The ride to the scene was quiet. Sara sat proper with her hands clasped in her lap, staring out the passenger window.

Grissom was fidgeting. Knowing the ball was in his court for the conversation. He also knew that his silence spoke volumes to Sara. She had learned his habits. For Grissom to be quiet alone was not concerning. She knew he liked his private moments and to often be left to his own thoughts. She'd mostly learned to respect that and give him space when he needed it. But she also knew when his quietness was a result from overthinking. And he had plenty to think about.

She hadn't intended to put all the pressure on him. In fact, her goal was to slip away more quietly than this. She knew a confrontation with him would only allow space for him to once again convince her to give him another chance. And while the ball was in his court, she was doing her best to prep herself for the pain that was sure to come. When he couldn't find the words he needed to say and he left her empty once again.

When he pulled up to the scene, he stopped the engine but didn't open the door right away.

"Does anyone else know?"

"About what?"

"What I said in Interrogation. Did anyone else hear me?"

"Just me and Jim."

"And have you told anyone yet that you're leaving?"

"No. I don't want a big fuss."

They sat there for a second both quiet. Like a couple that just agreed not to take their fight into the family dinner party. They exited the vehicle and met with Catherine.

"Oh Gil, great you're here. I have Nick working the perimeter and Warrick is taking overalls downstairs where it looks like we have point of entry. I was just trying to get us rolling while we waited on you."

"Thanks Catherine. I want you to stay lead on this. Where do you want me?"

Catherine desperately trying to quickly read his and Sara's faces. There was three bodies upstairs that needed to be processed. Two in the master bedroom, one in a guest room. She was trying to decide quickly whether or not it was best to put them together. Neither of them were any help to giving anything away. Sara looked away towards the house and Grissom stole a quick glance at her. Catherine noting his eyes somehow had lost that fiery blue. He looked sad and drained.

"Why don't y'all take the elderly couple in the Master. I'll take the 2nd bedroom."

Sara responded, "Sure. I'll see you up there." and walked away. Leaving Grissom with Catherine.

"Sooo… I take it she didn't need the soup?" she winced.

"She didn't need the soup. sigh… I don't know Catherine. I'm not sure I can fix it this time."

He walked away into the house. He had always appreciated Catherine's discretion. They didn't talk about it much, but he knew she knew how he felt about Sara. And to some extent the way Sara felt about him. Sometimes she had better inclinations when something was up than he did. At first he used to think that maybe it was because Sara confided in her. But he later realized that wasn't the case at all. She blamed his lack of people skills.

In fact, the only reason anyone outside of the two of them knew about their complicated relationship was because of his own loud mouth. He had been the one to tell Brass and Catherine that there was more there than just their work relationship. While it wasn't a common discussion piece, they still knew. And yet she hadn't told anyone.

By the time he walked into the master bedroom, she was already started on the overall photos. She looked up at him and attempted a obligatory half smile. The one they made when walking into a crime scene that was just so unfortunate.

"Does Catherine have a theory yet?" she asked him. Making the effort to table their prior conversation.

"Yeah. The vic in the other room doesn't live here. Looks like a guest. Most of the rage was taken out on him. Possibly drug/money related. His room was ransacked. I think these two were just collateral damage."

"He died protecting her." Sara noting the way his body laid somewhat sprawled over hers, as if attempting to block the gunfire coming her way.

"He was protecting what mattered most." he added.

Sara looked at Grissom. Looking for his deeper meaning. There almost always being one. Were they still talking about the case? Is this why he hadn't said 'Don't go' yet. Was he trying to protect her by letting her go? His face gave her nothing.

He watched her as they processed the room together. Her meticulous steps, many of which he taught her over the years. She followed his process to the T as if she had just learned them. She always knew his next step, often having his next set of tools sitting ready to collect the evidence. He could work with her so seamlessly without saying a word. He'd miss this.

Hours of silence had passed before she broke it. Them both now cataloging the evidence baggies collected in the room. Almost done.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Grissom stopped what he was doing and froze. Wanting to be prepared for whatever question was to come. She didn't say whether it was about the case or not."

"Yes."

"Do you think love like this still exists?"

"I'd say the bodies in front of us point to yes."

"I mean, in today's world. Newer couples. Finding that true love. Your soul mate. The person you'd want by your side till your last breath."

Sara had never been the sappy-relationship type before. In her defense, neither had he. But they both had an appreciation for the concept of a being existing to match your soul for who you truly were.

"I sure hope so. If not, what's the point."

His answer surprised her. Probably as much as her question had surprised him. Standing, she stared at him and he felt exposed. As if he were standing there naked and just letting her look over every inch of his body. His instinct was to break their gaze, close down the portal of insight to his soul. But despite feeling naked, he felt warm. As if her eyes were transferring her warmth to him. Trying desperately to melt the ice in time.

He whispered, "Stay."

Without missing a beat she replied, "Give me a reason to."

Catherine hollered from the other room that she was done and ready to move out. Grissom jerked his line of sight to the hallway towards her voice. When he went back to find Sara's face, it was now focused on the evidence bag in her hand. The warmth retreating back with her.