"Cake is quite the aphrodisiac." She spoke through a mouthful of cream, watching as he entered his office.

"Catherine."

"Gil." She smirked cheekily back, imitating his tone. Sticking out a tongue she refocused her attention back to her dessert, licking the corner of her mouth. He eyed her for a minute before shaking his head in amusement. Taking a seat at his desk, Grissom wearily glanced at what was left of Lindsey's cake sitting on top of his out bin.

"Are you trying to eat this all?"

"I know." she looked up with a pout, a forkful midway to her mouth. "I'm going to regret this tomorrow." Nonetheless, she continued as he looked on, a frown now gracing his boyish face.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Oh, I don't know. I've never known a woman to eat an entire cake meant for 15 children before." Amusement obvious in his voice, his eyes followed her movements, watching her stand up and walk over to him…or rather, the cake.

Catherine shrugged and picked up the plastic knife cutting another slice around the `S' in her daughter's name, "I didn't want it to go to waste."

He nodded, and leaned back in his chair, intertwining his fingers before settling them in front of his chest. "You shouldn't take kids too seriously, Catherine. I'm sure Lindsey would have been happy to celebrate."

"I'm sure." She echoed back, her voice now laced with annoyance, "Because you've dealt with moody little girls before."

"Well no, I---"

Unfortunately for him, he had yet to learn that after more than ten years of friendship, most times, he should just keep his mouth shut. Blinking rapidly, he slowly lifted a hand to take off his cake covered glasses, and licked his lips, his taste buds going into overload. Okay, she was feeling a little feisty and daring tonight.

"Delicious." He managed out, deciding whether or not to retaliate.

"I thought so, thanks, hon, I really needed that."

"Letting your frustration out?"

Pointing a finger, she affectively stopped him from going on. "Don't start, I'm annoyed as it is, I'm ruining my child's life and I just ate enough cake for 15 children."

"Well, at least it was *good* cake." He let out a short laugh, pushing his chair further away from her as she reached her hand down for another assault. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I've had enough dessert for today."

Sighing heavily, she gave him an apologetic smile before handing him a napkin. Looking down at her wristwatch, her nose wrinkled in concentration before muttering, "Greg should have my sample done by now."

Wiping some frosting from his face he silently observed her heavy shoulders as she made her way to the door. "Cath."

She stopped but didn't answer.

"You're a cool mom, trust me on this one."

She turned her head to look at him, "cool?"

"Cool." He stated again for conviction. "Look, she's just having a tough time because of what you and Eddie are going through. But considering the circumstance, I'd have to say that she's a great kid, thanks to you."

"But `cool'?" She asked again.

"Told me herself, I called her to wish her happy birthday." Gil shrugged as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do, to call her child.

And if it wasn't for the complications in their life and most of all, her impending divorce with Eddie, she almost considered walking up to him to express the love she knew he deserved. She didn't follow through however, but instead chose to give him a safe, thankful smile before walking out and softly closing his office door behind her.

Not now anyways.

Catherine grinned as she headed to the DNA lab, a slight spring now present in her steps. Her daughter thought she was `cool', all thanks to her enigmatic bugman. She let out a chuckled, remembering his words and her instant reaction. Perhaps she should have laid that sloppy kiss on him, screw all office protocol. Well, there was always Lindsey's next birthday.

---

haha! Yup, I ended it there. Although, if you guys bug Krista to write another chapter of Collide, perhaps I will consider continuing 'Coalesce'. hee.