Disclaimer: They're not mine, don't sue.

A/N 1: Hey everybody, sorry for the long wait. Things have been really busy with finals in the next few days, so I haven't had as much time to write, plus I scrapped my original plan for this story and re-wrote it. Anyway, this is a (for the most part) post-episode fic set after 8.02 aka "Hostile Takeover." It's also the third fic for my "What's Left To Loose" series -all spelling/grammar errors are my own.

Enjoy . . .

A light breeze blew off the water, the waves breaking gently beneath the restaurant's dock, while soft music played and offered an oasis (of sorts) to its patrons. Leaning against the rail, Natalia took a moment to evaluate the day. Thankful, that as crazy as things may have gotten –everything had worked out. Her brown eyes shifted to the team's newest member, or rather, it's returning member and stated quietly.

"You know, you held up pretty well today."

Jesse glanced over at the DNA tech, his own thoughts wondering over the day and shrugged. "I wasn't the only one." He sighed, his dark eyes shifting as Calleigh approached.

"Danielle's stable, she's gonna make it." The blond replied happily, her slender fingers already reaching for her martini glass. "So we can all swing by the hospital on the way home from here."

"That, is very good news," Nat agreed. The two women sharing a soft smile of relief; then clinked their glasses together. Jesse smiled as well, still shocked that he was actually back in Miami, let alone with the same people –or at least some of them. So much so, that he missed Horatio slipping in beside him.

"I think you forgot something," H whispered. Silently watching as Jesse picked up his old badge and added, "Why don't you replace it with this?" The LA detective smiled, taking the newer badge that Horatio held out. "Welcome back, CSI Cardoza."

From behind them, Calleigh watched the exchange, not in the least surprised by Horatio's actions. Even if Jesse wasn't 'official' yet, he had more than proven himself that morning. What did surprise her however, was Horatio offering to buy another round, as it was something he hadn't done since Speedle's death. Specifically, let loose and relax with his team. Ryan though, unaware of it, cut in only seconds later.

"Sorry H, but the new guy buys the next round."

Jesse chuckled, reminding Calleigh of the first day she'd met him and fired back. "Hey, technically I was here way before you, but I'll buy." His gaze flicked over to Horatio, "What'll you have?" The team watched anxiously, curious as to what the Lieutenant would order –except maybe Calleigh.

The redhead gave a soft chuckle, scanning over his team's faces and landing on the blonde. A second later, his blue eyes flicked back to Jesse and replied, "A club soda." The soft chorus of groans caused Horatio's eyes to twinkle in amusement, even as Frank and Natalia tried to talk him into it. "Somebody has to drive," he replied. His blue eyes tagging Calleigh's and returning her ghost of a smile.

"Well I would, but I'm not tall enough to reach the pedals." Ryan retorted, causing the others to erupt into a gentle fit laughter.

MIAMIMIAMIMIAMIMIAMIMIAMI

"Enjoyin' the show?" Calleigh quipped, softly slipping onto a cushion beside Horatio. The redhead chuckled softly, following her gaze to Ryan and Jesse, who -even after almost an hour- were still trading barbs.

"Partly," H replied, "Remind you of anyone?"

Knowingly, the blonde rewarded him with a bright smile, her thoughts drifting automatically to Speed and Eric. "And then some, maybe we shouldn't go visit Danielle today."

Horatio nodded, his blue eyes never leaving hers, "I'll take the boys; you look after Frank and Natalia?" Cal sighed, her smile softening and retorted,

"You seem awful confident I'm safe to drive."

"I'm positive, Sweetheart." His gaze flicked down to the glass in her hand, "Unlike the others, you traded the second round for water."

Caught, Calleigh ducked her head, then gracefully rose to her feet and went to collect her co-workers. "Okay, party's over people. Frank, Nat, you're with me; Ryan and Jesse you get Horatio."

Despite some initial protests, the elder two CSI's managed to get the others outside and into their respective Hummers. Parting with a final nod, they moved out towards the main road.

MIAMIMIAMIMIAMIMIAMIMIAMI

Candlelight flickered around the room, casting shadows along the walls and creating a sense of tranquility. A feeling Calleigh relished, openly loosing herself in and was only drawn out of by Horatio.

"Should I go?"

The blonde sighed, glancing across the room at her former lover, "No, 'course not." She paused, a light sparkle appearing in her eyes and added. "I mean, unless Rick followed you –he's already on my ass. No reason to give him more ammo."

Chuckling, Horatio crossed the living room, taking a seat beside her on the couch. "You know me better than that," he answered. In response, Calleigh snuggled in closer to him, resting her head against his chest and allowed her eyes to drift closed. "You ok?" he whispered, allowing his fingers to trail along her bare arm.

"Hmm . . . tired, worried, guilty –take your pick." She inhaled sharply, lifting her head to meet his eyes. "My emotions are just . . . I don't know. If something had happened to you today, I think I would've lost it."

"Hey, we've been through worse," he reasoned gently. "We both know that, so what's really bothering you?"

Calleigh exhaled, easily lacing the fingers of her left hand with his, and squeezed. "IAB, I guess. Every time they've shown up in the past, it never ends well; moreover Rick isn't the kinda guy to wait around –I just wish he'd get it over with."

"If wasn't for Eric, I'm sure he would've." H answered, to which, the blonde nodded numbly, knowing he was right and that Rick had been forced to wait. "You two haven't spoken since the shooting?"

"No. The lawyers have advised against it," Cal replied. "Not that I'd know what to say."

A brief silence drifted between them, during which time Horatio let go of her hand, moving his to cup her cheek and caressed the soft skin. "Second thoughts?" he asked. Within seconds, green pierced into blue –clarity showing for the first time that night.

"Not about this," she stated. Swiftly closing the distance between them and captured his lips. Almost immediately, the kiss deepened, the couple having been without for far too long and Calleigh moaned. Meanwhile, Horatio's fingers tunneled into her hair, urging her body against his own and sighed as she relaxed against him.

"Cal, Sweetheart," he muttered. Feeling her fingers begin to stray, specifically beginning to pull at his shirt buttons, "No." He removed his hands from her hair, easing her back and rested his forehead against hers.

The couple panted, both their minds clearing and Calleigh whimpered. "I'm sorry . . . I know now isn't . . ."

"Shh," he soothed, pulling back to meet her eyes –which were shimmering with tears. "You've been through a lot, we all have; it's nothing to apologize for." The blonde nodded, a lone tear making it's way down her cheek, which Horatio wiped away with his thumb.

Taking a shaky breath, the blonde spoke, her voice soft and cracking slightly. "Stay with me . . . please?" H sighed, placing a kiss to her temple, knowing he couldn't (or rather wouldn't) deny her and replied.

"I'll grab my bag, you go change."

TBC . . .

A/N 2: There's chapter one my readers, it might be a few days before chapter two is up, as I really should've been working on my speech/paper for my Oral Commuication class . . . but this wanted to be written first. And as a result, I'll probably be up all night (trying to finish said speech in time.) Until then, be nice and leave me a review -as they are my crack, lol. :)