Disclaimer: I own nothing. :( Sad, but true.

Spoilers: To be safe, I'll say 8X07

Thanks to mingsmommy for the awesome beta.

Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
Author Unknown

When she woke up, Sara rolled over, and kissed her husband (God, she never thought she'd be married) stirring him from his sleep. His sleepy eyes batted open and his first gaze drank her in. She smiled weakly and kissed him again.

Letting out a sigh, Grissom turned to bring her into his arms and loved her the way he knew best. He showered her with kisses, soft caresses and electrifying touches. Their lovemaking was slow and gentle, as if they were memorizing each other's bodies for the first time.

Sara gripped his shoulders tighter with each thrust, hoping to meld with his body.

Grissom held her against his moving form, never wanting to let her go.

His name fell from her lips like a prayer and her name from his like a benediction. Together they were bound, mind, body and soul.

Afterwards, she laid her head on his chest and heard the rapid beat of his heart beneath her ear. His left hand wrapped securely around her waist, his right hand brushed the damp hair from her forehead.

Clutching her left hand, Grissom slowly twirled the simple gold band adorning her ring finger. She watched on with fascination, as every so often he'd gently stroke her other fingers.

"I love this on you," he whispered lowly, his voice rumbling through his chest.

Sara gulped heavily and tried hard not to let her tears fall. "I know."

Flattening out her fingers, Grissom pressed his hand against hers so their palms were touching. Glancing up, Sara saw sadness and worry written out on his face. She felt the prick of tears behind her eyes increase.

"I'll miss you."

Soft.

Airy.

Sad.

She drew in a shuddery breath, tears leaking out of the corners of her eyes and landing on Grissom's warm chest. Grissom laced their fingers and used his thumb to brush the tears from her eyes.

"I'll miss you, too, Gil," she choked out. "So much. But I need to do this."

He sighed heavily. "I know, Sara."

Shifting, he positioned them both so they could lie face to face. Their hands remained intertwined and he leaned forward, planting a kiss to her forehead. "I want you to be free of nightmares. I want you to be free of guilt. I want you to be free of Natalie." He breathed in the vanilla scent of her hair. "I want you to be happy, Sara. And if you need to leave for that to happen, I'm okay."

His voice remained soft, but she could hear the heaviness and sorrow in his words. Carefully, she let go of his grasp and brought her hand to the side of his face. Closing his eyes, Grissom pressed his cheek against her warm hand and savored the feeling of her fingers playing with his hair. A tear rolled down his cheek and landed in the curve of her palm.

She didn't like crying, but she couldn't stop the tears that fell onto the pillow under her. Moving slightly, Sara caught his lips and kissed him hard; he could taste the salt of her tears.

"I'll come home," she promised, her lips mere centimeters from his. "You're my home, Gil."

Grissom nodded slowly and kissed her again, simply because he could. "I'll be waiting for you."