Little note about Kait here: I'm a shipper with a one-track mind. Ideally I try to think of plots better than t.ex the car ran out of gas in a deserted area and they had to huddle together to keep warm, but if that's what it takes to get the shipper couple in the position I want them...so be it! I like angst and mush, and when I write fanfiction, it's purely for the purposes of shipper fulfillment and emotional satiation :) Oh yeah...and I generally ignore the about entering different characters heads/POV or whatever...I just do whatever it takes to make the story as shippy as possible!

by Kait
Summary: A fluffy how-they-began H/C fic.
Rating: I'd recommend the reader be at least a preteen.
Disclaimer: Jerry Bruckheimer owns Horatio and Calleigh...I'm just letting them out to play ;)

This story is dedicated to Lanah, whom I don't even know, but she wrote the first CSI:M fic Sun Rise. When she posted hers I had to email her to tell her I was writing my own . She was a good sport about it!

Now touch my teeth with your lips/Touch my world with your fingertips Sarah Brightman, Who Wants To Live Forever

Calleigh had her clipboard open and balanced on her knee as Horatio drove the Hummer towards the crime scene they were returning to. It was north of the city and a bit of a drive, but it was the evening so there wasn't much traffic. The case they were working on was huge and Calleigh was trying to get some paperwork done on the way. She wasn't having much luck, though...she was finding it difficult to concentrate.

The reason Calleigh was having trouble concentrating had a lot to do with the man sitting next to her. Calleigh had always had a good relationship with her lieutenant, they respected each other as colleagues, and over the years they'd worked together, become friends. ...Friends. That was Calleigh's problem at the moment.

Calleigh couldn't quite pinpoint when she'd started feeling something more for Horatio, and she had no good explanation as to why. She only knew that somehow, somewhere along the line, things had changed...Horatio Caine had become more than a colleague to her. A smile from him made her day, a touch had her soaring... Calleigh was in love, she was sure of it. Only it was one-sided, and it was so hard. There were times Calleigh wondered if perhaps he did feel something for her, but she was so overwhelmed by her own feelings she usually dismissed it as wishful thinking.

Calleigh had a sunny disposition and she always wore her heart on her sleeve. She'd never tried to mask her feelings like this before, and it was so hard for her. It wore on her soul to hide. She'd asked herself over and over why she just didn't tell him how she felt, but she knew the answer to that already. The stakes were simply too high. It was cowardly she knew, but she couldn't risk it. If he didn't return her feelings, she'd be shattered. At least this way, never telling him, she had hope.

Still, it had gotten to the point that Calleigh would almost as soon avoid Horatio as she would see him. It was just too painful. And in times like these-sitting beside him for a long drive-seriously made her wonder how long she could hold up this emotional facade.

Calleigh put her pen to her paper and scribbled a few lines, at least trying to look like she was absorbed in her work.

You okay, Calleigh? You've been pretty quiet. Horatio noted right then, glancing over at her.

Oh...I'm just tired. Calleigh lied, offering him a smile. Well, she was, actually...but that wasn't why she was quiet.

Well, no wonder...you've been working this case for how many days straight? Horatio asked her.

she told him. She'd worked over the weekend, too. I'm fine, though. she reassured him. It'll be good to get this done.Hopefully we can get it finished tonight. Horatio agreed. We could both use a good night's sleep at this point. Calleigh said, willing heat down from her cheeks. Even an innocent comment like this could set her off these days. That made it hard to be with Horatio, too...she had this paranoia she was giving off some kind of vibe. Calleigh's nights and her waking dreams had gotten so vivid lately it seemed impossible he couldn't at least sense her feelings.

But once again there was nothing, and Calleigh didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed. She just stared down at her paper, and Horatio drove.

The crime had occurred at a bed-and-breakfast house on the beach. There were multiple rooms and various suites throughout the large old house, and the owners had lived there as well. They'd been murdered, and the investigation had later revealed that their teenage son had his own business: dealing drugs out of the home. This called for a more thorough processing of this boy's bedroom.

Horatio pulled up in the driveway of the enormous house. Calleigh grabbed her kit and exited the vehicle. The evening was balmy and breezy, and Calleigh inhaled a breath of fresh air, looking over at the ocean through the palm trees as she waited for Horatio to gather his equipment.

Okay...so you're doing the boy's room... I'll check the over the garage again. Horatio said.

Sounds good. Calleigh said, beginning to walk towards the house with him.

Calleigh spent the better part of the next hour processing the room for fingerprints and trace evidence. She was feeling awfully tired by the end of it, and she was glad to hear Horatio's footsteps on the stairs. He was done, too...they could go home. Hey, Horatio. she called. I'm almost done... Horatio said. Hey, what are you doing in here? he asked, entering the room.

What do you mean? Calleigh asked, looking over from her task.

Are you processing this room, too? Horatio asked her.

Calleigh repeated.

I thought we were going over the other room. Horatio said, sounding a bit confused as well. You know...the boy's bedroom.What's this? Calleigh asked.

It's...one of the guest rooms. Horatio said.

You are kidding me. Calleigh said in dread. Then where's the boy's room?Just over here. Horatio said, indicating to across the hall.

Calleigh walked out into the hallway with him, looking at the room he pointed to. I processed the wrong room. she said in disbelief. Oh my god... she closed her eyes. We came all the way out here for me to process the wrong room!Well...maybe we'll get something new anyway. Horatio tried to tell her. We can come back and do the other another time.

Calleigh wasn't even listening. I'm sorry, Horatio. she said feelingly. I'm so sorry...Oh, Calleigh...don't be sorry. We shouldn't have come back here tonight...it was too much. Horatio said dismissively.

The wasted time as well as the humiliation of processing the wrong room-what kind of CSI was she-rose up like a heat within Calleigh. I can't believe it. she muttered.

Horatio's brow furrowed a little. It's okay, Calleigh. he said.

Well...I'm going to come back tomorrow...8am I'll be back here. Calleigh said determinedly. She took one barrette out of her hair as she spoke and then mashed it back in, as though fixing her hair would fix her problem now.

Calleigh...it's after midnight now. Horatio pointed out. And it's an hour's drive back to the city. You've already been working for 16 hours...give yourself a rest. We can come back another time. he said. This house has been sitting empty for days...it can wait a little longer.

Calleigh rubbed her eyes with her fists. I'm just so mad...it's just so dumb... she said. I can't believe I did that...

She was such a perfectionist, Horatio thought. She worked so hard...and she was so hard on herself, too. he said softly. It's okay, Calleigh. I'm telling you...it's all right.

Calleigh didn't answer, she just pressed her fingers to her temples. Are you okay? Horatio asked after a moment. She didn't answer. Do you have a headache? he tried again.

Calleigh briefly glanced at him and then looked away. She shook her head. I don't know. she said wearily. I just don't know... His eyes...those eyes looking at her.

Horatio began again. Don't worry about it. Come on...let's go. You look so tired.

His voice, his tender words. Calleigh sucked in a breath.

Horatio said, reaching out take her arm.

His hand on her arm. Calleigh was tired and frustrated and emotional already, and his touch just broke her. It absolutely and completely smashed any remaining control she had over herself and her feelings. Calleigh's eyes began to sting and she knew she was going to cry.

Horatio said once more.

Calleigh put her hands over her face as she burst into tears.

Horatio said, surprised. He reached for her hands that covered her eyes. Hey, Calleigh... He tried to gently take one hand away, but she wouldn't let him. She just cried, her whole body convulsing with the force of her upset. She sank to the floor, sobbing.

Oh, my. Horatio said, almost to himself. She was a lot more upset than he thought. He knelt on the floor beside Calleigh.

I think...that you've had it, Cal. Horatio said gently, reaching for her and tugging her closer to him. I think that's just about enough for Calleigh Duquesne today. he said rhetorically. She was limp now, and she molded to him, still in tears.

Horatio patted her back and stroked the hair from her face, his fingers tender. It wasn't often Calleigh needed comforting, but if she did...he wanted to be there for her. She was so strong, so independent... It was one of the things that endeared her to him, but Horatio almost wished she wouldn't try and be so strong all the time. ...A part of him loved holding her like this, wanted to take care of her. Oh, Calleigh. Horatio whispered, to her and for his own thoughts as well. He held Calleigh a little tighter and rocked her gently. It's okay. he whispered.

It took a few minutes, but Horatio eventually felt Calleigh reaching up between them and wiping her face. She was still sniffling and crying a little, but she wasn't hysterical. Horatio patted her back and began to gently disentangle her from his arms. he said softly. That's a little better, hey, Cal?

She didn't answer, and he leaned back to study her. Her face was pink and she was still crying. She just looked at Horatio, her eyes large and tremulous. His heart tugged for her.

It's okay, sweetheart. Horatio said gently. Everyone needs a break, Calleigh. Even you. he said, stroking her hair.

Calleigh was just looking at his face, and all she could think was oh god...this is awful, it's so wrong... Calleigh couldn't convey why she was upset...and his only made it worse. It's not work, she wanted to wail. It's you, can't you see that! Horatio...it's not the room. she managed through her tears. It doesn't matter, I don't care...I'll come back.Well...that's what I was thinking. Horatio said gently, though he sounded a little confused. It would be a good idea to come back another day, start fresh.

Calleigh pushed her face back into Horatio's shoulder, crying again, feeling so helpless. He didn't a have a clue...

Horatio was just confounded at this point. Something was terribly amiss here. Oh, Calleigh...tell me what's wrong. Horatio said gently, sifting through her hair. Tell me what's making you so upset. Please.

Calleigh clutched Horatio and just sobbed into neck. He held her so tenderly and she let him; she stayed in his arms, knowing it might be the only opportunity she got to feel this way. Calleigh was so tired of holding back and so exhausted in general...she knew the truth was going to come out now.

Calleigh tried to memorize the feeling of being held by Horatio. Taking in his warmth, his scent...Calleigh squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her face into his neck. She felt Horatio stroking her back, asking her again what was wrong. Finally, reluctantly, Calleigh drew her head back.

Calleigh, what's the matter? Horatio asked again, his brow knitted in concern. Tell me, please. ...I don't like to see you so upset.

His earnestness was innocence to Calleigh. She knew that after this, nothing would be the same again. Horatio...I just have to tell you something...it's so hard for me to say it but I have to... I just have to say that I love you. Calleigh managed through tears.

Horatio asked. For once in his life, he sounded stunned.

I love you... Calleigh whimpered again. He knew now, there was no going back...Calleigh threw her arms around his neck and held on; there was nothing left to lose. She shut her eyes tightly and squeezed.

Horatio's hand went up to Calleigh's hair instinctively, cupping her head and stroking her hair. He was silent a moment, just touching her. Finally he drew back to look at her.

Calleigh Duquesne. Horatio said finally. He searched her eyes, now clear green from her crying spell. One hand went up to tentatively cup her soft cheek. He went to speak, and then put his head down, shaking it.

Calleigh looked at him, her eyes watery. Say something. she whispered, her voice ragged.

Horatio opened his mouth, then closed it. Calleigh, I... His voice trailed off. I...I feel the same. I love you, too. he managed.

Calleigh thought she'd never seen Horatio Caine look more vulnerable. That struck her even before his words did... You do? she whispered.

Horatio nodded ever so slightly.

Calleigh gasped softly. She was at a loss for words and she just started to cry again. she whispered. She put her arms around his neck and sank into him, in tears.

She could feel him patting her back, stroking it; still comforting her. Okay, okay, you can stop crying now... Calleigh told herself. This is good, you're happy... And she was, but the tears just wouldn't let up. She just clutched Horatio and wept...it was like an emotional tide she couldn't stem. He'd said he'd loved her...Calleigh was so overwhelmed. And she wanted so badly to look at him, to touch him, to start exploring this...but for the life of her, all she could do was cry.

It's okay, Calleigh, it's okay... Horatio was trying to soothe her; he sounded worried. Calleigh almost wanted to laugh then. This was all so crazy... She took a few deep breaths, wiped her face of tears, and gently drew herself back from Horatio's embrace.

I'm sorry. Calleigh said to Horatio, sounding almost bashful. I don't know why I'm crying, I really am happy...It's okay. Horatio told her gently. He stroked a strand of blonde hair from her face. Calleigh reached up and touched his fingers, just because she could. She smiled at him a little. She knew she must've looked like such a mess right then, but somehow...she almost didn't care. She was looking at Horatio Caine, and he was looking back at her. They'd just said they loved one another. There was something new between them that they both felt; it was tangible, yet unexplainable.

In lieu of words, Calleigh finally just put her arms around Horatio. He held her, too. She looked up at him, and he stroked her face tentatively, like he wasn't sure it was real.

I can't believe you told me that. he said to her.

I can't believe you feel the same way. I'm in shock.I know, so am I.

The two just looked at each other, still almost too stunned for words.

I have so much to say, but...I just can't think of anything right now. Calleigh told him honestly.

You don't have to say anything...it can wait. Horatio told her. ...I don't know what to say, either. he admitted.

Calleigh smiled. I know I'm happy, though. she offered shyly.

Horatio's face broke into a smile as well; the close-lipped, eyes-dancing smile that Calleigh knew so well. So am I. he whispered.

Calleigh's eyes shone with tears again, and she reached over to cup Horatio's face. Horatio took her hands and kissed them. She was still sniffling a little, and he wiped away the stray tears on her cheeks. It's okay. he said gently.

I know. Calleigh said, still sniffling a little but smiling. Thanks, Horatio.

They were quiet for a moment. Hey, Cal...maybe we should go downstairs. At least away from here. Horatio said finally. They were still sitting in the hallway outside the crime scene.

Yeah...I'm getting sore. Calleigh said. Horatio began to stand up, and held out his hand to help Calleigh up.

Calleigh took his hand and stood up as well, dusting herself off. She stretched out her stiff legs and arms a little, then took Horatio's open hand again.

Horatio and Calleigh held hands as they walked downstairs and away from the crime scene. They got as far as the front entrance and they stopped. They stood there, and it was like they were too shy to do anything but hold hands, barely looking at each other. Finally Calleigh squeezed Horatio's hand and looked up at him. His gently lined face and light blue eyes were so familiar, but the way he was looking at her was so new. There was a sense of awe in his eyes that she'd never seen before, and she knew it was for her.

Calleigh looked into his eyes and then down at his lips, her own lips parting in anticipation. Horatio bent down towards her, and Calleigh closed her eyes. Finally she tasted him, and it was like time stood still.

Calleigh was dizzy; she vaguely wondered if she was remembering to breathe. She put her arms up around Horatio's neck to steady herself and felt him embrace her in return. They kissed for what could've been a few minutes, or much longer than that... Calleigh knew nothing, no sensation but Horatio's lips against her own.

When finally they parted both were drawing in deep breaths. Calleigh rested her head against his chest and leaned against him, closing her eyes. She could feel him rubbing her back up and down. She breathed deeply, inhaling his scent through his shirt, her lips instinctively grazing the thick cotton. Her heart was beating so fast. She drew in some more deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

When Calleigh looked up, Horatio was ready to meet her again. They came together, kissing again. Calleigh's hand caressed the back of Horatio's neck and he gently fisted her hair as they kissed.

Everything in Calleigh was brought to life under Horatio's lips. She kissed him back with a fervor, a passion, wanting to convey how she felt in that one kiss. It was only a kiss, but she wanted to give him her soul.

Horatio held her tightly, and the kiss deepened; they kissed with unrivalled intensity, and neither wanted to be the one to break it. Finally they were just almost panting against each other's lips, and Calleigh forced herself to part. They both breathed heavily. Calleigh leaned against Horatio's chest, and he was stroking and rubbing her back.

Calleigh said, unable to say anything else. She shook her head and laughed almost nervously. That was...nice. Horatio said, stroking her hair.

Calleigh agreed. she offered.

It was. Horatio agreed.

It had been so easy to kiss, but so difficult to find the words to talk about what they'd just shared. They stood close together, Horatio holding Calleigh's hands. Horatio took up her hands and kissed them, and she looked up at him, smiling.

How about I just hold you? Horatio suggested.

Calleigh nodded gratefully and entered his arms. She felt his arms go across her back and she responded by holding him tightly around the waist.

The smell of Horatio up close was intoxicating, and Calleigh soon wanted more, she wanted him again. She leaned her head up and began kissing Horatio's neck, working her way up to his face. Horatio responded to her with kisses of his own.

Holding each other, Horatio and Calleigh traded warm kisses. They started off tender, but became urgent; it felt like they couldn't get enough of each other, no matter how long they remained locked in embrace. Calleigh's lips were almost numb and she still didn't want to stop. It was Horatio who broke it this time, but she whimpered in protest. Her little plea earned her more kisses, and she sighed with pleasure. She wanted him just a little longer... She buried her fingers in his sandy auburn hair, keeping him close to her until she'd achieved some degree of satiation of him.

When Calleigh finally released Horatio and she was laughing, with giddiness or maybe it was lack of oxygen, she wasn't sure. She just knew she'd never been happier. Calleigh pressed her face into Horatio's chest, still laughing a little. That was the most wonderful thing I've ever felt in my life. Calleigh told Horatio breathlessly.

It was amazing. Horatio told her, his voice soft. Like nothing else... His hand stroked her hair lovingly as he gazed into her face.

Hold me, Horatio... Calleigh said impulsively, her eyes pleading of him. And he was instantly in his arms again.

Horatio held Calleigh, rocking her in his arms. They held one another again, this time for a long time. They'd been so wound up from their emotions; the stress of the day, Calleigh's tears, their passionate kissing... It was just a relief to embrace one another, to gain strength and calm from one another.

Horatio finally looked at his watch, then gave Calleigh a squeeze before he released her. Hey...it's almost two in the morning. he told her fondly, taking her hands. What do you want to do? he asked her.

I don't want to go anywhere. Calleigh said. Let's just sleep in the Hummer for a couple of hours. We've got blankets, right? she said.

We have blankets. Horatio nodded.

Calleigh smiled. she said.