A/N: I'm so sorry for taking SO long to update. : (

Summery: (H/Y) Yelina returns to Miami and they both have surprises in store for them.

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI Miami or any of the characters.

Family

"The sedative we gave him a few hours ago should be wearing off by now. He should be awake in a few minutes." the nurse said as she escorted the two to Horatio's room.

"Thank you." Yelina said as the nurse left.

Ray Junior gripped his mother's hand tightly as they quietly entered the room. Yellow and light blue stripped curtains dangled freely from the metal bars bolted to the wall which allowed a fair amount of light to enter the room from the window. The beeping monitors and machines reassured Yelina that her brother-in-law, who was asleep, was in a stable condition. There were blood stained bandages wrapped around his chest and arm, it seemed so painful.

"You alright mom?" Ray asked, as a few tears began to well from her eyes.

She gave a slight nod, "I'll be fine."

Yelina walked quietly toward the bed, Ray Junior not far behind. She sat in a chair next to the hospital bed and gently took Horatio's hand, giving it a light kiss. As she ran her hand through his soft red hair, she remembered what Calleigh said to her about Horatio never giving up and staying alive so that he could protect her and Ray. She smiled lovingly at the memory.

Of course this wasn't the first time Yelina had to wait by someone's bedside until they woke up. Suspects, family members, victims -she had been in this situation before and was determined to stay by Horatio's side until he awoke.

After about two hours, Yelina turned to Ray who stared quietly at Horatio.

"I don't want Uncle Horatio to die mom. I'll miss him and I love him so much" He whispered softly.

"Your uncle isn't going anywhere, Ray." She smiled sadly, "I promise."

Ray returned his gaze to Horatio without saying a word, but his mother could tell there was still something he wanted to say.

"Ray, what's the matter?" she asked. She tried to read his expression, but it was just blank. She couldn't tell how he felt.

"Do you love Uncle Horatio?" he said, shifting his gaze to his mother once again.

Yelina was surprised that Ray would ask her something like this. She knew that Ray knew she loves his uncle. That's what family do –love and care for one another.

Unless…

"Of course I love your uncle. That what families are sup –"

"No mom…" Ray interrupted.

All this time his mom thought he was clueless about how she felt toward his uncle, but he was tired of his mom and uncle giving him some stupid song and dance about how they're suppose to love and 'be there' for one another because they're family. That was the excuse they always gave him –because they're family. Ray knows what families are supposed to do, but his family was different; different from any other family in the world and that his mom and uncle were meant to be with each other.

"…are you in love with Uncle Horatio?"

Yelina was completely taken back by what he said and had a loss for words. "Ray, I…"

Before she could explain, a tired voice reached her ear and instinctively she set her gaze on Horatio.

"Horatio?" Yelina whispered. Slowly his eyes flickered open and she caught sight of those stunning blue eyes, which had darkened to a gorgeous shade of cobalt. It took a while for Horatio to focus on the beautiful woman and child before him. He managed to smile as he heard her speak again.

"Uncle Horatio!" Ray shouted in excitement, his uncle was finally awake.

"Hey buddy" he croaked.

Horatio winced in pain as Ray hugged him. "Sorry Uncle Horatio."

"No problem, son."

A large grin crept across the boy's face as he heard his uncle call him 'son'. Although he calls a lot of people 'son' it felt as if he really meant it and Horatio was actually his dad.

"Ray, can you go out to the front and tell Calleigh and the others your uncle is awake?"

"Sure mom."

Once Ray left the room, Yelina helped Horatio sit up in the hospital bed. He was still very tired from the surgery.

"Did...did we get -"

"Shh...don't speak. You have to take it easy until you get better." she smiled sheepishly as they stared into each other's eyes for a few minutes. It felt like eternity. The feeling that tickled their bodies was incredible. It almost felt like the first time they met.

Horatio took Yelina's hand into his and intertwined their fingers, hoping to get her full attention, "Yelina...you didn't answer Ray's question."

Oh my god... Yelina's eyes shot open. You could practically hear her heart beat racing inside her chest. She had never felt this nervous before.

"I-I..." she was speechless.

A/N: He he cliffhanger, sorry guys. : S If you thought it was way too short for such a long period of time, I give you permission to virtually kick my butt.