Left over calamari and three beer bottles littered the coffee table in front of the television.

"Since when have you cared about beauty?"

How little did anyone know. He saw beauty everyday and had cared about beauty for many years. Beauty was not a foreign concept. Verbal expression of that care, on the other hand, was quite a challenge. He only recently began to share his views, although his timing needed to be worked on.

"Since I met you."

He hadn't meant to say anything out loud. At least not while working a case. He needed more time; time to become more comfortable with what was happening. Now she was slipping away. His thoughts were interrupted by his companion's outburst.

"Oh for crying out loud! How do they expect any normal, reasonable person to swallow that plot line. Why don't they just gag me with a maggot while they're at it!"

Grissom looked at the television she gestured at. The couple on the screen were engaged in a passionate kiss. Apparently the words that had triggered his reminiscence had led to the scene she was now protesting.

"I don't know, Cath. The sentiments behind the words could lead to something; although I think a dramatic scene like that wouldn't be the immediate result."

"Really? So when did you start to care about beauty?"

"Ever since you showed me that it was possible."