Title: Party Animal
Author: Carina Scott (nicknrick4eva)
Fandom: CSI: Vegas
Genre: Slash
Pairing: Warrick/Gil (mentioned)
Summary: Dr. Gilbert Grissom doesn't do parties.
Story Notes: Although there is mention of Warrick/Gil towards the end, this story focuses mainly on Grissom.
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I don't own, please don't sue.
A/N: Don't know where this came from, not sure if my point is even clear; but it's 2:40 in the morning and I have to be up in less than 6 hours, so I figured it was time to give into the bunny that had been poking me in the eye for the last two hours. I'm not very¡Khappy¡Kwhen I don't get enough sleep, and I don't think it's fair to start my co-worker's week off in the wrong direction. Lol.

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Dr. Gilbert Grissom doesn't do parties. A common, yet wholly inaccurate proclamation, amongst most people that meet or work with Gil. He is the ultimate hermit. In fact, Catherine has accused him on more than one occasion of being just that.  

The phrase 'hermitically sealed condo' comes to mind.  

But Catherine is wrong; as is everyone who has made this common assumption in regards to his social habits. Sure, Gil is by no means a social butterfly; flitting to and fro to grace any and everyone with his presence. It just isn't him.  

But he is also no where near a recluse. He has friends and family. He frequents a local bar, befriend a few waitresses as well as the bartender, something most people might find shocking. And he oesd attend parties. Plenty of them. But they aren't exactly up to the social and political standards that Ecklie, and those like him, live by.   

No, he takes joy in the simplistic and more realistic social gatherings. Birthday parties, backyard cookouts, the occasional anniversary party; these are his forte.   

He's never been fond of the social functions he's forced to attend on occasion, as those in his position often are. Wearing the uniform of conformity, Gil would shift uncomfortably in his tuxedo, praying for the night to be over. Catherine would oftentimes glare at him in annoyance, rolling her eyes as he finally gave up and excused himself from the party early.  

It's evenings such as those that he welcomes the inaccuracy of people's preconceived notions, for Ecklie and the higher ups simply take his disappearing act in stride, chalking it up to another quirky trait of their resident 'bug man'.  

Gil doesn't mind, because it makes his escapes easier, and less eventful. But on occasion, he wishes people would see the truth.  

He loves parties. Real parties. He's not exactly the life of the party, but he does like to see some life in his parties. Be it a preening Lindsey as she stands poised to blow out the candles on her cake at her twelfth birthday party, or the joyous laughter as he joins Warrick's family for a cookout at Rick's childhood home; Gil relishes these moments.    

These are real parties. The ones you remember forever, capture in photo, and display in scrapbooks. The kind not planned by a professional; the pure perfection of the event possible because of the simple spontaneity behind it. He loves the comfort of being surrounded by his friends and family, the delicious aromas that float through the air from the food prepared (or purchased) from the heart; the wonderful conversation as he reconnects with loved ones. He's more open and carefree at parties such as these, the love and happiness of those around him, creating a wondrous environment for his inner butterfly to finally break free.  

Standing next to Warrick, at the surprise anniversary party Catherine and Nick have arranged, Gil feels like shouting to the world how much he loves parties. Looking at his lover, seeing the love and warmth reflected in those emerald orbs, Gil can't help but smile. Looks as though his world already knows.  

THE END

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