...reach down your hand in your pocket/ pull out your hope for me/ it's been a long day, always ain't that right...
Matchbox 20, Long Day

Early the next morning, with the soft dawn light drifting into her office, her phone rang. She took it off her belt and looked at the the caller ID for a long moment before she answered.

“Hi.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Hey. I wasn't expecting you to pick up.”

She leaned forward, placing her elbows on her desk and letting her loose hair fall around her face. “Then why did you call?”

“Maybe I just missed the sound of your voice.”

She almost wanted to smile at that. He was very good at making her smile. “Are you trying to charm me Detective?”

“Maybe. Will it get you to talk to me?”

She bit down on her bottom lip. “So you're at the airport?”

“We just got in.” He sounded resigned. “Stella, when I-”

“I'm sorry,” she said, interrupting him. She sighed, feeling the now familiar burning against the back of her eyes. “I... overreacted.”

She had to wait a few moments for his response. “It's okay, babe. I know you're having some trouble with that case-”

“It's not that,” she interrupted him. “Dammit, Don. I miss you.”

He stayed silent so she said the rest. “I need you... here.”

“And that pisses you off, babe, I know.” There was another pause before he spoke again. “Where are you?”

She leaned back into her chair, relaxing just a little. “My office.”

“Okay,” he said. “I'll be there in an hour or so. I just have to get my bag and find a taxi.”

Damn him. She couldn't wait to see him. “I don't need you to treat me like a child, Don. I'm fine.”

He laughed a little at that. “I know you are. But maybe I need to see you too, you know? None of the CSI's in LA were nearly as good looking as you, babe.”

This time she did smile. “Oh really?”

“Yeah,” he said, and she believed him. “I gotta go babe. I'll see you soon.”

“Okay.” Then, before he could hang up, she spoke. “Don?”

There was a pause. “Yeah?”

“I love you.” And she didn't say it enough.

When he spoke again, she could hear the smile in his voice. “I love you too, Stell.”

They hung up at exactly the same time.

--

I hope you all like this ending. Let me know!