"You wanna go for a walk?" She asked, ruffling his hair a bit.

"Hmm, not my strong suit, but sure." Horatio smiled, lightly taking her arm so she could guide him.

She chuckled, taking hold of his arm. "It'll be good for you to live a little in how time actually flows."

"Hmm, on the rare occasion I enjoy the flow of time" Horatio commented, "I've been a little lost between worlds lately"

"I sure hope you enjoy our flow of time together." She looked curiously at him, "Between worlds? Not sure where you should be?"

"Ah... well, just checking out a few things" Horatio rubbed the back of his head, "I want to make sure none of the mistakes in other timelines are made in this one. It's not easy though, trying to alter just the smallest of things to assure that massive problems don't occur. I have to be so careful, it could easily go the wrong way."

"Oh... I didn't know you could go to other timelines. Oh that sounds exciting! Going and being able to see different versions of yourself.... So, has everything been going right in this timeline?"

"So far, yes" Horatio replied, "I'm actually the only Horatio in all timelines I've found. It's very important that I make this the right one for me..." he paused, "... it seems strange to be telling you this"

She smiled, "It seems rather natural to me strangely enough... If I could change anything in any timeline, it would be that I get to spend more time with you... In my time."

That put a smile on Horatio's face, "I wish that was more possible. My time spent with you is by far the most enjoyable throughout my life. Even when you're mad at me, I'm just happy to hear your voice again."

Ciara let go of his hand and place both of her hands on her cheeks, "You really know how to flatter a gal, Time Bug." Her cheeks flushed lightly. "It makes me really happy to hear you say that. Because I really do enjoy being around you too. Which is why I'm always sad when you leave... or angry. You just disappear without a word!" She slipped her hand back around his.

Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like... if I didn't have so many people depending on me, what my life would be like... What my life would be like if I just picked up and left with you. I know sounds silly and I could never leave all my friends and family behind for good... But I just wonder... You know?"

Horatio smiled as she spoke, although it faded slightly by the end of it, "I'm sorry. Even I don't always have time for goodbyes. Quite frankly, I don't like them." he sighed, tilting his head back to feel the sun shine on his face, "I don't wonder about that, no. I know what would happen and it's disastrous. That's one scenario you should never want to live. The world is a better place when you're with your friends and family here, remember that will you? And please, never turn your back to them."

She nodded and kissed him on the cheek, "You always know what's best. With the life I have lived, I don't think my heart would let me leave them all behind or you. We're connected throughout time and space. And no matter where you are or what you're doing, just remember that I'm here and that I care for you very much. You're not alone, Horatio. We're connected." She gave him a bear hug. "Thank you for checking up on me. I don't think I would have left that place if you hadn't come around."

Horatio hugged her back, his fingers clinging to her shirt for just a moment before they let each other go, "Yes. I am aware. You are always there for me, I... I try to be there for you as well."

"I know." She placed his hands on her cheeks and held them. "You've done so much for me, my little time bug. You've given up so much in order to help others. The pain and suffering it must put you through... You are truly this earth's guardian angel. No one could replace you. I just wish I could lift some of your burden off of your shoulders..."

Horaito's thumbs stroked Ciara's cheeks as she held his hands to her face. After a moment they began to tremble and then suddenly he had his arms around her, holding the water mutant tightly as though she were all that was left of his world. His knees buckled as tears began to fall from his sightless eyes and though he tried to form the words to explain, nothing coherent seemed to make it through his lips.

Ciara held him tightly, "Shhhh... It's ok. I'm here for you, Time Bug." She could never imagine what he had to go through day after day; always traveling, never able to settle down. So much stress, so much hurt...

Ciara was able to lead Horatio back to her home and wrapped them in a comforter inside the tent, wiping his tears away. "It's ok, Time Bug... I've got you." She comforted him, running her hands through his hand lovingly, just as Pietro had done for her.

Horatio curled up with her, finally able to take a few deep breaths, "I'm sorry" he apologized quietly, "I didn't mean to break down like this" his voice was still a bit strained, "I just... I don't think... I can't do it anymore..."

"It's ok. Everyone needs to cry sometimes. It actually makes me feel happy that you feel safe enough with me to show this side of you... What's troubling you, Time Bug?" She asked, coxing him into drinking some water.

Horatio shook his head, sitting up and breathing deeply as he wiped the tear stains off his cheeks, "It's... too complicated. I'm not sure I can adequately explain anyway. Basically... I'm just starting to wonder if I can handle leaving again."

She nodded. He didn't have to tell her if she didn't want to though it sounds like he didn't know how to explain it. "You don't have to leave if you don't want to Horatio. No one is forcing you to go anywhere."

sighing, he rested his head on her shoulder, "If only it were so simple... may I stay for the night?"

"You can start whenever or for however long you wish.. As long as you don't mind sharing the queen size mattress with me. I'm kinda lacking proper furniture. Besides, I think you need a good cuddle. "She wrapped her arms around him and gave him another hug.

Horatio curled up with her again, hugging her back and soon he was out like a light. Apparently he was exhausted or something.

Ciara snuggled up to him, and drifted off after watching him for a good hour, wondering about him.