Chapter 9.3

Choosing this movie had been, except of stopping by, her best decision for today. After Horatio had came back into the living room with a bowl full of freshly made popcorn, she had shown him her selection and much to her relief he had happily agreed to watch this movie.

This had been about an hour ago and now they were sitting on his couch, the bowl resting in his lap and Calleigh snuggled against his side. She couldn't even recall when they'd shifted into this position, but it was utterly comfortable. Horatio had put his feet onto the coffee table and Cal had drawn up her legs onto the couch. Being so close to him was like heaven on earth. She felt the warmth radiating from his body, smelled the faint smell of his cologne and the way his arm was casually wrapped around her shoulder made it perfect. She knew that he was doing it as a friend and nothing more, but of course she couldn't help but imagine it what it would feel like, if they spend every evening like this.

Delicately she fished for some popcorn and laughed when Sam Diamond alias Peter Falk and Dick Charleston alias David Niven were arguing about who was going to search for the gun holes in Jamesir Bensonmum alias Alec Guinness naked, dead body.

"Look all over him."

"All over his body?"

"Well, somebody's gotta do it. I'm busy standing guard."

"Why don't I stand guard? You look all over the body."

"All right we'll take turns. You look over the first dead, naked body that we find and I'll look over the second."

"Do you also see Eric and Ryan arguing at a crime scene like this?" she giggled and crunched her popcorn.

"Well now that you mention it…," he grinned and reached for his soda.

"Locked, from the inside. That can only mean one thing. And I don't know what it is."

"But I hope that this isn't happening at a crime scene," he added and shook his head. Murder By Death was one of his favorite movies. It had great actors like David Niven, Peter Falk, Alec Guinness and Maggie Smith which acted very well together and the topic of the movie was also, for him as a CSI, very interesting. It was persiflage of course, a good one he might add, but it had everything a good crime movie needed. It had great criminologists, a good plot and a lot of funny dialogues and moments. It had been some time since he had watched the movie for the last time and even though he knew it very well, it didn't get boring at all.

However, the fact that he didn't watch it alone this time but watched it in nice company made it even better. He too couldn't recall when they had arranged their bodies like this, but he didn't mind at all. Even though he wasn't the typical touchy type of guy, he needed some physical contact nevertheless. And since Calleigh was a very good friend, it didn't feel wrong at all. No, it felt rather very good actually. In his past he had imagined what it would be like sitting on the couch with his wife and watching a movie while their child would be sleeping upstairs and this situation came very close to it. It was just that Calleigh wasn't his wife and that it wasn't their child who was sleeping upstairs. And this left a smack of sadness.

"You were the one who picked them, so I hope not," Calleigh interrupted his thoughts and brought him back to the here and now again. "But it's funny anyway."

"True," he mused and pushed away the dark thoughts. He didn't want to be in a bad mood, on the contrary, the day had been very nice until now and there was no way that he would destroy that. He took another sip and placed the now empty can onto the table. Noticing that Calleigh's was also empty he turned his head to her. "Can I get you another soda?"

"Huh? Oh...you don't have to get up for that," she quickly shook her head and smirked when he tilted his head, "But I wouldn't say no if you get one for yourself," she added cheekily.

"I thought so," he chuckled and grabbed both cans. "Soda or something else?" he asked.

"Mhm, soda is just fine, Horatio." She didn't want him to have any unnecessary inconvenience.

"If you say so," he smiled and got up from the couch. Realizing that the popcorn bowl was also empty he reached for it too and just smiled at Calleigh in question.

"Oh no, no…if you continue stuffing me with this unhealthy but so delicious food…," she glared at him and rolled her eyes when he started to laugh. "I mean it, Mr. Caine. You're not the one who has to run 3 miles every morning to prevent love handles."

Horatio held up a hand in mock surrender. "Fine, fine…I'm gonna search my kitchen for some rice cakes. You can chew on these dust-dry things while I'll enjoy another bowl of hot buttered popcorn," he teased her and smirked when her jaw dropped. "Well, you said you wanted something healthy," he shrugged when she shot him some overly amusing death glares.

"I hate you," was all she said and crossed her arms. It was good that he didn't know that he was one of her reasons to actually think about love handles. This would have been even more embarrassing.

"Now that hurt," Horatio pulled a face, clearly showing that there was indeed a charmer and not to forget a little rascal in him, one you couldn't be angry with.

Calleigh just sighed and shook her head. One look from him and he had her wrapped around his finger; that wasn't fair. "Liar," she mumbled loud enough for him to hear and suddenly looked at the baby monitor, which made itself felt with Elena's whimpering.

"Well there goes the popcorn," Horatio said, put down the items and was in full father mode. "I'll be back in a few."

Calleigh just watched him go and pressed the pause button. Then she grabbed the items and made her way into the kitchen, hoping that there was nothing wrong with Elena. With two cans she emerged out of the kitchen and returned to the sofa where she sat down. Smiling she listened to Horatio's soothing words coming over the monitor. She knew that others often claimed that being a CSI was the job he was born to, but hearing him talking to his daughter, Calleigh knew that they were all wrong. Horatio was born to be a father; this was what he was destined to, there was no mistaking. It had been obvious to everyone close to him, especially when there had been cases with children involved. There was no one else, except of Alexx probably, who could be so compassionate when it came to young victims. Children trusted him instantly and this was a gift, there was no way to learn it. Either you have it or you don't; there's no in between.

"Cal?" Horatio asked her softly and touched her shoulder.

With a jerk she turned around and looked at him. "God Horatio, you gave me the scare of my life," she breathed.

"I'm sorry, you were pretty out of it," he apologized. "Could you take Elena for a moment? I need to get something."

"Of course," she answered and had only now registered that he wasn't alone. "Come here, Ellie," she said softly and took the little one in her arms. "What's wrong with her?" she asked alarmed when she saw the red cheeks and thought she could feel a slight temperature.

"I think she's beginning to teethe. Marta already warned me and I really hope that it won't be too painful for her," he sighed and then added, "be careful, she'll drool a lot. I don't want your clothes being-"

"Horatio…that's fine," Cal interrupted him. "Just get what you need to make her feel better," she ended the discussion and focused on Elena. "That's definitely not your day, isn't it Ellie? First the thunder and now the teething. I guess we should just forget this day," she talked to her and kissed her temple. "Daddy will get you something to make you feel better."

"Well at least Daddy hopes that it will help," Horatio came back, holding a teething ring in his hands. "It's been in the fridge for some days now since Marta told me that something cold would be good," he explained and sat down next to the girls. "Alexx also gave me some gel in case it hurts too much and she won't be able to sleep, but for now I hope that the ring will be enough." He carefully lifted Elena from Calleigh's lap and put her in his own. "So let's have a try," he murmured gave her the ring which she immediately accepted and started to chew on. Relieved he wrapped his arms loosely around her and smiled at Calleigh. "Mission accomplished so far."

"Yeah," she grinned back and took the remote in her hand. "Ready for the end?"

"Most definitely, though you didn't have to stop it and wait for me."

"On the contrary, Handsome," she replied, stopped abruptly by her choice of words, but did her best of not to show it outwardly. "What kind of guest would I be, if I don't wait for my host?" she quickly kept on talking and started the movie again, so he didn't have a chance to call her on his nickname.

What she didn't know was, that Horatio had no intention of calling her on the name. He hadn't done it in the past, so many years ago, so why should he start it now? He actually liked being called like that; which man didn't want to be called handsome? Though he still doubted that he actually was handsome at all; especially in the eyes of a younger woman. So instead of analyzing it, which ultimately would make him feel old, he just went with it and the good feeling that came along with it.

***

About half an hour later, the end credits appeared on the screen and Calleigh turned down the volume a bit. "You know... I still wonder if there actually had been a murder and if so who was the perp and who was the victim. And to be honest it's driving me mad," she laughed. There was nothing worse than an unsolved case.

"I know exactly what you mean. I've watched this movie so many times, but I still can't figure it out and I seriously doubt that there's a way to do that. I mean…it's persiflage, there doesn't have to be a real conclusion, except of the fact that even the greatest criminologists can't solve every case."

"True and still you can't silence the CSI in yourself," Calleigh nodded.

"Well you can't silence a CSI, but you can definitely silence a young girl," Horatio grinned and looked down at his sleeping daughter in his arms. "I guess the movie wasn't as fascinating for her as it was for us."

"You know what that means, right? No new CSI in the Caine family," Calleigh giggled and admired the beautiful picture next to her.

"To be honest, I'd be very happy if it stays like that. It's not that I want to determine her future career, but I wouldn't mind if she stays out of the police career."

"We have a very dangerous job," Calleigh concluded.

"That we have," Horatio nodded. "But if she decides to work in the police force, I'll be the last one to stop her," he added.

Calleigh smiled at that. Leave it to Horatio to support his family. "Well it's probably a bit too early to think about such things," she joked and tried to change the subject.

"Indeed, but you still can't stop it. I already pictured what it would be like to go shopping with her and everything she picks out is pink," he rolled his eyes.

"Poor man, that's the curse of being father of a girl," she laughed and couldn't help but see it in her minds eye.

"Yeah I think so," he said unsure and shrugged. He knew he overreacted but sometimes you weren't able to stop thinking.

"You'll survive, I promise," Calleigh rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Well maybe I'll ask you to accompany her," he threatened.

"Just name the time and place and I'll be there," she replied without thinking and surprised them both.

Not quite knowing what to say, Horatio gave her a small smile. "I'll probably come back to you."

"Ugh, Cal. What's wrong with you? Have you been drinking?" she scolded herself. "Think before talking…you know the rule." Now she really needed to change the subject, before she'd spill her secrets out. "Can I ask you a question, Horatio?"

Horatio bit his lip in order to stop himself from replying with the typical, yet annoying, 'you already did' phrase. "Shoot," he looked expectantly at her.

"You know I wonder if you ever go out with Elena," she started and held up her hand, so he wouldn't interrupt her. "I know you're going out with her; you remember that we met in the park?" she smiled. "No, what I mean is if you ever meet other parents?"

A little bit confused, because he didn't know where this was going, he tilted his head. "Well I'm talking a lot with the Delkos and the Woods of course."

"And are there others beside them?"

"Hmm, no," he shook his head, still not seeing what she wanted. "Why?"

"Well, I can't speak from experiences of course, but my sisters-in-law went to playgroups when my nephews and nieces were in a similar age like Elena is in now."

"Playgroups?" he asked surprised, because he hadn't thought about that yet. "Don't you think she's too young for that?"

"Well, in these kinds of playgroups…it's not that much about the babies, but about the parents, or mothers most often. It's about exchange experiences and maybe finding solutions for problems."

"Well that's what I'm doing with Alexx and Marta," he pointed out.

"I know that, but think about it. It's 30+ years ago when Marta had such young children and even Alexx' kids are already teenagers. Times had been different then and even though I know that they're doing a great job and help you a lot, it would probably be a good idea to at least think about joining a group. Ellie is too young for actually playing with the other babies, that's true, but it won't hurt her either, don't you think?" She had sat up a bit unconsciously while talking, which showed that she really meant what she said.

And Horatio registered that. He just wasn't too sure about joining a playgroup, already knowing that it would be just women and no men. But then again, he wanted the best for Elena and that meant that he had to swallow his pride once in a while. "But what about work?"

"Believe it or not, I'm sure that there'll be also groups which will meet at the weekend. And if you are on call that day, I'm sure one of us will happily cover for you as long as the session will take," she took the wind out of his sails. The best way to convince Horatio of an idea was showing him hard facts, he couldn't deny.

Horatio knew that she knew that he didn't have any arguments against that, so he just shook his head in surrender. "I will think about it, okay?" he said softly.

"That's all I'm asking you. If you don't like it, you just don't go there again. It's just that easy," she made it palatable to him. "It's for you…and the precious little princess in your arms, who seems to sleep the sleep of the dead," she smiled.

Looking down at Ellie, who was resting with her cheek against his chest, he knew that he had at least to try it for them. He'd never been a man of hesitation, so why should he start being one now? "I'm gonna call Goldberg from the civic center tomorrow, I guess if one knows what's going on there, it's him."

Being a happy camper about this partial success, Calleigh smiled to herself. "Yep, I totally agree."

"I knew you would," he laughed and looked at his watch. Surprised he noticed that it was already 10 p.m. and he wondered where the time had gone. "I'd better put Ellie to bed again before we wake her up by accident."

Calleigh, who had followed his example and had looked at her own watch, agreed with him. "I guess I better get going too. My Dad had asked me to stop by in the morning to have breakfast together and yes," she laid her hand on his arm; "I know that you don't want to kick me out." She could read him like a book sometimes. "Don't worry," she reassured him.

"Okay," he said relieved because he really hadn't meant it like that. They stood up in perfect unison and walked to the stairs, where Horatio stopped in order to say goodbye.

Calleigh, who noticed that, grinned and shooed him upstairs. "You know, as comfortable your sweatpants are I'd really like to wear my jeans on my way home."

"Oh." Embarrassed he looked away and had totally forgotten about that. "That would be a good idea."

"I'll see you in a few," she vanished into the guest room to change. She really needed to get home and out of this house. The homey feeling that threatened to overcome her got bigger and bigger. Her thoughts traveled on dangerous grounds; instead of leaving the house, she would change to get ready for bed while Horatio would put the little one to bed before he would come back into the bedroom again.

Yes, she definitely needed to get into her own home and bed.

Carefully she stopped at the nursery after she had changed and waited for Horatio.

"Hey you ready?" he greeted her quietly and stepped out of the room and left the door ajar.

"Yes, I left the pants on the bed, I hope that's okay?" she asked when they walked down the stairs.

"Of course," he readily replied and helped her into the jacket. "At least it had stopped raining," he commented and opened the door for her. "Thanks for stopping by, I had a great time."

"Thanks for making me stay here," she grinned and took the book out of his hands. "And yes, I had a great time too. I'll see you on Monday?"

"Most definitely Ma'am," he nodded and gave her a hug. "Have a nice evening and sleep well."

"You have no idea, Handsome…" "I will, but you too. Without…"

"Without little helpers, yes," he said seriously. He hadn't taken one since their talk.

"Very good," she said proudly and turned around to leave the house. "Bye…"

"Bye," he called after her and waited until the headlights of her car disappeared around a corner. Slowly he closed the door behind him and smiled to himself. "Well, I think I should probably reassess my opinion about rainy Saturdays."

Tbc

A/N: Thank you all for your reviews.