We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

DISCLAIMER: We don't own any of the Miami characters and we're NOT making any money off of them!

SEQUEL TO: "Legacy Of Madness"


Getting out of the car, Horatio's eyes settled on the façade of the house, amazed at what he saw. The last time he was on site, the house had been but a shell. Now that it was completed, it was nothing like he imagined. Lining the walkway were neatly manicured plants and two palm trees hovered over the entrance leading to the doorway. The rest of the property was landscaped perfectly, the grass greener than he'd ever seen it before. Turning to Calleigh, he arched a brow and then looked to the house again, unsure if he'd actually gotten the right place.

"Calleigh, are you sure this is it? I mean, this looks like the house, but…it's…"

"Not what you imagined?" she asked as she came around to him. Taking his hand, she looked at the house and smiled, "Tim asked my ideas for the landscaping and what you might like. I went with what I knew."

Shaking off his stupor, Horatio looked to her and smiled, "It's more than I could ever imagine. I'm glad your input was taken in consideration. It's beautiful." Walking slowly, with her in tow, he marveled at the detailing of his home. Shaking his head again, he sighed, "It's just…amazing, Calleigh. This is ours."

Smiling, she looked to him, "I was hoping you'd like it. Tim did have to make a few adjustments for you on the inside being you weren't here…but it was nothing too major. Just placement of a few things in the bathrooms and in the laundry room."

"I'm sure things are okay," he answered back, almost bubbling over. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled a set of keys out just as they approached the door and then glanced to her. Poising the key at the lock, he asked, "Ready?"

"Yeah." Watching as he slipped the key into the lock and turned it, she felt the anxiousness bubbling at the surface. When he opened the door for them and let her through first, she slipped off her sunglasses and marveled at the spaciousness of the house, "Wow…"

"I agree," he answered back in awe. Standing in the foyer, he saw the vastness of the home and shook his head, "This is a lot of space." Walking towards one hall, he glanced back at Calleigh and arched his brow playfully, "Care to go exploring with me?"

Smiling more, Calleigh nodded, "Sounds like fun." Walking with him, she shook her head as they went, "Horatio…this…this is wonderful. There's so much room here." Coming to the living room and seeing the large windows that looked out towards the blue water of the Atlantic, she sighed, "Check out that view."

Stunned into silence, Horatio loosened her hand and walked toward the windows. The beauty and serenity of the view planted him and he shook his head minutely, feeling the need to be out there. It seemed as if the water called to him and he while he was anxious to go, he knew that he had priorities.

Feeling her come behind him and place her hand on his back, he exhaled lightly, "It's so beautiful, Calleigh. Can you believe that this is ours?"

Looking out with him, she shook her head, "No…it's more then I ever thought it'd be." Leaning her head onto his arm, she raised her brow and looked up at him, "This was you're vision though. What you'd asked them to build for you."

"I wanted to be able to see the Atlantic. It provides me with great comfort." Breaking his gaze with the white caps of the Atlantic, Horatio turned to Calleigh and caressed her cheek, "Now, as for the rest of the house, I didn't realize that I asked for all the space. How many bedrooms did it end up with?"

"Well…" she replied as she looked around and saw the stairs, "Tim said there was a guest room and possibly an office down here with a bathroom between them…and three bedrooms and two baths upstairs." Looking back to him, she smirked, "Think that's enough room for our family?"

"More than enough. Cerise has a bathroom to herself." Laughing, he brought Calleigh closer to him and kissed her hair as he looked to the stairs, "I'm interested in seeing the bedrooms."

"Then why don't we go on up?" Walking with her arm around his waist and his around her shoulders, Calleigh was the happiest she'd been in a long time. As they started up the stairs, she chuckled, "You know, when she starts walking and all we'll really have to watch her."

"Yes, we'll have to be preventive about it," Horatio answered as they came to rest at the top of the stairs. Taking a look around, he smiled, "Wow, this place is huge. Which door is first?"

Looking at them, she shrugged, "I guess start at the first and work our way down."

Nodding, Horatio walked towards the first door, he opened it and whistled, taking it in. He smiled and then arched a brow, "Well…this is the master bedroom obviously."

Following him in, Calleigh's eyes widened as she took in the spacious room. Shaking her head as she let go of his hand and walked around it, she looked back at him, "It's huge. There's enough room for two sets of furniture in here."

"Or a very big bed." Horatio looked to her as she explored and then nodded to the doors leading to the closets. "I remember the closets. I wanted to make the master bedroom's walk in. Maybe I knew that you were going to be apart of my life."

Going towards another open door, Calleigh went in and stopped in her tracks, "Oh my…the bathroom is almost just as big, Horatio." Going in further, she looked around, taking in the large sunken tub, "I think you me and three others can fit in this tub."

Coming to rest next to her, he arched his brow, "Is it sad that I only think of you and me in this tub?" He laughed as he walked further and sunk to his haunches, shaking his head, already visualizing, "This would look great filled up with rose petals."

"Hmm, so I hear plans being made for our first night here?" she asked as she went over, looking in the linen closet and seeing all the space it had as well. "You know, we need to pick out curtains and all for the rooms. And we'll have to decide on a color and pattern for the nursery."

Standing, Horatio pulled her close, "I'll give my input, but I'm going to leave the final decision to you."

Placing her arms up around his neck, she smiled, "Well…I was thinking maybe a soft yellow for her room. That way it'll be bright in there. What do you think?"

Cradling her in his arms, he smiled as he kissed her softly, "I think it would be great. I want as much light as possible in her room." Nuzzling her neck, he snickered, "In our room, we'll need heavy drapes."

Laughing lightly, Calleigh ran her fingers through his hair and closed her eyes, "And why would that be, Handsome?"

"To keep the outside world out of our world," he answered simply. Nipping at her skin, he growled lowly, "Don't want the entire world in our business." His hands drifted and he smirked even more, grasping her firmly, "I love the house."

"I do to." Pulling back a little and looking up at him, she smiled, "When did you want us to start moving in here?"

"As soon as possible. I was thinking after we leave here, we can go and check out some furniture for the nursery. We'll need a crib, changing table…what else?"

"Crib, dresser and changing table are on order already. I've only got three more payments on them and I was thinking of getting a rocking chair also." Smiling up at him, she smirked, "She'll also need some clothes to come home in and a car seat."

"Well, you've been busy, haven't you?" Smiling faintly, he sighed, "Okay, so we go clothes shopping then." Parting from her, he walked around the bathroom, asking, "Did you have anything else in mind?"

Shrugging some, Calleigh turned and leaned against the counter, "Well, Alexx said for me not to worry about bottles or the infant care kits and all…she's getting them apparently. And Tim and the guys are pitching in for diapers and stroller. So I think just about everything is covered…I think anyways. I've never had a baby before so I'm not sure what else we'll need for her."

"Everything's done then," he answered lowly, keeping his back to her. Slipping his hands in his pockets, he sighed, "That's good. Everything's taken care of."

Noticing his change in tone, Calleigh pushed off the counter and went over to him. Rubbing his back, she tilted her head some as she looked up at him, "Hey, you okay?"

"Everything's done. There's no need for my help," Horatio responded as he moved from her. He shook his head and furrowed his brow, "I did nothing to help. I was too busy fighting an addiction."

"You were also fighting to come back to us and that's more important then anything, Horatio. We needed you here with us more then anything else." Looking down, she sighed heavily and turned to leave the bathroom, "I'll uh…I'll be looking around some more."

Watching as she left the room, Horatio shook his head once more and went to the window, staring out at the deep blue sea. His thoughts got the best of him and he turned to exit the bathroom, heading for the stairs. He didn't see her or hear her, only knowing the need to get out.

Looking around the other room next to theirs, Calleigh thought about the placement of everything, wanting it to be the nursery. Rubbing her belly, she sighed and decided to go back to Horatio. Walking out the room and going back to the master bedroom, she went in and looked around, not finding him there. Crinkling her brow, she headed out and went down to the last room, looking in only to find it empty as well.

"Horatio?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty home. Concerned, she went in search of him and headed back downstairs. Making her way to the kitchen she found it empty and sighed heavily. Turning, she caught his form outside and down at the waters edge through the window. Releasing a breath, she decided to go to him, hoping he would open up to her.

At the water's edge, Horatio stared out into the white caps of the Atlantic, trying to cope with the thoughts that had come up. He was upset at himself for having this affliction and not being able to provide for Calleigh or the baby. As he attempted to lose himself in the waves, he shook his head deftly, a mirthless laugh escaping, "Who did I think I was? She's better off with out me."

Walking up behind him and stopping short, Calleigh looked down and slipped her hands into her pockets, "I hope you're not talking about me." When he turned to look back at her, Calleigh bit her lip and looked up at him, "Is that how you feel?"

"Everyone's done everything already. You have all the support you need. What would you need with me?" Horatio asked, unable to look at her fully. Shaking his head, he added, "I wasn't there for you when you needed me to be."

Unsure of where all this was coming from suddenly, Calleigh looked out at the water, "But you're here now, Horatio. Don't you think I'm gonna need you when I have Cerise? Don't you think she's gonna need you? So what if some things are done and others are helping. It just gives us more time to be together."

Listening to her, he sighed and then looked to the house, the guilt of what he'd done hovering, "I just want to be there, Calleigh. I don't want Cerise to wonder where I was when it counts. I don't want you to ever have to wonder where I was."

Shaking her head, Calleigh looked to him, "Horatio, that'll never happen. I came back to you because I want to be with you…I want to be committed to only you."

Horatio reached to caress her face and then shook his head, "I don't deserve someone as good to me as you are." A faint smile came over him and he exhaled, "You'll forgive me for this momentary insanity?"

"There's nothing to forgive, Horatio. I understand you're upset that almost everything's been done." Moving closer to him, she looked up into his eyes, "But you'll be here when it matters the most, when Cerise is born. That there will mean more to me then diapers or bottles or whatever else they give to us for her."

Horatio held her gaze as he sighed, "And I plan on being there for the rest of my life. Nothing is going to stop me from being there."

Giving him a smile, Calleigh closed the distance between them and reached up, her fingers tracing his jaw, "And I plan on being here for you the rest of my life, Handsome. I can't live without you."

"That's good, because I've come to realize that I can't live without you," he replied as he brought her closer. Even through the fog of his own disappointment, he could see that she was his saving grace. Leaning down, he asked, "So, ready to go clothes shopping?"

"Yeah…and maybe we can pick out a rocking chair for her room as well," she replied, wanting to include him into everything regarding their daughter from then on. "I'm sure she'll love having her daddy rock her when I'm at work."

"That sounds like a good idea," Horatio responded as he smiled more. The thought of rocking his daughter in his arms was warming and he leaned in to kiss her. Pulling back, he whispered, "Thank you."

Nodding slightly, she smiled again and whispered, "Come on, let's go get our daughter some things from her daddy, okay?"

"Okay," he answered softly. Taking her hand, he led her back up toward the house, his thoughts clearer and his determination set. He wasn't going to let anything get in the way of being there for his family.


Getting out her car, Alexx smiled as she looked towards the new house and closed the car door. Going to the back passenger one, she opened it and pulled out three large bags before closing it back. Heading up towards the door, her smile grew as he appeared and came out to help.

It'd been months since Alexx had seen Horatio and she could see the change that had taken place in the man. His look was relaxed, something she hadn't seen in years. When he came to her, Alexx placed the bags down and opened her arms to him, "Horatio…"

Taking her into his embrace, Horatio smiled as her warmth coaxed him, and he breathed out easily as he held on to her tightly. Alexx had been the best friend he could've ever have, and besides Calleigh, the only one who had ever supported him. Throughout everything that he'd been through, he could depend on Alexx to be there to listen or offer her advice. There was nothing that Horatio hadn't been able to talk to Alexx about and he valued that most of all.

Pulling away from her, he smirked and then stood away from her, shaking his head as he reached for the bags, "It's nice to see you again, Alexx."

"It's good seeing you too, Horatio." Motioning to the house, she shook her head and chuckled, "You think it's big enough for you guys?"

Glancing to the house, Horatio laughed and nodded, "It's just enough room for us. To be honest, I didn't know it was going to turn out this way. Tim and Calleigh had some great ideas though, they look phenomenal, just wait until you go inside."

"I can't wait to see." Walking with him towards the door, Alexx sighed, "So, how are you doing, Horatio? I know you must be excited about being a father again."

Tilting his head, Horatio glanced to her, "Scary in a word, but truthfully, I'm excited. I can't believe that I'm going to have a girl. I would've never dreamed of this. Everything's moving at such a fast pace, I mean, Calleigh's due in almost a month."

Chuckling as they went up the steps, Alexx placed a hand onto his arm and smiled more, "Wait 'til that baby is born…then it'll seem like time flies." Reaching for the glass storm door, she opened it for him and then followed him in. The coolness of the house was refreshing and Alexx too off her shades and whistled low as she looked around, "Whoa, Horatio…this is nice."

"Yeah, it's coming together," Horatio responded as he started up the stairs. Looking back to her, he nodded, "C'mon, I'll play tour guide." When she followed behind him, Horatio picked up his pace and then pointed to the left, "Cerise's nursery is this way. We'll drop this off first."

"Okay." Walking a few steps behind, Alexx followed him to the room and went in. Taking in the light shade of yellow and the natural wood colored nursery furniture, Alexx shook her head, "This is so nice, Horatio. Y'all have done a great job in here."

"Oh, this is all Calleigh. She was determined," he answered with a knowing smile. He recalled how she took to decorating with fervor and how insanely happy she was in directing him in the placement of everything. That was the look he'd always wanted to see on her, the brightness in her eyes and happiness in her voice. Just thinking of it had him smiling even more as he chuckled to himself.

Turning back to him, Alexx chuckled, "Well, I like it and I think it's perfect for Cerise." Pointing to one of the bags, she raised a brow, "Now, the bottles are in that bag…so one of you will have to sterilize them and I also got some nipples for them as well."

"Okay, I'll get on it in a little bit." Setting the other bag down, he moved out of the room and glanced back, "After I show you the rest of the upper level, I'll take them down to the kitchen." Coming to their bedroom, he opened the door and gave her a sideways grin, "This room's a work in progress. It's both of us together."

Stepping just inside the door, Alexx's brow raised and she smirked, "Well, I don't think I have to figure out who's room this is. It's so big, Horatio. I'm sure Calleigh is loving all the space."

"She is, and incidentally, so am I. It's been awhile since I've had this much space. About ten of my rooms in rehab could fill this one." Horatio sighed and then stepped towards the next door, the luster gone from his voice, "Ah…there's one more room down the hall and a full bath. Ready to go down?"

Noticing his change, Alexx decided to let it go for the time being and not to push him. She'd learned years ago that Horatio would open up when he wanted to and not until then. Nodding, she followed him out and then back downstairs. Following him into the open living room, she took in the ocean view that they had and chuckled, "Okay, I want your house, Horatio."

Horatio chuckled and shook his head, "Sorry, it's taken for and the mistress of the house doesn't like to share." Moving towards the kitchen, he smiled, "Would you like something to eat or drink?"

"A drink would be good," she replied as she continued to look around. Seeing both there taste in the home, she then followed him to the kitchen, "So you guys should be completely moved in by the time Cerise is born."

"Well, being that I'm home now, I can work on a lot of things. I'll be getting the bulk of it done while Calleigh's at work. Aside from working on the house, I'm doing a lot of reading too. I want to know what kind of battle that I'm going into." Smirking he turned to her, "What will you have? There's water, sweet tea, and lemonade."

"Oh, tea is fine for me, Horatio." Watching him, Alexx went over to one of the bar stools and took a seat, "So, how have you been doin', honey? And no sugar coating it for me. Remember, I can tell when you are."

Grabbing the glass, Horatio sighed and paused for a second before going toward the refrigerator. He wasn't surprised that Alexx had caught on to his melancholy, only that it had taken her so long to question him. Preparing the tea, he then returned to her, "I was wondering when you would start."

Smirking as she took the glass, she looked up at him, "I was wondering when you were gonna just open up. But, being you didn't…I'm asking now. What's going on, Horatio?"

Leaning against the bar, Horatio stared out and shook his head, "I'm trying to be strong, but I don't go out because I'm afraid that if I do, I'll make the wrong choice. I can't afford to lose anything in my life now."

Nodding slightly as she looked at her drink, Alexx pursed her lips and then cut her eyes to him, "Have you considered trying it by going with other people first? Maybe Timmy…or even myself? You know we'd be there for you, Horatio."

"Speed's busy, and I don't know…I don't want to bother you. I'll just stay here, it's safer until I'm strong enough to deal with it." Horatio looked to Alexx and shook his head, "I only have a month before Cerise arrives, when she comes I'll have my hands full."

"Horatio…when have you ever bothered me? And besides, once that baby is born you'll have to go out even with her. There might be times you have to take her for her doctor's visits…or even to the store. Sweetie, I don't mind helping you. That's what friends do," she smiled and then took a sip of her tea. "Besides, it'll get me out the house some also."

Thinking it over, Horatio gave her a cursory nod, "I'll think about it, Alexx. I don't want to be a burden."

"Horatio Caine…when on earth have I ever considered you a burden?" Alexx asked with a raise of her brow. Seeing his surprised look, she chuckled and placed her hand onto his arm, "Trust me, you're no burden, honey."

Horatio chuckled and nodded, "Well, I suppose that I would like to go out sometime today. I wanted to do a bit more shopping for Cerise."

"I'm free all day, sweetie." Taking a drink she then smiled, "Now, have you gotten Calleigh a ring yet?"

"I haven't. It's one of the reasons why I wanted to go out. It's time that I put a ring on her finger, and I wanted to surprise her with it." Horatio laughed, "Would you like to accompany me to find one?"

"Sure. Any idea's on where you wanted to look or what type ring you want to get for her?" Alexx asked and took another sip.

"I don't have the least idea of where to start. That's why I'm enlisting your help. You at least know the some of the stores." Horatio looked away and sighed, still struggling with his feelings somewhat. "I still feel sometimes that I'm not deserving of the love she's giving me."

Looking down at the glass in her hand, Alexx raised a brow and spoke softly to him, "Horatio, you've been through a lot…you both have over the years. I've seen the looks at crime scenes, heard the comments to each other…hell, I've seen your concern for each other when something was wrong. But, somehow, you both still remained close in your own ways." Looking to him, she turned more, "Horatio, if Calleigh didn't feel like you were deserving, she wouldn't be here…and she wouldn't be marrying you."

Knowing that Alexx was right, he nodded, "She's been to bat for me so many times. I'm in debt to her for the rest of my life."

"She's a strong woman, Horatio…and she loves you more then life itself. I don't think she'd survive without you with her," Alexx replied, looking up at him. "You two deserve each other…anyone can see that."

"I am counting on that," Horatio answered as he met her gaze. Smiling, he gestured for the bag of bottles, "I want to get this done though."

"Go on. We've got all day…well, that is unless you want to be here when Calleigh get's home from work. When's she gonna start her maternity leave anyways? I thought she'd be taking it already."

Moving around the kitchen, Horatio answered easily, "She decided to work until her last month. I tried to tell her to slow down, but she's determined. Whenever she wants to stop, that's when she's going to stop."

"Well, I'm sure both her body and that baby will be telling her soon enough. And with you here, I'm sure she'll enjoy that last month even more." Watching him, Alexx chuckled some, "Ya know, I always wondered how long it'd be before you two hooked up. I've never seen two people more perfect for each other then you and Calleigh."

Horatio snickered and shook his head, "Apparently, we were the lasts to know. But I'm glad that we finally figured it out. I can't see my life without her in it now."

"Well, I'm glad you two did. Thought I end up having to lock you both up in a closet together til you figured it out," she chuckled and then finished off her tea. Setting the glass aside as he pulled out a pot to boil the bottles, she sighed, "So, have you thought of where you want to take her for a honeymoon?"

Freezing in mid action, Horatio slowly turned to Alexx, his face stricken, "Honeymoon? I haven't thought about a honeymoon. Do you think she'll want to go on one?"

Shrugging, Alexx got up to take her glass to the sink, "I don't know. You might want to ask her though. But, in her condition right now, I don't think you should have her too far from home. Maybe after the baby is born or something…then you can go as a family."

Horatio smiled widely at the thought of a family vacation, one that he never thought he'd see. His younger years were full of trying to protect his mother from his father, leaving no time for that picture perfect moment by the sea. Long after his childhood years, he'd grown into a man, and that fantasy faded into the background, along with it, any pretense of happiness. But now that he had a second chance at happiness, the desire was forged anew and it became plausible idea.

Chuckling wistfully, he nodded, "I'll talk to Calleigh, but I gotta admit, I like the idea of a family thing."

"I thought you might," Alexx smiled as she went back to her seat. Sitting back down, she leaned onto the bar and asked, "So, how's Kyle doing, Horatio? Have you talked with him about all this?"

"I talked to him a few weeks ago and laid it all out for him. He knows everything about what's been going on with me. He's okay with it, although, he was kinda hoping Julia and I were going to get back together." Horatio shook his head and sighed, "He's been through so much in his life, all he wants is to be happy."

"That's understandable, Horatio. I'm sure once he get's to know Calleigh better though, things will be even better for him and you."

"Yes, I think so." Narrowing his brow, he sighed heavily, "I just don't want him to worry about things, especially where he is. He needs his head in the game, you know?"

Nodding in understanding, Alexx sighed heavily, "Well, I'll say a prayer for him, Horatio. I'm sure all the boys over there could use that."

"Yeah." Hearing the phone ring, Horatio gave a slight chuckle and glanced at the clock, shaking his head, "Right on time. I'll be right back, Alexx." Leaving the kitchen, Horatio reached the phone in the living room and answered with a knowing smile, "Hello, beautiful. How are things at the lab today?"

Taking a drink of her juice, Calleigh swallowed and smiled as she heard his voice on the other end, "Busy as always which is why I'm calling. We had a big case come in the morning and I was gonna stay an extra hour or so, that way I can get a head start on these bullets."

His smile dropped and he nodded, glancing toward the kitchen, "Oh…okay. I'm going to be going out. I wanted to go to get some more clothes for Cerise."

Calleigh smile grew more and she sat back in her chair, "That sounds great, Handsome. It'll do you good getting out…and I'm sure Cerise's closet and dresser is gonna be filled with some beautiful things from her daddy."

"Yeah, but I'll have a discerning eye with me. Alexx is tagging along to keep me out of trouble." Relaxing some, he asked, "How are you and Cerise doing? You're going to be spending an extra hour at work, I don't want you to over do it."

Taking another drink, Calleigh smiled, "We're fine, Horatio. As a matter of fact I'm taking a break right now and drinking my juice while I'm waiting on the rest of the evidence to get here." Rubbing her stomach, Calleigh lowered her voice, "Thank you for my wake up call this morning…maybe tonight I can give you a massage."

His smile widened and he turned towards the wall more, "I enjoyed waking you up. As for the massage, I think it's your turn to get the massage."

"Are you sure?" she asked in a playful voice as she glanced around to make sure she was alone. Noticing she was, she smirked, "I thought the last time both your mouth and fingers massage me for a few hours."

Laughing lightly, he arched a brow, "You're right, so I guess it is my turn. Tonight, after dinner then."

"Sounds good to me…cause I'm planning to do the same to you. Well, that and have dessert," she replied with a knowing smile.

"Hmm dessert. I have my own ideas about dessert…" he stated mischievously as he turned to see Alexx walking in. Clearing his throat quickly, he amended, "So you'll be a couple hours late, then?"

Snickering some at his sudden change of topic, Calleigh raised a brow, "I take it Alexx is there with you already?"

"She was in the kitchen, helping me sterilize the bottles. I think she's ready to go though." Horatio gave Alexx a smile and held up his hand, "I have to go, but Calleigh…be safe. I love you."

"I love you too, Handsome…and have fun," she lightly, knowing getting out the house would do him good.

"I'll try, Bye, Cal." Reluctant to hang up the phone, he finally gave in after she did and turned to Alexx, "Well, ready?"

"Whenever you are, Horatio. I uh, I turned off the bottles and drained out the water. There in the dish rack drying now," she replied as she placed her purse onto her shoulder.

"Just let me get my wallet and keys- oh…my car or yours?"

Shaking her head, Alexx shrugged, "Doesn't matter to me, Horatio. If you want to drive, I can ride along with you."

"I can drive. Besides, it will do me some good to get behind the wheel again." Moving toward the stairs, he looked back, "I'll be right back, okay? Oh, and we'll have to go to the bank, I don't have any money on me and Calleigh has my credit cards."

Nodding, Alexx smiled, "No worries, Horatio. I'll be here when you're ready to go." Smiling when he nodded to her, Alexx watched as he ascended the stairs. Leaving her view, she then chuckled to herself and shook her head, having not seen Horatio as nervous as a school boy in a long while, but, knowing the reason behind it, his love for Calleigh.

Grabbing his wallet and keys, Horatio searched for his sunglasses, furrowing his brow at not being able to find them. Looking everywhere, he finally gave up hope and exhaled in defeat and returned downstairs. Frowning more, he passed Alexx and went into the living room and then coming back quickly. Catching her quizzical gaze, Horatio stopped and explain, "I can't find my sunglasses. Have you seen them around here anywhere?"

"I thought I saw some on the table by the door when we came in," she replied as he took off in that direction. Snickering some, she followed and smiled as he turned back to her with them in hand, "Guess I was right."

"Yeah," he answered sheepishly. Shrugging his shoulders as they moved toward the door, he smirked, "Nowadays, if my head wasn't screwed on, I think I'd forget it."

"Oh, so you're having my days now, huh?" she asked teasingly as he opened the door for then and let her out first.

"Yeah, I guess I'm not as sharp as I used to be." Disengaging the lock from where they stood, Horatio then turned to close the door, joining Alexx at the car. When they both slipped in, Horatio wiped at his brow and let a tuft of air out, shaking his head, starting the car and then blasting the air conditioner, "It's a scorcher out here today."

Raising a brow at his comment, Alexx had never known him to admit when it was hot…and very rarely seen him sweat. Looking at him, she put on her seatbelt and commented, "Now, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you make that comment, Horatio."

"It is hot, Alexx. I don't know how it's changed, but…I'm hot." He put the car in reverse and shrugged, "I guess it comes with getting older."

Unsure if she should really say anything, Alexx took a chance anyways, "Horatio…you and I have been friends for over ten years now, right?"

"Yeah, we have been. What's on your mind?"

"Well…" she said as she turned towards him more, "as your friend and as a medical doctor…the reason you're experiencing all this is because of the heroine addiction you had. It's common when a person is off the drug fully to experience different…changes in there body."

"Yeah, I suppose so." Horatio gripped the wheel and then shook his head, "I've been battling this for a while now, and sometimes, the urges get bad, but I remember that there's something more important than a fix."

"Horatio…do you have a picture of Calleigh in your wallet?" Alexx asked as she looked out ahead of them as he drove.

"Yeah, I do." Intrigued as to where she was going with this. He continued to drive and arched his brow, glancing over at her, "Why?"

Licking her lips, Alexx looked back over at him, "Well, when you start to have urges, then take her picture out and look at it. Let that be your reminder why you don't need it…and a reminder of what you can loose if you try to go down that road again."

Horatio listened and then smiled, nodding slightly, "She's my everything now, Alexx. I can't lose her, or Cerise."

"Then when you go out by yourself…keep that picture handy. Hell, tape one to the dash in here if you have to. Just remember what you're fighting for and you'll do just fine, Horatio." Giving him a smile, she smirked, "You're a strong man, Horatio…stronger then you think. Give yourself some credit…you've come this far and she's still with you."

"Yeah, but…it's hard, Alexx. It's a battle every day, and worst if I go out. It's so easy to get what I want. I don't want to ever betray her confidence in me." Gripping the wheel more, he exhaled, "I'm going to fight this, I won't let it win anymore."

Smiling more, Alexx nodded, "There's the Horatio I know. The fighter…the one that doesn't back down."

Horatio could feel the smile coming more and he chuckled, "It's only a small bit, I've got to work on getting it all back." Coming into the city limits, he focused on something else and glanced to her, "So…I'll need your expertise when we get there. Calleigh pretty much schooled me on the fine art of shopping for clothes, but I want to make sure it get it right."

"I'm sure you'll do just fine, honey," Alexx chuckled as she relaxed back into the seat, glad that she'd taken the day to spend with her long time friend.