First Date

[lvpd_sidle]

They had agreed on a small, out of the way diner that specialized in vegetarian cuisine. The atmosphere was relaxing, the food delicious, and the tension so thick it was surprising that no one tripped over it.

After the fourth time Greg tapped his fingers on the table, Sara sighed.

"Greg, this is stupid. We know each other. We're not strangers."

"This is true, Sara, but familiarity does not always help with nerves. And..."

"Greg." More firmly. "Am I running out the door?"

"No."

"Have I made any effort to leave here early?"

"No, but we took my car."

Unamused look. "What do you think cabs are for?"

"Point."

"Am I upset?"

"Not that I can see. It's just, I wanted, I mean..."

"You don't have to impress me now. You impressed me years ago."

Greg looked up, startled, meeting her eyes. "What? Then why...when I asked...Hank..."

"I was hung up on Grissom. Then I fell for Barry. Now...just call me a slow learner."

Their hands met reaching for the check.

"My slow learner," he said softly.

She smiled back. Equally soft. "My crazy CSI-punk."

"Yours."

"Yours."