Author note: Another chapter up, it will be another week before I can upload the next chapter (due to my holiday). So please enjoy this chapter.
Recovery
Several days later Horatio was released from the hospital and returned home. Celesta drove him a Julia and Kyle waited at home. Julia had extended her holiday so she could see Horatio safely home. Horatio had said that he did not want his friends all waiting for him. He wished his first days back home to be quiet with only Celesta, Kyle and Tigger. He sighed a sigh of relief when he sat down on his couch in his home. Tigger choose his lap t take up residence and purred contently when Horatio stroked him and scratched his head: "Oh Tigger, I have missed you too boy. Did you take good care of everyone?" Julia, who had truly become a good friend to Celesta, looked at the two males and shook her head. The great Horatio cooing over a cat! Perhaps the shock of being shot had addled his brain. But the utter shock free faces of Celesta and Kyle told her this was normal behaviour for Horatio. With a small smile she sat down. Kyle choose to do his homework on the dining table and the three adults had tea and insignificant conversations, all in all a lovely day with the family staying in. Today was to be Julia's last day in the states as she had to return to her work. And since Kyle had a two week period of school holidays he would travel with her, leaving Celesta and Horatio for some alone time, which Horatio appreciated immensely.
The next weeks, months slowly drifted away. Horatio was extremely grateful for those solitary weeks with just Celesta taking care of him. When his doctors deemed the wounds sufficiently healed Horatio started fysiotherapy and he and Celesta would go to the gym together to build up hi strength. Yelina came for dinner, even though it was uncomfortable at first, the first dinner was soon followed by a second and third, slowly building and repairing bridges. When the end of the year was coming Julian returned to spend Christmas and new years with Horatio, Kyle and Celesta. Yelina and Ray Jr. Joined them for Christmas day. Horatio was extremely content when he surveyed his living room after the Christmas dinner: Ray Jr. and Kyle were busy playing some videogame, Yelina and Julia were both relaxing in the lounge chairs, sipping their wine enjoying the little snacks on the coffee table. Celesta was curled on the couch next to him, leaning against him, he had his arm around her, caressing her side and occasionally – when no one was watching – her bum, while Tigger lounched on Horatio's lap, enjoying the petting done by Horatio. Horatio had in that moment nothing to wish for and felt utter bliss.
After Christmas the days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and when spring came around Horatio was cleared for work in the field. During the weekend before Horatio was set to work again his co-workers decided to host a barbecue and a friendly baseball game in one of the largest parcs of Miami. When Horatio and Celesta came to the site they were soon surrounded. Even though Horatio had come to the la a few times in the last months, most of his co-workers wanted to talk to him. Eric, Calleigh and Frank who all had visited Horatio a lot in the last months stood more to the side, when Celesta had managed to dislodge her hand from Horatio's grip she joined them. "He looks good Celesta." Frank commented. Celesta accepted a drink from Eric. "I know, he can't wait to get started and get back into the field." She answered.
"Sad to lose him to his work Celest?" Eric asked.
"No, in fact I'm glad he returns to his work, the last weeks were ghastly. He was so bored and going stir crazy. No I am glad he is going back to his work." The others joined her laughter.
"Well, I'll also be glad to have him back. It was fun being supervisor for a while, but I'll be happy to give those tasks back to him." Calleigh commented. "Don't you want to be supervisor Calleigh?" Celesta asked her. "Eventually, but rights now I'll be happy to do the actual research." The small group then turned to discussing personal lives and the events in the world at large. When it was time to start the game Horatio joined them and pulled Celesta into his side, claiming her, Calleigh, Frank and Eric for his team. Celesta tried to get out of it saying that surely the teams should only be co-workers, but Horatio would have none of it. "You don't think I would leave someone as fit and good as you and someone who loves this game as much as you, sit at the sidelines, do you?" Horatio whispered, before giving her a kiss to her temple. Within a few minutes the game started and for the next two hours they were all engrossed in the game. In the end Horatio's team did win. After the game the barbeque was started and everybody enjoyed the food. Horatio and Celesta had found a nice place under a tree and enjoyed the shade. Horatio had his arm around Celesta's shoulder and a steady trickle of co-workers provided them with conversation. When the sun started to lower to the horizon Horatio and Celesta took their leave.
Please review.