A shrill ring shook Gil Grissom out of his work and left him casting about for what was causing the incessant noise. Moving a stack of papers, he found the culprit. He picked up the phone, not recognizing the number and pushed 'talk'.
"Hello?"
"Hi." The voice was soft, quiet, but Grissom knew without a doubt who it was.
"Sara. How are you?"
"I'm okay. I'm starting to settle in; it's kinda weird being here, not being in the desert and all."
"Where are you? Are you close?" He could hear the hesitation in her voice, could almost hear the cogs running in her head as she thought about what she could say.
"I miss you." He changed the subject quickly, sensing the tension.
"I-I miss you, too. How are things at the lab?" He could hear the curiosity, and he smiled, longing to see her gap-tooth grin light up her face.
"They all miss you, Greg especially. He's having a tough time with it, trying not to bring up your name. He keeps trying to offer you coffee, but when he turns around, he remembers. I think there's something going on with him and Nicky though, so he should be fine. Warrick bought a new TV. a plasma something, it was all he could talk about for days."
"I hate to break it to you, Gris, but the whole Nick and Greg thing has been happening for a while."
"Really?"
"Yeah." He heard her emit some kind of laugh, but not the one he was used to. "I have to go though. Can I call you back later?"
"Of course."
"Good. And can you do me a favor? Ask everyone what they want for Christmas. I'm coming to visit."
"Yes. I'll do that. Talk to you soon." He made to hang up the phone, when she said something he almost didn't catch.
"I love you." Then, a dial tone rang in his ear and he pressed off, the ache he had felt since she left slowing to a dull throb.
"I love you, too."