A/N: Written a month or so back, so I can't account for quality. :P
Disclaimer: Nope. They still don't belong to me.
FanficAddiction: Well, you wanted another G/C story... :D
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Gil Grissom had once again be coerced into a night out with 'the guys.' Despite how much he tried to convince them he would be just fine staying in for the evening, his friends told him that it was their responsibility to make sure he got out into the 'real world' every once in awhile.
So he ended up in an overcrowded bar, feeling cramped and hot, counting down this minutes until he could get his ass out of there. Gil swirled his glass, watching as the liquid spiraled inside.
He was bored.
His eyes darted upward, scanning the room for possible escape routes. He'd had enough of the 'real world' for one night.
It was then that his gaze landed on a spunky redhead, dancing among the crowd.
She wasn't the most beautiful woman in the place, but there was something about her that attracted his attention. Her energy and liveliness somehow filled the room.
Maybe he could stay a bit longer.
He watched her for the better part of an hour, mesmerized by her presence. When she came in his direction, he tensed.
And he thanked God for his luck when the combination of her drinks, heels and plain clumsiness caused her to fall to the ground directly in front of him.
Immediately he went to her. Extending a hand, he offered his assistance. She gratefully took it, and he pulled her to her feet.
Smiling, she thanked him. Their gazes connected, and blue met blue. He shook her hand, as it was already in his grasp.
"Gil Grissom."
"Catherine Willows."
"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Willows."
She blushed, astonished by his politeness. "Well, thank you, Mr. Grissom." Catherine carefully removed her shoes and held them out to him. "You may want to hold onto these for me."
Gil nodded, taking them from her.
After holding his gaze for just a moment too long, Catherine smiled, turned, and headed back into the crowd, throwing a thankful glance accompanied by a parting wave over her shoulder.
Gil looked down at the stilettos in his hands.
He didn't know that in less than a month, on another 'guys night out,' he'd spot her dancing at the French Palace.
He didn't know that she would eventually come to work in the same building as him.
He didn't know she would end up his partner, and he didn't know she would become his best friend.
The only thing he knew was that he wanted to see her again.
And that he was going to keep the shoes.
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End
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