Title: A Very Special Birthday
Author: GCforever
Pairing: Cath/Sara & Cath/Gil
Rating: NC-17
Warning(s): het
Summary: Sara invites Grissom to share in her plans for Catherine's birthday. Contains slash and het. Pairings: G/C and C/S – no G/S.

***

"Hey, Grissom?"

He looked up to see Sara Sidle standing in the doorway to his office, looking like the cat that ate the canary. "Yes, Sara?" He chose not to comment on her expression.

To his great alarm, she walked in and closed the door tightly. For a moment he thought she was going to close the blinds, too, but to his relief she did not. Instead, she came closer and laid her palms on his desk.

"Friday is Catherine's birthday."

"Yes, I know."

"Would you like to help me make it a very *special* birthday?" she asked, mischievously.

He set down his pen and leaned back. "I don't know, Sara, what did you have in mind?" He gazed at her speculatively.

"Well, I – I just –" suddenly she leaned over and whispered something in his ear, too embarrassed to say it out loud.

His eyes grew wide. "Are-are you joking?" he managed to get out.

Standing straight again, she shook her head and smiled. "Not at all."

"What makes you think Cath would go for that?"

"Oh, just something she said to me once."

"Which was?" His eyebrows were lifted so high they almost blended into his hairline.

Sara blushed. "We were talking about strippers –"

"Exotic dancers," he interrupted pointedly.

"Yeah. Anyway, I asked her if there was a lot of competition and cattiness between the girls. She said, 'For the most part, no. Most of them are very friendly. And I mean *very* friendly.'"

"So you assumed that she meant she slept with them?"

"Well, what would you think? What does *very friendly* usually mean?"

Grissom stared for a moment, trying to process this new information. He had no prejudices against same-sex relationships, but he had always thought Catherine was totally interested in men. "Hmmm," he murmured noncommittally.

"So, do you want to help me?" Sara asked, looking at him expectantly.

Now that he was past the "I don't think Catherine would do that" thought, he was able to consider Sara's suggestion. "Well, I've never slept with Cath before –"

Sara rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. You lie like a big dog." At his inquiring glance, she added, "I got that from Nick."

"I see. So you think I'm not telling the truth?" He smiled in spite of himself.

"I *know* you're not. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not stupid. I can see it in your eyes, especially when she's wearing something particularly sexy."

"Okay, stipulating that there is something to that, how does that prove that I've done anything about it?"

"Come on, Griss, give me some credit here! You are human, you know."

Grissom sighed. He knew it was time to come clean. "All right, Sara, so I have slept with her. Numerous times, as a matter of fact. Does that make you happy?"

She grinned. "In this case, yes. So you want to do it?"

He nodded, wondering if he was really ready for this. "But so help me, Sara, if you lay one hand on me..."

Sara laughed. "Don't worry, Griss, this isn't about you. It's about Catherine and giving her the best sex she's ever had."

"Oh, yeah? You sound pretty confident."

She grinned. "I do, don't I? Just wait and see!" She turned and walked towards the door.

"Sara?"

"Yes?"

"Uh... if you don't mind my asking... how long has this been going on? For you, I mean."

"Oh, I've known since high school that I'm bisexual. And, try not to get your feelings hurt, okay? I still think you're attractive. I've just decided to move on to bigger and better things." She winked at him and quickly left his office.

Grissom just sat in his chair, shock taking over. He wondered if the conversation had really happened or if it was just a dream.

Suddenly he realized his name was being called. "Gil? Are you all right?" she asked, concerned.

Oh, God. Catherine. He really didn't need to see her right now. "I'm fine."

"Sure you are. That's why your eyes are glazed over and you're mumbling to yourself. You look pale."

"I'm just... surprised, that's all."

"Oh? About what?"

"I...er...I'd rather not say."

"Does it have anything to do with Sara being in your office with the door closed?" She arched one eyebrow at him.

"Uh... yeah," he admitted.

She just looked at him, and he could see the emotions battling for control of her face.

"Nothing happened, Cath. The blinds were open, remember?"

"Yeah, whatever," she finally said. "Anyway, Sara invited me over for Friday. You do remember it's my birthday?"

"Of course. You have the night off."

"Right. So, since I had nothing to do that night, I told her yes. Just wanted to let you know."

He wasn't going to tell her that he already knew. It was meant to be a surprise. "Okay."

She stared at him for a few minutes more, then left without another word.

Grissom sighed. He knew she was mad because he didn't plan anything for her birthday. But when he showed up at Sara's on Friday, maybe things would be okay.

***

Catherine sat on Sara's couch, swirling her drink and thinking while Sara busied herself in the kitchen. The younger woman was up to something, she could just feel it. It was the first time she had ever invited Catherine to her apartment. Cath had halfway expected a surprise party when she arrived, but since that didn't materialize, she became even more curious.

Standing up, she walked to the bookcase to examine Sara's collection. No surprises there, she thought with a half-smile. Mostly forensics textbooks and journals. It reminded her of Gil's place, without the bugs.

She frowned as she thought about him. Since they had been going out, she had expected him to invite her for dinner on her birthday. Or something like that. She had been very disappointed that he seemed content to have her spend her special day with Sara instead of with him. Maybe I've misjudged our relationship, she mused. Maybe he doesn't care about me like I thought he did.

The sound of the doorbell interrupted her reverie. "Can you get that, Cath?" Sara called from the kitchen.

"Sure." Setting her drink on the bookshelf, she walked towards the door, but before opening it she peered through the peephole to see who was there.

"Well, I'll be damned," she breathed, seeing Grissom's bearded face. She quickly opened the door and demanded, "What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too," he said with a smile as he entered the room. "Sara invited me."

Catherine arched her eyebrows. "Oh, she did, did she?"

He nodded, oblivious to the suspicious look she was giving him. "Yes, for your birthday. I brought your present with me." He held up the wrapped box.

She smiled and grabbed the present from him.

"Hey! You can't open it now!" he protested.

"I'm not, silly. I just wanted to examine it." It was a long, slender box, and she immediately thought, jewelry. How thoughtful of him. When she shook the box, it rattled.

"Sara's present doesn't rattle," she said.

"Oh, so you've already checked it out?"

"You bet." She returned to the couch after stopping to retrieve her drink.

He walked into the kitchen. "Need any help, Sara?"

"No, I'm fine," the brunette replied. "I'll just be a few more minutes. You go have fun." She gave him a wink and he blushed. "You want a beer? It's in the fridge."

He took out a Heineken and went back into the living room to sit beside Catherine.

"So, have you had a good birthday so far?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. Lindsey cooked breakfast for me this morning before she left for school. It was good, too. She said I couldn't have my present yet, though."

"You must really like presents, Catherine. Is Linds going to Nancy's after school?"

"I do, and yes. I'll pick her up later. Tomorrow we're going roller skating, her treat."

"Hmmm." Grissom pictured Catherine on skates, dressed only in short-shorts and a tank top. "That sounds like fun." Even though he had seen her completely naked several times, he still enjoyed seeing her in scanty clothing.

"Grissom, you seem a little preoccupied," she noted.

"Only when I'm around you," he muttered.

"What was that?" She smiled, knowing full well what he had said.

"Never mind, Cath."

"Lunch is ready," Sara called.

Lunch was delicious, even though it consisted mostly of already-prepared dishes that Sara had heated. They talked of recent cases, some that had been easily solved, but others that were still open. When the meal was finished, Grissom and Sara cleared the table. They refused to allow Catherine to help them.

After getting a refill on her drink, she sat back down on the couch. She was starting to feel a little buzz and was admonishing herself to slow down when she remembered she didn't have to work that night. She did have to drive, of course, but if she got really smashed she could always take a taxi or get Grissom to drive her home.

She could hear Sara and Grissom whispering in the kitchen and wondered what they were discussing. Not her, she hoped. Surely if they had something to say about her they would say it to her face.

A few minutes later the other two joined her in the living room. Sara picked up the gifts from the coffee table and handed them to Catherine. "Present time," she said with a big smile. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you. Which one should I open first?"

"Grissom's."

"Mine," they said simultaneously.

Cath laughed. "It's unanimous," she said, beginning to unwrap the smaller box.

Inside she found a delicate gold chain with a tiny jeweled butterfly. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

"Put them on," Sara urged.

"Them?" Catherine realized that there were two chains in the box, one large enough for a necklace and the other one smaller. "Is it a bracelet?" she asked curiously.

Grissom shook his head. "No, it's an anklet."

She grinned. "That's very sweet of you, Gil. Very thoughtful. Could you put the necklace on me?"

When that was accomplished, she added, "And the anklet."

He complied, slipping the chain around her ankle as he admired the leg it was attached to. Most of it was covered by her pants; he looked forward to the time when those would come off.

"Now mine," said Sara, clearly excited. "But you have to promise to model it for us."

"Why?"

"Just promise."

Catherine sighed. "All right. I promise." She thought it would be a shirt or a jacket, but when she pushed aside the tissue paper, there was an emerald green lace teddy. She began to blush. "Sara, I –"

"Don't be shy, Catherine. Didn't you used to wear less than that in public? I mean, when you were dancing?"

"Yes, but that was different. That was a job. You are my friends, and I –"

"I know Grissom's already seen everything," Sara argued, "and it will certainly not bother me. Besides, you promised."

"I did, didn't I?" Catherine murmured. "All right. I'll be back." She headed towards the bathroom with the teddy in her hand.


Sara smiled at Grissom. "Would you help me with the lights?"

He nodded, waiting until she had lit several tall candles before he turned the lights off. They barely made it back to the couch before Catherine entered.

She had kept her high-heeled sandals on, and the jewelry Grissom had given her. She walked like a woman who knew that she was beautiful and wasn't afraid to show it. She heard a sharp intake of breath and smiled seductively. "You like?"

She posed in front of them, one foot slightly ahead of the other. The lace barely covered her, allowing glimpses of her nipples and the light-colored hair at her center. Grissom admired the curves of her breasts and hips, remembering what they felt like and wanting to feel them again.

Sara just stared and thanked the stars that she had this idea. She just hoped Catherine would like it... 'God knows I will,' she thought with a smile.

Suddenly Catherine broke into laughter. "You should see the looks on your faces," she giggled. "You both look like you're...." Her voice trailed off as she realized what she had been about to say.

"Like what?" Sara asked eagerly.

Catherine hesitated, then finished the thought. "Like you're about ready to jump me."

Grissom smiled. "Maybe we are. You do look damned sexy."

"Yeah," Sara agreed. "Come sit down, Cath."

She slowly made her way to the couch, eyeing both of them as they made a space for her between them. "Just what are you two up to?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

Grissom glanced at Sara, then slowly moved his arm around Catherine's back to pull her close. Her skin felt silky smooth as his hand and arm made contact. He felt a shiver go through his body as his lips found hers. "Gil," she murmured, breaking the kiss. "Not in front of Sara!"

"Sara doesn't mind," he whispered, kissing his way across her face and back to her lips. This time her lips parted and he slipped his tongue between them, exploring anew the space that was so familiar. He never tired of kissing her; it was so sensuous and passionate and every time was like the first time. With Catherine, it was easy for him to let himself go. She inspired him.

Catherine closed her eyes with an inner smile. Kissing Gil was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy, dreary day. She always felt relaxed and content with him. She almost forgot Sara was even there until suddenly she felt something warm and moist on the back of her neck. Knowing it had to be Sara, she stiffened and her eyes snapped open.

"Relax, Cath," Sara whispered, her breath hot against Catherine's ear. "This is for you. We want you to have the best birthday you've ever had."

Catherine slowly closed her eyes again as Sara continued to kiss her way around Catherine's neck, willing herself to relax and let it happen. It was not as if she'd never been with a woman, she reasoned. To be sure, Sara was a surprise, but not totally an unwelcome one.

Grissom broke the kiss with a nod to Sara and a smile for Catherine, who smiled back. Then Sara's lips were on hers and she was surprised again. Sara was an excellent kisser. For a brief moment Catherine wondered if Sara had been practicing on Gil, but she pushed that fugitive thought away and made a tall effort to give her best in return.

Sara couldn't help but let out a small moan. She had never kissed anyone quite like Catherine, had never felt a kiss so sweet and gentle yet ravenously passionate.

Catherine broke the kiss, then murmured, "Maybe we should find your bedroom?"

Grissom smiled at Cath's easy acceptance of the situation. Scooping his favorite strawberry blonde into his arms, he stood. "Lead the way, Sara."

***

Arriving at Sara's bedroom, Grissom gently laid Catherine in the middle of the bed. Sara had dimmed the lights, but not so much that they could no longer see the focus of their attentions. She and Grissom found their places on either side of Catherine. It was only a double bed, just big enough for two, so they had to get very close for all three to fit.

Catherine lay on her back, waiting for their next moves. Sara lay on her side, facing Catherine, placing one arm across her waist. She buried her face in Cath's hair and found her ear with her tongue, probing the curves, nipping at the lobe with her teeth. Catherine moaned her appreciation.

Meanwhile Grissom, supporting his weight on one elbow, leaned over to kiss his lover passionately. His hand found one breast, teasing and tickling the nipple through the lace fabric. Catherine writhed beneath him, the sensations almost overwhelming her.

Sara's hand slid slowly along Catherine's stomach, tracing ever-widening spirals that gradually moved downward. She forced herself to be patient, when in fact all she wanted was to bring her coworker to a peak of ecstasy as soon as possible. But she knew that the frustration factor would push Cath even higher when she finally did find release.

Grissom pushed his hand under the lace to cup Catherine's breast, rubbing his palm against her hardened nipple. He could feel her heart racing, and her breath came in quick gasps during their brief breaks from kissing. He looked down at her lovingly. "Open your eyes, Cath," he murmured. She did so, looking from one to the other in wide-eyed anticipation.

Sara's fingers had made their way to Catherine's center and were gently stroking her. Catherine bucked and moaned, the need evident in her cries, and Sara increased the pressure. The lace was warm and moist, and Sara reveled in the fact that she and Grissom had created this evidence of desire.

Catherine suddenly pushed them aside and sat up, panting. "What's wrong?" asked Sara, worried.

She grinned at them. "Clothes. Off," she ordered, unsnapping the teddy.

Grissom smiled as he disrobed at breakneck speed. That was his Catherine, always in control of every situation. He and Sara fell back onto the bed at the same time and resumed their previous activities, only this time in reverse. Sara kissed Catherine deeply, causing them both to moan loudly, while Grissom sucked on Catherine's neck and explored the familiar area around her core. He knew very well what she liked. He plunged two fingers inside her swollen center and moved them in and out, his palm rubbing her clit.

Catherine's hands wandered as her two lovers pressed against her. With one hand she gripped Sara's tight ass, her fingers sliding between Sara's legs to find that her friend was as aroused as she was. With an inner smile she teased the area between the two openings, and was pleased when Sara's body twitched beside her.

With her other hand she found Grissom's erection and began to stroke it, gently at first, then more insistently. Grissom had to think hard about Antarctica in order to avoid exploding immediately. How did she manage to do this to him? He had never been that sexual until Catherine came along. Even as a teenager he had been more interested in bugs than in girls.

He felt himself nearing the edge, even as he struggled to stop it. Catherine could sense his need and she stopped kissing Sara long enough to whisper, "Gil. Take me."

She didn't have to ask twice. In a split second he was inside her, diving into her depths with a passion greater than she had ever felt from him before. Sara's hand left her breast, to her great disappointment, but that was relieved when it was followed by Sara's mouth. The younger woman sucked and licked greedily, one hand on Cath's other breast, while Grissom kissed Catherine in time with his thrusts.

The amazing sensations pushed Catherine to the brink, and she cried out with pleasure, muscles contracting as her whole body shuddered. "Oh, God," she murmured. "Don't stop, oh please don't stop." She pushed her fingers into Sara's wetness and Sara groaned, her hips thrusting against Catherine's hand. "You don't – have – to do that," Sara managed to get out.

"But I –" Just then Grissom began to tremble, his hands clutching her shoulders as he came, spilling deep within her. "Cath – Cath – Cath," he murmured, his eyes half closed, lost in the joy of being inside her warmth.

"Gil," she moaned, feeling that tightened feeling once again as he filled her. Her free hand pulled his head to hers and she kissed him almost desperately. Sara attacked Catherine's neck with her lips and teeth. She knew Cath was an expert with makeup; any marks she left would be easily concealed. So she didn't hold back, especially when the other woman began to squirm and whimper. Catherine felt the second orgasm overpower her, and to her great pleasure she heard Sara cry out as she too found her release.

Grissom didn't start to pull out until he saw that her breathing had slowed near to normal and the spasms had stopped. Very slowly he moved to snuggle up beside her. On her other side, Sara was still panting for breath, coming down gradually from her high.

Catherine sighed, her hands caressing their bodies. "Thank you," she murmured. "That was wonderful."

Sara laughed, and Catherine turned to look at her quizzically. "What?"

"Oh, Cath," Sara said, giving her a kiss on the cheek, "We're not done yet! That was just the beginning."

Catherine smiled happily. Yes, this was shaping up to be a very special birthday!

***