Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of this story, nor do I own the song "Does He Love You?" by Rilo Kiley.

Horatio was finally being released from the hospital. Today was a great day for Calleigh.

She hurried over to the hospital as fast as she could drive as soon as she got off work to fetch Horatio and then she would drive him over to her place for a surprise welcoming back party for him from the whole team. She had arranged for him to stay over at her place so that he can take it easy so that his wounds could properly heal. She would take a few days off work to take care of him, which she didn't mind of course because she wanted to show Horatio how much she really cared for him.

As she checked Horatio out and pulled her car up to the front of the hospital to drive him home, her heart beat faster and the butterflies that occupied her stomach every time she even thought of Horatio once again returned as she saw the nurse wheeling his wheelchair out to her car. She smiled and waved and he returned in due respect.

"Here we are, Lieutenant," the nurse said to Horatio. "Your lovely driver will take it from here."

"Thank you nurse," Horatio said as his attention turned over to Calleigh. "Thanks again for driving me home, Calleigh."

"Oh it's no problem," Calleigh said. "I wanted to do it." Horatio smiled.

Calleigh liked to listen to the university radio station every now and then because she was always interested in new music. As she was driving back to her apartment, a song crooned by a tortured female voice came on:

Does He Love You?

Does He Love You?

Will he hold your tiny face in his hands?

Calleigh blushed, for she felt Horatio's gaze fix upon her countenance. She quickly turned the volume down so that the rest of the lyrics were inaudible.

"So," Calleigh asked in desperation to change course, "you glad to be coming home finally?"

Horatio smiled at the attempt Calleigh made to keep her feelings secret. "Oh yes. As soon as these wounds heal, I'll be back on the clock. That was an interesting song on the radio just now. Who is the artist?"

"Oh," Calleigh said, cursing whatever DJ was at the university station that instant, "Rilo Kiley. I saw them a few years ago. They're amazing."

"I love her voice."

"Yeah, me too." Damn it, he's figured me out, which can't be that bad, Calleigh said to herself with a grin.

----------

"Okay, Horatio, here we are," Calleigh said as they arrived at her doorstep.

"Surprise!" the team shouted once Horatio walked inside. He never saw it coming.

"Oh you guys," Horatio said smiling. "Thanks so much. This really means a lot."

"Anything for you, honey," Alexx said, giving him a gentle yet welcoming hug. "Welcome back, honey."

"Welcome back, H," Eric said, shaking his hand. "I'm glad everything is alright."

"Thank you, Eric."

All of a sudden, Rick Stetler emerged from the crowd, causing Horatio uneasiness.

"Hello Horatio," Rick said in a stiff tone. "I just wanted to say, welcome back. I hope you're feeling okay."

"Thank you," Horatio said in an equally stiff tone. "I didn't expect that from you."

Rick snickered as Frank Tripp barreled over to Horatio and put a massive hand on his shoulder.

"Great to see you still in one piece, Horatio."

"Thanks Frank," Horatio said in a brighter tone.

As the party continued and the rest of the team offered their welcome-homes, Horatio would at times catch a glance at Calleigh, and most of the time she was staring back. His heart beat quickly just like hers did when she saw him.

When the party ended and Horatio helped Calleigh clean up as best he could, he announced that he was going to turn in for the night.

"Horatio, I want you to be as comfortable as possible, so sleep on my bed."

"Calleigh, I can't ask you to do that. This is your home and I'm your guest. I'll be fine the couch."

"Please, Horatio. I don't want you sleeping on the couch while you're trying to heal."
"I'll be fine...trust me," he said with a smile.

"Horatio, please...I won't feel right with you sleeping on the couch in your condition."

"Alright, alright. If it puts you at ease, I'll sleep on your bed, although I don't like the idea of the guest sleeping on your bed," Horatio said.

"I'll live," Calleigh said. "I just want you to feel better."
"Okay," Horatio conceded with a chuckle.

After Horatio had settled into his bedtime silky black boxers and wife beater shirt, he walked over to Calleigh's bed when he saw her CD collection near the stereo in her room. Among the mainstay Adult Top 40 and occasional alt-country was an album that caught his attention.

"Rilo Kiley," Horatio said with a smile. He turned the case over and, sure enough, the song "Does He Love You?" was among the titles. "I'll listen to you when Calleigh goes to sleep," Horatio said as he put the CD back.

----------

Once he was sure Calleigh were asleep, Horatio put the CD in the stereo and listened to the song that so perked his interest. As he listened to the vocals, his heart fluttered.

Does He Love You?

Does He Love You?

Will he hold your tiny face in his hands?

I wonder if she thinks about me when she listens to this song, Horatio said to himself. He then went back into bed, the song playing over and over again in his mind.