Title: Reading Sara
Author: salpal
Keywords: Catherine/Sara
Fandom: CSI
Rated: G
Challenge: #3, utilize Lindsey.
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. Wish I did.
Word Count: 349
Author Notes: First time I've written a purely CSI story. I have no idea why Catherine needs Sara to baby-sit.

***

Lindsey seems to peer into Sara's very soul. Really. Sara swears it, to herself anyway. She would never say it out loud, but the knowledge is there.

It's the third time she's had to baby-sit for Catherine in a month. She doesn't mind that much, really. It gives her time to catch up on science journals while Lindsey works on homework or watches TV.

But sometimes Sara catches Lindsey dissecting her with her eyes. Like she's caught the girl doing now during a commercial. Sara tries to look back, but God she's terrified.

Catherine can't even make her feel this uncomfortable.

Lindsey tilts her head and turns her body to face the woman and gets on her knees. "You like my mom, don't you?"

Sara's paralyzed. Even her heart's stopped.

Lindsey narrows her eyes like she's trying to see something just out of reach.

Sara scrunches further away.

There's a jingle at the front door, and it opens just as whatever's on the Cartoon Network comes back on. Lindsey is instantly enthralled, and her body seems to move back to its original sitting position on its own accord. Catherine sweeps in, breathless and slightly agitated. "Hey, you guys." She runs a hand through Lindsey's hair affectionately.

"Hey, mom."

Sara turns to the TV, hoping to appear as calm as possible. "Hey. You get everything done?"

Catherine sighs. "As much as possible." She pauses before looking guiltily at Sara. "You don't mind doing this again for me, do you?"

Sara takes in a breath and studies Lindsey, who's looking at her curiously. Sara tries to keep her fear at bay. She then turns to Catherine who's looking hopeful. She just can't turn down her coworker when her eyes are pleading like that. "Sure," she breathes, forgetting the future discomfort Lindsey is bound to put her through.

Catherine looks relieved and smiles wanly. "Thank you." She leaves the living room for her kitchen, probably for a beer.

Lindsey is triumphant and maybe a little bit smug, like the pieces have fallen together and she's figured everything out. "You're whipped."

Oh God.

***