WriterFreak001: A few things before the chapter update…

First of all, yes, I have another idea for a FanFiction. I have not started it yet, but I do plan on working on it as I update other stories. I probably will only write the prologue and the first chapter to see if people like where I'm going…. Then, I will write the second chapter and so forth AFTER my other stories have been completed.

Speaking of other stories, I would like to let you know what I plan on doing with them….

~Always (1-2 more chapters; maybe an epilogue)

~For Her (4-5 more chapters)

~Shadow Bound (I plan on starting over part of the fiction…probably around chapter 7 or 8…It's been so long, I can't remember all that happened, but I do know what I want to do with the story…just it's not going in the direction I want anymore. I'll let you know once I start working on it.)

~Serendipity (I am certain I want to start over around Chapter 6 or so….gotta re-read it, but like 'Shadow Bound,' it isn't going where I thought it was going to go…I PROMISE IT'LL BE BETTER!

~My Normal is when I'm With You (I'm removing this story. I don't like it anymore. So…. This is my few days' notice.)

~New Stories (Please Stand By)

Anyhoo, shutting up now.

Title | A Matter of Time

Fandom | Beauty and the Beast (CW)

Description | What happens if Gabe turns out to be hiding more secrets than Catherine or Vincent ever realized? What if one of them found out about it? What would he or she do? More importantly, how would Gabe respond in order to keep control of the 'situation'? This is my little masterpiece in which my mind created as an addition to the ending of BATB 2.13 "Till Death."

Rating| This fanfiction will be rated T for language, suggested themes and anything else T-rated I might throw in it. If anything, read at your own discretion.

POV | Third Person Omniscient

Disclaimer | While CW owns Beauty & the Beast, I am the owner of this Masterpiece.

Claimer | I am human; there are bound to be mistakes. If you feel like something should be changed, you have the power to send me a review/private message. I can't guarantee if I'll change it every time but I do read all of my reviews and all of my private messages!

A Matter of Time

Part 10

Written by: WriterFreak001

~Beauty & the Beast~

Every once in a while, nurses came into Catherine's hospital room to check on her stats. Catherine was more than ready to leave the hospital and get back out there in the field. Unfortunately, she knew it wasn't going to happen any time soon. Maybe one or two months depending on her progress. Oh, and there was the psych eval to consider. When the nurses left for the second time in the day, Vincent swept in, carrying a bag on his arm filled with a bunch of things Catherine had asked him to bring.

"Thank God you're here. I thought I was going to go insane!" Catherine gritted her teeth before being greeted with a short kiss. "You brought everything?"

"Mostly. I managed to get your computer, phone charger and your Kindle and its charger, but I couldn't find your slipper socks." He frowned. "Trust me, I looked everywhere in your room."

Catherine sighed. "Checked the top right drawer right?"

"Yes. And the left. And all of the other drawers in the dresser. They simply weren't there." Vincent placed the back down next to the bed and sat down in the chair occupying the space on her left.

Catherine hummed. Then she remembered Heather asking to borrow them for something sometime before she left for Miami. "You know what? It doesn't matter." Catherine caressed his face. "Heather still has them…. I think."

"Oh? Well, I could swoop by her old bedroom and see if they're still in her room." Vincent offered, earning him a kiss on the cheek.

"No, that's all right. I can do without. After all, it's the thought that counts, right?"

He carefully stood up, slid into her bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her towards him. She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She focused on his scent and inhaled the aroma of his aftershave.

"A penny for your thoughts?" He kissed the top of her head.

"No thoughts…just living in the moment." She smiled, running her hand along his firm chest. Vincent leaned down and kissed her once. Twice. He would have kissed her a third time, but hearing two anxious footfalls striding down the hallway forced him to sit up and look towards the door. Catherine mimicked his actions and saw JT and Tess scramble through the open door. Something was up.

"Anything wrong?" Vincent asked, his eyebrow raised. While JT sat down to catch his breath, Tess leaned against the back wall with her arms crossed in front of her. She smirked.

"No. Not really. Actually, everything seems pretty right, if you ask me."

Confused, Vincent looked at JT. "What's she talking about, buddy?"

"Rest assured," JT's lips curled into a very big smile, "That Gabe won't be causing you guys any trouble anymore."

"The serum worked?!" Both Catherine and Vincent exclaimed. Suddenly Catherine groaned, pressing her hand against her abdomen. "You all right?" Vincent immediately trailed his eyes to her stomach.

"Yeah, just shouldn't have gotten all excited like that." She inhaled a short breath and squeezed her eyes closed. Worried, Vincent peeled back the covers and slightly lifted her shirt. The bandage wasn't soaked with blood so that's good. She at least didn't open her stitches. He flattened her shirt against her skin and pulled the covers back over her. "Thanks." She loved how he was always making sure she was all right. That's what made Vincent, Vincent.

"You two good?" JT raised his eyebrow.

"Yep." Vincent nodded. "We're good."

"Okay, well, like I said, Gabe won't be a problem anymore! Not only did the serum WORK, but Tess got a call from the precinct, and Captain Ward informed her that Gabe was being transferred to a psych ward. He was shouting things like 'Beasts!' and how he was one as well. Sure enough, they took another blood sample and determined that the spectrometer was dirty because he was as human as the rest of us—well, most of us." JT mentally slapped himself for that last comment. "Anyway, they think he took one big dose of crazy and decided he was mentally unstable to be living in a jail cell. He needed other treatment, if you know what I mean." JT walked over to Vincent and slapped his best friend's shoulder. "But wait! There's more!"

"More?" Vincent and Catherine were definitely curious what JT meant. What more could they ask for other than having Gabe out of their lives for good?

Tess walked up to Catherine and sat down in the seat where Vincent normally sits. "Yeah; JT and I put our heads together," she paused, remembering exactly where that phrase led to next, then shook her head. "and we located Sam. Sure enough, he had his briefcase on him so," Tess smirked and lightly chuckled, "I arrested him for handling and dealing drugs."

"And everyone bought that?" Catherine raised her eyebrow. If anything, Sam was hardly carrying around any drugs.

"For now." Tess nodded. "When I opened his case, there were three vials. While Sam was getting his ass booked, JT switched the vials of Beast serum with a synthesized version that is practically harmless; has most of the same chemicals, but less concentrated. Essentially, when Jeff, the coroner, tests the synthesized version, he's going to assume Gabe OD'ed on it, and therefore, it messed up his psyche. I don't understand all of the science like JT, but if he says it's gonna work, then it's gonna work."

"Thanks for that vote of confidence." JT stated smugly. "So…basically, in case your minds are blown, yes, Gabe and Sam are no longer a problem anymore." JT patted Vincent's shoulder again as Tess gave Catherine a gentle hug. "That means, whenever Cat gets the hell out of here, you two can basically have that normalish life you've always wanted!"

After the news sank in, the fabulous four partied until visiting hours were over. JT ordered everyone food off of the hospital menu—well, save for Catherine since she's on a clear liquid diet. But regardless of what Catherine could or could not eat, the celebration was a fun one—something all four would remember four years to come.

The next day was interesting for Vincent and Catherine. She received a text from her sister, saying she was on her way to the hospital to visit. While Catherine insisted Vincent to leave, Vincent refused to depart from her side. He knew she could take care of herself and that there were a ton of doctors and nurses around in case anything were to happen, but, if he had learned anything over this entire ordeal, it was that he didn't want to hide anymore. He wanted to re-meet Catherine's sister. If they were going to get married in the not-so-distant future, he wanted Heather to be there for Catherine and support her. In order to do that, she needs to actually like the groom.

They both agreed they wouldn't tell Heather about beasts for her own safety. The less she knew about Vincent's other half, the better. All she need to know is that Vincent wasn't some ass in her sister's life. She needs to trust him, and it was now or never.

Catherine would only agree to Vincent's presence while her sister was visiting if he agreed to pretend to sleep. She knew that if Heather saw Vincent sleeping, she would not feel threatened by him. Or, at least, she hoped.

"Are you sure this is going to work? Me sleeping, I mean." Vincent raised his eyebrow as he held her hand and placed his head against her lap. He brought her palm up to his lips and kissed it.

"It's the best plan I have." Catherine closed her eyes, even with a simple kiss to her palm, she could feel her toes curling underneath the sheets. "She could be here any moment now so…snore."

"Snore?" He smirked. "I don't snore."

He continued holding her hand. He could sense her sudden arousal. "Perhaps," Vincent rose to his feet and kissed her lips, "I should 'fake sleep' in one of the chairs in the corner, yeah?"

Catherine sighed. "I guess…. Wouldn't want to get too carried away before my sister shows up."

"Exactly." Vincent rubbed his nose against hers before kissing her once more. He pushed himself upward and walked over to the pale green chair. He sat down, scooted the chair a little closer to Catherine and grabbed her hand. He wouldn't be close enough to kiss her fingers, but he could at least hold them as he 'slept.'

She watched him lean his head back and close his eyes. Little, did she know, Vincent was actually very tired from the events of the week. For the first time in a long while, this was his chance to actually take a nap. He wouldn't tell her though. She needed worry about him anymore than she should worry for herself. After all, she is the one in the hospital bed. Not him.

About five or so minutes after Vincent closed his eyes, Catherine heard a pair of footsteps skittering towards the room. Here goes nothing. Possibly needing her hand for later, she slipped her fingers out of Vincent's grip and dove it under the covers. In a matter of seconds, her younger sister, Heather, with a cute new haircut, popped into the room. When she saw that Catherine was awake, she sauntered in, her high heels clucking against the floor as she made her way to Catherine. "Hiiiii!" She exclaimed and gave Catherine a gentle hug. The detective winced a little bit, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"

"Nope! Good! I'm all good!" Catherine smiled. "How are you? How's Miami?" If she could distract Heather long enough, perhaps she won't even see Vincent.

"Oh, don't bother about me," Heather flicked her wrist downwards, "I want to know about you! How are you doing? I mean…minus the surgery and freaky stitches in your stomach—which, by the way, what happened?!"

Same ole Heather.

"Oh, just a dog attack." Catherine dismissed the truth.

"A dog attack?" Heather wasn't convinced.

"It was a really big dog?" Catherine was out of ideas. So she decided to change the subject. "You know what? It all happened so quickly. I'm just glad my boyfriend got to me in time." Catherine forced a smile. That segue wasn't too soon, was it? Too late to worry about it now.

"Your boyfriend?" Heather tilted her head forwards, raising her eyebrow skeptically.

"Yeah," Catherine nodded. She pressed her lips together. "In fact," she paused briefly, "he's…right over there…." She bobbled her head to her right. Heather took one glance at Vincent. As if his timing couldn't be any more perfect, he squirmed in the seat and twisted his body over as if he was subconsciously trying to get comfortable. No matter how adorable the sight was, Heather quickly shot her sister an "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" look.

"I thought you broke up with him last year!" Heather shouted. Catherine prompted her to keep her voice down.

"I did! Well, technically, at first, it was more of a fake-up…. We staged it for your benefit." Catherine swallowed the lump in her throat. "But then, if it makes you feel any better, we did actually break up about two months ago…, and then I started dating a loser a few weeks later only to find out he was a jerk and the man still love is Vincent." She shifted her hands towards him as if she was Vana White. "Technically…we were still broken up when he found me…. If anything, Heather, I owe him my life."

And then some.

Catherine knew she would always owe Vincent her life. No matter what she does to him, he still saves her. For that, she owes him much more.

"And that's supposed to make things better?! I thought I told you I didn't like him, Cat!" Heather's voice was quiet but harsh.

"Actually, I was hoping you'd forego the feelings you felt about him last year…. Vincent's a good guy, Heath. I wouldn't be dating him if he wasn't." Catherine licked her lips. This wasn't going in the direction she was hoping it would go.

"You've said that about all of the psychos you dated, Cat. So how am I supposed to believe you this time?" Heather folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot against the floor.

Point taken.

"Heather," she tried to sit up and reach for her sister's hand, but pain shot up her body. She immediately fell backwards. Heather teetered over to her.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just…in some pain…. It'll subside shortly if I don't move." Catherine took Heather's hand and pressed it against her heart. "Heather, you've got to understand something. No matter what you think about him now, Vincent's the one. He always has been; I've just been blind to it for a while. He's the first man in my life I've ever considered a future with, Heath. And that feeling doesn't come often. I know…I know you don't trust him…now…, but please, give him a second chance.

"Things are different now. He doesn't have to live in the dark anymore like last year. I know he and I should have handled the wedding pictures scenario differently, but he was scared back then. There were bad guys after him, and that's why he couldn't have his photo anywhere. That's why I was so hesitant in letting you meet him. It wasn't because he's a bad guy, Heather, because he's not." She turned her head and looked at Vincent lovingly, knowing he could hear every word.

"When I look at him, everything disappears. My worries. My doubts. My pain. It all goes away because I know I feel safer when I'm with him. The world ceases to exist each morning I wake up and find him still holding me because the fact is, Heather, Vincent is my world; he is my everything." Her eyes met Heather's. "He's my home."

Heather quickly dabbed her cheeks with the pads of her fingers and smiled. "Are you just saying that because you think sympathy would make me like him more?"

"No," Catherine shook her head. "I don't expect you to change your mind about Vincent, Heather. I want you to, but I don't expect you to do anything more than just listen."

"Okay," Heather sat down in the seat next to Catherine's bed. "I'm listening."

"I told you how we were still broken up when I was attacked. Well, I didn't realize how dire my situation was until after I returned home. I toughened my injuries out—pretended it was nothing. When I got home, I could barely get my dress off without nearly fainting from the pain. I was losing more blood than my body could make. But, no matter what was happening to me, I refused to give up on living. Vincent was all I could think about when I was lying on the floor and passing out from the extensive blood loss. I didn't even make it to my cellphone to call him; yet," her nose burned, "he still came. Somehow, he knew I needed him even after I refused to let him back into my life. For that, I owe him everything—my everything. If the situation were reversed, I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost him, Heather."

Heather raked her hand through her short hair and sighed. "You really do love him, don't you." It wasn't a question. It was an observation.

Catherine nodded. "Yes. He is encoded in every cell of my body, and I'm sure it's the same for him too. That being said," She dug into her shirt and pulled out her ring, "I've accepted his hand in marriage, and whether you like him or not, I could really use your support."

"Then I guess it can't be helped then." Heather released a sigh. "If you feel that strongly about him," she sniffled and gently wiped her eyes, "then I guess I can learn to like him too."

Catherine smiled. "That means a lot to me."

Heather pulled Catherine in for a hug without trying to cause her any pain. "You're my only family, Cat. I'd hate to lose my sister over a silly debacle concerning a guy."

"Half sister…" Catherine reminded Heather.

"Half? Whole? Who cares?" Heather shrugged. "A sister is a sister. Got that?" Heather waved her finger in front of Catherine's face, causing the detective to laugh.

Catherine gripped her stomach and inhaled deeply. "I'm fine." Catherine reassured her sister. "Just sore. Okay?"

"What was so funny?" Heather's lips curled to a toothy grin. Her nose wrinkled upwards just like her sister's does when she's extremely happy.

Catherine looked over to Vincent and the back to Heather. "Someone said something very similar to me a while back. That's all."

Heather glanced in Vincent's direction and studied the sleeping man before looking at her sister again. "Then that person is very wise."

"Indeed." Catherine grinned. He definitely was very wise—in many cases, that certain someone was her voice of reason. She wouldn't be where she was today if not for him.

"By the way," Heather examined Catherine's engagement ring, "why aren't you flashing that rock of yours?"

"Subtlety." Catherine shrugged. "When he proposed, we didn't know when or if we'd ever marry…. There were a lot of obstacles at the time. However, now that two of those obstacles have been eliminated, we decided to marry shortly after I am clear to leave the hospital. But it probably won't happen until I've been cleared to engage in strenuous activity…if you know what I mean." Catherine blushed. She wasn't used to sharing certain details of her sexual life with her sister. Having her sister know about—well—mostly about Vincent was still very new to her.

"So…you two…how long have you to been getting freaky?" Heather had to know. After all, it was her responsibility to make sure Catherine didn't grow up to be an old maid.

"And that is where I draw the line." Catherine said, zipping her lips closed. "No sex questions. That's the deal."

"Aww, but why?!"

"Because, Heath, there are some things you just don't discuss with someone. I don't even tell Tess about my sexual relationship with Vincent. The lid on that container stays closed."

Heather rolled her eyes. "You're such a woman of principle. At least, can you tell me if he's well-endowed?" Catherine glanced over at Vincent and saw one of his eyes pop open. Of course he would be interested in hearing the answer as well. "Well?"

"If you must know, then yes." Catherine's face felt hot. Even with one eye open, her fiancé was surveying her. Even if the answer was 'no,' which it wasn't, she doubt she would tell her sister that 'what-if' reply. She would lie, even then. "He is."

"I bet that makes you happy in bed." Heather laughed. She looked at her watch. "Whoops! I need to get going, Cat. Got a date tonight!"

"A date? Really?"

"Yup! If you must know, I didn't just meet the guy. We met down in Miami…and have been dating for four months now." Heather gathered her things and gave her sister another hug. "I promise I'll give Vincent a chance, Cat. Just give me time, okay?"

"That's all I ask." Catherine kissed Heather on the forehead and waved goodbye when she and her black Louboutins tottered out of sight.

When the coast was clear, her insides melted to goo as a raspy, amused voice brushed against her ear, "So…You think I'm well-endowed?" Catherine's mouth fell open as she tried to explain herself. "That's okay," he kissed her cheek. "You don't need to explain." He feathered kisses along her jawline, starting underneath her ear and trailing towards her chin. Minutes later, his lips and tongue found her mouth, and it didn't take long for them to zone the world out and focus on what's before them.

"Silly me! I can't believe I forgot my purse!" a bubbly voice laughed and walked in, but they paid no mind to the owner. They heard the owner stop in her tracks and could feel her eyes staring at them. But, even in that moment, they didn't care. All they could focus on was each other. "I'll just…grab it and be out of your way." The voice's owner came closer. Vincent sensed her bending down and picking something up. After clanking her way out of the room, Vincent pulled apart from Catherine and laughed, his thumb rubbing against her chin.

Catherine wrapped her arms around Vincent's neck as he slowly climbed onto her hospital bed. He couldn't lay on top of her, but he could hover over her and kiss her crazily. That's what he intended on doing every single moment for the remainder of Catherine's stay. Catherine weaved her fingers into his hair and pulled him in for another kiss.

"I'm so in love with you," Vincent whispered as he nipped at her bottom lip.

"And I, you." Catherine mumbled into his warm breath as he captured her lips again. She loved this man with all of her heart, mind and soul. Every second and every moment spent with the man before her was worth anything and everything. She would go to the ends of the Earth for Vincent Keller, and there was nothing anybody can do to ever stop her. Not now. Not ever again. She was his and he was hers.

That's all that mattered.

While the beauty and her beast enjoyed each other's company in the hospital room, JT and Tess popped their heads into the room, seeing the couple visibly making out like there was no tomorrow. They stepped back out into the hallway and headed for the café. Once seated, JT stretched out his arms and placed them behind his head. "See? I knew it!"

"Knew what?" Tess laughed and leaned forward onto the table separating her from the professor.

"I knew they'd get back together."

"Duh. I think it was obvious." A smirk found Tess's lips.

"Even before this fiasco happened. I knew they would find each other again. Vincent'll kill me if you ever breathe this to another soul, but after he saw Gabe and Cat dancing and kissing—God, I hope I never have to say those two names in the same sentence ever again…." JT grimaced, but continued. "uh… kissing after the Sam and Dana's wedding that did not end up happening, he was heartbroken. Poor guy, too. He told me—and himself—that he didn't deserve her. He recognized that her happiness was the most important thing to him and after everything that happened between them, he convinced himself he wasn't capable of bringing her that happiness. He was willing to let her go. Obviously, I wasn't convinced. I think…when he saw her on the floor of her apartment that night, he realized he just couldn't let her go." JT sighed. "So yeah, color me lame or whatever, but I believed in my best friend. Catherine's happiness may be the most important thing to him, but his happiness is what's important to me."

Tess scooted her chair in and flashed a smile. "Well, for better or for worse, it seems like everything worked out."

"Yeah." JT nodded. He rose to his feet, walked over to the cashier and paid for two coffees. When they were brewed and given to him, he walked back to his seat and handed one to Tess. "Here." He took a sip of his own. "To a better future for Vincent and Cat."

"I'll drink to that." Tess chuckled, taking a swig of her own coffee. "By the way, JT, what you did for Vincent—what you were willing to do for Vincent—it's admirable. You truly are a good friend to him."

"Thanks."

"I'm not done." Tess placed her coffee cup on the table and leaned forward. "JT, as much as you care for Vincent, you need to let him find his place on his own. I hate to break this to you, but he has Cat in his life. You need to stop blaming yourself whenever something bad—even as simple as a heartbreak—happens to the guy. In order to find his place in the world, he's got to find his own footing, don't you think?"

JT never thought about it before. He always considered being there for Vincent through thick and thin. Now that his best friend was with Cat, there's a big chance the two of them will move in together. Then…things would be like they were BEFORE Vincent went off to war. He'd be living in his own place again, and his best friend would be living with the love of his life. It was a dream come true, mostly. "Yeah, but if I never signed his name up, the—"

"Then he never would have found Cat." Tess finished for him. "Like it or not, JT, I have to believe Vincent's beast is more of a blessing than a curse. Yes, there are times he can't control it or he does something crazily insane, but if you never signed his name up on that list, he never would have saved Cat eleven years ago, and I would have never met my best friend. Crazy things happen, but sometimes, those crazy things lead people to something better." She squeezed JT's hand. "You need to give yourself more credit, JT. If anything, Vincent should thank you for caring enough to save his life."

"That may be, but you weren't there during the first nine years—before Cat officially met him. It was painful to watch him look in the mirror and hate what he saw every day. Honestly, if he didn't save Catherine that night in the woods, I doubt he would even be here today. There was only so much I could do, but saving her…checking up on her…watching over her…, it gave him a sense of purpose, and I have to believe it's because of Catherine that Vincent didn't lose himself to his darker side." JT gulped another sip down and sighed. "Looks like we all have something to thank our friends for."

"Looks like." Tess smiled. She released his hand, leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. "I don't care what anybody says, JT, you so deserve the Medal of Honor. If not for you, Gabe could still be a beast and Sam would still be out there. I can't believe I'm saying this, but you're a genius."

JT nodded. A smirk found his lips. "I am, aren't I?" He placed his drink in front of him and added, "I was also genius enough to tell V to keep fighting."

"I guess, but…you know," Tess tilted her head and sneered, "It was only a matter of time before those two find each other again. Even if Cat continued dating he who must not be named, I'm sure she would eventually find herself in Vincent's arms sooner or later."

"It's possible." JT shrugged. "But…I'd like to think I played the ultimate matchmaker in this one."

Tess rolled her eyes, laughing. "You're such an idiot sometimes." With that, Tess stood up, grabbed her coffee and circled around JT. "Thanks for the coffee and the talk, but I better go. It's getting pretty late, you know?"

"Yeah…" JT nodded, watching her walk away. 'Good going, Forbes. You went from being a genius to an idiot in a matter of seconds.' "H-hang on!" JT exclaimed, immediately rising to his feet. He picked up his coffee and jogged over to Tess. "I'll walk you to your car."

"Took you long enough." Tess said as she bumped his shoulder. "There may be some mental hope for you yet!"

"Oh, I'm full of mental hope." JT chuckled, causing Tess to laugh as the two walked out of the café and headed for the parking garage.

Fin.

~Beauty & the Beast~

WriterFreak001:

Wowwww! I can't believe I've finished this fanfiction! There was a lot of schtuff in this chapter! O_O Thank you for reading! I had a blast writing this fanfiction.

I don't have an epilogue planned for this fanfiction, but if pressured enough, I might add one in a few months after my other works have been completed.

THANK YOU! :)

Can't wait for the episode tonight! XOXO