A/N: Those you know belong to those you know. I own the rest, including the dead bodies. No profits for me. This is AU, but stuff from any season may pop in. That's your warning. Please R&R. Thanks.


Rochelle glanced into the back seat. Annabel had fallen asleep on Horatio's shoulder and he had his arm wrapped around her. Rochelle smiled.

"I though she had gotten kind of quiet." Rochelle frowned. "Annabel pushes herself too hard. I don't think she ever sleeps."

"I'd have to agree with you about that."

Rochelle smiled at Horatio. "'I'll bet you don't do much sleeping either. You don't strike me as the lounging in bed type."

Horatio smiled. "No, I'm not. I admit I have a tendency to skip sleeping." They pulled up in front of Annabel's building. Horatio tried to shake her awake. She grumbled a little and curled closer. Horatio smiled and shook her a little harder. "Come on, Annabel. Time to wake up. We're back at your place." Annabel's eyes fluttered open and then back closed.

"Horatio?" Her eyes snapped open and she sat bolt upright. She looked around, realized where she was and relaxed. "I am so sorry." Horatio smiled and pulled his arm out from behind her. Rochelle grinned at her from the front seat.

"Oh, I don't think Horatio minded one bit, Annie." Annabel blushed.

"I am so glad that you're headed back to Chicago, Ro."

"You're not really."

"I wouldn't debate that right this minute." Annabel got out of the car. Ro followed her and gave Annabel a big hug.

"You take care of yourself, Annie."

"Come back soon, Ro."

"You need come to Chicago. I know they give you vacation time. Everyone misses you. Especially Grandad."

Annabel wouldn't meet Rochelle's eyes. "I'll see what I can do." She gave Marc a hug. "You keep Ro out of trouble. Okay?"

Marc laughed. "You know that isn't possible. Good to see you, Annie." He held out a hand to Horatio.

"Good to meet you, Horatio."

Horatio nodded. "And you, Marc. Rochelle."

Rochelle gave Horatio a wicked grin. "Now, just one thing to remember, Horatio. Annie has six uncles."

"Rochelle Louise DiFranco! You are pure trouble." Annabel pushed Rochelle back towards her car.

"That's not a threat, Annie. That's a promise."

"Marc, you had better get her out of here. I can't believe you, Ro." The two women hugged again. "You are impossible." Rochelle leaned around Annabel and mouthed 'six uncles' at Horatio. He laughed.

Annabel rolled her eyes. "Good bye, Ro." Rochelle and Marc got back in the car and headed off. Annabel and Horatio watched them disappear into the Miami night. Annabel turned and looked up at Horatio. "So..."

"So...," he echoed.

"Did you want..."

"You're tired, Annabel."

"Not that tired. You could come up for a bit."

"You fell asleep on the 10 minute ride from the restaurant."

"So, I took a nap. I don't feel so tired now."

"I'll walk you up to your door."

"And then?"

"You'll go inside and go to sleep."

Annabel sighed. "Just to my door."

"Just to your door." Annabel sighed again and took his hand. They walked silently to Annabel's apartment. Annabel turned toward Horatio and smiled.

"Are you sure you don't want to come in?" She stood on tiptoe and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing close.

Horatio groaned. "Annabel." He bent and kissed her again. Annabel melted into him. When they finished the kiss, Annabel tried one more time. She played with the hair at the back of his neck.

"Are you sure?" Horatio drew a ragged breath and pulled her close. He rested his chin on her hair.

"There will be another night, Annabel." He gave her a squeeze and stepped away.

Annabel nodded and smiled. "So, I haven't spooked you? I keep trying."

"I don't scare that easily."

Annabel nodded again. "Good night, Horatio."

"Sleep well, Annabel."

----------

finis


A/N: Anyone for a sequel? Drop me a line and let me know.