A couple more weeks passed and turned into a month. Arya was happy with Horatio and the team. And they all embraced her as theirs, though she wasn't quite there yet. She had started talking a bit more. She seemed more at ease now. Horatio was ecstatic. He had completely moved her into his home, though she still preferred to sleep in his bed with him. He didn't mind that at all. They were planning her families funeral at the lab so he would take her, everyday after school to help out. But every time she came over it seemed, they would run into Rick. That angered Horatio. Rick had pushed the case trying to convict her. And after she was freed still the man had the audacity to avoid her. Trying to ignore what had happened. He had lost. But be that as it may if the man wised up good on him. If not, well Horatio was betting on "if not". Other than that little sore spot, everything was fine in Arya's little world. She finally had someone to count on and trust. Her Horatio. Slowly she was making nice with all the other big people to. Especially that blond woman Calleigh. She went out of her way to be Arya's buddy. She didn't understand why, she was fine with Horatio. Still it was nice to have another girl around. Arya walked by Horatio nodding to everyone who said hi. Except one man who kept his head down. That made her HC growl. Instantly she knew who that big man was. Rick. That big meanie who didn't think she was innocent. Rick walked by quickly without a word. Breaking free from Horatio's hand Arya followed him. "Arya-" Horatio's protest died on his lips when Arya grabbed hold of Rick's sleeve and tugged. Rick growled. "What-." Then his eyes landed on her.
Arya looked up at him innocently. "My families funeral is in a few weeks mister..." Slowly the surrounding people CSI's included, poked their heads out to watch. Rick swallowed unable to look away from the girls haunting green eyes. "Mister... Will you come? You're invited.." Rick stared down at her wide eyed. He couldn't believe this. He tried to convict this girl. And here she was, not angry, inviting him to her families funeral. The family he accused her of killing. She held his gaze for another moment then stepped back dropping her eyes. She turned to walk back to Horatio. Overcome and humbled by her gesture, Rick dropped to his knee and grabbed her hand, much like she had grabbed his. "Arya..." He stared in her eyes as she turned, his usually cold eyes softening just a bit. "...I'm sorry..." The words vibrated through space, the normal sounds of the lab seeming to mute as his words registered with the stunned onlookers. Arya smiled softly and hugged an equally stunned Rick. Awkwardly Rick's arms went around her. "For everything...and yes I'll be there.." She pulled back and nodded shyly smiling. Slowly the sounds of the lab filtered back in and the moment was broken. Rick cleared his throat standing and nodded towards Horatio. "Go on to Horatio now." He ordered gruffly. She nodded and went to him. As Rick watched he met Horatio's eyes. The redhead looked back at him a knowing smile on his lips. He inclined his head and thankfully said nothing as he turned walking away with Arya. Rick blushed slightly and walked off quickly. Horatio smiled down at Arya and tilted his head meeting her eyes. "That was a neat thing you just did sweetheart." She shrugged smiling as he tousled her curvy raven hair. "I just said he was invited." She looked down hiding a tell tale smile. She might've pretended she didn't know. Oh but she knew exactly what just happened. Arya was perfectly aware.
Another few weeks passed. Decisions were made, wills were read, a ceremony and date were planned. The afternoon was solemn. Filled with too many sad people. The viewing was done and with a heavy heart Lieutenant Horatio Caine lead the last surviving member to the lead car of the funeral procession. The ride to the cemetery was silent. He got out and took Arya's hand and lead her to the plots, not daring to break the silence. The rest of the team filed in. And even Rick, as promised, showed up. Arya sat, picking at her black cotton sundress. Her mom's favorite, she had said. Horatio choked softly and sat down next to her taking her hand in his. Still she didn't say anything. She just stared at the ground as the priest went on with the ceremony. Horatio watched in agony as the national guard did the shoot for Arya's father. While planning the funeral Horatio had found out that her father had served in the army as a captain. And had come home just in time for her birth. When the shots were fired Arya winced and grabbed onto Horatio's hand. He wiped her tears as the soldiers folded up the flag. One of the soldiers walked up and bent on one knee giving the flag to Arya. Then on top of the flag he put a pair of dog tags. He stood and came to attention. "Honorary tags. To be given to the surviving member. It was his wish." Arya nodded and whispered. "Thank you..." He nodded and walked away to his group. Arya put the tags on fingering them. Horatio watched, heart aching. The priest stopped and looked at Arya. "Would you like to say a few words?" Arya looked up and around at the faces of so many friends of the family. She looked down and slowly stood. She kissed each coffin going from her brothers to her parents, father last. She looked to the priest and nodded for them to lower the coffins. As they started to lower Arya took a step back and saluted. Tears fell down her face but she stayed like that. Soon her tears weren't the only ones falling.
Arya didn't move from her spot. Even after the crowd left she stayed. No not even when the priest left did she move. The only people who stayed were Horatio and the team. They dare not move either. They made a little semi circle around her. Slowly she squared her shoulders and turned to face them. "You will keep me safe right?" They nodded. "You will be my family to?" Again they nodded. She stared each one of them in the eyes. Frank, Eric, Alexx, Calleigh, Tim and finally Horatio. "Like one of your own?" With tears in their eyes, one by one they nodded one last time. Arya ran to Horatio and hugged him hard, jumping into his arms. He closed his eyes and motioned for the others to join in. The others filed in and in the middle of the best group hug ever, was a sad but finally at some peace little girl Arya.