Jim Brass had decided it was time to show Glyn some of the scenery around Las Vegas. On Saturday when he suggested that they spend Sunday around Lake Meade and at the Hoover Dam, her response had been, "You mean to tell me that I'm not scenery enough for you?" He had proceeded to show her what he thought of her scenery.

He began by admiring the green pools that were eyes. From there he explored the mysteries of her mouth, using his tongue as his discovery tool. Her neck was his next stop on the tour and from there he traveled into the valley between the mountains. His hands went on a recon mission over the mountains with his exploration tool, the tongue, following right behind. After he had successfully scouted the twin peaks, his hands were sent on another mission to her mystic wetlands. Satisfied with the report from his hands that the marshes had flooded, his tongue ventured into the steamy lowland. His explorations were very productive as he was rewarded with the savory juices of her inner delights. Finally, after his tongue had exhausted its ability to research, he employed a larger, more qualified tool to penetrate her darkest secrets. And penetrate he did; delving deep into her core until it erupted sending waves of intense heat and pleasure through both of them. He collapsed on the bed beside her, too satisfied and exhausted to move. An equally satisfied voice spoke softly into his ear, "You missed your true calling; you should have been a tour guide." He smiled as he drifted off to sleep.

So early on Sunday, they set out for a day of sight seeing. It began with a breakfast cruise on the Desert Princess. Jim enjoyed watching her watch the changes in the colors of the water as the sun climbed higher in the sky. In fact, he enjoyed watching her do anything. He found that he was spending a lot of his time just simply observing her. Her radiant green eyes mesmerized him. Consequently, he didn't see much of the landscape that surrounded them. After disembarking from the boat, they headed for the dam. Glyn was awed by its size as they drove across. Jim circled around and they found a place to park and walk it. As they reached the middle, she stopped to look down the canyon. "It's so beautiful, Jim. Are there any short trails we could walk? I'm enjoying being out of the city."

They found a trail nearby and started down. As they descended, Glyn slipped and fell backwards, knocking Jim down in the process. He slid into her, knocking her into a big rock just off the trail. She yelped as pain seared through her shoulder. "You okay?" he asked her.

"I think so. It just hurt when I hit the rock."

He stood, intending to help her up. But as she held his hand and started to rise her shoulder screamed painfully at the effort. Jim reached down and lifted her gently, trying not to jostle the shoulder. Carefully he pulled her shirt away to get a look at the damage. He was not happy about what he saw. "Come on," he grumbled, "we need to find you a doctor."

Jim was impatient at the Emergency Room. They weren't moving nearly fast enough to suit him. Glyn was in pain, he could tell, but trying not to let him see how much. He was holding her hand; the one attached to her good arm and again found himself lost in her gaze. He watched for signs of pain but found none. Instead he detected absolute trust. He was drawn into the depths of her emerald gems and surrounded by gentle warmth that he thought must have been a glimpse of heaven. She was comforted and comforting through the contact. His heart swelled with emotions for which there are no words and he knew that he was being given a magnificent gift. Everything that she was became his; her love, her trust, her passion…..her very soul belonged to him. He silently vowed that he would never do anything to make her regret it. He knew that that moment, the expression in her eyes, would be his source of strength for whatever else life had to throw at him. He wanted to stay there, in that instant for eternity.

Finally the doctor came in with his report. "Well, you dislocated it. That'll hurt to get it back in place but then shouldn't give you too much trouble, other than soreness." Jim was relieved. "But…" continued the doctor, "you also cracked the collar bone and have deep bruising in the humerus just below the shoulder. You'll need to keep the shoulder and arm immobile until the fracture and bruising has a chance to heal. Since the bones didn't actually separate, the recovery time should be just a few weeks. But you will be very sore for a few days."

Jim felt terrible. If he hadn't slid into her she would have been okay. The nurse brought in a pain subscription. An orthopedic assistant came in with a padded sling that he adjusted for her. Once he had her strapped in, the doctor returned to check on her. "Wear this all the time. Believe me, as uncomfortable as it is, it will feel better than going without it."

Glyn thanked him and Jim helped her stand. They headed for her house. Once she was settled in on her couch, he ran to get the prescription filled. Once back, he fixed them a late lunch. She took a pill and was asleep in minutes. Jim was miserable. Seeing her hurting so much pulled at his heart. He crept out of the room to call Gil and tell him that Glyn wouldn't be at work and why. By Gil's reaction, Jim knew that the cat was now out of the bag and soon everyone would know that he and Glyn had been dating. He made another call to let the station know that he wouldn't be there. Quietly he eased himself back on the couch, where he too fell asleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"So, Grissom….where's Glyn?" asked Greg as Gil headed into the nightly assignment gathering.

"What? Oh, Jim called and she fell and dislocated her shoulder. She's okay but very sore. I think she broke her collarbone too. Anyway, she's taking a few days off to heal."

"Wait….Jim called?" came from Catherine.

"Yes."

Catherine and Warrick exchanged knowing looks that the others caught.

"So….what?" blurted Greg.

"So, why did Jim call?" asked Catherine.

Grissom knew where this was headed and didn't really want to go there but thought the truth might be better than a night of speculation. "They had driven to Hoover Dam and she fell. He was with her so he was the one that called."

It was Nick's turn. "So….Glyn fell at the dam? And she was there with Jim?"

"I didn't know they were friends, even," chimed in Greg. "Wow, wonder what the detective's uncovered about Glyn?"

"Greg!" they all chided at once.

"Okay, can we get back to work, please?" Grissom began handing out the assignments.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Later that night Catherine poked her head around the corner to Grissom's office. "Gil?"

He looked up, easing his glasses off his face and setting them down on his desk; a sign that she was a welcome intrusion.

She ventured in closer and asked, "How about breakfast after we get off?"

"Sounds good. Where?"

"Your place. I'll bring the food."

"Okay. I'll see you then."

As she started for the door she saw him smiling and then shaking his head as he was sliding his glasses back on. Wonder what that was all about, she wondered.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Catherine showed up on his doorstep, groceries in hand. Gil let her in and took the bags from her as they walked to the kitchen. Following their breakfast ritual, the pans and bowls came out and the food prep was underway. Usually Catherine provided the small talk but this morning she seemed quiet. Gil wasn't sure what to make of that.

"So, Cath. What do you think is really going on between Jim and Glyn?' he ventured.

Catherine was surprised by his question. Grissom didn't usually engage in gossip. "I'm not sure exactly, but Warrick and I did see them in the parking lot one morning and they were pretty intense."

"Good intense?"

"Oh, yeah….." she sighed, a little jealous.

"Because he had told me awhile back that he was thinking of asking her out."

"Oh, I think they've been out together. And judging by the kiss I saw, I'd bet they've stayed in together too."

Gil shot her a slightly disapproving look but smiled just the same.

After they'd finished eating and gotten everything cleaned up, they settled in on his couch…another of their rituals. Finally Catherine mustered her nerve and began the conversation that she'd come here to have. "So Gil, I've been thinking…." She paused, feeling her courage leaving her.

"About what?"

"Sara Morris."

He eyed her suspiciously and sat quietly.

"And you. And I think I might have a solution. But I'm not sure you're ready to hear it."

"Why?"

"It would involve some big changes for you and you like everything all neat and organized."

"I like order in my life, yes." Her demeanor was making him really nervous.

"Okay, well…I'm just going to spit it out….but you need to pay attention and don't go nuts on me….."

"Catherine…." He was using his warning tone.

"Okay….here it is…..Gil, you need to, well damnit Gil, its time you got married."

Stunned doesn't adequately describe the condition of Gilbert Grissom at that moment. His jaw dropped, his eyes were wide open like a deer in the headlights, and his body was frozen. He wanted to speak but his mind couldn't muster words. Finally his heart started to beat again and his mind began to clear. How could she…why would she suggest such a thing? Doesn't she know that I'm still in love with Sara…..trying to get a life back? What can she be thinking? How dare she…..I don't want …." He was ranting to himself. And then his loneliness began to creep in. He had never really been lonely before but after Sara died, it seemed that loneliness had consumed him. A part of him was missing and he wanted desperately to feel whole again. He had gotten used to having someone to talk to after a long shift. Or just having someone there and words weren't necessary, just her presence gave him comfort. And having someone else to worry about, to need to be aware of where they were and what they were doing and know that they were worrying about him too. Knowing that he mattered to someone else. He missed those things. He ached for those feelings again.

Catherine watched his inner battle. She knew that her suggestion would rattle him. She hadn't realized how much. When she first thought of it, she thought he'd explode and spew and tell her to mind her own business. But watching him now, she thought he might cry.

His mind had disappeared into one of his trances. She waited for him to return. Regret was beginning to flood over her. It had been too much and now he was suffering. Just how close were they to marriage? She wondered.

Slowly his mind returned to the room. His eyes met her, floodwaters threatening to overflow. "Catherine, I don't…..why would…..I'm a mess right now. Who would….."

"Me." There, she'd said it.

He tilted his head slightly as his eyebrows furrowed. He studied her expression, looking for clues. All he saw was honesty. 'Why would you do that….I'm half dead. I have nothing to offer you and you deserve so much."

"Gil, we've been friends for a long time….good friends. You've always been there for me, even when I tried to make you go away. You've been the most steadfast, honest person in my life. You keep me balanced. You've been my biggest fan and at times my worst critic…..always pushing me to be a better person. And I like to think that I've tried to be there for you too. I don't always understand you and sometimes I give you grief but you're the best man I've ever known. We're good for each other. And I've tried the madly, passionately in love routine and I get burned every time. At times, I've felt sparks between us and I know you have too. But even if our relationship is only that we are best friends, well, a lot of good marriages are based on that. I'm tired of searching for some fantasy man that doesn't exist. I want a real man, and you are the most real, honest, and selfless man ever. And I think we could build a solid relationship. I know you're still in love with Sara and that you two had something special. I don't expect you to ignore that. But maybe, together, we would finally find some happiness. And with you married, fostering or even adopting Sara Morris becomes an option. She's good for you too. Seeing the two of you together, it's magic. You are good for each other. She deserves some happiness, someone in her life to take care of her and love her….show her that there is goodness in this world. And that someone is you. So that's why I'm asking you to marry me."

He sat quietly; too quietly for Catherine's comfort. She could tell that he was slowly digesting her words, trying to understand their meaning. He didn't look terrified, or sad, or well, anything really. His face was blank. His eyes were wide, childlike almost. The blue, intense and bright. If he looked anything, he looked lost.

Finally, he spoke again. "Cath, I can't seem to focus, to think….I understand what you're saying, I think. I just can't seem to grasp it. Could…..can we talk about this later? Come back to it later?"

"Sure, Gil….later." But she didn't believe he would ever bring it up.

She stood to leave and that seemed to shake him out of his daze. He stood too. His mind was still in a fog but an idea wormed its way through. "Cath?"

"Yes."

I'm new to all of this, but when a man and a woman discuss marriage, isn't there a kiss involved?"

"Well, Gil, one person discussed marriage. The woman. The man, as usual avoided the conversation by putting it off til later. But, what the hell……sure." This has got to be the most unromantic moment of my life, she thought.

He edged closer to her and leaned in. His lips were tentative at first, unsure of her response. Slowly he coaxed her lips open and slipped his inside. She felt like an electric shock ran from her mouth to the tips of her toes and then up her spine. His tongue was gentle, but insistent. He circled her tongue, teasing and exploring. She felt her knees weakening as heat waves crawled up her body. A small moan slipped out of her. She felt him catch his breath and then he slowly began to exit, his lips lingering on hers before finally losing contact. She looked up, expecting to see blue looking back at her. But his eyes were closed. There was serenity in his countenance that she had never witnessed before. She was afraid to move, afraid to break the spell.

"Honestly, Cath, I need to think. It would crush me if you were hurt. We will continue this discussion after I have a chance to clear my head."

She left in a daze. Damn, she thought as she climbed into her car, Geeks aren't supposed to kiss that good.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Grissom was nervous as he entered the lab that night. He wasn't sure how to act around Catherine. Should he say anything? Should he act like nothing happened? How is she going to act toward him? All these questions and more were running through his mind, so much so that he ran right into her in the hallway. "Ah, sorry Catherine," he was embarrassed.

"So where's your mind tonight, Bugman?" she smiled.

Swallowing was difficult but he managed one. "I think you know."

Her eyes softened. "Gil, I didn't mean to upset you like this. If it's too much…."

His heart was racing and his mind was foggy again. "No, I ……we'll talk later, not here. Cath….I …."

"Grissom!" Ecklie's voice erupted from the end of the hall.

He sighed deeply. "Later, Cath….we'll talk." He turned and walked toward the perpetual thorn in his side.

"Now what, Conrad?" he barked with disdain.

Catherine walked away, smiling at his continuing battle with politics.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was a busy night. All the CSIs were swamped. It seemed that the entire criminal population of Vegas was active. The criminalist's shift turned into two shifts and by the afternoon on Tuesday they all were dragging. Finally they were getting some breaks in their cases and all were preparing to go home and grab some sleep before the next shift in just a few hours. Gil was straightening the folders on his desk when Jim strolled in.

"Gil…..How ya doing?"

"Jim. You're working?"

"Yeah, they called me in this morning. Too many crooks, not enough cops. So here I am."

"Jim, I was just leaving. You don't have a case for me?"

"No, but I do need to talk to you for a minute…..if you've got time?"

"Yeah, just close the door. Maybe nobody will realize I'm still here. Have a seat."

Jim closed his door and then settled into the chair across from him. He took a deep breath and seemed to be reconsidering this visit.

"How's Glyn?" Gil started.

"Fine, getting restless. I'm sure she'll be back soon whether the doctor likes it or not."

"Good, we miss her. But Jim, how's Glyn and how are you?"

His smile started in his eyes and grew until it encompassed his entire face. Grissom thought he knew every expression in Jim's repertoire, but here was a new one…pure sap. He chuckled to himself as he realized just how far gone his friend was.

"She's fantastic and Gil, I….just….can't….help….myself." Gil thought he had the goofiest look ever. "I have to remember to breathe when she walks into the room. And my new favorite hobby seems to be watching her. We spend almost all our spare time together and it just never seems like enough. I admit it, I'm obsessed."

Gil had his head tilted but he straightened it and sat up in his chair. Softly, almost tenderly he commented, "you've got it bad, my friend."

"Yeah. I do. So bad that I'm thinking of popping the question. So, what do ya think, is it fair for a washed out old pig like me to ask an angel to spend the rest of his life with him? Thing is, well you know what my life has been like these past few years….and now there's this beautiful creature that seems to see something in me, something that I thought died a long time ago. But….." he drifted off into his thoughts.

Gil picked up on the worry behind his words. "Well, Jim, if she thought you were a washed out old pig, she'd never have gone out with you. But she's still there. We're two guys who for a very long time have had nothing but our jobs. I don't know about you, but lately, the job just isn't enough for me anymore. So, if you're asking for my advice, well….there's a brass ring dangling in front of you and if I were in your shoes, I'd grab it and hold on as tight as I possibly could."

Jim studied his friend's face. Gil had been through enough the last few months to know and understand what Jim was afraid of. Sara had been years younger too and Gil had to have wondered why she wanted him. Yeah, he was speaking from experience, Jim decided.

Gil was lost in his own thoughts. Sara had opened him up to so many possibilities, feelings he never knew he was capable of. And then she was gone. And now, he was being offered another chance. Why was he fighting it so hard?

Suddenly Jim seemed energized. "Well then, I have some shopping to do." He almost jumped out of his chair. "Wish me luck?"

Looking at the detective, Gil was really happy for him. He deserved happiness and maybe with Glyn, he would finally have it. "Of course, Jim. And as fantastic as Glyn is, she's a lucky woman."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

By Wednesday night the entire team was dragging. They had been slammed and as soon as one case would clear, another popped up. Consequently, Gil and Catherine had not been able to continue their conversation. He was walking into the lab as she was leaving, when he stopped her. "Catherine, got a minute?"

Startled, she followed him into his office. "Close the door," he said.

She closed it and leaned against it, more because she was tired than anything.

"We haven't had a chance to talk…." He began. Her eyes were focused on his. "And I didn't want you to think I'm ignoring it."

"I know, Gil. It's been a killer week. It's okay."

"Breakfast Saturday?" His eyes were almost pleading.

"Of course." She tossed him a quick smile as she turned to leave.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On Friday Gil told Catherine that he's planned a breakfast out. No cooking for either of them. It's been a hard week and they deserved to relax. She bought his story and planned a change of clothes for the breakfast date.

Saturday morning Gil drove them to the strip and then led her toward the launch site for the balloon rides.

"Where are you taking me, Gil?"

"Don't have to walk much farther, I promise."

He led her to the smaller balloon, which was already inflated. The pilot saw them coming and helped Catherine into the basket. Gil climbed in behind.

"Ready?" asked the pilot.

Gil nodded. Catherine was looking around. "Where are the tethers?" she asked.

"No tethers Catherine. We're going up."

The ride was a beautiful one. They were high over the city and then began heading toward the lake. Both were seeing Vegas in a totally new way. Things got a little bumpy and Gil took the opportunity to hold her but never made a move beyond that. Catherine was perplexed. What in the world is he up to, she wondered. This was totally un-Gil like.

The ride concluded as the balloon settled into a landing spot near the lake. After helping Catherine out of the basket, Gil led her away. "Gil, how do we get home? And where's my breakfast? I'm hungry."

"Not going home. Not yet anyway. And Breakfast is next," he said.

"Why's that limo over there, Gil? We're the only ones here."

"It seems we are." He replied as he led her to the limo. They climbed in and the car began moving. Once settled, Gil turned to her. "Having a good time?" His eyes were sparkling. Mischief was written all over his face.

"Yes, I am. But where's my breakfast?"

The limo pulled up to the dock for the paddle wheelers. Once on the boat, they found the breakfast buffet and chose a table away from the crowd. She was still trying to figure him out. What had gotten into him?

"The clues are all around you, Catherine. Follow the evidence."

Damn, he reads me so well. "What are you talking about, Gil? I'm not up for one of your puzzles."

"Cath….soaring, no tethers….romantic champagne breakfast, limo….doesn't that suggest something to you?"

Oh God, I'm stupid, she chastised herself. Her eyes grew wide as the implications set in. And now she had ruined it, for both of them.

"Catherine, I've given a lot of thought to your…suggestion. I still don't understand why you think this is good for you, but ….I know this much; if we're going to talk about a lifetime together, I want it to be about us. I want you to know that whatever else comes our way, You Catherine will always be first. I don't want our relationship to be about Sara Morris. And while we've known each other for years, we've never dated. I think we need to explore that side of things. If we do marry, I don't want half of a marriage….I want it all."

Catherine was speechless. Did he just say what I thought he said? I'm dreaming….

He continued, "I want a courtship. At least a short one."

She was studying his face. Yes, he's serious. He did just say all that. A courtship? What is that all about? Her eyes settled on his lips as she remembered his kiss the other night.

He was studying her face as well, especially her lips. He leaned toward her, his hands sliding up her cheek. Their lips met, gently at first. Slowly their lips parted and their tongues began to explore. Her hand found the back of his neck, her fingers intertwining with his curls. She felt his desire in the kiss, something that surprised her totally. She knew the fantasies she's gone to sleep with over the years, but was not expecting the same feelings from him. Once again he slowly disengaged from her mouth, lingering on her lips before settling back in his chair. His eyes were glittering, as were hers. For a moment they were in their own world. "Does that answer your question?" he smiled.

"Courtship?'

"Yes."

"I've never been 'courted' before. I've dated, but….."

"And now you're going to be courted. I'm going to 'woo' you, my dear. It will do you no good to resist. You're going to be treated as you should be, with adoration, honor and respect."

"Gil, where is all this coming from?"

"I've watched you all these years Cath, and you're always undervaluing yourself with men. Remember when I was so upset with you over the Novack case? I hated that he hurt you like he did…I was so angry that you put yourself in that position. You said it was an accident but it never should have happened. It's like you don't think you deserve to be treated better. You're smart, fun, caring, honest, and unbelievably sexy. You deserve to be cherished, not abused. And if nothing else comes of this, I'm going to prove that to you."

As she listened, she felt ashamed. He was right. From Eddie, to Chris, to Novack and all the men in between, she had set herself up to get used. And everytime Gil had been there to help her pick up the pieces. She knew he wasn't pleased with her behavior and sometimes was outright pissed, but it never stopped him form being there. How could she expect him to see her as anything but easy, the way other men saw her. But he never treated her that way. Always, he saw something better in her. She remembered when they had first met and he watched her dance. He never looked at her the way other men did. When he was there, she'd pretend that he was the only one in the room and she was dancing for him. Others might look at her with lecherous eyes, but his expression never reflected such thoughts. In fact, he tended to watch her eyes more than her body. Had he been in love with her back then? How could she have missed that? Was it possible that maybe he still felt that way about her; after all of her screw ups over the years?

The boat docked and the two made their way back to the limo. He sat next to her. "So, tonight….dinner?"

"Of course."

"Wear something nice, we'll go someplace special."

She smiled at how easy this seemed for him. Gil was never at ease about social situations. She had noticed over the years that he never went out with the same person more than a couple of times, except probably Sara of course. She had always assumed that once the ladies got past the initial fascination that all women seemed to experience about him, they got tired of his ineptness. Now she was beginning to wonder if he wasn't the limiting his exposure.

He was watching her as she thought. She was someplace far away. He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. "You're very far away," he whispered.

"Just thinking about all the times you picked me up and put me back together."

'Cath, you did the work. I was just there to help."

"Maybe, but you were there….like no one else has ever been for me. I'm not sure I always appreciated how important you are to me."

"As you are to me, Cath. You're the only one that picked up on my hearing loss, and you were there for the surgery. And whenever things were bad….on cases, or with Ecklie, or me just having a bad day. And you encouraged me about Sara and then were there when she died. I couldn't have made it without you, you know."

Her hand found his and he lifted it to his lips, gently kissing it before returning it to her. Their eyes met and once again they found themselves kissing. His lips left hers to find her neck. He nibbled his way up to her ear. Then he stopped for a moment, drawing a deep breath. "Catherine, do you have any idea what you have been doing to me all these years?"

She blinked. What did he say? All these years? "What have I done to you?'

"Well, there's the way you've teased me with that great tush of yours. You put extra wiggle in it, didn't you…everytime you were in front of me." He was teasing her with his eyes as he talked. "And when you were dancing, it felt like you were dancing for me. I'd sit there, desperately trying to keep things under control, and after you married Eddie I'd be sitting there with him." His expression grew dark. "I hated him. It sickened me the way he treated you. I had to stop coming to your shows because I was afraid I'd kill him. Remember your eval last year and we were talking about how you found out Sam Braun was your father? And then you told me about his check? Later that night, you were heading out for unfinished business. I was with Sara then but I wanted to be your unfinished business so bad that it hurt." He kissed her again, deeply and very passionately.

"I had no idea, Gil. Why didn't you ever say anything….do anything?"

'"Never the right time. You were with Eddie, and then you were getting over Eddie, and then he died. And there were those other guys….and then there was Sara."

They were back in the city now and closing in on the lot where he had parked. "But that's all in the past, Cath. Let's try to focus on the future."

He drove her home. Her hand rested on his thigh the whole way except when he took it to nibble. He walked her to the door and gently kissed her. "I'll pick you up at seven." And then he was gone. "Wow," exhaled Catherine. "Where did he come from?"