Disclaimer: CBS owns them, along with Jerry Bruckheimer and the rest. Not me. Unfortunately.

Frankie fitted in instantly. She became immediately best friends with Calleigh, both sharing an addiction to country music, and Alexx, as they both loved to gossip. Eric and Ryan were not the only men to fall for her looks and charm. She soon had most of the lab wrapped around her little finger, especially once she found out about Natalia. She went out of her way to be open and honest with everyone, and they appreciated the effort, reciprocating in kind.

An inveterate flirt, Frankie got on famously with Eric, as well as numerous others: several detectives, most of the lab techs, and even one or two of the lawyers all clamoured for her attention. One of the few men who she never flirted so openly with was Horatio. While she would occasionally tease him, she treated him more like an older brother rather than potential suitor. Everyone else was fair game, though, and she went on several first dates with several people.

Initially, Horatio had been pleased not to have to deal with Frankie's flirting, as she could be very persistent, and occasionally went a little farther than professionalism would allow. After four months, however, he began to wonder why he was never considered, and withdrew even further into himself around her. She clearly wasn't interested in him, and to his surprise, he found that slightly hurtful. His heart wasn't broken, but his pride was hurt.

Frankie, for her part, had noticed instantly that this appeared to be the best looking lab in the country. Eric was gorgeous; Ryan rather sweet, Sam drop dead fabulous, and

several others drew her attention. Horatio had initially made her sit up straight – after all, who could resist those sky-blue eyes and vibrant red hair? Eric became an instant favourite, as he would respond to her flirtatious teasing with more of the same. Horatio was another matter. He was quite possibly the most brilliant man she'd ever met – his memory and ability to put together a case were remarkable – but he was too quiet and reserved to really attract her. Handsome as hell yes, but probably rather dull. Frankie had dated men like him before, and the relationship never lasted. Wit and humour were more important than looks, and Horatio never seemed to display any evidence of having either.

Not that she was looking for a workplace relationship anyway; Frankie was careful not to lead anyone on. If the first date had been spectacular, she would have relented, but none of her tentative forays impressed her, so she decided to just be friends with them all. Apart from a few noses put out of joint, most of the men she worked with seemed to like this option just as much as she did, and Frankie very quickly established herself as the most popular girl in school.

She was in the break room with Calleigh and Alexx, sharing their morning coffee and muffins, now an established routine, discussing her forthcoming birthday. "I don't know; do I really want a big party?" Frankie asked, her whole tone screamed to be convinced that she did want a huge event.

Calleigh gave her a doubtful look. "Oh come on! You know you do!"

"Yeah, sugar, besides, and then we can get everyone down to a club, and get down to some serious dancing!" Alexx's eyes were shining at the prospect. Motherhood had not dimmed her love of a good party.

"Oh, well, I guess you've convinced me!" Frankie laughed, just as Horatio entered the room, closely followed by the other two.

"Convinced you of what?" Eric asked, sitting down next to Frankie, and stealing a gulp of her coffee. Eric had become more of a little brother to Frankie – and she knew how desperately he wanted to date Calleigh. What Eric didn't know, but Frankie did, was that Calleigh was more than willing as well, but far too insecure to make the first move. It was something that Alexx and Frankie had long despaired over.

"They have convinced me that a huge party is in order to celebrate my 35th birthday. I think we need the entire MDPD to come out with us, what do you say?"

"No exceptions and no excuses?" Alexx grinned.

"No exceptions and no excuses," Frankie repeated, giving Horatio a stern look. He always seemed to avoid social occasions, especially if she was organising them. If she had been interested in him, she would have been hurt. As it was, everyone agreed that this was a good plan, even Horatio, albeit slightly unwillingly.