Chapter 6

The annual light festival in the park was a highlight for Horatio. It was wonderful to look at, when thousands of candles were illuminating the park, making it glow. He looked forward to this special day every year and this time he could share it with a woman by his side, which made it even better. Fortunately, the park wasn't far away from his house, so they had decided to go for a walk and ditch Calleigh's car. They had run across many people already, who either left the park or entered it and once they had entered the park, it had been alive with visitors. The good thing was that no matter how many people were there, the park never seemed to be overcrowded. So they still had some sense of privacy, instead of stepping on each other's shoes. "This looks fantastic, right?" Horatio asked and pointed to the lampions which looked like they were floating in the air.

Being totally mesmerized by the spectacle, Cal needed a moment to answer him. "Yes, it's beautiful", she then said quietly. "This would look fantastic in someone's own garden." At least in her own. If Horatio could call himself an owner of a garden, she didn't know, since she had never seen his house from the inside. For some reason he had been the chauffeur on all of their dates, which all had been unfailingly in the city. The fact that she was calling the shots tonight, was the reason that she had been adamant that she would drive by herself. It would have been nonsense, if he drove to her apartment and then back to his, since the park was only a few meters away. Now she was closer to his home than she had been in the 3 months of their relationship and she bet they would get inside his house today.

"I think so, too. You can easily use the lampions for that and if you have a pond, even better," Horatio agreed. "I like those small ships."

Apparently he wasn't the only one who liked them, but several younger children too who were looking at the tea lights in wonder.

"We're not alone," he smiled and still remembered the way Elijah had been fascinated with them. Nowadays he couldn't win his son's attention with some tea lights, but the memory stayed.

"Water and fire have always fascinated people," she grinned lightly and squeezed his hand.

"Very true, you just have to watch out that they don't come to close," he said and kissed her hand. "Or you can fish them out of the pond," he continued amused, though still serious. People had drowned in puddles, so you had to keep an eye on your kids. "Have you been here before?"

"Yes, but not at this time of day. I didn't know about this festival. But I'm quite sure that I'm going to visit it again next year. Everything fits here, the place, the scenery, the atmosphere…," she listed and let her eyes wander.

"That would make me happy," Horatio smiled, hoping of course, that she would go with him. At a bifurcation, he took the left path. He knew where it led to and he really wanted to show it Calleigh. "It's a good thing that you can see so many families here…even though it's already a bit late." But since it was a Saturday he didn't mind. "There aren't many recreation offers here… for families I mean."

The sudden change of subjects surprised her a bit. "I can't judge that, since I've never been in this situation," she replied slowly.

He had been. "Oh well, you just have to look around. A playground here and there, a park perhaps, but that's it. There could be a lot more in my eyes," he shrugged. "Maybe you will be in this situation someday," he grinned.

Someone was a bit too fast. "Who knows," she answered him elusively and found it a bit weird where this conversation was leading to.

Horatio noticed that and chided himself for that. "I'm sorry Cal, I didn't mean it like that," he apologized immediately and stayed silent. He was worried about her reaction. He badly wanted to tell her about his son. They've been a couple for 3 months now and since that night after the museum, he was absolutely sure of the fact, that she was the right one for him. That night, they had shared their hearts, their souls and those three little words. Horatio hadn't said those words for ages. Since he already knew Calleigh for more than two years, he was sure that he could tell her about Elijah. It just wasn't that easy after so many years.

She had noticed his uncertainty and corrected herself. "No, no. You don't have to apologize. It's just…the idea of a family is a bit too early. Basically, I wish for a house with a white picket fence and kids," she smiled softly, "like every woman does. But after three months…," she shrugged. She didn't like telling him, but she was known for her straight-line attitude and honest words. "I think we should start this slow." She had had bad experiences in her past and now to that effect she was a bit more cautious.

"I didn't mean that we have to start tonight and that we will be married tomorrow," Horatio laughed to loosen the situation. "Don't worry, that's a little bit too early for me. But I'm glad that you aren't against the thought sometime in the future," he nodded and kissed her forehead softly. Otherwise there would have been problems. If Calleigh didn't want any kids and wasn't interested in them, there would have been problems with Elijah, even though the boy wasn't a child any longer.

"I come from a big family, I'm used to kids and I love them a lot," she explained. "There's nothing better than having my own kids." And the chances to have them with Horatio were good. "I just want to be sure, that I've found the right guy." She stretched herself in order to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Someone like you."

Sheepishly, Horatio looked down and was glad that it was dark, so no one could see his pink cheeks. "This…is good to know Cal, because this goes both ways." If this wasn't a reason to tell her, Horatio had no idea what would be one. He had to be honest with her, because the longer he waited, the more complicated it would be. And since she had shown him so much trust, it was his time to give it back to her. Most of all because Elijah was bugging him to meet Calleigh. Boys.

"Then it's agreed," she poked his side and thanks to her height she found the perfect position to tickle him.

"It is," he nodded and tried to escape her. "Stop it…it tickles," he laughed and was able to stop her briefly, but not long. "You're mean."

"Well you'd better get used to it, Mister," she giggled and didn't feel like stopping.

"I wouldn't have guessed you have that in you…such a mean side," he poked his tongue out at her and gave her a tight squeeze. Panting he gasped for air and inhaled the scent of her hair. "Come with me today, Cal," he said quietly and waited eagerly for an answer. There was no going back now.

Without hesitating she answered him. "With pleasure." It didn't matter that her answer had come far too quickly. She had already said it. She burst with curiosity and she wouldn't have waited any longer for this invitation.

Happily, he looked down at her and gave a long kiss as an answer. It would go well, he was sure.

***

"Here we are, my cozy little home," Horatio said mischievously and opened the front door. "Feel free..," he offered her and let her in. "Do you want me to hang up your cardigan?" he asked her politely and turned on the light in the hallway.

"Yes, please," she nodded and took it off. Being a CSI, she tried to absorb the ambiance and followed him. "It's very nice."

"Thank you. I'm not here as much as I want to, but that means nothing." In the living-room, he turned on the lights too and pointed to a white leather couch. "Have a seat, please. Do you want something to drink? Wine? Tea? Coffee? Water?"

"Wine sounds appealing, but since I have to drive, I'll take the water, thanks." Before she sat down, she let her eyes roam over the room. The heavy dark wooden furniture in a Spanish style was kind of typical for Miami and formed a nice contrast to the other furniture, which looked more filigreed. "Does this lead to the garden?" She pointed to the patio door.

"Right. It's not that big, but it's enough for a small BBQ," he nodded. "Or for a little boy who wants play football with his Dad," he added in his mind and hugged Calleigh from behind. "You sure, you want to go home tonight?" he asked and started to nibble her neck. "Because I don't plan on letting you go again, but looking forward to a…long night." He knew how Cal would interpret it and that was more than okay. That he meant something else, namely that they had a lot to talk about, was also perfectly clear.

"You're always good for a surprise, Mr. Caine," she pulled his chain lovingly and leaned into his embrace. It couldn't get any better. It took a moment till they moved again. "If I'm asked that nicely, I think I will…take the wine after all."

Tenderly he kissed her hair and let go of her. "A very good choice, Miss Duquesne. I'll be right back," he bowed and hurried into the kitchen with "make yourself at home." There he went in search for the wine and its glasses.

Of course she followed his request and strolled around, the second he had left the room. She was impressed by the numerous books in the shelves and started to read the titles. Step by step, she carefully walked backwards and stopped abruptly, when she noticed two framed pictures. She pondered a bit and then took one carefully in her hand, to have a better look at it. She could see a young woman, in her early thirties she guessed and blond boy, who couldn't be older than 5, who was grinning broadly into the camera. Based on the clothes both wore, Calleigh could say that the photo was a bit older. She just wondered about their identities. After she had put back the photo, she took the second one. Once again she could see the same boy, but this time he wore a baseball uniform and in the back she could see a Christmas tree. It was easy to tell that the clothes looked new and the boy was smiling. Calleigh stared at it for a long time and only put it back when she heard Horatio coming back and walked to her boyfriend.

Grinning he had noticed that Calleigh hadn't sat down. He hadn't thought any different of her. She was a CSI after all and very good one too. "I hope red wine is okay with you, the white one wasn't cold enough," he greeted her halfway.

She nodded. "Yes, I like red wine." Still she couldn't get the image of that boy out of her head, because he was reminding her of someone. When she thought about it, he looked a bit like Horatio. "Maybe it's some relative," she tried to find a conclusion on her own and was brought back into the here and now by Horatio's voice. "Pardon?" she asked embarrassed, since she hadn't listened.

"I've asked if you wanted to sit down," Horatio repeated his question and followed his own request. "Is everything okay, Cal?" She had never been so distracted at her home, at least when they had just talked. "I can give you the grand tour later, if you want to," he smirked.

She nodded hesitantly. "I was lost in thought, I'm sorry." Then she sat down next to him and stick a strand behind her ear while she made herself comfortable. "I wouldn't mind a tour. I'm just like every other woman, you know, I love snooping around."

"So does that mean I have to hide all my secret stuff then?" he chided her and took a sip of his wine. "But the cards are stacking against me. You're a CSI and supposed to find everything." This could be a disadvantage when it came to presents. "But you should get your tour later, I already know the goal."

Playfully she lifted her brow. "Really?"

"Of course. You'd be surprised about my wonderful office." Relaxed he leaned back and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. Now he just needed to find the right moment to let her into his secret.

From experience Calleigh knew what imp Horatio was inside and therefore she knew that he certainly hadn't meant his office. "If you say so," she said casually and played with the buttons of his shirt.

"Absolutely," Horatio nodded and enjoyed her playfulness immensely. And even though he wanted to continue this, he had to talk with her. What they would do afterwards was something entirely different and Horatio was already looking forward to it. "Mhm, Cal..," he sighed when she opened the top buttons. "There's something…"

"It's a little bit too late for a back-paddle," she murmured seductively and found the idea of spending the night at his more and more alluring. She knew about his certain secret qualities after all.

Oh that was just mean. He wanted to continue this, since he knew what was waiting for him. But then again he had to tell her the plain truth. Something he could also do tomorrow. Hmm. "Back-paddle?" he asked amused and chuckled when she kissed his neck. "Never.." Not since he could call her his. "This feels good," he murmured and bit his lip. "Nevertheless Cal," he swallowed hard. "There's something I really need to tell you and afterwards…we have plenty of time for other things, okay?"

She got an uneasy feeling and let go of him. The irritation was written in her face, because her boyfriend didn't look as adventurous as he had before. "Horatio?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad," he reassured her immediately and took a deep breath. "Uhm, there's something you don't know about me," he started and took a quick glance towards the pictures behind her. "Ha-Have you seen the pictures?" Oh how he hated this stuttering.

Her doubts stayed the same. "Oookay?" She didn't like the stuttering too and it told her that Horatio was very nervous.

"Have you had a look at them?" he asked her and was about to stand up in case she hadn't. This would be easier.

"Yeah I did. What about them?"

"O-okay." And she didn't ask him about the people? That surprised him. "These are two very important persons in my life. Uhm…actually it should be easier for me to say that..," he sighed and rubbed his neck.

Her heartbeat increased and she blinked at him, when she tried to find an association between his words and the pictures. She looked over her shoulder to the shelves and then back to him. "Who's that?" she asked.

"The persons on the pictures are…my ex-wife Samantha and the little blonde boy is Elijah…my son." Tensed he held his breath and waited for a reaction. "He..he turns 16 in a few weeks", he smiled proudly.

At first she thought that he was joking and grinned, but then she realized that he was serious about it. That was a bit thick! She would have never expected that from him. Emotionless she starred at him. "You should start breathing again before you turn blue," she said and couldn't believe it. He had kept that back. Not only during their relationship, but the whole time they knew each other. With a shake of head she stood up and departed from him. This was a slap in her face and she couldn't get over it that easy. With crossed arms she positioned herself behind the couch and put some distance between them. "I can't believe it."

Surprised, but not hurt, Horatio got up too. "I know that this quite a surprise, Cal…and we can talk about everything. If you have questions, I'll answer them..," he offered her immediately. "I just needed some time to tell you. You mean a lot to me, Cal..," he said softly and laid a hand on her arm.

Disgustedly she swept away his hand. "Oh I realized how much I mean to you just now. Two years! We know each other for two years now and only after you were in bed with me, you remembered that you have an ex-wife and a son?!" She couldn't understand that.

That she swept his hand away did hurt. "It wasn't like that, Cal, you gotta believe me. Sweetheart, please…just sit down and I will explain it to you. I need time till I trust someone completely…"

"Oh come one, Horatio! You do not believe this yourself, are you?" she snorted. "You need some time to trust someone? Am Ithat untrustworthy??"

"N-no, I didn't mean it like that. I trust you." He rolled his eyes about himself. "I love you Cal and therefore it's important to me, that you know about Elijah. He's my son and part of my life."

"Good for you," she replied toneless and took a deep breath. Words couldn't explain of how hurt and used she felt at this moment. Knowing that Horatio didn't find her trustworthy was the worst feeling of all. "I think I should go," she said and turned away from him.

"But…but.." This was not the way he had planned it. "Cal, please stay. We can talk about everything," he started again and walked to her. "Sweetheart, please..," he said quietly. "I know I should have told you earlier, but I have my reasons."

She struck out automatically when he approached her and intended to stop her from going. Split seconds later she felt her hand burning from the force of the slap in his face. "Hopefully it hurts you even more," she thought to herself. "Did you call her like that, too?! Hm? Stop calling me like that, if you don't mean it honestly!" She let her fury override her reason. "You can stick your reasons where the sun doesn't shine, Mister. I don't want to hear them. Not anymore." She had nothing more to say and stormed to the front door.

Shocked, Horatio held his burning cheek and gazed after her in disbelief. When he heard the door being shut with a loud bang, he flinched and leaned against the couch. His small world just crushed and when he heard the sound of Calleigh's car, he knew that she had ended their relationship. Deeply hurt he walked into the kitchen to grab a cool pack. This was so not the way he had planned it. Of course, he had reckoned that Calleigh wouldn't fall around his neck, but twisting it? He hadn't thought of that. Miserably he snuffled and made his way to bed. Calleigh, he was sure, wouldn't come back to him.

Being in a complete turmoil, Calleigh sat behind her Jeep's steering wheel and wiped away the tears that were falling constantly. Earlier in the house she hadn't wanted to show Horatio how much his actions and words had hurt her. But now, alone, she couldn't hold in any longer. Angrily she hit the steering wheel, while she was waiting on a red light. "This schmuck! How could I be so stupid?! He had played with me all those years, flirted with me and I…I slept with him!" She felt rough and was furious. "I'm such an idiot. He's an idiot!" She just wanted to go home now, crawl into her bed and leave this new disappointment behind.

tbc