It was 10:00 and the party was in full swing. Catherine's sister was dancing with Nick, while Warrick danced with Sara. Catherine, Gil, and Brass stood off to the side watching and trying to ignore Greg who was "dancing" with Lindsey right next to them. He held her at his side, bouncing around, waving his free arm around wildly, and head-banging. She was mimicking his actions and laughing, both moving completely against the rhythm of the music. Catherine rolled her eyes, then turned back to Grissom and Brass. The song ended, and the four people dancing bowed to the clapping of the observers. The next one began, and upon recognizing it, Catherine's eyes lit up.

"I'm sorry Jim, but I'm not gonna sit this one out, and I do believe it's time for Gris to get out on the dance floor."

Jim gave a dismissive wave of his hand, chuckling at the slightly horrified look on Grissom's face as he was dragged out to the makeshift dance floor. Seeing his terror, Cath's head fell back in laughter. She put a hand on his shoulder and placed the other in his. His free hand automatically found her waist, and despite his discomfort, he began to move with her to the music. Despite what people assumed, he was a surprisingly good dancer. Of course anybody could dance with Catherine, her ability to move to the music seemed to radiate and affect whomever it was holding her in his arms. But Grissom was also a fairly gifted dancer, moving and spinning her proficiently, something that shocked their friends watching them together.

"So what exactly is it about this song that you just had to dance to?"

"Are you kidding? Listen to it."

He obeyed, focusing on the lyrics of the song.

Grissom pulled her a fraction of an inch closer as the lyrics sunk in. Leaning down, his hot breath tickled her ear.

"This is a really good song."

She shuddered involuntarily, her hand sliding across his shoulder to rest at the nape of his neck and play with the short gray hairs.

"Exactly. And looking at our companions, I'm thinking it's rather appropriate."

"Why?"

"Look around, Gil."

He turned from her gaze to see their friends watching intently. Nick whispered something to Warrick who studied the couple dancing, then nodded. They felt like a piece of evidence under a microscope, and it was pretty obvious from the smiles on the young faces what they were thinking. The corner of his mouth lifted, his fingers tracing unknown patterns on her back.

"So what do you say..."

At his raised eyebrow she smiled wickedly, and leaned so that her lips grazed his ears as she spoke.

"Want to really give them something to talk about?"

His initial response of embarrassment was squelched when he saw that along with the mischief in her eyes he also saw the love and affection that mirrored what he had felt for her for so long. Smiling, he leaned forward until their mouths were mere centimeters apart.

"Yeah..."

Their lips met, although they almost couldn't feel it. Hearing the collective gasp from the onlookers, Catherine smiled against his mouth. Grissom happily took the opportunity to let his tongue slip confidently past her lips. Determined to take Catherine by surprise, he pulled her even tighter against his body and deepened the kiss. He knew that everyone, including Cath, would expect him to be timid and awkward. But, like his dancing, he showed that he wasn't lacking in non work-related talents. She returned the kiss fervently, and when they finally pulled away, it was only to breathe. Gil reached up to brush a lock of hair behind her ear, his hand lingering to caress her cheek.

"Happy birthday, Cath."

Her face lit up, and her brilliantly loving smile was his only response. She turned to face the gaping guests, his arms remaining around her waist.

"Okay, who wants cake?"