A/N: I'm sorry for the delay…but I was pretty busy the last days.
Therefore, I won't divide this chapter into different parts so be aware that it's very looooong.
Please enjoy and thank you all for your reviews.
Chapter 11
Silently he watched his boss from the doorway. When he had been on his way to the office, he hadn't been entirely sure if this was such a good idea, but now, seeing Horatio like this, he was very sure it was the right thing to do. Taking a short breath he leaned against the doorframe. "H, you need to get out."
Surprised Horatio looked up from the files he was brooding over and tilted his head questioningly.
"I mean it, H. I can't see you sitting here any longer and then going home to Elena. You need some time for yourself," the guest answered the unsaid question and closed the door behind him.
"And what makes you think that?" Horatio asked and put the clasp onto his fountain pen.
"Well, can you tell me without looking into your date book, when was the last time that you went out?" his counterpart raised his brows.
Sighing, Horatio leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. It was hard to tell when he went out for the last time. He had been out with Marisol a few times, but after her death? No, he couldn't remember anything.
Taking the silence as a no and an approval of his thesis, Eric sat down on one of the chairs in front of the office desk. "Listen H, I know that I'm not in your position and that I don't know what you're going through, but you need to get out of this routine."
"Eric listen..," Horatio started, his tone showing that he didn't want to discuss this right now.
"No, H. Now you're going to listen," his brother in law interrupted him. "You're getting more and more private…well more than usual…and you're withdrawing from the team… well more than usual and that's not good. That's why we're meeting on Saturday, 9 p.m. at the Mango's," he said matter of factly. The Mango tropical Café was known for its Cubans music, salsa and more.
"But-"
"No but, H. We're going out and you will be part of it. It's been ages since the whole team went out together on the weekend and it was you actually, who started this. You always said that we should do something together which is not work related and now it's time to do it again. The ladies are already hyper about it, Ryan is checking out his closet, though he never stands a chance against me," he smirked amused.
"Eric...," H sighed and shook his head. "I don't know…I'm quite satisfied with my life right now."
"Well, look me in the eye and say that again." He knew his friend. He knew that Horatio could lie if he had to, but he had problems with lying to his family and Eric knew that he was now lying. Not only to Eric, but to himself as well.
Horatio knew better than to repeat his sentence, so he tried a different plan. "What about Elena? I have to be with her."
"That's already been taken care of. Mum will babysit her and let her stay overnight. She's excited about it actually and wishes us a lot of fun," Eric smirked. Oh yeah, Horatio had no chance this time. "And don't try to find another excuse for not spending your time with your friends, H. You won't find one, I'll promise. So, 9 p.m., Mango's and take a cab, we never know how late it will get," the younger man winked and got up from his chair. "You do know where it is, right?"
Defeated Horatio nodded. "Yes, yes I do."
"Very good. And don't even think of not turning up, Alexx will have your head for that," he laughed.
"Not funny, Eric. Not funny," H tried to glare, but failed miserably. There was no way he would anger the team's mother hen. "Okay, I'll be there. But now get lost so I can fight my way through the paper work or else I can't come with you," he chuckled and opened the next case file.
Grinning the younger man nodded and walked to the door. Before he left the office he took a few moments to watch his brother in law and felt very satisfied with himself. Horatio needed to spend some time with people his age. He loved him for the fact that Horatio was almost sacrificing himself for Elena's well-being, but it didn't do him any good. He needed to loosen up a bit, though he wasn't sure if Horatio had ever done that before, but he could see in every movement that Horatio was tense. He knew from his mother that Horatio regularly went to the playgroup with Elena and that Calleigh visited him once in a while, but that was not what he had in mind with going out. Hopefully this night out with his friends and surrogate family would help him. "Saturday H, don't forget it. It's the day after tomorrow," he told him once again and quickly left the office, before Horatio had the time to make a remark on that.
***
"You can keep the rest," Horatio nodded to the cab driver and handed him money.
"Thank you, Sir. I hope you have a nice night," the middle-aged man gave him a toothless grin and waited for his guest getting out of the car, before he carefully, so as not run some party people over, drove off.
Sighing, Horatio ran a hand through his hair and looked towards the Club's entry. There was already quite a line and he wasn't sure if he should be happy about Eric being a member or not, since he couldn't use the excuse of waiting too long. He was still unsure of his feelings towards this night. When Marta had picked up Elena in the late afternoon, he had wanted to ask her to let her stay, but hadn't been brave enough. Then, after a long shower and after getting ready for the night, he had been looking forward to it and now…now he was torn between.
Looking around he noticed that he was the first one, not that this was unique in any way since he was always too early, but tonight he had thought, that the others would wait for him, so they could drag him into the club. Smiling at this image he shook his head and wandered towards the entry, stopping close proximity, so he wouldn't miss the others and to be visible for the others. Humming softly to himself, he looked at his shoes and missed his sunglasses to fumble with, so he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
Unaware of him, Calleigh, Alexx and her husband stepped out of another cab and were looking around to see if other members of the team had arrived already. As far as they knew, Eric and Ryan would grab a cab together and Horatio would come alone. If he did anyway. Though Eric had assured them, that his plan had worked, Alexx and Calleigh wouldn't believe him until they saw Horatio with their own eyes.
"So ladies, can you see any familiar face yet?" Henry stepped behind them, after he had paid for the drive. He was definitely looking forward this evening. It wasn't all that often that he could spend a night with his wife alone, without the kids and so he would take advantage of this rare situation.
"Not yet, Honey," Alexx turned around and gave him a small kiss. Henry maybe didn't belong to the Team as such, but he did belong to the family and Horatio had always made sure of the fact that the respective partners were also welcome at their night outs.
"Oh I think I can see Horatio," Calleigh said and pointed into the direction. "I think I can see red hair," she smiled to herself and felt relieved that he kept his promise.
"Well I only know one man in this city with such bright hair," Alexx tuned in and linked arms with her husband. "We must hurry before he disappears again," she joked, but also knew that Horatio was a bit unpredictable when it came to such things.
"And we don't want that, do we?" Calleigh asked and in a threesome they approached him.
Horatio was surprised and marveled at his now four pair of feet. He had been so lost in thoughts, that he hadn't heard them at all. Slowly he lifted his head and smiled at his companions. "Good evening Ladies…Henry," he greeted them ever so politely.
"And a good evening to you too, Horatio. I'm glad you could make it," Calleigh replied.
"Well, I had an appealing offer and couldn't pass it up," he grinned and took in the ladies dressings. "I hope you forgive me, Henry, but may I say that you two ladies look absolutely fantastic tonight?" he said smoothly and was serious about it. Henry could call himself a lucky man with having such a wife. Alexx looked perfect in her short red cocktail dress and there was no sign that this woman had given birth to two children. And Calleigh herself was a feast for the eyes in her short black spaghetti straps cocktail dress.
"You may," Henry chuckled at the two blushing women. He knew that he was a lucky guy and he loved the fact that other men still turned their heads after his wife.
"I believe you need to check your eyes again, Sweetie," Alexx giggled and smiled broadly at his compliment.
Calleigh did the same and shook her head at him. "I still don't look good in all black."
"And I still beg to differ," he grinned at her, remembering this special moment between them so many years ago.
Alexx and Henry looked at each other, being sure that this would be an interesting and hopefully enjoyable evening. But before anyone could say something, the group was interrupted by two chattering men.
"You won't stand a chance against me, Wolfe. So you'd better not even try it."
"Oh come one, Delko. Remember the last time we went out? I was surrounded by nice ladies and you were nursing on your drink…alone."
Horatio, Calleigh, Alexx and Henry just looked at each other and rolled their eyes at the boys' adolescent antics. "It seems like we have two children in our midst," Horatio said lowly and couldn't help but wonder if the Delkos' knew about their party son. He knew that his sisters were aware of it, and that they always tried to talk some sense into him, but his parents? He had no idea and they wouldn't be told by him. He knew that this was just one part of Eric's character. The other, shier and calmer one wanted nothing more than finding the right one. He just didn't want to admit that.
"Now that we're all here," Alexx nodded and shrieked when she was kissed on her cheeks. Giving both boys a light slap on their arms, she continued. "I think we should go in, before these two party animals get wrong ideas," she laughed.
"We're not that bad," Eric huffed playfully.
"Are you sure about that, Eric?" Horatio asked amused.
"H, you're my brother in law, you should be on my side," Eric explained his very own theory and then nodded. "Okay, let's get inside, before it's too crowded."
Stopping when he felt a hand on his arm, Horatio let the others lead the way.
"You know, the compliment works for both ways," Calleigh said and meant his plain yet classy outfit. Even though Horatio just wore dark pants and a white shirt, he looked extraordinarily good. And most of all more relaxed than she had seen him in the lab for a long time now.
Tilting his head, he looked at her and waited for an explanation, but instead of that, he just got a wink and Calleigh passed him by. Shaking his head he followed her and reached the group at the entry.
"Everyone here? Okay, then let's get in," Eric called and nodded his thanks to the bouncer.
Inside the club there was already a crowd of people on the dance floor and so the Gang decided to get a table first. It was a good thing, that this was not only a club for Party, but also a club to have a nice time with your friends. After spotting an unoccupied table, they sat down at it and took in the atmosphere.
"Okay, the first round goes on me," Eric announced and stood up. "What can I get you?"
***
Two hours later it was just Horatio, Calleigh, Alexx and Henry sitting at the table and enjoying their drinks. But not only their drinks, but also the sight in front of them. Ryan and Eric were trying to talk two girls into dancing and until now it wasn't all that successful.
"Do you think they stand any chance with these ladies?" Horatio asked no one in particular and took a sip of his Cuba Libre. This was definitely better than T.V.
"Well not as long as they're paying more attention to each other, than the ladies," Henry laughed and found this highly amusing.
Smirking Horatio looked at him and chuckled softly. "You're probably right about that. At the moment it looks like Ryan is the lucky one," he commented when he saw the lady leaning closer to Ryan. "Or probably not," he then added plainly when said woman shook her head and walked away with her drink.
"You know, to me it sounds like gossiping," Alexx joined in and shared a look with Calleigh who agreed wholeheartedly.
"Gossiping?" Horatio asked horrified. "Never."
"You could've fooled me, Horatio," Calleigh smirked and sipped on her strawberry Daiquiri. "And they say that only women love gossip."
"Which is the truth," Henry proclaimed his opinion and almost choked on his beer, when his wife pinched his side. "Hey!"
"Serves you right," Alexx said sternly, but winked at the other two.
Horatio prudently kept any comment to himself and just smiled to himself. It was amazing in his eyes, that there was still such a playful banter between Alexx and her husband and it was wonderful to be a witness of it. Watching these two and watching the other members of his team made him more and more relaxed. Of course, the small amount of alcohol in his system helped him to loosen up a bit, but it was most definitely the togetherness with his surrogate family.
"Seems like you got a brush off, Wolfe," Eric's voice was heard, when the two men approached the Team's table.
"So? I'm not the only one Delko," the youngest member of the team shot back and sat down next to Calleigh.
"Well, I only got started. It was just a warm up," Eric argued back and sat down next to Horatio and took a big sip of his drink.
"You need a warm up?" Ryan snorted and shook his head.
"You do know, that it shouldn't be a competition to find a nice girl, don't you?" Alexx asked in her stern-motherly voice, indicating that she didn't like what she was hearing. "Instead of trying to beat each other, you should concentrate on the women, you're talking to."
"You know, Alexx is absolutely right about that," Calleigh joined in and wished that the boys would act a bit more grown up. "Treating a woman like a trophy will get you nowhere, I can promise you."
Guilty, if only for a second, the boys looked down and then smirked at each other. "So who wants to dance?" Ryan asked and focused his eyes on Calleigh, whose eyes widened.
"Yeah, Cal.. don't you want to dance with us? And show us how to treat a lady?" Eric grinned.
Nonplussed, Calleigh looked from one man to the other and frantically thought about a good excuse of not to dance with them. She wasn't in the mood for two cocks strutting around her on the dance floor. "Uh…," she started uneasily when her glance fell on Horatio, who was nursing the last bit of his drink. "Sorry guys, but Horatio has already asked me for the next dance," she blurted out.
This was a surprise. Choking on his drink, Horatio looked at her with two raised brows. "Huh?" Seeing the questioning looks of the two men and Calleigh's pleading eyes, he didn't know what to say, and so Calleigh took matter in her own hands.
Without thinking she grabbed his hand and dragged him out of his seat. "Come on, Horatio. It's time for a dance."
Stumbling over his feet, Horatio followed her. When they were a few meters away, he squeezed Calleigh's hand to get her attention. "You know, that's funny. Horatio can't even remember that he asked you for a dance," he said amused and tilted his head.
Turning around, Calleigh gave him one of her best charming smiles and fluttered her eyelashes. "Aww, come on Horatio, you wouldn't help a damsel out of her distress?" she drawled in her best southern tone and pulled him onto the dance floor.
Chuckling, he shook his head. "I didn't say that…"
"Well then stop talking and start dancing," she giggled. "You do know how to dance, don't you?" she teased him playfully.
"Of course I do," he exclaimed and felt like he needed to show her, which he did.
Laughing, Calleigh let herself being lead by him and matched every step that he made. It was more than nice to be so close to him and in a way it reminded her the night they had spent on his couch for the second time. Feeling her hand in his and his hand on her waist gave her shivers and secretly she thanked Eric and Ryan for this opportunity.
***
Several songs and a couple of dances later, Horatio was standing at the bar, waiting for his order. It was his turn to buy a round and he didn't mind that at all. He was feeling fantastic right now. The dancing with Calleigh had been great fun and he hadn't had felt so alive in months.
"You're quite a good dancer. It's rare to see someone dance like this without any Latin blood in him."
Stunned, and not really sure if he was meant, Horatio turned his head to see a woman standing right next to him. She wore a very short dress as far as he could see and he didn't even want to mention her chocolate eyes and flowing dark hair. "I'm pretty sure, that you're not talking about me," he chuckled softly.
"Oh why's that? You definitely are a good dancer, I've watched you…and so have a lot of others..," she smiled at him. "I'm Sophia by the way," she introduced herself.
"Horatio," he answered and shyly ducked his head, since he hadn't noticed that people had been watching him and Calleigh dancing. He had been pretty oblivious to their surroundings if he was honest with himself.
"Horatio…," she repeated slowly. "What a unique name. It's definitely fitting you." A redhead was pretty rare and in Miami…unique, so she wasn't even lying.
Horatio just ducked his head and suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't the fact that she was aggressive in any way, but he had gathered enough experience to know that she didn't want to chit chat. "Thanks," he mumbled and hoped that his order would be ready as soon as possible.
"So…do you think that you have an open space in your dance card for me?" she asked bluntly, since she felt that it would work better with him.
"Uh...," he started and felt even more uneasy. His gaze fell onto his team, which was watching him, especially Calleigh and Alexx.
Sophia followed his look and sighed. "I guess your girlfriend doesn't like it when you dance with other women, huh?" she asked, when she saw the blonde's face. This was a shame. Why were all good looking men already taken?
At first Horatio wanted to correct her, because he and Calleigh were definitely no couple, but when he thought about it for a moment, he realized that this was the best and easiest way out for him. "Yes, you could say so...," he smiled lightly and waved at Eric to help him with the drinks, the barkeeper had put down in front of him. "Sorry," he said softly.
"No need to be sorry. I don't want you to have an argument with your lady," she put him off. "It was nice meeting you, nevertheless," she smiled even when it seemed to be forced and grabbed her drink to leave.
"Same goes for you," he nodded and was relieved when she walked away. He was neither in the mood for a flirt, nor to anything that went beyond that. This was much too early for him and he was definitely not interested. Especially not in a woman that reminded him of his late wife.
"I really want to know how he does that," Ryan shook his head. "I mean…Eric and I…we're trying to get a girl for hours and he's just standing there for a minute not doing anything and gets approached by one hell of a woman." This was so not fair! When both Alexx and Calleigh turned to him and gave him their version of a death glare he shrugged. "What did I say now??"
Alexx just snorted and stayed seated on Horatio's chair, next to Calleigh. She had taken it when Horatio had gone to the bar, to have a small girl talk with Cal. She was a very curious woman after all who wanted to know everything about their dances. Now it was also an advantage because she could talk to Cal without the men eavesdropping. "You okay?" she asked her friend, since she had seen her crestfallen look.
"Yes, definitely. Thank you, Alexx," Cal nodded in response and watched the other woman walk away. She had a weird feeling in her stomach and she didn't know what it was. Jealousy? Or happiness that he hadn't been interested in this Latin Beauty? She wasn't sure. It wasn't her place to be jealous of other women. And she definitely wasn't in the place to feel good because Horatio wasn't in the mood for a flirt. He was a single man after all who deserved some good time. "I'm just happy that he didn't fall for her flirting."
Alexx raised her brows. "Uh-huh," she said knowingly and found this extremely interesting. "So what does that-"
"Here are your drinks, ladies and gentlemen," Horatio announced and did his best to not a let a glass drop onto the floor, or even worse, on the ladies.
"Damn..," Alexx grumbled in her thought. Why do men always have the worst timing?
Relieved Calleigh leaned back and looked up to Horatio. He thankfully had the best timing, because she wasn't sure if she could share her turmoil of feelings with anyone yet. "Thank you, Horatio," she smiled at him and reached for her colorful cocktail.
"You're welcome," he replied smoothly and took his seat again, after Alexx scurried back to her own. Taking a big sip, due to all this dancing he was thirsty, he closed his eyes and just relished the closeness of his friends and the good time they had together.
"Everything okay, Horatio?" Calleigh asked concerned, since they all knew about his current mood swings.
"More than that actually," he opened his eyes again and looked at her with sparkling blue eyes.
It was like the temperature rose for several degrees when he looked at her like that and Calleigh couldn't help but blush a bit, which didn't get unnoticed by Horatio.
"Maybe I should ask you the same?" he said amused.
"Oh, I'm feeling fine," she said quickly. "It's just the alcohol."
Laughing, Horatio shook his head and poked her arm playfully. "And here I thought you could take more than a few drinks," he teased her playfully and chuckled when she poked out her tongue at him. "Never mind, Cal."
"Like I would listen to some Yankee's comment," she shook her head and grinned at him. She knew that he had too much respect for her situation concerning her dad that he would try to get her sloshed. Horatio was too much of a gentleman to act like that.
"Touché my dear, touché."
***
It was 2 a.m. when the group finally emerged out of the club again. For a real clubber (?) this was quite early, but they all felt the exertions of the past week and so they had decided to call it a night. Now they were waiting for their cabs and to say that everyone was in a very good mood would be an understatement. Both Ryan and Eric had been lucky in finding a nice girl for a dance and Ryan had also got her number, which he was rubbing Eric's nose in.
Alexx had just commented their antics with a "Boys will be a boys" and had chosen to ignore them after that; and so had Horatio and Calleigh.
"Okay, this is our cab," the Woods announced when the car drove into the parking lot. "We had a wonderful time and I hope we can repeat that soon," Henry said while his wife was hugging all of her 'children'.
"I can't agree more. Please get home safely," she said and gave the boys a stern motherly look, while Horatio and Calleigh who had decided to take one cab got a softer one.
"Yes, ma'am," the boys saluted in unison and couldn't help but laugh at it. They probably had the one or other beer too much already.
Alexx just rolled her eyes at them and get into the cab, where Henry was already waiting. Only seconds after they had driven away, the next cab appeared and this time it was Horatio and Calleigh's.
"Okay, gentlemen, I neither want to hear any complaints, nor do I want to find you in the arrest cells on Monday. Do I make myself clear?" Horatio asked them and rested his hands on his hips.
"Yes, Sir Horatio Sir," the two nodded and burst out into laughter again.
"Ooookay…," Horatio sighed and opened the door for Calleigh. "I have a bad feeling about this," he mumbled to himself and got into the cab. Then he told the driver where to go to and buckled himself.
"Don't worry about them. Once they sit in the car, they'll fall asleep immediately," Calleigh giggled. "Too bad that we can't take a picture of them."
"You have quite a mean strike, you know?" Horatio chuckled and rested his head contently against the headrest.
"And you haven't even seen half of it," she quipped. "I overheard a few ladies talking about our Boys in the ladies room and oh my oh my…you have no idea what they said…"
Curiously he looked at her. "Do tell!"
***
They were still laughing when the cab stopped in front of Calleigh's apartment building. "You'd better not tell them," Calleigh warned him and raised her finger to underline that.
"Oh that's highly unfair, Cal. Please...just one remark…a word?" he begged but Calleigh stayed hard. "Oh no, come on," he huffed and was stunned when he looked out of the window. "Hey we're already there."
Calleigh followed his look and sighed. This drive had been much too short for her liking. "Yeah..," she mumbled and knew that their ways would part now. So what she didn't reckon with, was Horatio leaning forward to the driver and asking him if he would wait for a few minutes.
"Certainly, Sir," the man nodded and didn't mind that at all. He would get more money without driving and probably a good tip too.
"Thank you," Horatio nodded pleased and got out off the car, giving Calleigh a helping hand.
"Aww, Horatio you don't have to do that," she told him and didn't let go of his hand.
"Of course I do. A man has to see a woman to the door," he stated matter of factly and did as he said. "What are you giggling about?" he asked after a few minutes.
"First of all, I'm not giggling. I'm just…amused…that you're drunk. I've never seen that before, you know?"
Stopping dead in tracks he made the best deer in the headlight expression. "I'm so not drunk…I'm…uh…tipsy…yeah a bit tipsy probably but definitely not drunk," he pointed out.
"Uh-huh, if you say so...," she said unconvinced and began to search for her keys.
"What does that mean?" he asked and leaned against the wall. "And who's so drunk that she can't even find her keys, huh?"
"Oh believe me, I never find them when I'm…tipsy, or when I'm sober," she joked and finally found them. "That's the curse of a purse," she told him and opened her door. "You never find the things you're looking for."
"Very interesting," he nodded and waited for her to turn on her corridor light and put away her purse. "So…," he started and grinned at her. "I just wanted to tell you that I had a wonderful evening and that I'm really happy that Eric convinced me to come with you."
Smiling she leaned easily against the doorframe and looked up at him. "The pleasure was all mine. I'm glad that you came with us and spend some relaxing hours out of the lab and your home. It's important, you know?" she said softly and patted his arm.
"Yeah…I do..," he sighed playfully and ducked his head. "Well anyway, it was a wonderful night and I have to thank my dancing partner for this."
Blushing she shook her head. "You're more than welcome, Handsome. You really are a talented dancer."
"I dunno…," he mumbled and raised his head again. "Well, I guess I need to go now, or I'll own the cab, since I have to pay a little money," he chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "Have a nice night then, Cal."
It was a good thing that she already had pink cheeks, because now she would definitely have some anyway. "You too, Horatio," she replied and wanted to return the favor, but didn't reckon with him turning his head.
He didn't know what made him to do that. It probably was the adorable sight of her blushing; the fact that he was actually in a very good mood; maybe it was because of the alcohol flowing in his system; or probably it was because of different, deeper reasons. But what he knew was that he used her surprise to deepen the kiss immediately.
Being totally stunned, Calleigh had no idea of what was going on. The one second they had been talking and now he was kissing her. He's kissing you Calleigh. Either kiss him back or slap him. Her mind screamed at her and Calleigh knew that she only had one option.
Horatio groaned in relief, when he felt her kissing him back. This was a lot better than a slap in the face. Carefully he cupped her face with his strong hands and just relished the feeling of her soft lips against his.
Calleigh felt like drowning and clung to his shirt firmly, to steady herself. It's been a while since she had felt like this and in all honesty she wasn't sure if she ever had been kissed like this before.
Horatio was more or less feeling the same way and when he saw black dots dancing in front of his eyes, he gently started to break the kiss. When the two had finally parted, he rested his forehead against hers and tried to get his breathing and heart rate back in control, which was easier said than done. Opening his eyes, he saw that Calleigh was already watching him and he gave her a smile. No words were needed at this moment. They had always had this connection between them. They had always known what the other had been thinking and now it was on a whole different level.
Reluctantly, Horatio stole one last small kiss from her and took a step back. "I'll see you on Monday, Sweetheart," he said softly and before she could answer him, he made his way to the elevator.
Calleigh felt a bit dazed and just watched him leave. Even if her brain would have been in the state to work, she didn't know what to say. Dreamily she touched her lips with her fingertips and still felt the tingle. Without thinking she entered her apartment and closed the door behind her. With a huge grin she leaned against it and closed her eyes. "What a night."
In the meantime, Horatio was outside of the building again and walked to the cab with a certain spring in his step. With a big smile he got in and told the driver his address.
Grinning, the man turned around and gave Horatio a look over. "Lucky devil," he nodded at H, who blushed at this comment and therefore confirmed the driver's suspicion. "A very lucky devil," the man repeated again before he started driving.
Horatio decided to say nothing and just leaned back in his seat. This was definitely a night to remember.
***
Humming to himself, Horatio slipped out of his shoes and tossed his keys and wallet onto the small hallway table. Then he locked the front door and made his way up the second floor. Out of habit, his first stop was at Elena's nursery. When he noticed that she wasn't there, he felt the panic rise for a second, until he remembered that she was safe at her grandparent's. Shaking his head over himself he thought, "Well, maybe Calleigh was right and you are indeed drunk Horatio…" Chuckling to himself he turned around and left the nursery and entered the room on the other side of the hall – his bedroom.
With a sigh he switched on the ceiling light and stopped dead in his tracks. He felt numb. He felt sick. He felt awful. It was like someone has kicked his gut. Turned him inside out. "Oh God…," he choked and held his mid section. She was looking at him. She was smiling at him. And he? He had been in such a good mood. He had been drinking, he had fun, he had danced. He had…done everything wrong. Wearily he sat down on his side of the bed and grabbed the picture frame. With numb fingers he stroked her face and felt sorry. He felt so incredible sorry.
"Marisol," he whispered hoarsely, his voice sore. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." What kind of husband was he? His wife hadn't been dead for 10 months yet and he was already kissing another woman; a co-worker and a friend none the less. "I didn't want to...it just…happened," he tried to explain the woman on the photo, who was grinning at him broadly, even innocently. He had cheated on her. He had promised her to be faithful and yet he had kissed someone else and this tore him apart. Marisol had always trusted him and how did he repay that trust? He kissed another woman. "I'm sorry Marisol, please forgive me," he sobbed and a lonely tear dropped onto the glass.
From one second to the other, his whole mood had changed; from overly happy, to deeply ashamed. And the worst thing was that it was his fault and his alone. He should have known better than going out with the others. He had stepped into the lion's den and now he was paying the price.
Carefully he put the photo back onto his nightstand and started to get undressed. His hands were shaking, not because of the alcohol, but because of the shivers running through his body. Never in his life had he felt so bad, so dirty, so disgusted by himself. Stripping down to his boxers, he got under the covers and wrapped himself around Marisol's pillow even though, after all these months, her scent had vanished more and more. He knew that sleep wouldn't come easy, if at all, because his mind would race about the things he had done only hours ago. He wasn't ready to be with someone else. He wasn't allowed to do that anyway. His body belonged to Marisol and so did his heart. It did, didn't it?
tbc