Title: Letting the Phone Ring #2
By: lewis771750
Pairing: Cath/Sara
Rating: G
Challenge: Ani DiFranco song titles
Spoilers: Lady Heather's Box, Crash And Burn
Disclaimer: They are not mine. I know it, you know it, and they know I know it. I took them out to play and put a smile on their faces.
Words: 395

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I know you don't love me. You don't hate me, but you don't love me, not like I want you to. I've watched you since you arrived. First pining for Gil. Then getting sucked into Hank's little trap before extracting yourself with pride and some dignity. That's impressive, not many people leave such a situation as well as you did there.

Then we went for that fateful drink after work, just support from a co-worker of course. Maybe an olive branch to say I'd forgiven you after your investigation into Eddie's murder. I always knew you'd done your best, deep down inside, but I had to hit out at someone and you were the best target. There's an old song that says something about hurting the one you love, well it was true that day. Even though I swore I'd never let anyone do it to me I couldn't stop myself just then.

But that drink turned into a drunken rambling conversation, an opening of our hearts to each other. Somewhere in there I said something about loving you and you played me so well, made me admit how I really felt. That beautiful geeky appearance hides a shrewd judge of character and a skilled investigator of the human condition as well as crime scenes.

You didn't run screaming, but you made it clear that you didn't return my feelings. You were amazingly gentle about it. For someone that we all assume isn't that experienced in affairs of the heart someone, somewhere has taught you how to let people down gently, you should give lessons.

I've just woken up later that same day, feeling my tongue thick with hangover, my head aching. Then I remember what I've done, what we both said and I curse myself. I reach for the phone, you don't know but you are on speed dial on all my phones in pride of place. I feel the urge to apologise, to check it will be alright between us. There is no answer from your home number, so I am dialing your mobile when there comes a knocking on the door. I open it with the phone to my ear, still ringing.

The door shows you standing there with a bunch of flowers for me. I reach for you amazed, letting the phone ring as I draw you into my arms.

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