t find the other one.”

Grissom nodded, but realised quickly that she couldn’t see it. “Ok.” He said instead. His fingers traced her eyes softly. “This hurt Sara?”

Not knowing what he was talking about, she frowned. “What hurt?”

He wore a sad look that was more concern and worry. “Sara…” He stopped and pulled her head down to lay on his shoulder.

She knew why he stopped the minute he pulled her down to rest on his shoulder. She knew she couldn’t see and couldn’t feel the pain in her eyes anymore, just the odd stinging. She also knew that she needed to tell him that he was bleeding out and had a metal pole or something jammed in his shoulder, pinning him to the floor.

-

Nick ran through the corridor as fast as he could. He just heard from Brass that Sara and Grissom were in a building when it collapsed. They needed to get there quick before the rest went down. He skidded to a stop and grabbed his case. He saw Catherine and Warrick looking at him funnily.

“Get kits now.” He gasped. “Griss and Sara.” He had their full attention at that and didn’t need anymore explanation. They all hurried out the room.

-

Grissom opened his eyes and lightly touch Sara’s face with his right hand. The room had collapsed and there was no room to stand. The beams were lying across the length of the room at different angles. The flicker of one light was all that work and it was soon going to fade into darkness. He brushed back her hair and sighed, only to wince at the action. Sara opened her eyes at the sound of a small whimper. She found she could see slightly out of her left eye, but only fuzziness.

“Griss, where’s it hurt?” She asked getting straight to the point before he could cover it up.

Too late. “It’s nothing, lie down. You’ll make yourself sick again.” He said soothingly.

Sara cupped his chin and scowled. “Liar. Where?” She demanded quietly.

He chuckled, but cringed in more pain. “Chest.” He groaned.

-

“ Take small breaths, let me make sure you’re not hurt elsewhere.” Grissom moaned an ‘ok’ and closed his eyes. Sara slowly ran her hand down his throat to his neck. She stopped to check his pulse and smiled. “You ok? Pulse is high. Angry or just generally pissed?”

Grissom smiled. “Nervous actually.” He watched her face as she registered surprise. “Don’t wonder too far Sara.” He grinned.

Sara smirked. “Oh so not funny Griss. God, such a bad sense of humour, even in the dark.” Grissom’s smile faded when she said that. He looked at the dim light. It wasn’t all that dark. “I know.” She whispered. “It’s only dark where I am.”

“No it’s not.” He whispered back.

She looked down and smiled. Moving her hand over his shoulder, she found the metal and blood. It was still bleeding. She sat up and shrugged off her shirt. Beneath it she wore a light tank top. Grissom watched as she leaned back over him and bunched the shirt up. “Griss. You need to be my eyes ok?”

“It’s ok Sara. Just don’t move it.”

Sara nodded and with the help of his right hand, they managed to ball up the shirt in places so it soaked up and helped stop the blood loss. “Ok, next.” She continued her hands down his left side, but Grissom didn’t move or seem to feel anything there. She got to his hip and felt his eyes on her. She looked at him and grinned. “What?”

He shook his head and chuckled lightly. “Just making sure.”

“Shut up.” She chastised playfully. Feeling his legs one by one, she found a gash on his knee. “Hold still.” She said pushing her hand into his pocket.

“Sara!” He squeaked.

She laughed. “Stop shrieking, god sakes. Men. They think it all revolves around wandering hands when ‘all’ I was trying to find was your handkerchief.” She explained and gently wrapped and tied it around the gash.

Grissom watched her intently and furrowed his brows. “How did you know I used a handkerchief or that it was in my pocket?”

Sara glanced blindly at him and shrugged. He smirked and watched as she continued to search for anymore injuries, not finding any, she lay back down and inhaled deeply. “I’m so tired.” She murmured.

-

“Where were they?” Asked a fireman.

Nick looked at Brass who shrugged. Warrick and Catherine also gave looks of no clue. “Not sure. They were meeting a suspect for questioning. Could be her office or on the way to her office.” Nick suggested.

The fireman nodded and went to tell his crew.

The others tried to help, but were told to stay back and wait until the area was secure. The building could go any second.

“I hope they’re alright.” Catherine whispered.

-

She snuggled back against him when she knocked something. She noticed it was Grissom’s and her cases. “Luck at last.” She mumbled and opened Grissom’s case first. She pulled out his maglite after searching around a bit. She handed it to him. She opened her case and found her water and chocolate bar. She smiled. “You hungry?”

Grissom smiled too. “No I’m fine.” He touched her leg and asked. “You do actually have evidence collecting equipment in that thing and not your lunch?”

Sara grinned. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Actually yes.” He chuckled. “Water, food, fingerprint dust, lifters, Christopher Columbus etc… the kitchen sink by any chance?”

“Wouldn’t fit.” She answered jokingly.

He shook his head and looked up at the sound of scraping. “You hear that?” He asked.

Sara listened and nodded. “Yeah, I do. The clean up crew maybe.”

Grissom looked over at her. “You want to like shout to them?”

She shook her head. “Can’t do that.”

Looking at her strangely, he tugged on her hand. “Why not?” He asked seriously.

“I don’t exactly have the lung capacity for it.” She answered turning her head away.

He didn’t understand. “Lung capacity?”

Sara drank some water and helped him drink some. As she put the bottle on the floor, Grissom grasped her arm and pulled her down to him. She seemed to look at him, but he knew she couldn’t see him. She bit her lip and buried her head in his shoulder. Grissom held her tightly. He asked her again after a while and this time he got a reply, but not one he wanted.

“I broke three ribs.”

Grissom stopped his hand that was rubbing her back and instantly went to her side and lightly felt her ribs. She whimpered in pain when he pressed in slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She moved her head and sighed. “There’s nothing you can do Grissom.”

“You’re probably bleeding internally Sara. All the throwing up. God Sara… you could die…” His voice trailed off as he said that.

“I'm not going to die, Grissom.” She assured. “I’m fine. I can breath fine. Nothing’s punctured.”

He leaned his head on hers and pulled her closer. He squeezed her shoulder. “Try not to be sick, if you can help it. You could puncture a lung or your heart and don’t move around anymore.” He said softly. “Just stay still. Don’t move.”

Sara reached up and cupped his face. Her thumb brushing his cheek softly. “You do the same then.”

“Ok.” He agreed.

-

Catherine and Warrick made their way towards him and called out to the head fireman.

“Good work son.” The fireman chimed and co-ordinated his team to start shifting rubble.

“Not too long now, Nicky.” Catherine said patting his shoulder.

Nick smiled grimily. “I just hope we’re not too late.”

-

He brushed her hair back and was about to say something when a beam fell and the metal rod that was impaling him moved, sending him crying out in pain. “AH!”

Sara sat up quickly as piles of dust fell around them and tried to hold Grissom down. “Don’t move Griss!” She shouted to get his attention. She loomed over him with her hands on his chest. His eyes locked with hers and the pain seemed to ebb away. Sara waited for him to quit moving before touching his face. “Just hold in there ok?” He nodded mutely. Feeling for the rod, she noticed the bend in the metal. The beam was going to fall. She needed to find something to hold it. “I have to find something to brace the beam Griss. I’ll be back.”

Grissom closed his eyes against the pain and tried to listen to her movements. “Please…” He paused and turned his head towards her before opening his eyes. “Be careful Sara.” He pleaded.

-

The fireman looked up and winced. “A beam is unstable above the office. We tried to remove several beams that cover nearly eight metres between that room and us. It’s not looking good.” He paused and sighed. “We move it, the whole room goes.”

Everyone stared at the chief in disbelief, but knew it was true. They had to think fast.

The fireman suddenly spoke to his team. “The best way to do this would be to support the beams on the other side first, not all but a few.” The team nodded and looked for other ways to gain access without disturbing anything any more.

-

“You’ll see Sara. When you get out of here.”

Sara heard something in his tone and instantly knew he was getting weaker and was beginning to give up. “You didn’t answer my question.” She pushed, trying to change the subject.

Grissom smiled and waited for her to turn to him. She looked down at him and placed her hand on his chest to try and get her bearings on what he was doing. “What question?”

Raising her eyebrows painfully. She touched her head and frowned instead. “Life’s one big roller coaster huh? Or a huge carousel that brings us back to the beginning every time.”

Watching her closely, Grissom felt he should at least tell her something before anything else happens. “I would have said yes.” He saw her head turn back to him. “I would have.” He repeated.

“Then, why didn’t you?” She asked quietly.

Grissom smiled and touched her neck. “Bad timing, tongue tied, nervous, being an idiot… choose one.”

Sara nodded slowly and flinched slightly as he touched her again. His hand was warm against her cool skin. She took his hand and held it to her cheek. “What about now? I asked, but you didn’t answer.”

He gently caressed her skin under his palm. “I wouldn’t want to lie to you Sara. I’m not going to plan ahead when I’m not sure about the present.” His explanation was not taken lightly and she moved closer, his hand still touching her. He continued before she could speak. His eyes scanning her face. “The beam is going to collapse Sara. Any movement in or outside this room and the beam is going to crush me.”

-

Brass nodded in agreement. “I know. I don’t like the timing. It’s taking too long and those beams are having me jump every time I see them move.”

Catherine looked up at him and sighed. She leaned against him. “They’re trying the back way, so maybe we can avoid the main beams and crushed fragile areas of the building.”

-

“I’m sorry honey, but I needed to tell you. I might not make it. If they got here, the beam would collapse with the commotion and even if they tried to move me.” He drew her face closer and held her forehead to his. “I’ve lost too much blood.” He whispered.

Sara sniffled and cupped his face below his ears with both hands. “You quitting on me?”

Grissom breathed in a short breath and sighed. “Sara…” His eyes opened when he couldn’t find the words and gently kissed her mouth. It was such a chaste kiss that it was barely a brush. Sara whimpered as she held back the tears and lowered her mouth to his.

She kissed him softly. There seemed to be no reason to wait any longer. Time was running out and they could both feel it. Sara’s ribs started to hurt more in the last hour. Her eyes were continuously stinging and she knew Grissom was holding in the pain, hiding it from her. He knew that if she couldn’t see his eyes, then he could stray from the truth and not be questioned by her browns piecing through him.

His fingers stroked her cheek lightly as the kiss carried on. They stopped for a few breaths before one would initiate it again. His tears mingled with hers at the thought of never getting out of this room alive or seeing each other to do this properly. He wanted to take her to dinner, kiss her afterwards, pursue a proper relationship, but his fear of getting too deep was what pushed him away from her. He distanced himself and regretted every minute of it. At one point they were so close, then the fear would creep it’s way in and tell him he needed to back away. He so desperately wanted to see Sara outside work and show her things, share his life with her and now he had a feeling in his gut that he would never get the chance to do that and right now was all they had.

-

Grissom chuckled and softly stroked the skin of her neck. He kissed the top of her head and sighed. “You need to get out of here Sara.”

She wasn’t listening on purpose. She sat up and felt around for the water bottle. Running her fingers over his chest, she was just about to reach into the case when he took her hand tightly. “I’m thirsty.” She protested, but his hand held hers with strength that was weakening.

“I mean it Sara.” He said sternly.

“Leave it Grissom. I’m not talking about this. We’ll both be out of here soon and then you are going to pay for saying no and I’m going to kick your ass for the years to come until you make up for it.” She tried to say this with a strong voice, but it cracked in certain places.

Grissom looked at her with tears in his eyes. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her slender fingers. Sara slowly lowered herself back down beside him and cried softly into his shoulder. “I won’t leave you alone Sara.” He whispered hoarsely.

She sniffled and raised her head. “We leave here ‘together’. You understand me Griss?”

He smiled and kissed her chin. “I promise.” He made a promise and he wasn’t going to break it, but what he didn’t tell her was that no matter what happened, he wasn’t going to leave here without her, whether it be head first or feet first. He knew he was leaving with her.

She nodded and continued to reach for the water.

-

The fire chief nodded hesitantly. “Yeah.”

She looked at him and shook her head. “No.”

He sighed. “It’s the only way Catherine. I’m sorry.”

“Jack, you can’t. You said yourself that if it was moved the room would collapse.”

By now, the formalities were forgotten. It had been hours since the explosion and the extreme was way too extreme.

Brass reached out and touched Catherine’s shoulder. “I’m sure he know’s what he’s doing Cath.”

Catherine nodded. “Yeah, but, it’s a large risk Jim. I told you it didn’t feel right and now look what we have to do. We are putting them in more danger. If they are alive, then we could risk losing them with this stunt.” She growled in exasperation and stormed off. “FINE!” She shouted. “DO IT!”

Jim turned to Jack and nodded for him to continue. “But, please be careful.” Jack nodded and turned to his team.

-

Sara felt him tense at the sounds of the rescue crew. “Relax.” She whispered into his ear.

His hand squeezed her hand tightly. “Sara?”

She touched his face and smiled. “You know, I never noticed before…” She leaned down and kissed his cheek where her hand lay. “You have a scar. Which battle did that come from?” She teased. She was trying to distract him and hoped he’d fall for it.

His smiled and chuckled, which was the reaction she wanted. Her finger traced his lips lightly as he spoke. “Not much of a battle, but a disagreement.” He said with light amused tone.

“Oh and what disagreement would that be?” She asked, brushing her thumb over his bottom lip.

He let out a slow breath and chuckled again. “A fight over a girl when I was in school.”

Smirking at him, she started to laugh. “You, fighting over a girl? In school?” She rests her forehead in his neck and continued to laugh.

“It’s not funny Sidle. It hurt like hell. The other boy was bigger and stronger. He threw a punch and not only did I get a black eye and bloody nose. I lost my girl as well.” He chided.

Sara breathed in and controlled her laughter. “Aw…poor Grissom.”

“I knew you’d make fun of me.” He grinned.

“I’m not.” She giggled.

Grissom brushed her hair from her face and smiled. “Yeah, you are. I bet you got scares with just as sad a story.”

Sara smirked and turned her head away from his smug face. She could fell the smugness and the bright-amused eyes. “I… They’re not as triumphant as yours. You may have lost the girl, but what did you learn?”

“Not to be picked on by someone bigger than me.” He answered mock honestly.

Sara turned back and snickered. “Liar.”

He laughed this time and hid the pain the best he could. “Ok. I learnt that if I wanted the girl that badly, I should have fought back.”

“Why didn’t you then?” She asked.

“He was bigger than me Sara. He would have flattened me and my mother didn’t want broken bones let alone a battered son.” He rubbed his thumb over her ear and smiled softly. “I would have fought back some more, but he knocked me out cold.” He finished giggling.

Sara held his hand to her and laughed with him. “I would have stuck up for you.” She offered. “No science nerd deserves to be picked on just because he was trying to win a girl.”

Grissom’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. Sara dropped her head and listened to her surroundings. “Thank you.” He whispered.

“I would have, given the chance.” She said quietly. After a few minutes of silence, she added lightly. “Only to have you picked on twice as much, because a girl rescue your ass.” She giggled and laid her head on his chest.

“Funny Sara, really funny.” He chuckled.

Movement on a far wall and scratching sounds could be heard. “They’re close.” She mumbled sleepily.

“Yeah.” He mumbled back.

-

It was strange that you should suddenly start thinking about death and what actually happens.

Bright light

Meet the Reaper

A family member waiting for you

An angel ready to show you the way to the afterlife

The question that popped into their heads was, ‘was there an afterlife?’

Grissom pulled Sara closer instinctively at the sound of more movement. He then realised that his actions were false, that he was putting her in more danger. Just then, he removed his arm and pushed her away.

“Griss?” She sat up and reached for his hand or arm, or anything, but he continued to push away. “Grissom?”

He heard her tight voice and tried to hide the tears in his voice. “You need to move back Sara.”

She shook her head at him and tried again to move closer. “I’m staying with you.” She whimpered.

Grissom pulled his hand from hers and shook his head. “NO!” He tried shouting. “Get away!” He shouted venomously.

“Don’t do this Griss, please…” She sobbed.

“You come near me Sara and we both die.” His tears broke through his barrier and began pooling down his cheeks.

Sara moved closer and grabbed his arm tightly as he attempted to push her away again. She lay against his side. “I’m not going anywhere without you. We made a promise.”

Grissom growled into the darkness in angered frustration. “NO!” He couldn’t push her again. His strength taken from him as he cried. “I remove my promise.” He stated coldly. “I made no promise.” He turned his head away from her hand as she tried to find his face. “I will not let you die here Sara. This is not going to happen. I break my promise and you ‘will’ get out of here.” He said quietly, his eyes squeezed shut against the added pain in his heart.

“I don’t.” She whispered. “I don’t accept.” She clasped his shirt and tugged it slightly. “You made the promise first, remember. You can’t break it.” His head turned slowly to her. “I won’t let you. I won’t leave you alone. We leave here together and I don’t care which way when that time comes.”

His eyes scanned her teary face and wiped the wetness away. “I do.” He whispered on a small sob. “I do.” He repeated. “If we don’t both make it, who will tell the team what happened in here?”

Sara shook her head. “I don’t care Griss.” She found his chin and brushed her fingers up his face to his cheek. “When we are found, they will know. They probably already know.” She smiled faintly.

“You should tell them.” He sighed. “You’re not badly hurt…”

She interrupted him with a firm voice. “I. Can’t. See. Grissom.”

His thumb traced her cheekbone and under her left eye. “You can see honey… you just need to see a doctor and he’ll fix it.”

“Maybe, but a doctor can fix you too.” Grissom shook his head and turned away. “He can Grissom. Listen to me. Hold on some more and we will both be out of here. They are so close, you can hear the voices.”

Grissom looked up at the beam and noticed a light bouncing off the dusty plaster. “I see a light.” He chuckled. Sara snorted in reply and giggled. Looking down at her, he smirked. “No, I see a light from a touch or something, bouncing off the beam.”

She turned into his shirt and chuckled. “Yeah, sure.” She mumbled.

Grissom turned to see where the light was coming from, but couldn’t make it out. The dust was clouding his vision. He squeezed Sara’s shoulder slightly. “I can’t see through the dust, but there’s definitely something coming.”

Sara tried to listen, but still couldn’t hear anything. The rustling and muffled sounds had stopped. “I don’t hear anything Griss.” She whispered.

Just as he was about to forget it and blame the pain and coldness, he saw the light again and something that sounded like a voice. “Do-ter… Gris-som… Mi-s… Si-dle… any-body?” The voice was distorted with the distances, but the words could clearly be made out.

“You hear that?” Sara whispered softly.

Grissom grinned. “Oh yeah. I hear it.” His head turned and a shuffling sound along with a loud crack was heard and Grissom cried out in pain. The beam had moved and the cabernet was beginning to collapse. “Sara!”

“Grissom!” Sara leaned over him as dust and a small beam with plaster fell on top of them.

After what felt like forever, Grissom’s eyes opened and the pain in his chest was felt instantly. He groaned against the pain and the extra weight on his chest. Moving his hands to find Sara, he realised the weight on his chest was her and a large piece of plaster from the ceiling. It was pinning her to him. He lifted her head slightly and noticed blood trickling from her mouth. His tears were unstoppable as he slowly moved his hand to her neck and checked her pulse. After a few minutes he found a faint pulse. Laying her head back down on his chest, he looked over in the direction of the noises that were becoming louder.

“OvEr… HeRe…” He choked out. “HeLp!” Grissom’s energy was gone, he couldn’t hold out much longer and now Sara was badly injured. One of her ribs must have punched something. She was unconscious, but her breathing was raspy. The plaster crushing her must have punched a lung. He brushed her hair back and whimpered in pain. “Why Sara? Why did you have to do that?” He cried quietly.

Movement caught his attention, but he didn’t acknowledge it. His eyes never left her face as the rescue workers tried to speak to him. They pulled the plaster from her and tried to lift her, but Grissom wouldn’t let go. They made a promise and he wasn’t going to break it now, but he knew she needed help. He lowered his head to her and whispered into her ear. “I won’t leave you.”

-

He coughed and clutched his left arm. Looking at the three standing over him, he chuckled sadly. “Bugger off guys, jeez…” He would have said something else, but he didn’t feel like adding to the pain he already felt. Lightening up the moment was what he needed to get his mind off other things, or one thing.

They laughed with concern as the fire fighters checked the beam and discussed how they were going to support it and get Grissom out. The paramedics were trying to stop the bleeding, but the metal rod wasn’t helping matters.

“How you doing Gil?” Brass asked placing his hand on his right shoulder.

Grissom closed his eyes briefly before finding Brass again. “Tired.”

Brass nodded. “We’ll get you out, just hold in there.”

“I’ll try.” He whimpered as the fire crew got in position to stabilise the beam.

A field doctor crouched next to Grissom and checked him over. “Hey Gil. My names Owen. I’m going to check your arm and shoulder before I lift you a little to see the damage underneath ok?”

Grissom’s eyes widened. “You’re kiddin me?”

Owen chuckled and shook his head. “Sorry, it’s going to hurt, but that’s not going to bother you much when the beam is lifted. You have to understand that the blood might be pumping out of the wound, but your lower arm and hand has been without blood for some time…”

“I can feel my hand.” Grissom protested against what Owen was suggesting. “No need to do anything drastic…” Grissom winced as Owen began inspecting his arm and chest.

The fire crew where shouting orders and running back and forth. Some where bracing surrounding beams so the room didn’t collapse and the few others were moving debree.

Owen sighed and looked at Catherine and the rest of the team. “He’s lost a lot of blood.” Looking at Grissom, he pursed his lips in thought. “You’re backs soaked in blood. I’m guessing the rod tore a major artery. I know this isn’t news, but it’s going to hurt like hell when the beams moved, also…” Owen paused and took a deep breath. “It’s going to be dangerous to move you. So much blood loss and your chest is sounding bad. A collapsed lung or bruised internally I’m not sure, but you will lose consciousness and that’s the critical part…”

Grissom nodded and closed his eyes. “I might not wake up.” He said quietly. Owen didn’t say anything and got ready for the time when the beam was removed.

“Gil.” Catherine knelt beside him and took his hand.

Before she could continue, he looked into her eyes as his began to water. “It’s ok Cath.”

She shook her head. “Of course it is. It’s going to be ok. You’ll be out of here soon.”

He sighed and smiled. “You women are all alike.”

Catherine mock scowled. “If you weren’t hurt, I’d hit you.”

“I’d rather you hit me and it hurt and not a beam.” He groaned as the beam shifted.

“Gil.” Catherine paused and whispered into his ear. “She’s going to be fine.” Her free hand cupped his face when he pulled away. “Sara’s stable and at Desert Palm. Punctured lung and broken ribs. Her left eye is going to be fine, but they’re still not sure about the right.” Her tone was soft and calm as she tried to take his mind off the pain as the fire crew started to lift the beam.

Grissom winced and turned his head away from the beam. “Ah! God that HURTS!” He groaned loudly.

“Sssh… Not long now and you can go see her.” Catherine brushed his hair from his sweaty forehead.

He looked into her eyes. “Sara?” He asked quietly, though laden with pain.

Catherine smiled. “Yeah.”

Grissom closed his eyes. “She tried to protect me.”

“Did good too.” Catherine smirked.

He shook his head and sighed heavily, wincing. “She could have been killed.”

“Gil, she’s ok. What she did probably saved your life.” Catherine looked up as the head fireman shouted out the order to lift the beam steadily. Moving so he couldn’t see the beam, she gently stroked his cheek. “What were you two talking about in here?”

Grissom looked at her curiously and raised his eyebrows. “I maybe on morphine, but I’m not telling you anything.”

“Uh huh. Spill it Grissom.” She demanded.

He lowered his eyes in thought. “Not much.” He looked back up, a smirk pulling at his lips. “Dinner date.”

Catherine chuckled, despite the situation. “Really?”

He nodded slightly. “Said no the first time though.”

“When was that?”

“Last week.” He sighed. “Too late huh? Just like she said.”

Catherine raised his chin a little so she could see his eyes. “Not too late. You said yes didn’t you. In the end, that’s all that counts . Can’t stand Sara up on your first date, can you?”

Grissom shook his head and bit his lip against the sudden pain and cold stickiness covering his back and chest. “I don’t feel so good Cath.” His eyes closed, but tears still pooled out. “Tell Sara I’ll be there... She’s not alone. We left together.” He looked at her through half lidded eyes. “Tell her.” He whispered before his eyes slid closed, the morphine and pain causing him to make no sense to anyone.

“Gil?” Catherine patted his cheek gently, but he didn’t open his eyes. “Doc?”

Owen quickly shouted out orders to the paramedics and told the fire crew to move the beam now. He pressed two fingers to Grissom’s neck and shook his head. “He’s unconscious. We need to move him.”

A fireman cut the rod from the beam and Grissom was quickly moved onto a gurney. His back was drenched in blood as was his left side. As they carried him out, the paramedics and doctor worked to stabilise him, but the unresponsiveness was beginning to worry them.

-

“She’s Going!”

The building swayed from one side, then a loud crashing sound with a mixture of creaking and tearing sounds was heard as the building collapsed to a pile of rubble.

-

The door opened to her room, but she didn’t move. The person stopped by the bed. It was Catherine. She knew. She would know that perfume anywhere. She was talking to her, but she couldn’t hear any of it. Her thoughts were elsewhere. The bandages over her eyes were starting to itch, but it didn’t matter, none of it did.

Catherine knew she was somewhere else. She’d been like that for two days. She hadn’t spoken or acknowledged anyone. She didn’t even ask about Grissom. It was something no one discussed. Squeezing her hand lightly, Catherine stood to leave.

The only words Sara heard from Catherine were. ‘He’s alive.’ The tears wanted to come, but they couldn’t and she turned away. Catherine left the room quietly to meet with the others. They were all worried, but pleased at the same time.

They had been told that Grissom was in intensive care and would most likely be there for a few weeks. No one knew when he’d wake up, but the breathing machine was removed a few hours after he was stabilised. The emergency room fought for hours to stop the blood and pump blood into his body. The concerns were his back. What Owen didn’t explain was where the blood was coming from. It seemed that Grissom’s shoulder wasn’t only the major injury, but Grissom’s back was cut up badly from the impact of the explosion. He’d obviously caught the fragments of something and embedded themselves into part of his back. He lost consciousness and stopped breathing from the blood loss and the beam being removed started a flurry of blood to pump quicker out of his body, causing his body to shut down.

Sara was keeping to herself. She listened to her monitor as it beeped the familiar beep of her heart. She’d sleep, but only twenty minutes at a time. Her body didn’t seem to want to let her rest. She was sore, ached and hurt all over. The doctors explained the painful back was from the plaster crushing her and wedging a rib in her left lung. Both were fixed and her eyes were operated on. Sight might come back, but there were no guarantees.

-

The nurse came round to check on the patients. Looking at Grissom’s chart, she smiled at the progress he was making. Checking his monitors and lines, she left the two alone to continue her rounds.

Nick came onto the ward and hugged Catherine goodbye before taking a seat. Catherine went home to eat and sleep before she had to go in to work. Warrick was going to cover for Nick while two-day shift personnel helped them out with cases.

After a few hours, Nick got up to go see Sara, when the bed moved slightly. He moved over to see Grissom’s eyes squinting at the lamp. Nick pushed it out the way and smiled at the older man.

“Hey Griss.”

Grissom blinked a few times to focus on the owner of the voice and smirked. “Hey.” He weakly choked out.

Nick pressed the call button and waited for Grissom’s doctor. “You feeling ok?” He asked concerned.

Grissom nodded. “Better than I was Nicky. Much better.” Grissom took a small breath and closed his eyes.

Grissom’s doctor stopped at the side of the bed and checked Grissom over as he spoke. “Glad to see your awake Mr. Grissom. It’s been awhile. How do you feel?”

“Tired and achy.” Grissom answered groggily.

The doctor smiled. “Ok, that’s the medication we have you on, so just relax. My names Ben, Doctor Owen and myself operated on you when you came in. You had more severe injuries than was first thought.” Ben explained.

Grissom nodded and turned his head a little. “How long ago was awhile?”

Ben checked his watch. “Four days, 6 hours and 32 minutes. It’s been busy, you’ve kept us on our toes. We need to change your bandages later and then we’ll talk some more. In the mean time, get some rest.”

Grissom closed his eyes and fell back to sleep. When he woke up, Nick was still there. He was reading a book under the lamp. “Where’s Sara?” Grissom asked quietly, but Nick jumped.

“Oh, um… she’s on the 6th floor.” Nick answered, putting the book down and moving closer. “She’s not spoken to anyone.”

“Why?” Grissom asked concerned and confused.

Nick sighed. “Griss, she can’t see. She probably isn’t even aware of anything.”

“She’s ok though, right?” Grissom asked panicked.

Nick nodded. “Yes. Punctured lung, bruised back, blind in both eyes. Her left is better than the right, but she still can’t see.” Nick explained the best he could and watched as the older man slowly laid back down in his bed, wincing at the sharp pain soaring through his back. “You ok Griss?”

He nodded and bit his lip. “Just moved.” He squeaked out. Grissom closed his eyes again feeling exhausted just speaking. Before drifting back sleep, he asked. “Nicky, don’t tell her I’m awake. Tell the others. Wait until I can move and I’ll go see her.”

Nick didn’t like that idea, but agreed. “Ok. I’ll tell the others.”

-

Grissom was sitting up in bed three days later. His arm in a support sling and his back was padded with bandages and pillows. Catherine and Warrick were bringing him up to date with the lab and how behind they were.

“You two really are the heart of the lab you know?” Catherine laughed.

Warrick nodded in agreement. “Sure are.”

“Well, the sooner we get home, the sooner we can get back to work and sort the mess out.” Grissom said confidently.

“That won’t be for a few months, I’m afraid Mr. Grissom.” Ben announced, suddenly appearing behind Catherine and Warrick.

Now Grissom had his own room, he could have more visitors. Ben, the doctor, would sneak in now and then to talk about his injuries or just to chat. Nick had gone to see Sara before going home to rest and told Grissom that she was doing fine. She was having the bandages off in a day and the doctors were discussing more surgery with her, but she didn’t seem interested. Grissom had asked when he could see Sara and Ben said he’d get back to him and now, here he was.

“So?” Grissom asked, sitting up slowly.

Ben smiled. “Ok, just for a while. Maybe she’ll speak to you. We’re very worried.” His smile faded as he approached Grissom. “A nurse will be here later to take you up. Just sit tight.”

-

The door opened then closed. She heard what sounded like wheels and one set of footsteps. Soon the door opened and closed again. She thought it was probably a nurse checking on her, but she jumped at the feel of something on her hand. She pulled away instantly.

“Sara?”

Freezing where she was, she turned her head towards the voice. “Grissom?”

Grissom smiled and reached for her hand again. When she didn’t pull away, he wrapped his fingers around hers. “Hey, you doing ok? I hear you’re not sleeping too well, or up for conversation.”

Sara turned her head back towards the ceiling and took a shallow breath, only to catch and she coughed slightly. Covering her mouth, she calmed herself and pushed her head back into the pillow.

“I take that you’re not going to talk to me.” He reached up slowly and ran his fingers over her bandages. “I was worried about you.” He whispered. “I have to thank you, but then scold you.” He chuckled.

Sara turned her head slightly at his words, telling him she was listening.

“Don’t do that again. You saved my life, but yours is more important.”

She turned her head completely away. “No it’s not.” She mumbled.

Grissom raised her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. “I’m telling you what you did was stupid at the time, but because you did that, I’m alive. I owe you a lot.”

Silence followed his last words. They just waited for anything and everything. Just when Sara thought she was going to crack under the silence, Grissom groaned in pain. She turned her head quickly and listened as he shifted in his seat.

“Are you ok?” She asked softly.

Grissom smiled. “I’m a little stiff. I haven’t stood in a week, plus my bed is uncomfortable.”

Sara smiled slightly. “I know what you mean.”

“Have you been up?” She nodded and pushed the blankets back. Grissom watched as she slid off the bed and onto her feet, with her hand still in his.

“I just felt tired today…” She paused and sat back down. “Or night.” She continued glumly.

Grissom’s smile was replaced with a frown. “Sara.”

“Hmm.” She hummed and turned towards his voice.

“Kneel down for me.” He asked politely.

“Why?” She hesitated, but knelt down.

Grissom pulled her towards him. “I want to see you without getting cramp in my neck.” He chuckled.

Sara smirked and squeezed his hand. “Did they fix your shoulder?”

“Yeah. They also discovered the fragments of a glass window in my back.” Grissom answered sadly.

Sara’s hand came up and touched his face. She tentatively traced his chin, cheek, eyes, nose, ears, hair and forehead. She drew in a sharp breath through her nose. “God, I wish I could see you.” With that, she dropped her hand and head.

“Hey!” Grissom cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb soothingly over her cheekbone. “Don’t cry Sara. It’s ok. You can see me, with your hands.” He reached down and squeezed her hand in his.

“It’s not the same Griss.” She hiccupped.

“I know. I wish I could see your eyes.” He carefully pulled her towards him and hugged her. Sara gently wrapped her arms around him and cried into his good shoulder.

Later, Grissom went back to his room, but promised to visit in the morning. Sara climbed back into bed and fell asleep. Nick and Warrick stopped by before going home and she finally spoke to them. Only answering questions and asking how they were, but not too much. She didn’t feel like talking to someone she couldn’t see.

-

“Morning.” He whispered, squeezing her hand.

“Is it?” She asked honestly, a depressing tone in her voice. “Seems you were here only a minute ago.”

Grissom shifted forward. “Let’s wait for the doctor.” He suggested quietly.

Sara nodded and turned to her side, transferring his hand into her left. “How you feeling this morning?”

“Good.”

She gave a thin lipped smile. “Liar. You’re in pain and we both know it. The hitch in your breathing tells me you’re sitting up.”

Grissom chuckled. “At least you can still hear Sara.” He frowned at his own words and looked down.

Sara felt his hand loosen on hers and the deafening silence. “What’s wrong?”

He snapped out of his thoughts. “Nothing. I was just thinking.” He said vaguely.

“Ok.” She didn’t by it, but didn’t know what else to say. The door opened and Sara knew who it was. Her doctor seemed to wear very strong after-shave. “Doctor Kim.” She stated matter of fact.

Grissom tilted his head at the strong waft of after-shave and squeezed Sara’s hand, pleased with her deduction and sense of smell.

Kim looked at Sara and smiled. “Time to remove those bandages Sara. How are you feeling today?”

She sighed. “I can’t see. My chest hurts and I’m bored.”

Grissom sat quietly and watched with concern as Sara sat back on the bed and let the doctor carefully remove her bandages. Her fingers tightened around Grissom’s as the sticky bandage was pulled off. He pulled her hand up and kissed it. “Honey, it’s ok.”

Smiling faintly, she felt cool air hit her face. Her eye’s were closed and were slightly bruised around the eye sockets. Swelling in the right eye was evident from surgery, but looked much better than it did.

Grissom kissed her knuckles and breathed out slowly, hoping to give her hope with his touch.

“Open you eyes Sara.” Kim commanded quietly, waiting.

Sara swallowed hard and shook her head. Grissom shifted forward in his wheelchair and slowly pulled himself up. She felt the bed dip slightly, followed by a warm hand on her cheek. She dropped her head and turned into the hand. “It’s ok Sara.” He whispered.

“I don’t want to.” She whispered back.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes Sara. Don’t be afraid.” Kim stepped out the room.

Grissom’ spoke in soft tones, trying to coax her into opening her eyes. He winced in pain when he leaned forward. She felt his breath close to her eye and soon the tears began to flow. “You’re not alone Sara. Please. Open your eyes. Let me see.” His voice was soft as he pressed his cheek against hers. “Please.” He whispered into her ear, kissing her cheek to soothe her anxiety.

-

“Three.” She breathed out with relief, leaning forward to rest her forehead on his shoulder. “Three.” She repeated.

Kim re-entered the room and went through routine checks. Grissom sat patiently on the bed and held Sara’s hand supportively. When notes were added to Sara’s chart, Kim jumped straight into explaining the outcome to the operation.

“Let’s start with the small things first Sara, ok?” Kim asked. He sat back on his stool and clasped his hands together. “The operation did help your sight. Bearing in mind when you came in, you couldn’t see from your right eye. But the left was displaying colour and making you disorientated.”

Sara nodded, telling him she remembered and understood.

“Now, your left eye seems to have improved considerably, but the right still shows signs of blindness.” He smiled reassuringly. “That sounds worse than it actually is. Both will recover over time. Though, the right will take a little longer. You’ll see more clearly in a few days and your check-up in a few weeks will hopefully mean your last.”

Sara turned to Grissom and grinned, her worries almost a thing of the past.

“I’ll let you rest and you can go home in the morning.” Kim stood, pushed his stool to the corner and left the room.

“I told you.” Grissom whispered when they were alone.

Sara nodded and reached up to touch his face. His eyes closed as she traced his hairline and cheekbones. “What happens know?” She asked sadly, her thumb brushing over his bottom lip.

Grissom opened his eyes and caught her hand as she dropped it to the bed. He smiled and cocked his head to one side. “I think we already have this planned out.” He watched her shake her head hesitantly and his eyes narrowed slightly. “You don’t want to have dinner with me?”

She looked at him through fuzzy eyes, but saw his blue eyes cloud over with sadness. She smiled and nodded. “I didn’t say no.” She reminded.

Their eyes didn’t stray until the door opened.

“We were wondering where you were.” Nick’s concerned voice pushed into the room.

Grissom didn’t turn, but took Sara’s hand. “Just visiting.” He smiled.

Nick looked at Warrick and Catherine. “He’s in here.”

They all entered the room and took up residence. Catherine moved to stand next to Grissom while the others stood on the opposite side.

“Hey Catherine.” Sara greeted, smiling at the older woman. “I didn’t mean to ignore you all. I just didn’t feel like talking to anyone.” She explained as Nick took her left hand.

“It’s understandable Sara. How you feeling?” Nick smiled.

She squeezed his hand as she leaned back against the pillows. “Still tired.”

Grissom’s thumb stopped stoking her knuckles, causing her to look up. She watched his eyes close briefly and his face pale, but he opened them and covered with a smile when he noticed her looking at him. She questioned him silently, but he shook his head and turned to Catherine. “Did the doctor say when I can go home?”

Catherine smiled. “Yes. After you’ve had a test or two. I spoke with your doctor in the corridor. Very helpful.”

Warrick chuckled and stepped past Nick to give Sara a kiss on the cheek. “I gotta go. Get some rest Sara. See you tomorrow.”

“Ok.” She smiled tiredly.

Nick and Catherine left after a few minutes, leaving Grissom and Sara alone once again. She leaned forward to cup his cheek and whisper. “You need to go back to bed. You must need more painkillers.”

Grissom nodded, but before he got back into the wheelchair, he breathed in deeply through his nose and leaned forward to capture her lips with his. Sara was surprised, she didn’t think he’d want to continue the closeness, but if the kiss was something to go by, then he definitely wanted to continue.

He sat back in the chair, ready to go. Sara pressed her call button and a nurse came in to take Grissom back to his room. “I’ll see you soon.” He promised.

“I’ll visit you instead this time. So you don’t have to move around so much.” She said strongly, but smiled at him as he smirked and was wheeled away.

-

The cane was folded in Sara’s hands as the nurse continued to speak. Sara nodded in understanding and agreed with anything and everything she said. Not really listening, but hearing everything.

The doctor had instructed her how to use the cane and all the do’s and don’ts were relayed. Sara just examined the cane and sighed. The nurse left while Sara collected her things together. The nurse had put all the clothes and other items on the bed with Sara’s bag, letting her fill it in her own time.

After the bag was packed, the door opened and she smiled as she took in the green shirt. “Nicky, that’s hideous.”

Nick chuckled. “I know. I wear it only to annoy you.” He took her bag and kissed her cheek. “You ready to go?”

Sara nodded. “Yeah, but I wanna see Grissom first.”

“Ok. Need some help?”

Sara bit her lip and shook her head. “I gotta do this myself.” She said as she unfolded the cane.

Nick stood slightly behind her as she made her way towards the door.

-

Sara smiled and moved towards the bed. “Thought I’d visit.” Nick placed Sara’s bag on the floor and said he’d come back in an hour to take her home. Grissom didn’t take his eyes off Sara as she answered and stopped by the bed. The door closed and she smiled widely at him. “Got permission to go home.”

Grissom grinned and reached out his hand. “Come here.” He guided her to the bed.

Sara sat down slowly and turned her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. “When will I see you again?” Her voice was soft and serious as she lowered her hand and leaned the cane against the bed.

“Soon.” He whispered and cupped her cheek. “I’m out of here in a week. Still a lot of healing to do.” Sara nodded and traced his face with light fingers, taking advantage of being able to touch him and to learn. “Have you got someone staying with you?” He asked.

Sara smirked. “Nick.” Grissom dropped his eyes and lightly ran his fingers over her knuckles. “Gil?”

He looked up. “Yeah?”

“Nick’s just a friend.” She explained, feeling and faintly seeing his head tilt down a little.

“I know that.” He said quietly.

Sara brushed her thumb over his cheekbone. “I’d prefer it if you’d stay when you’re allowed out.” She said it so softly Grissom had to lean forward to hear.

He smiled. “I’d like that.”

-

Breathing in deeply, she turned and headed for the kitchen. After making a pot of coffee she sat out in the small garden and continued to listen to nature as it thrived all around her.

She hadn’t been to the hospital all week. She figured that Grissom needed time to heal without distractions. She rang him the evening after she left and since then, it’s been quiet.

Nick stopped by for the first three days, but after being followed by the young man into the bathroom, she kicked him out. Catherine and Warrick stopped by and helped around the place with things she still couldn’t do. Things like bending or stretching, but other than that, everything was back to normal.

Sara was so engrossed in with her thoughts, that she didn’t hear the knock at the door or the door opening. She had her eyes closed and her coffee held in both hands. Her legs up and crossed on the long bench with her back against the arm. A cushion padded her back against the wooden arm as her ribs were still tender.

The figure moved through the house and saw her. He smiled at how relaxed she looked. Moving into the garden quietly, he reached out and took her cup. Sara startled a little, opening her eyes and looked up. She squinted and grinned. She moved her legs for him to sit down. Before she could place her feet on the ground, he drew them back and held them on his lap.

“I thought you were staying in hospital for a few more days.” She said, covering his hand on her knee.

He tilted his head slightly and looked around the garden. “I hate hospitals.”

Sara laughed and sat up. He turned his head and smiled at her. “Did you drive here?” She asked.

Grissom shook his head. “Catherine dropped me off.”

She nodded and looked down at her hand on his. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. A little sore, but I’m fine.”

Sitting forward, Sara touched his face. His arm was still in a sling, but he looked a lot better. Colour had returned to his face and his eyes seemed alive. She brushed his cheek with her thumb and smiled. “I was wondering something.”

He turned into her hand. “What’s that?”

She rubbed her eye slightly and moved to cross her legs. “About a question I want to ask you.”

Grissom smiled shyly and turned to her. “Can I ask instead? Do things right this time?”

Sara watched him for a few seconds before nodding. “I don’t think the question matters, but the answer.”

He took a small breath and squeezed her hand. “Would you like to have dinner with me?”

Sara smirked, teasing him. “Hmmm, let me think.”

Grissom huffed out a laugh causing Sara to giggle. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. He smiled against her mouth and kissed her back.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He murmured.

Sighing softly, she pulled back and shrugged. “Maybe.”

Grissom gently grasped the back of her neck and pulled her into a loving kiss that gave them both the answers.

- The End.

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