This should be the last story I update before camp, due to the amount of time I have left. I hope that you like it, and please review if you do or do not. I didn't do one for Mother's Day or Father's Day because they aren't major holidays. This will most likely be the last time I update before I leave for camp on Sunday for three weeks. We aren't allowed computer access there . Luv ya (even if you dislike my stories—you still read them!!!), and please review.

Ch. 3 Independence Day

The two lovebirds walked into the park with their feet rising up and pounding down onto the soggy ground in perfect synchrony. The dew was still sparkling on the crisp blades of grass from the sprinklers that had run earlier that morning. The sun had just barely stretched above the horizon, and the team arrived moments later to find a young man's body hidden behind a bush with a bullet in his chest. The sunrays raced across the sky just quicker than the scent of human decay. Th blood pooled around him and seeped into the dirt. Other than the body, blood, and monstrous scent, all was normal in Miami. But for these five people the disaster of death was almost as normal as it is to most people to put butter on bread.

"Lovely early morning scene," Ryan breathed while yawning. Other than that, no words were spoken unless they were necessary for processing the scene. Everybody seemed to tired to do anything more than what was absolutely necessary.

"Red blood, blue eyes, and a white shirt. How fitting?" Ryan muttered three hours later while the five people were crammed into the silver Hummer H3. The date was July 4th 2009.

"That is sick," Eric said. Scathing disapproval seared his voice just as daggers flew from his eyes.

"But accurate," Ryan whispered quieter than mouse so that only he could hear. The last thing that he needed was Delko crawling all over him.

"This one looks pretty easy you all. The hair and DNA seemed to match based on the mini lab in our trunk," Horatio said. They had plenty of high tech equipment in the back to facilitate their job. "Franks just picked him up according to the text I got, and it is already two p.m., so you all can go after we get to the lab. Enjoy you holiday," Horatio said with a smile. Partly he wanted his team to be happy, but he also had a date with Yelina planned….

"Thanks H," Natalia practically screamed. She immediately blushed and looked down. Everybody was wondering why she reacted so enthusiastically, but nobody dared ask. Calleigh and Eric both deliberately looked away from eachother. They had to be very careful around their colleagues.

"What Delko? Are you not going to get laid by some hot babe?" Ryan asked. Eric always had somebody. She was normally tall, brunette, and bold. But nobody knew why all of his girls (or all except his present girl) looked like this. He did this because he didn't want to be reminded unnecessarily that none of these ladies where his love. But he would hopefully never have to deny himself anymore. He was steadily dating the woman of his dreams, and his co-worker, Calleigh Duquesne.

"Anybody special you plan on meeting Calleigh?" Natalia asked. Here eyes were wide, innocent, and friendly.

"Yah," Calleigh said plainly. She didn't want to draw any more attention to herself, or Eric, than necessary.

"Anybody special?" Natalia prodded. Her ears always needed the latest gossip, even if it was about her best friend.

"We'll see," Calleigh said with a smile. Nobody seemed to find this too interesting, because nobody responded. After she was sure that all attention was off of her, she indiscreetly gave Eric a wink, which he saw from the corner of his eye. His response was simple, a single, heart wrenching smile. It would cause anybody to melt on the spot, or almost anybody. Calleigh Duquesne would not let that happen, they were in public.

"Well here you are. Enjoy your half-a-day off," Horatio said once the Hummer pulled to a stop outside of the lab. All he had to do was interview the suspect (who already had contacted a lawyer and pleaded guilty), then he would be able to escape to Yelina's clutches.

The rest of the team walked to the garage. Natalia sped away before anybody else had even reached his or her car. "Anybody for you?" Eric asked Ryan to stall.

"Yep, she is almost pretty enough for you," Ryan responded. The thought of her seemed to light a match under him and he quickly departed.

"Ready?" Calleigh asked, and then got out of her car and switched to the partner's seat. They were going to great lengths to keep their relationship secret, but their relationship was still progressing. They had taken to driving to and from work every day. In response to her question, Eric closed the door and gunned the engine. They rode off into the bright lights of the Miami sun.

After a filling meal, and greatly needed nap. The couple was ready to leave their shared house at four. "So, what should I wear?" Eric asked.

"Let me see…" Calleigh said. She paused in front of his closet for a moment, and then pulled out a suitable outfit. White cargo shorts, and a red polo with sandals would be perfect for what they had planned. "And what should I wear?" Calleigh said. She had an outfit planned, but she felt like letting Eric do this.

"This," Eric said. He promptly pulled out a red strapless sundress and white ballet flats. He knew Calleigh hatted wearing flats (they made her shorter) but he liked them. She always looked so sweet and innocent in them. But, Calleigh wasn't exactly innocent around him, so the contrast only reminded him of how naughty she could be. For the final touches Calleigh grabbed denim purse, and touched up her makeup. She put on Eric's favorite lipstick it was bright red.

"Here," Calleigh said, and then kissed Eric on the cheek. "You needed some red on you."

"I wanted that kiss somewhere else," Eric said. He pulled Calleigh up and kissed her lips; it was much better like this.

"Now I have to fix my lipstick," Calleigh pretended to complain. She didn't really mind though.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you…" Eric growled.

"Why not?"

"Because it is very sexy."

" I know,"

"You are trying to torture me!" Eric accused her.

"That is right, but on the bright side you will be more excited when we get home…" Calleigh said. Leave it to her to find a sunny spot in torture. With a sly smile she disappeared into the CrossFire, and Eric followed her. The engine groaned and car backed out of the driveway then made its way to the baseball field. After buying soda, hotdogs, and candy Eric and Calleigh grabbed their seats and sat down to watch the game. "With the rocket's red glare, and the bombs bursting in air…" the national anthem rang across the field, and hands were placed above hearts. The game began, and it was fun even though neither of them were huge baseball fans. They were more of football and soccer people.

The visiting team took an early lead, and with their rise in runs, the atmosphere in the audience plummeted. Eric and Calleigh were still optimistic though. Because they didn't feel to strongly about the outcome (though they would prefer if home won) they were still able to appreciate the effect of being on at the game. But, when the game finally ended the slaughtering that had occurred on the field dampened even their moods. It hardly felt like a game, it felt like only the visiting team had showed up on the field. But, the best part was still to come. Baseball game's normally had fireworks—but because it was the fourth the fireworks were supposed to be spectacular. The display in the sky was the main reason why they had come to the diamond.

"Look!" Calleigh screamed as the first bang announced bright colors high in the sky. Almost immediately afterwards multiple bangs screamed and red, white, blue, green, yellow and countless other colors bust in the sky. Eric laughed because after every explosion Calleigh either gasped, inhaled, or ooh-ed and ah-ed. "Wow Eric," Calleigh whispered after only a minute. She couldn't believe that the show could get any better. But it continued and only became more spectacular, but it got higher and higher. The tin roof shelter was blocking Calleigh's view (she was only five foot three.)

"Cal," Eric said, and he bent down. Realizing what he was suggesting Calleigh sat on his shoulders. He stood up, and took a step forward. "Are you enjoying this?"

"I feel three!" Calleigh said. She sure didn't look three Eric thought. She looked exquisite, even if she was just wearing a sundress. He was pretty sure that half the men near him were jealous of him. To rub it in, he lifted a hand up, and Calleigh grabbed it. After a few minutes the fireworks began to fall closer to the ground in preparation for the finale. "Ok you can put me down now," Calleigh screamed. Eric did as he was asked and sat her down… on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her firm waist and held her tightly against him. Calleigh enjoyed his contact, and rubbed her hands on his arms, legs, and then rotated so that she sat sideways on him. She then kissed him, and ignored the public as their kiss got deeper and more passionate. But they tore apart in shock as a deafening noise raced into their ears. The finale had begun. As far as the eye could see red, white, and blue, were sprayed across the sky.

Calleigh was silenced by awe, but Eric couldn't shut up. "Did you see that?" "Wow this is amazing!" "Colors are everywhere!" Eric exclaimed as well as other things. The fireworks were definitely the best part in his opinion. It was romantic for him and Calleigh, and it was also just a great show.

"Time to go…" Eric said after the show was over. But suddenly she smiled, and seemed to become really happy.

"What was that smile for?" Calleigh asked. She hoped that it might have to do with taking off that dress, but wasn't sure. It didn't seem like a lust smile, but a just plain happy smile.

"You will see," he said, then he plopped down in the driver's seat. He drove home, a little bit faster than normal. The breaks screeched and he car halted quickly. Eric got out as quickly as she could, and raced over to Calleigh's side. "Come on in!" he said, and they walked into the house. "Sit down, and stay here," Eric demanded, and Calleigh sat on the couch like she was told. Her mind was racing in suspicion. What was going on?

"Eyes shut," Eric said. Calleigh loved him, and trusted him completely. She gentle shut her eyes, and waited for further direction. "Open!" Eric said, and Calleigh was immediately shocked. In Eric's arms lay a small golden retriever puppy. His tongue fell out of the side of his mouth, and eye's danced with excitement. Eric's hands stopped stroking the dog, and let it go. The little fur-ball ran over to Calleigh and jumped on her lap. She was immediately covered in slobber. "Hey sweetie!" She said. The dog then seemed to re-notice Eric. It returned back to his lap, and remained there for only a second before going in-between them. He looked at Eric, and then at Calleigh. "He can't decide where to go!" Calleigh realized aloud. She stood up and picked up the dog. Then she sat down next to Eric, and the dog lay on its back. It's front half was on the man, and rear on the woman. Calleigh began to scratch his belly, which it enjoyed immensely.

"I got it yesterday and have been storing him in a box in my closet ever since. I relieved it before you wok, and after you fell asleep. Oh, and gave it food too," Eric answered his girlfriend's unasked questions.

"What is his name?" Calleigh asked.

"I don't know. I thought that you should name it."

"How about…. Sam?" Calleigh suggested after a minute. The dog just looked like a Sam to her.

"I like that. Sam it is then!" Eric said with a large smile. They fed Sam, and relieved him, and then they put him in the backyard with a blanket for his bed. "He is so cute!" Calleigh exclaimed in delight.

"I thought so too!" Eric agreed, and then they shut the door and faced eachother.

"Thank you Eric," Calleigh said and then lightly brushed her lips against his. But, she wanted more, and knew that he did too. "Remember earlier, I believe that you said that this dress was torturing you . . ."

"I remember. It is definitely torture…" Eric said. He looked at the puppy that was staring at them through the door. He didn't want the puppy to see what was about to happen, so he shut the blinds. Calleigh stood against the wall, and let Eric begin to slowly, but lovingly, torture her.

No, I am not going to end every chapter this way; it just seemed fitting for the past few chapters. I hope that you liked it, please let me know what you thought in a review. This will be the last chapter I post before camp, so don't expect anything for three weeks. I'll miss all of you!!!

~ Katherine ~