Gil was having a fantastic day. A tough case had finally broken, his neighbor's obnoxiously loud dog had been hit by a car (not his - he had witnesses) the day before, and a new book he had ordered more then a month ago had finally come in. He couldn't wait to get home and dig in without being distracted by barking every time a car drove by. Catherine came up beside him as he came out to the parking lot and walked toward his car.

"We're going out to breakfast. You in?" He weighed the options: rushing home to get started on his new book, or going out with the team to celebrate.

"Sure," he decided. "I'll meet you over there." He could always make an appearance and head out early.

Somehow it hadn't worked out like that. Usually when they went out as a group, Sara found a way to monopolize his time and conversation. This time, he ended up next to Nick with Sara down at the other end of the table, and he found it a completely different experience. Had someone asked him, he never would have said Sara was boring, but as the conversation continued, he found himself drawn in as he never had before. Nick had a different perspective and an easy sense of humor he couldn't deny. Slowly, the others left until it was just Gil and Nick. By the time Gil thought to check his watch, half the morning had passed, and he looked at the other man ruefully.

"I was planning on just putting in an appearance then heading home to read my new book. Guess that's all shot to hell." Nick glanced at his own watch, then let out a low whistle.

"Next time, just tell me to keep my opinions to myself! We'll be lucky to get five hours before our shift's up." They left the restaurant and walked to their cars. "Now don't stay up all day reading!" Nick admonished Gil.

"Don't worry - I'm crashing once I get home. But I may set my alarm a little early so I can check it out tonight." Nick laughed.

"That is all you, man. I'll see you tonight."

"'Night" came the distracted reply back.

That evening, Gil wasn't sure if things would change between them or not, but Nick just asked if he had gotten to his book, and that seemed to be it. Gil figured their easy closeness was a one time deal and put the whole morning in the back of his mind.