Grissom and the team wrapped the Dick and Jane case that kept him in Vegas for several days passed his original departure plans. And when the day came for him leave the lab for the last time, he felt oddly at peace with it. He was full of hope and anticipation. And after a week of somber goodbyes between him and the students he felt he raised, he was ready to move on.

One eight hour flight later, Grissom exited the airport to find himself in warm, humid Costa Rica. He navigated his way to the city center where he checked in with the research facility.

"Dr. Grissom." Sandra smiled widely at him as she shook his hand, "How was the flight in?"

"Uneventful." He smiled back.

"Sara mentioned you were a bit delayed. She left behind a key for you to stay in her quarters while she's in the satellite field. I can show you where that is."

"I was actually hoping I could join them. Is there a way I can make that happen?" He asked, hope lacing his speech.

"Well, It's quite a remote hike. We typically go in groups but, if you're feeling adventurous, I could map it out with you. It'll take a full day to get up there."

"That would be great." He spoke as they arrived at the corridor where the out of state researchers were being housed. Almost like a dorm hall, but with the amenities of a long term stay hotel in each room. She handed him the key.

"When do you want to go? They'll be up there for another three weeks."

"Tomorrow."

Sandra smiled, "Tomorrow it is. Come by my office once your settled and I can walk you through the maps and trek." She looked at him again, really taking him in now, "We're excited to have you as part of our team. We were in need of a studied entomologist. And…" She paused a brief moment, "Sara will be thrilled to see you. I could see how disappointed she was when you had to delay your arrival."

Grissom entered the room after parting ways with Sandra. He breathed in, her scent lingered in the room. He found himself in heightened observation mode. Looking at her things, touching her items. Scanning the pictures she had tacked up on the wall. Then he noticed the note sitting on bed, his name scrawled across the envelope in her chicken scratch.

He took a seat on the edge of the bed and opened the letter.

Gil,

Welcome to Costa Rica! I can't wait for you to get started with us. The experiments, the fellows, you're going to find yourself right at home. I wish I was there to see you. My anticipation of our reunion grows within me each day. It's just a few weeks until we trek back down the volcano. A few weeks is a reasonable time to wait I think. Considering.

I've asked Oliver, the marine biologist I mentioned, to seek you out after you arrive and take you around, introduce you to the rest of the team.

I trust you'll be settled in by the time I return.

See you soon,
Sara

Grissom's heart swelled. He was disappointed that he'd have to wait until the morning to set out to see her. But he knew he must. It was better to hike the majority of the trek in daylight. Plus, he was exhausted from his travels.

Looking to his right, he saw her night stand. A thick entomology textbook and a small book of poems sat together. Even if he'd never met her, just being in her room and looking at her things would cause him certainty that she was meant for him.

A quick shower later, he left the room in search of Sandra's office to discuss his travel plans for the next morning.

"You must be Gil." He heard a voice behind him as he walked down the corridor. He turned on his heels to see the slender man walking toward him, "I'm Oliver. Sara mentioned you'd be arriving this week." He smiled easily.

"Ah, the marine biologist." Grissom spoke as he shook the man's hand.

"One in the same." The two men walked down the hall, "Sandra mentioned you're going to trek up there solo tomorrow. You sure you're up for that? It's a grueling hike."

"I'm sure I can manage."

"Well, I know she'll be surprised to see you."

Grissom found it strange, suddenly, hearing all these new people talk about Sara with such ease and familiarity. She'd created this whole life here already. He began to feel a bit self-conscious, like he would have a hard time fitting in, like maybe he didn't quite belong.

"Sandra doesn't typically like new people to venture out to the satiate fields solo. But, I think she's making a special exception for you. She's pretty fond of Sara... we all are. Anyway, her office is just down the hall, hook left and you'll see her."

"Thanks." Grissom spoke before departing down the hall toward her office. By the time he found himself in her office, she already had the maps laid out and had arranged his morning transportation to the volcano's base. The two poured over the trail map together as she programed his pocket GPS for him. She gave him all the pertinent details he'd need to safely make it to the rest of the team.

"You'll need to leave just before sunrise to maximize your time. It's best to get as much of the trail done before the sun really starts to beat down. Unfortunately I don't have a way of contacting the crew up there, so they won't know you're coming. But there will be enough resources for you when you arrive."


Grissom could barely sleep that evening. He was filled with intense eagerness to get to her. He'd come so far, just a little further now and he'd be with her. He imagined what it would be like to touch her again, to hold her. To press her body against his and know that they wouldn't find themselves apart again. His fingers played with his grandmother's ring, running the pads of his fingers over the simple band and smooth stone. He'd brought it with him, ready to return it to her. The idea of which made him want to leap out of bed and start the trek right then.

But finally, the time did come for him to set out on his adventure. His pack was secured to his back as he greeted the local who was tasked with driving him the hour and a half to the base of the volcano.

The hike was grueling, just as he'd been warned. Full of nondescript landmarks for him to find to steer himself the right direction. The pocket GPS was a huge help though. He only took a few breaks despite his body screaming for more. He wanted to get to her as quickly as possible. It's all he could think about.

As he completed the last half hour of his hike, he began to really take note of the elements around him. The exotic bugs he passed by, the foliage that tangled through the paths. He smiled at each encounter, finally beginning to understand what Sara meant as he noted how full of life and light this world was. And the intense contrast if bore to the cold, dark, sterile life they led in Vegas.

Each step caused his heart to swell a bit more with anticipation. Until he saw the clearing up ahead, the top of a tent coming into view. A few steps more and the clearing was front and center. He stoped in his tracks.

There she was.

His mouth fell open at the sight of her, his breath caught in his chest. He watched from the distance as she stood with her back to him. Her hair was shorter then before, her posture relaxed. He watched as she photographed a Capuchin Monkey that was enjoying the shade of a tree just above her.

He was paralyzed by the sight of her momentarily. Finally he regained his composure and took those last few steps to the clearing.

Sara could feel a new presence. She could feel eyes on her. She turned around slowly to see what was causing this feeling. Expecting to see a fellow researcher or another monkey. But it was neither.

Her eyes began to tear up before she even comprehended what she was looking.

There he was.

As if he appeared out of thin air. Standing in the clearing, wearing that goofy straw hat, a large pack on his back. Staring back at her. Her camera fell from her hand, the strap catching on her shoulder. Their eyes locked until she watched him drop his pack from his back and take easy strides toward her. His arms stretched out, ready to receive her into his hold.

He wrapped her up in his arms and took her lips in his. Kissing her deeply and passionately. She held onto him tightly, convincing herself that this was real. Not one of the many daydreams she had of this very moment.

His hands grasped at her, pulling her into him so tightly. It had been months since he'd felt her against him. Smelled her scent, got lost in her taste. Her hands roamed his face, his beard. Feeling every inch of him as she let her tears fall.

"Gil…" She finally spoke after a lengthy moment. She stared into his crystal blue eyes. Still shocked to see him standing there before her.

"I'm sorry it took me so long." He soothed. His thumb wiping at the tears that flowed down her cheeks.

"You're here now." She smiled widely, bringing her hands up to his scruff covered cheeks, "You're here now." She guided his chin toward her face and reengaged their kiss. Desperate to hang onto him at all costs. "I can't believe you made that hike alone." She spoke after breaking the kiss again.

"I've missed you so much." He kissed her again, and again. His hands moving through her hair. Touching the newly shortened locks. His hands roamed down her down her back. He didn't even care that it was uncomfortably humid and hot. He needed to touch every inch of her. Needed to memorize every feeling his finger pads experienced. Just a few short weeks ago, he was convinced he'd never see her again. Never touch her, taste her. And now he was standing before her and he was desperate to convince himself that it was real.

He was completely lost in her. And he didn't want it any other way.