It was rare to see a sky full of clouds in Miami; save for the fluffy, white clouds that only enhanced the city tropical beauty. The beaches and shops humidity kept the tourists and natives outside until the last drops of sunlight, then it was nightlife until the glowing rays returned. It was the simple beauty that Horatio Caine fell in love with, but with his days filled with hunting the scum of society, he was only granted a few moments each day to appreciate it.

He walked down the boardwalk over one of Miami's many beaches, enjoying the setting sun. Many people walked along the boardwalk. Some were taking pictures; tourists, couples, even photographers capturing the images that the Miami beaches had to offer.

He stepped on the boardwalk, onto the concrete sidewalk, leading to the parking lot. He followed the sidewalk to one of the beaches small shops. His copper hair was tossed gently about in the soft beach breeze. His bright blue eyes hidden behind his polarized lenses held together by a titanium frame. Horatio reached a small coffee shop. He wasn't too fond of coffee, but the shop did have friendly staff that always took the time to talk to their customers.

Horatio reached up for the glass door to the shop, when the second door opened in front of him. A young woman stepped over the threshold. She was of Latin decent. Mexican, possibly Cuban. Her skin had a tone that could not have been achieved by mere tanning beneath the sun. Curls of deep brown were tossed up into a messy bun, with several strands hanging from it. Her slender torso was fitted in a lace tank top that had several layers of lace that fell like a waterfall to her fades jean encased hips. A small, grey and purple duffle bag hung over her shoulders by a single strap draping from her left shoulder down to her right hip. Her white purse hung from her left shoulder with her duffle strap. In her right hands was her drink, purchased from the shop.

The woman looked over to Horatio, giving him a passing smile. One that told him she was in a slight hurry, but was still able to be polite. Horatio nodded, returning a small smile of his own. As she stepped from the shop, Horatio noticed one of the smaller handles of her bag snag on the door's handle. Before he could say anything to the woman, her hurrying steps caught the handle and pulled. There was a distinct rip from her bag before the force jerked the shoulder strap from her body. The force not only sent her bag toppling to the ground, but also jerked the woman bag's to the point where she stumbled backwards onto the ground and her drink spilled over her.

The woman sat on the ground for a moment. She sighed to herself. "Perfect. Just perfect."

"Are you hurt ma'am?" Horatio asked.

The woman looked over her shoulder quickly. "Oh god, please tell me you didn't see that."

"If it makes you feel better ma'am, I've seen worse falls." Horatio said.

The woman laughed lightly. "I'm not so sure about that."

Horatio offered his hand to the woman. He gently helped her to her feet.

The woman brushed her pants and coffee covered shirt. "Thank you."

Horatio bent down for her bag.

"Oh no, you don't-" but Horatio had already gathered the pieces of her bag. One end had nearly ripped open. The caught handle was still at the base of the door. Horatio lifted the bag with two hands. The woman sighed in defeat, but not annoyance. Instead she looked at her tattered bag. "I don't suppose you know any way to repair that thing?"

Horatio looked at the bag. "I'm afraid not ma'am. However I will gladly pay for your refill."

The woman looked at her empty cup and back at Horatio. "Oh no, you've already done enough for me."

Horatio smiled. "It's no trouble ma'am."

The woman sighed, but smiled. She held out her right hand toward Horatio. "I'm Marisol."

Horatio shifted the bag into his left hand and reached for Marisol's hand. "Horatio."

"Do you often offer to pay for drink for people you don't know?" Marisol asked.

Horatio smiled and opened the door to the coffee shop. "This is the first time actually."

Marisol smiled again. She walked back into the coffee shop. Horatio followed her closely, still carrying her bag. They walked into the small shop. Horatio set the bag down on an empty table near the front counter.

"What can I get you?" Horatio asked.

"A small Caramel Macchiato." Marisol answered.

Horatio nodded. "I'll be right back. Have a seat."

Marisol sat down at the table. Horatio walked to the front counter. The young woman behind the counter today was one of Dade University's students. She was a redhead and one of Horatio's favorite attendants. She looked up from the counter and smiled.

"Good afternoon sir." She said.

"Good afternoon miss." Horatio replied.

"What can I get for you today?" she asked.

"A small Caramel Macchiato and a small regular." Horatio answered.

The girl nodded and set to work. She grabbed two cups from the counter, glancing toward Marisol at the table. She smiled and looked back to Horatio. "I see you have a friend today."

Horatio smiled but said nothing.

She poured Horatio's quickly and snapped the lid on. She then moved to the pumps behind her, adding the caramel to Marisol's drink. She added the Espresso, and finally the water. She slipped the cup beneath the steam nozzle for a few minutes. She grabbed a canister of whip cream and topped off the drink and snapped the lid on. She returned to the counter with the finished drink. "There you go Lieutenant."

Horatio pulled out a bill. "Keep the change."

"Thank you Lieutenant."

Horatio picked up the two drinks and walked back to the table. Marisol was attempting to fix her bag, unsuccessfully. She looked up as Horatio reached the table. He paused for only a moment. With the setting sun shimmering off the water through the windows, she was stunningly beautiful. She pulled her bag from the table. Horatio set down their cups and sat across from her.

"Do you always go out of your way to help people this much?" Marisol asked. She took a cautious sip of her drink.

"Usually." Horatio smiled. "It comes with my job."

"And what do you do?"

"I am a Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Crime Lab." Horatio answered.

Marisol nodded. "I see. Well, that does come the job."

"And yourself?" Horatio asked.

Marisol cringed. "Well, I actually work two jobs. I'm a paralegal, but the law firm is closing down."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Horatio said.

"So am I, but with economy as it is, it'll happen. So to pay my bills I work nights as a bartender and waitress at a club." Marisol explained.

Horatio nodded. "How long until the firm closes?"

"The end of the week. Everyone's cleaning out their desks in a few days." Marisol explained.

"Have you looked at any other firms?" Horatio asked.

Marisol shook her head. "I haven't had the time. Between the firm closing and working nights, I barely have two hours between jobs."

"How do get time to yourself?" Horatio asked.

Marisol laughed lightly. "I suppose I could ask you the same question. I mean, I can't imagine a lot of time for you."

Horatio chuckled lightly. "I manage."

"Maybe I should follow your example?" Marisol said.

"You know, the city could always use help for the Prosecutors." Horatio said.

"And I suppose you could get me an interview?" Marisol asked.

Horatio smiled. "I could indeed."

Marisol smiled and laughed. Soft, musical, and for some reason it made him smile. "I appreciate the offer Horatio, but you have already done enough for me."

"I do what I can." Horatio said.

Marisol continued to smile. "Well you've done more than enough for me, Horatio. It was wonderful to meet you, but-"

"You have to go." Horatio finished.

Marisol nodded. "I have to go." She pushed her chair back from the table and slowly stood up. She knelt down and gathered her bag in her arms.

Horatio stood from the table and escorted Marisol out. He pushed open the door and held it for her as she stepped out of the shop.

"Thank you again, Horatio." Marisol said. She turned to leave.

"If it's not too much trouble, would you be interested in dinner?" Horatio asked.

Marisol paused, completely taken aback. "You mean…like a date?"

"Like a date." Horatio answered.

Marisol bit her lip nervously. Then the corner of her lips turned up. "When were you thinking?"

"Saturday night, eight o'clock."

"Saturday at eight. I will be there." Marisol answered.

Horatio nodded. "Okay then."

Marisol smiled and started on her way. "See ya then."

Horatio watched her leave. She walked down the sideway toward the parking lot. She looked over her shoulder once and smiled. Horatio smiled and waved in return. Marisol turned and continued on her way. Horatio turned to opposite direction and started down the sidewalk. His as he walked his steps felt lighter, his chest swelled and he couldn't help but smile.

okay...first chapter is up. yes, this is completely AU. let me know what you think as it goes.