Disclaimers: Not mine
Spoilers: Inside The Box
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THE PERFECT FAMILY
(Chapter 16)
"What's wrong?"
Catherine looked up and shook her head with a laugh.
"What?" Grissom took the empty seat beside her on the porch swing.
"It's weird. You being so...caring."
"I thought you wanted me to be more personable?"
"I do. I said it's weird, not bad."
"So what are you doing out here?"
"Watching the sun set."
"The entire process?"
"It's the wait that makes the end so rewarding."
"Are we still talking about the sun setting or are we talking about something else?"
"What do you think I'm talking about?"
He looked away when she looked at him and shrugged. "Nothing."
"Grissom, if I remember correctly, I'm not the one who wanted to wait this one out."
"Ok, now I know we're definitely not talking about the sunset anymore."
"I talked to my mother."
"And?"
"It went...well."
"You don't sound too sure."
"No, I am. It actally went a lot better than most of our other conversations. We talked about Sam."
"That's a good start."
"Yeah."
"Does this mean you're going back to Vegas?"
"I don't know." Catherine shook her head. "A part of me wants to run home and a part of me wants to stay."
"Which part of you is winning?"
"Well it depends. Usually it's the part that wants me to stay. But when you're around, all I wanna do is run home and..." She trailed off, ending with a smile.
"It's flattering to know what a strong effect I have on you."
"I'm sorry I don't have as much self-control as you."
Grissom let out a soft chuckle. "This is harder for me than you think, Catherine."
She let her head drop onto his shoulder and hugged his arm tightly. "I'm afraid to stay, Gil. I don't wanna be here when she leaves."
"Your mother?"
"I don't wanna lose her again." Her voice was reduced to a barely audible whisper.
Not knowing what to say, Grissom simply kissed her hair and hoped his presence was enough comfort as the sun slowly began to set.
*To be continued*