True Winner.
Summary: Gil receives an invitation for his high school reunion, but isn't planning on going at all. Catherine finds the invitation on his desk though, and is determined to get Gil to go, with a little help of her.
Note: Hi guys, though I really adore Catherine and Vartann together, I really did miss my beloved Catherine and Gil ;-). I came up with this idea, hope you'll enjoy it! xx.
Spoilers: None.
Rating: T, M for certain upcoming chapters.
1.
Gil Grissom stared blankly at the invitation that was laying on his desk. He'd just received an invitation for a reunion from his high school. He knew he wasn't going. High school had probably been the most terrible and embarrassing time of his life. He'd felt as if he was a ghost. Classmates had constantly been bullying him, making fun of his glasses and calling him a geek because of his high grades for sciences. They'd assured him he'd never been successful and that he would never get married. And even though Gil knew he was quite successful now, he knew he wasn't ready to face his former classmates. The ones who'd made his life a living hell in those days.
What Gil didn't notice, was his right hand on the work-floor, - and outside of it as well,- had walked into his office. Catherine Willows stared at the man for a while, wondering what was going through his mind. His blank stare was focused on something on his desk, and Catherine was curious to find what exactly it was. She slowly walked into his direction, not too surprised by the fact that Gil didn't seem to notice he. He was, after all, a dreamer. It wasn't until she was almost behind him that Gil noticed the strawberry blonde near him. "Catherine! I didn't hear you get in."
Catherine chuckled and said: "So I've noticed. What were you staring at?"
Gil tried to hide the invitation, knowing Catherine would make him go to the reunion. But Catherine had been able to stand behind him and was able to snatch the paper out of his hands before he had the chance to throw it into his garbage can. Her icy blue eyes read the few lines that were on the paper. She locked her eyes with Gil's when she was finished reading, and could tell he wasn't planning on going. "You're not going, are you?"
It kept surprising Gil how well Catherine knew him. He wanted to deny her accusation, but her blue eyes pierced right through his mind. That was why he said: "I wasn't planning on doing it. It's next week, in San Francisco, that's too soon. Besides, I didn't enjoy high school that much. I'm not interested in going."
Catherine raised an eyebrow and sat down on Gil's desk, right next to him. Gil couldn't help but stare; her blue jeans made all her perfect curves stand out, and the green top she was wearing looked perfect with her reddish hair. And her scent.. It was a mix of strawberry's and vanilla, along with a bit of something that reminded Gil of exotic fruits. His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Catherine's hand flying in front of his eyes and he then heard her say: "Earth to Gil Grissom… Were you even listening to what I just said?"
It was obvious that Gil felt somewhat embarrassed as he said: "I'm sorry, I got… Distracted. Tell me again, please."
A small chuckle escaped from Catherine's lips; she 'd always thought Gil looked adorable when his cheeks were a bit red out of embarrassment. She smiled and repeated: "I said, that I thought this high school reunion was a great way of getting back all those old classmates of yours that had ever made fun of you. You're a successful, handsome man, who's earning a great amount of money and who's living in one of the most exciting cities in the world!"
It was now Gil's turn to raise an eyebrow before he said: "Catherine, are you serious? What exactly do you think those people will say when I tell them I now work with dead people in nightshifts and still live on my own? Do you honestly believe they would actually envy me for that? I was a ghost during high school, Catherine, a loser, I still am. "
Gil's insecurity was something Catherine noticed immediately when he'd started talking. It hurt her. It hurt her, knowing such an incredible man as Gil was so insecure about himself. She put his hand on his and said: "Hey, don't talk like that! You're such an amazing man, Grissom. Those people are insane if they don't see that.."
Gil didn't respond though, and Catherine suddenly felt somewhat angry inside. How in the world could people be so mean to each other that someone was able to still feel hurt for something that had happened in high school after more than thirty years? She got up on her feet again and turned Gil's chair so he was facing her. With a determined voice she said: "You know what, I have an idea. I'll come with you."
Shock was obviously present in Gil's eyes when he said: "What… What do you mean, you'll come with me?"
"It's not that hard to understand. We'll go to the reunion together. I'll pretend to be your wife, and that way, we can make everyone see how well you turned out to be. Though I know you've always been an incredible guy."
Catherine's genuine smile and determined eyes made Gil feel warm inside. It felt nice to have such an amazing friend by his side. Especially since she was the most attractive woman he'd ever met as well. The idea of pretending Catherine was his wife scared Gil; he was afraid she would see what he really felt for her. But on the other hand, spending an extra weekend with Catherine would be a bless. Being with Catherine always meant he had a good time. A small smile appeared on his face while he said: "You're sure you want to spent your free weekend with me?"
She nodded and said: "Of course, I'd enjoy helping you. Believe me."
"I appreciate it, Catherine. You're a good friend."
Catherine smiled and leant forward to give Gil a hug. He accepted it somewhat uncomfortable, and after a while, he enjoyed the warmth of her body against his. She eventually broke their hug and said: "Well, we'll discuss the details later. I'm going to head home, Lindsey's waiting for me. I'll see you tomorrow!" She gave him a last smile before she turned around and walked out of his office. She was near the door when she stopped after she'd heard Gil call her name. She turned around and saw Gil staring at her. His stare gave her goose bumps; his stare made her feel as if she was the most gorgeous woman in the world. He didn't say a word, which was why Catherine said: "Yeah?"
He smiled at her before he said: "Thank you, Catherine."
Note: Please let me know if you like the idea and the set up, I'd really appreciate it! xx.