As promised, one week after she was brought in, Frankie was finally released. Rejoicing in the sunshine as it hit her shoulders, she felt like dancing. Except that the hospital had stipulated only gentle exercise for the next month or so, and she had a feeling that Horatio would be taking those guidelines very seriously. He had taken a fortnight off work, assuring Frankie that the captain had nearly had a heart attack when he read the request, and spent every moment he was allowed with her. He was as good as his word as well: there was no more hiding. It would take a while before he would open up fully, she accepted that. He had lived alone too long, and bad habits can't be changed overnight, but he was trying hard, and that was all she asked.

"Why don't you play the piano in front of people?"

Horatio was driving them both home, so didn't turn to look at her. He hesitated for a second, but she waited in silence and he reached across to take her hand, squeezing it briefly. "Mom taught Ray and I to play, but Dad never really agreed with it. I don't think he thought it was something a real man should do. If he caught me playing, he would only get angry. He never seemed to mind when Ray played though." He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Ray was far better than I ever was. When Dad left, Mom encouraged us both to play. She said it was good for the soul. The three of us used to play together. I haven't played in front of anyone except Ray since she died. When she was killed, that all stopped. Music became something I wanted to associate only with Mom, and the good days before she died. Silly, I know," he finished, sighing again.

Frankie's heart broke for him all over again. She touched his knee gently. "It's not silly Horatio. I'm sorry for pushing the issue."

"No, it's fine." They arrived back at his house – her home for the next few weeks at least – and Frankie was embarrassed to discover that the journey had exhausted her.

Horatio carried her into their bedroom, ignoring her protests that she could walk by herself and told her to get some rest. His tone suggested that the nurses in ICU would be a pleasant memory if she disobeyed. Then he kissed her, and she found herself falling asleep with a giant grin on her face. His bed, their bed, she corrected herself, was far more comfortable than the hospital ones, and she sighed deeply. Home. She was home.

When she woke up, she lay still for a moment, enjoying the feeling of peace. She frowned slightly as she heard thought she heard music. A gentle, lilting tune filled the house and she swung her legs out of the bed, intending to investigate. She had to hang on to the bedstead for a minute or so, as the world started spinning, but she made it to the bedroom door without further incident. She headed down to the living room, and froze as she saw Horatio sitting at the piano, his back to her.

She shook her head affectionately as she studied his back. Of course he could play wonderfully – was there anything he couldn't do? As the tune carried on, haunting in its intensity, she padded quietly over to the piano and sat down on the stool next to him. He didn't miss a note as he gave her a quick grin.

"You're wonderful," she said truthfully. "I had no idea you would be this good." He kept playing, but the tune had changed, and she recognised this one with a smile. It was Strangers in the Night. He played the song through once, and then stopped, turning to face her with a sad smile.

"You're the only person I've played in front of except Raysince Mom died," he said, putting his arm around her and drawing her closer to him. "This is a silly question, but did you really think I was good?"

She gave a small sigh. To think he had hidden that talent away for so long. "Better than good, Horatio. You're wonderful. Actually, you're wonderful in every way," she whispered, stretching up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you for letting me stay here a while."

Horatio shifted on the piano stool, and Frankie wondered what was wrong. "I was, um, actually hoping that it wasn't just for a while. I, um, I was hoping you'd stay forever." She gave him an exasperated look. "What?"

"You just don't get it do you?"

"What?" he repeated, anxiety clear in his eyes.

Deciding not to string it out any longer, Frankie moved to sit on his lap, running her hands through his hair as she did so. His arms instantly came around to hold her tight. "You're nervous about asking me." He looked at her nonplussed. "I'm yours Horatio, wholly and completely yours. Forever yours," she reiterated. "So, yes, of course I'll move in with you. There's nothing I want more than to be with you." Suddenly it was her turn to be nervous. She looked down, away from his questioning gaze. He tipped her head back to up and tutted under his breath.

"No nerves allowed. I'm yours, just as much as you are mine."

She took a deep breath. "I love you." She looked away again, unsure what his reaction would be.

"Chessie? Chessie, look at me." The natural authority of which he was so unaware called her, and she obeyed instinctively. His eyes met hers, and she swallowed hard. Instead of the anger, embarrassment or reluctance she had expected, what she saw took her breath away. Love, pure, absolute love stared back at her. "I love you too Francesca Nelson, and I always will." He kissed her then, telling her he loved her in a different way.

She was crying as they broke apart. At his concerned expression, she hastened to reassure him. "I've just never been so happy."

"Neither have I, Chessie, and it's all because of you. Because you had the strength and courage to stick with me, no matter what I did. Everything is going to be okay, from now on, I promise." He kissed her again, but she knew he was wrong. Everything was going to be far better than simply okay. Okay was for people who weren't in love with Horatio Caine. With him, everything would be perfect.


A/N: So there we are, all done. Hope everyone has enjoyed this fic, and thank you to my reviewers. If there is anyone out there who would be interested in the continuing adventures of Frankie at MDPD, please review, and I may be tempted to produce a sequel! (More than tempted, to be honest, I already have a few ideas, but would appreciate the encouragement!)