A/N: I love you guys. Seriously, you rock.
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
The sun warmed Greg's face as he exited the lab. It was his first day back since being in the hospital. Word had spread around the lab that he was seeing someone, though thankfully, no names were named. In celebration of his return, Grissom proposed that the team have breakfast together on him. But there was a catch. Heather had to join them. Greg was not one to pass up a free meal but he was a bit uneasy about Heather being around his friends. They had a habit of prying and asking too many questions.
One of them, in particular, was leaning against her car, laughing with Warrick Brown. Greg was hesitant, for he did not want to break up the moment. But this conversation needed to happen before they arrived at the diner. With the façade of confidence in place, Greg walked over to Catherine and Warrick.
"Uh, hey." He greeted.
"What's up Greg?" Warrick smiled.
"Headed to the diner?" Catherine asked
"Yeah, um about that…" Greg looked from Warrick to Catherine and back.
Warrick took the hint. "I'll see you guys there." He patted Greg on the back and headed in the direction of his car.
Catherine stood up straight. "You wanted to talk to me?" She didn't seem surprised. "Let me guess, you want me to be nice."
"Well…I mean…not that you would-"
Catherine chuckled and put her hand on his arm. "Look, I know I can be a pain sometimes. But, since she means so much to you, I'll play nice." She smirked. "I can't make any promises for next time though."
"That's the best deal I can get." Greg held out his hand to shake on it. Catherine accepted it, albeit while giggling, and got in her car.
Greg was lost for most of the conversation. His eyes would keep flashing to the diner parking lot, waiting for her to arrive. Finally, a red Honda pulled in and Greg smiled to himself. He gave Catherine a pointed look as the bell over the diner door jingled. She just smiled and winked at him as Heather approached.
Greg stood to let her slide in next to Sara.
"What?" Brass looked at the couple. "No kiss?"
"Jim." Catherine warned. Brass grinned and bowed his head in her direction. Apparently, if Catherine wasn't teasing, there would be none at all.
Masterfully, Greg and Heather deflected personal questions as if they had rehearsed it. They quickly changed the subject when the conversation steered onto…uncomfortable subjects. Greg knew they were getting it easy and for that he was grateful.
The arrival of their meals proved to be more effective in keeping the focus off the couple. Everyone was too busy eating. Greg, however, was not too busy to notice Heather's hand sneak over to his plate and steal a piece of his bacon. As if in slow motion, he watched her take a bite.
Heather could feel his eyes on her, so she turned to look at him. His mouth was slightly agape, but he wasn't necessarily looking at her. He was looking at her hand. Following his gaze, she nearly dropped the bacon. She had taken a bite and had not even noticed what she had done.
Heather is a vegetarian. She quickly placed the bacon back on Greg's plate and stared at the grease on her fingers for the rest of breakfast. No one else noticed.
When the bill arrived, everyone, except Grissom and Sara, stood to leave.
"So Heather, got any plans for Thursday next week?" asked Catherine.
Still a bit shocked from the bacon incident, Heather snapped back to reality. "Uh…no? Why?"
"It's Brass' birthday and we go to dinner every year…on him." Warrick explained. "Do you wanna come?"
Heather shrugged. "Sure."
"Love the enthusiasm." Brass winked at her and bid everyone goodbye.
Warrick walked Catherine to her car, who was parked right next to him.
"I'll see you at work." Nick said to Greg. "I hope to see you sooner than later." He said to Heather with a smile.
"Did you just flirt with her in front of me?" Greg asked. "I'm telling on you."
Nick laughed as he walked away.
Greg pulled Heather close to him. "Are you ok?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you sure? I mean you ate-"
Heather cut him off. "I know what I ate Greg. I was there when I ate it. Remember?" she smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you at home. I have to go to the store first."
"Well what are you getting? I'll go." Greg offered.
"No…no. I'll go. Go home." She patted his arm and left him standing there.
Just like Heather had hoped, Greg was asleep by the time she got home. His snores could be heard from the living room. She quietly, but quickly, headed straight for the bathroom. Exiting, she changed into one of Greg's big t-shirts and slid into bed next to him. Heather stared at the ceiling for a long time before drifting off to a contemplative sleep.