Chapter Ten: Awareness

An hour later, the team gathered in Horatio's living room. Natalia had also called Yelina, and Dr. Reynolds. Yelina joined the rest of them in the living room, while Reynolds went to take a look at his patient.

Ryan was the last to arrive, having just gotten off shift. Eric waited until the younger CSI got settled, then spoke. "There's been a change."

"We kinda guessed that." Frank shifted in his seat. "You gonna tell us whether it's good or bad?"

"Good, I think. Dr. Reynolds is verifying that right now." Eric sighed. "Horatio's temperature has dropped to just above 100. It's still hovering there, but that's lower than it's been in a while. But the even better news is..." He hesitated, still oddly shaken.

"Horatio woke up." Natalia picked up the thread. "It wasn't very long, and he was pretty out of it, but he recognized both of us, he responded to us when we spoke, and he responded to stimuli when we offered him water."

"That's great." Yelina's face was a picture of relief, and the others had similar expressions.

"I'd say more like absolutely fantastic." Calliegh exhaled softly. "I was really starting to worry that he wasn't going to come out of this one."

"Yeah. No kidding." Frank shifted again. "So, what does this mean?"

"If Reynolds confirms, then it means a lot of things. For one, we can expect Horatio to be more responsive. That'll make it easier to keep him hydrated, and give him his medicine. Of course, as soon as he wakes up a little more, he may try to take the IV out." Eric took another deep breath. "It also looks like his nightmares are decreasing. He's probably coming out of delirium, which means we don't have to watch him as closely. If he's really recovering, it might be possible to cut back to one person per shift."

"That would definitely make things easier on all of us." Ryan grinned. "I like H, and I'd do anything for him, but there's no question these have seriously been some of the toughest days of my life."

"I think we all feel that way. Which brings me to my next point. I don't think we should mention all this stuff to him, at least not right away." Eric shifted his weight. "I don't know about you guys, but I think it'd be bad for him, if he finds out we've heard about his past."

"No kidding. He's been trying so hard to keep it quiet, and now it just all comes out." Calliegh's eyes were compassionate. "That would really be tough."

Eric nodded. "If we need to, I'll tell him later, after he's recovered some more."

"Sound's fair. You're family, after all." Alexx sighed. "So...what do you want us to do, honey?"

Eric grinned at the affectionate name. "Easy. We keep an eye on him, as long as we need to, do whatever Reynolds tells us to do. If he asks, we tell him he got sick and hit his head when he passed out, and that we decided to take care of him here rather than at a hospital because it was safer. We don't mention the nightmares, just that he had a bad fever, took a while to get it down."

"Fair enough." Frank bit his lip. "So...once he's awake and all, what do we do?"

"Give him plenty of liquids, and try to keep his temperature down. In fact, if you can get it below 100, that would be excellent." Reynolds stepped into the room. "I'd recommend broth or light soups for the first few days, until his system adjusts, then more solid foods. If he continues to improve, he'll be ready for regular meals in a week or so." The doctor took a glass of water from Calliegh with a smile. "He's not completely out of the woods, but his lungs are clear, his fever has declined, and his heart rate is good. So far, it looks like he's making a recovery."

"Does he need to keep the IV in?" Alexx's voice was calm.

"I'd say for another 24 hours at least, until he starts waking at regular intervals." Reynolds considered. "After that, try to get some food and water into him at least every three hours. If he wakes up fully, that's excellent. If not, give him as much as he wants, then let him go back to sleep. Try not to agitate him too much."

Ryan spoke up. "Is there anything else we need to know?"

Reynolds frowned. "He'll likely be very weak for several days. He'll need help while his system recovers, probably with almost everything."

"You mean we're gonna need to help him with stuff like going to the bathroom, taking a shower, stuff like that." Frank looked uncomfortable, and he wasn't the only one.

"Most likely. And at this point, I'd recommend baths, or just a scrub down with a washcloth. I doubt he'll be steady enough on his feet to stand through a shower."

Alexx snorted. "Horatio's gonna love that."

"I vote for learning to navigate Horatio's bathroom blindfolded. Otherwise, he's gonna kill us." Ryan looked a little queasy.

"No. What we do, is we let H call the shots on that. If he feels comfortable enough to ask whoever's with him to help, then it's probably okay. If not, then we leave it alone."

Yelina spoke softly. "I do not think Ray Jr and I should do this. I will come by to visit, but I do not think we should be part of Horatio's caretakers."

Calliegh blinked. "I would have thought you two would be the best choices, actually."

"Maybe, except for a few things." Yelina sighed. "For one, I do not think Horatio would want Ray Jr to see the scars. Ray is a good boy, but it's far too likely that he would ask questions that Horatio probably doesn't want to answer. For another..." She sighed again, raking a hand through her thick, curly hair. "After Raymond first disappeared, I thought for a while there might be something between us. So did Horatio. Then he realized that he still thought of me as Raymond's wife." An ironic smile crossed her face. "That's probably even more true now. Having me there, seeing him like that...it would probably make him very uncomfortable." She shook her head. "If he indicates differently when I visit him, then it is fine. Until then, however, I think we should be visitors only."

"Fair enough. The rest of us can keep an eye on him." Frank slouched and stuck a hand in his pockets. "Any idea how long this recovery is going to take?"

Reynolds shook his head. "It tends to vary from patient to patient. I can say, the lieutenant is extraordinarily strong-willed. I suspect he'll have one of the shorter recovery times, unless there's something psychological going on that winds up working against us."

"Well, we'll just have to make sure nothing works against us." Ryan grinned.

Reynolds nodded. "I've left scripts for renewing his medicines as needed. I want him to stay in bed, unless he goes to the bathroom, until that fever breaks completely. And watch for any signs of side effects from the head injury. He should be fairly well mended, but there may be some lingering pain from it. I've prescribed a headache medicine. Watch for any signs of further problems."

"I know the signs, and the rest of these kids have a pretty good idea what to look for. We'll watch." Alexx nodded resolutely.

"Then he should be okay. Assuming no one calls me with any serious changes in his condition, I'll check back in a week or so, see how he's doing." Reynolds gave them all a brief nod of farewell, then turned and left.

Calliegh sighed. "So...one man teams, and keep an eye out for any signs of brain trauma. Other than that...we all have our marching orders, so I guess we'll get to it. All we have to do is inform the chief, and decide on a schedule."

They spent a few minutes planning a new schedule, then dispersed. Eric sent Natalia home. She'd been there longer than he had, and she had an afternoon shift the following day. He figured he could handle the lack of sleep.

The last of the CSI team left. Alexx took one more look at Horatio, smoothing back his hair and murmuring gentle words into his ear, then left with the rest of them. Eric waited until he heard the front door click closed, then sighed and sank into the chair beside Horatio's bed.

It was oddly quiet in the house with just him. He scrubbed a hand across his face, then settled in, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, his eyes fixed on the drawn face of the sleeping man before him. He smiled a little, hearing the soft rhythms of Horatio's breathing, a welcome change from the gasping of his nightmares. He considered a moment, then leaned forward to take Horatio's hand. "Hey, H, I don't know if you can hear me right now, but I wanted to tell you that I'm glad. I'm glad you're getting better. And I wanted you to know...we're all here for you. And...these next few days...you don't have to be embarrassed or anything. I know you probably will be, but you don't need to be. I swear it. We'll do our best to make this as easy as possible for you. So...just get better, and let us help you out, okay?"

Horatio made no response. Eric held his hand a moment longer, then let go and sat back to watch over him.

***TiS***

Calliegh took over from Eric the next morning. She arrived early, carrying several items that she set on the bedside table. "How is he?"

Eric grinned tiredly. "Slept like a kid the whole time. Barely even twitched. His fever hasn't gone down any further, but it also hasn't gone up. No nightmares or anything either."

Calliegh smiled. "That's good news then." She looked Horatio over, then turned back. "All right. I've got some soup for him, something that'll be good warm or cold, and some magazines and files for me. You've already supplied water, and Alexx already filled all his medicines for me, so I think I'm set." She gave him another quick grin. "Which means you should go and get some rest before your next shift."

"Sure." He returned the smile. Then it slipped. "If he wakes up...you'll let me know, right?"

"If he wakes up, and I mean really wakes up, then I will most certainly tell you." Calliegh patted him on the shoulder, then nudged him gently. "Go on. Go get some rest."

Eric nodded, cast one more look at Horatio, then left. Calliegh waited for the click of the front door, then turned and settled into the chair Eric had vacated. She studied Horatio's face a moment, then reached out to stroke his face. "I guess it's just you and me." Horatio never stirred. She watched him breathe a few moments longer, then picked up a magazine and began to read about the latest in gun care and design.

She'd been there for about an hour and a half when a sound jerked her attention from the magazine she was reading. On the bed, Horatio twitched, his head rolling from side to side in tiny movements.

Calliegh set the magazine aside, then leaned forward to lay gentle hands on his shoulder and wrist. "Horatio?"

Horatio's head tossed again, then turned toward her. His breathing changed a little, becoming slightly deeper. Calliegh waited. A moment later, Horatio's eyes cracked open, squinting in the dim light.

"Horatio? Are you awake?" She kept her voice low and even.

Blue eyes watched her for a moment. She saw his mouth move, and the brief spasm of pain on his face. She moved quickly, picking up the water Eric had left her. She slipped one arm under Horatio's shoulders and tilted his head up. "Here. Drink this before you try to talk."

Horatio took a sip of the water, then another. One hand came up to grasp the glass, but he was trembling too much and the hand dropped back to his side.

Calliegh gave him small sips until he stopped, then set the glass aside. She started to lay him back down, but Horatio moved, trying to get an elbow braced against the mattress. "Do you want to sit up for a while?"

"Yes." The word was a hoarse whisper, but it made her smile.

"All right. Just relax." She used her free hand to prop up the pillows behind him, then helped him scoot himself upward to lean against them. "There. That better?"

Horatio nodded, his face contorting as his breathing changed, became more ragged. He gasped, then coughed, doubling over.

Calliegh caught him, her free hand snatching the inhaler off the table. She shook it, then put it in front of his mouth. "Here. This will help." She set it to his lips, pressed the dispenser. "Deep breath."

Horatio inhaled raggedly. It was hardly a deep breath, but it served the purpose well enough. She shot another dose. "Again."

Horatio complied, then leaned back against the pillows, face damp with sweat and body trembling slightly from the force of the exertion. Calliegh helped him, then took a damp rag and wiped his face with it. "There."

Horatio sat still for a few moments, blinking tiredly at the ceiling, then faced her. "Calliegh."

"You got it handsome." She smiled at him.

His eyes drifted, and a small frown crossed his features. "And this...this is...this is my house."

"It is." She considered, then settled back in her seat. "What's the last thing you remember?"

The frown deepened. "I was...in autopsy. Alexx asked me...to leave. That's all."

She could see the consternation on his face, and took his hand gently. "That's not really surprising, given what happened."

He met her eyes. "And what...did happen?"

"You had pneumonia. We think you picked it up from Mac's team while you were in New York. Once the incubation period was over, it hit you like a cement truck. Your temperature spiked, your breathing dropped, and you passed out." She kept the details as report style as she could, knowing he'd want the news delivered that way. "Unfortunately, you hit your head when you collapsed, and added the complication of a pretty severe concussion to the whole problem. Alexx and Eric finally realized no one had seen or heard from you for a couple of hours. They found you, realized how bad you were, and called the rest of us. We took you to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed you, treated you, and then we brought you here. We didn't want to risk any security lapses or threats to the hospital if word got out. Alexx has been taking care of you, and we found a doctor willing to make house calls to help out."

Horatio nodded, his eyes unfocused in that way that meant that he was taking in the information. She let him process it. Finally he looked back at her. "How long...was I out?"

She took a deep breath, knowing he'd take this news badly. "You've been drifting in and out of consciousness for a little under three weeks."

Horatio flinched. "That is...that's a long time."

"It is. The doctor said the combination of concussion and illness extended your recovery time." She squeezed his hand. "I already told the chief what happened to you. You're on sick leave until you or I tell him otherwise. And, since at least part of it was on the job, he's given you partial pay for it."

"I see." The lines in his face relaxed somewhat. "Thank you."

"No problem." She squeezed his hand again, trying to convey her love and concern for him.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Then Horatio's eyes tracked to the IV and he frowned again.

Calliegh spoke softly. "We had to put it in to keep you hydrated. The doctor wanted to leave it in for another 24 hours, but we should be able to take it out later tonight if you really want."

"I do." he paused, then looked back at her. "We?"

"Everyone on the team. We've all been looking out for you. The Chief approved it, so we've been taking half-day shifts with you. The doctor said you shouldn't be left unattended."

Horatio nodded, the frown line still furrowing his brow. He looked away, swallowed hard, then looked back at her. "Calliegh...who...changed my clothing?"

"Eric, Ryan and Frank took care of that." She watched Horatio's shoulders relax slightly and was glad they'd taken Eric's advice.

"I see." he paused a moment, then his fingers squeezed hers, and he met her gaze. "Thank you." A ghost of a smile crossed his face.

"Like I said, it's no problem." She returned the smile. "You hungry?"

"A little." His smile was a little more hesitant.

"All right." she rose and grabbed the soup she'd brought. "The doctor said you should stick to broth and soup for a couple days, so I made this. It's a special family recipe." She grinned brightly at him.

His smile warmed. "I'm honored."

She smirked. "You should be. I wouldn't give this to just anyone." She spooned out a mouthful, then held it up for him. "Here. Try it."

Horatio obediently opened his mouth and let her stick the spoon inside. He savored it a moment, then swallowed. "It's excellent."

"I thought so." She spooned him up another one.

Horatio reached for the spoon, but his hand was still shaking. Calliegh watched him struggle, then set the spoon down and reached across to stop his hand. "It's okay. You don't have to push yourself. The doctor said you'd need help for a few days, until your strength returns."

Horatio swallowed, his eyes suddenly painfully vulnerable. After a long moment, he nodded. "Okay." his voice was rough with what she recognized as shame. It made her heart ache for him.

She spooned up another mouthful, then flashed him a smile. "Come on, don't you know there are places where guys would offer up tons of money to be served by a pretty girl? And I don't come cheap."

That won her a smile and a slight relaxing of his shoulders. He let her spoon the soup into his mouth. "That's true."

She fed him several more spoonfuls, until he shook his head, indicating he was full. Then she set the soup aside. "You okay? Can I get you anything?"

He shook his head again. "I'm...fine."

She studied him, noting the exhaustion dulling his blue eyes. After a moment, she set a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you try and get some more rest then? I'll wake you when the next person takes over."

Horatio hesitated, then nodded and allowed her to ease him back down. He settled in as she pulled the sheet over him, and then his eyes closed. Within seconds, he was asleep once more. Calliegh watched him for a moment with a smile on her face, then pulled out her phone and sent a text message to the team.

***TiS***

Horatio remained asleep for the rest of the day. Calliegh read her magazines, and a book she'd found in another room, listening to the soft, slightly raspy sound of his breathing. Horatio stirred a few times, but it was only a slight movement, normal for a sleeping man. Still, it didn't stop her from feeling relieved each time he subsided.

Finally, around 6, she heard the quiet sound of the front door opening. Moments later, a soft call echoed down the hallway. "Calliegh?"

"In here." She set aside her book then rose and touched Horatio lightly on the shoulder. "Hey handsome."

Horatio stirred, then blinked at her, his eyes hazy with sleep, but lucid. "Calliegh."

She smiled. "Sorry to wake you, but I did promise I would when the others got here."

Horatio turned his head to one side, blinking a few times as his eyes came into focus. "I...remember. When you say the others..."

"Alexx and Ryan are here. Alexx is going to check you over, see how you're doing, and Ryan will be here as your night nurse." She smirked. "He's actually really good at it, so you'll be just fine, handsome."

"Calliegh, I..." he swallowed. "I'd like to sit up."

"That can be arranged sugar." Alexx stepped into the room. She set a kit on the dresser, then stepped to the opposite side of the bed. "Actually, it's probably a good idea." she gave Calliegh a quick smile. "Let's get him up."

Calliegh nodded. Together, the two of them helped Horatio into a sitting position, then fluffed the pillows and helped him lean back. Horatio looked embarrassed, but he didn't fight.

Calliegh straightened to see Ryan hovering in the doorway. She smirked. "You don't have to just stand there, Ryan. Come on in."

Ryan grinned uncertainly. "Didn't want to get in the way." He stepped forward. "Hey H. How you doing?"

"As I understand it...much better, thank you." Horatio tilted his head. "I understand...you're my babysitter for the evening."

Ryan flushed. "I wouldn't call it babysitting...but yeah. I'll be here if you need anything."

Horatio nodded, then glanced up at the ME. "Alexx...is this really necessary?"

Alexx snorted. "You'd better believe it, honey. The number of scares you've given us over the past few days, I'd say it's absolutely necessary, and you're lucky I don't do more." She slipped on a pair of gloves, then glanced at Calliegh. "You checked his temperature yet?"

Calliegh shook her head. "Not yet."

"Right." Alexx pulled out a thermometer. "All right. Since you're awake, I'll give you your choice. I can stick this in your mouth, or under your arm."

Horatio swallowed, then spoke quietly. "Mouth please."

"Then open up honey." Alexx tilted Horatio's head back, slipped the thermometer in, and closed his jaw. "Hold it there until it beeps, sugar. You can ask me any questions you want after that."

Horatio nodded slightly, then tilted his head back. Ryan watched a moment, then spoke softly. "You know what, I'm gonna go get him some water. I'll be right back." Calliegh nodded and Ryan ducked out the door.

The thermometer beeped. Alexx pulled it out. "100.4. Higher than I'd like, but not bad overall. Could certainly be worse." She gave her patient a warm smile. "You gave us a hell of a scare, Horatio, but it looks like you're just about out of the woods."

"Hmmm...so I heard. Calliegh mentioned that." Horatio hesitated a moment, then spoke softly. "Alexx...do I still need the IV?"

"That depends." Alexx glanced at Calliegh. "He eat anything?"

Calliegh nodded. "I gave him some soup I brought from home. He didn't eat much, but he what he did eat was about what I'd expect for someone who hasn't eaten in a while. He also drank some water, and he kept everything down just fine."

Alexx nodded. "Okay. Tell you what. You go dish up another serving of that soup. Horatio...if you can eat what Calliegh gives you and keep it down for half an hour, then I'll take out the IV for you."

Horatio nodded. "Okay Alexx."

Calliegh joined Ryan in the kitchen. Horatio had enough dishes to fill four bowls of soup, and she'd brought plenty. She ladled up four bowls, filling Horatio's less than the others, then four cups of water. She improvised two trays, then she and Ryan carried the lot back to Horatio's bedroom.

They returned to find Alexx coaxing Horatio to take the last of the pills, and a dose of inhaler. Horatio looked unhappy, though he wasn't protesting. Calliegh handed Alexx a bowl, set two on the dresser for herself and Ryan, then took a cup from him and set the tray on Horatio's lap.

Horatio blinked, then looked up at her. "Thank you."

Calliegh smiled. "No problem, handsome. You think you'll be okay with the spoon?"

Horatio nodded. "I think I can manage." He hadn't moved, but she could see that he was less shaky than he had been.

"All right." She settled back into the seat she'd been occupying. Alexx took her bowl and settled at the end of the bed, letting Ryan take the chair on Horatio's other side.

Alexx blew on her soup a couple times, then spooned up a bite. She made an appreciative sound. "Calliegh honey, you're gonna have to give me this recipe. This tastes absolutely wonderful."

Ryan sipped a bit, and one eyebrow rose. "No kidding. This is great. Where'd you learn to make it?"

Calliegh grinned. "Would you believe, my aunt used to make it for me? She's such a good cook. She taught me a lot of what I know about working in the kitchen."

"Hmmm..." Horatio made a soft sound. "Not the same one...who bought you your first firearm?"

"No. that was my other aunt, actually. Mom's side." Calliegh grinned. "It was kinda fun growing up. Mom's side encouraging me to be a tom-boy, Dad's side trying to teach me to be a proper southern lady. I guess I got stuck somewhere in the middle."

Ryan smirked. "Lucky for us. We get a CSI who can shoot and cook like a pro."

Calliegh laughed. "Why thank you for the compliment, Mr. Wolfe."

Ryan laughed. "Honestly, I'm just hoping you'll make some more of this stuff for me, for lunch tomorrow." He ate another spoonful. "Bachelor cooking tastes nothing like this. At least, mine doesn't."

Calliegh blinked. "That reminds me." She turned to Horatio. "Frank says you can actually cook. He says you do breakfast for him sometimes."

A small smile curved Horatio's mouth. "Well I...I like to take care of my own meals, and I...sometimes, I do have company."

"I'll bet. So...what's your best meal? What do you like to cook?"

"Well it's...whatever I'm in the mood for." Horatio looked a little uncomfortable, but his shoulders had relaxed some. "I do make an excellent omelet, according to Frank."

Calliegh smirked. "I love omelets. I'll have to get you to make me one sometime."

Horatio cracked a small smile in return. "It would...be my pleasure."

Alexx grinned, then tapped Ryan on the knee. "Hey, why don't you tell us what's been going on in the lab? It's been driving me half-crazy, wondering what you kids are up to. And I'll bet Calliegh and Horatio could use the report." Horatio's eyes brightened with interest. Calliegh smothered a grin behind her soup as Ryan started going over the days events.

They sat there for a while, eating and making small talk. Eric had apparently gotten a break on his case, which was a relief. He'd been getting frustrated with it. From there they segued into office gossip and shop talk, then general discussion. Calliegh kept an eye on Horatio's soup bowl. He ate far slower than the rest of them, but gradually, the soup and water disappeared. By the time the bowl was empty, he looked tired, but there was a little more color in his face.

Alexx was paying attention as well. She took Horatio's bowl when he'd finished. "How are you feeling?"

"Well, I've been better." Horatio's smile was weak. "However...I don't feel sick."

"All right. You'd probably know by now. So let's get this IV out."

"Please." Horatio swallowed hard.

"You got it." Alexx rose and grabbed a set of gloves from her kit, along with some gauze, tape and antiseptic solution. She settled beside Horatio. "All right. You're gonna feel a bit of a tug and sting, but just try to stay relaxed, Horatio."

Horatio ducked his head in a nod. "Of course. I'm ready."

Alexx smirked. "I just bet you are." She carefully removed the tape securing the line to Horatio's arm, then the pad taped over it. She grasped the needle. "All right. I'm pulling it...now." She jerked the needle free of the vein in one smooth controlled movement.

Horatio hissed but remained still as she set the bloody needle to the side, cleaned the wound, then bandaged it. Alexx made sure the gauze and tape was secure, then clasped his hand gently. "There you go. All clear."

"Thank you Alexx." Horatio studied his bandaged hand a moment, then looked up at her.

"No problem, honey." Alexx grinned. "You just rest and recover Horatio. I'm looking forward to talking over work again soon. For now though, Calliegh and I are going to let you get some rest."

Calliegh took that as her cue to rise and pick up the bowls and cups. "You want any more soup? Either of you?"

Horatio shook his head. Ryan did too. "That was great but honestly...I'm stuffed."

Calliegh smirked. "Proper southern cooking will do that for you. But you should know, there's plenty for seconds if either of you want more."

"Sure. Sounds great." Ryan nodded.

Calliegh turned back to her boss. "Ryan will be here for the night. Frank will be by in the morning to take over, okay?" Horatio nodded.

Alexx put the last of the IV line into a disposal bag, then snapped her kit shut. "Well, if that's everything, I'll be back tomorrow. You remember everything you need to do, Ryan?"

"Yeah, sure." Ryan fidgeted clearly uncomfortable.

"Right then. We'll just get out of you guys hair." Calliegh gave Horatio a warm smile. "I'll stop by and see you later, tomorrow or the next day, okay?"

"That sounds...that sounds just fine." Horatio managed a weak smile for her. Calliegh held his gaze for a moment, then followed Alexx out the door.

***TiS***

There was an awkward silence after the girls left. Horatio looked exhausted. Ryan shifted in his chair, then sat forward. "H? Can I get you anything?"

Horatio shook his head. "Actually, I think…I'd like to rest for a while." His face was pale, and his blue eyes were dull with fatigue.

Ryan nodded. "Sure." He rose from his seat and helped Horatio adjust the pillows and slide down, then adjusted the covers. "Okay…so…the doctor said you need to have food or water at least every three hours. So…do you want me to stay here until then, or would it be better if I stay in the living room?"

Horatio closed his eyes, then blinked them open. "I'd prefer…" He coughed lightly, his face contorting in pain as the movement made abused muscles ache.

Ryan caught him, helped him lay back down. "How about…I'll just go to the living room. There's a show I want to see, and I can check on you later."

Gratitude flickered in Horatio's eyes. "That…sounds good." He laid his head back against the pillows, eyes dropping closed once more. Ryan watched listening as Horatio's breathing deepened and smoothed out, then went to the living room and flicked the TV on at low volume.

He checked on Horatio every other commercial break. The lieutenant slept quietly, breathing light and shallow. Once Ryan came in to find the sheets disturbed, as if Horatio had dreamed, but there were no signs of turmoil or uneasiness on his superior's face, so he straightened the sheets and returned to his television, careful to keep an eye on the time.

Three hours after Horatio fell asleep, Ryan took a glass of water in. He watched Horatio sleep for a moment, then gently shook him awake. After a moment, Horatio groaned and blinked. His blue eyes fastened on Ryan in hazy confusion.

Ryan offered Horatio a sheepish half smile. "Sorry H. Doctor's orders." When Horatio made no move to sit up, he set the glass on the side of the bed, then gingerly slid his arm under Horatio's shoulders. "Here. Let me give you a hand." He propped Horatio up.

Horatio frowned. "Mr. Wolfe…"

Ryan made a face. "Yeah. Sorry to wake you." He held the glass in front of Horatio's sleepy-eyed gaze. "Here. Just drink this, and you can go back to sleep."

Horatio complied without a word. Ryan steadied his shaky grip on the cup as he drank, then took the empty container and lowered Horatio back to the pillows afterward. Horatio's eyes closed as soon as the water glass left his mouth, and his breathing indicated he was asleep within seconds of being laid back down. Ryan adjusted the covers he'd rumpled, then left the room.

He gave Horatio water once more. Horatio remained in a half asleep state. Ryan checked the clock as he left the room, then dialed Alexx.

The phone picked up after the third ring. "Ryan? Something wrong?"

"I don't know." Ryan bit his lip, then moved to the living room. "I've been taking care of Horatio according to the doctor's orders ever since you and Calliegh left. It's just…" He paused, raked a hand through his hair. "It's just, I've woken him for water twice, and he's been almost non-responsive every time. And I don't know what that means. Do you think he's okay?"

Alexx remained silent a moment. "You checked his breathing?"

"Yeah. Seems okay. He doesn't feel hot either."

"Then he's probably just exhausted, sugar. Being sick can take a lot out of a body, and those were some nasty hallucinations. He'll probably be a bit drowsy for a day or so. Still, I'll come by when you and Frank switch out in an hour, do a quick check, okay?"

"Sure. I'll just…keep an eye on him till then." Ryan swallowed, then hung up the phone.

He spent the next hour flipping through channels, one eye on Horatio and the other eye on the clock. The doorbell rang right on the hour, and seconds later, Frank and Alexx joined him in the hall. Frank grinned. "You look like you've had a long night."

Ryan shrugged. "Yeah, well, I'm off today, so..." He stifled a yawn.

"Right. So, how's Horatio?"

"Asleep, the last time I checked. I don't know if the doorbell would have woken him."

"Well, let's go see. No sense standing around out here." Alexx huffed at both men and edged her way past them to the bedroom. She cracked the door open. "Horatio, sugar?"

"Alexx." The medic pushed the door open to reveal Horatio, propped on one elbow and blinking owlishly at them.

"Hey, sugar." Alexx moved to the bedside. "How you feelin'?"

"I think...a bit worn out." Horatio managed a weak smile.

"I don't doubt that in the least." Alexx grinned and held up a thermometer. "You let me check your temperature and your breathing, let Frank get some food into you, and we'll all let you go back to sleep, all right?"

Horatio nodded and opened his mouth so Alexx could put the thermometer into his mouth. Everyone waited until it beeped, then she pulled it out and examined it. "100.1. Still a little high, but it's a whole lot better." She patted his head, a gesture Horatio appeared to tolerate. "Think you could eat some yogurt and juice for me?"

"Well Alexx...I'm certainly willing to try." Horatio gave her a small smile.

"Right. I'll fix some up for you." Alexx turned to level a stern look at the two men standing by the door. "Frank, you stay with Horatio. Ryan...you go home and get some sleep, baby. You look all worn out."

Ryan grimaced and stifled a yawn. "Yeah..." He gave Horatio an awkward salute. "I'll be back later, H."

"I'll see you then." Horatio offered him a quiet smile. Ryan returned it, then left. A few moments later, Frank and Horatio heard the distant click of the front door.

"Well, that's him sorted." Frank huffed a sigh and settled into a chair. "So, as you might have guessed, I'm your babysitter for the day. And since Alexx is dishing up some breakfast...anything I can do for you?"

Horatio frowned. "As a matter of fact..." He pushed himself upright. Frank stood, then reached across to steady him as he threw the covers back and turned to one side. With a soft grunt of effort, Horatio managed to get his feet on the floor. He tried to stand, and Frank caught him as he wobbled and fell back towards the mattress. "It looks like I...could use some assistance."

Frank nodded and put a hand under Horatio's elbow to steady him. "Not surprising. That whack you got on the head would make anyone unsteady, and when you top it off with three weeks of pneumonia and bein' stuck in bed...it's a wonder you can even sit up yet."

"Hmmm...well, I hope I can manage for a few seconds at least." Horatio grimaced as Frank helped him stagger into the bathroom. "If you could..." He stopped, clearly uncomfortable.

"Sure. Just brace yourself on the sink there." Horatio did. Frank let go. Horatio staggered, but remained upright, though he swayed. Frank backed up. "I'll just wait outside. Holler if you need me." He pulled the door shut behind him, then stood close, listening in case Horatio fell.

There was a dull thump, but not loud enough to be Horatio hitting the floor. After a long few moments, there was a shuffling sound, then a flush. Water ran, then stopped. Frank backed away from the door just as Horatio opened it and leaned wearily against the door-frame. "Thank you Frank. If I could borrow your shoulder again..."

He swayed, and Frank caught him again as he staggered. Frank grinned. "Sure, no problem." He led Horatio back to the bed and got him situated, leaning against the pillows, just Alexx returned carrying a tray laden with three plates and three cups. One plate held yogurt and a few slices of fruit, set next to a cup of orange juice. The other two had toast and eggs, and the smell of coffee wafted from two mugs. "Sorry about the wait boys."

"Not a problem." Frank relieved her of the tray, took a cup of coffee and a plate of eggs for himself, waited for Alexx to get hers, then set the tray on Horatio's lap. "Here you go. Just what the doctor ordered."

"Hmmm...looks good. Though, I wouldn't mind some of that coffee too." Horatio looked at his cup.

"Not a chance, Horatio, and don't you dare try to con Frank into giving you some." Alexx leveled her fork at him. "Your system ain't near ready for coffee. Besides, you're supposed to be resting, and coffee won't help with that a bit." Horatio didn't look convinced, and Alexx added a glare to her pointed fork. "You stick to water and juice for a few days, maybe a little Sprite. After you keep that down for a while, and get your temperature a bit lower, then we'll see about giving you coffee."

"I see. Well...Doctor's orders." Horatio traded a sheepish, wry smile with Frank, then turned his attention to his breakfast.

He managed to eat it all, and finish the juice, but the effort clearly exhausted him. Alexx cleared the plates away and brought a fresh glass of water while Frank helped the redhead lie down again. Then Alexx took her leave. "You rest, Horatio sugar."

"Yes, ma'am." Horatio sighed once, then relaxed and fell back into a healing slumber once more. Frank watched him sleep, then retrieved his reports and a book from the front room and settled in to watch him.

Author's Note: Well, he's awake and moving. Coming up...CSI's deal with a not-so-cooperative patient, and Eric has a decision to make...