Note: a smoking jacket, for those who don't know, is like a robe, only more elegant...think Hugh Hefner

Horatio sat on the couch for what seemed like eternity with Ryan, trying to think of a nice conversation starter. There were some interesting ideas: college follies, workplace chitchat, off-duty hobbies. However, Horatio wanted a romantic conversation through and through, so he decided that they would talk about their favourite dreams.

"I see where you're getting at," Ryan said. "You'll use that conversation to tell her about your dream."

"Leaving out the fact that I got...excited...from it," Horatio said, embarrassed.

"Yeah, I was hoping you would."

Horatio chuckled. "Well, this is it. I hope I don't freeze up."

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT," Ryan said wide-eyed, grabbing Horatio's shoulders. "Like I said before, she's already in love with you, so you already know how this is going to turn out. Just take a deep breath, spit it all out and you'll be fine."

Horatio smiled. "Thanks Ryan."

"No problem, H. Hey, I have an even better idea than just a simple conversation..."

----------

"Hey guys, I'm home!"

"Hey Calleigh," Ryan greeted her.

"How's Horatio doing?"

"He's doing fine. Did you have fun?"

"Oh yeah. Thanks again for taking over while I was gone. I really appreciate it."

"It was nothing. I wanted to check up on the boss anyway and catch up. Well, I should be going...hot date. I'll see you around, Cal."

"Bye Ryan...good luck!"

Calleigh walked into the kitchen to put a six pack of beer into the fridge when she spotted a single red rose lying on the counter. Her heart skipped a beat. There was a note attached.

My heart awaits by the light of the flame

"Oh my god," Calleigh said. She looked down and saw rose petals on the floor, conveniently arranged in a trail leading to her bedroom. She walked in and saw candles lit all over the otherwise darkened room. Horatio sat patiently on the side of the bed wearing a sexy black smoking jacket and silky black sleep pants, his gorgeous red hair combed and slicked back, holding another red rose, which he was looking at. He then looked up at her with his hypnotising deep Electric Blue eyes when she walked in. Tears streamed down her face as Horatio motioned for her to sit next to him.

"Horatio...this is...beautiful," Calleigh said between sobs.

"I was...inspired by a dream I had last night. Strangely enough, I was in full knight's armour and I found a red rose with a note on it..."

Calleigh handed him the note she found on the rose in the kitchen. "Did it say that?"

"Yes it did," he continued. "And there was a trail of rose petals leading me...to you."

"Did you get the girl?"

"Yes I did."

Calleigh smiled.

"Well...are you going to get the boy?"

Calleigh looked over at Horatio, who was smiling at her and handed her the rose.

"Yes I am." She grabbed the rose and gently kissed him on the cheek. They locked in tight embrace as she kissed his lips this time.

"I...was unsure at first about my feelings. But now...now, this feels so right."

"Horatio...when I saw Resden stab you before he died, I thought my world had turned upside down. If you had...not made it...I don't know what I would have done."

"But I'm here," Horatio said, "and I'm with you. This is what you want, isn't it?"

"Of course. I...I..."

Horatio tilted his head as Calleigh tried to get the words out. "You what?"

"I...love you...Horatio...ever since you saved me. When you held me...under the moon...I never wanted to be held by anyone else again."

"Calleigh..." He rubbed her face with his hand as he repeated his actions of the fateful night.

"Oh Horatio, this is what made me fall in love with you."

"And I...I am falling more in love with you every second."

Calleigh looked deep into his eyes, lips quivering, unable to control her emotions.

"Calleigh, you're quivering."
"I'm...just so happy."

Horatio smiled. "Me too." He stopped the quivering when his lips found hers in subtle ecstasy. She gave in and extended her tongue into his mouth, much to the delightful low hum of approval from Horatio. Her hands started to explore his delicate body, starting with his slightly-exposed chest, courtesy of the smoking jacket. She ran her fingers along his red chest hair and eventually pulled back the jacket to reveal his nipples, which she tickled, evoking a soft chuckle from Horatio.

His hands also started exploring, much to her delight. He was cautious, for he did not want to touch anything that might make her uncomfortable. He played it safe at first by running his hands down the length of her arms until his hands found hers. His hands were warm and strong, hers soft and sensual.

She started to fixate her attention on the lower regions of his body when he suddenly realised:

"Uh, Calleigh..." he said between kisses. "I...can't...have sex for 6 weeks...doctor's orders."

"That's okay...I know other ways to pleasure you."

She put her hands down his pants, then pulled them off, and proceeded to do as she promised.