Title: Heart of Gold
Author: lildreamer
Rating: K
Pairing: Grillows
Spoilers: 9 Down, One to Go
Summary: There were things there he missed so much. He forgot why he left.
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or any of its characters. If I did, Grissom wouldn't have left. Although, I did enjoy that episode last Thursday. It was like watching a new show—in a good way. Reminded me of my coworkers on their first day of work…and mine, too!
A/N: This fic is meant to take place during "One to Go" and on through the rest of the season.
Now, on with the story…
"Somehow, I knew you'd be here."
Her soft, pleasant voice mingled with the crunching of leaves beneath her feet as she strode toward her boss and best friend. Once she was at his side, she followed his gaze to a familiar gravestone.
He sighed, lowering his head. "I never should've…"
"It's not your fault, Gil," his friend replied, reassuringly. She lifted her head, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. "He knew what he was doing."
Grissom shook his head. "But it's my responsibility, Catherine." He stared down at the grave of their fallen teammate, his eyes burning with unshed tears. "I had a responsibility to Warrick—to care for him and protect him. The same as I have to you and the rest of the team. The same as you'll have to them."
Catherine frowned. She didn't want to be reminded of what was going to happen in the next few days. She didn't think she could bear another goodbye. But deep down, she knew she had to let him go.
She glanced over at her friend's haggard face. He was breathing, but nothing more. Frozen from the inside out. His salt-and-pepper hair was disheveled. His dark blue eyes seemed more desperate than enchanting now. Their rock, this man who didn't seem to know fear, was breaking. He needed rest. And if that meant leaving CSI…who was she to stop him?
She sighed. "So, I guess that's it then. You'll be getting a long overdue vacation and I'll get—"
"You'll get what you've always wanted," Grissom said, turning to face her. "In my absence, you'll become the new supervisor of the grave shift."
"This isn't what I wanted," Catherine said softly, her eyes downcast. "Not like this."
Grissom looked away, his throat tightening with a flood of emotions. When he decided to give everyone the news of his departure, he hadn't been completely prepared for their reaction. Nick had been quiet about it, but he knew the Texan CSI was angry with him. They all were. Even Hodges wouldn't talk to him. Greg, the youngest of his team, had looked so disappointed. He'd let him down. He'd let them all down. And Catherine…she looked so heartbroken. He knew it would be hard to say goodbye, but this...
"Catherine, I..." He lowered his head, fighting the flood of tears threatening to fall. "My life is falling apart." He closed his eyes, allowing a trickle of tears to slide down his cheeks. "I can't do this anymore."
When he lifted his tearstained face, he saw that Catherine was watching him with anguish in her eyes. She didn't argue. How could she? She knew the pain he felt. They'd both seen too much death and lost too many they cared for. She reached for him then, slipping her hand into his. She gave it a gentle squeeze, willing the pain to stop and embracing it all at once.
Their eyes met.
And for a brief moment, she saw about a dozen emotions flash through his eyes. Then he suddenly pulled his hand away for hers and turned away. She gazed at his back, confused.
"I have nothing more to give, Catherine," he said quietly. "And it's time for you to be on your own."
"But—"
"You've learned everything you need. Now, all you have to learn is how to say goodbye."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in front of their friend's grave. She watched his retreating figure, crestfallen. He was really leaving. By their next shift, he would be gone.
So, whaddaya think? Want more?