Hey I just want to say thanks for all the nice reviews and e-mails. I appreciate them all, as I smile reading them.

Happy Reading, enjoy!

The day was quiet and moving along nicely as Calleigh cleaned up her cases and prepared for her lecture. She had her back to the door and was just putting away one of the guns when the door opened suddenly. She turned to find John grinning at her.

"Hey, I knew I'd find you in here with all the guns," John smiled at her. "I've been meaning to talk to you. I thought maybe we could go and grab some lunch?"

Calleigh looked down at her watch, thinking about Horatio. The last thing she needed was for him to suddenly show up. She lifted her head, and saw John's expecting look, closing her eyes realizing what she just did - checking her watch and all; as if she was going to go with him. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed as Eric came walking over. She looked at John then back to Eric.

"Hey Eric, what can I do for you?"

Eric handed her a file and looked at John before returning his gaze back to her. "I just needed your signature before you take off tomorrow."

She smiled and signed it, giving Eric a look. "Here you go and I'll be back before you know it, so keep my lab in order. Or else."

Eric chuckled, "Yes ma'am."

"Just give me another 10 minutes and I'll meet you in the lab, OK?" She gave him another knowing look and he caught on.

Nodding, Eric replied that he'd be waiting and turned to leave but not before regarding John once more.

"Sorry about that John," Calleigh apologized.

Hagen smiled at her and spoke softly, "No problem, gorgeous." He moved closer to her now and Calleigh held her breath hesitant.

"John, um… I thought we already spoke about this," Calleigh replied.

"What? I can't ask you to lunch now? That's all I'm asking for, Calleigh. I just thought we could talk over lunch," John replied, brows furrowing.

Calleigh raised an eyebrow, nodding. "John, I already have plans for lunch but thank you anyway."

John shook his head now disappointedly. "Yeah, I know. How could you pick him over me?"

Calleigh's eyes went wide. 'Shit, he knows… how the hell does he know? Oh god, Alexx is right, this must be so obvious.' She raked her hand through her hair again, stressed. Her voice was quiet as she spoke. Alexx was just coming in and stopped seeing John there, so she waited and heard everything.

"John, I told you I had feelings for—"

"For him! I still can't believe you could choose him over me." John spat at Calleigh.

"John, we tried and it didn't work between us, you know that. I admitted I had feelings for someone else; you knew this. Why are you doing this again? Can't we just be friends and leave it at that?" Calleigh questioned.

He snorted a laugh. "Friends huh, you're a real piece of work. When you're through using Delko, I'll bet you'll want to be friends with him too, hmm?"

Calleigh's eyes went wide as she realized that John thought she was dating Eric. John took a step towards her and she took a step back glaring, she tried to keep her tone firm. "John I think its best—"

He grabbed her arm suddenly and backed her up against the wall, growling. "I don't give a shit what the fuck you think is best! What if I think its best to fuck you right here, right now!"

Calleigh's eyes went wide in shock. "John, get off me now!" Calleigh pushed him and he leaned his weight against her on the wall. "John, I'm warning you—"

Alex started to rush in as John cut her off. Grabbing her other hand he held them both against the wall, pressing into her. She mustered all the strength she could and lifted her knee right into his groin hard. He doubled over, releasing her and fell to the floor holding himself in pain.

"Don't you ever touch me again! Do you hear me? Ever! Stay out of my lab and stay away from me!" Calleigh screamed. She looked up, saw Alexx, and looked back down at John shaking her head at him, disgusted. He was gasping for air as he looked up at her. "You're a fucking bitch…"

She narrowed her eyes on him in shock as her face went hot red. She lifted her hand up and swung, slapping him right in the face as hard as she could, causing her own hand to sting. "There… now I'm a bitch!" She stormed out right past Alexx.

Alexx went over to John. "You're lucky if she doesn't report you. If you know what's good for you, and you value your job, you better stay away from her."

He got up and looked at Alexx, still gasping. "I was just trying to talk to her."

"Yeah, I saw how you were trying to talk to her," Alexx shook her head. "You should be ashamed of yourself; treating her like that…you call yourself a man?"

John grew nervous. "It-it-it…just happened!"

Alexx cocked her brow. "Yeah, just like her knee happened," she snapped and went in search of Calleigh.

Calleigh went out front to get some much-needed air when her phone rang. She exhaled and looked at it to find that it was Horatio calling, she sighed, deciding not to answer. He would know something was wrong; he could always tell when she was upset or disturbed by something. She held the phone in her hand as Alexx came walking out to find her.

"Hey honey, are you ok?"

Calleigh nodded looking down and spoke softly. "How much of that did you see?"

Alex gave her a look. "I saw it all, Calleigh. Someone has to put that ape in his place."

"I just did." Alexx shot her another look and Calleigh nodded.

"Alexx, please don't tell him about this," she begged.

"Then you should, Calleigh." Alexx minded her.

"No, its fine, I won't be seeing him again." Calleigh replied firmly.

"Calleigh, you know as well as I do, he'll be back, he's not going to give up. Listen, let's go inside and talk about this, ok." Alexx put her hand on her back, rubbing it softly.

They went back in and walked down to the ME's office. They were alone and Calleigh began pacing back and forth.

Alexx pushed the stool towards her. "You're making me dizzy, sit down and relax for a moment will you?"

Calleigh nodded and sat. "I still can't believe this just happened."

Alexx gave a quick glance up at the window to make sure no one was there. "Honey, you really need to tell Horatio what happened. He needs to know."

"Alexx, don't start, I'm not telling him about this. It's over and that's it." Calleigh replied sternly.

Horatio just walked up to the window and saw them talking. He smiled as he was about to talk into the Mic when he saw how upset Calleigh looked, and instead listened for a moment.

"Honey, you want him to be open and honest with you and you're not with him. Isn't that hypocritical of you?" Alexx questioned.

"Alexx, don't make me feel guilty about this… it's not like that." Calleigh replied.

Alexx glared at her. "Really, then what's it like, Calleigh? Listen honey, he just needs to have a talk with John to make sure this doesn't happen again."

"Alexx, I don't want him in the middle of this, please. I know he'll put John in his place but I don't know how he'll react. I don't want Horatio to get in any trouble for my stupid mistakes."

"What stupid mistakes, Calleigh? You didn't do anything wrong, he just can't manhandle you whenever he wants Calleigh; he's a brute and a coward. What if he hurts you next time?" Alexx wondered

"I can handle myself, you know that, and there won't be a next time," Calleigh sighed.

"What I know is that he is twice your size and weight. What if your knee wasn't enough, Calleigh? You got lucky this time, I seriously think you should tell Horatio and report the bastard." Alexx replied.

She sighed and leaned down covering her face with both hands. She exhaled deeply and began to speak now, looking back up and shaking her head. "Alexx, I just don't…" She stopped in shock as her eyes traveled up-wards and she saw him standing there with both hands on his hips, looking down at her and he was not happy by any means.

Alexx saw Calleigh's face go pale. "Uh-oh, is it him?"

Calleigh looked back at Alexx and nodded slightly. She looked back up to see him put his hand up and hold up one finger. His voice suddenly came over the PA and filled the room. "Wait… right there."

Both their eyes went wide now hearing him and Alexx shook her head. Calleigh nodded to him and he was gone.

Calleigh shook her head at Alexx. "Oh Lord… Please tell me that Mic is off?"

Alexx reached up and pressed a button as a loud click was heard. "It's off now. And I think I should give you two a moment."

"Oh my god, did he just hear everything???" Calleigh got up and began to pace as the door opened and he walked in.

Alexx tried to excuse herself now. "I was just leaving fo—"

"Would you mind staying, Alexx?" His tone was low and serious.

Her eyes widened, "Horatio, I think this is between you two."

"Calleigh, would you mind if she stays?" Horatio questioned.

Calleigh nodded and spoke very low, "No, of course not."

Horatio looked back to Alexx who nodded. "Ok."

He walked over to Calleigh who stopped pacing and looked down. "Please tell me what happened."

She nodded and looked down as he looked into her eyes. "Nothing, really, it's not a big deal."

"Calleigh, I just happened to bump into John in the hall, and he is sporting five fingers on his face. I'm betting…" He reached down and lifted her right hand palm up and nodded, "I'm betting, this is the hand that put them there."

Calleigh remained quiet and looked down. "It's over; can't we just leave it at that?"

"No, we can't. Now please tell me what happened?"

Calleigh looked up at him and held his eyes; they were soft, tender, and understanding. She knew he was upset but not with her. She let her voice go very low. "Horatio…" she closed her eyes and shook her head, looking down. "He just got angry and grabbed me again; I don't think he meant it."

Horatio's brows went up. "Again?"

Calleigh closed her eyes and exhaled, now angry she just gave him more information than he needed to know. "I can handle myself," she replied annoyed.

"Yes, I agree and from the look of Johns face… you did exactly that. " Horatio commented.

Alexx chuckled and Horatio turned to her. She put her hand on her hip and smirked. "He's a brute, if you ask me; someone needs to put him in his place,"

He turned back to Calleigh now and spoke softly. "Why did you hit him?"

Calleigh looked up and held his gaze now both upset and angry. Her voice was sharp. "You know what, it's over and done, that's it." She slipped her hand out of his and walked right out. His brows arched as he watched her go and turned back to Alexx, now giving her a look.

"Don't look at me, go after her and make her tell you," Alexx replied.

He exhaled a deep breath and rested both his hands on his hips. "Alexx, should I let her handle this herself?"

Alexx nodded. "No, she can't handle him as much as she thinks she can, she needs help on this one."

Horatio nodded. "Alright, thank you Alexx."

"Horatio wait, go easy on her… The reason she didn't want to tell you was because she's worried if you interfere you'll get in trouble."

"I understand. I just don't see Calleigh using her hands, which concerns me."

"Honey, she was in the right. He deserved that and more from where I was standing."

Horatio gave Alexx an expecting look and a tilt of his head. "So you saw everything then?"

"Yes. At first, he just grabbed her arm…"Alexx began trailing off.

Horatio's eyes narrowed now. "And?"

"Horatio…" She sighed and held his gaze knowing she was doing the right thing now telling him. "He backed her into the wall and grabbed both her arms," She arched her brow with her next words, stressing them. "Using his weight against her."

Horatio's eyes burned fire now and his jaw set; he knew what Alexx meant. Alexx saw it and knew he would be upset but someone had to tell him.

"Horatio, promise me you're not going to do anything drastic." Alexx replied.

He nodded; "That, depends on John. I'll wait for her to leave tomorrow and then I'll… then I'll have a…talk with him."

Alexx nodded to him seeing his anger. "Horatio, I can see you're angry, just keep things in perspective."

"Yes Alexx, I plan on it," Horatio told her.

She rolled her eyes, "Horatio that's not what I meant."

"I know, but it is what I meant." He walked to the door and stopped turning back to her. "Alexx… thank you." He turned and left in search of Calleigh.

He headed for the ballistics lab and she wasn't there, so he checked the firing range, and sure enough there she was firing off round after round. He stood back and let her empty her gun into the paper target.

She finished and put the gun down sighing deeply. She put a new clip in but paused feeling his presence now. She never turned around but knew he was there. She was still angry and her tone said it all. "Are you going to say something?"

His voice was soft and even. "You're… holding it too tight."

She turned and gave him a glare. He looked down and back up at her as she turned back and fired rapidly into the target, emptying the whole clip. She put the gun down and pressed the button to retrieve the paper target. She sighed once more in a failed attempt to calm her nerves.

Horatio moved closer behind her now speaking softly. "Hey, are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I told you I could handle myself." Calleigh turned to him now with her tough as nails attitude.

He nodded speaking softly. "Yes, you did."

"Just forget it Horatio, its over," Calleigh reminded.

Horatio tilted his head to her. "That… is not possible."

"Can we talk about this later, please?" Calleigh begged her voice strained.

He nodded, "Yes, of course."

She gave him a tender smile and exhaled. "Thank you."

Horatio nodded once more, "Not a problem." He held her eyes. "Would you like to go get some lunch? It's a quiet day and I figured on asking the whole team. Maybe we can salvage it and have a few laughs, what do you think?

Calleigh nodded. "That sounds like a great idea." She took his hand and held it, squeezing lightly. "Thank you for understanding…I'm sorry for the way I've been…"

He gave her a smile. "You have nothing to be sorry for, ok? Just forget it. Now what do you say we go and gather the team?"

She gave him a smile. "Um-hmm, I'll go snap up Alexx and you can grab the guys."

"Sounds like a plan, c'mon beautiful. By the way, nice shooting." Horatio commented.

Calleigh cocked a brow and she smiled. "I was holding it too tightly," she teased.

He nodded and smiled as they walked out together, Horatio went into the lab as Calleigh headed for post.

Eric was working on case file looking down and when Horatio walked in his head came up. "Hey H, what's up?"

"How's lunch sound to you?" Horatio looked around. "Where is Mr. Wolfe?"

Eric smiled. "Lunch sounds great, and Ryan should be right back."

Horatio nodded. "Ok, Calleigh just went to snap up our M.E. so they'll be on their way soon enough."

Eric nodded. "Everything ok with her and John?"

Horatio's brows arched to Eric now in question.

Eric looked down, embarrassed. "I mean, when I was down there she seemed… uncomfortable. She caught me off guard."

Horatio tilted his head to him. "How do you mean?"

"She told me she would meet me in the lab in 10 minutes, liked we planned, but we didn't and I knew she just wanted to get away from him. I just went along with her but Hagen didn't look to happy about it."

Horatio nodded, taking in more of this now and putting it all together. His eyes narrowed looking down and Ryan came walking in.

"Hey H, how's it going?"

"Fine and how does lunch sound to you, Mr. Wolfe?"

"Sounds great, is it a team lunch?" Ryan wondered aloud.

Horatio nodded as Calleigh opened the door. "Ok, we're set, that's everyone." Alexx walked in with her now.

"Only one problem now," Calleigh remarked.

Horatio looked at her. "What would that be?"

"Where are we going?" she smiled.

"Well how about we leave that up to you?" Horatio remarked.

Calleigh smiled. "Me?"

He chuckled, "Yes, you."

She pursed her lips thinking now. Ryan and Eric laughed and she gave them a look. "What's so funny?"

Eric chuckled, "We already know what you're going to say… Fridays, right?"

"No." She sassed. "I was thinking about the News Café, its only 5 minutes away and I love the bruschetta."

Horatio nodded. "Ok, News Café it is. Calleigh you and Alexx are with me." He turned to Eric and Ryan. "You two are following, but this is no time to horse around and race, are we clear?"

The two younger men nodded walking out and Eric told Ryan he was driving.

Alexx chuckled, "Don't worry Ryan honey, you can drive back."

They all started laughing now as they walked out and got in the Hummers, driving off. They arrived and were seated at a big round table outside over looking the beach. There was a huge canopy overhead blocking the sun and a cool beautiful breeze blowing in from the ocean.

Calleigh sat near Alexx, and Horatio made sure to tuck them both in, moving back over and sitting on Calleigh's left afterward. Eric and Ryan were quick to order drinks and appetizers as Alexx announced she felt like having a frozen sun runner.

Horatio gave her a smile and she nodded at him. "I'll make sure to get the virgin one, don't worry, I won't be losing any DB's today."

Calleigh announced she wanted one too now, with extra whip cream, and Horatio held her gaze, grinning. He ordered a Cappuccino blast and Calleigh gave him a look back now, recalling their last coffee encounter. The food came quickly and they all dug in, eating and speaking about work. They were happy and smiling, just admiring the beautiful view of the beach and enjoying each other's company.

Horatio took a moment to lock this away in his mind, looking at each one of them in an attempt to remember their laughter. He was happy to be with his team- he quickly rephrased that thought in his mind now. 'His family,' he corrected. He hardly ever got to take them to lunch and when he did, they usually got a call, but today was different and they were all enjoying themselves.

The waiter came with the bill and Horatio took out a credit card and handed it back to him. Alexx announced she was going for a short walk and Calleigh joined her. Eric and Ryan stood with Horatio and waited.

Ryan joked, "It's amazing we didn't get a call out."

Eric jabbed him. "Don't jinx us now, Ryan."

Horatio grinned. "It has been a rather quiet day, I'm a little surprised myself."

Eric stood up and looked out. "Uh-oh… a few minutes alone and they're already causing trouble."

"What?" Horatio chuckled getting up and looking to see two men talking to them.

"Come on Ryan, lets go save the damsels in distress." Eric laughed and gave Horatio a nod, walking away with Ryan.

Horatio signed the receipt and kept a close eye on them now. He walked out still standing on the sidewalk and slipped on his sunglasses. He rested his hands on his hips watching as they all laughed and smiled walking back now.

Ryan chuckled, "Don't worry H, we know how to keep our girls in line. Isn't that right ladies?"

Alexx laughed, "Ryan baby you need to get that head examined."

Calleigh gave him a smirk. "Why do men always think they could keep us under control?" she sassed.

"Oh please, you think you're so tough." Ryan chuckled back, and Calleigh raised her eyebrow to him, warning him. He laughed at her.

Her eyes narrowed as she swayed right up to him and leaned near his ear, whispering, "Ryan…" Then she quickly placed her foot behind his ankle and shoved him back hard. Ryan landed in the sand with a loud thump, looking up at Calleigh in shock. "I would like to see you try," she said looking down at him with one hand on her hip. She turned her sexy hips and swayed away, right past a grinning Horatio.

Ryan stood there with his mouth open in shock looking up at Eric.

Alexx chuckled, "And baby you caught her on a good day, normally she would have made you eat the sand."

Eric laughed and nodded down at him giving him a hand up now. "What's wrong with you talking like that, don't you know how to treat a lady?"

Ryan nodded to Eric now getting up. "Damn she's strong."

Eric laughed now, "You still have a lot to lean about our bullet girl."

Ryan scratched his head. "Tell me about it." They walked back now catching up with the women. Horatio chose to let them all go in front, as he had himself a good laugh.

They headed back and gathered in front now, thanking Horatio for lunch. Calleigh gave him a tender smile as they went back inside and each went in a different direction. Horatio headed over to reception and checked his messages; he headed back to his office with them. The day moved on quietly and everyone was able to catch up on the paper work and case files. It was getting late and Horatio headed down to ballistics.

"Knock, knock…"

Calleigh gave him a huge smile. "I was just thinking about you."

"Hmm, really…" Horatio grinned as he approached her.

"And... what were you thinking?"

"I was thinking how wonderful you are, I was thinking that I had a very nice time at lunch." Calleigh commented.

"You were kind of…hard on Mr. Wolfe." Horatio remarked.

She wrinkled her nose. "You think? He shouldn't talk like that."

"Mm-hmm, yes on both counts. You do know he was joking though?" He gave her a worried look.

She chuckled, "Um-hmm, I know." Calleigh smiled with a small giggle. "So we still on handsome?"

"Of course, I was actually coming down here now to tell you to go home." Horatio replied.

Her brows furrowed. "It's only 3:30 Horatio, I should at least—"

"Go home, sweetheart. I'll see you in a little while, ok?" Horatio winked.

She nodded. "Ok, I'm going," she replied, as she leaned on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss.

He licked his lips and smiled. "Mmm, spearmint?"

"My chewing gum," Calleigh giggled.

"I like it, perhaps I could do… more taste testing?"

"I like the sound of that but later," Calleigh replied.

He grinned. "Ok, I'll walk you out."

She smiled happily and he walked her out and to her car. They locked gazes for a moment and he nodded to her. "Alright, you better get going, I know you have to prepare and pack."

"See you in a bit, handsome," she pulled away as he watched her go.

He walked back in and his phone rang. 'It never fails at the end of the day,' he thought. He looked down at his phone. Code 31, DB found. He sighed as Eric and Ryan came walking out, and Alexx was heading toward him.

"We'll at least they didn't wait until 5:00 to page us." Horatio remarked as his team surrounded him. "Everyone set?"

"Yep, we're all ready," Ryan answered.

"Ok, let's go see what lies ahead, shall we?" He headed for the door and held it as they each walked through ready to take on their next case.