Hey guys. Sorry it's taken me a while. My dongle decided it was gonna block (which really pleased me lol) but Bette's been playing up a little bit. But here's the next part. I lied about the number of chapters to come. There's probably gonna be one more after this.

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Gil Grissom stirred, the early morning sunlight rousing him from his slumber. The motion caused him to become aware of the pounding in his head and the dryness of his mouth, prime indicators of an approaching hangover. He groaned softly before opening his eyes, blinking a few times. Feeling movement next to him he glanced down, his gaze coming to rest on Catherine's still sleeping form.

Her head rested on his chest, hair fanned out across her shoulders, her body moulded to the side of his and one arm draped over his abdomen. For a split second he was confused, until the memories of the previous evening washed over him, and a smile spread across his face.

She looked so beautiful and peaceful, he was overcome with the desire to touch her, just to make sure she was real and not just a figment of his hung-over brain. Reaching out his free hand, he lightly brushed an errant strand of strawberry blond hair away from her face, securing it behind her ear. The motion caused her to awaken, stretching her lithe body, pressing it against his briefly before her eyelids fluttered and her deep blue eyes opened, instantly meeting his.

"Hi." Gil was rapidly becoming addicted to the new, husky tone of her voice.

"Hi," he repeated with a smile. As she shifted her head, her hair fell away from her shoulder. His smile faded instantly as his gaze was drawn to the fresh bite mark that marred her porcelain skin. It was angry and red, with tinges of purple beginning to creep in round the edges. He brought his fingers up to lightly trace it. "God Catherine I'm so sorry… I… I didn't mean to…"

"It's ok Gil. It didn't hurt." She smiled wryly at his pointed look. "Ok, it hurt a little, but in a good way. I mean, last night… God Gil it was… it was…"

"Mind-blowing?" he supplied, mimicking his words from the previous evening, causing her to giggle and bury her head into his chest. He tightened his arms around her, pressing a tender kiss to her hair. After a few moments her laughter subsided and she tilted her neck so she could look at him.

"What happens now?"

He regarded her for a moment.

"Whatever you want to happen."

Catherine rolled her eyes, frustration building in her chest.

"That is so you. That is such a 'Grissom' response." She slid from his arms and wrapped the sheet around her before standing, gathering her clothes and heading for the bathroom, shutting the door with a loud click.

A few minutes later Catherine reappeared, fully clothed. Gil sat up and watched as she slipped into her heels and scooped her jacket from the floor.

"Where are you going?"

She paused in the doorway, her hand resting on the doorknob.

"Home. I need to shower and do some chores before Lindsey gets home from school. I suggest you figure out what you want Gil. You know where I am when you decide." And with that she shut the door, leaving Gil alone with his thoughts.

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Enjoy!!!! (don't hate me)

Lily
-x-