He just kept coming. Closer and closer he edged his way towards her. He never sped up, but he never slowed down. The pace was steady, slow, and calculating. Beady eyes never blinked; the round little face held her attention against her will. Her mind was ordering her to scream but she couldn't; the stare was hypnotizing in a weird way. The creepy little creature was almost to her. There was no way out. As if her body knew this was finally the end, she was able to scream.

The piercing, horror filled scream erupted from Catherine's throat and woke her up. Sitting up in bed, cold sweat pouring off her body, Catherine scooped in much need air into her body. Wide-eyed she looked around her bedroom and realized that it had in fact only been a dream. Well, not only a dream, a nightmare; but not a reality.

A few moments of calming breathes got her heart to normal and stilled her mind from racing. Catherine threw aside the covers and climbed out of bed. She made her way around the house and checked every door and window. It was rather ridiculous she told herself, but something that must be done. After the search had concluded that everything was locked up tighter than Ft. Knox; Catherine went back to her bedroom. She froze in the doorway and stared at her bed. It was as if the bed was the ultimate cause for the nightmares that had plagued Catherine for three consecutive days. It brought the creature to her.

Catherine's bed had always been a source of comfort. After the divorce from her scum-sucking ex, she'd gone out and bought a brand new bed. To her it symbolized a new start and each night she wouldn't be reminded of the countless times she'd gone to sleep with wounds of Eddie's wrath or cried herself to sleep. This new bed was of a woman that survived a horrible experience and had gotten out alive; she'd been scorched but arose a stronger, better person. And now the bed was once again becoming a place of fear. Granted the nightmares were nothing like the hell she'd faced before, but Catherine couldn't help but feel that nasty hole in her stomach beginning to grow once again from living in fear.

Catherine shook her head to rid such thoughts from her mind. She stepped into her bedroom and moved to the set of antique chest of drawers. Pulling out fresh panties, socks, and her absolute favorite night shirt, Catherine did what she'd done the previous days and stepped towards the shower.

The hot water and pleasant smelling soap didn't just wash away the sweat, but also calmed and soothed the jittered spirit and soul. Finished, Catherine dried off in a huge, fuzzy dark blue towel. The CSI loved the towels; they were the right topping to a delicious shower. The bathroom was done in dark blue; the color that relaxed Catherine the most. 'I wonder if that's one of the reasons I calm down when I look into Gil's eyes... because of the deep blue.' Contemplating this train of reasoning a bit, Cath shook her head in answer. "No it's because they belong to Gil" she answered out loud to the bathroom contents.

Catherine dressed in her night clothes and was finished with the buttons on the faded denim long sleeved shirt. It was actually Grissom's shirt that Catherine had swiped... sometime. She couldn't even remember when or how. But it was the garment that was pulled out in the desperate situations. Just the thought that Gil had once filled the shirt did wonders to calm and settle Catherine. She knew there was no use trying to sleep, it would just elude her. So it was decided that playing on the internet would be the activity to take Catherine's mind off her nightmare.

She'd found some interesting information, but surfing was beginning to grow tiresome. Switching off the computer, Catherine looked around her living room and searched for something to jump out at her and give her some idea of what to do next. Just then nature grabbed her attention. Going to the window, Catherine saw that it was raining gently. This brought a smile to her face. Catherine absolutely loved the rain. It didn't matter what she was doing, or what was going on, the rain put Catherine in a good mood. In fact everything could be going wrong: flat tire, dead cell phone, running into Ecklie, or putting up with Eddie; Catherine would still be smiling.

Ah, music. That was just what was called for. Going to her extensive and eclectic pile of music, Catherine perused through and found a CD she didn't know she had. Shania Twain's new CD "Up", the pop version was put in. Catherine did like some country, but at the moment she wanted something with a little more edge.

Notes floated out of the speakers and Shania sang about things looking up, getting a love good, women not being just a pretty face, and a restless river called Juanita that flows in women's veins. At this time Catherine had made herself some hot chocolate; her favorite drink to relax. At the moment she let her thoughts run randomly and was watching the rain move across the window in a wondrous painting that only nature could produce.

The next song started up, Catherine found herself swaying to the natural beat. The song was not just background noise, but had captured her attention.

In your arms I can still feel the way you want me when you hold me. I can still hear the words you whispered when you told me. I can stay right here forever in your arms... In your heart-I can still hear a beat for every time you kiss me. And when we're apart, I know how much you miss me. I can feel your love for me in your heart... In your eyes (I can still see the look of the one) I can still see the look of the one who really loves me. The one who wouldn't put anything else in the world above me. I can still see love for me in your eyes. And there ain't no way-I'm lettin' you go now. And there ain't no way-and there ain't no how. I'll never see that day...Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always, we will be together all of our days. Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face-always.

The song caused Catherine to smile. It was a lullaby of the heart that left a warm, sweet feeling behind; the feeling of love.

Catherine glanced at the clock and did a double take; it was almost time for work. Going back into the bathroom, Catherine put on a touch of make-up to her naturally beautiful face. The dark circles were noticeable but Cath just shrugged at this. She was not in the mood tonight to try and impress anyone. Keeping with this theme, a pair of jeans that were as comfortable as an old friend was selected. Catherine glanced down at the confiscated shirt; she didn't want to give this up. A white t-shirt was chosen for under the button down. Cath tied the long shirt in a knot at her waste. Deciding that she'd had enough of her hair in her face; the curly straw-berry blonde tresses were gathered up from the sides and placed in a small barrette on top. A few short pieces fell and framed the sides of Catherine's face. She looked casual, comfortable, and sexy all at once.

The brilliant lights of the famous gambling town twinkled brightly as the black Chevy cut through traffic. "Up" had been brought along and filled the SUV. Shania sang about love happening anywhere, anytime, a broken heart, and refusing to get back into a bad relationship. As before these songs were static in the background of Catherine's wondering mind and navigation of Vegas traffic. A slow, gentle song came up next.

I'll be there when you're sleepin' and every hour you're awake. I wanna hear your secrets-wanna share your worries. Wanna go the deepest-I don't wanna hurry. I wanna take a lifetime to memorize your face. Wanna hold you closer-kiss you longer. Wanna hear your heartbeat-stronger and stronger. Wanna know you all over. Till I know you by heart. Gotta know you with all that I got... Every feel of your fingers-every curl in your hair. Don't wanna miss a minute-wanna be right in it. Do everything you're doin'-go everywhere you're goin'. I wanna know you that good! Like no one knows you. Gonna reach way down deep in your mind. I wanna get to know you-wanna get to know. Wanna get to know you that good. Yeah, I wanna know you that good.

Catherine sighed as the song ended. She wanted to know Gil that good.

The rest of the team was already in the break room. Catharine was technically on time, but late compared to the usual time the CSIs got to work. Personal affects stowed away, Catherine joined her co-workers and friends.

Laughter greeted her as she stepped through the door. As she made her way to the dark stuff known as coffee, a chorus of greetings was sent her way. "Hi everyone." Catherine blew on the coffee and walked over to the couch where Gil sat alone. Nick, Warrick, and Sara had claimed the table. She sat down close to Grissom, close enough that their legs were touching and Gil automatically put his left arm around her shoulders. Catherine thoroughly enjoyed the close contact and snuggled down even more.

Nick stated the obvious, "We don't have a case."

Cath nodded, and then asked. "So what are we doing?"

Sara fielded this one. "Nick's regaling us with history. He thinks he's so cool since he took that Medieval Civ. Class."

Nick jumped to his defense. "I was only sharing."

"Yeah, right." Warrick teased back. Everyone laughed.

"Hey anyone can share what they like." Nick offered.

Gil jumped in and took the floor. "The most fascinating piece of history I've come across is the Christmas Truce of 1914. World War One had been going on for four months and there had been speculation that the war would be over by Christmas. Obviously that didn't happen and the troops had found themselves at a stalemate. Neither side could make any head way so trenches were dug and everyone set in for the long haul. A truce had been called for Christmas; both sides observed this. The night was quiet with the shell firing ceasing. The British troops heard singing and when they got brave enough to stick their heads over the edge they saw candlelight. One British troop recognized the melody of Silent Night that the Germans were singing. A few British troops joined in. Little by little both sides came out of their trenches and moved to greet each other. Names, handshakes, chocolates, pictures of loved ones, all exchanged. The dead French soldiers that littered the battlefield between the trenches were buried by both sides working together. Soon a game of soccer broke out. It was a day of celebration. As the day came to a close each side hoped that the foundation that had been laid would carry on. No such luck. The next day the shelling began again. The commanders on both sides learned what had happened and there wasn't another truce on Christmas, in the effort to prevent the armies from getting friendly with the enemy. Incidentally the span of land where this documented exchange took place was called No Man's Land."

Everyone was stunned. "Wow." Sara said, finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah." Warrick agreed.

Catherine just simply gazed at Gil. The story was amazing, but Grissom knowing it wasn't. The man was passionate about everything he did, everything he knew and was curious about.

"Whose turn is it now?" Nick inquired.

"I'll go," Catherine stated. "Since it'll be Valentine's Day in about an hour, I'll tell about that. My favorite story about Valentine's Day centers on the saint. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. When the emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied the emperor by marrying lovers in secret. When this was discovered, Claudius ordered the priest's death. Another legend has it that Valentine actually sent the first 'Valentine' greeting himself. While he was in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl-probably the jailor's daughter. Before his death, Valentine wrote her a letter and signed it 'From Your Valentine.' The truth behind the legends is not fully known, the heroic and romantic figure has certainly added his influence on the holiday."

"That's interesting." Gil offered.

Sara looked appalled. "It's not interesting, it's romantic. Where did you learn this?"

Cath replied. "On the 'net a few hours ago."

There was a long pause. Gil turned his head and maneuvered his wrist so he could see his watch. "Well, I think we've killed enough time. We all have paperwork to do. It's time we actually earn our pay."

The three young CSIs groaned as they got up and vacated to do as the boss said.

Catherine got up and stretched.

"I'll see you in a minute." Gil said. The two usually did paperwork together in Grissom's office.

As Catherine was leaving Gil took the opportunity to appreciate her snug jeans.

Just then Brass showed up and let out a low, short whistle.

"What's that line from that country song, 'Lordy mercy baby's got her blue jeans on?" Gil stated.

"You said it, brother," was all Brass had to say, and then was gone.

Gil was occupied with the paperwork when Cath made herself at home in the chair across from him. She just sat and watched him. He truly was a great-looking man she thought.

"Are you going to let me do all the paperwork?" Gil finally asked.

His voice sent a shiver down Catherine's spine. "You're doing a fine job. I think I'll just watch you." She couldn't keep the smile out of her voice or off her face.

Grissom just looked up at her over his glasses. All Catherine did was smile. Then she stood and maneuvered the chair over beside Gris. The two began the tedious work of clearing the 'In' box to the 'Out' box.