After days of convincing, you finally manage to pull Catherine Willows away from the lab for a much-needed night off. She’s always been the type to immerse herself in work, living off adrenaline and the puzzle of each case, so getting her to agree wasn’t easy. But tonight, you succeeded. She traded her crime scene attire for a sleek, yet casual look - a fitted black jacket over a dark blouse, paired with jeans and boots that somehow still scream confidence.

The two of you arrive at a trendy rooftop bar, perched high above the bustling city. The view is breathtaking, with the skyline stretching out in front of you, lights twinkling like stars against the deep indigo sky. The air is crisp, but the warmth from the outdoor heaters and the glow of string lights strung across the roof make the space feel intimate, almost secluded. You pick a corner table, away from the main crowd, where the music hums softly in the background and the night feels like your own.

Catherine sits down across from you, glancing around with curiosity, but there’s a hint of her usual guarded nature still in her eyes. It’s hard for her to fully switch off, even now. She orders a glass of red wine, and you opt for something similar, clinking glasses once they arrive. Her shoulders are still tense, though, as if she's not sure how to just relax.

"You know, I don’t do this often," she says, her lips curving into a smirk, but you catch the truth beneath her teasing tone. She swirls the wine in her glass, her eyes momentarily focused on the deep red liquid before looking back at you.

You laugh softly, taking a sip of your drink. "That’s exactly why you needed this."

She shakes her head, a hint of amusement in her gaze as she leans back in her chair, letting the cool breeze brush her face. There’s a rare softness about her in this moment. Catherine, the tough, sharp investigator, the woman who thrives on high-stakes cases, finally letting her guard down just a bit.