Title: As One Door Closes – Part Two
Genre: CSI MIAMI – Romance/Angst
Paring: Horatio and Calleigh
Rating: T
Timeline: Post series. My muse's Cannon.
Spoilers: Many implied.
Summery: See Part One
Disclaimer: I put in a bid for Horatio and Calleigh… Probably not as much as CBS would want though.
Author notes: WOW has become fancy lately…
Written: June 2012
Word count: 3,300
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Calleigh had just settled herself on the couch between Patty and Austin when the doorbell chimed. Sighing audibly, she actually felt her shoulders droop at the thought of the intrusion, however relented herself to getting up to go and see who was at the door, already feeling slightly irritated. Her, Austin and Patty had finally managed to set into a routine, it had taken a bit longer than she had initially anticipated, but they seemed to have found something that worked for them. Their rooms had been personalized to their tastes, and with that task completed, they had had a little more spare time on their hands, which was why Calleigh had suggested they watch a movie to relax. However, within moments, she had found herself restless again. She knew why it was, but refused to acknowledge it. Hoping that time and distance would somehow ease it to a numb sensation, instead of the aching one that kept on tearing at her. However, with idle hands, and for the first time not needing to rush about in order to see to the multitude of things that seemed to crop up regarding Austin and Patty, her thoughts drifted… and with them her mood seemed to plummet.
She really tried not to think about how long it has been since she had last seen him, since she had looked into those alluringly blue eyes of his, and once again felt her heart skip a beat as his slight smile of greeting graced his lips. She would give almost anything just to hear his voice, or to receive a text from him. She had even played with the idea of sending him an email in order to find out how things were going. However, she always found herself at the last moment resisting the urge, not wanting to disturb him, knowing he would reply – because he always did. It all left her with a heavy sensation in her chest.
She had known that it would be hard weaning herself off Horatio Caine. That it would possibly as hard as it was for a junkie to clean up. Because for ten years she had received a daily fix. Sometimes it was a nice high, those when he praised her. Or when he looked at her in a certain way, when she could, for just a moment, imagine that he actually noticed her as a woman and not just as his partner or his second in command. Then there were days that tore her apart… Love is a painful yet exhilarating drug. With unspoken love possibly being the most destructive. It was simply too hard to face the great sense of desolation that overcame her whenever something happened to him. Anything that could take him away from her in any way.
Calleigh was not really in the mood to see anyone today, her mood was simply too volatile to keep up the jovial facade whomever was at the door would expect. She however tried to rally her spirits as she made her way to the door, not quite wanting to scare off the person who had decided to darken her doorstep. She drew in a deep breath as she halted at her front door. Then checked to see who was there. Immediately her heart started pounding faster as her breath caught. Even with his back to the door, she would recognize that back and head of fiery hair anywhere. Horatio, his name filled her mind, causing her to take a slight step back in shock, her hand automatically going to her heart, which seemed to be determined to erupt from her chest, somehow hoping to calm it. Easy now Calleigh Marie Duquesne, it's only Horatio. She quickly chided herself. You can do this. Oh lord! When was the last time he was at my house? She felt an immediate sense of elation overwhelm her at the implication of his presence; that he had actually sought her out, and that this time it wasn't work related, couldn't be work related. Within a heartbeat, her spirits lifted, and she could no more have prevented the smile that pasted itself on her lips, than she could have the sunrise that morning. Horatio is at my front door. In reality, Horatio had only ever darkened her doorstep a hand full of times in the past.
She immediately worried about her hair. Having been busy with Austin and Patty all morning, she had not spent as much time on her appearance as usual. However realized that there was little she could do about it. She quickly schooled her features, telling herself to calm down and to breathe deeply, before turning to open the door.
'Horatio, what brings you here?' Calleigh asked, hoping her voice did not sound too strained, or lilting.
Horatio turned towards her, his intense blue eyes meeting her own. Their familiar sight nearly knocked the breath from her. Lord, how I've missed this man, she thought. Feeling her heart once again skip a beat as he smiled slightly at her.
'Calleigh, hi, I er… I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing.' Horatio started, his voice slightly halting whilst he played with his sunglasses, causing Calleigh to tip her head slightly to the side once she noticed the gesture. An unfailing indication of his discomfort, especially around women he found attractive. It was one she had picked up on very early in their working relationship. There were a few others. However, that one was most telling and gave her cause to hope.
'Well isn't that sweet of you.' Calleigh coyly returned, her mind trying to conjure up ways to just keep him there for just a few moments longer. In order for her to discern whether it was just nerves on his side or if he had really sought out her company. 'Why don't you come in.' She invited, stepping out of the way to allow him entrance.
'Why thank you.' Horatio said as he stepped inside her home, waiting for her to close the door. His head turned in the direction of the lounge, where sounds were coming from the TV. 'Am I intruding he asked?' He calmly asked, indicating with his head towards the lounge.
'We were just watching Cat in a Hat.' Calleigh replied, 'Come this way.' She said, indicating to him to follow her to the kitchen instead.
'I could go.' Horatio was quick to offer.
'Don't be silly.' Calleigh quickly returned over her shoulder. 'Would you like something to drink?'
'That would be nice,' Horatio returned as they entered her kitchen.
Calleigh stepped over to her fridge and pulled open the door to check its contents. The presence of two children had made a remarkable change to her shopping list. 'I can offer you water, apple juice, orange juice, milk and…' she allowed her voice to trail off before turning to look at him. 'I don't really have much else, I'm catering for kids lately and I'm a bit anti soda.' She stated uncertainly. 'I could offer you some coffee or tea if you like.'
'Coffee sounds good to me.' Horatio calmly replied.
Calleigh switched on the coffeemaker and turned towards the cupboard to extract two cups, sugar and milk.
'Please sit, I know it's not the best seating in the house but it works.' Calleigh returned and immediately wanted to kick herself, since when does my mouth babble as much –oh yeah when I'm nervous, am I nervous?
'It's fine Calleigh.' Horatio returned sitting down, looking for all decidedly at ease. 'So have things with the kids settled yet?' he finally asked.
'Yes it took a little longer than I'd anticipated, but we've settled.' Calleigh replied, busying herself with making their coffee.
'It's a big change for all of you.' Horatio reasoned, with that low voice that would glide across her senses. Lord, he must never find out what that voice does to me. Calleigh thought as she nodded her head slightly in acquiesce. The room falling silent after that. A silence that quickly became loaded. This was not work, there was a reason why he had come, and as tempted as she was to push him, she knew he would divulge nothing unless he was ready to.
Calleigh turned to look at him, noted the way he would glance at her, however seemed unwilling to meet her eyes, something that had never been a problem for them in the past. What is it Horatio? She thought as she felt her brow crease slightly, causing her to drop her head slightly to the side.
And just as suddenly, he spoke up. 'Why is it that you haven't thought of having kids of your own?'
To say that his question stunned her, was an understatement. You volunteering? Was the fist question the ever-hopeful little voice in her head popped up, because if you are, forget the coffee the bedroom's that way. Calleigh tried to get her wayward thoughts under control.
'Sorry… I… eh… I shouldn't have said anything.' Horatio haltingly started, before looking down at the countertop.
Calleigh having gained control of her wayward thoughts, hoping she would not let slip something insanely embarrassing replied. 'It's okay, really. It's just that with my record of disastrous relationships… I just didn't see that happening any time soon.'
Her reply had him lifting his gaze to meet hers, his head tilting slightly before answering her. 'I find it hard to believe that all your relationships were a disaster, and for all you know you could meet someone soon enough.'
Calleigh just looked at him in disbelief. Oh God Horatio, I met him a long time ago, you are just too blind to see it. She thought, then shook her head slightly.
Horatio was just about to speak when Austin entered the kitchen. 'Mommy Calleigh, we're thirsty.' he announced then looked towards Horatio, 'You're Mommy Calleigh's boss.' He stated. 'Does she have to go to work now?'
Horatio turned his attention towards the dark haired boy. 'Austin isn't it?' He asked the young boy, who nodded his head in reply. 'You're very clever to remember that. However, I'm no longer your new mommy's boss, so no she doesn't need to go to work right now.' Horatio calmly returned, his voice reassuring, as it always was when he addressed children. Calleigh looked at Horatio, at how he interacted with the child, and felt a tightening sensation around her heart. It seemed so unfair that he had missed out on Kyle's life. She turned towards the fridge and extracted the apple juice. Then collected two cups from the cupboard, all the whilst listening to Horatio speaking to Austin. She soaked up the calmness and affection in his voice, having missed it almost as much as his presence.
'I'll bring your juice.' Calleigh finally spoke up turning towards them, causing Austin to nod his head before leaving.
'He's already protective of you.' Horatio said as Calleigh returned the juice to the fridge.
Calleigh felt a slight smile grace her lips at that.
'Are you happy with them?' It was one of Horatio's direct questions, as always demanding a direct answer.
'I'm not getting any younger Horatio.' Calleigh returned, hoping to side step the question. 'I always wanted a family…' she allowed her voice to trail off as she reached for the cups, the coffee machine chiming at the same time. It's just that you never wanted that with me. She left unsaid, her heart suddenly feeling heavy again.
'But are you happy?' He insisted.
Calleigh took a deep breath, before nodding her head slightly. 'In a way I am, besides the man whose children I want is oblivious of that fact.' She said preparing to leave. What the hell did I have to say that for? Sweet lord now he's going to think I'm pathetic, and in ways I probably am. She chided herself, taking a deep breath to try and steady her thoughts, whilst hoping she could still manage to save face somehow. 'Sorry I should not have said that.' Calleigh returned, looking towards him and noting the frown maring his forehead.
'It's fine,' Horatio replied, his voice slightly demurred.
'I'll be right back.' Calleigh stated as she left with the two cups.
Calleigh entered the lounge and placed the juice down on the coffee table. She smiled at Austin and Patty, glancing for a moment around the room before returning to the kitchen, only to find that Horatio had already poured both of them a cup of coffee. Familiar with the way she liked her coffee, he had added sugar and milk to hers. It was another thing that gripped her heart a little tighter.
Drawing in a deep breath she sat down in the stool next to him, and smiled when he moved her cup towards her. Their proximity to each other was familiar however not as comforting as it had always been.
'I think Austin and Patty are lucky to have you.' Horatio suddenly spoke up, causing Calleigh to look at him. 'It's tough growing up in the system.' Horatio decreed, and Calleigh nodded her head in understanding.
'They're good kids.' Calleigh calmly returned.
'Yes, that they are.' He solemnly returned. 'So, how's the new lab?'
'Still chaos.' Calleigh honestly returned. 'We've taken on most of the work already, it's kind of like a production line. You just take what your handed and process it. Put down all the variables, and then send it off.' Calleigh concluded shrugging her shoulders slightly.
'You miss the field work.' Horatio softly stated.
'It's not that, at least I don't think it is.' Calleigh started, 'I think I miss the challenge of actually solving the case more.' Calleigh paused for a moment before continuing. 'I guess it will take a while to get used to the new routine. You?' She concluded, looking towards him.
'I've just finished with dismantling the old lab.' Horatio returned, his voice heavy.
'Must be hard for you.' Calleigh questioned, reaching out to touch him. Her hand landing on his arm, a buzzing sensation shooting up it, causing her heart to once again speed up. Touching him has always had that effect on her. Her action caused Horatio to look at her
'Times change, we need to adapt.' He firmly replied, dropping his gaze again.
Calleigh knew better than to push the issue. 'So, what brought you here?' She asked instead, injecting some enthusiasm in her voice.
'I wanted to know how you're doing, a phone call seemed too detached.' Horatio honestly returned.
Calleigh just nodded her head slightly and retracted her hand
'I think there are a lot of things I'll need to get used to. I'll still see Eric and Wolf out in the field…' Horatio's voice trailed off
'But not me.' Calleigh finished for him. She could feel the smile tugging at her lips, knowing that that was as close a declaration she would ever get out of him that he missed her.
'Yes.' He confirmed nodding his head slightly.
His conformation warmed her soul. So I was more than just a member of your team. 'Well you can always come and visit,' Calleigh lightly returned, not wanting him to know how much that admission meant to her. 'My door is always open - you know that.' She concluded.
'Thank you. But you will also be busy.' Horatio earnestly replied, indicating to the lounge with his head.
Calleigh just looked at him, her head tilting slightly at his indication. I will always have time for you.
It remained silent for a while, both of them drinking their coffee, before he turned to her. 'I'm not sure if you would be permitted to take then out of Miami yet, but if you ever want to get away for a weekend with the kids, I have a small beach house down in the Keys you could use. It's nothing fancy, but it has the basics. Two rooms open plan living area and a bathroom and it's right on the beach.' Horatio started, reaching for his phone then started pressing some buttons. 'You're welcome to use it, if you ever just want to get out of Miami.' Horatio continued, pressing the send button. Calleigh heard her phone chime. 'I've sent you the gps coordinates. There's a spare key under the second step on the left hand side, just be careful for the hooks that keep it in place.' He continued turning his attention back to her. 'Just send me an email a day or so beforehand, so I can have the cleaning service air it and change the sheets.'
'Horatio.' Calleigh softly replied, placing her hand on his arm again, causing him to look down at it. It was in his nature to be generous, however she would have preferred it if he invited them down there with him – so he too could get a break. Keep telling yourself that girl. You would rather share the time with him, snuggling up to him in bed… demanding an entirely different type of generosity from him. The ever-persistent voice in her head piped up, and for a moment Calleigh could feel a blush creeping up her neck at the images her mind conjured up, detailing the possibilities those cuddling sessions could entail.
'It's there Calleigh, feel free to use it.' Horatio sincerely replied, placing his hand over hers. His action further intensifying her awareness, and the images her mind seemed to be producing. 'Kids are expensive to take on holiday, and it will be a nice get away.' He concluded.
'Thank you Horatio,' Calleigh softly returned, not certain if her voice would have remained stable enough to speak louder. A familiar tingling sensation started low in her abdomen, one she was very familiar with. She also knew that it would soon fire to life, especially since he was touching her. Sweet lord, I'm surely getting my Horatio fix today. She thought, drawing in the attention like a desert landscape soaks up water.
'I should go, I think I have kept you from your charges for long enough.' Horatio finally said drawing his hand from her and making to get up.
Calleigh followed him to the door, 'Thanks for visiting.' She said opening the door for him.
'I should be thanking you for allowing me to intrude on your time.' Horatio sincerely replied, then stood looking at her for a while. 'You should tell him you know.'
'Tell who?' Calleigh asked confused.
'Eric. I think you might find that he's not as opposed to having children as you think he is.' Horatio replied lowly, almost sadly.
Calleigh felt a sudden bolt of shock run through her at his words, their implication stunning her. Her mind tried to discern just exactly how he had managed to get there, especially considering their conversation. She saw his shoulders droop slightly, after their utterance, causing her head to tilt slightly in question. 'Horatio, you never could see the paper for the trees.' She stated flatly as he stepped out onto her porch.
She watched as a frown marred his brow. Good, you go think about that one. Her inner voice bit back. 'Good day Horatio. Drive safely.' She returned, possibly a bit more strained than she had intended. She never did understand how his mind worked sometimes.
'Enjoy your weekend Calleigh.' Horatio civilly replied, as always, and she watched his receding form. Her grip tightened on the door handle, in an attempt to prevent herself from doing or saying anything stupid. Like possibly blurting out to him that he was an idiot, that it was not Eric's kids she wanted. However she was not certain if he would entertain the fact that it was his she so strongly desired.
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