Disclaimer: Don't own it, just love it. Please don't sue.

Pairing: Horatio & Calleigh

Rating: PG-13

Dedication: To each and every member of the Horatio/Calleigh Yahoo Group - you guys are talented writers, enthusiastic fans, supportive, and warm. Thank you for embracing my writing - I'm speechless and grateful for your encouragement and fun (most of all the fun). After two and a half short months we're nearly 100 strong - and in my humble opinion, we rock the world! Please accept my thanks. H & C Forever, gang! Here, in my own mind and heart, is how all their sizzle and energy began..

I've seen you smiling in the summer sun I've seen your long hair flying when you run I've made my mind up that it's meant to be Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me Out where the rivers meet the sounding sea You're high above me now, you're wild and free ah but Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me

I'll take my chances babe I'II risk it all I'll win your love or I'II take the fall I've made my mind up girl it's meant to be Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me.

Accomp'ny Me - Bob Seger

When Horatio Met Calleigh - 1 / 1

June 17, 2003

Horatio Caine parked his H2 Hummer next to its identical twin in the parking lot of Lamphere High School. He climbed out, untroubled by the thick, clinging air, the steamy temperature of mid morning. In fact, he smiled, already knowing what he'd find here. He knew his team that well. After two - almost three - years at the helm of CSI, he understood and loved them, their individuality and idiosyncrasies, as if they were his own family. In fact, that's exactly what they were to him. Family.

Horatio slipped on his sunglasses, but removed his suit jacket in deference to the heat. He laid the garment carefully across the back seat of the SUV then crossed glowing hot asphalt. Cool grass waited just beyond, as did an oval running track. The school was located just a block and a half from the headquarters of CSI. Three days a week, Eric Delko and Calleigh Duquesne met here for a morning run.

Sure enough, they were at it today - pounding out a series of laps. He leaned against a set of bleachers, tucked away from sun and view, content to stand silently and watch. He didn't want to be seen. He didn't want them to know he observed. Especially one of them. His unquestioned favorite.

Calleigh.

She kept up with Eric's pace - but no doubt Eric had teasingly pushed at her - stirred up her southern stubbornness and drive the way he always did - by challenging her to dig deep. They were like brother and sister, Horatio thought - savoring the image of Calleigh's trim, petite form in motion, her waist length ponytail a perfect line of soft, silky gold that flew out behind her. Her slightly flushed skin glowed, moist with perspiration.

"Good for you, Cal," he murmured, proud of her for not missing a single beat against a world-class athlete like Eric Delko.

Horatio continued to watch, enjoying the site. The steady rhythm of their footfalls lulled him, the images before him going soft at the edges as memories took hold.

June 17, 2000

"I tell ya', H, she's a spitfire."

A newly appointed Lieutenant with the Miami Dade PD, Horatio Caine laughed, the sound nothing more than a low rumble that came from a spot deep in his throat. "Consider me warned."

"She's tough as nails, and ten times as smart as anyone else I got on staff."

"Which explains why I intend to steal her from you."

Tyler Jenkins, a Lieutenant with the New Orleans PD, stretched back in the wooden, roller chair where he sat, and the chair gave a bit, creaking in an old, comfortable way. Tyler looked across the battle scared, wooden desk positioned between them, studying his compatriot.

"I'll tell ya' what else, my friend," Tyler concluded with obvious affection and softness, "she's got a heart the size of California, and when it comes to the people she loves, she's a marshmallow."

"An appealing combination."

Almost reluctantly, Tyler asked, "Want to meet her?"

"The sooner the better," Horatio replied.

They were as different as night and day, really. Tyler was squat, round of body, and balding. Horatio was tall and lean, definitely a sophisticate. Their friendship, however, spanned almost two decades. Back then, Horatio had been a rookie, and Tyler was earning his way through several promotions in the homicide department of the Miami Dade PD. Tyler had worked the streets while Horatio had been part of the Bomb Squad along with his partner, Al Humphries.

Now, back in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler Jenkins had willingly come to Horatio's aide when the younger man had called on him, asking for leads on finding a ballistics and firearms expert.

Tyler folded his hands across his ample, rolling stomach, his uniform stained slightly by perspiration. Louisiana was notoriously hot and sticky - and today was one of those days when desk fans and even air conditioning units couldn't quite cool things down.

Sensing the mans torn loyalties, Horatio hastened to say, "You know, I don't want to leave you short handed, Ty, but Megan Donner and I are desperate. If you think Officer Duquesne is interested, I'd love to have a talk with her, but."

"Don't you worry any, Horatio. She's interested. I told her about the opportunity and she lit up like a fire fly."

Music to Horatio's ears.

"We tried everyone in Miami," he felt compelled to add. "In fact we hit all available prospects and interviewed candidates for weeks with no luck. From the way you describe her, it sounds like there would be a good fit - right down to her second language. You say she knows Spanish?"

Tyler snorted. "Know it? She speaks it like a native. She's totally fluent."

Horatio tried to curb his enthusiasm, but couldn't wait to see the woman, and attempt a recruit - as long as the vibes were there - as long as his gut instinct told him Calleigh Duquesne was the right one for the job.

Tyler continued. "Hey, I'm only willing to let you have a crack at her because I love the girl like she was my own. I want her to have a chance. I owe it to Cal to let her grow. Besides which, I want her to have the opportunity to get the hell out of here, and away from that dysfunctional family of hers."

Horatio took that information under advisement, filing it away for the time being. But he was definitely intrigued by this woman's history, and would explore it in depth if he opted to hire her.

"Is she around?"

Tyler lifted to his feet and nodded. "In the lab. The girl practically lives there."

Dedicated and committed. Horatio liked that, too - could relate to those characteristics himself. Small puzzle pieces - the insights Tyler provided - would form into a greater whole once he met Calleigh Duquesne face to face. Then, and only then, would he know for sure if he had found CSI's missing link.

Horatio followed Tyler to a nearby bank of elevators. They traveled to the third floor of the New Orleans Police Department while Tyler explained, "I warn you, H, our facilities don't come close to what you've got on Miami, so don't expect much. She'll get one look at your ballistics lab and think she's died and gone to heaven."

Which, Tyler thought, was another reason to cut the girl free, and let her have an opportunity for bigger, better things.

Wearing a warm smile, Horatio patted the older man on the back, his gesture affectionate and caring. "Tyler, if you're at the helm, I'm sure this is a top notch facility. People make the lab, not the equipment."

Tyler approached a doorway marked by the NOPD crest and the words "Crime Scene Investigation."

"Then I shouldn't let you get a look at this young lady and steal her away from me. Take my word. She's the best."

Tyler pushed open the door and Horatio preceded him inside.

Calleigh Duquesne held a cell phone to her ear, stretched up a bit to grab a handful of test tubes and red, twist-on stoppers from the overhead shelf. Damn. Some days she hated being five foot two.

"How about strawberries?" she said to the caller, her voice low and sexy, deliberately enticing. She lined up test tubes, shells and casings. Laughing softly, she fairly purred, "Yeah, you can bring some champagne, too. Champagne is always good with strawberries..." Pulling open the top drawer of a nearby cabinet she extracted a thin, black Sharpie marker from within and prepared to label and organize ballistics evidence for analysis. Again she laughed, the topic and content of the call even stirring a blush. "Well since I'm playing hostess I guess it's up to me to supply the bubble bath." Pure delight rained down in her concluding laughter and commentary. "Yeah, yeah, yeah - you can count me in for the tub, too.wise ass."

Turning around, she now faced the doorway. And two men. One was her boss, the other was the most striking, most intensely attractive man she had ever seen.

Calleigh Duquesne, Bullet Girl to those in the know, promptly froze, and lost her voice. Her eyes went wide, and completely stunned. Part of her lower lip disappeared for a moment beneath the press of straight, pearly white teeth.

"Ah.Steve.gotta go," she said into the phone, turning away from the men. She concluded the call by growling softly, "And I am so busted."

Turning back, her head held high, Calleigh snapped her phone crisply shut and fully intended to face the music. Nonetheless, her blood raced hot with embarrassment - and reaction to the stranger. She cringed on the inside, but used steel will and moxie to stay smooth as silk on the outside.

She came upon a wry, half smile from the handsome red-head. Calleigh had always been attracted to men with confidence and a commanding presence - well this one embodied both principals to an extreme that was breathtaking. He was tall and lean, powerful in body, more powerful in demeanor. The sheer intensity of him drew her in before she even knew what hit.

Calleigh didn't take her eyes from his, but addressed her superior officer. "Tyler, please do me a huge favor and tell me I'm not about to meet a gentleman by the name of Horatio Caine."

Horatio moved forward slightly, extending his hand with smooth grace. Again, it was all in his confidence, his sureness of self.

"Sorry, but you nailed it. I'm Lieutenant Horatio Caine. Miami Dade PD. Nice to meet you Calleigh."

Calleigh shook his hand, soft warmth enveloped by equal warmth, courser of texture, but infinitely protective.

"Now that I've utterly ruined my reputation," she began sheepishly, a beguiling sparkle in her eyes, "Lieutenant, I truly hope this little - episode - won't.um.you know."

Wanting to expedite her valiant recovery effort, Horatio leaned close and offered a casual shrug, murmuring, "Not to worry, Calleigh. My girlfriend Angela and I are more the warm body oils and chilled grapes type, but I can understand the appeal of champagne and strawberries as well.to each his own."

That did the job. Instantly assured, Calleigh broke down and positively beamed at the man, halfway in love with him already. "Be still my heart."

"When would you like to talk business?" Horatio asked.

The talking, though, would be mere formality. This woman was pure, undiluted TNT wrapped in sex appeal and Southern charm. She was perfect. Gut instinct told him so. He wanted her in Miami - pronto.

"Name it."

"Unfortunately, it sounds like you have plans for dinner tonight."

She had the good grace to blush, and Horatio found he loved the reaction - loved inspiring it. When Calleigh was flummoxed, it made her seem just a bit vulnerable - and infinitely appealing.

"Business before pleasure, Lieutenant," she replied with sass, although she had the feeling this man would be both. She was dazzled, and Calleigh Duquesne very seldom fell victim to such a response.

"Do me a favor?" he asked in gentle plead.

"Sure."

He gave her a grin that connected them, soul mate to soul mate. "Call me Horatio. Okay?"

"Perfect. Horatio it is."

July 17, 2003

Their run came to an end. Eric and Calleigh fairly collapsed on the grassy embankment, grabbing deep breaths, tossing back water from the bottles they had stored in their nearby duffels.

They chatted companionably for a moment and Horatio took a deep breath, returning to the Hummer.

From the back seat of his vehicle, he pulled out a bouquet of vibrant, multi-colored tulips, a quart of strawberries, a magnum of champagne. Dom Perignon, of course. The champagne and strawberries were their on-going tradition on this date. The tulips he added this year in deference to the fact that he knew her better now - had uncovered a number of her favorite things and weak spots. Furthermore, as his understanding of her grew, so did his longing to discover even more.

Horatio grinned to himself, unlocking the door of the second Hummer and depositing his delivery inside. No card was necessary. She'd get the message. But he whispered the words anyhow, although they went unheard.

"Happy anniversary, Cal."

Finis