Trial and Error

            Catherine smiled to herself as she passed the window to her supervisor's office, she couldn't help it.  Grissom wasn't immersed in his tarantula tanks, as he usually was when not working a case.  Instead he had his head on his desk and was quite clearly asleep.

            Closing the door silently behind her, Catherine thought how strange it was to see Grissom sleeping.  He was always so tireless in his search for the truth, always so in control.  Showing weakness wasn't his style.  And yet, here he was, asleep, when he was supposed to be handing out the night's assignments.

            Crossing the room noiselessly, Catherine hopped onto Grissom's desk.  She sighed.  It seemed a shame to wake him, he looked so peaceful:  all the worries of life just melted off him.  Besides she was enjoying the feeling that watching the soft rise and fall of his back had aroused.

            It was with some reluctance that she leant over and shook him roughly by the shoulder.  She couldn't help the small laugh that escaped as Grissom sat up suddenly, blinking his tiredness away and taking in the situation.  The look on his face was priceless.

            Grissom awoke suddenly to a rough touch and annoyance swept through him.  The wave subsided, however, when he realised who it was who had roused him and noticed the soft smile on Catherine's lips.  Readjusting his glasses, he attempted to return the smile but couldn't prevent the yawn that replaced it.

            'Rough day?'

            Grissom nodded.  'I was catching up with an old friend.'

            'Must have been some talk.'

            'We had a lot to discuss.  I haven't seen her since high school.'  Grissom nearly missed the fleeting disappointment that crossed Catherine's face and couldn't stop the thought that popped into his head; did she feel the same?  He tried to push it out of his mind but the way Catherine was perched on his desk was making his temperature rocket.

            'She was your friend?  Why so rough then?'

            'She still hasn't forgiven me.'  Grissom was deliberately evasive; he didn't want Catherine to know that he had met up with an ex-girlfriend.

            'For what?'  Asked Catherine, placing a hand on the desk and leaning closer to her supervisor.

            Grissom tried desperately to look indifferent to her movement, but he could feel the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.  He found it suddenly difficult to breath as his chest tightened and the low-cut blouse that Catherine had donned wasn't helping.  Forcing himself to keep his gaze on her face, Grissom realised he was expected to answer.

            'I didn't have much time for dating back then.'  Oh dear, had he said that out loud?  He hadn't meant to say that, it had just slipped out.  Strange, the effect this woman had on him, that she could distract him so much that he would say something without meaning to.  He could let anything slip.

            'You mean you stood her up.'  Catherine laughed softly.

            Grissom couldn't see the humour in it but the laugh sent a pleasant shiver down his spine.  He had always thought Catherine had a beautiful smile; there was something special about it, especially when it was directed at him.  It was great to see her smiling again, it had pained him to see her so downhearted over her problems at home.  She deserved better, she always had. . .

            'Grissom?'

            Jolted from his thoughts, Grissom found that the gentle laugh had been replaced by a concerned frown.

            'Grissom, did you hear what I said?  The operation did work, didn't it?'

            'Yes, I was just thinking.'  His cheeks felt warm; she was concerned about him.

            'About what?'

            'Nothing in particular.'  He dismissed the subject and leant back in his chair, trying to act normal.  'What did you say?'

            'I asked if it was she who gave you that bruise.'  Catherine pointed at Grissom's jaw.

            Automatically Grissom raised his hand and winced as his fingers brushed the discoloured skin.  He smiled shyly.  'I'd forgotten her quick temper.'

            'And her quick hand by the looks of it.'

            'Its nothing.'  Grissom knew he was being stubborn, but he didn't want Catherine to worry about him; he wanted another emotion.  He gave her a reassuring smile but she didn't seem convinced.

            However any reply she could have made was lost as the door opened and Warrick stuck his head in.  Grissom fought to stop his embarrassment at being caught like this with Catherine showing.  Warrick, it appeared, didn't see anything wrong with the situation.

            'Yo boss, you gonna hand out the cases?'

            'I'll be right there.'

            Warrick nodded, retracted his head and closed the door again.  Grissom looked back at Catherine, who still wore a slight frown.

            'Shall we?'  He gestured to the door.

            Catherine eyed him suspiciously but gaze also held a hint of worry.  Their gazes locked for a few seconds, then she shrugged and jumped from the desk.

            Grissom sighed as he watched her leave.  Was it relief that this sticky situation was over?  Or was it disappointment that nothing had come out of it?