A single light was on in the apartment when Horatio opened the door. He could hear the television on in the living room. Horatio closed the door behind him, locking it. He walked into the living room and stopped short. Marisol was lying on the couch, still wearing the same clothes, fast asleep. The television still ran through the news. Horatio smiled and walked to the couch. He quietly set it keys and phone on the coffee table next to her purse.

Horatio knelt next to the couch, by Marisol's head. He brushed a lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. She looked so peaceful and beautiful as she slept, he felt ashamed to have to move her. As his eyes roamed Marisol's peaceful state, Horatio noticed the bandage beneath the blood stained sleeve of her shirt.

Horatio slowly took her into his arms. He watched her bandaged arm, not wanting to cause her any more pain than she could already be in. Horatio walked from the living room toward their bedroom.

Marisol seemed to sense something happening, despite being asleep. Her head moved against Horatio's neck and she moaned. As Horatio entered the bedroom, Marisol became fully awake.

"Horatio?" she mumbled.

"Go back to sleep, sweetheart." Horatio replied. He gently laid her on the bed. He watched Marisol adjust herself in the bed, before he left the room.

Horatio walked back into the living room. He watched the television for a moment, seeing the restaurant. He picked up the remote and turned off the television. Horatio walked to the only lit lamp and turned it off. He pulled off his jacket and laid is across the back of the couch for the time being.

Beside Horatio, the telephone rang. Horatio quickly picked up the phone, not wanting it to wake Marisol. "Horatio Caine?"

There was a moment's pause on the other end. "Detective Caine, this is Pavel Delektorsky."

"What can I do for you, Mr. Delektorsky?" Horatio asked.

"I was calling for Marisol. I wanted to make sure she arrive home safely." Pavel explained.

Horatio glanced back toward the bedroom. "Marisol's asleep at the moment. I can safely say she did make it home."

"Thank you Detective. That's all I needed to know." Pavel said. Before Horatio could get another word in, the line went dead.

Horatio hung up the phone. He heard a slight shuffling down the hall, coming from the bedroom. Horatio frowned and headed back into the bedroom.

Marisol was lying in bed, only she'd changed into a light blue lacey nightdress. Her once white shirt was in the trash bin. The sleeve and stomach portion of her shirt were stained with her blood form her cut. The sleeve had been cut to her elbow for treatment. All in all, her shirt was completely ruined. But in exchange for her life, Horatio would take it any day.

Marisol was lying on her right side, with her right arm by her face. Her legs were curled up near her body, but she remained on top of the blankets.

Horatio leaned against the doorframe, only watching his wife.

"What are you thinking about?" Marisol whispered. She opened her tired eyes, gazing back at Horatio.

"Just admiring your nightgown." Horatio answered.

Marisol blushed. "It was the first thing I grabbed."

Horatio smiled. He pushed himself off the doorframe and walked to Marisol's side. He gently sat on the bedside near her legs. Horatio reached over and took Marisol's hand into his. "How's your arm?"

"Alright. The doctor says if everything goes right, the stitched would come out in two to three weeks." Marisol answered.

Horatio nodded. His thumb gently stroked the back of her hand. "So who gave you a ride home?"

"Eric." Marisol answered. "That's twice he came to my rescue tonight. He deserves-"

"A medal." Horatio finished smiling. "I agree."

Marisol sighed tiredly. "How did the processing go at the restaurant?"

"It took longer than I expected, but Calleigh and Ryan are handling the case." Horatio explained.

Marisol nodded her head but said nothing. Horatio smiled at his wife's attempt to stay awake. He leaned toward her head. "Don't forget to call your father in the morning, sweetheart."

"Okay." Marisol whispered.

Horatio stood when he knew Marisol was back asleep. He gently pulled the blankets from beneath Marisol and laid them over her. Horatio gently stroked his wife's cheek before he walked from the bed. He unbuttoned his shirt and set it aside. He dressed for bed and returned to Marisol's side. He carefully moved behind Marisol and pulled her into his arms. He wrapped and arm around Marisol's stomach, right beneath her left arm. Horatio felt Marisol lace her fingers with his. Horatio smiled and closed his eyes. Despite the eventful evening, nothing was different, nor would it ever be different.

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short ending but i didn't realy know how else to end it.

i own nothing. but please review!!