Lean on Me - Heidi

Warrick/Catherine friendship piece...for now.

Spoilers: Lady Heathers Box

DISCLAIMER: CSI belongs to CBS and I have no rights to it whatsoever.

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Warrick pulled into Catherine's driveway and cut his ignition. He had left work after talking to Sara about Eddie's death. Sara had been upset that she couldn't bring justice to his murderer, but he figured that Nick could comfort her. Catherine needed a friend and he wanted to be there for her.

With a sigh he climbed out of his Tahoe and headed for the door. He knocked softly hoping to not wake Lindsey. He waited a minute and when no one answered raised his arm and knocked again.

"Coming," Catherines yelled.

He could tell her voice was strained and figured she had been crying. Even though he knew she wasn't in love with Eddie anymore he had no doublt that she was torn up by his death. She had after all, been married to him for some time, not to mention the fact that he was Lindsey's father.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We always know that there's tomorrow

"Warrick?" Catherine asked surprised. He face was pale, her eyes swollen, and had tear stained cheeks. His heart sank at the sight of her in obviouse pain.

"I talked to Sara. She told me what happened. I came to see if you needed a friend." Warrick said.

"Come in," She replied stepping back allowing him space to enter. He followed her into the living room after shutting the door behind them.

"Lindsey here?" Warrick asked glancing around noticing the half empty bottle of wine.

"Was. My sister came and got her. She thought I might need a night to...vent, rant, get drunk, whatever." Catherine said.

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Warrick could now tell that she was slightly drunk. Her words slurred together and she seemed to be having trouble keeping her balance. He gently pushed her back onto the couch then sank down beside her.

Catherine looked up at him and he noticed her lower lip trembling. Wrapping his arms around her he hugged her tightly. He shoulders shook as violent sobs racked her body. He ran his hand up and down her back and pushed the hair out of her eyes.

After a few minutes the shaking stopped, her sombs now mere hiccups. She let out a sigh before pushing herself up. With shaking hands she reached for the wine bottle and glass. Warrick gently took them from her and poured a glass and handed it to her. She smiled her thanks.

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs

That you don't let show

"Talk to me," Warrick said softly.

"I remember when we used to be happy. Before the cheating, before he...ever hit me. I thought that I had found Mr. Right. What a joke. I was just so in love with him that I ignored all his faults. He didn't...beat me, but he did slap me a few times." she paused and took a sip from her glass. "I didn't know that he was cheating on me until I came home from work early and found him with some girl. One of his music whores. Anyway, since the divorce we hadn't gotten along well. We could barely be in the same room without arguing. I did love him at one time, he's Lindsey's father, and he didn't deserve this."

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

"I'm here for you Catherine," Warrick said seeing the tears well up in her eyes again. "I care about you. If you need anything...anything at all let me know."

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm right up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

"Can you just stay with me. At least until I fall asleep?" Catherine asked.

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to make it

I just might have a problem that you'd understand

We all need somebody to make it

"Of course," he answered. He helped her off the couch and as she leaned against him led her to the bedroom. He tucked her in under the blanket and slid in next to her. He protectivly put his arms around her while she cried yet again.

Lean on me when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on