A/N: Wow, I haven't written CSI in quite awhile. I hope I'm not too rusty... Enjoy!
When she shows up on your doorstep in the middle of the night, mascara running in streams down her cheeks, you don't question her and merely let her inside. In fact, you've been dreading this day for months now.
She sits herself on your sofa, and you take a seat next to her, waiting for her to tell you what you already know. "He's been cheating on me."
You try to sound sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Cath."
And when she looks you in the eye, you can tell that she sees right through your act.
"How long, Gil?"
She doesn't elaborate, but it's not as if you need her to. You don't answer in a vain attempt to avoid the conversation all together.
"How long?" Her voice is less shaky now as it turns to pure anger.
"A… month. Maybe two." Actually, you've known for three and a half, but you don't tell her that. You don't want to lose her.
She wipes a stray tear from the corner of her eye with a slender index finger. "You didn't tell me." It's not a question, and you're glad because you're not sure you'd be able to give the right answer. She leans forward and puts her face in her hands.
And you can tell that she's hurt by what you've done. You can see that this single mistake has done more damage than Eddie's fists ever could.
When you try to rest a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, she pulls away, and now you're hurting, too. "Don't, Gil." Her voice is quiet, but it stings. "Just… don't."
She takes a deep breath and stands. "Can I use your bathroom?"
Your relationship is past asking formal questions like that, and she knows it. You don't protest, though, only nod and watch lamely as she saunters out of the room.
She returns a couple minutes later, and now her eyes are a little less red and the black smudges have disappeared. You can tell she's leaving, and despite the fact that you want to stop her, you don't.
On her way to the door, she pauses beside you, and you think for a moment that maybe she just might stay. But all she does is give you a sad smile and a few quietly spoken words. "I know you meant well."
You finally stand as well, and after an awkward moment you pull her into your arms, the scent of her shampoo making you just the slightest bit dizzy. "I never meant to hurt you, Cath." You whisper, and you can feel her nod against your chest.
"I know, Gil," she tells you softly. "I know."
End