Amber Osborne

The day had been a wonderful break for both Catherine and Vincent. Life at the D.A.’s office had been hectic lately. Their latest case was a nightmare. Down in the tunnels, Vincent had been hard at work alongside the other men trying to repair a collapsed chamber. Yet somewhere in the chaos and calamity, the couple had found a way for their love to blossom. Today being a quiet day, the two spent every moment soaking in the luxury of it together.

Night falling, Catherine reluctantly admitted to herself that it was time for her to return to her apartment if she were to get any rest for the day ahead. Deciding to steal one more moment in the arms of the man she loved, Catherine looked up at Vincent and smiled. They had spent many an evening like this, lounging on his bed in quiet peace. Lately, Catherine had been spending more time Below. On days when she had no previous engagements or obligations, their evenings like this would fade into the two of them waking up in each other’s arms the next morning. Thinking on the beautiful moments they’d stolen this week, Catherine gazed at him with love. Vincent, knowing her thoughts, returned her gaze, letting the words of love between them not even needing to be voiced flow through their bond. She closed her eyes, smiled, and let her head drop to his chest as she let out a great sigh.

"I have to go," she mumbled regretfully. Looking up at him she smiled apologetically and kissed his cheek. "Tomorrow, my love. I’ll see you tomorrow." Getting up, she put her coat on ready to make the journey back.

Vincent sat on the bed motionless, looking at her.

Standing where she was for a moment, she began to feel something was amiss. Why wasn’t he getting up to walk with her? Was he too tired to walk her to her basement? She knew the way well, and there was really no need, other than stealing a few more precious moments with him before they parted. Did he not want to spend any more time with her? Perhaps she shouldn’t expect his escort every time she returned Above. Maybe it was too painful. She shook her head, convincing herself it was all in her head. You’re being paranoid Chandler. He loves you. There’s nothing wrong. Stop being such a baby and go home. Then, Vincent spoke and confirmed her fears.

"Go then. Leave." His voice was cold. To Catherine those words seem to have a deafening echo throughout the chamber.

"Vincent?" She spoke quietly. Their day had been wonderful. As she frantically tried to search for an explanation, her mind drew a blank. What in the world could have caused such a turn in him in just a few short minutes?

"You have to leave! Go!"

"Vincent, what in the world has gotten into you?"

"Me? What’s gotten into you? Did you think I wouldn’t notice? I’ve been waiting for you to admit it for hours, but no." He was now on his feet pacing the other side of the chamber.

Her mind was reeling as she watched him. What in the world had she done!? "Vincent, would you mind telling me what’s wrong?"

He stopped and looked at her. "As if you didn’t know."

Seeing he was growing more and more anxious, she went over to place her hand on his shoulder. "Wait, come here." she said leading him to the bed. "Sit and calm down a little. Tell me what it is."

He stood straight up turning on his heel facing her. "I will not calm down! I’ve had enough!"

Exasperated, Catherine shook her head. "Now this is completely.…"

He turned bending over the table. "I can’t take anymore. I just can’t."

Catherine’s brow wrinkled a bit in frustration and confusion. She walked nearer to him with her hands on her hips. "What is it you can’t take? I’m not just going to sit here being accused of God knows what!"

"I can’t do this right now. I’ll see you tomorrow." Not even looking up at her, it was all he could say as he went to leave.

"Don’t you dare cross that entrance! Do you hear me?" she yelled, calling after him.

"I hear you." he said crossing the entry and turning to look at her.

"Fine, go!" she growled at him.

"Grr yourself!"

"Now what the hell, Vincent!?" When she saw there would be no explanation she sighed utterly agitated. "Ok go!"

"I will!"

"Well what are you waiting for? I was here, and here I’ll stay."

"Stay all you like Catherine."

"And you were leaving." she said challenging him just as she thought he was wearing down.

"That’s right. I’m leaving." His voice was quieter now but firm.

"You’ll have to sleep…on the bridge!"

"At least those voices whisper!" She looked at him infuriated as her jaw dropped. "And they don’t take everything from you!"

She was still confused but now hurt at what those words implied. "They don’t what?"

"You heard me. I can’t believe you would do such a thing."

She walked over to him and grabbed his shoulders. "Now this is enough!"

"You couldn’t even leave just a little."

Her expression softened. Had she really done something to hurt him and not have known? "A little…a little what?"

"Don’t play innocent Catherine, you know."

She took his face in her hands to focus him. "Vincent?" she said softly. "Can we talk, please?"

"You knew how much I loved it."

"I…what?"

He sighed. "The chocolate Catherine! You ate every single bit of my chocolate."

Stunned, she stood in silence for a moment before a slight grin broke on her face. "The…oh love, this is not happening!" she said trying to stifle a giggle.

"Well it wouldn’t be if you weren’t so selfish."

She stopped wondering if he really was serious. "Selfish…Vincent..."

"I can be selfish too you know."

She flung her arms around him. "Vincent! I’m sorry sunshine! I’m really, really sorry…"

"Selfish as in I don’t want you sleeping on that mattress anymore." he said continuing his thought.

"I’m…you what?" sensing his humor.

"If you want to be selfish Catherine, I’ll show you selfish."

She smiled. "So you loved it huh? I’m so very happy to hear that! You seldom want to keep anything I get you…"

"Well I certainly didn’t get to keep any of that, so don’t think you’ll make your way back onto that mattress!" He said trying to remain as serious as possible.

"Now…now wait a minute! You can’t stand here acting like a three year old!"

He walked over without a word and picked her up. Catherine’s mind was whirling in a hundred different directions for what he could be up to now. He walked over and lounged back on the bed with her in his lap. "You’ll sleep right here. You can’t have the mattress anymore."

She looked up at him for a moment stunned. "You mean here, here?"

"Whether you like it or not. That is your punishment. Perhaps it will teach you a lesson." he said with his charade still playing.

Catherine’s smile was even brighter. In the past couple of weeks they had shared so much. It made her spirits soar that he was able to play a little. "Will you let me get something for you? I have it right here. It’s better than the other one."

"Oh?" She crawled off his lap long enough to pull out another box of delicious chocolates.

"Here, all for you." She said presenting him the box and taking her oh so inviting seat back.

Vincent raised an eyebrow as she opened the box. "Hmmm…just to make you feel more guilty…" he mumbled. "Open up dearest." He said holding a chocolate to her lips.

"No!"

He gave his best imitation of the glare Father was always giving the children when they misbehaved. "Catherine, open." He said, also in a fatherly tone.

"Mmm!" she mumbled keeping her lips tightly sealed.

"Catherine, don’t make me.…"

"Um nut upuning!" she mumbled shaking her head in disagreement.

"Oh yes, I think you will." he said before he began tickling her.

"Ahh!" she squealed as he popped the sweet in her mouth. "Aww you!" she said laughing. As she wriggled about, Vincent showed no sign of letting up. "Hey stop that!" she yelled still laughing hysterically. Then as she tried to maneuver out of his reach, her elbow came down on the corner of the box and chocolates flew everywhere!

"Now look!" he said giving her an accusing glare.

"You started it!" she said barely able to control her laughter.

"Again you’ve ruined it all."

Catherine started to move to round up the chocolates. "Let me get…"

"No!" he said holding her in her place.

She looked at him wide eyed, challenging him back. "Yes! Now let me go!"

"No, I’m not letting you go. I’ve had enough of you spoiling my chocolates."

"But this time it was your fault!" she said poking her finger at him.

"I’ll have to be even more selfish now." he said with a certain look in his eye.

"Oh?"

"Yes and you’re going to have to take it."

"Mm, as you wish." she said with a dreamy smile.

"No resistance?"

"Hmm, depends." she said as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Has the great Catherine Chandler given up?" he teased.

"Just what are you trying to imply? Am I that intolerable?" she said putting her hands on her hips.

"I’m not. I’m not implying anything. You are putting words in my mouth."

She shook her head. "Nope, you’re saying them." Vincent said nothing, only looked at her. Two can play at this game. Catherine thought to herself. "Well the great Catherine Chandler will have none of this infantile behavior, and she will get those chocolates back. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get up."

"No. You haven’t received your punishment for this mess." he said pulling her back to him.

"Oh? And just what am I getting?"

"This." he said softly before their lips met. The kiss was long, sweet, and gentle.

"Mmmm, sweeter than the best chocolate." she said smiling, her eyes still closed.

"You should know about chocolates, having eaten them all."

Still dazed she raised her hand to his cheek. "You know what? You are lovely." she said just before kissing him again.

"I can’t believe you would do such a thing." He said just as the kiss ended, trying to act as if he wasn’t phased.

She smiled. "You are, even when you pretend to be all upset." Catherine leaned in to kiss him once more when he began to speak again. "Shut up." she said slightly giggling as she pressed her lips to his.

"Shut up? Now you’ve done it." he teased kissing her back again.

"So?" she said placing herself to lay on top of him. "I love you."

"I love you."

"Forgive me? Besides, it wasn’t just me. Father…um…well I told him I had another box for you so…"

"You shared with my father behind my back?"

"Just a little." Catherine said trying to put on the face of a guilty little girl. "Forgive me?"

"Mm…perhaps."

"Perhaps?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Possibly." he said with a sly grin.

"Oh you! I forgot I was dealing with a thesaurus," she said laughing.

"I am no such thing."

"You are, a lovely one," she said with a kiss before laying her head on his chest.

"Don’t try buttering me up Catherine." After a moment when she didn’t answer he added, "It won’t help."

"I’m not trying to," she answered after dismissing the image of putting butter all over Vincent.

Catherine opened her eyes at the start of an idea. Now it was her turn to tease. She moved to look at him and grabbed a piece of chocolate by the pillow. "Now…" she said holding it up to his mouth.

"I don’t want it."

"Oh you do. Your eyes are shining." she said laughing as she moved the piece in a little circle. "It’s calling you."

"I don’t want it. Take it away."

"Nope." she said with the shake of her head.

"Don’t tempt me! Bribing won’t help you either."

"Mmm, looks great!"

Just then, Father began to make his way into Vincent’s chamber. The sight of Catherine lying on top of him stopped him in his tracks. Apparently he had walked in on a private moment. He was about to turn around when Vincent exclaimed, "You temptress! You should be ashamed of yourself." Father’s eyes widened in shock. He nearly fell trying to scramble out as fast as he could. Just before he got out, he heard Catherine’s reply. "Ashamed? Why should I be ashamed. I’ve been wanting to do this for oh so long!" Dear God, what was she trying to do to his son? Although he strongly disapproved of eavesdropping, this situation could easily get out of hand. What if Vincent turned out to need his help? He decided to stay there and make sure he would be all right.

"Vincent what is it?" she asked seeing the peculiar look on his face.

He tried as hard as he could to stifle his laughter, and in a hushed whisper, he said with a wink, "We’re not alone, but if you’ll play along.…"

"Oh no!" she said clapping her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "Ok, ok." she breathed.

"What made you think I’d give in so freely?" he said resuming the charade.

"Well because all of this is for you. Don’t you see? Take it…now." She was grateful Father couldn’t see her face, for it would surely give her away.

"Of course I see. It is all very tempting, delicious, and mouth watering but.…" Catherine once again had to muffle her hysterical laughter. "No! I won’t do it!"

Composing herself she replied. "Ok then, so you think I should give it to someone else?"

Outside, Father was trying his best not to barge in and banish Catherine from the tunnels forever. How could she do such a thing to him? Didn’t she ever stop to think of his feelings? It was true, he had begun to trust Catherine. She had proven that she did care for him, but now! How could she be so inconsiderate and selfish? It was utterly inexcusable! His train of thought was interrupted by Vincent’s response.

"You wouldn’t!"

"Oh wouldn’t I? I could do it right now if you let me get up."

"Who did you have in mind?"

"Well, what about Father?" Vincent’s face lit up with laughter as they heard him shuffling and coughing at the entrance. Catherine buried her face in his vest as he put his to her hair. She caught her breath long enough to say, "He hasn’t had any like these in quite a while." Once again, she was choking back the tears and thinking to herself, "I’m sorry, Father, but it looks like you need a little lesson on granting your son his privacy.

Father had sunk down to the cool floor. He couldn’t believe his ears. How could she possibly have suggested?! It was too much. There had to be something done. There was no way he could ever face her again, let alone Vincent. No, much as it might hurt Vincent, she must be banished from their world. She had betrayed them. His heart ached at the thought. What had become of her? He could hardly believe this was Catherine. It simply couldn’t be true! He had to be dreaming. Voices again brought him out of his reverie.

"You wouldn’t give it to Father!"

"And why is that? If you won’t accept it, then.…"

"What makes you think he would?"

"I just know he’d love it! So, let me go!"

"You can’t do this to me!"

"Oh?"

"Please Catherine!"

"Vincent, let me go!"

"No! Tell me, what must I do?"

Dear God this can’t go on much longer. Father thought back to the devastation the incident with Lisa had caused. He couldn’t believe Catherine would do that after seemingly proving him wrong about her. How would Vincent ever make it through another time like that? And again, why would she suggest betraying Vincent with him?! He already felt a slight headache beginning to form.

"What’s so wrong with Father?"

"Catherine!"

"You said yourself the other day he should have some."

"Well I never meant he should have what’s meant for me!"

Catherine smiled at him, happy in the knowledge that this little prank was allowing him the freedom of saying what was really in his heart. Not wanting him to feel self conscious about it, she just went on: "Oh? What then? I know! He could have Mary’s in the meantime. I don’t think she would mind…."

"No, not if it’s me who asks her. Look…I’ll have Mary’s while you have your way with Father. We’ll see who ends up where."

"You? Vincent, no! What are you thinking? Don’t you see? I have plenty here for you!"

"Well if Father can have yours, why can’t I have Mary’s?"

"Because I’m giving it willingly to Father. You’ll be taking it from Mary!"

Father was about to have a fit. He’d lost it. This was it, he knew. Jacob, you’ve finally lost your mind. He thought to himself. Vincent and Mary? He and Catherine? He stared off into nothingness trying to find some sense of right.

"I will not take anything. You’ll see. Mary will be glad to give me what I ask for!"

"Fine, you do that. I’ll go and get Father."

Of all the times, Mary came along the passage finding him on the ground. "Jacob! What are you doing down there?" she said kneeling to him. Father’s attention was focused on the panic rising within. She was coming for him!

"Can you hear me?" Mary said trying to meet his far away gaze.

Catherine stepped outside with a smile. "Oh Mary! I’m glad you’re here. Vincent wants to see you. "

Father paled. "Mary don’t," he muttered.

Catherine sat down beside him. "Why are you here? Anything wrong?"

All he could do is give her a pleading look and stutter. "I…I…I…"

"Hmm? I have something for you, you know." she said with a grin hiding the piece in her hand.

"I…no…you.…"

"No, what? You don’t even know what it is."

Mary shook her head. "I’ll go in and see what Vincent needs. Perhaps he can help too."

"Of course."

"Mary, no. Don’t." He said just before she walked in, but she was gone. "Oh dear God!"

"Father?"

"Huh?"

"Are you all right?" she asked feeling his forehead.

Before he could answer, he heard Mary from inside the chamber. "Really Vincent, no!" With that he got to his feet with Catherine rushing in after him. "Mary! Are you…what happened?"

Vincent looked at Catherine. "Well it seems you were wrong. He didn’t take anything you had to offer."

"I didn’t have the time to offer it! You were wrong too. Looks like Mary didn’t want it from you, either."

"You don’t have to try to give it to Father. I know there are those Above and Below who would take what you have to offer. Will you throw Mouse in next?"

"Mouse!" Father exclaimed.

"No, not Mouse!" Catherine replied.

"Or William? He’d love it in the kitchen."

"I don’t think it would be enough for William."

Vincent paused, as if to think for a moment. "He does have a rather large appetite. I think we should just leave Father and Mary to share it with each other. What do you say?"

"Well that was the whole point wasn’t it?"

Father remained speechless as Catherine went on. "It looks as if Father doesn’t want to share."

"Father, you don’t want to share it with Mary?"

Mary seemed completely lost. She had come in only to find that Vincent wanted to offer her some chocolate. Now they were making a big scene about how to get rid of it while Father was apparently losing his sanity. Exasperated she said, "Well if you are so anxious to get rid of it, why not give it to the children? Heaven knows they’d take it!"

Catherine completely lost it. As she broke down into hysterics, Father looked at her seriously disturbed.

Vincent spoke. "Father it’s quite all right. I’ll have Catherine’s chocolate and you can keep what you had from earlier for you and Mary."

Father looked at him dazed. "Her ch…ch…chocolate?"

"Yes, my chocolate. What on earth did you think we were talking about? Now Vincent, open."

Father, staring at the floor, seemed to blink himself back to reality. "Chocolate. Yes. Right. I think I’ll go sit in my study now."

"Father, is everything all right?" Catherine asked innocently.

"I…yes. Everything is…just fine. I think I need some tea. Mary would you care for some?"

"Of course, Jacob." she said taking his arm with a concerned look. "Are you sure you’re all right?"

"Yes, I’m fine." he said, somewhat steadied as they made their way out of the chamber.

Catherine and Vincent smiled at each other as they embraced. "We should be ashamed of ourselves." he said as they both laughed. "Now do I get some of that or not."

"Of course. It’s all for you remember?"

"I don’t know if I should though. I tried to tell you what chocolate does to me and now look at poor Father."

"I’m not sure I understood the chocolate effects. Would you explain it again to me?"

"Well, you know how chocolate makes some people hyper? I get somewhat…mischievous."

She laughed. "So that explains it. I knew you couldn’t be really upset with me earlier."

He smiled. "Of course not."

"Vincent, where did you say I was going to sleep?"

He picked her up and went back where they started. "Right here." She leaned against him and smiled until he suddenly began to shift around uncomfortably. "Ouch!"

"Wait, what is it? Ouch! Stay still a minute!" she said trying to move.

"Ow!" he said still shifting.

"Vincent!" she yelled just before she started to fall, bringing the cover with her, as if it could prevent her from doing so. Vincent quickly moved to keep her from falling. However, both of them hit the floor along with part of the cover and some of the chocolate.

"Catherine! Are you all right?"

"Ouch. Yeah, I think so."

He took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. "I’m sorry."

"Just what are you playing at sunshine?"

"I wasn’t." He turned to grab something off the bed. Holding up a piece of chocolate, he said, "See?" just before tossing it at her.

"Hey! Ok!" she said laughing.

"Just how many pieces of chocolate are there still in my bed now?" Vincent asked looking back.

"I don’t care, as long as we get back up there."

"And as long as I don’t lay on another one." he added.

Catherine giggled as he picked her up and laid back down with her. "I thought you said you had to leave, Catherine."

"What? And skip out on my punishment? No, I don’t jump bail." she said snuggling closer.

He laughed. "But your work, Catherine…"

"So I’ll be a little later. I’ve put in plenty of overtime. I’ll be sure to remind Joe of that when he tries to say something. I’m staying right here," she said as she kissed him.

"What if I let you off for good behavior?"

"Then I’ll have to be bad, won’t I?"

"Catherine.…"

With an impish grin, she said, "Goodnight, my love," and kissed him once more before snuggling in for the night.

"Goodnight, my Catherine."