Previous part of The Building Blocks of Love.

"I can't believe they've been together for a year," Alexx commented as she and Calleigh sat in her office talking.

"Me either, but their anniversary is Saturday, is the plan set in motion yet?" Calleigh wondered.

"Yes, the reservation is made for the rooftop restaurant at the Agramont and while they're gone we can set up the stuff at the house. Now all we've got to do is get them to the Agramont on Saturday," the African American woman pondered.

"I have an idea on how to do that," Calleigh supplied.

"What is it?" Alexx asked.

"Why don't we tell them we want to have a team dinner there on Saturday? Then when they get their the waiter can tell them that their dinner and such is already paid for and to enjoy themselves.

"That just might work. We can hang out close to the hotel so we can see when they arrive then we'll go to the house and set the other stuff up," Alexx concluded.

"Sounds like a plan. I should get back to work before someone comes looking for me," Calleigh said standing up.

"Okay, talk to you later, Calleigh," Alexx said.

"Bye, Alexx," Calleigh called back.

It was finally Saturday and the guys were getting ready for the dinner with Calleigh and Alexx.

"Any idea what sparked the girls tohave a team diner?" Eric questioned from where he was shaving in the bathroom.

"Beats me," Speed responded.

"It's Calleigh and Alexx, I rarely know why they do anything," Horatio interjected.

"I can't believe they forgot it was our anniversary," Eric complained. "I mean I don't mind hanging out with them and having dinner with them, but I was looking forward to having the two of you all to myself tonight," he said with a pout.

"Well once we get home you'll get your wish," Horatio whispered as he leaned in and licked the shell of Eric's ear causing the man to jump and moan in pleasure. Thankfully he'd just finished shaving before his lover had walked up behind him.

"MMM, I like this plan," Speed murmured as he moved in behind Horatio and exchanged a hungry kiss with the redhead before leaning over his shoulder and giving Eric the same hungry kiss.

"Can't we call the girls and cancel?" Horatio whined as he felt Speed's lithe body pressed against his back and Eric's back pressed against his front.

"No, we can't," Speed answered reluctantly. Horatio groaned but he knew Speed was right. Reluctantly the three of them moved apart and finished getting ready sending little glances back and forth all the while.

***

"They're here," Calleigh called as she spotted the three men. She and Alexx were sitting in the parking lot across the street from the hotel.

"Wow they sure clean up nice," Alexx said fanning herself.

"Hey, hands off your happily married and they're taken," Calleigh said with a giggle even though she to was fanning herself. Horatio was in a gray pinstripe suit with a blue shirt that accented his eyes. Both Eric and Speed were dressed in all black.

"Just because I'm married doesn't mean I can't admire three very good looking men," Alexx argued. Calleigh laughed at her friend.

"Your right," she agreed. Both women smiled as they watched the three CSI's walk into the hotel and head for the restaurant smiling at each other all the way.

"It's time to head for the house," Calleigh said after she saw them reach the rooftop restaurant and be greeted by the hostess.

"Let's go," Alexx said pulling out of the parking lot and heading towards the highway so they could get to the boys house and begin setting up the rest of their surprise.

"Good evening Gentlemen, just the three of you this evening?" questioned the hostess.

"Actually, no, we're supposed to be meeting two women as well," Horatio answered.

"Is your name Horatio?" questioned the hostess.

"Yes," Horatio answered perplexed.

"This is for you," she said handing him an envelope with Calleigh's familiar handwriting on it.

"What is it, H?" Eric wondered.

"It's something from Calleigh for all of us," he said as he opened it and pulled out a sheet of paper, and, began reading.

"Horatio, Eric, and Speed we hope you have a fantastic anniversary dinner. Everything is on Alexx and I oh and Yelina and Valera helped out to. Enjoy, oh, and dinner is just the beginning, love Calleigh."

"What does she mean that dinners just the beginning?" Speed asked.

"Who knows," Horatio answered.

"Yeah, I've learned something when it comes to Calleigh, she has a vivid imagination," Eric commented.

"Yeah, and if she and Alexx are working together I'm a bit afraid of what we'll find when we get home," Horatio interjected.

"Well I guess we'll just have to see after we eat dinner," Speed said. The others nodded in agreement before they followed the hostess to their table and were seated looking at the menu trying to decide what they each wanted to order.

***

Dinner had been enjoyed and now they were heading to the hummer to head home and enjoy some other activities.

"I wonder what Calleigh and Alexx meant by the dinner was just the beginning?" Horatio wondered.

"I don't know but do you and Speed have any idea just how vivid Calleigh's imagination is?" Eric questioned.

"I know she's creative and very smart but I've not been exposed to her vivid imagination," Speed said from his place in the backseat.

"Lets just say our Bullet Girl has a very dirty mind," Eric said blushing.

"You can't just give us a tidbit of information and then not explain. It's like a cat teasing a mouse," Horatio complained.

"Do I really have to explain how I know this?" whined the Miami native. Horatio and Tim laughed they could tell their lover was embarrassed.

"Yes you do," they answered in unison.

"I hate you both," Eric grumbled. Horatio and Tim just laughed.

"You may hate us but you're not getting out of it," Speed teased. Eric blew out a breath he knew he couldn't win against these two.

"Fine, I found out just how vivid Cal's imagination was a year ago today when she confronted me about getting together with you two." Eric broke off hoping his lovers would be satisfied even though he knew they wouldn't.

"What did she do or say that made you realize how much of a dirty mind she has?" Horatio asked as he ran his right hand up and down Eric's thigh.

"Horatio," Eric whimpered giving his lover a heated look.

"Hey keep your eyes on the road, Horatio, and Eric, you finish your story," Speed scolded as he leaned in and kissed the back of Eric's neck causing the other man to whimper.

"I'll f-f-finish my story if you stop so I can focus," he said turning to look at Speed sitting in the backseat.

"Okay, fine, I'll stop for now."

"Well anyway she asked me when I was going to tell you I wanted to be in a relationship with you and I said that I wasn't even sure you two wanted me," Eric explained.

"And?" Speed prodded.

"She assured me that you did. I asked her how she knew that and she said it was because of the looks you were giving me. She said they were the kind that indicated you wanted me naked and in your bed while you had your wicked way with me until I came, screaming your names."

"She's exactly right that's what we wanted, that's what we still want," Horatio said huskily as he cupped Eric's arousal in his hand causing the younger man to arch into the touch.

"I agree that Calleigh's definitely one smart woman with one hell of an imagination," Speed added as he leaned in kissing Eric's neck then gently bit down, claiming him.

"Yes Speed!" Eric cried in pleasure.

"Easy Speed, we're almost home," Horatio called as he turned into their driveway. Nodding Speed pulled away from the hicky he was giving Eric. Eric whined in protest.

"Don't worry, babe, there's more where that came from," Speed promised whispering in the other CSI's ear causing a shiver to go down Eric's spine and his eyes to darken. Smiling Eric scrambled from the car and hurried to the house. Tim and Horatio laughed from behind him at his eagerness.

"They left us a note," Eric called removing it from the door and reading it silently.

"Hi, guys, I hope dinner was enjoyable. Go inside and you'll find the rest of your anniversary present. Have fun, see you Monday, oh and I want details, Cal." Eric blushed at the last line. Horatio and Tim came up behind him and read over their lovers shoulder.

"She really has a lot of fun and a dirty mind, doesn't she?" Speed asked.

"Yeah, on the back she wrote if you don't give me details I'll just make up my own and they'll be ten times better," Horatio read.

"Well then what are we waiting for? Lets go in and see what they've done," Eric said unlocking the door and opening it ready to have a night of love and passion with his lover's.

***

The smell of Sandalwood assaulted his senses as he stepped into the entryway. The sound of something rustling at his feet made Eric look down. Rose petals covered the floor and appeared to be leaving a trail.

"The trail leads upstairs," Horatio called.

"Well then let's follow it," Tim added as he turned and headed for the stairs. None of them knew how it had started but by the time they reached their bedroom all three of them were naked and in various states of arousal. This was a result of the numerous stops on the stairs to press each other against the wall groping and making out like they were all a bunch of horny teenagers. The three of them stopped in their tracks when they reached their bedroom. Lit candles covered every available surface and rose petals covered the bed and floor. Champagne was chilling and next to it was a tray containing strawberries, whipped cream, and three champagne glasses.

"Are those silk sheets?" Speed exclaimed as he walked over to the bed.

"I believe so," Horatio replied.

"Wow, they went all out, didn't they?" Eric breathed.

"Yeah and they got us presents as well," Horatio said noticing the wrapped boxes on the bed.

"They got us presents after spending all this money on us? That's way to much," Eric said as he picked up the gifts and distributed them. Together they opened them and discovered they were each holding identical boxes.

"I wonder what's in it?" Speed wondered. Nodding in agreement the others opened the box Speed following their lead.

"Wow," Eric breathed as he caught sight of what was nestled in the jewelry box. It was a gold chain with a medallion on it.

"There's an inscription," Horatio said as he began reading it. "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7," Horatio read.

"On the back our initials and the date of our anniversary are inscribed in it," Speed added. Staring in awe at the beautiful gift they'd all been given the three men helped each other put the necklaces on and vowed to wear them always and forever.

"What do you say we have some of those strawberries and champagne?" Tim suggested as he picked up a piece of the juicy fruit and bit into it seductively letting a bit of juice trail down his chin before taking his finger and catching it then slowly licking his finger clean. Moaning in unison Horatio and Eric pounced on their lover and before Tim could blink he was pinned to the bed with Horatio on top of him and Eric attacking the back of his neck with wild abandonment. Talk about celebrating their anniversary it was going to be one hell of a night. Before Speed knew it he was flat on his back covered in whipped cream and juice from the strawberries as his lovers covered him in the sweet concoction. Taking a sip of the champagne from the glass next to him Speed pulled on Eric's hair urging his head up. Once Eric had lifted his head Speed pulled him in for a tongue-tangling kiss. Both men moaned into the kiss and the taste of whipped cream, strawberries and champagne. Horatio decided to join in on the fun and started trailing kisses over Speed's jaw until he reached his lips. Speed happily returned the kiss. Quickly the passion mounted until the three of them were so aroused that the only thing that would satisfy them was to make love. Pulling back Eric stared into Horatio's deep blue eyes.

"I want to make love to you," he breathed.

"And I want to make love to you," Speed whispered in Eric's ear.

"Okay," both men replied. Quickly both men were prepared and begging for more. Moans of ecstasy came from deep in their throats as they were filled completely.

"You feel so hot and tight," Eric ground out as he thrust into Horatio.

"MMM, don't stop," pleaded the redhead.

"Oh fuck yes! You feel so fuckin good," Speed growled as he thrust in and out of Eric at a brutal pace.

"Oh Speed, yes! Harder, faster, please," Eric demanded. Smiling Speed did what he was told angling so he would hit Eric's prostate.

"Fuck!" Eric shouted. It went on like that for a while until all that could be heard were moans of pleasure and shouts of each others names.

"Eric, I'm going to..." Horatio broke off as he began to shake.

"Come for me, Horatio, tell me who it's for," Eric crooned.

"Fuck yes! I'm coming; it's all for you oh fuck!" Horatio shouted coming. The tightening of his inner muscles caused Eric to shoot his load into his lover. The sensations of his two lover's orgasming sent Speed flying over the edge as well. They collapsed into a tangle of limbs trying to catch their breath.

"MMM, remind me to thank the girls," Speed mumbled. Eric chuckled against his chest.

"Don't worry we will," he said.

"Now we have to blow out all the candles," Horatio complained as he lay contentedly in Eric's arms.

"No, we don't, they used votives. They'll burn down completely on their own. We can clean up tomorrow," Speed said with a yawn.

"MMM-hmm," Eric agreed in a sleepy voice.

"Okay," Horatio said.

"Happy anniversary, I love you both," Speed said.

"We love you to, happy anniversary," Horatio said kissing Speed softly. Nodding Eric repeated Horatio's actions.

"Lets get some sleep we have some cleaning up to do in the morning," Eric told them letting his eyes close and a happy sigh came from his mouth as he drifted off to sleep.

***

It was three very happy and satisfied men that walked into the Miami Dade Crime Lab Monday morning.

"Morning, ladies," Horatio greeted as they walked into the break room.

"Mornin'," Calleigh replied.

"How was your weekend?" Alexx asked with a smile.

"It was wonderful, thank you," Eric spoke up.

"These are for you two," Speed said nudging Eric aside so he could reach the two women. He handed a dozen yellow roses to Alexx and some Tulips to Calleigh.

"Thank you," Calleigh said.

"It's us who owe you the thank you. You spent way to much money and went beyond anything we could have ever expected," Eric said sincerely.

"It was our pleasure, sugar," Alexx answered.

"Nevertheless, it was very much appreciated," Horatio told them. Both women smiled as they admired the flowers they'd been given happy the night they'd put together was so well enjoyed. After a bit more chatting everyone dispursed to continue working on their open cases. Just before Calleigh walked out the door she turned back and called out to Eric and Speed who were still in the room.

"Oh, and remember I want details." Both guys blushed and Calleigh laughed as she continued on her way.

***

"We have a new case, all hands on deck. A three-year-old girl was taken from her home last night," Horatio informed his team on a Friday morning about two months after their anniversary. Nodding everyone grabbed their kits and hurried to the hummers. The neighborhood where the little girl had been taken was bustling with activity. Cop cars and other emergency vehicles were all over the street lights flashing and radios making noise.

"Hey Frank, what do we have?" Horatio asked as he reached the homicide detective.

"Three-year-old Haley Nicole Gibson was taken from her bedroom sometime between 2:00 AM and 6:30 AM," Frank reported.

"Are there any other children in the home?" Calleigh questioned.

"Yes, two, a one-year-old boy, Patrick and a five-year-old girl Melissa."

"How can the parents be so sure about the time when she was taken?" Calleigh questioned.

"They went to bed just before 2:00 and they had checked on all the children just before that and they woke up at 6:30 to start waking them and when they went into Haley's room they found her missing and the window open," Frank concluded.

"Frank and I will talk to the parents, Speed, you process the missing girl's room, and Eric you and Calleigh talk to the little girl," Horatio instructed.

"You got it, H," Speed said. The others nodded in affirmation as they headed into the house to start their investigation.

"Lets go find this little girl, Horatio," Frank said as he led the lieutenant to the two men sitting on the porch staring into space.

"Mr. Gibson, Mr. Williams-Gibson this is Horatio Caine, the lieutenant of the Miami Dade Crime Lab day shift," Frank introduced.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Horatio greeted.

"Hi Lieutenant, my name is Greg and this is my husband Nathan, are you here to find our daughter?" Greg asked.

"We are, sir. When was the last time you saw your daughter?" Horatio asked.

"It was around 1:45 just before we went to bed. We had a couple of friends over for a night of cards and it ended late. All three children were sleeping so we went to bed," Nathan explained.

"And when did you realize that Haley was missing?" Horatio questioned.

"It was when I went to wake her up. Greg was waking Missie and then he was going to get Pat up. When I walked into her room I noticed her window was open and s-s-she wasn't in her bed," Nathan explained as his voice shook and tears filled his eyes. Greg reached over and took his husband's hand giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Then Nathan screamed for me and I came running. When I realized she was missing I called the police then tried to keep the other kids calm," Greg interjected.

"Do you know anyone who would want to hurt either of you or Haley?" Frank inquired. Both men shook their heads.

"What about the fact that your two men in a committed relationship and your raising three children. Has anyone threatened you as a result of that?" Horatio prompted.

"Some people bad mouth us because we're a gay couple with children but no ones ever hurt us or the children because of it. They're all our biological children. A good friend of ours volunteered to be a surrogate," Greg explained.

"What was she wearing?" Horatio asked.

"Red Dora the Explorer pajamas," Nathan said.

"We're going to need a recent picture of Haley," Horatio said gently.

"Of course I'll get it," Nathan said standing up and moving mechanically to the house. He came back a moment later a picture clutched tightly in his hands.

"How recent is this picture?" Frank wanted to know.

"It was taken last week at day care," Greg supplied.

"Thank you, I'll get this back to you as soon as I can. I'm going to check in with my team but I'll keep you informed," Horatio promised holding out his hand for the two men to shake. Both men shook the lieutenants hand before following them into the house and taking a seat on the couch. Looking around the living room Horatio spotted Calleigh and Eric talking to Melissa and an older woman holding the baby.

"This is my mother, Cindy, we called her to come over and help watch the kids once we realized what was going on," Greg explained.

"Ma'am," Horatio acknowledged. Deciding to leave Calleigh and Eric to their questioning of the little girl Horatio made his way down the hall searching for his trace expert. He found him in the first door on the left. The room was covered in pictures of cats on every available surface.

"She really loved cats, didn't she?" he commented. Speed jumped he hadn't heard Horatio enter the room.

"Yeah she does," he covered quickly.

"What do you have?" Horatio asked.

"Well..." Speed began.

***

The living room that Calleigh and Eric found themselves in looked well lived in. Toys and books were scattered in various places. The baby was sleeping in his grandmother's arms and Melissa was watching an episode of Dora. Calleigh walked over to where the young girl was sitting on the floor and eased down beside her. Eric followed suit.

"Hi, my name's Calleigh and this is my friend Eric, what's your name?" Calleigh asked softly.

"Melissa, but everyone calls me Missie," she answered timmidly.

"Hi there, Missie, we're CSI's and we want to ask you a few questions. Do you know what a CSI does?" Eric wondered.

"No," she said.

"We work with the police to catch the bad guys. We're here to help find your little sister," Calleigh explained. "Did you hear anything last night or this morning from Haley's room?" she asked. Melissa scrunched up her face thinking hard.

"I don't know," she answered.

"Take your time, think about it for a second, kiddo," Eric soothed.

"I heard someone go into Haley's room. It wasn't Papa or Daddy, though," she explained.

"How do you know it wasn't either of your fathers?" Eric wondered.

"Cause they walked differently and had a funny cough. Daddy and Papa don't cough like that," she answered.

"What do you mean by a funny cough, sweetie?" Calleigh asked.

"It sounded like a bark and kind of rattley," Missie said.

"Like someone who's a heavy smoker," Eric whispered to Calleigh.

"Hmm, maybe," Calleigh commented.

"What do you mean they walked differently than your fathers?" Calleigh asked.

"They made clomping sounds like I make in my cowgirl boots. Daddy bought them for me for my birthday," she explained.

"I see," Calleigh responded.

"Is that all you heard last night?" Eric asked the little girl.

"Yes, can I watch TV again, please?"

"Sure you can, sweetie, thank you for talking to us," Calleigh said.

"Your welcome," Missie replied before turning back to the television and Dora the Explorer.

"Let's go fill Horatio and Speed in," Calleigh told Eric.

"Okay," he answered. The two of them made their way to the missing toddler's room. They reached the door just in time to hear Speed tell Horatio what he'd found.

"Well, I found a partial print on the window as well as a cigarette just outside the window. The shoe impressions made in the carpet look like boots. There didn't appear to be a struggle suggesting that the girl didn't wake up when she was lifted out of bed or if she did the perp moved fast enough that she couldn't draw anyone's attention," Speed finished.

"That matches what the older sister told us," Eric said alerting the others to their presence.

"What did you get from the girl?" Horatio asked them.

"She said that the person who took her sister had noisy footsteps like the noise the boots she'd gotten for her birthday made. It would make since that she'd hear the boots on the hardwood floor of the hallway. She also said the person had a strange cough like a bark and it was kind of a rattle," Calleigh informed them.

"Someone who's a heavy smoker, perhaps," Horatio commented.

"That's what we were thinking to," Eric agreed.

"The parents don't know of any enemies who would want to hurt either them or Haley. They say that them being a gay couple raising three children hasn't been a very big deal. They've experienced some prejudice but nothing threatening or dangerous, according to them. All three children are biologically theirs. A close family friend volunteered to be a surrogate," Horatio informed the rest of his team.

"So where do we go from here?" Speed questioned.

"Speed, get the evidence back to the lab and process it. Eric you Calleigh and I will start searching for the girl with the scent dogs and other officers. Once you've processed the trace evidence and dropped the cigarette off with Valera come join us," Horatio concluded directing his last comment at Speed.

"Okay, see you in a little while," Speed said walking out. Calleigh proceeded the other two men and walked up to Greg and Nathan.

"We're going to need something with Haley's scent on it as well as some DNA and some hair. Maybe like from a tooth brush or a hair brush," Calleigh suggested.

"Of course," Greg said standing up and retrieving the requested items.

"Speed, here take these with you," Calleigh called just as he was about to walk out the door. Speed reached for the evidence bags containing the tooth brush and hair brush.

"What kind of item do you need with her scent on it?" Nathan wondered.

"Maybe a shirt or a blanket she always carries with her?" Eric suggested.

"Here's her blanket she takes it with her everywhere," Nathan said handing the pink cat blanket to the CSI.

"Thank you," Eric said softly as he held the blanket ready to give it to the scent dogs. After receiving a nod from Horatio Calleigh and Eric followed him out of the house and towards the officer who was in charge of the scent dogs. The officers who were keeping guard at the house nodded at the three CSI's as they walked by.

"I have a blanket of the girls," Eric said handing it to the head officer.

"Okay, thanks," he said as he held the blanket in front of the dog's noses. He let them get used to the scent and commit it to memory before speaking.

"Track!" he commanded. Immediately the dogs took off following the trail of the little girls scent. The CSI's and assembled officers hurried to catch up. They made sure to stay back far enough so as not to confuse the dogs but close enough to see what was happening. Horatio frowned as the dogs led them into the surrounding woods. If the girl was hidden in the woods it would be very difficult to find her, let alone find her alive.

"Haley? Haley Gibson?" called one of the officers. Everyone else picked up the thread and began calling out for the little girl.

"Haley, are you out here? Haley, it's okay we're the police," Horatio called out.

"Haley Gibson, Haley?" Calleigh called softly. A cry caught the search parties attention.

"Hey did you hear that?" Eric asked.

"Yeah it's coming from the right," Horatio called back. He was walking alongside the dogs and his spirits rose when they began barking loudly, indicating they'd found something. Everyone picked up the pace at the frantic barking of the dogs. About a hundred feet from where Eric had heard the cry they spotted a tiny body lying in the underbrush. Moving quickly Horatio knelt down beside the little girl.

"Haley?" he questioned softly. The little girl nodded as she sniffled.

"Hi there, Haley, my name's Horatio, I'm with the police. Are you hurt, sweetheart?" he asked gently.

"My head and arm. That man grabbed it when he taked me," she explained.

"Lets get you out of here, what do you say, kiddo?"

"Otay, where's Daddy and Papa?" she wondered.

"They're back at your house and I know they can't wait to see you," Horatio told her. "Is it okay if I pick you up, sweetheart? The little girl nodded. At the nod from the frightened child Horatio gently slid his arms under her and lifted her easily into his arms. A cheer went up from the officers and his team as they saw him walking forward the little girl safely ensconced in his arms.

"Call the parents and let them know we've got her. Call EMS and tell them to meet us at the house," Horatio barked. Officers scrambled to do what the lieutenant had ordered. Everyone was so focused on the fact that the little girl had been found that they didn't see the kidnapper come out from the shadows. Catching the movement out of the corner of his eye Eric barely had time to yell a warning before a gunshot was heard.

"Everybody down!" he shouted just before a gun was fired. Pulling her gun as she spun Calleigh fired hitting the suspect squarely in the chest killing him instantly. Officers descended on the man kicking his gun away before checking for a pulse. The officer looked up and shook his head. Calleigh's shot had been right on the mark, the perp was dead. Horatio who was busy checking over the little girl and trying to calm her down only vaguely realized the man had been killed. He'd hit the ground covering Haley at Eric's yell and remained on the ground to protect the little girl. Noticing her boss still on the ground comforting the little girl Calleigh did a head count of the officers ensuring everyone was accounted for and unharmed. Her heart stopped when she realized someone was missing. She couldn't locate Eric which made her very anxious. Then she saw him and she drew in a sharp breath. He was on the ground blood covering his shirt staining it an awful red color. Sprinting over to her fallen friend Calleigh dropped to her knees and pressed her trembling fingers to Eric's neck. She blew out a breath of relief when she felt a pulse under her fingers. Grabbing her radio she spoke into it.

"I have an officer down! Repeating I have an officer down. We need an ambulance at the scene of the Gibson kidnapping, now." Reaching out she placed her hand over the wound applying pressure. It worried her at the amount of blood he'd already lost and at the blood that was coming through her fingers.

"Eric, can you hear me?" she asked softly.

"…Cal?" he choked out.

"Yeah, it's me," she answered sniffling.

"…Hurts," he whispered.

"I know it does, take it easy, helps on the way," Calleigh soothed. Eric whimpered as pain shot through him causing Calleigh's heart to break that much more for her friend. Horatio realizing the gunfire had ended rose to his feet with Haley still in his arms. His heart stopped beating when he heard Calleigh say they had an officer down and then he looked over to where the blonde was knealing only to discover that the officer down was Eric. Grabbing the nearest officer he handed Haley off to him.

"Take her straight to her parents," he demanded.

"Yes, Lieutenant," the officer responded. Horatio didn't hear him, though, because as soon as the little girl was safe in the other man's arms he was running through the woods to where Calleigh and his fallen lover were.

"How is he, Calleigh?" Horatio asked his protégé as he reached them.

"He's losing a lot of blood but he's conscious," she reported.

"Hor...atio?" Eric questioned faintly clearly the pain made it hard to talk.

"I'm here, Eric. Your going to be fine, you hear me? Your going to be fine.

"I… hear… you…" Eric responded. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut trying to block out the pain. Reaching out her hand Calleigh took his hand into hers.

"Squeeze my hand if you need to. Squeeze mine and Horatio's hands that's what we're here for," she soothed. Giving them a small smile Eric did what the blonde told him and squeezed their hands when the pain became too much. Noticing that Eric's eyes were closing Horatio tapped him on the cheek.

"I need you to stay awake for me, Eric. Stay with me, okay?" Horatio requested.

"Tired... cold," Eric complained.

"I know but you can't go to sleep," Horatio pleaded. Calleigh was about to ask where the ambulance was when it came screaming around the corner. Calleigh had never been so glad that there was an access road close to where they were. The EMT's jumped out and ran over to the trio.

"We need you to move back so we can take care of him," one of the medics said. Calleigh moved back to give them room but Horatio was clutching Eric's hand like if he let go Eric might disappear.

"C'mon, Horatio let them take care of Eric," Calleigh coaxed placing a hand on his arms. Reluctantly Horatio moved back and stood up allowing the medics to do their job and stabilize Eric for transport to the hospital. Calleigh wrapped her arms around her boss in a tight hug which he gladly returned. They watched in silence as their worst nightmare was happening right in front of them. Someone they loved dearly was hurt.

***

Tim had dropped off the evidence in their proper places and had analyzed the bit of trace he'd collected so while he was waiting on the lab techs to contact him with results he decided to pay Alexx a visit. Walking down to autopsy he knocked on her office door alerting her to his presence.

"Hi, Timmy, what can I do for you?" she asked brightly.

"Nothing, I just wanted to see you. I'm waiting on evidence to be processed and Valera threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't leave her lab and stop looking over her shoulder to see if the DNA from the case has a match," he admitted. Alexx laughed at the reaction of the trace expert but she knew why he was so anxious about this case. Cases involving children hit them all hard. They had a chance to maybe reunite a little girl with her family and if they worked fast enough she would hopefully still be alive. She was about to suggest they go grab a bite to eat when the radio she kept sitting on her desk sprang to life grabbing both of their attention.

"We have an officer down! Repeating we have an officer down, we need an ambulance to the scene of the Gibson kidnapping, now." They stared at each other wide-eyed until Tim finally spoke.

"Was that Cal?" he whispered hoping against all hope he was wrong and that wasn't the southern bell.

"I'm afraid so," Alexx said grimly. Tim's heart raced and all the color drained from his face at Alexx's confirmation. His heart sank if Calleigh was the one making the officer down call then she wasn't hurt. Of course he was thankful she wasn't hurt but… There were only two reasons she'd sound so panicked and he didn't like either of them. Those two reasons were Horatio and Eric. Recognizing the urgency and panic in her friends voice Alexx had reached the same conclusions as her frightened companion. A frown spread across her pretty face as she realized that who ever was hurt was either Eric or Horatio. Moving quickly she grabbed Speed's arm and pulled him down the hall.

"Give me your keys, I'm driving," she told him. Mutely he reached into his pocket and extracted the keys to the hummer and handed them to Alexx.

They reached the car in record time and climbed in. Alexx took off with both lights and sirens. She was never so glad that the lights and sirens gave them clearance on the roads they wouldn't otherwise have.

"Where am I going, Timmy?" she questioned just realizing she didn't know. Quickly he gave her the address before clasping his hands and doing something he hadn't done in a long time, pray. Reaching out she patted his hand.

"Everything will be okay, they're both strong men," she reassured. Wordlessly he nodded he knew she was right but it didn't make things any easier. One of his lovers was still injured.

Frank swore as he pulled himself to his feet and observed the chaos. The suspect was being guarded by two officers even though he was no longer a threat and he could see the officer who was carrying the little girl in the distance as he carried her to her parents awaiting arms. He swore a second time when he saw Calleigh and Horatio locked in a tight embrace tears on both their cheeks and the paramedics tending to Eric. The young man didn't look good, frank noted grimly. Heaving a deep sigh he walked over to the two embracing CSI's and placed a hand on Calleigh's shoulder catching her attention. She looked up at him with watery eyes.

"Hey," she greeted sadly.

"Hey, how is he?" Frank asked jerking his head at Eric.

"I don't know," answered the blonde.

"How is he?" Frank repeated this time jerking his head at Horatio who she was holding on to for dear life. A frown came to Calleigh's face which was all the answer the detective needed. Horatio wasn't doing good at all. Just then Calleigh saw flashing lights out of the corner of her eye and heard sirens. She swore as she recognized the CSI hummer.

"Damn!"

"What is it?" Frank questioned.

"Speed and Alexx are here," she explained pointing to the hummer. Frank nodded as he turned. He knew what he was being asked to do.

"I'll go intercept them," he said as he turned on his heels and stalked purposefully towards the county vehicle. He was dreading the fact that he had to give such bad news to the two people who were getting out of the car and staring at him anxiously.

"What's going on, Frank?" Speed demanded. As Frank began to speak Alexx scanned her surroundings and felt tears fill her eyes when she noticed the scene.

"The suspect came out with a gun and fired a shot. Calleigh returned fire and killed him instantly. Horatio who had just found the little girl was on the ground covering her. Calleigh did a quick head count and noticed that Eric was down. The medics are working on him, now," Frank finished.

"Where's Horatio?" Speed questioned numbly.

"He's right there," Alexx answered pointing to the two CSI's clinging to each other clearly shaken and crying. Mechanically Speed walked over to where his lover and one of his best friends were standing. Alexx and Frank followed close behind him.

"Horatio, Calleigh?" Speed whispered as he reached them. Both of them raised their heads at the sound of someone calling their names.

"Speed," Horatio greeted somberly as he moved from Calleigh's comforting arms to the arms of his lover. They clung to each other seeking strength from one another. Calleigh stood off to the side dividing her attention between the two men and Eric lying on the stretcher. Alexx walked up and pulled her friend into a comforting hug which Calleigh quickly returned. Just then one of the paramedics walked up to the small group.

"We're ready to transport him to Dade Memorial. We've stabilized him as much as we can in the field," he said.

"Who's going with us?" his partner asked. Both Speed and Horatio raised their hands.

"Very well then, come on we need to move," the first medic said briskly as they lifted the stretcher carrying Eric on it. He cried out in pain as he was lifted and both his lovers were immediately at his side soothing him.

"We're right behind you," Alexx said as the stretcher was lifted into the ambulance and Horatio and Speed climbed in after it.

"Okay, see you there," Speed called back.

"I'll meet yall at the hospital as soon as I'm done giving my report," Frank said addressing the two women. Calleigh nodded as she stared down at her hands unable to look away from the blood that covered them. Noticing where her friend's attention had drifted Alexx placed a hand on Calleigh's arm and spoke softly.

"C'mon, sugar, we'll clean up your hands once we get to the hospital."

"Okay," Calleigh mumbled as she slowly followed the M.E to the hummer she and Speed had arrived in.

***

Calleigh scrubbed her hands vigorously as the water ran over them. She had made a beeline for the bathroom when they'd gotten their and after nodding at the boys who sat anxiously in the waiting room Alexx quickly followed her. Calleigh stared transfixed at the blood as it mixed with the water and ran down the drain. The blood had been completely washed off but Calleigh couldn't seem to stop scrubbing her hands. Reaching over Alexx grabbed some paper towels with one hand while turning off the water with the other. Calleigh looked up startled as the water was turned off.

"You've got it all, dry your hands," Alexx prompted holding out the paper towels. Nodding Calleigh took the towels and dried her hands shakily before throwing them into the trash can next to the counter.

"Let's go see if the guys know anything," Alexx suggested.

"Okay," Calleigh agreed opening the bathroom door and walking out into the hall.

"Do you know anything yet?" she asked as they walked into the waiting room. Horatio shook his head.

"They took him straight up to surgery, that's all we know," Speed supplied.

"What happened out there anyway?" Alexx asked wondering how things had gone down and turned out so horribly wrong.

"Horatio, Eric and I went with the officers to search for Haley and Horatio sent Speed back to the lab to process the evidence. We were calling for Haley and Eric heard a cry and the dogs followed the sound and her scent and found her in the underbrush," Calleigh explained.

"How is she?" Speed questioned.

"Her head has a nice bump on it, and her arm appears to be broken but other than that she appears to be okay," Horatio answered.

"So how did it go from finding Haley to Eric getting shot?" Alexx asked.

"Horatio approached the little girl and after she said it was okay he picked her up and carried her out of the underbrush and told the officers to call her parents and the medics. That was when Eric must have seen the perp come out of the shadows because he yelled for everyone to get down, and then the perp fired his gun. I turned and fired my weapon at the sound of gunfire and killed him instantly," Calleigh said matter-of-factly.

"I was still on the ground protecting Haley so I'm assuming Calleigh did a quick head count and that's when she discovered that Eric was down?" Horatio asked not truly sure how she'd discovered Eric's fallen form.

"Yeah that's right, I realized that I couldn't find Eric then I saw him on the ground and he was bleeding profusely. I ran over to him and once I found a pulse I called it in and said we had an officer down. Then Horatio came over and we sat with him until the paramedics got their," she concluded. Silence descended on the group as they digested the events of the day and tried to come to grips with the fact that one of their own was currently fighting for their life.

***

"Haley's safe and sound with her parents again and our suspect has been identified," Frank informed the silent group as he walked into the waiting room a couple of hours later.

"Who was he?" Horatio asked.

"His name was Benjamin Robertson he was Greg's former boyfriend. They broke up and he didn't take it well. He vowed to get back at Greg someday and make him pay," Frank explained.

"Why wait so long?" Speed wondered.

"I don't know he kind of fell off the map after they broke up until a month or so ago, that is. Then he surfaced as a janitor at the day care where the kids go," Frank said.

"He saw that Haley was Greg's daughter and found his chance to get revenge," Calleigh added.

"MMM hmm," Horatio agreed.

"But all he succeeded in doing was getting himself killed and shooting an officer," Speed said bitterly.

"How's Haley?" Calleigh asked the homicide detective.

"She's okay, they took her to the hospital just to check her out but she's okay accept for a bump on the head and a broken wrist. The backup M.E took Robertson to the lab and is awaiting an autopsy by you, Alexx," Frank told her.

"I'll do it later today or tomorrow but not until I know how Eric is," she said.

"Your about to get your wish," Calleigh said as she saw the doctor in blue scrubs spattered with blood walking towards the waiting room consulting his clipboard.

"Family of Eric Delko?" he asked as he stood in the doorway. Everyone stood up and turned to the slightly balding doctor.

"How is he, Doctor?" Horatio asked anxiously.

"Mr. Delko should make a full recovery. He's lucky if the bullet had been a couple of inches lower we'd be talking about a very different situation. His shoulder and upper chest will take sometime to heal but he should be good as new in a few months. I want to keep him here for a couple of days to watch him but he should be able to go home in two or three days," the doctor said. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Eric was going to be okay.

"Can we see him?" Calleigh requested.

"Sure you can, he's in room 119," the doctor informed them.

"Thank you, Doctor," Speed said turning towards the hall to head to his lovers room. Everyone else nodded in agreement before following Speed.

It was a very groggy Eric who turned his head as the door to his hospital room was opened and the rest of the team filed in.

"Hey," he rasped out as he tried to give everyone a smile but it ended up looking more like a grimace instead.

"Hey there, babe," Speed said softly as he moved towards the bed taking Eric's cold hand into his much warmer one. Horatio followed suit and took hold of Eric's other hand.

"Hey how are you feeling, baby?" Alexx asked kindly.

"Okay, these are some incredible pain meds," Eric said with a goofy smile on his face. Calleigh laughed at her friend's face.

"I'd say so by the smile on your face. You look kind of loopy," she teased.

"MMM, Haley get back to her parents okay?" Eric asked.

"Yeah she did and Calleigh killed the guy. Apparently he was a former boyfriend of Greg and he didn't take it well when they broke up and he promised revenge. Then he became a janitor where the kids went to day care a month ago. Then chose to kidnap Haley last night," Speed explained. Eric whistled through his teeth at the news.

"Wow, what a day," Eric commented. They continued to chat for a while until Speed saw Eric's eyes begin to droop and he yawned. Reaching over he pulled the blanket that Eric had pushed down up over his lover's shoulders and tucked it in around him.

"MMM?" Eric mumbled.

"Sleep," Speed instructed softly. Nodding Eric let his eyes fall close and let the pain killers pull him under. The others continued their vigil until they were told hospital visiting hours were over and they had to go home. Horatio and Speed remained at their lover's bedside glad he was going to be okay. Both of them just hoped this was the last close call the three of them would have at least for a while.

***

Next part ofThe Building Blocks of Love.