Because I'm pissed beyond belief at FOX, I'm stepping away from the story I currently have in the works to write Episode 1, Season 4. Bastards. GRRRRRR.

Emily had long since retired to bed but her words kept reverberating in Cal's mind. What are you waiting for?

He had told her that he didn't have an answer but in reality, he did. Despite all his bravado it came down to one thing: fear. Fear that she wouldn't feel the same way – he knew she loved him but in that way? He didn't think he was exactly her type – well, Alec was a tosser so there's no comparison, but Burns was kind of like Captain America, right? How could he compete? And then there was the other big fear: he didn't want to taint her any more than he already had. She was such a beautiful, loving person with a gentle spirit and he was, well, him. He was impulsive, rash, abrasive, street wise and at times, bloody intolerable. Could he be anymore opposite?

Sipping his Scotch, he glanced at the clock. Just a smidge after midnight. He wondered if she was still up.

He could be better, right? It was, in fact, possible. But was it probable? Could he ever be the man that she deserved?

Cal startled when his cell phone went off. He pulled it out of pocket, mouth going dry when he saw 'Gillian Foster' pop up on his screen.

"Hey luv."

"Hi Cal. I didn't wake you did I?"

"Not even close."

Gillian was quiet but Cal didn't dare push. Then: "I'm sorry. Just been having problems with insomnia lately."

"Understandable."

"I also wanted to thank you."

"Why's that?"

"You're always there for me and I wanted to say that I really appreciate it. I don't think I got a chance to tell you that."

He smiled sadly. "Where else would I be darlin'?"

Her breathing hitched and he heard a sniffle. Trying to be brave. Didn't have to be though. Not with him.

Something occurred to him at that moment. "Gill, did you want to take some time off? A change of scenery might be good for you."

She didn't say anything.

"Come on! You have to trust that we won't burn down the place, yeah?"

"I don't know Cal." Gillian sounded very reluctant.

"Should I be insulted?" he queried, smirking. He knew that she could hear it in his voice without a doubt.

A laugh escaped from the phone and a rare smile crossed his face at the sound. "What do you say?"

"I'll think about it." She yawned and he stifled his own as a result. "I think I'm going to try to get some sleep now. Thank you, Cal."

"Anytime, luv."

(BREAK)

Come Monday morning, he was reclining back in his chair, boots on his desk. It was actually a little slow today; Torres and Loker were easily handling the couple of cases they had on the docket. Cal took this time to lose himself in his thoughts. Gillian was a little late this morning – had actually overslept. Unusual, but he knew she desperately needed the rest. Maybe it'll do her some good.

Making a decision, his boots hit the floor with a thud. He started to make some calls.

(BREAK)

"What's this?"

Gillian approached his desk half-heartedly waving an envelope.

"What's what?" Cal peered up at her through his glasses.

"I think you know."

Removing his glasses, he tossed them on the desk before leaning back in his chair. He laced his fingers over his stomach, just looked at her and waited.

"Cal. You can't do this." Her tone was more confused then anything.

"Can't or shouldn't?"

She pressed her lips together, looked down and turned away.

He wasn't really sure how to respond to this. Had he overstepped? Dumb question. Probably. Hell. Lurching out of his chair, Cal moved around the desk, and leaned against it. He was close, but not too close. "I thought it would be a good idea."

Gillian moved away, keeping her back to him.

"Look, I….I'm sorry if you feel I'm poking into your business again. Getting to be a bit of a habit, yeah?" He tried to keep his tone light.

"Getting to be?" She turned to face him, crying, but smiling.

"Uh," he frowned, confused. "I'm not sure how I should take this…"

Stepping close, she cradled his face and gently kissed him. It was chaste but sweet. He almost forgot to breathe as he stared at her.

"Gillian, you're killin' me. You know I have a hard time reading you." He noted that her hands still hadn't moved and her face was slightly flushed. Good sign.

"Cal, I'm just a little overwhelmed. I can't believe you did this." She allowed her fingers to trail down his cheeks before working their way down and gently taking his hands.

"Are you going to go?"

She looked at him like he was cracked before giving him a delicious smile that made his knees feel weak. "Of course I'm going to go."

(BREAK)

The next part of the plan was a lot more dubious.

"This place better be in one piece when I get back." He had just informed Loker and Torres that he had an emergency and had to go back to London. Cal now stared at them icily, getting his point across. He was fairly certain that they'd be okay solo, but he'd never inform them of that.

Loker caught Torres' eye and they both stifled smiles.

"Oi, I saw that!" He kept his mask in place, turned heel and strided out. "No burnin' embers! Got it?"

(BREAK)

Cal didn't have to worry about Emily. She was currently with her mom in Chicago visiting family.

He decided to give her a call from the airport. Maybe he'd even come clean.

"Hey Dad. What's up?"

"Hey Em." He couldn't help but smile when he heard her voice. She already suspected something. "Just wanted to touch base."

The PA blared in the background.

"Dad – where are you?"

"Airport darlin'."

Pause. "Are you following Gillian?" The grin was evident in her tone.

"Oh, wow Em. There's my flight. Gotta go. Love ya!"

"Love you too Dad. Be good!"

He disconnected, not moving. His flight wasn't for another 45 minutes.

(BREAK)

His destination was quite secluded. He chose it for its beauty and peace. Gillian deserved it. Cal only hoped that his unexpected arrival didn't ruin everything for her. He hadn't come with any particular expectation in mind. He only wanted to spend time with her away from everything that could possibly pull them down.

The seaplane brought him directly to the dock by the beach. The small resort spread out before him. There were only ten cottages peppered on either side of a clubhouse area with included an upscale restaurant, a bar and grill and of course, a pool. Most of the buildings played peek-a-boo with palm trees. It was very quiet, even more so, considering vacation season hadn't officially arrived yet. Cal walked up the pier and headed to the clubhouse to check in.

(BREAK)

Gillian spent most of her days lying on the beach, reading romance novels and listening to the waves. It was hard to imagine that there could be some place so peaceful. The complete antithesis to DC.

Cal had arranged all this for her. Whenever she contemplated that fact, tears began to sting her eyes. He really was one of a kind. Such a difficult man with a soft side known to few.

She left the chaise lounge positioned perfectly under her palm tree and moved across the warm sand toward the bungalow with its lovely wrap around porch and thatched roof. It was only about 50 yards from the water, affording a wonderful view. Gillian climbed the steps to let herself in, looking forward to a relaxing bath before dinner. As she pushed the door open, she stopped short, taking note of the beautiful flower arrangement on her dining room table.

Gently pulling the card from its holder, a smile played upon her lips, crinkling the corners of her eyes.

"Hello Gillian. Hope you're having a wonderful time. I also hope you still appreciate surprises. Love, Cal."

Bemused, she considered the possibilities.

(BREAK)

The pianist was playing to entertain guests as they ate, drank, mingled and danced. Dinner was a formal occasion at the resort and everyone was dressed spectacularly. Gillian chose blue to accentuate her eyes and a dress cut to accentuate her figure and show a little cleavage without being tawdry. She could feel eyes upon her but that wasn't her intent. She enjoyed feeling sexy and a bit mysterious on her own terms.

The maitre d pulled her chair out and properly seated her. He gave her a smile and although he was handsome, she was picturing someone else. "Thank you."

As usual, as per her request, she was by the window. Watching the sunset never became tiresome. Layers of various shades of orange and raspberry settled across the sky presenting a scene that truly inspired. It was breathtaking. Lost in her reverie, other thoughts began to stir. Gillian couldn't help but wonder what he was doing right now. Probably beans on toast washed down with a beer. A pang of guilt struck as the waiter brought her a glass of wine.

Nodding her thanks, her eyes were instantly drawn to a figure just entering the dining room. She frowned before her mouth dropped open. She could only stare as he approached.

He stopped before her, and gave a theatrical bow. "Hello darlin'."

Gillian continued to stare. Cal. And he looked really good. White jacket, black tie, cummerbund, and slacks. His cheeks were even freshly shaven.

She finally found her voice. "Oh my God, Cal! What are you doing here?"

Behind the smile, his eyes were tentative, almost fearful. "Just happened to be in the neighborhood."

Confusion, amusement, tenderness and anger all flickered across her face in rapid succession. She seemed at a complete loss for words.

Heart quickening, he held a hand out to her. "Dance?" Sometimes it seemed best to skip words.

Observing his earnest expression, she couldn't help but think how boyish he suddenly seemed. Vulnerable. Extremely un-Cal Lightman like. This was an entirely new development. She took his hand and allowed him to lead her toward the dance floor.

He was graceful and she followed easily. He held her close, one hand in hers, the other lightly resting at her waist. As they danced together, she began to relax against him, enjoying his quiet strength, breathing in his masculine scent. His eyes gradually moved up to hers and stayed. Confident, playful Cal was back. "Surprise."

She started to giggle, tension from the last few weeks suddenly breaking away. He raised his eyebrows and she could feel his low chuckle vibrate through his chest as he joined her in laughter. Gillian thought it was one of the best sounds in the world as she moved closer and wrapped her arms around him.

(BREAK)

They spent most of their time swimming, relaxing and talking, with the occasional nature hike thrown in. He watched her continually, adoring her expressions and reactions as she made animal and plant discoveries. It was almost as if they were getting to know one another all over again. Away from the congestion and insanity of real life, it seemed so much easier. Of course this scared the hell out of him too. What would happen when it was time to leave? He had yet to admit to her that he was in love with her, but the real world was nipping at their heels.

"Cal?"

"Hmmm?"

"Race you."

"What?"

Gillian pulled off her cover up and proceeded to drop it on the beach. She was grinning at him. "From here to that buoy and back again."

"Seriously?"

She flickered an eyebrow at him before bolting into the water.

"Bloody hell." Cal yanked his t-shirt over his head, threw it and chased after her.

The water was clear, warm and beautiful as he charged in, right on her heels. Powerful strokes brought him even with her before he pulled slightly ahead and reached the buoy. She popped up next to him just a moment later and proceeded to use him as a launching point in her quest to get to the shore first.

Recovering with a growl he propelled himself through the water determined to catch her but to no avail. Gillian was running up the beach as he reached the shore. Solid ground beneath his feet pushed him to a sprint and it didn't take long for him to catch up.

"Oi! Little cheater!" He caught her in a tackle in the soft sand, fingers finding ribs in furious tickle punishment.

Laughing, she weakly tried to kick at him but he used part of his body weight to keep her from getting away. "Uh uh, no ya don't."

He stopped suddenly, eyes widening as he stared down at her, still laughing, gasping and covered in sand. Gillian looked up at him, startled, sensing the mood change. She watched as anguish flashed across his features, followed by love. Breathing hard, warmth began to spread through her body as she met his eyes.

Cal gently pushed her wet hair back from her face with his fingers. "You're so beautiful." With that, he started to roll away from her before she caught his arm.

He glanced down at the delicate fingers clutching his bicep before he slowly met her eyes again. They were dark as they locked with his. A jolt of desire ran through his body but he had to be sure.

"Gill?"

"Yes Cal?" Her voice was soft and breathy.

His eyes slid away wondering if he could possibly do this. One of the most important things in his life and he felt like a coward. He couldn't find his words.

A hand snaked around the back of his neck and pulled his face down within inches of hers. "Tell me."

Taking a breath, he decided to just blurt it out. "Gillian, I am completely and irrevocably in love with you." The same vulnerability from before crept into his expression.

Tenderness further darkened the passion in her eyes. Tears began to spill. "I love you too Cal." She pulled him down to her and their lips met. Initially the kiss was soft and tentative but long buried passion quickly emerged within both of them. He took her mouth hungrily, his tongue demanding entrance, which she quickly permitted. They kissed with fervor before realization kicked in and they slowly pulled apart.

She smiled lovingly up at him. "Maybe we should take the party inside."

"Race you!"

Maybe it wouldn't have been exactly an episode but I kind of went off on a sweet little tangent. Hope you enjoyed.