A/N: The plot bunnies are back! I am a fair idea where this story is headed, but my apologizes for the short chapter. I'm still trying to work everything out and I don't know how long the whole fic will be. This will include all the characters but will focus on Danny and Lindsay's relationship. Enjoy!

Summary: A devastating murder proves difficult for the CSI's to solve when there is little evidence and the only witness is a child who saw everything but speaks nothing. She holds a secret that can both aid the case and the intertwined lives of two young detectives struggling for answers.

Spoilers: None.

Rating: K (might chance throughout the story)

CHAPTER 1

Lightning flashed in the black sky, illuminating the underbellies of the rumbling clouds that circled angrily over New York City. Thunder groaned like some massive stomach hungry for nourishment, and rain pounded the sidewalks, drenching those unfortunate to have been caught outside. It was all part of a massive system that was making its way up the Eastern coast and into Canada. The weather the city had been receiving as of late only made it more powerful; the dry conditions were perfect ingredients for a summer storm. The worst of it, though, was happening.

Brianna Cooper had always loved watching the rain trickle down the window. It was a favourite pastime of hers; sometimes she liked to imagine she was in a movie and would stare reflectively into the panes, gaze wandering off as it so often did on the big screen. She knew she shouldn't be so close to a window during a storm, especially one as vicious as this, but her curiosity often got the better of her. Along with many other characteristics, it had stayed with her throughout her childhood and adolescence.

The pretty 20-year-old turned her head as the bedroom door clicked open to reveal her father. “Hey there kiddo, I’ve got someone here who wants to see you.”

Brianna smiled, instinctively knowing who he was talking about. In one swift motion someone pushed the door open further, bolted into the room, and dove under the sheets.

Mark Cooper shook his head in amusement. “Guess you’ll be sleeping downstairs tonight.”

Brianna winked at her father. “Night, Dad.”

He closed the door shut, and the young woman peered at her bed. A head poked out from underneath the covers, which held a pair of frightened but inquisitive eyes. Brianna chuckled softly and rose from her rocking chair, a gift that had been passed down through the family. Sliding into her large bed, she patted her seven-year-old sister’s head fondly and spoke in a reassuring voice. “I assume you want to sleep here with me?”

Kelly Cooper nodded eagerly and snuggled deeper into the pillow. Although storms were intriguing, they also frightened her, and she often slept beside Brianna during one. Despite their large age difference the two were very close. After Brianna arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were told they were no longer able to conceive; it was a miracle their first daughter had even been born. This did not dampen their spirits, however, and after many a year of trying and waiting the parents were finally rewarded with the birth of Kelly. While a very bright child, she was unusually quiet and frequently came home from school crying, running up to her room and not coming out until dinner. She often isolated herself from other people, and the only person she really confided in was Brianna. The girls' mother, Sharon, could usually find them curled up in one of their beds, whispering to each other in hushed tones. Unlike others, Brianna was able to relate to Kelly, who kept her secret hidden from the world. The two shared more than just a sisterhood.

Like a mother watching over her beloved child, Brianna smiled down at her younger sibling and recited a poem their mother had often sang to them when they were infants. Kelly’s shaking soon ceased, and she visibly relaxed. The storm was quickly forgotten as she slept in the safety of her sister’s arms. As Brianna found herself drifting off as well, she prayed that one day Kelly would find the courage to speak.

Slumber did not always come easy for some, and it was often difficult to locate. Lindsay Monroe knew this fact all too well, having dealt with it when she was younger. However, in the last while she had found herself falling asleep quickly and staying asleep, never waking up to nightmares drenched in her own sweat and clutching her heart. She knew it was all Danny’s doing; he chased away the demons that had haunted her for so long. In his arms is where she found solace.

Tonight, however, she was not in his arms. He wasn’t even in her apartment. They were in the midst of rebuilding their relationship. It was a slow process, but Lindsay did not trust easily; she wanted to take her time with the situation. It was bad enough that Danny cheated on her, and sometimes she wondered if she was what he really wanted. A few weeks ago he had confessed about sleeping with Ruben Sandoval’s mother, Rikki, and lying about lunch. He told her that he was afraid to tell her truth when she phoned, but that only made the whole thing worse. Lindsay was furious; hot tears of betrayal streamed down her cheeks, and she had asked him to leave her apartment. Danny had been on his knees, begging for them to work it out, but Lindsay was not prepared to hear it.

“You lied to me, Danny, and you really hurt me. I need time to sort things out.”

Lindsay closed her eyes, attempting to ignore the memory. Through her eyelids she saw flashes of white and heard the loud cracks of thunder. Rain slammed against the windowpane like hundreds of fingers tapping on a table. With a moan she flipped over so her back was facing the storm. Part of her wanted to make it things work between her and Danny. Despite his sin she did not want to lose everything she shared with him; they had too many fond memories for her to just throw away. Yet another piece of her spirit screamed at her to just move on, find someone else who deserved her love. The problem was that she didn’t want anyone else. She wanted Danny.

Realizing nothing could be accomplished at 1:30am, Lindsay inhaled deeply and patiently waited for sleep to arrive.

Danny Messer paced his apartment, fully aware that his constant movements would more than likely awaken the people below him. He rubbed his temple, blinking through blurry vision at the still-raging storm outside. The combination of the weather and thoughts of Lindsay told him he was getting no sleep tonight.

God he was an idiot. He cursed in Italian for even thinking about going to Rikki in his time of need. Way to go Messer, he berated himself. In situations like that you’re supposed to go to your girlfriend, not sleep with someone else. Lindsay was the best damn thing you’ve ever had.

Pushing aside his conscience, he sat down on the couch and covered his head with his hands. He knew he was a coward for doing what he did; Lindsay had even said it to his face when he confessed. In the course of only several weeks, he had managed to lose two people he loved. One he could never get back, but the other…the possibility was still there, tiny as it was. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about seeing Rikki anymore; she had moved away a few days ago, unwilling to stay in the same city where her son was killed. Danny had no idea where she was going, but something told him they would never cross paths again.

“Lindsay doesn’t deserve me,” he spoke aloud. “No one deserves a cheater. Why the hell couldn’t I have just gone to her? Then I wouldn’t have screwed everything up!”

With a loud cry he smashed both fists into the couch, pummeling the soft material repeatedly until his knuckles turned white and his muscles grew weak. Breathing heavily, he threw himself onto the cushions and closed his eyes, wondering how the hell he could allow his own guilt to blind him from the real truth.

A short time later, the storm rolled out of the city. Dampness hung in the air as beads of water slid down leaves that glistened in the moonlight, rolling off their tips and plummeting to the ground with a soft plop. Birds fluffed themselves dry and immediately started to search for underground food that had been brought up to the surface from the rain. From time to time there was the rumble of distant thunder and flash of lightning on the horizon. It remained that way until finally, on what seemed to be the very edge of the sky, came a sliver of sun, bringing with it the prospect of another glorious summer day.

The inhabitants slept on, unaware that murder was slowly approaching.

A/N: Curious as to why Kelly rarely speaks? It's not a serious case of shyness...stay tuned to the story to find out :) reviews are always appreciated.