A/N: I don't own them. Don't remind me. Anyway, please review. I love reviews; they are my human catnip. And forgive me, I am working on four different stories at once. So now you know why if I don't update quickly.
'How could anyone want to hurt Calleigh?' Horatio continued to ponder. He had avoided her all together since he saw those hideous bruises. If he saw her, he would probably punch the first guy to cross his path. Of course Horatio knew he was going to have to see her sometime. It was part of the job. He just didn't want it to be too soon. Horatio plopped into his chair and sighed, running his hands through his hair. 'What am I going to do?' he thought to himself.
It was getting late, nearing ten o'clock. Horatio didn't expect anyone to be at the lab still, so he headed to the gym. This was the best time to go, he wouldn't have to fight anyone for the equipment. He was just about to enter the gym when he heard voices. And they were arguing.
"I didn't say that John!" Horatio heard Calleigh say.
"No, you didn't. But that's what you want. I see the way you look at each other! I'm not a dumb ass Calleigh!" John Hagen replied.
"You've been drinking again haven't you?" she asked him accusingly.
"That's none of your business."
"You're just like my father. A careless drunk! Go home John!" Calleigh said coldly.
"You just want to be alone with him you stupid bitch!" Hagen bellowed.
'Uh-oh. This doesn't sound good. Maybe I should step in.' Horatio thought. He sauntered through the doors as if he didn't know they were there. Apparently he was a couple of seconds too late. John was already heading for the door and Calleigh was on the floor.
"Hello John, its kind of late for you to be about isn't it?" Horatio asked calmly.
"Nope, just the perfect time for a walk around CSI." Hagen said, storming out of the gym.
As soon as she heard Horatio's voice, she scrambled to get off the floor before he saw her. But, was about 3 minutes too late. Calleigh turned away from him so he wouldn't see her face.
"Hello Calleigh, I didn't think anyone else was here." Horatio said, sitting on the bench a couple of feet away.
"Uh, I just needed to let loose for a while." She lied.
"I see, Hagen looked pretty mad. Want to tell me why?"
Calleigh closed her eyes tight, trying to prevent the tears from falling. When she opened them again, Horatio was walking towards her. She finally looked at him as he stood right next to her.
A red handprint stood out against her perfect skin. Horatio cupped her face in his hands and gently ran his thumb against the mark. He felt pain for her. He looked deep into her eyes and saw something he'd never seen before- fear.
Calleigh returned his search and saw much different emotions- pain, sorrow, fear, and something that looked like… love? She couldn't tell, after all, she'd never been in love before. At least not that she knew of.
She thought she was in love with him, but didn't act upon it for it could turn out to be a crush. Horatio continued to search her. At this point, Calleigh was ready to break down. She let a lone tear slide down her cheek for it only to be stopped by Horatio's gentle hands.
"Oh Calleigh, don't cry. It's okay, come here." He said sincerely as he pulled her into a hug.
They slid slowly to the floor, Horatio cradling her as he ran his hands through her hair. 'Why does he do this to me.' Calleigh thought. 'I can't take this anymore.' She started to cry, not able to control her sobs. Horatio rocked back and forth as he attempted to sooth her.
"I…couldn't…leave…Horatio." She gasped between sobs.
"I know, I believe you. Calm down, it's going to be okay." He whispered.
Calleigh leaned her head against Horatio's chest and shoulders, breathing in his spicy cologne. Soon afterwards her sobs started to slow.
"There we go, you're okay."
"Horatio, I'm sorry for dragging you into this. I can't burden you with my problems when you already have yours." She apologized after pulling away.
"Calleigh, you don't have to apologize for something you didn't do. In fact, I want to do anything I can to help." Horatio replied, following her actions.
"Thank you, you made me feel better already." Calleigh said with a half smile.
"Where are you staying?" Horatio asked her.
"I was going to get a room at a hotel on my way home." She answered.
"You can stay with me, I won't charge you." He offered seriously.
"Horatio, that's sweet but I couldn't intrude."
"Calleigh, it's fine. Don't worry about it. Come on, let's go get you some things." He said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
She smiled for the first time in a long time and they walked out to the hummer. Her arm snaking around his waist.