c. speed of light. One of three fundamental constants in physics with units LT-1 [Length x inverse Time]. It is used to define an upper limit to the dissemination of information.

Was there any way to apologize for destroying the serenity in the lives of the people one cares about the most?

The answer, obviously, was yes, but it was not the 'how to do it' that kept him awake at night. It was the question.

It distracted him as he sat in his brand new office while he read the latest journals and abstracts. The desk before him was heaped with copies of study procedures, their results, and small scraps of paper that reminded him of his 'to-dos'. Then, Grissom would realize that his desk calendar lacked any notes in Catherine's handwriting and his hidden picture of the Willows women was at home, removed from its accustomed place beneath the blotter.

At his new apartment that still smelled of paint, he faced barren walls. He preferred minimalist décor to this emptiness.

Setting up a new base implied a sense of the future, but Grissom found his sight locked onto the past with Lindsey's words rebounding through his head. He had not been happy back in Vegas; he had been content and, for a very long time, that had been enough. So, he lingered over memories and put the barest amount of effort into turning his apartment into a true home.

Thanksgiving passed and the days slowly trekked inexorably towards Christmas. Inundated via all the senses were the Christmas mood and the Savior who died for mankind's sins. He forgave them, and Grissom wondered if Lindsey and Catherine could forgive him.

He wrote the letter, addressed and stamped the envelope, and mailed everything before he could calculate risk/benefit ratios. If nothing else, he managed to convince himself, he just found his New Year's resolution.

The years at the crime lab trained Grissom so well to expect nothing and to advance no hypothesis. It made the reply, when it came, completely surprising and unexpected.

It was a three word invitation awaiting him in his cell phone's voicemail. Rather than curse the extraordinary timing of such events, Grissom just pressed the right buttons to hear the message.

"We miss you," said a voice whose owner could inspire Grissom to take amazing leaps of faith.

Once at his apartment, Grissom immediately leafed through the phone book for the number of the nearest airport. Every second spent waiting was one wasted so Grissom simultaneously began to pack.

Very soon, he would be home. He decided now would be an excellent time to determine the speed of acquiring a plane ticket during the holidays, starting from giving his credit card information and finishing with having a ticket in hand.

xxxxx

Lindsey was driving her crazy. It was one thing to be excited for the upcoming occasion; it was a totally different thing to expect a fairytale.

Then, the countdown began and, with it, the new habit of rushing to answer the door whenever the bell rang. She would see the happiness filling her daughter's face and felt no heart to reprimand her. Yet, she could discover no underlying reason for the door's sudden attraction.

She asked her mother and siblings if they were sending any presents via delivery. With their negative answer, she even went to Sam, who also denied anything.

Too tired to wonder anymore, she simply ignored the doorbell and allowed Lindsey her fun. Life's realities would intervene sooner than later.

Then, there came the scream, "You're here! You're here! You're here!"

Catherine was in the front hall within the first exclamation and stared. He was barely visible beneath the tangle of her daughter's hair and limbs, but there was no one else he could be.

Lindsey landed onto the floor with a bounce; she led him towards her, hand-in-hand. Catherine remained as she was, frozen in space and posture, unsure if he was truly in her home. Though she was certain who he was, she was doubtful if he was.

"Now, Uncle Gil, you have to apologize to Mom," Lindsey said, borrowing her mother's 'listen to me' voice.

His eyes softened and his voice was quiet. "I'm sorry, Cath. I'm so sorry."

She was in his arms where she could whisper. "I'm still mad, but I've missed you so much."

He choked over another repetition of, "I'm sorry."

"It's time to kiss and make up," an amused voice interjected.

Catherine shifted to look at Lindsey. Feeling Grissom start to slip away, she moved again, subtly, and he understood the hint.

"A kiss, huh?" Catherine asked, clearly baiting Lindsey. "I don't see any mistletoe."

"Mom!" Lindsey rolled her eyes.

Laughing, Catherine gave. "Okay, okay. Close your eyes."

"You're not going to do it if I close them. You know what? Forget it. I'll just take Uncle Gil's bag to your room." That said, she moved out of sight.

"Did I hear correctly?" Grissom asked while Catherine verified her daughter was indeed gone.

"Yeah. You smell like the airport so I'm going to assume that you haven't booked a room anywhere. Stay here, Gil."

He shifted, uncomfortably.

"I'm on shift tonight. Recall I work nights?" she asked him, finally returning her gaze to his face. "And remember I don't have a guest room?"

His capitulation was a submission nobly done.

Thoughts already onto another topic, Catherine lowered her voice to say, "How long do you have?"

"I didn't request any time. I have to return Monday morning."

Catherine nodded.

"Cath, will we be okay?"

She smiled. "I can never stay mad at you. Just, promise me that you won't do anything like that ever again."

"I promise." He frowned. "I'm not good with people, relationships."

"And I don't like long distance ones."

"So, now what?"

"I don't know about tomorrow, but I need to leave for the lab soon."

He made to release her. She pushed him against the opposing wall.

Digging her nails into his shoulders after divesting him of his coat, she placed herself deep into his personal space. Catherine felt her body appreciate the widening of his eyes, the questions, and the hope.

"Quick, before Lindsey comes back. I need to know if you're really here."

Grissom saw the way her body was braced; it was the posture of one who expected to waken.

He reached for her face and gently rubbed the laugh lines. Slight pressure from his hands tilted her; her eyes closed as he neared. Her fingers changed their grasp on his shoulders when the kiss deepened.

They pulled apart when more of Lindsey's exciting words vibrated the air molecules surrounding them.

Catherine could not tear her eyes from him.

"Somehow, I think I knew you would kiss like that."

He raised an eyebrow. "Does this mean I'm me and standing in your house?"

"Smart ass," she managed to say before claiming his lips again.

Then, she was in a flurry of movement, hurrying through her routine to prepare for work. She kissed Lindsey good night and promised a special breakfast in the morning. With a meaningful look, she left the house.

It was only after Grissom persuaded Lindsey into bed that he realized Catherine's easy acceptance of his appearance. He wondered if that meant anything at all.

FIN