I came up with this while I was listening to the Final Fantasy VII piano version of the song "Tifa's Theme." Given that tonight's episode has Yelina and Horatio in it, and Horatio is getting extradited to Brazil for Riaz's murder, I'd figure I'd come up with a piece. No, I don't think this will happen in the episode, but who said writing a little angst hurt? That, and I love the song anyways.

-gives you Horatio Caine look and pose- I... don't own the show.


Part 1/3- Wait for Me

He stood there in the hallway, the feds giving him wary stares. A lump had rose in his throat. "I... I didn't mean for you to get involved in this," he muttered, looking down, tears stinging his vision. "It's just... well, you were there, and you knew I was in Brazil, and everything just went down for Ray and..." He took a deep breath, trying his best to straighten up and look professional. "Well, I, uh... you know. I kind of..." He laughed slightly. He never stuttered like this. Never once in Horatio Caine's life had he stuttered before. "Well, you know."

Yelina smiled slightly and looked out the window. "I understand. I know what you're trying to say. Horatio, you don't have to put it into words what you're trying to tell me. I've known."

He stood there, dumbfounded. What was she saying?

"All these years we've known each other, and you never once said a word about your love for me. Horatio, it wasn't like you had anything to hide. Honestly. I knew those looks you gave me when you were talking to me. They were of longing and love and everything in between. If you had any feelings for me, why didn't you just talk about them? I didn't love Stetler then, so..." She shook her head, laughing a little. "I don't understand it."

Horatio gave a weary sigh. "I wanted some time for you to get used to Raymond's death. I would have asked you out then, but..."

She brushed a piece of hair out of her face, biting her lip and fighting back her own tears. "There have been so many subtle little gestures, Horatio. Why haven't you seen them?I understand you're busy and all, but..." She swallowed. "Horatio, please just... understand that I've loved you for the longest time."

He looked away as she slipped her hand into his. "I... Yelina, I..."

"You're a busy man. I know. Just make a little time in your life for the thing that is most important in your world- something you love to call 'family.'"

"Horatio!" one of the feds called out, annoyed.

He flashed them an angry look before turning back to Yelina, his hand slowly stroking her face. He gave her a soft smile. "Yelina. I'll be okay. They're just going to take me by the neck for a while, but I'll live."

She gave him one in return. "But will you ever be the same? Horatio, something could happen when you're in Brazil. I don't know what it could be, but... I can't help but worry about you."

He didn't say anything for several moments. She held his hand tightly. "Horatio?"

"It was self-defense, Yelina," he whispered hoarsely, all exterior masks of the typically stone-faced lieutenant thrown aside and revealing a redhead with a near sense of defiant hopelessness. "Riaz was running at me with a freakin' knife in his hand. What was I supposed to do?"

Yelina shrugged helplessly. "I'm not sure, Horatio."

The fed growled lowly. "Caine! Your ass better be over here in twenty seconds, or I'm sending force your way!"

It could have possibly been the last time they were ever going to see each other. Horatio sighed and gave her a soft, genuine smile. "I guess I don't have to tell you that I love you, hm?"

"I'd still like to hear it. Just once, before you go."

The tears were still streaming down her face. Horatio took his finger and wiped her face slowly, feeling her tears for him run through his fingers. He nodded and leaned over, giving her a very quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll come back. I promise," he told her, smiling. "You know I will."

Yelina nodded, looking back out the window. "Yeah."

"Wait for me," he whispered as he walked away towards the secrets he was forced to face.

Yelina allowed herself a small smile as she watched him walk away and into the elevator. The doors shut, and she watched his eyes give her hope, give her a reason to wait.

She would wait for him. For as long as it would take, she would wait for him.


Okay, so I'm a sap. Sue me. XD No, really, I'd like reviews on this. It took a little bit of brain power to crank this out, and don't worry. You'll get another one after I watch "All In" on Tuesday night. Promise. Probably going to be a three-shot. Thanks for reading!