Fandom: CSI Pairing: G/S Rating: R Summary: Response to an Unbound forums challenge; the first and last lines are given, and the word limit is 1000. Disclaimer: The characters and situations in this story belong to Alliance Atlantis, CBS, Anthony Zuicker and other entities, and I do not have permission to borrow them. No infringement is intended in any way, and this story is not for profit. Any errors are mine, all mine, no you can't have any. Spoilers: none really, but this is fourth season. ********* "I'm with Sara on this," Jaqui said, "chocolate is better than sex." She licked a curl of icing from her finger with a contented expression, ignoring the protesting males around the table. Sara chuckled a little, and scanned the corner of the bar where most of the night shift had piled up to celebrate Nick's birthday--complete with cake, presents, and silly hats. The birthday boy was still wearing his, along with a slightly goofy expression, but Sara had gotten rid of her pointy cap as soon as decently possible. "You're not serious, are you, Sara?" Archie asked, grinning, and Sara grinned back. "That's for me to know and you to wonder about, Archie," she answered, and grinned wider at the resultant hoots. She wasn't drinking tonight, but the fun and antics had loosened her up a bit, and the assertion had rolled off her tongue without much consideration behind it. Of course, I wouldn't have said it if Grissom hadn't been-- --And the silky voice in her ear made her prickle with goosebumps, even as the table's attention focused on Archie. "We're going to have to debate that statement later." Oops. Guess he got back from the restroom. She tried to control her flush as Grissom sat back down next to her. His glance was casual, but she caught the gleam in it, and bit her lip. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea after all. Underneath the table, a warm hand slid slowly down her thigh, fingers wrapping over her knee in a gentle squeeze before withdrawing, and Sara swallowed. Then again, maybe it was.... It wasn't fair, Sara thought to herself, the man had fifteen years on her in learning control. He rested his elbows casually on the table, not as loud as the others but clearly enjoying the party, and apparently perfectly calm, unaffected by the presence of his colleague and friend at his side. She, conversely, was hard-put not to shift in her seat out of sheer anticipation. Only the sight of the pulse in Grissom's throat beating at a faster rate than normal kept her from utter frustration. She was tempted to return the occasional slow, hidden caress, but they'd played this game before, and she knew she couldn't win. The only thing to do was to wait him out. Even Grissom's patience wasn't infinite. Sara noticed David's camera just in time, held two fingers over Grissom's head in the traditional "V" position, and grinned again. The flash startled Grissom, and David laughed as he put the camera away. I'm going to pay for that one, too. Her smile deepened. "Ready to go?" Grissom asked softly, raising one brow in inquiry, but the curl at the corner of his mouth made it a dare. She lifted her chin and answered it. "Whenever you are." They made their farewells and left the party behind, their excuse being that they'd carpooled to the bar. Grissom's hand on her back was light, but the heat burned through her blouse, and she shivered. "Cold?" he asked, but she shook her head, and he smiled again. "Good." The drive to his place was silent, but hardly restful. Sara concentrated on driving, thankful that Grissom had more sense than to tease her while she was operating a motor vehicle. But as soon as his door shut behind them, his arms were around her, and he was gazing thoughtfully into her eyes. "Chocolate, huh?" Sara slid her arms around his neck and pressed slowly against him. "Prove me wrong," she challenged. His chuckle was dangerous. "I have a better idea." He kissed her with great concentration and no inhibitions, and she returned the favor, blurrily grateful that neither of them ever tired of this. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing heavily, but he released her. "Go ahead," he said, jerking his head towards his bedroom. "I'll be along in a minute." She almost made an issue out of it, but decided to play along with his game for now. "Don't take too long." And she let her hips swing as she walked away down the hall, glorying in his indrawn breath behind her. She was just pulling off her blouse when his hands lifted it over her head and away. "Don't turn around," he whispered, and then something white covered her eyes and she smelled clean cotton. She could feel him knotting it at the back of her head, and lifted her own hands to touch it. "Is this okay?" he asked softly, and Sara felt a slow smile bloom as she nodded. A kiss was placed at the corner of her mouth, and then deft hands removed the rest of her clothing. She reached for him, but he stayed out of range, guiding her to the bed. She sat obediently and strained her ears. The rustle of clothing falling to the floor, the clink of glass against wood, a crisp sound she couldn't identify. Then a new scent, rich and sharp, reached her nose, and her eyes widened under the handkerchief. "Gil..." "Well, I was saving it for a special occasion." He laughed again, and pressed her gently down onto her back. "Why not combine the two?" She opened her mouth to protest--the stuff was fabulously expensive--but the faint slap of liquid against glass met her ears, and then his lips were on hers, and the taste rushed into her mouth. And all thought of arguing fled. ****************** Something was holding his hands down. Grissom opened his eyes sleepily to find Sara sitting next to him, smiling wickedly. She had the bottle of liqueur in one hand, and no more clothes on than he. Anticipation stirred in his belly as he remembered just how much he had teased her the night before. "Turn about is fair play, Gil," she whispered, and bent to kiss him. He tried to reach for her, but his hands were definitely restrained. He groaned. How did he keep getting himself into these situations? End. Unbound Challenges CSI Home Feedback