Disclaimer: I do not own CSI or any of its characters. Would I really be writing fanfiction if I did?
A/N: This story is completely different from anything I've tried before, but I also think that it's some of the best work I've ever done as far as the storyline goes. I hope you guys enjoy it!
This story is dedicated to my sister Julie because she has always been the one that has kept me excited about writing and I love sharing my little CSI world with her. She's been my muse and inspiration through it all. This one's for you Julie! I love you!
To See Her Smile
"Calleigh Caine, what on earth are you doing here?"
She turned around to face the owner of the voice. "It's great to see you too Ryan," she laughed, "I'm gone for a month and that's how you greet me?"
"No, I'm just surprised to see you here," he said giving her a hug, "I thought you were on maternity leave."
"I am, but I got so bored just hanging around the house all day that I had to get up and do something," she said, putting a hand on her round stomach, "Besides, I figured you and Eric could use some help with the case load."
"But what about Horatio?" Ryan asked, raising one eyebrow, "He's certainly not going to be pleased to find you working."
"As long as he doesn't know I'm here, we don't have a problem. Catch my drift?" she asked winking at him, "And if it comes down to it, I'll bat my eyelashes and sweet talk him out of serious trouble. One of the many perks of marrying the boss."
Ryan laughed, "Well I must say that pregnancy hasn't taken your wit. You look beautiful by the way."
"Why thank you Ryan, that's very sweet," she said smiling. She was about to open her mouth to say something else when Eric walked into the room.
"Hey Calleigh. What are you doing here.." he was cut off as Calleigh clapped a hand over his mouth to muffle the sound.
"Not so loud," she said, "Do you really want to let the whole lab, including my husband, know I'm here?"
She removed her hand from his mouth and he said, "Oh, so H doesn't know about this. I see. My lips are sealed."
"Thank you Eric," she said, greeting him officially with a hug, "It's so good to see you guys."
"How are you?" Eric asked placing a hand on her stomach, "And how's the littlest Caine?"
"We're both fine, although the way he kicks makes me think he's going to be a soccer player one day," she laughed, "Only a month and a half more to go, I can hardly wait!"
"You should see the way Horatio struts around here. He mentions you and the baby every chance he gets," Ryan said folding his arms across his chest.
"I know," she said, "He's the same way at home. He's like a little kid waiting for Christmas."
"Well, I hate to break up this little party, but I've got a scene to go too," Eric said, moving towards the door, "It was great seeing you again Cal, and don't worry, your little secret's safe with me."
"What little secret?" came a voice from the doorway on the other side of the lab. All three people in the room turned to see Horatio Caine leaned against the doorframe, an amused grin on his face.
"Umm, nothing H," Ryan said, quickly moving in front of Calleigh, "Eric and I were just talking about Alexx's surprise birthday party."
"Oh really?" Horatio asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Come on guys," Calleigh said, side stepping around Ryan, "This little ruse is up. There's no way that he missed seeing me and besides, Alexx's birthday isn't for another four months and we all know that you guys don't plan ahead."
"You can't say we didn't try," Ryan said, stepping back.
"Calleigh," Horatio said in a way that still made her heart melt even after being married for six years, "Why aren't you at home resting?"
"I missed the guys and Alexx," she said stepping closer to him, "And besides, I'm so bored at home, I thought I could help out here for a while."
"I"m going to the crime scene," Eric said suddenly, wanting to escape before a fight erupted, "You want to come Wolfe?"
"Right behind you," Ryan said quickly following his partner out the door.
Calleigh turned back to Horatio and put her hands, palm down, on his chest. "You aren't mad at me are you?" she asked quietly looking up into his eyes.
He tried to be serious for a few minutes, but eventually melted under her gaze. "I could never be mad at you," he said, cupping her face in his hand, "But I am worried about you. The doctor said to be careful and take it easy."
"I know Horatio," she said, turning her head, "But I don't want to go stir crazy either. Please let me have this one afternoon back at work and then I promise I'll be good for the remaining
month and a half."
"Hmm," he said thoughtfully, "Alright, I guess I can let you work in the labs for one afternoon, but I want you to be careful. No guns and no chemicals, is that a deal?"
"Sounds good to me," she said, sealing the deal with a kiss, "I'll see you later Sweetheart." She stepped out of his embrace and headed down the hall towards the ballistics lab. He watched her go and then, laughing to himself, turned and headed up the stairs towards his office.