"I… He… What? I… Him? No, it's not possible."

"What is it, Eric?" Rick asked.

Horatio continued to glare at Delko. "He said I would be a future teammate. Really, was that so hard to understand?"

"No! Horatio, haven't you been listening to anything that I've said?"

"I heard everything that you said," Rick replied, not bothering to hide the growl. He noticed that Calleigh and Ryan both flinched when they heard his tone.

"Then why are you-"

Ryan placed a hand on Eric's shoulder. "Eric, can I have a word with you?"

There was a pause as Eric just stared at him. "Um, sure, Ryan." He shot one last glare in Horatio's direction before he turned and followed Ryan over to the other side of the parking garage.

"What is wrong with you? Can't you see that you're pushing Horatio's buttons?"

"But…"

"And, while we're at it, what just happened anyway?"

"You don't know either?"

Ryan simply stared at Eric. "Honestly, give me some credit here. Would I have asked you if I remotely had a clue about what was going on?"

Eric swallowed. "You have a point there."

Calleigh gave them a look before she shook her head and walked over to where Horatio and Rick were standing. "You do know that wasn't the best way to break the news to them, Horatio."

Rick gave her a small smile. "It sort of just slipped out."

Horatio said nothing, just kept glaring over at Eric. Turning around, he walked over to the nearest wall and punched it as hard as he could.

"Excuse me, Calleigh." Rick said, before walking over to check on Horatio.

"It's not a problem, Horatio," she replied, giving him a small smile before walking over to deal with Eric and Ryan.

"Horatio?" Rick asked quietly.

"What is it?"

"You need to calm down," He replied, as he placed his hand on Horatio's shoulders and felt how tense he was.

"I'm trying." Horatio whispered back. When Rick began to massage his shoulders, Horatio had to fight the urge to lean back and enjoy it. "Well, the cat is out of the bag now," he said with a sigh.

Horatio rubbed his hand, which was still throbbing, before looking down at it. There weren't any cuts on it, but it would probably be one big bruise in the morning. "Punching that wall wasn't exactly the smartest thing I've ever done."

Rick gave Horatio a shrug. "Well, it was probably better for you that it was the wall and not Eric."

"Why do you say that?"

"Cause despite it being him that started it, you and I both know that he wouldn't hesitate to file assault charges on you."

"Was he this bad with you?"

Rick looked down at the ground. Maybe if he pretended that he hadn't heard the question…

"Rick?"

"Fine, you win." He raised his head to look Horatio in his eyes. "I'm not going to get used to the fact that you're taller than me," he said, giving his head a shake.

"Rick."

With a sigh, the redhead spoke. "It was worse."

"How much worse was it?"

You weren't around, Rick thought to himself. No one was, and if I had responded it would have been my word against Eric Delko's and we know how that would have turned out. "It's not important, now."

Horatio smiled sadly. "How come you never mentioned it?" He paused. "Wait, don't answer that." He said with a sigh. "I'm pretty sure that I know why." The brunette took a deep breath. "I think I'm calm enough to deal with this now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I am." Horatio replied as he took a few steps in the direction of the others.

"Horatio?" Rick called out softly.

Horatio froze midstride. He glanced over at where Calleigh, Eric, and Ryan were and was relieved to notice that they hadn't heard. "What is it?" He asked, walking back over to stand beside Rick.

"He'll get better, right, Horatio?"

"Who? Eric?" Horatio asked.

"No, Horatio, the Energizer Bunny. Of course I meant Eric."

Horatio gave Rick a small smile. "I deserved that." He sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck. "In answer to your question, I'm hopeful that he will. It took him a while to accept Ryan so it's not like there isn't a precedent of this behavior from him before." He purposely ignored Rick's snort of disbelief. "If he doesn't, we'll work something out. Besides we do have something in our favor."

"What is that?"

"Calleigh is on our side."

Rick honestly tried to maintain a neutral expression, but he couldn't help but quirk his lip upward at that. "You're being very optimistic. What about Ryan?"

"Honestly, with him I'm not sure. Ryan hasn't made his view known one way or the other. But I'm sure he'll be one to allow the evidence to speak before he decides fully to make up his mind." Horatio shrugged as he looked over at Rick.

Rick frowned. Maybe it wasn't meant for him to ever be happy. He gave a small sigh. "Maybe…"

There was a brief pause as Horatio studied Rick's face. "What?"

"Maybe this isn't such a great idea after all."

"Rick, look me in the eyes. Don't give me any of that. I wouldn't have made the offer if I didn't think that you could do it. You are a natural and, quite frankly, I don't really understand why you didn't attempt to try for a position with CSI. When we were on the plane, I won't deny that I was testing you and guess what? You passed."

"But, Horatio, you and your team have a real good thing going for you. I don't want to be what messes it up."

Horatio sighed. After the talk they had the other night, he was beginning to realize that Rick's low self-esteem was because of how the other man's father had treated him. Horatio had to admit that there were times he felt the same. Taking a deep breath, the brunette really hoped that he never met the elder Stetler because he wasn't sure how he would react. "Rick, you are not going to mess it up. This situation has opened my eyes to some problems that I wasn't aware of even existing. Now that they've been brought to my attention, it can only make things better in the long run when we return back to normal. Yes, there are going to be bumps along the road; but when is anything worthwhile ever easy? Besides, life isn't perfect. We both learned that the hard way, didn't we?"

"Horatio, I don't want your team to think any less of you. Maybe Calleigh was a lucky break. What about Ryan? Or Alexx, for that matter?"

"Rick, if they thought less of me because of something like this, then they weren't the people I thought I hired. As far as Alexx is concerned, let her get to know you and I'm sure she'll adopt you as one of her own. She did take to Ryan. Speaking of," Horatio risked a glance over at the three teammates who were still talking amongst themselves. "Speaking of Ryan, he's known how it feels to not be welcomed…"

"But Wolfe wasn't in IAB." Rick countered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's going to be alright, Rick."

"I… I…"

Horatio gave Rick a small smile. If reassuring wasn't working, he could maybe try another tactic. "If you're getting cold feet, I understand."

Rick growled softly. "I am not getting cold feet. I'll prove it to you."

Horatio gave a small smirk. I knew that would work, he thought to himself. "Come on, and let's go see what is happening over there, then."

Rick shrugged and took his time so that by the time both men had made it over to where the rest of the team was, he had calmed himself down.

"Hey, H. Rick." Calleigh greeted them, before turning her attention back to Ryan and Eric. When Delko spotted them he turned and started to storm off but Calleigh grabbed him by his shirt. "Oh no you don't."

"Calleigh, let go of me."

"Not yet."

"Were you serious, H?" Ryan asked.

Rick sighed. "Yes, I was. Rick will be a part of our team. I'm not sure exactly when, but it will be soon."

"But why, H?"

"Rick has shown potential. He did an excellent job of finding evidence on that plane. I even quizzed him and he passed that as well."

"I wonder if Horatio has factored in the fact that Rick hasn't hit you yet for the way you've been treating him. I know I would have slugged you a long time ago if you had treated me that way," Calleigh replied, adding her two cents. Horatio guiltily looked down at his sore knuckles, but didn't say anything.

"Why now, though? Why is all of this happening now?"

"Eric, what do you mean by that?" Ryan asked, puzzled.

Horatio and Rick glanced worriedly at each other as Eric redirected his attention from Wolfe to them. "If Rick has shown so much potential, why didn't you try this earlier, Horatio? If he's so observant, why hasn't he always been a part of the team? There is a reason why he is in IAB and you're CSI. Horatio, you're good at what you do and… well… he's in IAB. Yet, that doesn't do a thing to explain why the two of you were always at each other's throats and now you're not! And don't give me any of that sparring match bullshit, because it hasn't changed everything."

Rick turned and started to walk off. Horatio, knowing if Rick did, he'd never get him to reconsider joining the team. He grabbed Rick by his arm in order to stop him from walking off. Horatio glared at Eric. "Now look here. I don't know what the hell your problem is, but that is no way to speak to your boss.

Rick stopped dead in his tracks, surprised at how Horatio was talking to Eric. He just stared at Horatio, who realized that he still had a hold of Rick's arm and released his grip on it.

"Let me guess, you think you're better than I am? What is with the 180, Stetler?"

"No, I don't think that I'm better than you."

"Yeah right," Eric snorted.

"And, as far as the attitude change goes, I've had something happen recently that has changed how I see things. And, let me just say this. It was a real eye opener."

Rick glanced towards Horatio. "Er, Rick, I don't think that was a good answer." He whispered.

Sure enough, Eric's interest was piqued. The younger man raised an eyebrow. "So, Stetler, what happened?"

Horatio glared at Delko but said nothing.

Eric smirked. "Can this be? You have a 'thing' for Horatio, don't you?"

Well, Crap. He glanced over at Rick who was just staring at the two of them. A little help would be nice, Rick. "Delko, what happened is none of your business. And, if it was your business, I'm not sure that I would tell you with the way you've been acting."

Eric laughed. "This is rich. Oh, God I can't believe this. H, come on, did you honestly not see this earlier? Look how nervous he is."

Horatio was too busy fighting the urge to just bury his head in his hands. Somehow he managed to maintain a neutral expression though he didn't trust his voice enough to say anything. Rick simply cleared his throat. "I… I don't know what you're talking about, Eric."

Real smooth way to answer the question, Rick, Horatio thought to himself.

"Honestly, Horatio, have you ever paid any attention to the way he looks at you?"

"Eric!" Calleigh hissed as Ryan maneuvered himself around so that he was standing behind her.

"I suggest that you stop while you are ahead, Mr. Delko," Horatio growled.

Eric, paying no attention to Calleigh, just continued. His smirk got bigger as he turned to face Horatio. "The way you look at him, you eyes just follow him all… the… way… down…"

Ryan looked on horrified, as Calleigh hissed Eric's name once again. Horatio was struggling to keep the rather fragile hold he had on his temper.

Rick closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. "Eric."

"Horatio, can't you see what is going on?"

"Eric, what you are doing right now is bordering on harassment."

"What about what he wants to do to you, H?"

"Eric!" Ryan hissed, since Calleigh didn't seem to be getting through.

"What? It's the truth and I don't see Rick attempting to prove me wrong."

Horatio's hands curled into fists as he was losing the battle to maintain a hold on his temper. "I don't have to prove anything to you. You're doing a real good job of proving that you're an ass."

"Whatever, Stetler," Eric scoffed.

Delko's reaction was the final straw, in causing Horatio to lose the battle of controlling his temper. He took a step forwards only to feel a hand grabbing the collar of both his shirt and jacket.

"Don't do it, Rick."

Eric smirked, as if daring him to come over and pop him one.

"You've gone too far as well, Eric."

"What?"

"The two of you will be working in the same department soon enough. I expect you to be civil towards each other."

"Not with him." Eric said, folding his arms across his chest.

"If I pair the two of you up, then yes you will." Not that I plan on doing it and if we change back before, I hope Horatio doesn't as well, he thought to himself.

"Eric, just shut the hell up," Calleigh hissed.

"I have to agree with Calleigh at this point." Ryan stated when Eric stared at him. At that, Delko refocused his glare back onto Horatio.

Ryan sighed, emerging from the safety of standing behind Calleigh. He gave Eric a tug on his sleeve. "Why don't you come grab lunch with me? You need to calm down before you dig yourself into an even deeper hole."

Eric glared at Ryan. "I'm not the problem here. He is."

"Eric," Ryan replied, with a stern edge to his voice.

They glared at each other for a couple more seconds before Eric sighed. "That's probably a good idea."

"That's a very good idea, Ryan," Rick agreed with a nod, not loosening his grip on Horatio's collar.

Ryan gave Eric one more tug on his sleeve. "Come on, let's go." Delko turned and glared at Horatio one last time causing Wolfe to sigh. "Come on." At that, Eric finally gave in and followed Ryan to his car.

Rick waited until after Eric and Ryan had left before he released his hold on Horatio. He took a step towards the wall, intent on slamming his head into it only to be stopped by Horatio grabbing him by his tie as Calleigh watched them but said nothing.

Rick shook his head. "I'm sorry about that, Rick."

Horatio sighed. "It could have gone worse."

"How so?"

"Calleigh and Wolfe could have had a similar reaction."

"I wouldn't, Rick." The blonde stated, looking up at Horatio.

Horatio gave her a sad smile. "Thanks, Calleigh, that means a lot.

"Eric, well, he's reactionary…"

"There is no need to make excuses for him. It's nothing new for me."

Rick sighed as Calleigh gave her head a small shake. "I'm sorry, Rick."

Horatio, continuing to smile sadly, turned to look at Calleigh. "I don't suppose I can see that picture you took?"

She grinned at him. "If it will cheer you up, then it's no problem." Calleigh chuckled as she showed it to him.

Horatio grinned as he looked over at Rick and Calleigh. "He does look surprised, doesn't he?"

Rick managed to get a glimpse of the picture and nodded his head in agreement, as he gave Horatio a pat on his shoulder. "I think that he'll get used to the idea soon enough."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because that's exactly how Eric and Ryan were a while back." Rick said, causing Calleigh to giggle. Both men turned to look at her.

"Calleigh?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing."

"Uh huh…" Horatio remarked as he watched her, fully believing that Calleigh was up to something.

"It's just that Horatio is right, Rick. Eric just needs a bit of time to get used to the idea."

He glanced over at Rick before he returned his attention back to Calleigh. "What about Ryan?"

"I wouldn't worry too much about him. He remembers how it felt."

Rick raised an eyebrow at Horatio, and gave him a brief smile, before schooling his features.

"Okay. Calleigh?"

"What is it, Rick?

"Is there any way you can get me a copy of that picture printed out?"

"That's not a problem. I'll swing by Kinko's on my way home today."

"Thanks." Horatio told her, giving her a shy smile. They stood there for a few moments before the horse inside of the trailer neighed loudly.

"I guess that's my cue. I'll talk to the two of you later," she said, waving as she hurried over to the Hummer.

Horatio sighed. "Well, I guess we need to go."

Rick glanced over at him and smiled weakly. "I think that would be the best thing to do."

Horatio reached over and gave Rick a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. "See, I wasn't the only one that thinks you'll make a good addition and that the others will come around. You'll be fine."

Rick just gave his head a small nod in response but made no attempt to move.

"Come on."

Rick said nothing as he climbed into the Hummer.

"Keys?" Horatio asked. "And I'm not sure where we're going," he added with a small smile, hoping to elicit some kind of response from Rick.

When Rick spoke, it was evident that his mind was in a faraway place. "I don't think any of us are, Horatio."

Horatio gave Rick's knee a small squeeze. "You're going to be just fine. I promise."

Rick smiled, as he placed his left hand on top of Horatio's hand. "Thanks. I tried to be nice…"

"You don't give yourself enough credit sometimes, Rick."

There was a long pause and Horatio was starting to wonder if Rick had heard him when the other man finally spoke up. "It is really that obvious that I…"

"That you what?"

"That I'm… attracted to you, Horatio?"

Horatio ducked his head. "Well my lack of response might have confirmed it, but I didn't want to deny it either. If we hadn't have had that little talk after the Yelina fiasco, I might still be completely oblivious. Then again, when it comes to people paying attention to me that way, I'm a little slow on realizing it. Case in point, Yelina. Sorry about that."

"Let's just hope Delko doesn't spread it like Yelina already threatened to do."

"Maybe she already talked to Eric…"

"I doubt that."

"Why do you say that? Evidentially, you know her better than I do if she could have fooled me for so long." He sighed, taking the keys from Rick and started up the vehicle.

"I think it's more along the lines of 'I hope that she didn't'."

There was another brief pause. "Rick, I hope you know that there is nothing for you to be ashamed of."

Rick smiled weakly at Horatio. "You know as well as I do how the majority of law enforcement feels about that on the force. Now that things are finally starting to go right, so to speak, I don't want to end up hurt at a crime scene just because of some prejudice. It would be even worse if something happened to you. I'm not sure that I could deal with it if you were injured because of something like that."

Horatio looked away briefly, not able to bear seeing the pain in Rick's eyes. It was clear that the other man was speaking the truth. There was no faking something like that.

"I… I don't know what will happen if word gets out. I just know that it can't be good."

"Rick, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For everything that I've done either intentionally or unintentionally to make things rough on you. You really have had it difficult these last few years haven't you?"

Rick looked over at Horatio, not moving his hands. He liked the feel of them being connected. "It's alright."

"No, Rick, it isn't. If I had seen what was going on, and put a stop to it then things might not have gone so far."

"And then, we wouldn't have ended up in this predicament. Personally, as much as I hate to admit it, it has done us more good than I have ever wanted to believe."

Horatio chuckled softly. "Now who's being an optimist?"

Rick smiled at Horatio as he lifted the hand off of his knee and kissed it lightly.

Rick's breath caught at that and it was a moment before the surprise passed and he could breathe normally again. He glanced over at Horatio.

The brunette took a deep breath and let it out, before continuing. "I guess I am. You do realize that I'm serious when I say that I want this to work."

"I think…" Rick paused, before giving a nod of his head. "I think I want that too."

"But…"

"But what, Rick?"

"Would you mind too terribly if we take things slow. Maybe if we do, by the time we're ready for the next step we'll be back to normal and it won't be too weird."

Horatio smirked. "I'll try, but I hope we change back soon because as awkward as it might be, I'm not sure if I can take it slow for much longer."

"Just shut up and drive Horatio." Rick said, rolling his eyes.

"Well, tell me where we're going and make the call, Rick."

Rick blushed, as he reached into his pocket for the printout that Cooper had given him. "Right, sorry. Here you go."

Horatio smiled and gave Rick one last squeeze on his knee before he took the paper and pulled out of the parking garage and onto the road.

Rick pulled the phone out of his pocket and opened it up. He could feel his blush deepen. "Err, what's the number, Horatio?"

"Ron's number is (305) 555-6454. He's the one that owes me the favor."

"Okay." Rick replied as he punched the number into the phone. Horatio did his best to focus on driving as he listened to Rick's side of the conversation, helping out when needed. Horatio smirked as the other man sighed in relief upon ending the call. "Your friend talks too much."

Horatio said nothing in response but, turned his head giving Rick a brief smile before returning his attention back to the road. Neither of them spoke as Horatio navigated the streets of Miami.