Author's Note: Hello again everyone! Thank-you for all the reviews and support that I've received in the last year encouraging me to update this story. Unfortunately I have had a lot happening with work being very demanding now, hence the very, very delayed update! As a result, I've decided that this is potentially the last chapter of my small epic because I'm not sure I can add anything more to improve the storyline or the love these characters have for each other and I think this episode: 4X22 'Open Water' is a nice way to end it all. Some scenes in this episode really annoyed me; how M acted so childlike after questioning or her shaky proposal to H, hence my own spin Also, I don't know if I can actually bear to kill Marisol off and leaving things likes this does let me get away with my indecision. I hope you enjoy this chapter; it is quite cheesy but I hope you find the HM loving to be to your satisfaction and that any questions you had were answered! As always, drop me a review if you can; always love hearing back from y'all especially those who have stuck with the story from its meagre beginnings! And finally...happy reading =]
Disclaimer: Sigh, it's getting harder to make these funny since the horrible TPTB: J. Bruckheimer and CBS deemed it necessary to cancel CSI:M. Ok, before I start ranting about it...let's get this finale on the road!
CHAPTER 21: GETTING THERE
"Mari, this is perfect! Where the hell did you find this place?" asked Bella as they parked infront of the 'Old Man and the Sea' restaurant.
Marisol smirked, "Another reason to forgive the good Lieutenant, since this is really his joint"
Bella scowled in reply. The truth was that she was annoyed with Horatio because he had become forgetful of late; forgetting to pick Marisol from hospital appointments, standing her up for dinner a couple of days later. Not to mention, that he had forgotten about the pre-wedding brunch organised by Marisol today. He had promised to take the morning off so he could attend. She was annoyed on her friend's behalf since Marisol had been quite happy to let him off the hook, citing stress at work.
Marisol rolled her eyes in mock defeat, "Bella, give the guy a break, we can't all have cushy fed jobs like Christian."
"Cushy fed job?!" asked an incredulous voice behind them. Both women turned around to find a grinning Christian. "Hello to y'all too. I see we're still talking about Horatio." A knowing look was sent Bella's way.
The women grinned in reply happy to let the subject drop. He kissed his fiancée before pulling her friend into a hug. "Mari, this place looks incredible! Thanks for organising everything. I have a feeling everyone is going to love it!"
"You're more than welcome, the both of you. It's the least I can do. So where is the 'clan'?"
"The bus should be here any moment now. Ah…" He gestured at the passengers alighting from a minibus, "…here is the 'clan', right on time!" He waved at them before offering an arm to each woman. "Right, let's get this show on the road ASAP, I'm starving!"
"Christian, don't be an arse. That's my Oma you're talking about!" giggled Bella as they sauntered towards the small group of people.
After the introductions were made the party made its way to the restaurant. The elderly owner, Jaime, was delighted to see Marisol again and drew her aside for a moment.
"Marisol, wonderful to see you again."
"Gracias, Tio Jaime. Is everything ready?"
"Oh yes, Señor Caine also ordered champagne for the breakfast party and said to put it on him. Something about making up for a problemo." He raised an eyebrow in question.
Marisol burst into laughter, "If you would please inform the happy couple," she pointed to Isabella and Christian, "I would be most grateful, Tio. I just have a quick phone call to make." she called as she walked away.
Her fingers dialed Horatio's number without thinking. He picked up after a couple of rings, "Hey you!" she couldn't help the girlish lilt in her voice due to her good mood.
"Hey." He whispered quietly back, although the delight was obvious in his hushed tone.
"You. Are. Wonderful." she emphasised, knowing he couldn't talk for long.
"Thank you." was the simple reply she received.
"Remind me to make it up to you later, Lubimiy."
Horatio would have had to be deaf not to hear the innuendo, "Apologise to Bella for me again. I hope the happy couple have a wonderful day."
"Love you," she declared emphatically, wondering in amusement what his reply would be since he was at work.
He cleared his throat distractedly, "Hmm, me too." was all he managed to murmur back before disconnecting the call.
Marisol chuckled in delight as she felt a lick of desire curl in her abdomen just thinking about the coming evening that would be spent at his condo.
Two arms came from behind to wrap her in a hug, "Ok, I can't be mad at him anymore…I give up."
Marisol laughed at Bella finally yielding, her own hand moving to rest atop Bella's entwined hands just below her neck "Gee Bella, if it takes champagne to earn your forgiveness, Christian better have a sizeable nest egg!"
Bella smacked her hand playfully, "Oh shush you!"
Her phone gave a soft beep and Marisol glanced at the screen, "Oh!"
"What is it?" asked Bella worriedly.
"It's the clinic. They have my blood test results and want me to come in as soon as I can. They probably want to talk me out of stopping the chemo. AGAIN."
"If it's urgent Mari, we'll go at the end of brunch and do the final fittings later."
"Nah, what's the point. I want you and Christian to be happy today, it's all about you and the family. The results can wait for another day. Besides, it's not like they're going to tell me I'm all better." she said ruefully.
"You never know Mari, you never know." replied Bella softly, a sad frown settling on her pretty features.
The two friends watched the water glimmer all shades of green in the sunlight. Marisol felt Bella's embrace tighten slightly and knew what was on her friend's mind.
Marisol gave her a quick peck on the cheek, "C'mon, let's get back to the familia."
Bella smiled at her, "Yeah, let's get back."
An hour later, Marisol found herself recounting childhood antics to Oma Sorenson who was sitting next to her. The bubbles were definitely having a good effect on the elderly lady and when Jaime turned up the music and requested a dance from her, she willingly obliged.
As Jaime twirled her gently around the veranda, Bella leaned towards her, "When I said be nice to my Oma, I didn't intend for you to get her drunk, Mari." she whispered with a giggle.
"You said she could do with some lightening up!" protested a giggling Marisol.
Soon another aunt and uncle stood up to dance and it wasn't long before there were calls for the happily betrothed couple to take the floor. Marisol sat back in her chair drinking in the scene. She was content and knew that she only needed her family and Horatio here to complete her happiness. Jaime deposited Oma Sorenson back next to her after a few minutes and Marisol smiled gratefully at him. He smiled back at her and Marisol turned to give her full attention to Oma.
Minutes later, Jaime hurried up to them again, worry etched into his forehead. "Senorita, there's a man outside asking for you. He is from the police. He just showed me his badge. He is very insistent on speaking to you."
Marisol stood up wondering why someone from the lab would be looking for her and for a second the thought that something had happened to Eric or Horatio sent a shiver of panic through her. She followed him outside, shielding her eyes against the bright sunlight. The small man in a black suit and gaudy tie looked unfamiliar to her.
"Marisol Delko?"
She immediately bristled at the name and tone, taking an instant dislike to the man. "Yes."
A black and gold badge was snapped in her face, "I am Federal Agent Wynn. We would like to take you in for questioning. This way." He pointed to the black sedan parked alongside.
"Questioning?!" she asked, alarmed. "What happened? What's going on?"
"Ma'am, I am really not at liberty to discuss federal matters on a street corner, no matter how lax and laid back things seem in this city. This way, please."
Marisol was becoming increasingly irked by the man's attitude, not least because he was insulting her home. "No, you can't just haul people away like this it-"
He stepped closer to her and she could see a vein throbbing above his left eye. "I am trying to be pleasant Miss Delko. You don't really have a choice. If you prefer, I can forcibly restrain you and then put you into the car."
She paled immediately at the suggestion, the thought of metal bracelets biting into her skin caused her to shiver in the midday sun. "Can I at least go and tell my friends where I'm going?"
"That won't be necessary. We will inform them that your assistance is urgently required and that you will contact them when you can." His hands moved to rest on his waist, parting his jacket slightly to show the holstered sidearm and handcuffs.
She was about to protest against the veiled threat when he jostled her into the car. "Hurry please. We don't have a lot of time."
The rough push forward caught her off-guard so that she now found herself sandwiched between two stereotypical federal agents in black suits. "Where are you taking me?!" she demanded. Panic was reasserting itself when she realised she didn't have her cell with her and that she hadn't really taken a good look at the man's badge. Eric's cautions suddenly flooded through her mind and now, no-one had a clue as to where the hell she was. Her companions' stony silence to any further attempts to find out where they were headed meant that she focused on familiar landmarks in case she was being abducted. However, the route they seemed to be taking was quite familiar to her and they weren't going down any alleys or side-streets. In fact, they did seem to be heading towards CSI Headquarters which did much to ease her mind.
When they drew up to the CSI building, the car headed towards the underground car park. She was quickly ushered by the man called Wynn into a waiting elevator. Marisol could hardly believe the whole situation was happening to her. As far as she knew, she had done nothing wrong since her marijuana incident a couple of months ago and she certainly did not know anyone involved in anything illegal!
The elevator's doors opened onto an unfamiliar floor and she shivered slightly as the air conditioning blasted her upon stepping out. The sleeveless white linen outfit she had chosen, anticipating a hot and sweaty day, was no match for the arctic temperatures circulating on this floor. She didn't recognise anyone in the corridors as she was led to one of the interrogation rooms. She did see one harassed-looking Rick Stetler in another office so she could only surmise she was in the infamous IAB department.
"I apologise for my rudeness earlier, Miss Delko but we're working on a strict deadline." said Agent Wynn, settling himself into the chair opposite hers.
Marisol kept silent, crossing her arms against herself as she watched him take off his jacket and drape it around the back of his chair and pull out a thick red and yellow folder from the briefcase on the table. His two henchmen had seemingly disappeared into thin air. Not that she could care less as she felt calm at the fact that she did have help somewhere in the building if she needed it. "Don't I get a phone call at least?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.
He sat back and regarded her coolly, "Like I said earlier, you aren't under arrest. We just have some questions for you regarding the CSI lab."
She looked at him puzzled; "I don't know anything about the lab."
"I would say that you know quite a bit about the lab." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively making her feel very uncomfortable.
"I really don't know what you mean to imply by that, Mr Wynn." she replied as calmly as she could.
"On the contrary, you seem to feature on a weekly basis at this laboratory with members seeming to cover up your various misdemeanours. Not to mention the role of your brother and admirer, Lieutenant Caine."
Her mouth was agape at the last sentence, "My admirer? Cover up? Are you insane?" she asked furiously before biting back a string of insults on the tip of her tongue. "I don't see what business you have meddling. Even policemen are allowed to have personal lives. It's not illegal to be related to an officer of the law."
He nodded in easy agreement and Marisol was immediately put on her guard by this.
"I see this isn't going to be easy Miss Delko. You have yet to see the conflicts of interest th-."
"Actually, I understand the conflicts of interest perfectly, which is why everything has been run by the book and no exceptions have been made, regardless of who I am. As far as this lab is concerned, I am just another Miami denizen."
"So you say Miss Delko and yet you possessing a significant amount of marijuana somehow slipped below the department's radar and you got off scot-free."
His glib tone finally got to her, "I did not get off scot-free, Agent Wynn! I hardly call having cancer as getting off scot-free!" she said coldly, "Would you like me to apologise for having cancer and the horrible side-effects of chemotherapy or apologise for having a loving family that like to take care of me after my chemo sessions?" She stood up abruptly, blinking back angry tears, hands balled into tight fists. "Smoking weed is the only way to deal with the side-effects and my brother makes sure I'm still ok by the end of it and helps me eat."
A look of surprise flashed across his face with her admission before it was replaced by a smug look. "So you do admit to the marijuana charge."
"I admit to the use of cannabis for medical reasons. Check with my doctor if you like!" was all she could shoot back, desperately needing a moment to compose herself before she punched the man. "What do you want Mr Wynn? I wasn't given any special treatment with the case. I was in a holding cell for several hours. I was questioned and I was released with a misdemeanour on a previously spotless record. The evidence showed I wasn't guilty and there you have it."
"You were released on a technicality."
Now it was Marisol's turn to be glib, "The evidence speaks for itself Agent."
He was not amused and changed tact, "Given the connection you have with two leading members in the CSI team, how much information do they share with you?"
Marisol raised her shoulders in exasperation, "Please get to the point, Agent. What do you mean about information?"
"Do they tell you about cases they're working on; about what's going on in the CSI lab?"
Marisol looked at him in askance, "We don't really talk about work at family get-togethers, no. Both Eric and Lieutenant Caine are professional when it comes to such things."
"Have you ever asked for information about their cases?"
"What?! No, of course not! I'm an accountant by profession. I have no interest in bullet markings and centrifuges."
"Have you ever discussed cases with either of them?"
"I just told you 'No'," Marisol was beginning to think the man a neanderthal with his repetitive questions.
"Have you ever discussed their cases with anyone else?"
"Seeing as I don't know anything about their work, that would be a bit hard to do, don't you think?" Her patience was wearing dangerously thin.
"'Yes' or 'No' will suffice Miss Delko. There is no need to be rude."
She couldn't believe the nerve of the insufferable man! "No, I haven't."
"Christ!" muttered Bella after listening to Jaime's hurried explanation of what had happened to Marisol. She asked him if he was sure it wasn't Horatio who had picked Marisol up. He shook his head vehemently, looking slightly insulted at the suggestion that he wouldn't recognise one of his best customers. Isabella was at a loss to think who else would be interested in Marisol. She looked over to Christian and couldn't bear to tear him away from him having a good time and worry him with this. Everyone looked to be having a good time and Bella really didn't want to spoil the day. On the other hand, she had no idea where Marisol could be and her first reaction was to call Eric. She took a couple of deep breaths to dissipate the champagne bubbles that seemed to make thinking straight a wee bit difficult at the moment.
She smiled reassuringly at Jaime and told him that she would make sure Marisol was ok and thanked him again for all his help in organising the brunch. After a quick bathroom break to splash some water on her face to clear her head, she headed back to the table to think of a plan.
"The lab has suffered information leaks lately. Do you know anything about this?" was the next ridiculous question on this Agent Wynn's list.
Marisol rolled her eyes in exhaustion, "No, I don't know anything about this." These questions had been going on for what seemed like an hour. He seemed to be chasing his tail around in circles.
"I find it hard to believe that neither CSIs Caine nor Delko have told you about the recent trouble at the lab."
"Well they haven't. We all leave work, at work."
He leaned over and winked at her, "I'm sure you have much more interesting things to get on with." The suggestiveness is his voice was so plain and it took all her self-control to not punch him in the face.
"So what do you know about the lab?"
"Not much. Evidence is processed here and there are a couple of holding cells which I have had the pleasure of spending time in. Dade PD is in the next building." She shrugged, "That's it really."
"What evidence is processed here?"
"Ballistics I think it's called. I really don't know what else; other stuff…chemical testing and what not. I'm really not familiar with the intricacies of the CSI profession."
"Not a very convincing performance, Miss Delko. I was expecting much more." he said smoothly.
"What is this? A pop quiz?!" she asked angrily, feeling her heart rate immediately go up again. Something about the man just pushed all her buttons.
"Interesting reaction."
"Fuck you!" the curse unconsciously slipped from her lips. She looked down, embarrassed that she had lost control.
He smiled at her reaction. "Finally, we're getting somewhere now."
She had no idea what he was talking about and clearly believing that the man belonged in a sanatorium.
"Back to the subject of the lab, Miss Delko, what do you know about the Grayson case?"
"Nothing. Never ever heard of a Grayson."
He raised a questioning eyebrow, "Really? What about James Marcus?"
"Well obviously, it's been all over the news."
"Are you involved in the leak about the suspects and witnesses involved in the case?"
She looked at him shocked, "No, of course not! I have no clue about what happens at this lab. Why don't you believe me?"
"Evidence, Miss Delko." He stated nastily, throwing her earlier comment back at him.
Marisol was at a loss for words, "Well then I'm sure the evidence will point to the innocence of Eric, Lieutenant Caine and the lab."
He clucked sadly, "Such misplaced confidence Miss Delko."
"Slow down Eric!" scolded Horatio.
Eric stood panting in front of him trying to catch his breath. "H. Don't panic."
Horatio chuckled wryly, "Ok, I won't panic. What's wrong?"
"It's Marisol." He immediately saw his boss' eyes cloud over, "She went missing from Christian and Bella's brunch."
Horatio pulled Eric into a smaller alcove, leaning against the wall for support. "What's going on Eric?"
"Marisol got pulled away from the brunch this morning by some federal agent." Eric held up a hand to stop Horatio from interrupting him, "Look, I just wanted to let you know. I can deal with it. I'll just take a half day absence and make some phone calls. Is that ok?"
Horatio nodded and couldn't help but grin at the younger man's earnestness. He knew that Eric had felt sidelined after what happened to Marisol at the spa and he was hoping to make it up to younger CSI. He smiled, "Absence approved Eric. Let me know if there's anything I can do."
Eric's jaw fell open slightly. He had been expecting more resistance from his boss. Horatio clasped a hand to his protegee's shoulder and sighed, "I trust you Eric and I apologise for anything I may have done over the past couple of weeks to upset you. I thought I would try and be as helpful as I could after Marisol told me about everything you had done for her. She wouldn't want to have burdened you further." Horatio winked at him, "She knows you have a lot on your plate at the moment."
Eric's jaw gaped even more, "Thanks H," he muttered before taking a deep breath, "If there's anything you need done with the case, just let me know."
The older man simply nodded and they both parted ways. Eric felt like a load had been lifted from his shoulders. Their personal relationship was still lacking after the spa incident; there was still some tension and Eric had kept Horatio at a distance. A distance he now no longer felt he had to keep.
Horatio scratched his head trying not to distract himself with thoughts of Marisol and focus on the case's suspects. His desk phone rang and he immediately answered with a curt, "Caine here." The chief was on the other end and wanted him to come up to review some more information about the potential mole.
The only other occupant in the lift was Rick Stetler. Horatio groaned mentally, thinking the day couldn't get any worse. "Rick." he acknowledged as genially as he could.
"Horatio." acknowledged Rick just as genially, rocking back and forth on his heels. Once the doors slid shut Rick sidled up to Horatio. "You didn't hear this from me, Caine."
"Whatever you say, Agent Stetler." replied Horatio, eyes fixed firmly on the steel doors infront of him but ears straining.
"The FBI are currently creeping around investigating the lab." Horatio sighed, this wasn't entirely news to him. However, he was willing to acknowledge that Stetler was passing on the info in good faith. "They have Delko's sister in one of the rooms on our floor. Thought you would like to know." he ended with a smirk, stepping away from Horatio.
This was news indeed and for once he was grateful to the know-it-all IAB department who liked to stick their noses in everyone's business. "Thanks Rick."
"You're welcome." was the gruff reply.
They parted once the elevator doors slid open, looking to all the world like nemeses who would be loathe to share the small confines of a lift unless held at gunpoint. Horatio made quick work with the Chief before making a beeline for the interrogation rooms. He noticed that only one of the rooms was occupied and that the woman's physique looked remarkably like Marisol. He briefly reflected that it was ironic and unfair that Marisol's location was practically dropped into his lap while Eric was probably using every contact he had to track down his sister. He sent Eric a quick message that he had found her so that he wouldn't worry and could get back to working on their current case. As he stood by the door, he could already tell she was lost in her own world; her arms were stretched out infront of her, palms flat against the table. Her back stiffened when he opened the door but she didn't turn around.
"Marisol? Is everything ok?"
She turned around, surprised to see him. He could tell that he was the last person she thought she would see. "I don't know." was her cagey answer, "I was brought in for questioning today."
"Questioning by who, Sweetheart?"
She could already feel the anger welling up in him and it kept her own anger at bay. She blinked a couple of times trying to clear her head. "He said he was a federal agent, the FBI, I guess?" She knew she sounded like a hopeless child, but the truth was that she was still reeling from Agent Wynn's ridiculous questions. She pulled his card out from her pocket, "Here. He gave me his card."
"Special Agent Wynn."
"You know him?"
"No, I don't."
She touched his arm gently, "Hey, are you in trouble?"
Stormy blue eyes met her own, "No, but he is!"
Marisol sighed, all her worries for Eric and Horatio's CSI team flooding back. "Lubimiy, before you go stomping off- ." she began before being interrupted by Eric's appearance.
"Mari! Thank goodness. Are you ok?"
Her big sister persona immediately kicked in upon seeing Eric so upset, "I'm doing just fine, Eric." she kissed him on the cheek to reassure him. Horatio's body language was still screaming blue murder so she gently squeezed his hand in an attempt to ebb some of his anger.
"What happened?" asked Eric.
"Oh the FBI just had some questions for me about the lab." She replied as breezily as she could, not wanting to worry Eric further.
"Why the hell did they ask you?" growled Eric, taking note of the fact that Horatio had remained deathly quiet all the while.
"I guess they want to cover all angles." Marisol patted his arm in a soothing manner, "Don't worry you two, I'm fine, really. Not like I know anything about what you geeks get upto in here anyway."
Eric rolled his eyes, "Yes you always hated science. Let's get you back to Bella before you miss dessert. " he reminded, gently steering her towards the door.
The three of them took the elevator down to the parking lot. Horatio was quiet all the way down. "Eric, I have some evidence I need to process so we can wrap this case up by the end of the day."
"Sure H, I'll meet up with Tripp on the way back."
"Eric, be a star and get the car please? I just need a minute with THE boss."
"Si senorita." replied Eric with a playful nod, practically running to the car so that he wouldn't have to see his sister kissing his boss.
She cocked her head to one side, trying to copy his stance and gaze that she had seen so many times before. "Hey, talk to me, please. Are you ok?"
He smiled at her attempts to humour him, "I'm ok because you're ok. Simple."
She pulled him closer to give him a peck on his cheek, but first whispered into his ear, "Please don't be so angry, don't let your temper get the better of you," she kissed him briefly, "I love you."
"Enjoy the party, Marisol." he said as Eric pulled up in the car.
She pulled away from him and moved to the car, slightly hurt at the lack of emotion on his part and tried to ignore the low feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Bye then," she replied with feigned brightness as he closed the door gently after her, rapping on the car roof to signal to Eric that all was well.
As they drove off he thought about Marisol's words again and decided that maybe he wouldn't seek out this Wynn character and give him a piece of his mind after all. His cell started beeping - it was switchboard informing him that the ship's Captain was in the building.
Horatio was just about to go into the interrogation room when Rick stepped out of a meeting room a couple of doors ahead. Curious, he cocked his head to one side to see whom the IAB agent had been meeting with. Rick rolled his eyes several times towards the seated figure and Horatio immediately caught on that this was their unwanted FBI agent. He thought about Marisol's whispered words but then sighed at the remarkable fact that today everything seemed to be dropping into his lap whether he wanted it or not. Therefore he concluded that he may as well seize the moment and figure out what exactly the FBI's intentions were.
"Agent Wynn."
The man looked up from his newspaper completely unfazed by Horatio's sudden appearance. This caught Horatio off guard and he wondered if Rick had may be played him…right into Wynn's hands.
"Lieutenant Caine. Oh I hope you don't mind me dropping in. It doesn't work to call ahead.
"What do you want?" the tone was one of forced politeness.
"Well actually I need your help Lieutenant. Something doesn't smell right to me." Wynn gestured amiably with his spectacles, "The woman central to the investigation against Officer Delko becomes your girlfriend," he watched to see what the other man's reaction would be and was thrilled when Horatio dropped his gaze. A sure sign for him that there was some truth to his theory. Not guessing that Horatio had broken eye contact to gaze down and control his hands which had twitched up of their own accord to punch the smug bastard. He continued, "and thus protecting her from further scrutiny and suddenly her own drug charges…" his hands gestured a puff of smoke, "..just disappear."
Horatio looked down again to make sure his hands were under control before saying, "Agent Wynn, you should have done better research. There were no charges filed on the Delkos.
"You know I did you a favour, Lieutenant." said the other man conspiratorially. The smug smile appeared again - Horatio wanted to cleave if off the man's face but the loathsome man's next words sent his heart plummeting to the basement of the building. "I could have subpoenaed Marisol. Stuck her infront of a white light and a grand jury. I was just trying to see if there was something there."
"So you wasted your time," was Horatio's quick retort, his eyes again on his hands that had now found something to fidget with to combat the anger that was now fully stoked within his being.
Horatio's comment meant that the gloves were off and the hostilities out in the open. "An investigation into a dirty lab is never a waste of time."
"Agent Wynn, I don't know who you are, or who you work for but if you ever contact Marisol again; it'll be the last thing you ever do." His tone brooked no argument although the other man took pleasure in the fact that he had managed to rile the Lieutenant into making threats.
Wynn let Horatio win this round. His only thoughts as the Lieutenant stepped out were regrets that he hadn't turned on the voice recorder during this session to record the other man's threats. However, he conceded that this was just their first meeting and that he had for all intents and purposes just meant this to be an introduction. Now that the gloves were off and the games were definitely on, he would have to push his mole harder to get the information he needed. The lab was dirty and there was no doubt about that in his mind.
Marisol stood by the waterfront waiting. Horatio had called and said he would pick her up from the final bridal wear fitting that the girls had gone to after brunch. She had merely said that they needed to talk and he had agreed with her. Ironically it was Bella who had changed her mind about what she wanted to talk to him about. The incident today had tormented her for the rest of the day; she wanted to be happy with him but now saw that as impossible. She was anathema to him – they were not suited to each other, she was not good for him or his work. That much was clear. Besides, why should she make him suffer through all of this when they both knew that a happy ending was not on the cards. At least she had had the opportunity to truly love someone twice in her brief life which was much more than some people ever had. She had convinced herself that she should be satisfied and that she had their memories to fall back on for the lonely nights that would come. Above all, she knew she had to convince him that leaving her was the right thing for him, no, for them both.
Upon her return, Marisol had reassured the rest of the party that she was fine and had just been asked some routine questions for quality assurance. She was surprised and touched when Oma Sorenson hugging her tight to thank her for the wonderful brunch also whispered a wish for her happiness. Isabella had picked up on her pitiful mood on the way to the fitting and cajoled her into confiding what was wrong.
After Marisol pored out her thoughts, Bella took the view of promoting her friend's happiness no matter what it took and convinced her friend that the future was a beautiful mystery and that nothing was certain and that ending things now with Horatio was not in either of their best interests. It was hard work but Isabella managed to pull it off.
She knew the moment he arrived; could feel his eyes on her as her body awakened in anticipation of his caress. Ignoring his presence, she focused once more on the pair of ducks paddling a distance away, happy in their companionship. She knew how they felt and for a moment felt ridiculous for empathizing at a ducky level although the feelings that welled up inside her were about to burst forth.
He approached her with a confidence that he didn't possess. "There she is." He hadn't expected to see the tumult of unguarded emotions that played across her face as she turned to face him. "Are you ok?"
"I just want to be clear about something."
She was about to babble on only to be met with his usual alacrity, "Go ahead sweetheart."
"Last week during my treatment you said you were there for me." Her big eyes looked at him imploringly, "What does that mean?"
He was lost for words and not entirely sure what to say back. Did he want to tell her that she had become absolutely vital to his wellbeing and that she did complement him in every way and that he had never envisaged being so happy even though he knew it was for a fleeting moment in time, with her cancer looming its ugly head over them? He hesitated before saying, "I thought we agreed that we would do whatever we wanted." His blue eyes pleaded with her to let him know what was going through her mind. What doubts plagued her now? And could he in any way assuage them?
"Does that…" she trailed off trying to think of another way to phrase her thoughts. "Does that include marriage?" The proposal came tumbling from her lips and her breath felt suspended in her body as she waited for an answer.
He answered affirmatively in less than a heartbeat and then took her hands in his to reassure her. His face blushed scarlet and his gaze dropped in that way that she loved, a small shy smile gently tugging at the corners of his mouth. In that moment she knew that she had done the right thing and felt the load lift from her heart and swell instead with love for this beautiful incorrigible man who had had such a hard life but gave her all his love.
"It does." He repeated drawing her closer to him. An equal mix of hope and happiness shining in his eyes was reflected in the soft smile breaking out on her face.
They turned together in perfect harmony to face the water. She rested her head against his shoulder. "I love you Marisol." He whispered into her hair. He felt her smile and in that one moment – they were both perfectly content.
They remained like that for a while. She drew his attention to the ducks, confiding her earlier ducky thoughts to him. He chuckled at her musings. He looked at his watch and decided he had enough time to show her something special. "C'mon, I want to show you my special place."
He led her to the car and they were soon speeding back towards CSI headquarters. He drove straight into the basement parking lot and hurried her to the elevator. Going through the same motions now as she had earlier with the FBI, her feelings were a sharp contrast to the panic and anger she had felt.
"Horatio? What the?" she asked in surprise as his hand clamped over her eyes to blindfold her.
"Relax," he whispered into her ear, his breath raising goosebumps along her body as he kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear.
"Should have known your special place would be at work." she huffed good-naturedly.
He laughed and kissed her cheek. After the elevator arrived at their destination, he led her up a flight of stairs and then she felt the warm Miami air suddenly envelope her again and she knew they were outside.
His hand fell away from her eyes and she stood in awe at the flaming red-orange ball that was beginning to sink in the sky. They were standing near the helipad on the roof of the building which commanded a magnificent 360-degree view of the open sky with the sun going down in the city park on one side and the ocean bay on the other side. The skyscrapers of Miami's skyline were a distance away. His arms entwined around her as he rested his head atop hers.
"This is my little piece of peace and quiet in this mad building. It also just happens to have the best view in town of the sun going down."
"It's magnificent Horatio. Absolutely beautiful! And who would have thought that you could get such peace and quiet in Miami!"
They were surrounded by silence, broken by the occasional whisper of a breeze that cooled the air around them. He sighed in agreement and contentedness watching the clouds streak through changing yellow, magenta and orange hues that contrasted with the emerald green canopy of the park.
She unexpectedly twirled around in his embrace to plant her lips squarely on his for a hungry, raw kiss that ripped the breath from his body. He was aroused in a moment and felt her body responding to his familiar touch. It was an incredible experience for them both to make love in the incandescent glow of the setting sun; their eyes locked on each other, their bodies culminating in glorious passion to match the fiery ball's last blaze before sinking on the horizon.
All was still as dusk settled and they lay sated in each other's arms, cool concrete pressing against bare skin as they watched the stars come out.
"I have never done that before." was all she was able to say, still too caught up in the moment.
He laughed, "Really? I thought getting off on rooftops was a specialty of yours after what happened at Madison's party."
She laughed as well pulling his jacket around them for some semblance of warmth as the wind had picked up and was a little severe against their now cooled-off skins. Horatio settled her against him so she was comfortable.
"To think I didn't even know you a couple of months ago." she murmured against him as his fingers played in her hair. "And now, now I can't even imagine my life without you. You're family and there's nothing I won't do for you Lubimiy."
"Love has a way of doing that to you, sweetheart. I love you and I pray you always remember that." he pulled her closer for a chaste kiss against her lips.
"I can't believe how far we've come."
"Yes," he said, "We did get there in the end."
*- LE FIN-*
AN2: And there we have it everyone - thank you so much for coming along this writing journey with me, it's been fantastic and all due to your support! The final scene on the roof-top came to me as an idea because of the S5 finale which randomly has Horatio standing on a rooftop so I thought this would be a nice way of making sense of that moment. I may do a short epilogue depending on the responses I get but this is a big MAYBE dependent on work pressures. However, just because we've come to the end of this HM story doesn't mean I'm hanging up my HM plot-bunnies. I will hopefully be writing some one-shots with this pairing since I still adore them.