Natural Progressions

Disclaimer: Mine no! CBS, Anthony Zuiker et al Yes! Pity :o( "You're Still The One" belongs to Shania Twain.
Author's Note: Blame Billy, Marg and Shania for these little pieces. They keep Acting these out in my head! Have only seen up to LHB so don't Know how accurate I am on some things so please be kind!
Dedication: To Jac for picking up the slack because Aby was too ill to beta. To Vividlyblue1 for being my inspiration.


Chapter 20: You're Still The One

(When I first saw you, I saw love. And the first time you touched me, I felt love. And after all this time, you're still the one I love.)

Catherine sat in the chair; tears streaming down her face unchecked as she looked at the pale still form lying on the bed. God how could this have happened?

Warrick, Nick, Sara and Jim Brass all stood nearby, they were as dazed and shocked as she was. None of them knew what to do or say. In all the commotion of the arrest they hadn't realised Grissom had been pushed out into the road; even Gil hadn't noticed himself. Then they'd all heard Catherine screaming.

The car driver didn't have a chance to stop, he'd hit Grissom full on, flipping him up onto the bonnet, and then he'd rolled off to land on the road with his head resting on the sidewalk. It had happened in seconds but played out over an eternity in their minds.

The sound of Catherine's sobbing was disturbed by a weak voice, "Hey there," it whispered, "what's all the tears for?"

She jumped to her feet and ran around the bed to grab at Grissom's uninjured arm, "Oh God, Gil," she said between sobs, "I thought I'd lost you for good this time."

Grissom gave a lopsided grin and then winced, "Didn't I tell you I was difficult to get rid of?" he asked her.

"Griss," Warrick said from the opposite side of the bed, "man you had us all scared." He had no idea where he could touch the older man without hurting him so he just kept his arms at his side.

"The things some people will do to get attention," Brass muttered joining the others crowding around the blue-eyed man's bed, but they could all see how relieved the detective really was.

"What happened?" Grissom asked, surveying the damage to his body as best he could, "I remember trying to hold on to Jessop and being pushed out of the way, then nothing."

'That's pretty good, actually,' Catherine thought, finally managing to still her tears but wearing a stupid grin in their place. "You were hit by a car," she told him, "when Danny Jessop pushed you, you were propelled into the road and there was nothing the driver could do."

His look of surprise showed he remembered nothing of it, which was just as well. He'd not been a pretty sight when they'd wheeled him into Emergency Room and would have been in a lot of pain if he'd been conscious.

"What's the damage?" he asked almost nonchalantly, he noticed the shocked looks on the faces around him, but didn't really think any of them should be that surprised. He always got straight to the point of things and didn't see any reason to treat this situation any differently. Grissom was always direct.

"They operated to fix your leg and your arm," Sara answered, seeing no one else was prepared to, "you've got some pins in both. You've also got some cracked ribs on your right side, a concussion as well as severe abrasion on your face, neck and shoulder," she gave him a cheeky smile as she added, "you really don't believe in doing things by half do you?"

He chuckled at that and then winced again, not the smartest of things to do with the punishment his body had taken, but he appreciated Sara's attempt at humour. He looked up at Catherine, she saw the anguish and uncertainty in his eyes and knew what his next question would be and he didn't disappoint her, "How long do I have to be here?"

The others stared at him and he felt so petulant and childish but he hated hospitals, finally Nick answered him, a slight hint of anger in his voice, "After all you've just been through and worrying us silly for the last eight hours you're worried about a stay in hospital?" he couldn't believe his boss, but Catherine could.

"They want to access you for the next forty-eight hours and then you'll probably be here for another two weeks," she told him, waiting for the explosion but it didn't come, probably, only because the others were standing there. Catherine knew just how much Gil Grissom hated being dictated to and what would be the probable outcome of this whole fiasco.

"If you're a good boy they'll let you home then providing you have someone to stay with you and give you the help you'll need till the casts come off."

Anger replaced dismay; he hated having people run after him and having to do things their way because they were helping him. Whenever he was sick, which was mercifully very rarely, he was the type who just hid himself away in bed until he was better and then let on to others that he'd been ill. Anyone fussing over him got on his nerves and it was one way to see Grissom lose his temper very easily. Catherine didn't think the team knew just how stubborn and obstinate their boss could be.

"Be realistic, Gil" Catherine chided him, she wouldn't have him throwing a fit already, he needed time to adjust," You're right handed, although not predominantly so, but that's where the casts make things difficult. It's from your fingers to your bicep," she traced the length of the cast on his arm, his eyes following her every move, "and your right leg is also in plaster so you won't be steady enough to be left on your own," she smiled at him watching him absorb his reality check. "You're going to need help whether you like it or not so accept it graciously."

He didn't want to admit it but he knew she was right, besides he didn't want his subordinates to see how childish he could be over a simple thing like this he had his position to maintain.

Nodding he admitted defeat, just as a young chirpy nurse came bounding into the room. Taking all of them in with a glance she told them in no uncertain terms, "There are just too many people in here, I'm afraid you'll have to leave," she began fussing with the bed covers, not seeing Grissom's face flush with anger. "Mr Grissom needs his rest after the rigors of his operation."

It was the worst thing the girl could have done, she was really putting the older man's back up with this attitude, it was just what he'd been afraid of. Catherine placed her hand in the centre of his chest and frowned at him. When he looked up at her she shook her head, silently begging him to keep his cool just till they got this girl out of his room.

"No problem," Nick answered affably, "I have to go update Greg on your condition, for some reason he was very worried about you," he glared at his boss as he began digging his car keys out of his pants pocket, "I'll call later to see how you're doing." And with that he left.

"Yeah," Warrick agreed, "we'd better go, we're still on the clock and the Sheriff will bitch if we log up too much overtime," Sara and Brass nodded and left with him saying they'd see Grissom later.

The nurse looked at Catherine, clearly she felt the older woman had been there long enough and should leave her patient alone to get over the excitement of the day, but the strawberry blonde didn't budge an inch. The young nurse was about to make a comment to that effect when she saw the hostility bristling in Catherine and Grissom's eyes all directed at her. Thinking better of it she simply left.

"That's just the sort of high handedness I hate," Grissom muttered. There had to be someway of getting out of here quicker or he'd go mad. Just staying one night was going to kill him, but two weeks! That was the living end.

"Gil Grissom," Catherine chided him, "don't you even think about it," she snapped. She knew exactly what he was capable of but after the fright he'd given all of them tonight she was having none of it. "I know exactly what you are trying to plan and I won't have it, hear me?"

Shaking his head ruefully, feeling once again like a small boy being chastised by his mother for bad behaviour, he admitted defeat. Surely two weeks couldn't be that bad?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

He had been very wrong. The two weeks he spent in hospital had been the worst of his life. It had been absolute torture, the young chirpy nurse had made it her mission in life to make sure that Mr Grissom did everything exactly as the doctors told him too, which meant he had no freedom what so ever and it drove him insane. It was so bad that even Catherine and Lindsey's visits were hard pushed to elevate his moods and finally the doctor relented and let him out after only ten days.

On top of this young nurse it had been one long round of doctors and nurses poking and prodding him until Grissom had found it very difficult to keep his temper and be civil but he was mindful of how Catherine would react if he caused a fuss and didn't want his team to think him childish when they visited him either. The main problem was that in hospital there was no privacy, you never knew when someone would walk through the door and that to a man like Gil Grissom was intolerable.

On the morning he was being released he was so anxious to be out of there that he was pacing the room when Catherine arrived, straight from work, with fresh clothes and transport. Once he had dressed; with her help something that annoyed him but he didn't show it not wanting to upset her, and signed the release papers; well scrawled an approximation of his signature with his left hand, he was more than eager to leave. He eyed the wheelchair with deadly animosity but meekly complied when Catherine glared at him, he could take some things just a little too far.

When he was safely ensconced in one of the work's Tahoes he finally began to relax. Catherine hid a smile as she heard his breathing return to normal and saw the tension ease out of his shoulders.

"The Sheriff has graciously sanctioned our use of this vehicle for unofficial purposes for the duration of your convalescence," she told him as they headed out of the parking lot, "he thought it'd be easier on you since it's high and spacious," she watched his reaction in her rear view mirror as well as keeping her eye on the road.

Grissom's eyes widened in surprise, he and Brian Mobley rarely saw eye to eye on anything and with the Sheriff's recent penny-pinching ways he hadn't expected such generosity, though he was grateful. Transport meant he didn't have to be cooped up in doors all the time.

"Well you were technically hurt in the line of duty after all," Catherine reminded him, smiling at his bemusement.

"So, what's the plan now?" Grissom asked her knowing her well enough that she would have worked out everything to do with his rehabilitation.

"We're staying at your place for now," Catherine informed him noting his surprise, "I know I have more rooms but yours are better sized and it's not as if Lindsey doesn't know we're sleeping together. Plus your bed is a better size and your shower is larger so that will work better as well," she smirked wickedly at him, "I wouldn't want to crush you when you're at such a disadvantage."

He chuckled at her devilment, but he had to give her due, there was more space at his townhouse. He also admitted to himself that it felt good to be going to his own place while he was in this mess. Although he spent most of the time at Catherine's with her and Lindsey, when he was out of sorts familiarity helped heal a lot of wounds.

"What about Lindsey?" he asked concerned, "my guest room isn't exactly spacious, will she be all right in it?" 'God,' he thought, 'it doesn't even have a bed in it just now.'

"Nick and Warrick helped set up a camp bed in it yesterday," Catherine assured him, he caught sight of her infectious grin and began to relax as she added, "besides, she's looking forward to spending time with you and your bugs." She shuddered involuntarily at the thought. It was the one thing about his townhouse and lifestyle she couldn't tolerate, his pets or his pests as she referred to them. Grissom chuckled louder at her reaction and then grimaced at the pain it caused him, his ribs were still tender.

Her next words stole away his good humour, "I've hired an agency nurse to be with you while I'm working," she could feel his anger growing without even looking at him, the thought of having a stranger in his house, especially right now, was abhorrent to him, "He won't do any of the personal stuff," she assured him, "I'm saving that for me," that got her a small tight smile, "he's just a precaution. You're going to find it difficult to do even the most simple of tasks and I'm not going to worry myself sick over what you're getting up to while I'm not there."

Eyes flashing with unresolved anger, he none the less agreed with her. It made sense he couldn't depend on Lindsey and Catherine to do everything for him it just wasn't fair to even ask. He also found that what he couldn't put up with for himself, he could if it made Catherine happy.

The first few days were a struggle, getting into a routine took time and it didn't help that Gil was so stubborn. Like one morning when Catherine came home from work, she'd just said goodbye to Eric, the nurse and got Lindsey off to school, so she decided to catch a few hours sleep lying beside a somnolent Gil, he looked so relaxed and happy while he slept, all the worry lines seemed to disappear.

It was his whispered curses and the beds slight rocking that woke her. She sat and watched as he struggled valiantly for a few moments trying desperately not to laugh before asking, "Gil, what are you doing?"

Grissom jumped, he'd thought she was still sleeping and felt guilty that she wasn't, "Sorry," he said repentantly, "I didn't mean to disturb you."

She smiled and moved to sit beside him on the edge of the bed. "Not your fault you're clumsy just now," she assured him, assessing the situation before her. It was so unusual to see him so ungainly he was normally so lithe and graceful. "I take it you want to have a shower?" she asked.

He'd managed to get his robe, towel and a bag to cover the cast on his arm. That was what he'd been fighting with when she'd awoken. He couldn't get it tied so that the moisture couldn't get through to the plaster. He smiled sheepishly and nodded.

"Okay then, I've got it all worked out," Catherine informed him. She stood in front of him and bent down to tie the bag around his arm, her nightdress falling forward and exposing her breasts as she did so. She caught the change in his expression but didn't react to it. 'So,' she thought, 'he's feeling better. The painkillers must finally be doing there job.'

Then she walked to the closet and pulled out a larger blue coloured bag, "Courtesy of Al Robbins," she told him and proceeded to cover the cast on his leg with it. It needed protection as well. Helping him to his feet, she gave him the cane the hospital had provided him with and allowed him to make his own way to the bathroom. He needed some independence and this was something he was capable of.

While he disrobed, he hadn't worn sleepwear since arriving home from the hospital, it made things too awkward if he had to use the toilet during the night, and he refused to wake Catherine or the nurse to help him. Catherine lifted the specially designed chair and placed it into the shower, ready for him to sit on once she had adjusted the water to the temperature he liked.

The first time they'd made love in the shower Grissom had boasted it was big enough for three people with ease and Catherine had never been more grateful for his accuracy as she was right now, for it meant there was still room for her to join him. Removing her nightdress, she pointed to the shower seat and ordered, "sit."

Grissom blinked, appeared to be about to protest, but then just did as he was told. He didn't like sharing the shower when he felt as sweaty and grimy as he did now, even with Catherine, but he knew he had to be practical. There was no way he could clean himself properly or wash his hair as he was now, one handed with a damaged side.

Catherine took great pleasure in wetting and lathering his hair with the shampoo. She'd never had a hair fetish, but Gil's was just so soft and curly she found it irresistible and loved to play with it. 'Be honest,' she reprimanded herself, 'there isn't a bit of Gil Grissom you don't like to play with.'

She felt him begin to relax as she rinsed the shampoo out of his hair, then she picked up the shower gel and starting on his shoulders she began to wash him, massaging his muscles as she went.

Grissom let out a gasp of pain as she washed over his ribs. No matter how delicate her touch was it still hurt and there was no hiding from the fact. He hated the constant reminders of the accident and his inability to look after himself, but he had to admit that had some benefits and showering with Catherine was definitely high on the list.

When she started to rub and tease at his uninjured leg he knew exactly what she was up to but he wasn't sure of the logistics. Much as he wanted to participate he felt awkward and ungainly.

"Just relax, Gil" Catherine purred enjoying the effect she was having on him, "let me do the work," but he shook his head.

"The arms and back of this chair should support you enough so we can both enjoy this," he insisted and with a little manoeuvring he was right, despite Catherine's initial reservations. When they came it was with such force it shocked them both, but Catherine felt that this was a reaffirmation of life and their love for one another. She'd almost lost him, again, but she hadn't let herself truly acknowledge that fact. Since he'd woken up after the operation she'd concentrated on helping him adjust to his injuries and getting better. Making love again broke down the barriers and let the emotions flow. Tears trickled down her face and she tried to hide it in the water but Grissom saw it.

"It's okay, Cath," he said trying to reassure her as he stroked her face with his left hand, he pulled her into a passionate kiss, then looked deep into her blue eyes, "I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere."

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Grissom was so glad to finally have the casts removed, he still had to attend physiotherapy but he had regained some control over his life.

It also meant he could return to work, even if it was only doing paperwork and lab experiments and for a restricted number of hours. Getting back into the field would take longer and he accepted that, he didn't want to undo all the progress he had made.

For the first time since the blackmailing incident everything felt right and Grissom was revelling in it. He'd moved them all back into Catherine's the day after the casts had come off and they all had more room to breathe now. Lindsey had turned into a proper little drill sergeant making Gil do all his exercises no matter how tired he was or how much pain and discomfort they caused him.

"The more you do it the easier it will become," seemed to be the child's mantra.

Catherine had been delighted when Lindsey had taken on this role, for where Grissom might bitch, moan and wheedle at his partner he wouldn't embarrass himself by pleading with a child.

A knock on his door startled him and he looked up as the door opened to find Catherine standing there, "Ready to go home?" she asked him.

He glanced at his watch and was annoyed to see she was right on time. He'd hoped she would be delayed so he could slip back into the lab and finish the experiment he'd been running. He hated it when someone else had to clear up after him and note the results.

Seeing the look on his face, Catherine chastised him "No games tonight, Gil" she stopped herself from chuckling when he pulled a face. She wasn't going to let him get around her tonight, "I let you come in early, remember? So you've been here longer than you should already."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Warrick was walking by Grissom's office when he heard voices from inside, 'Strange,' he thought, 'Cath was supposed to take Griss home about half an hour ago,' and he went to investigate.

The scene he walked in on was comical. His boss and Catherine were clearly trying to get their own way, each one trying to ask the other something before the other and neither listening to what the other was saying.

"Children!" Warrick said raising his voice about both of them, a smile stretching the bottom of his face, "on the count of three you will both ask your question."

When they both made to argue he frowned at them and they were silent.

"One..." intoned the green-eyed man, "two...three."

"Will you marry me?" Grissom and Catherine said in unison and then both burst out laughing.

"Looks like you've got a wedding to plan," Warrick said stating the obvious and joining in on the laughter.

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby