Notes: Death Story in the first few pages but I needed it to get the plot where it was going.  Had to screw with the timeline of a few things as well because I realized I couldn't have the baby that young.

Willow looked around the battle with the First and her minions, watching as her best friend fell.  She let out a sob and knew, she just *knew* at that point that there was no saving any of them, even if they won the battle.  So she prayed really hard.  Because Xander did not deserve to die here. He came in injured.  They had tried so hard to keep him from joining them.  Even though they had needed him they had tried to save him.  The unselfish nature of the prayer and begging hit on high and she felt answered just before the heavy weight hit her on the head.  She knew she'd die.  She accepted that then as the price.  As long as he was all right.  There were other slayers, there were other witches, but Xander was unique and special.  He was loyal and he had given of himself for so long but they hadn't appreciated him so she knew he deserved a chance at a real life.  So she agreed.  The heavy weight hit her head, and she fell.

***

Twelve Years Earlier.

***

Horatio smiled at his pregnant sister-in-law as he went to answer the door.  "Yes?" he asked the unfamiliar redhead standing there.  "Can I help you?"

"Are you Horatio?" she asked quietly.  He nodded, looking a bit confused.  "You won't remember me."

He noticed the wiggling thing on her back and then looked at her.  "No, I certainly don't."

She nodded.  "I understand.  I was wearing a dark wig the night we met."  She handed over the papers from her back pocket.  "This is sudden, I know, and this is coming out really badly...."

He held up a hand, looking at the papers.  "It's not mine, Miss."

"He is yours.  Look at the test results.  I'll even expect you to retest him.  I've already paid for you to do that with the hospital."

He stared at her for a moment then at the papers then back at her.  "How did you know it was me?"

She smiled.  "You told me who you were, Horatio.  Including where you worked.  You were pretty drunk."  He moaned a bit.  "I'm nineteen and ...  Well, let's just say I'm about to disappear due to life's circumstances."

"If someone's threatening you, we can help," a female voice said from behind Horatio.  She smiled at the young girl.

"I wish it were that simple," she admitted.  "My parents are going to try to kill me again."  They both looked shocked.  "I'm nineteen and a prodigy.  I'm in college.  They tried before."  They both just nodded at that.  "I'm not going to do anything until you retest."  She pulled the baby around and opened the pocket on the front of the carrier, handing over the blood.  "We took extra so you can have it tested there or the lab of your choice.  Including the PD lab if you wanted.  I'm going to be here for three days," she said, handing over a card.  "Then I've got to go."  He stared at her again and she stared back.  She smiled and opened the top of the carrier, letting him see the little baby inside.  "His name's Alexander.  He's a good boy.  I can't have him killed and it's too much to risk," she said quietly.  "Otherwise you'd never have seen him."

"We can protect you," Yelina said gently.

Willow looked at her.  Then she shook her head.  "No one can save me if they catch me.  Fate is fate and I knew this was coming.  They vowed it in front of the Goddess."  That got a small moan.  "So you test the blood," she ordered, putting the carrier back on.  "I'll be there for three days."  She walked off, leaving him staring at the vial of blood and the papers.

"This is not the celebration I was expecting," a male voice said from behind them.

"Shut up, Ray," Yelina said, scowling at her husband.  She pulled Horatio back inside and took the papers to look over.  "That is a paternity test.  It's on the right forms."  He looked at her.  "Have the lab run it, Horatio.  It's the least you can do.  Have your own people run it."  He nodded, taking the papers and heading out into the night to go back to work.  She looked at her husband.  "He was adorable.  Dark haired.  Sleeping comfortably."

"Do you believe she's in danger?"

"It was in her eyes.  She knows she won't live very long," she said quietly, holding out a hand.  He came over to sit next to her.  "She knew, Ray.  She knew it's coming and she's trying to protect the baby."

"Do we think it's his?"

She smiled and nodded.  "I do.  Something about him looked like Horatio's face.  Even scrunched up.  Like when he sleeps on the couch."  He snorted but let it go, just cuddling her for now.  She put a hand over her stomach.  "At least ours one won't be lonely."

"No, probably not.  He's still single, Yelina."

"We'll work it out.  I'll be staying home for a bit with ours."  He nodded, accepting that.  It's what family did.

***

Ray got the call to head to a homicide and groaned.  He hated that hotel.  He found the patrol guys looking sick and moaned.  That meant it was really gross at the very least.  He walked in and paused, then looked around. "Where's the baby!" he yelled.  Everyone looked confused.  "She's got a son!  I saw her the other day!  Find him!"  They rushed to find the baby, one of them finding a letter about hoping they had the baby or else the people who had done her in would be killing him as well.

Horatio rushed in and looked.  "The baby?"

"Not here."  Horatio did his own exam, finding him in a closed drawer in the dresser.  He sighed and watched his brother pick up the child.  "The tests?"

"Came back this morning," he admitted.  He looked at the other CSI coming in.  "It's a long story, I can't work this one.  He's mine."  He walked out to the car, going to examine him with one of the paramedic's help.  "He's a newborn."

"A few weeks old," the paramedic corrected then smiled at him.  "I've got one who's seven months, Detective."  He took the baby to hold, waking him up.  The baby blinked at him and sniffled.  Horatio stood up and the baby stared at him, just blinking.  "He's a quiet one."

"Can he cry?"  The paramedic looked at him.  "She showed up on Ray's doorstep and said he was mine a few days ago.  I just got the test results back this morning."

The paramedic pinched him on the calf and the baby fussed.  "He'll have good lungs."  He handed him back, watching the fumbling going on.  "Support his head," he instructed.  Horatio shifted him into a more comfortable position and sat down in the back of the car again.  "I'll let you handle him but you're going to need a diaper soon, Detective."  He went inside to help gather up the body once the ME had pronounced and the CSI were done with the parts.

Horatio looked over as his boss came screeching in, nodding him over. "You should hear this from me."

"I'd hope so," he agreed.  "I heard you were running a paternity test, Horatio."   He looked at the baby, who scowled at him.  "Yeah, he's yours."  Horatio gave him an identical scowl.  "What's going on?" he asked patiently.

"Three days ago the victim turns up on Yelina and Ray's doorstep saying he's mine and she's in danger because her parents had vowed to kill her for having him," he said quietly.  "She gave me a vial of blood and the first set of test results.  Ours agreed with it."  That got a slow nod.  "She said she'd be here for three days."  Ray came out with the bagged letter saying that the baby was Horatio's and to give him to him if something happened to her.

"She knew?"

"She knew before."  He looked at the baby.  "He does look a lot like you," he admitted.  "Hi...  What did she name him?"

"Alexander."

"Hi, Alex."  The baby sniffled at that.  "Al?"

"Xander?" Horatio suggested.  The baby settled down at that, starting to get sleepy.  He looked at his boss again.  "It broke protocol but we searched for him first."

"Having a potentially live baby is something to break protocol for," he agreed.  "Now what, kid?  You're single.  You live in a tiny walk-up.  You make crap wages."

"We'll figure that out," Horatio offered.  He looked down at the wetness.  "Feel better, Xander?"  The baby smiled and sighed in pleasure as he finished wetting his father down.  "Thank you."  Ray snickered.  "Go find me some diapers," he ordered.  His brother walked off, going down to the corner store to get him some diapers.  He looked at his boss.  "For obvious reasons I'll need a few personal days, boss."

"Of course, Horatio.  We'll arrange your hours however we need to.  Maybe Yelina could sit for a while since she's on leave."  He walked off to check with the team in the hotel room.  Even he flinched at the sight of the room.  He had been doing this since the beginning of forensics and he hadn't seen bodies torn apart like that before.  "It's a good thing whatever did this didn't find the boy," he said quietly.  His second-in-command looked over.  "He's Horatio's.  He was where?"  The open drawer was pointed at.  "So he would've suffocated or died of thirst probably," he said sadly.  "Well, he's safe now."  He nodded at his boys to keep going and went back down to watch Horatio figure out how to change a diaper.  He shook his head and nudged Ray out of the way.  "Like this, boys.  You'd better both learn with two new ones in the family."  He showed them how to put on a diaper and the baby smiled at him.  "Thanks, kid.  Alexander?"

"Yup," Ray agreed.

Horatio looked at his boss.  "Thank you."

"Welcome, Horatio.   Go right home with him."

"I was going to get him checked at the hospital."

"Get him into your family doc tomorrow, kid.  Go home with him tonight.  He'll need comforted and he's fine if he's sucking on his finger that way."  Horatio nodded, accepting his advice since he had five girls.  "Strange he's not a redhead."

"It runs fifty-fifty in the family," Ray offered with a grin.  "Just means he takes after the handsomer side."  Horatio snorted at that and carefully walked him off to his car.  "I called Yelina, she'll come over with the baby book, Horatio."

"Thank you, Ray."  He looked at his car then at his boss.  "Carseat?"

"Lay him in the back and buckle around his legs and chest for this trip, Caine," the boss ordered. "It'll do for this single trip."  That got a nod and Horatio did that then headed home.  He looked at Ray.  "You're going to go nuts with them that close together in age."  He went to check on them again.

"Probably," Ray agreed.  He headed back inside to see what they were doing and who knew what already.

***

Horatio walked into his apartment and found Yelina warming some milk.  "Thank you," he said quietly.

She smiled at him, then at Horatio.  "He's adorable."

"He is and he's already peed on me."  He slid out of his wet jacket and shirt, leaving on his undershirt and gun.  She took the gun from him and put it onto the table, making him smile.  "Thank you.  I might not want that later."

"Wait until he starts to teeth," she teased.  She took the baby to look over.  "You are a handsome young man, Alexander."

"He liked Xander," he offered, looking at the milk.  "How do I know if it's done?"

"The book says to test it on your wrist."  He did that and winced.  "Run it under some cold water then."  He did that until it came out at a tolerable temperature for him.  Xander fussed a bit but he sucked it down.  "What happened?"

"The room was a mess, Yelina," he said quietly, giving her a helpless look.  "She was in parts."  She shuddered but sat down at the table with the baby.  "I should learn how to do that, shouldn't I?"  She nodded but slid the book over to him with a smile.  "I guess he'll be good practice for yours when you're over."

"I'm on leave, Horatio.  You can pay me to babysit while you're at work."  He smiled at that.  "Xander."  He blinked at her.  "You're a very special little boy, young man.  Very soon you will have a cousin and you'll be loved by him as well.  Plus my mother will go insane over you."  He slurped harder on the bottle.

"It says to stop in the center and burp him," Horatio said, taking him to do that.  He did not like the feeling of warm, regurgitated milk down his back.  "Yuck, son."  She giggled and took him back to feed him some more.  "Are you sure he's not full?"

"He'll quit drinking when he is."

"Uh-huh."  He went to clean up and came out in a real shirt again, looking at the sleeping baby. "That's a good sign, right?"

"He'll wake up in a few hours," she assured him with a bright smile.  "He'll need to eat around four."

"Good thing I'm used to short hours," he said dryly. They both heard the noise they did not like and he grimaced.  "Even better."  He took him into the bathroom to clean him up, he'd throw away the washcloth later.  "Hopefully you only do that once a day like adults," he said, rediapering him.  It was a little loose but not too bad for his first try.  He carried him back out, tossing out the old one then washing his hands once Yelina had him again.  "Those are gross."

"Of course they are, Horatio. Aren't you used to it though?" she teased.

"Too used to it, but it's still sickening."  He opened a window to air out the stench then carried down the trash when it continued to stink up the kitchen.

She looked at the boy.  "He can stand a two week old body and can't stand a diaper?  You poor boy," she soothed.  He made sucky faces so she let him have the bottle back, watching as he fell asleep drinking.  "Am I supposed to let you do that?"  She opened the book but it didn't have it.  So she did the next best thing, she called her mother.  "Mother?" she asked in Portugese.  "Can babies fall asleep with a bottle?  No, Horatio's son.  Long story, Mother.  At his house.  Yes, there, Mother. Of course.  Come over.  We could use some advice on what he'll need to do for the next few days."  She hung up and watched Horatio come back in with Ray.  "They kicked you off the scene?"

"Since it's the mother of my nephew they said I couldn't work it," he said with a small shrug.  "Conflict of interest or something."  He looked at the sleeping baby.  "Our boy will love you a lot too," he promised, kissing her on the head.  "Any food?"

"Probably not," Horatio admitted.  "Unless Yelina brought some."

"My mother probably will," she promised.  "She'll be over in about twenty more minutes."  Both men just nodded at that.  Her mother was nice, but loud.  Very, very loud.  And active.  And happy.  A rapid knocking on the door and Ray sighed, answering it for them.  "Hi, Momma.  Come meet Alexander."

"Oooooh!" she squealed, coming in to look at the baby.  "My grandbaby," she cooed in Portugese.  The baby woke up and stared at her, making her smile.  "I'm Grandmother," she said in English.  The baby went back to sleep, still sucking on the bottle. "He should be fine to drink while he sleeps tonight, dear.  You did all the time."  She sat down to mother the baby.  "Where did he come from?"

"Apparently my brother got a bit drunk and free in a club one night," Ray said dryly, smirking at Horatio, who glared back.

"I haven't been in a club in over a year, Ray.  That's why I can't figure out where I met his mother."  Both women stared at him.  "I haven't had time to," he defended.

The Grandmother snorted and shook her head.  "That will change," she vowed.  "Bambinos need time, energy, and diapers."

Yelina snickered.  "We've found that last one out already, Momma."

"I smelled," Ray agreed dryly, finishing up the soup he was warning up.  He gave Horatio a mug of it and drank his from the counter he was leaning on.  He wasn't sure he wanted to get attached to the nephew with his own coming.  After all, he was supposed to be having the firstborn child of that generation, not his big brother.  "What're you going to do about a mother, Horatio?"

"I don't know," he admitted, sitting down at the table.  He held out his hands and took his son back, waking him slightly but he shifted some and went back to sleep once he was comfortable.  "Please keep doing that, son.  Sleeping is good."

"Yelina can take your gun for the next few days," her mother promised, patting him on the hand.  "Now, do you have a crib yet?"  He looked horrified.  "Never mind.  Tonight he can sleep somewhere safe beside you.  Maybe a laundry basket.  My own babies spent much time sleeping in one while I did laundry."  She smiled at him.  "Then we can go to the thrift store tomorrow for the things he'll need."

"I can call the Church," Yelina promised.  "I know we have things stored for families that have fires and things.  Sister Hannah will understand."

"She'll swat him again," Ray said dryly.  "She doesn't like unmarried parents."

"Not like I planned him, Ray," Horatio said patiently, glaring at him.  His brother piped down at that.  "We'll have to baptize him as well."  Yelina and her mother both smiled at that.  "We'll go to the church in the morning."

"Once you've got a carseat," Yelina ordered.

"Of course.  Maybe we should call first?  See if they have one?"

She rolled her eyes and pulled the phone over again, dialing the number to the church.  It rang a few times and a tired male voice answered.  "Father Patrick, it's Yelina Caine."  She smiled.  "No, I'm still fine, Father, but Horatio's just had a baby handed to him by the mother.  She's dead, Father."

"Horribly dead," Ray agreed, taking the phone.  "Father, it's Ray.  The mother showed up a few days ago saying he was Horatio's and that she was being hunted by her parents.  We found her earlier tonight killed very badly."  The baby fussed at that.  "Sorry, kid."  He listened to him.  "That's one of the reasons we're calling, also to find out where Horatio needs to go to get stuff for the kid.  Few months, Horatio?"

"The paramedic said weeks," he offered quietly, staring down at his son, who went back to sleep feeling safe and protected.  He took the phone.  "Father, I have no idea where I met the girl.  She claimed I was drunk but it's been over a year since I've went out to play like that.  The tests say he's mine however and ....  It would be able to tell that yes, Father.  I'm sure.  I ran them twice in the lab.  No, it was her last wish he come to me.  She left a letter in the room saying if she was found dead to find the baby and bring him to me before he was killed as well."  He smiled.  "Of course.  I'm at home.  I can send Ray to pick you up, Father.  Of course we'll be baptizing him.  That's just one thing we need to deal with.  Thank you, Father.  Right now, of course."  He handed back the phone and Yelina hung it up while Ray grabbed Horatio's keys and headed out to pick up the family priest. They let the baby sleep while Yelina and her mother made out a list of what the baby would need.  She could reuse the list for her soon-to-be-born child.   Ray let the priest in and Horatio started to stand but the old man waved him back down.  "Thank you for coming, Father."

"It's not a problem, Horatio.  Things like this are very bad."  He looked at the child, smiling when the touch of holy water only made him fuss a bit.  "What happened to his mother was evil?"

"His boss flinched, Father," Ray said gently.  That got a solemn nod.  "Is he all right?"

"He's fine.  Not tainted by evil in the least," he soothed.  "We can easily baptize him this week, Horatio."  That got a nod.  "Do you know who you'll name Godparents?"

"I don't yet," he admitted.  "Ray, Yelina?"  They smiled and nodded.

"That's fine," the priest agreed, taking the boy to hold.  The baby woke up and stared at him, fussing a bit.  "You are safe, Xander," he soothed.  "You are loved and your father will protect you."  The baby settled down and stared some more.  "I know, it is strange, but you will be fine."  He cradled him and anointed him with holy water again.  "This will hold you until your baptism.  That way none of the evil that took your mother can touch you."  He handed him back to Horatio and pulled a list out of his pocket.  "Sister Hannah suggested you go here, boys."  That got a smile from Yelina and her mother stole the baby.  "He will definitely be loved by this family."  He looked at Horatio. "Are you ready for fatherhood?"

"No," he said honestly, "but I'll do better than mine did."

"Good man, Horatio."  He patted him on the arm.  "When do you have to go back to work?"

"My boss gave me a few days off to get him settled."

"Then we'll baptize him Wednesday?"

"That would be fine," Ray agreed.  "After four if you can?  I've got court that morning."  That got a nod and the priest smiled at the picture of father and son.  Especially with the look on the son's face.  "Eww," Ray said, sniffing.  "Damn that's gross."

"Babies do that," Yelina's mother assured him, taking him to change before it ran down Horatio's arm since the diaper was so loose.  "Come, Horatio."  He followed, going to get another washcloth he could throw away.  She cleaned off the last one and used it again, which was fine with him.  One less for him to buy more of.

The priest smiled at Yelina.  "When will I be seeing yours?"

"Two months," she offered, stroking her stomach.  She winced when she got kicked.  "Sorry, he's a bit active.  He wants to play with his cousin."

The priest smiled.  "That's a tight family then, Yelina.  It will be fine.  Sister Hannah ordered me to tell you to get a car seat first.  Go to the second name on the list for that.  They give them out to new parents of low income.   Since the police don't pay Horatio what he's worth he should be eligible and if not they'll know where to go for the cheapest one."  She nodded at that with a smile.  "Good woman.  I'll see you Wednesday.  Raymond?"

"Sure, Father.  Horatio, I'm bringing him home."  He walked him back out, chatting about baby things.  He had no idea babies were so nasty.  He wasn't sure if he wanted one or not now.  Especially not if they all smelled like that multiple times a day or more often.

Horatio and Yelina's mother came out with the baby clean, dry, and content again.  "Ray only got a ten pack of diapers.  Will that be enough?"

"Until the morning," she promised, kissing him on the cheek.  "You come get me in the morning and we'll go shopping, Horatio."  She kissed her daughter on the forehead and left them alone.

Yelina took the baby back. "Might as well practice since I've got someone to do it on."

He smiled.  "That's fine, Yelina.  I know he won't be stolen by you."  She smiled at that.  "Would you mind babysitting?"

"Of course not.  He's a darling little one.  If I do, I'll let you know."  He nodded, accepting that.  The baby was a darling little one.  "I hope my own baby is as sweet and calm as you," she said quietly, smoothing down his hair.

"I hope he sleeps through the night," he offered, making her laugh.  He knew it was unrealistic but hope sprung eternal, right?

***

Horatio looked at his son at six the next morning, his hair messed up, his pajama top messed up, and his son cooing at him happily.  "Now I know why she took my gun," he admitted, leaning down to look at his son.  "Can't you please sleep just for a few hours, son?  Please?  Daddy needs some rest too."  The baby cooed and farted, but thankfully nothing came out since he was down to two diapers.  "Fine, you lay there and be happy."  He flopped onto his back and the baby fussed.  He glared at the baby.  "Sleep, Xander.  Now."  The baby fussed more.  He sighed and picked him up to put on his chest so he could relax again.  "Just don't suffocate or anything, all right?  We'll nap like this for now."  The baby settled down, head over his heart, listening to the familiar noise.  "Good boy."  He patted his back and finally fell asleep.

Xander looked up at him, then smiled and let himself drift off.  The daddy did love him.  He didn't love the person who came in to wake them up a few hours later and let it be known at the top of his lungs.  His father snapped awake at that and glared at the man in the doorway.  Xander continued to scream until his father hugged him and whispered in his ear about idiot friends he worked with, then he settled down to glare at the person who dared wake the daddy up.

"He's quite a boy, Horatio," his friend teased.

"He is.  He kept me up all night.  Xander, this is Paul."  Xander sucked his fingers and continued to listen to Daddy breathe and his heart beat.  "Good, you go back to sleep.  What's going on?"

"We heard about him and we wanted to give you some presents, like we should have if we had known sooner."

Horatio looked at him.  "I only found out three days ago."  His friend snickered at that.  "I don't remember the mother either, so get it out now."  Xander shifted and he stroked his back.  "Fine, we'll get up.  Someone will let me nap later and Yelina can drive while we get you things you'll need.  Including more diapers."  He got up with a groan and let his friend have the baby while he went to the bathroom to straighten up.

Paul looked at the baby, smirking at him.  "Hey, kid.  Liking your family so far?  You're lucky your father's such a stand-up guy.  Plenty of guys would've denied your mother out of hand."

Horatio shook his head as he took his son back.  "I'd never do that to my own child," he said as he headed for the kitchen.  He looked at the baby. "If I give you a bottle will you not vomit down my back this time?"  The baby smiled at him.

"Ah, gas," Paul said fondly.  "Mine had that for a few months before he learned how to smile.  Then again I think my son's a bit slow.  Comes from his mother's father."  He pointed at the couch.  "From all of us.  We figured it's the most practical gift we could get you two."

Horatio sat down to unwrap the present, smiling at the box of diapers with the package of pacifiers on top.  "Thank you.  I needed some of them."

Paul nodded.  "Probably with the look on his face.  He'd be cackling if he could."  Horatio looked down and sighed, going to change the wet diaper.  "Tip, Horatio, wait five minutes or get sprayed.  Little boys aim for the hair and yours is a bright target, buddy."

"Thank you."  He did wait and Xander finished up so he could change him.  "Good boy."  He cleaned his butt up then his tiny penis before diapering him again, getting a happy baby.  "Very good boy."  He carried him back out.  "How is the case on his mother going?"

"Nowhere.  No hair, no foreign blood that we've found.  Lots and lots of smudges for fingerprints.  Mostly hers from what we've seen so far.  We're looking but no clue who she is?"  Horatio shook his head.  "Huh.  Anything at all?"

"She said she's nineteen, in college, a prodigy."  He found the original paperwork and handed it over.  "That's what she gave me for the first paternity test, Paul.  I don't think he was born there.  She didn't sound like a native of the city or the state.  She had a softer accent, almost Midwestern."

"I'll look into it.  Lots of college students in the city."  He looked at the sleepy baby.  "That's a good trick.  Wish mine had learned it."

"He kept me up for the last four hours, it's about time we both sleep," Horatio admitted, getting a smile and a nod.  "Thanks, Paul.  Thank everyone for me."

"Of course.  Bring him around the day before you come back."

"He's being baptized Wednesday afternoon.  Late afternoon.  Ray's got court and asked for it to be after four."

"Even better," he agreed, punching him on the arm before leaving.

Horatio laid down on the couch, letting the son sleep on his chest for now since he seemed to like it.  He was nearly asleep when he heard a pathetic sniffle.  The package of pacifiers were opened and one was stuck into his mouth, making him satisfied enough for now.  When he lost it Horatio found it while still nearly asleep and stuck it back after an attempt to put it into his ear.   They managed a whole three hours of sleep before Yelina came over to help them shop.  She even managed to take a picture of them before he woke up.

"Go bathe, Horatio."  He nodded, trudging that way with the baby.  He squealed at the water, apparently it was a good day to shower with the father so she wouldn't say anything for now.  She fixed them breakfast while she waited, not looking when he came out in a towel and scurried into the bedroom to get properly dressed.  The baby came out naked except for a diaper.  "Put a t-shirt on him."

"I don't have any in his size."  She gave him a look so he went to get one of his undershirts to put on the baby.  It was summer, he didn't want to get him too warm.  "Thank you, Yelina."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Paul dropped those off."  She smiled and handed over the bottle, letting him switch it out for the pacifier.  Xander was happier with that and Horatio knew not to let him puke down his back this time.  "I guess we'll both learn with him so your son doesn't get the trial and error problems."  She smiled and went back to make him some more coffee, bringing it out.  "Thank you.  Ray at work?"

"Yes," she complained, sitting down carefully.  "He patted the baby on the head, patted me on the head, then left for the day.  I felt like a dog."  He smiled at that, shaking his head slightly.  "I know he loves me but he still patted me on the head."

"Next time bite him," he suggested with a small grin.  She snickered and smirked back.  She even took the baby so he could finish his breakfast.  "Where's your mother?"

"She'll be over in an hour.  She went to talk to the people about a carseat.  That way he can't get hurt in the insane traffic we have in this city."

"I'll thank her later."  He finished his coffee and got the dish towel to put over his shoulder so he could take him back and burp him.  It worked and none soaked through in the short time it was on him!  "Better, son."  He took the bottle back and went back to feeding him.

***

Ray walked into his house that night and found Horatio crashed on the couch and his son watching his wife from a carseat on the table.  "I take it the shopping went well?"

"Yes, and he got some darling little outfits," she promised, kissing him on the cheek.  "I also picked up some for our son when he's born."  She went back to browning the meat while they both watched what she was doing.  "Xander kept him up from two this morning," she said when he went to check on Horatio.

"I wondered why he was snoring."  Horatio woke up and blinked at him.  "Catching up?"

"Storing up for tonight's marathon," he said, closing his eyes again.  "Yelina, want me to take him yet?"

"No.  He's watching me cook," she called from the kitchen.  "Go back to sleep, Horatio."  He nodded and drifted off again.  She smiled and blew a kiss at the baby.  "We'll do just fine."  The baby cooed at her and stuck his finger back into his mouth, making her chuckle before draining the meat.  "Give me another twenty, Ray.  Go shower and change."  He went to do that.  She rolled her eyes.  "One of these days he'll have to cook for himself."

"Probably when you're in the hospital after labor," Horatio said from the couch, making her smile at him.  He got up and came to get the son and set the table.  Xander went against the wall and he was more than content to watch them from there instead since they were coming closer.  He handed him a bottle since it had been a few hours and his son was instantly a happy boy again.  She served him and went to get Ray out of the bedroom.  "We'll eat, son, then we'll head home where you'll sleep for at least a few hours hopefully."

Ray came out.  "He eating with us?"

"He is," Horatio agreed.

"He can't eat the same stuff?"

"He's an infant, Ray.  They only drink milk until about six months old," she said patiently.  "Then they eat mush, oatmeal, and strained vegetables.  It'll be a few years before he eats enchiladas."   She sat down and said Grace, then dug in.  Horatio ate one-handed but his son was very content the few times he needed to use both hands for something.

Ray sighed and took the baby to feed.  "Eat."  Horatio smiled and dug in with gusto.  "Missed lunch?"

"No, we had lunch," Yelina assured him.  "Almost six hours ago but we did all eat."  She giggled when Ray got peed on.  "Oops."

He looked at the kid.  "Must you do that?"

"Not like he can use the toilet," Horatio offered, taking him to change him.  Ray went to change himself and clean up the mess on his arm and thigh.  "Sorry."

"I'm sure you are.  Have a good day off?"

Horatio looked at him.  "We had to go to ten different stores, Ray.  Just for the crib."   That got a shudder.  "Eighteen in total.  Your nursery is also outfitted."

"Thank you."  He looked at the bare baby butt in front of him.  "At least you'll grow into a big guy like we are."   The yellow arch that shot up hit him on the nose, making him splutter and run into the shower to clean his face off while Horatio snickered quietly.  "He did that on purpose!"

"Ray, he's barely over a month old," he chastised.  "He can't aim yet, it was the natural trajectory."  He got him cleaned up again and rediapered then back to the table.  "Ray's cleaning up."

"Momma said boys did that," she said smugly, eating a bite of dinner.  She finished up and took Xander, letting him nuzzle into her chest.  "Good boy, Xander."

Ray came out scowling.  "Do not let him eat off you, Yelina."

"He's not!  He's comfortable.  They're soft and it's a natural place to rest on one's mother," she defended.

Horatio finished up as quickly as he could and took his son back.  "Thank you, Yelina.  Should I leave you two alone to share a nice, quiet night?"

"Thanks, big brother," Ray said.  He watched as Horatio strapped the baby into the carseat.  "That's really complicated."

"You'll learn by the time ours is ready to have his first ride home," Yelina assured him.  "It's not that hard."

He looked at her, then shook his head.  "No I won't."

"Ray, she'll be very sore coming out of the hospital.  Our mother rested for two weeks after she had you.  Dad even had to cook and vacuum."  Ray shuddered.  "Maybe you two should take one of those lamaze classes.  I hear they've got films of what happens during labor and things.  Plus it can help when the pains get intense."

"Why would she need me?"

"To help her, Ray.  Modern fathers get to go into the labor room with the mother," Horatio told him.  Ray gave him a horrified look.  "Really.  They do.  Paul went in with all of his.  The boss went in with his last two."

"No thanks."  His wife swatted him.  "I don't want to see that, Yelina!"

"You saw it before I got pregnant and afterward," she complained.  "You'll be in there and if you're on a scene I'll have someone drag you in, Raymond."

"You know work's important."

She snorted.  "You will be there or I will make your life a living hell," she vowed.  He shivered and nodded, seeming to acquiesce.  For now.  She knew he'd weasel his way out of it.  "It's either you or your brother looking at that part of me," she said, playing up to his jealous streak.

"He will not!" he snapped.  "You're my wife, not his!"

"Then you'll be there, as a proper husband would be," she said smartly, staring him down.  He groaned and nodded, stomping back to the bedroom.  She smiled at Horatio, kissing him on the cheek then the baby on the forehead.  "You be good and try to sleep tonight, Xander.  Your crib looks very comfortable to nap in."  The baby sucked on his finger but it looked like he was trying to smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Horatio," she said quietly.  He nodded and left, taking the baby down to his car to strap him in again.  She called the hospital to find out when those lamaze classes were.  Because her husband would be going with her even if she did have to withhold sex and pull him in there by his nuts.

***

Horatio smiled and greeted his coworkers who were there for the baby's baptism.  Most of his team was there, except the one who refused to step foot in a church ever again.  One had almost fallen in on him so he didn't mind too much.  He checked his watch but Ray was still missing.  He looked at Yelina, who had slipped off to call him, getting a shrug.  Ray's partner came in with him in tow, making them both smile.  "Case?"

"Paperwork our Lieutenant wanted tonight," he said in his Texan accent, handing over Ray.  He looked at the baby.  "Hey, little fella.  You're wearing a dress."  Xander started to fuss.

"He's in a christening gown.  He can wear real boy clothes in a few minutes," Yelina assured him.

"I'm sure he will."  He sat down beside the CSI's secretary, earning a smile.  He was sweet on her.  "He's a cute kid."

"He's adorable," she agreed, taking his hand to squeeze.  "They're all adorable at that age until they keep you up."

Horatio looked at her.  "He didn't sleep for eighteen hours straight yesterday," he told her, making her giggle.  "Most of that at night."  That got smug looks from all the parents watching them.  The priest came up to join them. "Father Patrick."

"Horatio.  Ah, little Alexander."  He opened his book to start the service and Xander started to howl.  "Shh."  He looked around then up, then at him, moving them slightly off to the side.  There was a picture up there and he supposed it could be scary to such a young child.  The baby settled down with a quiet word from his father and they went on.  He tossed a fit with the holy water anointing but that was normal baby behavior.  They all yelled at that.  His Godparents both took their vows and took him to hold briefly.

Ray looked at his nephew.  "Don't worry.  If something happens to your dad, you can come stay with your cousin.  She'll take good care of you, kid."

Yelina stole the baby, glaring at him.  "No matter what, you are a child of my heart," she whispered in his ear.  "Just like my own will be."  He cooed at her and she handed him back, watching as the baby snuggled into Horatio's arms.  She smiled at him.  "He does love you."

"He does."

The priest motioned them to turn around.  "May I present to you Alexander Adrian Caine."  The watchers clapped at that and came up to coo over the baby and hand Horatio a few smaller presents for him.  Then they took the new father out to dinner.  They all ignored what Yelina was eating because she was having peanut butter on her fish, but that was pregnant women for you.

***

Horatio came back his first day looking like warmed up crap.  His boss gave him a knowing look.  "He's a night baby," he explained.  He headed for the coffeepot on his way to his locker then got to work on whatever he was assigned.  After an hour he called Yelina to check, finding a happy baby and aunt together watching soaps.  So that was fine.  The next one was at lunch and they had been napping but he was making hungry noises.  The chief came in and gave him a look so he excused himself and hung up.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem.  He awake?"

"Just now.  The phone reminded him he's hungry."

"You want to go home at four?"

"My shift ends at six.  She knows that."

"Go home at four, Horatio.  Then work on making the baby sleep at night instead of the day."  He handed him a slip of paper.  "The wife said that one worked for our third one."  He walked off again.  He watched as Horatio went back to work, shaking his head when he found him still working at five.  "I said go home," he called as he walked past the doorway.

"Let me finish this one," he complained.

His boss came in and looked in the microscope.  "They match.  Hallelujah.  Go home."  Horatio marked that down and retagged the bullet he had been working on before leaving for the day.  He shook his head.   Horatio was one stubborn guy but it made him a fantastic CSI.  They would have to make sure it didn't make him an absentee father and give the pretty Yelina a second son.

***

Things started to get more normal, and Xander learned to sleep most nights within a few weeks, so he was more ready when Yelina called him at work panting.  "Need driven or do you want to call an ambulance?"  He smiled.  "I'll be right there."  He hung up.  "Boss, Yelina's in labor!" he yelled.  "I've got to drive her because Ray's somewhere!  Someone find him!"  He hurried out to his car, going to save her and his son since he was over there.  She was panting and moaning by the time he got there but that was normal from what he had read.  "Come on.  Let's get you down to the car.  Xander?"  She pointed at the car seat.  "Good girl, Yelina.  Come on."  She grabbed her bag, he grabbed the baby, and they headed down the stairs.  The lights on the car made the trip to the hospital faster and the ER told him to take her to a special desk up front so he did.  "She's in labor.  Yelina Caine?"  Her name was found, the doctor always planned ahead for pregnant women.

"Is that her son?" the OB nurse asked.

"No, I'm her brother-in-law, he's mine.  She was babysitting and I'm staying."

"That's fine.  Go ahead and put him down out of the way please.  He probably doesn't need to see this."

"I didn't think he could see that well."  He called Ray's desk, then his boss's desk.  "Where's Ray?  It's Horatio, where's my idiot brother hiding?  His wife's in labor, that's why."  She let out a scream of pain.  "See?"  He smirked.  "Can you please have him drug here in cuffs?  Thanks.  That's where we're at, yes.  No, I've got Xander with me.  My boss knows, Lieutenant.  Just find my idiot brother.  Thank you."  He hung up and looked at the baby.  "He's worried about you too."  He called her mother.  "It's Horatio.  She's in labor.  We're in the hospital."

"I'm not sure if we're going to keep her or not," the nurse offered.  "They're still seven minutes apart."

"An hour ago they were ten," she panted.

"Okay.  We'll call your doc, see what he says."  She nodded so the nurse went to call him.  She came back a few minutes later.  "He said to keep you and hope your husband can be found."

"He's an officer.  If he's that out of touch he'd better be dead," Horatio told her.  That got a smile.  "He's hiding."

"You've got a few more hours.  First babies usually come in eight to ten, but it's not unheard of to be eighteen or twenty."  She smiled at her.  "Now, do you think you can handle the pain?  It goes faster if you don't have pain medicine up front."

"My mother was stoned and I came out in six," she told her.  "I want drugs."

"Okay, I'll get someone."  She watched her go through this next contraction, Horatio holding her hand and smoothing down her hair, prompting her to relax as much as she could.  "You'll do fine until he gets here. Did you two do lamaze?"

"I did.  Ray was a bit iffy on it once he saw the film."

"That happens," she agreed.  She went to talk to the head nurse about drugs for her and warn her the brother-in-law and his infant were in.  That got a smile.  Two officers drug in another guy in handcuffs.  "Caine?"  One of them nodded.  She pointed.  "In there."  They drug him in there and handcuffed him to the railing with Horatio's cuffs then left after a 'good luck' to Yelina.  They all loved her around the station.  She'd make a great detective some year soon.  The nurses snickered at that.  Officers should be able to handle a little childbirth.

Horatio was sitting down with the baby when the nurses came back with the medicine tray.   "If you need me to I can move his cuffs."

"That's all right, he's not in the way at all."  She tapped something into the IV line and smiled.  "There, that should help and later on we'll do an epidural."  That got a happy smile.  "Now, let's see how you're progressing."  Horatio got up and moved him and the baby out of the line of sight, going back by her head.  "Thank you."  She unwrapped a glove and got under the sheets, making Yelina hiss.  "Hmm.  Dilated five it feels like."  She withdrew her hand and took off the glove. "It'll be just fine and you're progressing nicely, Mrs. Caine."

"Salas.  I got by my maiden name at work."

"I can do that."  She made the note on her chart and the note about her condition.  "Sir, there's a caf downstairs if he's going to need milk."

"I can do that later.  He's not hungry, he just wanted a pacifier," he said quietly.

"That's always my favorite baby trick too."  She smiled at Ray.  "It'll be a few hours.  Let me move a chair for you, Mr. Caine."  She moved a chair over so he could sit down.  "Now, when she's in the contraction, go over the breathing exercises with her.  It'll help keep her focused."  He nodded, taking her hand to hold.  Horatio tossed over the keys so she released him and tossed them back.  "Good boys."  She went to check on her next patient.

"Did you have to embarrass me that way?" Ray complained.

"Yes, you were trying to run," Yelina told him.  He pouted at her and she glared back.  "You wanted a baby, you're going to help with him."  He wilted. "That includes doing things for him and helping more around the house.  Because I will be going back to work.  My mother's agreed to watch both boys."  He nodded at that, looking like a whipped puppy.  "Good!"   She tensed up.

"Yelina, if you tense it hurts more," Horatio reminded her.  She made herself relax and took Ray's hand to squeeze.  He shifted closer, letting him have his slightly damp hand from the baby's mouth.  She squeezed and he didn't flinch at it.  "Breathe.  You can do this."  He glared at Ray, prompting him to start the progression of breathing exercises.  She followed along because it was keeping her attention at the moment.  Xander squealed and kicked so he looked down at him.  "Yes, your cousin is coming," he agreed quietly.   "Pipe down."  He fussed and wiggled and tried to get over to help.  When the contraction ended he stood up so the baby could see her.  "See, she's all right, Xander."

Yelina took the baby to hold, putting him on her stomach.  "Tell him to hurry up, Xander.  That way he can come cuddle you at Momma's."  The baby cooed at her stomach, almost laughing when his cousin kicked him.  She tensed up to have another one and the baby cooed some more, staying right there while the Daddy and Uncle helped her.  "He's lifting his head on his own," she said with a smile.

"Good boy, son," Horatio prompted.  "That's an important step."  He patted his son on the back. "Be a good boy for just a minute longer, okay?"  The nurse came back.  "He wanted to help."

"He can keep his cousin calm and kicking."  She smiled at the small family.  Once it was done she let Horatio take the baby back and put on the fetal monitor.  "There we go.  Forgot that earlier," she said with a small wink.   She looked at the readouts.  "So far he looks okay."  Xander nearly wiggled his way back onto her so Horatio sighed and put him beside the lump of stomach.  She smiled when the fetal heartrate picked up.  "He does love his cousin."  She looked at her.   "How are you doing on pain?"

"I hurt," she admitted.  "But the little bit of relief is nice."

"Good.  Your doctor's on the way up.  He'll be here in about twenty minutes.  Then we'll see about some jell-o for dinner, all right?"  That got a nod and she walked back out, going to gossip about the very helpful baby.

The doctor walked in about twenty-five minutes later.  "Yelina.  Time?"

"It appears to be," she agreed.  She patted Xander on the head. "He's being helpful while his father gets him something from the cafeteria to drink."

"That's fine.  I don't recommend him being in here when you're delivering, but that's fine."  He gently shifted the baby and got a glare from him.  "Hmm, I heard Horatio had a  new son.  You'd be Xander then?"  She smiled and nodded, then hissed and the baby cooed at her, kicking gently against her stomach.  He noticed the baby's heartrate was staying up.  "He's very helpful indeed."  He checked her over once it was done.  "You're coming along fine.  Looks like none of us will get a lot of sleep tonight."  Her mother rushed in.  "Calm down.  You've got about three hours before we make her start to push."

"Why isn't she drugged!" she demanded.  "I was!"

"Modern women get by with less drugs and less time in the hospital," he told her.  "Not like in the old days where you were in a fog."  He smiled when the baby kicked again then cooed.  The fetal monitor beeped.  "That's actually a pretty good sign.  He's a very helpful young man, Yelina."  Horatio walked in with a small carton of milk.  "He's being very good and helpful, Horatio."

"I like that they'll be close."  He fixed the bottle and took his son back, letting him stare at her for now.

"All right, Yelina.  Epidural when you're fully efaced and about to crown.  The gals here know when it's time so let them tell you."  She nodded at that, biting her lip.  "Now, your husband is here to abuse.  This is when you can get away with yelling stuff at him that you wouldn't normally say.  You can also bring him in during your first post-birth checkup to talk about fixing him if you want."

"He will be," she vowed.

He looked at her and shook his head.  "You can if you want."

"Son, yours would keep you off work for a day, maybe two.  We'd have to admit her and do surgery for hers," the doctor told him, getting a shudder.  "She'd be down probably a week and you'd have to take that time off work and do everything for her, including change diapers.  Have you been practicing?"  Ray gave him a horrified look and he smirked.  "Son, she's not going to be moving right for at least a week this time either.  Even if I will be letting her go home in two days.  There'll be no sex for at least six months.  She won't be able to stand long enough to cook for at least a week, possibly two, and she'll be in bed or on a couch for the first four days."   Ray pointed at her mother.  "You're a father now, step up to do the work.  You've got to pay the price for that bit of fun you had nine months ago."   Ray whimpered quietly.  He smiled.  "It'll be fine.  Pretty soon you'll be nearly a pro at it, like Horatio seems to be now."  He looked at her mother.  "You can teach him I'm sure."

"I did those two, I can him."  She smiled at her daughter.  "Now, how bad does it hurt?"

"I've had some pain killers, Momma.  They've been very good about that."

"She's not screaming as much as some women on the floor," Horatio assured her.

"One of them's going natural.  Said she felt it was better for the baby to not be stoned too," the doctor said, making notes on the chart.  "Okay.  I'll be back in about an hour or so.  You tell the gals outside if you need anything."

"Can I have a drink?"

"You can have all the ice chips you want, Yelina.  Come on, Ray, let's get her some."  He nodded, following him out to ask for some.  "You've told your boss you've got to take at least a week off?" he prompted.  Ray shook his head.  So the doctor sighed.  "Need me to write an excuse?"

"I might, I don't think my boss did much with his kid either."

"That's fine, Ray."  He wrote out one and handed it over. "There.  Have your brother hand it in tomorrow for you."

"How did you know that?"

"He's driven her twice recently.  Not like she could with how far back she had to sit thanks to the baby."  He patted him on the arm. "She wants some ice chips, girls."  One of them got some for him.  "I'm guessing about three hours.  Her mother's in there now.  You might wanna dig up the 'new baby in the house' pamphlet.  Ray hasn't much thought about that."  That got a smile and one of them handed it over to him with the ice chips.  "Go back to her."  Ray walked back in there.  He shook his head.  "Some boys you gotta lead by the nose.  Some'll run you over."  He went to check his other patient on the floor, the one who was going natural. He didn't like it but it was her choice to go through that much pain.   He didn't think any woman should suffer for this, especially not with the twins she was having.

***

Horatio walked into the station the next day, running into both bosses and the shift supervisor waiting on him.  "It's a boy.  He's healthy.  Twenty inches, six and a half pounds."  They smiled at that.  "Xander helped most of the night by cooing at his cousin before he was born."  That got a chuckle from his boss.  "Ray didn't fill out forms?"  His brother's boss shook his head so he handed over the note.  "The doctor kindly pointed out he'd have to do some of the childcare for the next few days.  Thank you for the handcuffing."

"I had to be drug there in mine," his boss assured his best CSI. "I became a stupid little twittering virgin who couldn't even figure out how to drive."   The other lieutenant laughed at that.  "You didn't?"

"Nah, I drove her, then got stuck in a waiting room with a cigar."  He shrugged. "I'll fill out Ray's forms, Horatio.  How's Yelina?"

"Not beating him yet.  I'm impressed with that  much alone.  Ray passed out during her second hour of labor so I had to stand in."  That got a shudder from both men. "They got Ray up and asked if he wanted to cut the cord and he turned green and fled.  So he's somewhere at the moment getting a drink for being a new father.   If you see him, drive him home please."

"Of course.  You need today off?" his boss asked.

"Could I?"

"You look like shit, son.  You've got the time in."  Horatio smiled. "I'll call if it's a really horrible case."  That got a nod and Horatio walked back out.  They went to tell their respective teams.  Everyone liked Yelina.  She was a nice girl.

Horatio picked up his son from Yelina's mother, making her smile. "I have the day off unless it's something horrible."  He headed home, going to put Xander down for a nap and take one himself.  He was definitely used to shorter nights now but it had still been a draining one, even watching had been draining.  He didn't even make it out of his clothes, just flopped down and napped once his son was in his crib.

***

Horatio got the offer a few months later, making him look at his son.  "Miami?  It's pretty down there and no snow."  His son hated the cold weather.  Yelina hated the snow as well.  It was an offer to consider.  His boss wasn't going to retire for years unless he died on the job.  Horatio did want to move up and Miami was reorganizing their labs.  It was a beautiful city.  His last case's victim had been moved down there so he could check on her more often as well.  He decided a family dinner was in order so he grabbed Xander and got him dressed, even if he was wiggling and trying to stay mostly naked.  His radiator was stuck in the on position and it was roasting in his place.  "We're going to see Ray Junior, Xander."  That made him fight less.  "Thank you."  He finally got him into the outfit and headed out with the diaper bag.  Yelina smiled when she opened the door.  "It's roasting in my place."

"I noticed that earlier."  She let him inside.  "Ray's at work."

"That's fine.  I was thinking a nice family dinner."  He put Xander down next to Ray Junior on the carpet, letting him bat at his friend and suck on his fingers for him.  "I got an offer to go to Miami."

"Really?"  She smiled.  "It's a beautiful city."

"I was wondering if you and Ray might like to join me if I went."

"And get away from all the snow?  Please, yes."  He laughed at that while she called Ray. "Horatio's here to have dinner with us.  Yes, and Xander, Raymond."  She rolled her eyes.  "Where else would he be?  He is family.  No, he's got an offer to switch departments and wanted to talk about it."  She looked at him.  "He said only if you take his son since he kept him up last night."

Horatio smirked.  "They do that.  They're babies."

"Tell me about it.  He whined nearly as much as his son did."  She heard the spluttering and hung up on him. "He'll be home shortly."  He smiled at her blatant trick.  "He still doesn't want to do anything around the house."

"Miami pays better, slightly, so maybe you could get a housekeeper."  She smiled at that.  "Also, I heard earlier that congratulations are in order, Detective Salas."  She beamed at him and gave him a hug. "The list comes out tomorrow but I did hear you were on it."  Ray came in and she ran over to hug him.  "She's on the promotion list."

"Really?"  He smiled at his wife.  "That means we can hire a housekeeper so I don't have to do dishes, right?"

"No!"  She swatted him and carefully walked around the two boys, noticing Xander was flipped onto his stomach and trying to get to his knees.  "He's trying to crawl."

"He tried that earlier too. I had to get a splinter out of his knees."  She smiled and went back to cooking while he got down to play with the babies.  "I got an offer from Miami, Ray."

"Wow.  Miami's a pretty city, it's warm.  It's humid most of the time."  That got a nod.   "Why do they want you?"

"They are reorganizing the labs and wanted some fresh blood.  It'd give me more opportunity to advance and she'd still have a large Brazilian community around her."

"Momma used to live down there when she was younger," Yelina called from the kitchen.

"It also pays slightly better."

"Then I definitely wouldn't mind checking into it.  When do they want to know from you?"

"Next week."

"I can find their HR number and call by then," he agreed.  He looked at the babies then shook his head.  "You two are going to be holy terrors soon, aren't you?"

"They are merely infants, Ray."

"Fine."  He went to change clothes for the night.

Horatio smoothed down some of Ray Junior's hair.  "It'll be all right.  At the very least you can come visit if they can't move right away."  He got up to help Yelina in the kitchen.  He couldn't cook well but he could chop and drain stuff while Ray watched the boys.

"Oh, sure, make me deal with messy butt and slobber out here," he complained.

"Xander's had good diapers all day, Ray."

"He's drooling!"

"He's cutting teeth," both good parents noted patiently.

"Wipe it off with the cloth in the diaper bag, Ray, and then hand him the blue ring."  Ray did that and sat down to watch some tv while the boys played with each other.  Horatio rolled his eyes and said a prayer for patience for his brother.  Because he still wasn't doing much with the kid.  He probably wouldn't until Ray Junior was old enough for sports.  She smiled at him.  "Miami is a nice city.  About as expensive to live in according to their letter."  He let her read it.  He didn't care if *she* knew his proposed salary.  She gave him a look and he smiled.  "The difference is the specialty."

"I should get a chemistry degree."

"How much more do you make?"

"A few thousand a year," Horatio said modestly.  Or something like that really because his brother didn't need to know he made a third more than him.

"I'll call their HR department in the morning, Horatio. I've got it off."  He smiled at that.  "I would like to move somewhere I can't make snowmen on my fire escape."

"You might even be able to get a small house," he offered quietly.  She smiled at that.  "That way Ray could cut the grass."  She giggled and swatted at him, going back to fussing over dinner.

Ray came in to look at the food being prepared.  "Why are we having beans?"

"Because you don't cook," she reminded him.

"Oh. That reason. Okay."  He set the table, then went back to watching the news and sports.  Horatio quirked a small smile as he really helped.  Sometimes he was such a little kid himself.  "Hey, Horatio, maybe you'll find a woman down there to give Xander a real mother," he called.  Then again, sometimes Ray should be stabbed.

"If I do, I do. If not, I'm not the first single parent in the world, Ray.  We're doing fine most of the time."  The two parents shared a look and got back to their chores.  Xander let out a sniffle.  "Change him please, Ray."

"Ewww."  He grabbed the stuff from the diaper bag and went to change his nephew, coming out holding him at arm's length.  "Ray Junior is still less nasty."

"Not hardly," Yelina said dryly.  She kissed the baby and he got put back down but Ray Junior liked to compete with Xander so he filled his own diaper in the most smelly way possible.  Not even Ray could ignore that stink.  She giggled when he glared at his son.

"He's your cousin, quit competing with him.  He's older."  He got up to change him as well. Before he had to smell more of that stink.  "EWW!  What were you eating, son!  That's it, your grandmother cannot feed you any more!"  His son let out a loud wail.  "I don't care!  That's gross!"

Horatio washed his hands and went to help.  "Yelina, it's a bit loose again."

"Medicine's in the cabinet above the sink, boys."

"Thank you."  He got it down and dosed him while helping Ray clean up the mess he was making.  Because the way he was doing it, it was spreading onto his legs as well.  They'd end up bathing and changing the baby at this rate.  They finally got him clean and out to the table for dinner.  Xander was asleep so they let him lay on the rug for now.  They said grace and dug in, talking quietly so they wouldn't disturb Ray Junior, who might be falling asleep as well.

Yelina looked out into the living room, seeing him up and staring at them.  "It's all right, Xander. Go back to sleep."  He was up on all fours again and pulling himself.  "Horatio."

He looked and smiled.  "Scooting, another good step, son," he praised, going over to pick him up and kiss him on the head. "Soon you'll be crawling."  He came back to eat with him in his lap, letting the baby steal some of his potatoes to suck off his fingers.  "You do that.  It's good for you."

"Solid food is good for them at his age," she agreed happily.

"It is," he agreed, smoothing down some wild hairs that were standing up on his head.  They heard the scream and Yelina got handed Xander while the two men ran to see what was going on.   When she heard sirens coming she wrapped their plates up and put them into the fridge, then went to put the boys onto the couch so they could watch Jeopardy with her.  It would only make them smarter.

***

Horatio looked at his new team leader and nodded politely.  He'd never had a female boss before.  "Good morning."

"You must be Horatio," she said, smiling and shaking his hand.   "Welcome to Miami."  He smiled back and sat down across from her.  "I know it's odd, there's not many women higher up in the NYPD system yet.  I've been over the lab now for about a year and it was my idea to get some new blood in."

"Which is often a very good one.  It brings in new skills and ideas."

"It does."  She passed over a folder.  "That's the official stuff you probably already got from HR but I'd like to keep a few of those forms on file here in case something happens.  That way I know who to contact in case of an emergency."

"That's reasonable."  He pulled some out of his pocket and handed them over. "Copies of all the pertinent forms but the insurance form.  That I had to get more information for it."  She smiled at that and looked through it, nodding at the folder.  He found one in there he hadn't copied and settled in to do it.  Then he handed it over.  "There you go."

"That's fine, Horatio.  How are you doing on a place to live?"

"I'm looking at three different houses today," he admitted.  "After I'm done here."

"Good!  I see you're divorced."  He nodded once.  "With a son?"

"Not from that relationship."

"Oh.  That's fine.  How old is he?"

"Seven months in two more days," he said proudly.  "Just learned how to crawl the other night."  She smiled at that.  "I've already found a reputable daycare for him but I do know how hours can be stretched while on cases.  That'll get easier for me when my brother, sister-in-law, and her mother all come down."

"You're not living with someone?"  He shook his head.  "Oh, I see.  So you're a single parent then?"  He nodded.  "The child was from a close relationship?  I don't want to pry...."

He held up a hand.  "I have no idea how he came to be.  His mother suggested I was drunk one night at a club, which hadn't happened in over a year, but the tests confirm he's my son.  She died three days after coming to see me for the first time."

"Oh.  All right.  Well, hey, it's the nineties, men can be single fathers if women can be single mothers.  Let me know if we'll have any problems handling the hours due to that."

"On those days he often comes to work in a backpack with me," he admitted.  "He tends to sleep in it."  She smiled at that.  "His cousin's only two and a half months younger than he is.  Her mother usually watches them for me."

"Excellent.  That's not a problem for me," she agreed.  "I'm sure you've been doing this long enough to be realistic about the issues a single parent will face.  You could think about hiring a nanny since you are going to be making more money down here than you did up in New York."

"I'll be getting a housekeeper but that'll take me longer."

"Perfectly reasonable," she agreed.  "They made you bring him into the lab?"  He nodded.  "Even around the chemicals?"

"He sat in his backpack and napped.  Every now and then he'd play with my hair.  He had his own little mask."  She smiled at that.  "He thought it was great fun both times it happened."  He shifted.  "How many others are coming in?"

"I've got to find and hire a new ballistics person within the next year."

"I can fill in there but it's not my main area."

"That's good.  That'll give me more time.  If you hear about one, let me know, please."  He nodded at that.  "Good.  Let's go tour the lab.  Who has him right now?"

"Daycare."  He stood up and gathered his folder, making her smile.  "I saw the maps."

"Now and then they're handy."  She walked him off, taking him around to introduce him to the old guard, as she called them.

He noticed a few of them paid him more attention than her.  Most of them seemed to respect her, a few looked scared of her, but they all paid him more attention to him than her.  A few asked him his credentials and he rattled them off, impressing some, getting a 'humph' from another.  Megan promised she got that all the time.  She introduced him to a very nice looking young woman who she said was a single mother as well.  He smiled and they shared baby pictures.  She had two and they were older so she recommended a few parts of the city to look in.  He wrote those down on his folder.  They left the lab and she showed him around the precinct.  He met the new detectives, clicking very well with one guy about his age from Texas.  He seemed nice and he talked up Yelina and Ray for when they came down, making him happy.  He promised to have beers with him when he finally got moved in, after his first day at the lab.  That got a nod and then he got to head out to see the realtor.  He debated picking up Xander, but the call out there said he was napping so he left him for now.  He found his realtor in her office and smiled, shaking her hand.  "Hi, Horatio Caine.  We spoke on the phone."

"We did."  She pulled up the searches she had done for him.  "Now, you said you needed at least two bedrooms?"

"Preferably three if possible with a study.  I have a seven-month-old son."

"Ah, the fun age," she said happily.  "Just starting to crawl?"  He nodded.  "Do you mind stairs?"

"I don't.  There's ways to guard them.  He does need some room to roam. He's forever running into the walls in the apartment because he runs out of room.  He's used to wood floors but I don't care one way or the other.  I would like to be able to see water.  It calms him down a lot."

"That's usually pretty pricy around here, Horatio.  How much is your salary?"  He handed over the sheet and the sheets he had gotten from the bank, making her stare at him.  "You've saved very well."

"I have," he agreed.  "I've lived pretty minimally and he doesn't need that much stuff.  Though I do seem to have this annoying habit of spending whole paychecks on diapers."  She giggled at that.  "He'll quit using those soon."

"In about two years or so," she agreed.  She looked at her search, modifying the amount.  With that salary and a good bank account like that she could up the top range.  She input 'views of water' as well.  It came up with three good ones.  "Hmm.  Let's see.  I have a condo.  I have a very old house that may need some work.  It said it had a window to replace from a recent storm.  Or we have a new construction in a gated community."  He looked more interested in that.  "Let's go there first."

"They are finished?"

"Most of them."  She walked him out, letting him drive this time since he had his car.  "It says the community's eighty percent done. All individual houses.  It would require community agreement but that shouldn't be that hard to get at this stage.  It's only got six inhabitants and officers are often seen as very good neighbors.  It doesn't say it's got security at the gate, just that it has a gate."  He nodded at that, going where she pointed.  The gate was wide open and had no actual 'gate' to it.  Just bricked walls and where a gate could be.  They pulled into the small area and he looked then at her.  "They said it was mostly done.  I do know a better one.  It's a bit outside your range but we'll see.  Turn around and head up the road."  He nodded, driving where she ordered.  The one she liked was up the road.  He pulled into the entry and up to a house marked 'office'.  "This one is nearly full, and as I said a bit more expensive, but let's see."  She got out and led him into the office.  "Earl."

"Patricia."  He got up to kiss her on the cheek.  "Who's this?"

"This is Detective First Grade Horatio Caine.  He's with our crime lab and is just moving down here."

"Just you?"

"Myself and my seven-month-old son," he admitted, taking off his sunglasses.  That got a smile.  "Water is a calming thing for both of us."

"It's an excellent thing to use.  We're full up on the water side but....."  He frowned and turned to look at something.  "We just had one repoed at the other site, Horatio.  It's a bit closer to the city for you.  Let's go there.  Patricia, you know where the deer was found?"  She smiled and nodded.  "That one, the blue one there by the gate."  She nodded and led him out, letting him close up the office and follow in his own car.  It was closer to town by about twenty minutes, which apparently made him happy.  He let them into the house they had repossessed.  "The last owner couldn't make the payments.  They lost their job and began to use drugs."

"That is a bad thing," he agreed.  He walked around the small house.  The living room was open.  The study was off to the side.  The kitchen was small but useable for him.  There was a bathroom behind it and then the upstairs was two bedrooms.  Well, if Ray and Yelina came over to stay they could have a pull-out in the study.  He walked back down the stairs and out onto the back porch and fell in love with the view.  He was still staring out there when Earl and Patricia came out.  "How much?"

"About a hundred and eighty, son."

Horatio looked at him.  "That is very expensive."

"It'll grow in value.  Waterfront property goes up every single year.  This area hasn't had more than a vandal once in the last year.  You and your boy will be safe here and the mothers up the street will fuss him to death.  We've got a few retirees."  That got a small smile.  "There's one larger one but it's about a hundred grand more and this is really the better view."  He pointed at the other house they could barely see.  His neighbor was screened from him and the ones further out even more so.  "The trees'll grow as well.  Give you more privacy."

He scanned the other house.  "There's someone hanging on the railing of the porch three houses up."

"Crap."  He went to check with Horatio behind him.  He called Megan first then called Frank since he had his number.  He looked at Horatio.  "I don't think someone did that to her."

Horatio looked then nodded.  "Yes they did but she was already dead when she was hung."  He looked at the surprised looks.  "I'm with the crime lab."  Megan parked and he whistled, bringing her out back.  "My new neighbor.  Looks like a hanging post mortem.  This is Earl and Patricia.  She brought me to him to show around the new house.  I'll be in the one on the end."  That got a smile.  "I'll leave you to it, Megan."

"Thanks.  Call dispatch instead of detectives personally, Horatio."

He gave her a look.  "They'd send you anyway and Peterson was putting things in his coffee that he probably shouldn't," he said quietly.  He slid back into his sunglasses and smiled at her.  "Next time I will."

She smirked back.  "Good man.  The one on the end?"  He pointed.  "It's a pretty view."  She got to work while Horatio walked them back up there to go over the paperwork and sign for the loans.  "This is way out of the usual price range," she said quietly.  "I hope he knows what he's doing."  Frank came around the house.  "Horatio's getting the house on the end and spotted her."

"Got me out of a meeting with some boring ass people," he offered.  "Suicide?"

"No, he pegged it.  She was hung post mortem.  There's no damage around the rope or bruising."  That got a nod and they went to check the house while the ME came to get the body.  "I'm wondering how he's affording here."

Horatio came back and gave them a look while he pulled on gloves.  "I live in a very small walk-up and Xander doesn't have the wardrobe my sister-in-law wants for him."  She jumped.  "I've also made some good investments."  He gave her a look.  "It was also repossessed.  Only a hundred and sixty."  That got a smirk from Frank.  "Over twenty years that's not bad."

"It's not," he agreed.  "Especially for Miami and a waterfront house."  They watched him work, and he decided he liked his laid back style.  Horatio also has the information file Earl kept on the owners for him.  So he was prepared and a good guy to work with.  He knew what he was doing because even Megan looked surprised at some of the things he did.  This guy was not a rookie CSI and he had a dangerous undercurrent that he was sure came out now and then when needed but he seemed too in control to let it out randomly.  "So, son?"

"Daycare, Frank.  He'll be picked up in about two hours, after I get done here."  He smiled at him.  "Then we can go have a beer if you want."

"Sure."  They got back to work while he traced the other members of the family.  He had to stop their son from coming in but the kid burst out swearing at his father so it gave him an opening to ask what he needed to without making the kid cry.  Horatio came out to help him since the kid was still swearing but it worked well.  The kid told him exactly where his father was and how to get there, then used the phone Horatio cleared to call his grandmother to come get him.  Frank said they'd speak when she got there.  He did not want to tell this news over the phone.  When they got there they were a really old, frail couple that barely managed to get out of the car.  Horatio waded in to talk to them, making the father cry and the mother vow vengeance.  The grandson hugged them both and they were good to the boy.  Got him into the car, fussed over him, gave Horatio their address.  He gave them Megan's card so they could call to get an update in about four days, he did ask for that much time so they knew something and promised to have them told if they cleared it before then.  That got a nod and they drove the boy off.  "Smooth," he told him quietly.

"Not the first time, Frank.  My boss refused to do notifications."  That got a nod of understanding.  "Megan, I gave them your card and said to give you about four days before they called."  She gave him a look.  "By then we'll at least have the autopsy report and that'll give them time to calm down and make some plans for her.  That way they can arrange to have her picked up during the same call."

"With the way the boy was talking about his daddy, it was probably him," Frank told her.  "Tell Alexx she'll be finding bruising on her."  That got a nod.  "I'm off to find the family. You staying, Horatio?"

"No, I should go pick up Xander since I'm not on shift yet."  Megan gave him a look.  "I'm not."

"You're not."  He smiled and walked off with Frank.  She rolled her eyes.  Getting used to him was going to drive her insane.

Frank got to look inside the house.  "He knocked it down?"

"For catching the homicide he knocked off twenty thousand."

"That's nice of him.  A lot of retirees.  Lots and lots of grandmothers for your boy."

"That's good though."  He went back to staring at the view.  "He'll love it here."

"Did you meet Alexx yet?"

"Not yet.  She was out on a call when Megan pulled me down to the morgue."

"Don't like the morgue?"

"Not my favorite spot," he admitted, looking at him.  "I'd rather be in the lab."

"That works for the rest of us.  C'mon, let me get the father in there to bust his chops while you go pick up your son.  When can you move?"

"I'll have news on the loan tonight.  She had me pre-approved."  That got a smile.  "So I can ship all my things from New York probably this weekend and officially move in right after that.  Then buy some new furniture."

"Plus a gate."

"Yes, because my son is smart enough to climb and then hang himself on the wires that make up the railing."  That got a smile.  "Where should we meet you and when?"

"How about the steak place downtown by the station at seven?"  Horatio nodded, letting him out and locking up behind him.  They saw some women gathered around watching.  "He's moving in," he called.  "His name's Horatio, he's single, and he's got a son, ladies."  That got some smiles and they came over to introduce themselves to him.  He ended up showing off baby pictures to them all, getting promises of cookies when they moved in.   Frank had to smile.  The guy blushed at the attention.  It was kinda cute.  He'd have to fix the guy up with some nice women, ones his wife would approve of.  Ones Alexx would approve of because she was going to mother him and his son as well.  But hey, it got them more information on the family.  They all upheld what the son had said.  The father was an abusive asshole who beat her for being pretty and stared at by others.

***

Horatio walked into the daycare, taking off his sunglasses.  "Is my son up?"

"You are, sir?"

"Horatio Caine.  Xander's mine."

"Ah, the squealy one."  She got the infant supervisor, who winked at Horatio when she handed his son to him.  "He's been a good boy but he's been squealing at the animal mural for the last few hours."

"He does like animals.  I'm surprised he hasn't terrorized the fish tank."

She laughed at that.  "We had to pull him away from it before his nap," the infant supervisor offered.  She tickled Xander's stomach, earning a smile.  "He's a beautiful young boy, Mr. Caine.  When are you and the wife moving down here?"

"It's just us now and within a few weeks."  That got a smile and a nod.  "We found a house today."  He looked at his son.  "Want to go eat dinner with some of the people Daddy works with?"  Xander beamed at him.  "His diaper bag?"   It was retrieved.  "Did he eat?"

"Three times," the attendant agreed.  "Because he dove into someone else's dinner while I was changing a diaper.  Helped her eat her strained beets."

"I noticed the purple stains.  Come on, son."  He walked him out to the car, settling him into his carseat.  "Did you like them?"  Xander patted him on the nose.  "Good boy.  Let's go back to the hotel to clean you up and then we'll go to dinner, all right?"  He closed the door and walked around to get in and head back to their hotel for the next few days.  He did call Patricia, getting the happy news he was approved for the loan and she could get him the extra for the original asking price if he wanted her to.  That way he could decorate and do some landscaping if he wanted.  He considered it then decided to do that.  They had to go out to finish signing forms that night, then he took the keys.  He looked at his son.  "I should go find us a bed for tonight.  Mine's staying up there if I have my way."  His son beamed at him.

"You'll like the new house, son."  They went to do that, him taking the new address written down to a small furniture store.  The down payment hadn't taken all of his savings so he had some he could use for this, plus his last two paychecks were in his pocket.  He found a nice bed there and a crib.  They promised to deliver it within a few hours and he went to do some minor grocery shopping and call the utility companies.  The electric had still been on so he only had to get it switched into his name.  The water was the same as he found out.  Everything was handled by the time the beds were delivered.  He tipped them and watched his son watch the water out the glass doors to the porch.  "Like it  here, Xander?" he asked quietly.  Xander turned to smile at him.  "This is going to be home.  Think you'll like it here?"  He got down to look at him.  "You're a good boy."  Xander smiled at him.  He checked his watch and then gathered him and his bag back up.  He watched the movers leave and locked up the house, then went to meet Frank.  "Sorry we're a bit late, Frank.  I signed the final papers today."

"That's fine.  It being repossessed must've made it a lot easier.  It took me two weeks to get ours."

Horatio smiled and nodded.  "It did."  He slid Xander into the waiting high chair, making him smile at him.  "He loved the view too.  We'll be able to move out there tonight."

"Good job.  So you'll be officially down when?"

"Two weeks.  I've got to go back up there and finish packing, then drive it down with my car."

"Hauling the car behind the truck?"

"If I'm very lucky, I can fit nearly everything into my car," he admitted.  "Xander can ride up front with me and if I pack the back seat I'll make it."  That got a smile.  "That's how I afforded the house.  I don't like my present furniture.  I'll donate it to my church."  Xander squealed at that.  "I know, you still don't like the nuns.  You'll have to get used to them, son."  The waitress came over, all smiles.  "I deserve a good meal.  I'll get it, Frank."

"Sure.  I'll get the beers."  She gave him a look.  "And the tip if you're nice to the boy."  She smiled at that and patted the baby on the head, making both older men laugh at the flirting she was doing.  They ordered and she brought them some rolls to nibble and feed the squealing baby.  "He's loud."

"He is but he's a good boy.  I was told he terrorized the fish tank at the daycare and then he babbled at the mural of animals."  Frank snickered at that.  "It's a good thing."  He smoothed down the hair.  "We do need to trim that, son."

Frank shrugged.  "You should ask Alexx.  She's got one just younger than him."  That got a smile.  "She's our ME.  She's a fierce mothering sort.  She'll fuss."

"That's fine.  The secretaries all fussed over him when he had the sniffles last month, and his cousin since his mother and father both worked in the unit in the same building."  That got a grin.  "They'll probably be down within the month."

"That's fine.  I'm sure you'll be able to handle it until then."  Their food was brought and Xander made a grab for her shirt buttons, making her squeak.  "He's got a good grab," he joked, sipping his beer.  "Maybe he'll follow you into the department, Horatio."

"Son," Horatio said, giving him a look.  "Unhand the young woman.  She's too old for you."  He let her go with the trade of a bite of broccoli from Frank's plate.  The waitress escaped.  Xander beamed while he chewed on the broccoli.  He shook his head and cut up his meat, giving him two pieces to suck on as well.

"I thought they were supposed to have strained stuff that looked nasty at that age."

"They are," Horatio agreed.  He gave him a smug look.  "This way he doesn't feel left out, it's too big for him to choke on, and he won't try to steal off our plates.  He's very good at sharing."

"Ah.  Does he share with others?"

"His cousin Ray Junior.  He found a mouse and managed to catch it by the tail.  He tried to share it with him.  Ray thought it was brilliant by the way he cooed at it.  Ray Senior thought it was brilliant he had managed to catch it.  Yelina just screamed at him for not killing it and letting it get near the boys."

"She hyper?"

"Brazilian.  She's a powerful woman, Frank.  She's a great detective, but I never, ever want to be on the other end of another mood swing.  She's vowed no more children because even her mother and our family priest was scared of her while she was pregnant."  That got a smile.  Xander threw the broccoli at him, earning another look.  "We do not throw food, son."  He handed it back and his son stared at him.  "This is Frank.  Daddy will be working with him."  Xander stared at Frank, then smiled and threw the broccoli at him.

"You've got good aim, kid."  He handed over a piece of baked potato.  Horatio nodded that it was fine.  The baby dove into that.  "Likes his starches."

"He's not a picky eater.  He tried to eat the mouse too.  That's why Yelina was screaming, he had the head in his mouth and it was so terrified it was frozen."  Frank burst out laughing at that, eyes squeezed shut while he laughed.  Xander patted him on the hand.  "I told him about the mouse, Xander.  He's giggling like Ray Junior did.  Eat."  Xander sucked on the rest of the potato and then some of the steak.  Horatio dug in again, smiling at Frank.  It was good to make new friends.

***

Yelina looked around Horatio's new house a month and a half later, smiling at him.  "How much did it cost you?"

"A hundred and sixty thousand."  She winced.  He handed her a card.  "That's my realtor.  I told her you'd want something more modest with trees and a yard.  She's got a whole list for you."  She smiled at that.  "You two can have the pull-out in the study.  Did you find his bear?"

"Sister Hannah did," she admitted, puling it out of her bag for the boy.  The boy gave her the most adoring look and clutched it, then went back to show his teddy the view.  She smiled at him.  "It'll be fine down here, Horatio."

"It will be.  Where is my nephew?"

"Sleeping on the father in the car."  He laughed and went to help her get them both, letting Ray Junior crawl around and join Xander at the view.  He crawled off to explore the couch instead.  He didn't like water that much.

Ray Senior looked around and whistled.  "I know you make more than me, Horatio, but this is really pricey."

"It was a foreclosure," he said blandly.  "My realtor has a list of houses for you and I've talked you both up to detectives I've been working with.  Megan, my boss, and Frank, the homicide detective I work with most, are coming over tonight to meet you two."

"That's fine.  Can we clean up?" Yelina asked.  He nodded at the back area, letting her head that way to the shower.

Ray looked at his son.  "Stairs are bad," he warned.  Ray Junior didn't listen.  Horatio coughed and he quit going that way.  "You're good," he said fondly.

"I had two months to get it down and train him to react to the same cues I use on Xander."  Xander quit staring at him and went back to the view.  He picked up his nephew, getting a smile.  "I have not seen you in days, nephew.  How have you been?"  The baby patted his cheek then put his head down on his shoulder.  "Would you like to sleep in Xander's playpen?"  He walked him upstairs and put him down, making him a happy baby.  "Yell if you need anything.  Everyone else is downstairs.  Mommy will be out of the shower soon."  He backed out and turned, finding his son waiting on him.  "Want to take a nap with Ray?"  He picked him up and put him into the bed, then caught the bear when his brother tossed it to him.  Xander curled around his bear and babbled at Ray Junior, letting him babble and coo baby noises back at him.  He closed the door most of the way and headed back down the stairs.  "They're both down.  There's a pull-out in the study, Ray."  He went to make that up for his own nap.  Horatio went back to fixing something to nibble on later.  Someone rang the bell almost two hours early so he didn't figure it was Frank or Megan.  He went to open it, finding his oldest neighbor.  "What's wrong, Mrs. Havenshack?"

"My dog's lost, Horatio, have you seen him?"

"I haven't been outside yet.  Yelina, I'll be right back, the boys are down and there's food in the oven," he called since the shower was off.

"I'll take care of it," she agreed.  She peeked around the corner.  "Hi, I'm Yelina, his sister-in-law."

"We saw you pull in, dear.  Did you see a little Yorkie?"

"I did when we pulled in.  It was under the house with the pink shutters."  That got a smile and he walked her that way, going her speed.  She went back to finish dressing and came out fully clean and feeling much better than she had on the car trip down.  Her mother had decided to drive the U-Haul for their places.  She had protested but her mother had insisted.  So she had been trapped in the car with her husband and son for the last three days.  Motels never had good water pressure.  She snuck up to check on the boys, finding them staring in each other's direction but asleep.  It was cute so she took a picture then went to check on the things in the oven for him.  It was fully brown so she took them out.  Horatio came back.  "Her dog all right?"

"It's a bit sick and likes to run away and hide.  I think she's about to lose him by how stiff and cold he was this time."  She sighed but nodded.  "It'll be fine.  He's nearly nineteen.  She's got a young puppy to protect her.  Said her Fritz picked him out for her to love when he was gone.  So she'll be fine."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Ray's down and so are the boys."

"Thank God," she said, making him laugh.  "So, Frank?"

"Is the homicide detective I told you about.  Megan's my boss."

"A female boss?  That's a good sign for my advancement."  He smiled.  "How are you getting along?"

"Just fine.  I haven't had any days where I ended up working all night with him yet.  Megan doesn't have kids and we've got another single mother in the department.  She's one of the lab techs.  Plus our ME is a new mother as well.  She adores Xander and uses him to show her daughter what he should be doing."  She giggled at that.  "She does."  He put something else into the oven.  Then he called Frank.  "It's me.  They're here whenever you get off."  He smiled. "She need me?"  He nodded.  "That's fine, Frank.  No, I'm here.  They're here.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Megan just ended up losing one of the techs who said she's a woman so therefore is unable to lead anything or plan anything.  He stomped off in a huff."

"Do they need you?"

"No.  Not unless we have mass mutiny."  That got a smile.  "When's your appointment?"

"Two days.  Ray can look for houses and show me what he likes.  Even though I think I'll be doing that as well."  He handed over the realtor's card, letting her have the phone to call her.  "Are you sure?"

"I've got call waiting.  The beep means it's for me."  That got a nod and she sat down to call her from the couch.  He went back to fussing over dinner. Megan showed up first and he smiled at her.  "You knew a few of them were going to mutiny on you."

"I did.  We now need a ballistics tech more than ever."

"I've begun looking for you, Megan.  I've got it narrowed down to four possibles."  She smiled at that.  "One's female."

"A female ballistics tech?"

"From New Orleans.  Another's a former military sharp shooter."  That got a nod.  "One of the SWAT guys wanted it.  He's getting a bit old for the field."

"Harold?"  He nodded.  "I'll talk to him first.  At the very least I should try to hire from within.  Any other candidates from inside the department?"

"One from Texas.  He's a longshot."

"I'll talk to Harold tomorrow then.  Maybe at the very least he can fill in for the tech portion and we'll fill in the field tech spot that also got vacated when he left."  That got a nod.  "Any other good news?"

"The local college has a few people who want to become CSI and wanted to come out to talk to us.  I told them to come out Saturday and I'd lead them around and answer questions."

"I love you, Horatio.  If I wasn't married, I'd kiss you for taking some of the headaches."  He smiled and handed her something to eat instead, making her laugh.  "Sean's a very secure man thankfully."  She sat down to talk with Yelina once she had hung up.  "Megan Donner."

"Yelina Salas.  Horatio's sister-in-law."

"Go by your maiden name?"

"It's easier.  I was in the department before I married the lump in the study."  Megan smiled at that.  "Our son is upstairs napping with Xander."

"I've seen Xander a few times.  Horatio had one late night and he came in to sit on his back and stare at everyone.  It was cute, he petted his father when he growled at some test results that weren't what they should be."  Yelina snickered at that, and Horatio just moaned and shook his head, going to let Frank in.  "This is Frank Tripp.  One of our better homicide detectives, and I see he brought John Hagen with him.  Another lump in the homicide department."

Yelina stood up to shake their hands.  "Yelina Salas."

"Welcome to Miami," Frank said with a smile.  "Horatio's talked you two up quite a lot.  Where's the little squirt?"

"In bed, Frank.  Ray Junior's napping next to him."  He went up to check on them, bringing them both back down while Horatio went to wake up Ray Senior.

Ray walked out.  "Sorry, long car trip from New York.  I'm Ray, Horatio's handsomer and smarter brother."  His wife gave him a look.  "I am.  I got a better SAT score."

"Yes, but I was half-asleep when I took mine, Ray," Horatio reminded him, going back to the kitchen.  "Make yourself at home, John."

"Thanks, Horatio.  This is a great place."

"The little old ladies up the street all love Xander too," Frank told him.  He got run into and looked down.  "Hi, Ray."  The baby beamed at him.  "Your uncle said you just started to move."  He picked him up to look at him.  "You'll be a smart man like your momma is."  Ray snickered at that.  "He said she was," he offered with a grin.  Megan swatted at him.

Horatio came out to take the baby from him, kissing him on the head before handing him back to Xander to play with and watch.  "Stay off the stairs, boys."  He went back to making drinks, bringing them out.  "Sit, people."

John watched Xander pet Ray.  "They're very close."

Yelina looked then rolled her eyes.  "For the first month of his life Ray Junior thought he was Xander's teddybear.  My mother had to get Xander his own bear so she could take Ray Junior from him to change."  That got a laugh from Megan.  "Xander is very protective of what's his.  But he does pet his father a lot."

"We knew Horatio had a wild streak," Ray teased.

Horatio smirked at him.  "I seem to remember you getting into more trouble when we were younger, Ray.  Something about cheerleaders?"  His brother shuddered and sat down beside his wife.  Horatio smiled and went back to get more food, bringing it out.  The boys came over to peek at the table.  He coughed and Xander quit reaching for something.  "No."  He picked them up and put them both into the walkers he had found.  He gave them what he wanted and let them wander.  That got a lot of squeals from Xander.  Now he could see more of the water and Ray couldn't get onto the stairs.

John looked at the new couple.  "So, you two work together?"

"All the time," Ray agreed.  "They don't let us partner but she's got a good hand with the victims and her partner's still pouting that we left.  Mine threw us a going away party and hers pouted all through it."  That got a smile.  "I'm more action oriented and she's more thoughtful."

"That's a common distinction between male and female detectives," Megan offered.  "Though we do have one amazon who will chase down any man and beat him senseless if necessary."  Horatio snickered at that.  "Did she actually hit you?"

"Tried twice.  Thought it was great that I took care of Xander."  He looked at his son, who looked back at him.  "Eat."  He stuffed his mouth and went back to cooing and petting his bear while he watched the small storm roll in.  "Looks like rain tonight."

Megan looked. "You're going to have a fantastic view of the hurricanes, Horatio."

"I asked.  My realtor said it was all steel construction and it's withstood most of them so far."  That got a smile and a nod.  "That's another reason not to collect a lot of expensive things."  Xander rolled back over, patting his knee.  "What?"  He held up his arms so he picked him up to give him a cuddle.  "Xander, do you remember meeting John?"

"Hey, kid," John said, waving at him.  Xander shyly smiled then hid his face.  "He's a good kid, Horatio.  Even if he does ride on your back now and then or pet you."

"The whole lab thought it was cute," Frank shared.  "Alexx, our ME, tried to get him to give Xander to her for the night but Xander pouted and grabbed onto his hair, both hands in the back.  Then he cooed and petted him when she backed off, smoothing down the mess."

"He knows my hair shouldn't be that messed up, Frank," Horatio teased back.

"You're too pretty, brother," Ray taunted.

"Yeah, but it helps him with the suspects.  They always underestimate him," Frank told him with a mean grin for Horatio.  "Didn't one think you were too pretty to know how to count?"

"Yup.  They were nearly scared when I went into scientific mode."  That got a smile from Megan.  "She stood there and laughed."

"As I would," Yelina agreed.  "A lot of people underestimate you, Horatio.  It's a pity but they do.  Has anyone set him up with a decent woman?"

"I tried," Frank offered.  "She thought he was too smart and was scared of babies."  Xander shifted and grabbed onto his arm. "Hey, squirt."  He took him to hold.  "You know, my wife said she could steal you if Daddy needed a night off.  That way she could beg with authority for one of her own."

"That's nearly a horrible thought, Frank," John complained. "Your wife pregnant would be worse than that one woman in patrol when she was."  Frank snorted at that.  "She would be.  That woman knitted an afghan in her cruiser."

"It was very pretty," Horatio offered.  "She showed me pictures when she found out I've got him."  He looked at his son.  "Want to chase Ray out of the kitchen for me?"  Xander wiggled so he put him back into the walker and Xander went to chase his cousin out of the kitchen and the bathroom back there.  They came back to the parents and made begging noises with open mouths.  They got some more food and went back to wandering around where they could.  Ray got frustrated that he couldn't go up the stairs but Xander petted and cooed at him so he quit crying.

"That's one natural fusser, Horatio," Frank said with a grin for him.  "He'll be as fussy as Alexx is some year."

"It's a good thing for him to be," Yelina agreed happily, smiling at him.  "Thank you, Xander.  It's a very good boy to soothe Ray Junior."  He beamed and petted him some more for her pleasure.   Ray finally got free and escaped back to his father's side.  Xander chased him.

"What's wrong?  He think you're the teddy bear again?" Ray Senior teased, picking him up to hold him for a bit.  Xander pouted at him.  "Mine, Xander.  Go suck up to Yelina and Megan."  He went to suck up to John instead, making him shake his head.  "You might have a problem there, Horatio."

"John's got peppermints on his desk and Frank's got lifesavers recently," Horatio said.  "He wants their candy, not them, Ray."  He looked at his son.  "Besides you're too young to think about that yet, son."  Megan smiled at that.  "He is.  Eat, please."  They all dug in and Xander begged the guys for bites now and then, getting put back into his walker with more food in front of him.  Even if he did fuss because it wasn't being given to him like a treat.

***

Ray pouted at his wife.  "How did you get on already?"

"I'm a minority woman, Ray.  It makes them look good to hire me.  You're just a white guy so they'll hire you soon."  He nodded, still pouting.  "Did you find a house?"

"I've got it narrowed down to four."  He handed over the list and they went to look them over since both boys were in daycare.  He watched her look at one and sighed, pulling in so she could look in the windows since it was for sale.  It was a small, one story, with a good yard and back yard with a fence.  He had went with something a bit flashier but he guessed he could settle for a homey sort of home.  He called Patricia and had her meet him at the house so they could go over it.  She pulled in behind them.  "Patricia, this is Yelina.  I know  you two have talked a few times.  Apparently I judged her interests wrong."

"It's fine, Ray.  Husbands and wives often have different ideas."  She shook Yelina's hand. "Welcome to Miami."

"Thank you.  I got hired today."  That got a smile.  "How much is this one?"

"This one is about seventy thousand.  I looked it up before I came over." She let them inside.  "One of our other offices has this one listed but we have keys for them all."  She let them walk around and saw the joy on her face.  That was the look that got her a commission.  "There's a few others like this one we've got listed if you want to look. A few that're even a bit cheaper.  They're in slightly less decent neighborhoods.  One of them is near Little Havana."

"I'd rather pay more for a good neighborhood with good schools," Yelina offered. "Our son is two months younger than Horatio's son Xander."  She smiled at that.  "Our son is his teddy bear."

Patricia giggled at that.  "I met Xander.  He is very cuddly."  She looked around and pointed.  "There's one up the street you should see as well."  She led them up to it, locking this one up.  "This one's got slightly less of a front yard but it's got an extra room.  It's just under the other's price."  She let them in and let her look around.  Not quite as happy.  Until she saw the backyard.  "That is the best feature of this house," she agreed, following her out.  The back yard had a built-in grill and awning.  It was fenced as well.  It had the *perfect* spot for a swing.  It was better for a family.  "This one is sixty-eight and the other is seventy, Yelina."

"I adore them both."

"We can't afford both," Ray said patiently.  He couldn't tell the difference.  "This one's cheaper, but if you want the other one...."

Yelina looked at him then went back to looking around the house.  It was nearly the same but one of the rooms had been split up.  "Can this wall be taken out safely?"

Patricia smiled and nodded. "It can.  Are you planning more children?"

"No I will gut him if I ever get pregnant again," she said honestly.  Patricia smiled at that.  "It really is too much room for the three of us."  That got a nod.  "Anything else with that sort of back yard?"

"I do."  She led the way back to the cars once the house was locked up and took them to a nice house in a charming little whitebread neighborhood.  It was a wonderful place, but all the neighbors were older and white people.  Ray nodded at a few when he got out with Yelina.  "They might be a bit shocked.  I don't think they've ever had an interracial couple here," she offered quietly.

"I'm used to it," she promised.  She walked in and sighed.  Then she gave Ray that look.  "I adore this."  She walked through the rest of the house and went into the backyard, taking off her shoes to walk around in the grass.

"How much is this one?" Ray asked quietly.

"Sixty five.  It's still in a good neighborhood."   He nodded at that. "There's some excellent schools in this district."

"Catholic?"

"About six miles away from the one Horatio was talking about the last time I talked to him."  That got a smile and a nod.  Yelina came back inside.  "This one's about sixty-five and I was telling him we're about six miles away from a private, Catholic school and church, plus there's some excellent public schools in this district.  It's a fairly safe neighborhood.  There's been a few teenagers being boys now and then who've painted a car or something."  That got a nod and a smile.  "You being an officer should stop that fairly quickly.  As I told Horatio, officers are often very good neighbors.  You being here will lower the crime rates."

"I want this one," she told her husband.

"Okay.  Let's go back to her office to start on the paperwork so we can get off Horatio's pull-out and our son won't be hugged to death anymore by his son the python."

Patricia smiled. "He was quite cuddly."

"When he goes to the lab with his father he'll ride on his back in a backpack and pet him," Yelina said with a smile.  She walked out with him, holding onto his arm.  "It's perfect.  Just the right size, Ray."

"Good.  I didn't want to have to plan renovations this year."  She swatted him but he got her into the car and walked around to get in and drive.  He saw the neighbors staring but if it didn't bother her it didn't bother him.

Back at the office Patricia had the paperwork already pulled out on her computer.  "Do you know how much you'll be making?  I will tell you this now," she said quietly, glancing at her coworker then at them.  "If I put down that you're the only one working at the moment, they won't approve you.  What I'll do is switch your incomes."  That got a nod and Ray handed over the sheets they had both gotten from the HR department.  She typed it in and sent it, smiling when it came back approved.  "They're very on the ball tonight."  She got them the other paperwork.  "A lot of signing, but it should be a few weeks."

"Should we talk about an inspector or anything?" Ray asked.

"We had one done when we took it on, Ray."  She dug it out of the filing cabinet and handed it over.  "The roof should be good for the next three years at least, hurricanes willing, and the rest is fairly solid.  They said the bathroom could probably stand being redone in one wall."

"Well, I'll be off for at least a month," he offered.  Yelina smiled at him and got to work on the forms.  He took the rest to write down and filled in his information under 'wife' using her name.  If anyone looked closely they might wonder why she had a slightly higher amount of time in but oh well. "Will we need a cosigner?"

"Probably not.  If you do, you could probably ask Horatio as a formality."  That got a nod and they finished up the paperwork.  "I'll submit this tonight and call you in about two days with good news.  Then we can do the title transfer."  They shook her hand and headed back to Horatio's house for the night. "They're such a nice couple," she sighed.

"They are.  Is he working?" her coworker asked.

"They're both detectives but she got hired first.  You know minorities will."

"True.  They'll be good neighbors.  Where?"

"The Freemont house."

"It's a charming little bungalow," she agreed, smiling at her.  "They have a child?"

"Two months younger than Horatio Caine's son.  That's his brother and sister-in-law."

"Ah.  So they followed."

"Plus her mother's coming down," she agreed happily.

"I'm jealous."

Patricia smiled.  "I was going to show her mother the Anderson house since she watches both boys.  You listed that."

"Thanks.  I might have a buyer for the Peters estate too."

"Congratulations."  She put the papers into a courier package and sent it to the bank along with the approval letter she had on her computer.

***

Yelina walked in her first day and smiled at Frank.  "I have a house.  They called last night and needed Horatio to cosign but it's only a formality."  He smiled at that.  "So we have one.  We'll be here," she said, handing over a copy of the address.

"That's a great neighborhood.  Mostly teenagers being teenagers."  He showed her to her desk.  "This is yours.  You'll be my rookie," he teased.  "John can have Ray since they think alike."  She smiled at that.  "It shouldn't be too long before we've got a case."

She sat down and set out two pictures then arranged a few things for her own use, then she looked at him.  "I'm ready."

"Good.  Get familiar with the forms. They shouldn't be that different."  He went back to his desk.  He saw Horatio stroll in and hand her a cupcake then disappear again.  "He's such a goofball," he called one Horatio was gone.

"He's sweet," she countered.  She went to talk to him.  "There are a few days I'm not sure I picked the right brother he's so sweet.  When Ray Junior was born Horatio was there and Ray had fled to get drunk."  He snickered at that.  "I had to threaten Ray to take out the trash a few times.  He started hiding my gun on me for two weeks."  Even John snickered at that one.  "Ray is very manly, and very macho, but Horatio is very sweet and gentle   until you piss him off."

"We saw that," Frank admitted.  "Someone shot at a school.  Now I know why Xander thinks he's a pet part of the time." She smiled and shared her cupcake with him then went back to her desk.

Another of the guys came over.  "So you're our new detective?"

"Yelina Salas," she said, shaking his hand.  "Detective Third Grade.  I came down from the NYPD."

"Knew Caine?"

"I'm married to his brother."

"Ah!  He had his family follow."  She nodded, smiling at that.  "That's fine.  Interesting but fine.  Why homicide?"

"Because I have a good feel for the victims and too many of the detectives I knew decided they were just bodies."

"Good answer.  You Cuban?"

"Brazilian.  Both parents."

"Interesting.  Okay.  Can you speak Portugese?  A few of us speak Spanish but not Portugese around here."  She nodded.  "Then we'll bug you for translations when we need 'em.  Anything we should know?"

Frank leaned over from his desk.  "Her son's Xander's teddy bear.  Two months younger."  That got a smile.  "Xander is very fiercely protective of his cousin as well."

"Plus I heard her husband would be joining us at the next open spot," John admitted.

"He will be.  They thought it might be a month before one opened."  The other guy gave him a look.  "We don't work on the same team.  He likes to run, pounce, and chase.  I like to think and make people cry."

"Even better," he said with a grin.  "We could use someone around here to make people beg and cry.  Megan's gotten soft."  He walked off, going back to his desk.

"Ignore him," John said quietly.  "He's scared of women taking his place."  She smiled and went back to looking at the forms in her desk.  "The spares for when you run out are in the closet behind Frank.  He gets the real wall instead of the cubicle because he's supposed to keep track of how many we use."

"That's fine.  I do need a new typewriter ribbon."  Frank tossed one over, letting her catch it.  "Thank you."  She installed it expertly and loaded her first arrest form.  That way she was prepared when they came in.  Frank's phone rang so she got up and followed him out.

"She's gutsy, I like that," John decided with a small smile.  Even if he did like Ray better out of that couple.  They had clicked better.

***

Horatio groaned when he walked in with Xander on his back the day before Ray started work.  Megan gave him a look.  "Daycare had to be evacuated.  Chicken pox."

"I'm sorry.  Was he exposed?"

"Not that we're aware of.  It was one of the kids in the after-school program.  They don't usually get near the toddlers but we had to come pick him up and I've got about six hours of work left anyway."

"That's fine, Horatio.  You're good about keeping him out of things."  She smiled at the baby, who beamed and waved at her. "Hi, Xander."  She teased his leg, making him kick and his father grunt.  "Sorry."

"It's all right.  He thinks he can kick."  He went back to work, putting Xander on over his labcoat then pulling on some gloves.  The tech in there with him was new so he got a funny look.  "The daycare had a child with chicken pox come in after school."

"Poor guy.  Think he'll catch it?"

"Hopefully not.  He's only nine months old."  He got down to work, leaning down to get to the microscope.  Xander shifted and he had to brace against the table.  "Quit, Xander."  He settled down and let him work for now.  "Thank you."

"Dada!" he said proudly.

Horatio took him off to look at him. "You spoke."

Xander beamed.  "Dada!"

"I am.  Good boy."  He kissed him and put him back onto his back, then put on different gloves and got back to work, weathering the amused looks.  "At least he's not calling me mom."

Megan leaned in.  "Want him in the breakroom since he doesn't look like he's going to sleep?"

"Dada!" Xander said, scowling at her.

"When did you start to speak?"

"Just now," Horatio admitted, smiling at her.  Xander kicked him again and he frowned back at him.  "Do not kick, son.  Not with shoes on."  His son kicked again and Megan came in to get him and the backpack.  "Thank you.  I'll get him in a minute."

"Not a problem.  I've got a new tech coming in to interview."  She went to take Xander to the breakroom.  Her office looked down on it and Xander was more than content to go babble at the snack machines and beg it for treats.  It was mean because it never gave him any but he did try really hard. The possible new ballistics tech came in and she shook his hand.  "Hi, Megan Donner.  We spoke on the phone."

"We did."  He looked down at the breakroom.  "Yours?"

"One of my officer's.  He's still got a few hours left and his daycare had to be shut down due to illness.  He'll stay in there."

He looked at her.  "Widower?"

"That's something to ask Horatio.   He's a private man."  That got a single nod.  "So, you've done ballistics for Orlando.  How many years again?"

"Three."  He watched as a woman walked in there.  "She one of the techs?"

Megan looked then shook her head.  "That's Alexx, our ME on the dayshift."  She looked at him.  "We do have a fairly diverse department here in Miami.  She's a great woman."

"Then maybe I'm not the best candidate, ma'am.  I'm more of an old school boy if you know what I mean."

"I do and I thank you for being honest," she offered, shaking his hand.  "Thank you for coming down."

"Not an issue.  It's a nice day trip."  He left, keeping away from the break room.

She put her head down and Horatio leaned in.  "He's a bigot."

"I could've told you that, Megan.  Call the one from Texas or the one from New Orleans."  She looked at him.  "Seriously.  She's good.  Very good.  She's new but she's a field tech as well.  He's a straight tech."

"I'll look at them.  Where are the information files you found?"  He went to get them for her.  "Thank you, Horatio.  Alexx has him."

"I saw.  She's down teaching him what the machines are I'm sure."  He went back to work.

Megan read over the files.  She was still wary of a female ballistics tech.  Not too many got guns the way guys did.  She decided to call the one guy out, see if he was up to the job.  Horatio could fill in but he wasn't a real ballistics tech.  He had to look some things up.

***

Horatio settled back into his house, letting the baby nap on the couch for now.  It had been a hellishly long day.  He flopped down in his chair and fell asleep there.  Fortunately his alarm clock was always set so it woke him up in the morning.  He looked at his son, finding him still asleep.  Something he never did.  He tested his forehead and frowned.  "Crap."  He called Megan.  "I've got to be late at the very least.  He's running a fever."  He hung up on her protests and called the pediatrician.  "It's Horatio Caine.  My son's running a fever and his daycare got shut down due to chicken pox yesterday.  Please."  He hung up and gathered Xander, which woke the fussy boy.  "Shh, we'll go see Doctor Philip and it'll be okay," he soothed, kissing his forehead.  He walked him out to the car with the diaper bag, taking him to the doctor's.

The nurse checked him when they walked in and put him into the 'sick kids' room.  He settled in to cuddle him.  Xander was pitiful today.  "I know you're sick but it'll be okay," he promised, smoothing down his hair.  Xander snuggled in with a whimper, letting his father cover him with his jacket.  "We should probably change you. The last time I did was ten last night."  He took him into the bathroom to check him over.  Nothing.  His diaper was completely dry.  "Not good."  He walked out when he heard his name called.  "Give me two."  He went back to finish doing him up, grabbing everything and taking him back to the exam room.   "I just found out he hasn't went to the bathroom since at least ten last night.  That was the last time I changed him and it was barely wet then."

"Sometimes babies get UTIs too, Horatio."  She checked his vitals then pressed on his stomach, getting a wail of pain.  "Shh, Xander.  We just needed to see, baby.  It'll be okay."  Horatio picked him up to cuddle him, patting him on the back, whispering in his ear. "I'll get the doctor for you."  He nodded, sitting down on the table with him.  "Doctor, Xander Caine is in," she said quietly when he walked in.  "Pressing gently on his stomach made him scream in pain.  He hasn't wet his diaper since ten last night, he's running one-oh-one, and his father said last night's diaper was practically dry."

"Sounds like a baby UTI."  He pulled on his jacket and headed that way, tapping on the door first.  Horatio nodded at him.  "What's going on?"

"I had him in the lab last night because his daycare got shut down for chicken pox," he said quietly.  "One of the after-school kids and they said toddlers shouldn't have been exposed."  The doctor nodded at that.  "I changed him last night at eight and it was a filled diaper but wasn't wet.  I changed him at ten and it was barely wet.  We both came home and collapsed last night in the living room.  He got the couch, I got a chair, and he didn't go after that."

"That's fine.  Let me have Xander." Horatio handed him over and got out of the way.  He looked at the baby.  "You're getting quite big, young man."

"He spoke for the first time last night," Horatio said proudly.  "Didn't even call me mom."  The doctor chuckled and gently pressed over his kidneys.  That got a small wobble of noise.  His stomach got a bigger one.  "I know he's not constipated again.  Not with the way he filled his diaper last night."

"Been snatching food again?"

"Alexx fed him some crunchy peanut butter."

"Ah."  He looked at the baby's eyes.  "That looks like a UTI, Horatio."

"Cranberry juice?"

"That and some antibiotics," he agreed, writing some out for him.  "That should also bring down his fever.  I know you know what to do for those with the one he had with his earache."  That got a nod.  "Good man.  Now, they probably won't let him in daycare while he's got a fever."

"I'll call off for a few days," he promised.  The doctor wrote him out an excuse.  "Thank you, Doctor Philip.  Want to give the doctor a hug before we go, Xander?"  Xander gave him a weak one, looking pitiful.  "Come on, we'll get your meds filled and get you some juice, young man."  He walked him out, taking him to the pharmacy then work.  Megan did not look happy to see the both of them.  "He's got a bad UTI and a high fever."  He handed over the slip.

"This is not a good time, Horatio."

"Not like I planned for him not to be able to urinate, Megan."  She moaned.  "What's wrong?"

"The ballistics tech you liked in Texas is very gay and very going to another city."

He shrugged. "Call Calleigh."

"She's female."

"She's from the back country, Megan.  She's hunted.  She knows her guns."  He stared her down.  "I can go recruit if you want.  That way I've got the time off with him."

"You sure?"

"I am."

"Fine.  Bring her back for an interview.  I'll have them reimburse you."  He nodded, going back home to call her.  She called Yelina's desk.  "It's Megan.  Tell Frank Horatio had to call off sick.  Xander's got a fever and a UTI.  Yeah, that's what he said.  Said he couldn't pee.  The baby looked miserable but he was sucking on some cranberry juice."  She smiled.  "I figured you'd want to watch Ray Junior anyway, Yelina.  That's fine.  Tell Ray I said hi.  No, he's going to go recruit us a new ballistics tech.  Thanks."  She hung up and put her head back down.  This was not going to be a good week.  She was short-staffed now.

***

Horatio walked up the street in New Orleans.  Yelina's mother had fiercely protested him bringing Xander on a trip when he was so sick.  She agreed to give him the medicine and he'd only be gone a day and a half so it was fine.  His boy had snuggled into the grandmother's arms and went to sleep.  He found his target at the cafe he had called her to, sitting across from her.  "Calleigh Duquesne."  She smiled and nodded.  "Horatio Caine.  Second-in-command in Miami's felony lab."

"I've heard."  She shook his hand.  "What did you need, Horatio?"

"A ballistics tech with sense.  Our last one huffed off because Megan's a female boss."  She rolled her eyes.  "I will tell you Megan's wary of you because she doesn't think women do guns like guys do, but I've heard some very good things about you."  She smiled at that.  He pulled out the offer she had sent with him.  "This is what we're offering for a good ballistics tech.  I've recently moved down there myself so I can tell you about things like housing costs at the moment."

She looked over the offer while she sipped her coffee.  "This is very generous.  Housing prices that high?"

"About like your more fashionable neighborhoods around here," he admitted.  "My sister- in-law and brother just bought a nice two bedroom place in a good neighborhood for sixty- five."  She nodded slowly at that.  "Rent's about eight or nine hundred in the good buildings at the moment.  More if you move somewhere you can touch water or somewhere more fashionable.  The department is fairly progressive.  Megan's one of the first female supervisors and she reorganized the labs.  That's why she recruited me. We *need* someone who can do the field and ballistics, Calleigh.  That's what drew me to you, that and you have sense."

"You do know how to flatter a southern woman," she teased, putting it down.  "When would she need me?"

"As fast as I can kidnap you back for an interview."

"I can be there this weekend for an interview.  I'll promise that much."  He smiled and she felt her chest tighten.  "How's the single life?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I have a nine-month-old son that I'm raising alone.  I have no idea.  I hear it's good."  She giggled at that.  He showed her a picture.  "That's my son."

"He's adorable!"

"My sister-in-law's mother has him at the moment.  He's got a small bladder issue and she protested me bringing him."

"Flying can make tummies upset."

"The lab is building into a family, Calleigh.  We have an ME who will fuss you to death.   Megan is trying to be a good mother to the brood.  She's got another tech coming in soon she thinks for Trace.  Most of the old lab is gone, with a few techs still sticking around.  They will look at you for being female but I'm sure you've gotten that."

"Yup, but I blew away my shooting instructor by outshooting him.  I get respect for that."

He nodded and smiled. "I respect you for your mind, not your gun, Calleigh.  I want a tech I can trust at my back and who can see faults where I'm not thinking right.  With the new possible tech coming in, it'll be us two, Megan, and him as field techs."

"Which is an excellent opportunity  to advance."

"That's one of the reasons I moved down.  Megan's got connections higher up but she doesn't use them.  She got her position because she made the boys play nicely with her in the field."

"Then I'll be there Saturday morning to talk to her."  She shook his hand.  "It's also a bit more than I make now.  My mother will pout but maybe I'll find a nice Cuban guy."  He smiled and nodded.  "Will I be interviewing with you?"

"I'll probably be whipping the new boy into shape.  He's coming in today."

"That's fine.  I'll see you Saturday, Horatio."

"I look forward to working with you, Calleigh.  I'll even let you have my study if you need a cheap place to crash.  My son will make sure your virtue is safe."  He got up and headed out.

She watched him walk away, then looked over the offer again.  It was generous.  Very generous.  She went back to the office to look up the statistics in Miami.  That and a paper from there gave her a good idea of housing costs and a nice few apartments to check on.

***

Horatio walked into the office the next morning.  Megan gave him a look.  "Xander's fever's down so he's back in daycare today.  The UTI has broken but he's finishing his antibiotics.  Calleigh will be in Saturday."

"Thank you.  Come on.  I got asked to mentor this one.  He's newly out of school."  She walked him into Trace.  "Tim, this is Horatio Caine. He's my second-in-command."

"Hey," Speed said, waving a hand since he had on gloves.  "She said you were a quiet guy."

"Now and then," he admitted, looking him over.  Band t-shirt.  Jeans.  Headphones off his ears.  "What're you listening to?"

"Stone Temple Pilots at the moment.  You?"

"Nothing that hard I'm afraid.  I'm more a classical person.  As long as you don't hook speakers up I don't care."  That got a smirk.  "Case?"  She handed it to him and he looked it over.  "Interesting.  Bloater."

"Yup."  She patted him on the back. "Have fun with that."

"Oh, I'm sure I will," he sighed, pulling on a labcoat and gloves to get to work.  "So, family down here?"

"I'm from upstate New York."

"I grew up just outside the city," he said, smiling at him.  "Have you met Yelina yet?"

"The hotty in Homicide?  Earlier."

"She's married to my brother Ray, but that's a fair assessment and what the others call her," he agreed with a small smile.  "She won't mind," he said at his groan.

"You sure?"

"Very.  It makes Ray jealous so he pays more attention to her.  He's got macho syndrome according to her."

"Some men do.  I've never been part of that BS."

Horatio smiled at that.  "Me either.  Have you met Alexx yet?"

"I have and been fussed over."  That got a small laugh.  "I take it you get it too?"

"Oh, yes. I'm single so she fusses at me to eat and then tells Yelina to make me eat."  That got a smirk.  "What brings you down here?"

"Life," Speed said, and that was about all he offered even when he got a look.  "Sorry."

"Not an issue.  We all have private things, Tim."

"Try Speed."

"Speed?"

"Last name and I ride a Ducatti."

"Nice ride," he offered.  He got back to work.  He frowned at the silica in front of him.  "I do believe that's beach sand."  He got to work on the case file.  "No reason for it to be there."

"Megan said it was sandy under him and he had broken some small thing with shells and sand when he fell."

"She didn't put that in the notes."  He glared up at Megan's office, making her flinch and shrug.  He leaned out the door. "Megan?"  She leaned out of her office.  "Sand was native and reasonable?"

"Not reasonable.  It was a heavy glass terrarium with shells and a hermit crab.  One of the small ones that sits on a side table.  Why?"

"It's not in the notes."

"Want to go back to the scene?"

"Maybe."  He went back to work, shaking his head.   "Do we have glass from the terrarium?"

"I don't think it's a cause of death.  Alexx said it was blunt force trauma from a baseball bat."

Horatio looked at him.  "Was it his house?"  Speed shook his head.  "Then people like to touch those, Speed.  It could have a fingerprint."  He found the bag and handed it over.  "You'll find I'm the fussier person."  That got him a look and a nod.  "I like Megan."

"So do I.  I'm thinking I'm going to learn a lot from both of you."

That got a smile.  "I hope you can.  We've lost a few good techs who wouldn't work with her because she's female and in charge."

"That sucks."

"It does," he agreed.  "But that is the way the system is at the moment.  There's almost no females at the higher levels."  That got a nod.  "I was in the NYPD and she's the first female boss I've had."

"Except for Yelina?" he taunted.

"Well, now and then," he agreed dryly, smirking back.  "It'll be fine.  You'll learn from both of us."  He got back to work on the fingerprints, smiling when he found a few.  He carried them to fingerprints to lift them and run them.

Speed leaned on the table for a minute.  "That man is like a magnetic force," he said quietly.  Megan came in.  "You weren't kidding.  He's forceful."

"He is but he's good.   He was trained by a guy who came in at the beginning of forensics."

"That's saying something with how old the field is," he joked.

"The modern forensics, not the ancient ones," Horatio said as he walked back inside.  "I'm also telepathic and I eat souls according to some of the rookies."  He smiled at him.  "You'll do fine, Speed.  If I get overbearing, tell me.  I like honest people."  That got a nod.  "Good.   Now, we have a fingerprint from a female with a history of robbery."  He held up the sheet for Megan's benefit.  "Do we know her from the scene?"

"We don't," she admitted.  "I'm not even sure why he was in the house.  He lived next door."

"According to Toxicology he was three steps from a lush; Alexx said his liver was shot too," Speed offered.  "Not that I've ever been drunk enough to walk into the wrong house."

"What was his blood alcohol?" Megan asked.

"Point two."

"Some long term alcoholics can function at that," Horatio said quietly.  "It comes with experience.  Had he been driving?"

"All indications say he was drinking at home," Megan told him.  "Why?  You think he stumbled over?"

"I don't know yet.  He have anyone living with him?"

"Wife died two years back," Speed offered, looking at him.  "Which is a reason people become reclusive and drink.  His neighbors all said he worked from home."

"Frank said most of the neighbors hadn't heard or seen him since he walked out of the house six months ago and tried to swim," Megan agreed.  "Then they more heard the pool alarm that wouldn't quit going off and the paramedics who came to rescue him."

"Did anyone live in the house he was found in?" Horatio asked.

"Go ask Frank, Horatio," she ordered, getting out of the way.  He went that way.   "Sorry, sometimes he's intense on a case.  Watch him with a child victim and he'll never go home until it's solved."

"I consider that a good thing," he agreed.  "Especially if it's the parents who did it."  She smiled and left him alone to contemplate the evidence and his other coworker.  He got a whole few hours before Horatio came back with a few new bags of evidence.  "Did we miss something?"

"I wanted comparison samples from his house," he admitted. "Why don't you get lunch?"

"I'm not hungry yet, dad."

Horatio looked at him.  "No, my son wouldn't talk back to me," he said dryly.  "Go eat.  It's been hours and it'll probably be a late night with just us.  Especially if we get another case."

"Whatever."  He went to eat his lunch, watching the news in the break room.   He watched SWAT taking down somewhere.  It was a nice spectacle and there were a lot of people watching.  He ate another bite and Megan came in.  "Your SWAT teams are good."

She looked and flinched.  "Horatio, SWAT raided the daycare!" she called.  He rushed out. She sighed.  "He'll be back in a few hours."

"Sure.  Yelina's son?"

"Is probably also there," she admitted, going back to her office to call around and see what was going on.  It was still an active scene, that had been live footage.  She warned them Horatio was on his way over.  That his son was in there as well as his nephew possibly.  That got a groan from both ends.

***

Horatio slid through the line, vest already on and gun out of his holster.  "Hi, guys."  They all stared at him in horror.  "I know a few of the kids in there.  What's going on?"

"One of the workers is doped out.  She's got an infant in her arms.  The others have been corralled in their areas.  We managed to free one room so far," one of them reported. "Aren't you one of the scene geeks?"

Horatio glared at him.  "I was a detective first, boys.  Let's go.  Because I can calm down those kids."  That got a nod and they let him follow them in.  He was an officer and he clearly had a clue.  He was moving just like them.  They slipped in through the back room and he nodded a direction, getting a nod and two of the guys going with him.  They came out in the kitchen and had a direct line of sight on her through the swinging 'western' doors.  The other team came up from both sides.  He looked at the baby.  "Her name's Miranda and she's got asthma," he whispered to the guy next to him.

"Her or the baby?" was whispered back.

"The baby," he whispered.  "Her mother's a secretary down at a bank and her father's in Vice."  That got him a look and he pointed.  "My brother's son is in there if he's in today."  That got a nod.  She turned and shrieked that someone had better be fixing the bottles.  He slid off his vest and put his gun in his back waistband, going to fix one.  He walked out and handed one to her, taking the baby.  "Let me, Kylie.  She's fussy and you're upsetting her," he said quietly.  "I'll make her be quiet and everything."  She nodded and smiled.  "Good girl.  Sit down and rest, okay?  I'll let Xander pat her for a while."  He walked into the toddler's room and shut the door, locking it.  His son and nephew both looked at him.  "Hi, boys."  He handed off the baby and listened while SWAT took her down.  He sighed and opened the door, stopping his very bored son.  "Don't even think about it, Xander."  He walked out.  "Any others hurt?"

"No, Horatio," one of the other workers offered with a sigh. "Thank you."

"I'm glad she didn't have Xander or Ray Junior."  He petted the boys clinging to his legs, Ray Junior and someone else's.  "Hi, boys.  Why don't you have Miss Kelly read to you guys?  Maybe about *animals*?"  That was a sure favorite with that room.  She smiled and got a book for them, getting a very attentive Xander following her across the room until she sat down then he was in her lap and trying to chew on the book.  "Good boy, Xander."  He got the other baby disengaged.  "Go read with Miss Kelly," he prompted, pointing at her. "Look, a book!"  The others headed over.  He picked up Ray Junior, earning a smile.  "Hi, nephew."  He beamed and kissed him on the cheek.  "Good boy.  Go help Xander read."  He put him down and Ray crawled over to help her.  He checked the floor then put the escaping girl back in there before shutting the door.  "My nephew."

The head of SWAT stared at him.  "Which science geek are you?"

"Caine."

"As in brother to the guy in homicide?" he asked.  Horatio nodded.  "That's his son?"

"His son with Detective Salas."  That got a shudder.  "I'll make sure she knows he was safe."  That got a nod and a smile.  He took his vest back.  "The brunette lady with the bun is the head lady here.  They've got cameras and things."  He pointed up.  "Whatever you guys need."  That got a nod and someone went to find her.  "Need me for anything else?"

"Bring your nephew back to Yelina so she don't fuss," one guy offered.

Horatio snickered.  "She'll be fine.  As long as he's fine she'll be fine.  The same as the rest of us will be."  He walked out, going back to the station.  He leaned on her partition since she was having lunch with Ray.  "They got the worker who was coked out of her mind and screaming while holding Miranda."  Ray dropped his food and groaned.  "They got the others into their rooms and closed in.  Ray Junior and Xander are both fine.  Miss Kelly's reading to them at the moment.  It was Kylie."

"They have her?" Yelina demanded.  He nodded.  "You're sure?"

"I was there with SWAT."

She relaxed and smiled again. "That's fine, Horatio.  Thank you."  She called the daycare.  "This is Yelina Salas.  Do we need to pick up the children?"  She smiled.  "That's fine.  I'll send Ray down to get him."  She hung up.  "Go get the son, Ray."

"Fine.  Should I pick up the other brat too?"

"Please.  He can wait with Ray Junior at home with you," Horatio agreed.  "I've got a new guy in the lab.  We also might have a new ballistics tech coming in Saturday to interview."  He walked off, heading back to the lab.  "She's fixed.  She was stoned out of her mind," he reported as he walked past Megan.  "Ray's going to pick up the boys."

"That's fine.  You went in with SWAT?"  He turned and nodded, then went back to his case.  "Is Xander fine?"

"If he wasn't, do you think I'd be here?" he prompted.  She shook her head and went back to her office.

Horatio pulled back on his lab coat and a new set of gloves.  "Sorry, the daycare worker where Yelina's son is was coked out of her mind."

"Welcome to the mid nineties, man."

"Indeed."  He called Vice from his desk.  "Tell Paul that his daughter was fine when I saw her.  Not even wheezing.  She's the one Kylie had.  She's fine."  He hung up and got back to work.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  It's good that you know the daycare people where your nephew goes.  It shows you give a damn about your family," Speed offered, looking at him.  Horatio smiled.  "You're not married?"

"I was once, a long time ago.  It ended badly."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not.  If you think Alexx can nag? My ex-wife did it much better."  That got a small smile.  "We divorced when I went back to college for my chemistry degree."

"Oh, well.  Most women like educated men."  He handed over a report.  "What you brought back."

"Thank you.  Did it photo luminesce?"

"I didn't check that."  He found the lights for him and checked that sample and the older one.  "Huh.  They match."

"That is because he's been in there a number of times.  The owners of the house said he habitually housesat for them.  He was drinking to forget his wife died of cancer.  He was doing something with computers, they weren't sure, and she was missing some jewelry."

"So, the burglar got him?"

"Quite possibly.  Did Megan give Frank that thief's name?"  He nodded. "Thank you."  He got back to work logging in all the evidence.  They'd need it to make sure it was her.  A theory always had to be proven true.

***

A few days later Yelina walked into the lab with a small bundle of wiggling blanket.  "Horatio?" she called.  He came out of DNA.  "He won't quit for my mother.  She's in bed with a headache."

"That's fine.  Can you get his backpack from my locker?"  She handed it over with a smile.  "Thank you, Yelina.  It'll be fine."  She kissed him on the cheek and left them alone.   He uncovered his son's head.  "Why won't you nap this time?" he asked dryly.  Xander just beamed at him.  "Bored again?"  He put the baby onto his feet then put on the backpack, stopping him from moving.  "I know you learned how to run last night, son.  I realized that when you woke me up with it.  You can't do that today."  He put him onto his back and threw the blanket over his head again since he seemed to want it there.  Xander giggled and he went back to DNA.  "Sorry, he's running Yelina's mother into the ground again.  He just learned how to run last night."

"They always seem to run," she agreed, handing over a sheet.  "There you go, Horatio.  You and your little ghost back there."  He smiled and walked off, going back to Trace.  He found Speed listening to his discman and doing something.  So he gloved up to work on the sample at the microscope next to him.

Xander peeked out from under his camouflage, looking at the guy he didn't know beside him.  He had dark hair like him and it was messy.  It looked like it was fun to play with.  He slowly shifted over to look at him better.  Then he reached out to pet him, cooing some.

Speed jumped up and glared at him.  "What the fuck!"

"Don't swear in front of my son please," Horatio ordered calmly.  "Xander, don't pet Speed.  He's not used to being petted."  His son cooed and petted him instead.  "He wanted to play with your hair, Speed."

"Da...  He scared me."

Horatio smiled at him.  "He's practicing his stealth today.  He learned how to wander last night and woke me up out of a sound sleep to demand a story he had walked down the stairs to get and back up to my room.  Say hi, Xander."

"Mommy!" he creeled, holding his arms out.

"Not built like that, little guy."  He patted him on the head gently.  Xander beamed and pulled his hand down to gnaw on him. "Maybe you shouldn't chew on the gloves, okay?"

Horatio looked over his shoulder.  "Let Speed work, Xander."  Xander pouted at him.  "Behave or you're taking a nap."  Xander let him go with a cackle and a blown kiss, going back to petting his father, pulling the blanket back over himself.

Speed slowly came closer.  One hand came out to pet him again when he was sitting down.  He looked up at the boy barely peeking out at him.  "You are very sneaky but I'm not a dog."

"He does it to his cousin as well.  He thinks he's a teddy bear."

"I'm not one of those either.  I'm not that hairy."  He shifted away and the baby pouted.  "I don't respond to pouting or begging, Xander.  Sorry."  He regloved and got back to work, shaking his head.  "So, who was the blonde who came in Saturday?"

"Calleigh Duquesne.  An excellent ballistics tech."

"She seemed nice and sweet."

"She is but she's still an excellent tech."  Megan walked in, looking confused.  "He ran Yelina's mother into a headache."

"Ah."

"He's sneaky, Megan.  He reached down to pet me."

She smiled at that.  "He likes to pet his father's hair too.  Especially when he growls."  She looked at him.  "I liked Calleigh."

"But?"

"She seems very...nice, Horatio.   How would she do on a scene with gang members?"

"Ask her.  She does the work now," he reminded her. "She's a fully qualified level one tech."

"Oh."

"New Orleans does have gangs," Speed agreed.  "Plus some strange shit."

"Speed," Horatio warned.

"Sorry, kid.  You're not allowed to say that word until you can ride a bike of your own."  Xander giggled at that and reached over to pet him again.  "What is with him?"

"I have never figured out why he likes to pet people," Horatio admitted. "I'm happy he doesn't yank anymore."  He looked at Megan again.  "We need one and she's one of the best in the country, Megan."

"Fine.  I'll hire her on a trial basis."  She went to do that, shaking her head the whole way.  He had good taste.  She was cute and nice and sweet.  Calleigh answered her cellphone.  "Calleigh, it's Megan Donner.  How would you like to come to Miami?"  She listened to her say she'd love that but at the moment she was dealing with someone who had shot at her car.  Then she hung up.  She sat down to wait on her to call back.  If she died, she'd have to have Horatio find a different one.  Calleigh called back about thirty minutes later sounding calm and happier.  "Are you all right?"  She had to smile at the chipper 'I'm fine and dandy, Megan' she got back.  "Good to know.  When can you come to us?"  She looked at her calendar.  "Nothing sooner?"  She smiled at the assurance she'd try.  "Thank you, Calleigh.  As soon as you can please.  Of course I'll have that all ready for you."  She heard the 'Horatio gave me the packet of forms already' and rolled her eyes.  "Good.  Bring them with you your first day.  If you need a realtor he knows a decent one."  She said she was going to rent.  "That's fine.  Let me know where.  I'll see you when you get in.  Thank you."  She hung up and leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.  She heard a giggle and groaned.  "Xander, not allowed on the stairs," she ordered.

"Raymond Caine Junior, get your butt down here!" Horatio yelled.  The giggling stopped and a pitiful sniffling started, then the baby walked back down them.

She came to her doorway.  "So that's Yelina and Ray's son?"

"He escaped from Ray.  He called around frantic because he had snuck off.  I'd let him watch Xander but he'd probably let him go missing too."  He put both boys into the break room, turned on PBS, then closed the door and put a sign up of 'tots wandering, be careful' on the door.  Then he went to call Ray.  "He and Xander are both in our break room.  No, he decided to go visit Megan, Raymond.  He's fine.  Yes, he made it onto the elevator or into the stairs."  He shook his head.  "Come get them soon, Ray."  He hung up and got back to work.  "Sorry.  Nephew."

"Does he pet people too?"

"No but he's forever in competition with Xander.  Xander crawled, Ray crawled within weeks.  Xander walked last night and Ray's walking today.  Xander spoke and Ray glared until he got out his first 'mama' a few days later, then he was all smiles and light again."

Speed looked at him.  "Are you and his father encouraging it?"  Horatio shook his head so Speed smiled.  "They're close at least."

"Very.  Xander was guarding Ray at the daycare the other day.  They'll be real terrors some day."  Ray came off the elevator already stomping.  He pointed and he went in there, already yelling.  He sighed and walked in there, smacking him on the head.  "Do not yell at your son for learning how to walk and you not paying attention to him, Raymond.  He doesn't understand and Xander doesn't deserve it."

"They ran Yelina's mother into the ground!"

"They're toddlers.  Of course they did.  That's what they do.  They're loud, messy, and active.  That's a healthy, normal baby.  Now, go back to work."  Ray stomped off again.  He hugged both boys.  "It's all right.  He didn't mean the mean things he said, boys.  It'll be okay and I'll tell your mommy when she gets back, Ray.  She'll come love you too."  Ray smiled and sucked on his cheek, then went back to the couch. He looked at his son.  "You're a good boy, Xander.  A very good boy.  Even if your uncle is a cranky bastard."  Xander beamed and went to cuddle his cousin some more.

Horatio went back to work.

Speed ended up there late that night and went in for some coffee, sitting down at the table to put his head down for a few minutes while it brewed.  He felt the small fingers in his hair and looked at Xander.  "I haven't seen your father in hours.  Did he forget you?"  Xander cooed and went back to petting him.  "Thanks, kid.  It helps the headache."  He put his head back down and let him go back to it.  It did feel nice.   He fell asleep doing that.

Xander snuck out of the break room and headed for the whirry machines that blinked.  He liked to watch them more than he did PBS stuff with people who did boring things, like count.  He found a locked office.  He found an open lab but someone he didn't know so he snuck behind her and went to watch the whirry machine work.  It picked up a vial and spun it around to test it, earning a clap and a giggle.  The tech jumped and glared at him.  Xander beamed and pointed, babbling about the machine.

"HORATIO CAINE, COME GET YOUR SON OUT OF DNA!" the tech yelled.  "RIGHT THE HELL NOW!"

"Chill," Speed complained a minute later as he walked in. "He snuck out of the break room while I was napping."   He carried him back in there, closing the door this time, then he went to find his father.  He found him crashed in the morgue and Alexx giving him 'aren't you adorable' looks.  "He alive?"

"Very much so, but he passed out.  Why?"

"Xander's in the breakroom and he went to clap at the performance of the machines in DNA."

"Ah."  She nodded and nudged Horatio, getting a grunt.  "Sugar, Xander's still here?"  He moaned and sat up.  "Take a cab home, Horatio.  Do not try to drive."  He yawned and nodded, heading to pick up his son and go home.  She rolled her eyes.  "You too, Speedy."

"Must I?"

"Yes!  Now scoot!"  He sighed but went to clock out for the night and head home for some rest.  She finished up her last autopsy and decided it was well past her own bedtime as well.  She put the body back and went home.  She found Horatio asleep in the lobby with the baby in his arms.  "Uh-huh."   She looked at the guard, who came over to help her.  They got Xander's carseat out of the back of Horatio's car and slid the father into the back with him while Xander got put into the seat. "Thank you, Bailey."

"Not a problem, Alexx.   How long has the kid been here today?"

"Since about four.  His caregiver had a headache and had to go to bed."  That got a smile and she slid in to drive them home.  It was on her way.  She got them out and found his keys, removing them without getting more than a grunt from Horatio.  "I'm not groping."  She got them inside and let Xander loose.  Horatio flopped down on the couch.  Xander curled up on top of him.  She put his keys on the table and headed for her house once she had closed the door after her.

***

Horatio woke up to the shrill sounds of the phone.  "Crap," he muttered.  He felt the baby on his chest so he only stretched over to get the cordless. "Horatio."  He listened, then looked at his watch.  "I'm sorry, Megan.  How did I get home?"  Her answer of 'Alexx' did not make him happy.  "I'll drop him at the daycare and come in.  I'll be there within an hour.  I'm sorry."  He hung up and looked at his awake son, who was staring at him.  "Want to go to daycare today?"  He shook his head.  "Tough.  We've got to do that."  He got them both into the same shower, which he enjoyed.  Xander got to play in the water and try to avoid the soap while stealing his father's bubbles.  Even if he did get a swat on the hand for trying to steal some nice ones.  Horatio finally got them both clean and dried off, then redressed.  Horatio fed him a sandwich while they waited for the cab to come pick them up.  Xander looked at the driver, then scowled and fussed.  "Quit," Horatio warned.  He slid into the back with Xander, having found his car seat on the front step.  Alexx must have left it after she had closed the door.  "Green Acres daycare then the crime lab please."  The cabbie nodded and pulled out, taking them to the daycare first.  He walked in and handed his son to the keeper.  "Here.  We just got up.  He's had a sandwich.  Thank you."

"Welcome, Horatio.  Have a good day at work."  She watched as he left, then smiled at the baby.  "Hi, Xander.  Back again?"  He beamed and kissed her, spreading jelly.  "That's kinda cool.  Come on, let's go play with the other toddlers."  She logged him in and took him to his room, letting the handler in there cluck her tongue.  "They just got up. He's had a sandwich."  She took a babywipe to wipe off the jelly.  "Dad forgot his diaper bag."

"That's fine.  He's eating food and we have plenty of diapers for him."  She smiled and left them alone.  "Hi, Xander."  She straightened out his clothes.  "It smells like you had a bath today. Did you have a good bath?"  He beamed and hugged her, then went to pounce the little girl he liked to torment.  "Let her sleep, Xander.  Come here, I'll read to you."  He ran back and she grabbed a book.  With any luck he'd go back to sleep.

***

Horatio paid the cab driver and got out, taking his carseat back to his own car.  Then he went inside. "Thank you for helping Alexx last night, Bailey."

"Not a problem, Horatio.  You fell asleep waiting on a cab."  That got a nod.  "Is he keeping you up?"

"No, I didn't get to eat yesterday.  I was asleep in the morgue when Alexx sent us home."  He shrugged. "He had been napping in the breakroom."  He headed up in the elevator.  "Sorry, Megan.  Hi, Calleigh."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Welcome to Miami."

"Thank you.  It's full of pretty people, as advertised."  She smiled at them.  "How's Xander?"

"At the daycare," he said.  "I had a late night and ended up on the couch after someone helped me home."

"I saw your car still here when I got in.  I almost worried I'd come in to find Xander still in the break room," Megan said, giving him a pointed look.

"He ran Yelina's mother into the ground, Megan.   I'm sorry."

"I know.  Let's maybe work on a nanny?"

"I've been looking.  Her mother gets mad when I suggest it."

"Whatever, just make sure it quits happening, Horatio.  I'd rather have you go home than to have him here scaring DNA techs or pinching fingerprint ones."  She walked off shaking her head.

Calleigh snickered.   "Clearly not a mom," she said quietly.  He nodded at that.  "Show me around, studly?"

"If you want, ma'am."  He walked her into Trace.  "This is Trace and our other new tech, Tim Speedle."  He patted him on the head.

"You don't look like his son," Speed said, looking at Calleigh.  "Hey again."

"Hey."  She shook his hand. "I'm here to do all the wonderful gun stuff."

"Cool.  It'll give Horatio one less job."  He looked at him. "The DNA tech was complaining loudly at Megan this morning."

"I've already got complained at," he assured him.  "I'm working on it, Speed."  That got a nod.  "So, this is Trace.  I know you're up to regulation ability in all the other labs."  She nodded.  "What's your other good areas outside ballistics?"

"I'm pretty decent in fingerprints and okay in chem and DNA."

"Good," Speed agreed. "I'm a major in Trace with excellent skills in chem and some with auto."

"I'm the same with a few mor skills in ballistics," Horatio agreed.  "Plus fingerprints."  That got a nod.  "Megan makes up most of the rest."

"Then we work," she agreed happily.  "Come on, show me the rest of this massive complex."

"Horatio!" Megan shrieked.

He came out and found his nephew in her office with a snake.  "Raymond!"  He put it down when he saw his uncle's hands on his hips.  "Is it harmless, Megan?"   She nodded, weakly.  "Bring him down with it.  He can show his mother."  She handed him the snake and the baby then went to take something for her headache once she was locked in her office again.  "Let's go see Uncle Frank and Daddy, Raymond."  He walked him that way, letting him go when he heard Yelina in her cubicle with someone.  "Go see Mommy," he whispered in his ear.  "Show her the snake."  Ray toddled that way, waving it at John Hagen, who just moaned and shook his head.  "Who had him?" Horatio asked quietly.

"Ray.  The same one who lost him yesterday."

"He's clearly been outside today," Horatio agreed. "Not Uncle Frank, go see Mommy."  Ray quit showing Uncle Frank the garden snake and went to show mommy, who shrieked and jumped up to get away from it.  He walked off looking very pleased with himself.  She would be stopping that problem with Ray losing the boys.  Very quickly.  Probably with a shoe or a broom but very quickly.

"Horatio!"

"I didn't have him but he came to show Megan the pretty snake, Yelina."

"Who had my son?"

He looked at her.  "I just got here and Xander's in daycare."

"Raymond!" she growled, going to find her husband and kill him this time.  Right after her son gave the snake to Frank or John.  "Someone please take that...thing from him?"

"Give it here, little man," Frank ordered.  Ray smiled and handed him the snake.  "Thank you.  I'll take very good care of him but why don't you sit down and help Uncle John type a report?"   He went to do that.  He loved to help type.  The keys made pretty noises.  Frank went to put the snake out of their misery, finding Ray sitting outside having a smoke.  "I'd run."

"Why?"

"Your son brought in a snake, Ray.  All the way to Megan.  Horatio gave him back to his momma with the snake."  Ray moaned and headed inside, but then came running out with Yelina hot on his trail.  "You go girl!" Frank yelled, cheering her on.  He liked the boys but they should not be at the station. Then again, wasn't today Ray's day off?  He watched her beat the crap out of him, wincing some when she got him in the groin.  "Oooh, that's gotta hurt with her pointy shoes."

One of the guards came out.  "Should we break them up, Detective?"

"Not on your life, son.  He wasn't watching their boy.  Their boy brought a snake all the way up to Megan."  The guard shuddered.   "Horatio sent him down to momma with it.  Momma don't like snakes."

"Understood.  Still, that is assault."

"Yelina, get two more good ones in before someone arrests you for assault!" he called.  She punched him twice more and walked back looking calm and happier, pushing her hair off her sweaty face.  "You all right now?"

"It's his day off, he should have our son at home," she agreed calmly.  "He knows better now."

"Break a nail?" Frank teased.

"Over that?"  She snorted.  "Not hardly.  I save that for the worse things than Raymond."  She walked inside, going back to her desk.  She brought her son out and handed him to his father after kissing him on the cheek. "You be a good boy for daddy today and make him feed you a real lunch, not just a jelly sandwich."  Then she went back inside with Frank.

The guard snickered as he walked over there to help him up.  "It's all right, detective.  My wife took a broom to me because I left the baby inside while I was outside.  At least it wasn't a poisonous snake or an alligator."  Ray moaned and walked off with his son under his arm.  Ray giggled and waved so he waved back.  "Have a good day with daddy, little guy."  He went back to his post, wiping his smile when he saw Stetler nosing around.  "It was nothing, sir, a breakdown in communication in the family."

"I'm sure."  He went to talk to her about abusing her spouse but the way she glared at him he had to back off.  "Next time, beat him on your own time and at home."

"Normally he has more sense so I don't have to beat him," she said sweetly, smiling at him.  "He was negligent in watching our son.  Our son picked up a snake, which could have hurt him.  Then he let our son wander all over the building with the snake.  He deserved it."

"Fine.  Whatever. Do it off property or at home next time, Detective Salas."

She inclined her head and he stomped off.  She said something once he was out of hearing, making John burst out laughing.  "He is."

"He is.  Good one, Yelina.  He take the boy home?"

"Yes, he did.  Or else I will kill him for real.  Then I'll toss him in the bay for the sharks."  She got back to work with the suspect she was booking in. "Sorry about that.  Now, you did what?"

"Um, I shot my wife," he said weakly, eyes wide as he stared at her.  "You have kids?  I mean, you're too pretty to have kids."

"Some of us do get back into shape afterwards.  I did it so I can chase criminals like you."  He just nodded and slunk down a bit.

***

Horatio made it home on time that night, finding Yelina on his doorstep. "Are you sure you want to leave him with Ray?"

"My mother came over to pout that she didn't have either boy today.  Hi, Xander."  He beamed and went back to trying to get outside onto the porch to play in the rain.  "No."  She heard a knock and went to answer it, finding Calleigh and Speed both there.  "Get in here before you get drenched, children."  She let them in.  "Horatio, it's some of your team."

"Hi, guys.  Xander, you may not go play in the rain."  He pointed and made grunting noises.  "No."

Speed looked then at him.  "No, you can't play with the alligator out there."  The others all groaned and Horatio called someone to get it before it ate a pet or another child.  He smiled at the baby, who beamed back.  "Nice job."  The baby bounced some then saw Calleigh and went over to stare at her.

"I can see why your daddy scares so many criminals if he can stare like that," she teased, tickling his stomach.  The baby swatted and scowled, making her smile.  "Don't like being tickled?"  She did it again and he pounced her, poking her.  "Oooh, my!  Are you attacking me!"  She sat down and the baby climbed up her to pet her hair.  "Thank you, Xander."

"That's how I met him too," Speed offered.  He looked at Horatio.  "We heard Megan going spastic at the chief about the boys."

"I've already had a talk with the Chief of Detectives about how today was Raymond's fault," she offered. "I also explained yesterday when he asked."

"That's good but we just heard her before we drove over," Calleigh told her.  "She wants a PD wide daycare.  Which could help."

"I'd let Xander go," Horatio agreed.  Yelina nodded.  "Or if her mother could keep up with them both."

"She went to the doctor today about why she can't and got him past her age," Yelina offered. "She's got something for her headaches now that shouldn't knock her out.  I'm still trying to get her to accept money for watching them."

"I pay her for the food she feeds him since I'm not true family," Horatio offered.  Calleigh squeaked.  "Son, no pinching," he ordered without having to look.

"Just a bit of shirt diving, Horatio."  She put the baby back onto the floor, weathering the pout.  "No, you go play.  Go watch the alligator for us."  He ran back to the window when she pointed and she got up to come over.  "He's got a good grip.  Couldn't get him to let go of my bra strap."

"Our first night in town we went out with Frank," Horatio told her.  "That nice steak place I took you to.  He grabbed the waitress' shirt.  Would not let go."  She smiled at that. "I find bribing him works."  He watched his son climb up onto the table. "What are you doing?" he asked, starting to move.  The baby leapt at Speed, making him grunt and move to cushion him.  "Do not do that!" he ordered, glaring at his son.  He got a pitiful sniffle and him petting Speed's hair.

"He does look like you," Yelina agreed, helping get Xander down into a chair.  "Stay and I'll make you a snack."  He pointed at Speed, who sighed and shook his head but picked him up to hold.  The baby cooed at him and petted his hair.

"If this keeps up, I'll never need to date," Speed said.

"By the time he's old enough for you, you'll be a dirty old man," Calleigh teased.

Horatio looked at her.  "Don't encourage that thought.  Please?"  He went to make his son dinner, getting an attentive baby, who was still petting his buddy.  "Want to eat?   You've got to let Speed go."  Xander wiggled until Speed put him down and his father put him into his high chair instead.  He dug into the spaghetti-ohs.  "Thank you, son.  Sorry, Speed."

"It's kinda nice to be petted."  He shrugged. "Just creepy that it's your son doing it.  First time I met the kid, he's riding on Horatio's back in this backpack thing.  Has a blanket over him.  So he peeks out, sees me and slowly reached an arm out to pet me.  I jumped!"  She giggled.  "Horatio said he was practicing his stealth maneuvers."

Calleigh giggled into Horatio's arm.  "That must've been cute."

"It was," Horatio agreed, grinning at Speed.  "He likes you."

"I'm glad he's not crapping on me or stuff, H, but the kid in the lab?  Probably a bad mix."

"I'm doing all I can to make sure it happens as infrequently as possible."

"I hope you succeed.  One of the ME's has been watching him."  That got a growl.  Xander's head popped up and he wiggled out of the seat and on top of the table to come pet the daddy, giving him concerned looks. "It's all right, Xander.  Go back to your dinner.  I've got him."  Xander looked at him.  "Go eat.  Before I eat it all."  He moved the bowl and the baby scowled, going to save his food.  He sat on the table and ate it like a big boy would.  "Well, he's almost ready for a booster seat."

"Nearly there," Calleigh agreed, looking at Horatio.  "Yelina, your mother, can she watch him on the nights we've got really long hours?"

"She demands to, Calleigh.  She fusses when the boys go to daycare or anywhere other than her house.  She pouted at Raymond that he had Ray Junior today."

"I heard you beat him," Speed agreed dryly.  "Feel good?"

"Quite."  Someone knocked on the door so she went to let John Hagen in.  "What brings you out here tonight?"

"Ray's looking for you, Yelina."

"He knows I was coming out here."

"He sounded kinda drunk.  I grabbed your son on the way out here."  She went to get her son and his bag.  "Sorry, Horatio."

"It's not a problem," he assured him.  "I still have the pull-out in the study."  That got a smile.  "Did we hear more from the Chief?"

"He's not willing to pay for a daycare but he is willing to have HR help you find a good one or a nanny.  Do the backgrounds and things."  That got a nod but an eyeroll from Horatio.  "You have one?"

"Yelina's mother."

"We'll talk to her in the morning when we drop off the boys," Yelina promised, letting Ray Junior down to wander.  He came over to hug Calleigh, grinning at her. "Son," she complained.

"He's got good taste, Yelina," John said with a wink for Calleigh.  "Anyway, I'll let you guys talk about the kids or whatever.  Ray was nearly passed out on tequila when I took the little guy there.  He did have good taste in snakes. We had a poisonous one earlier in the parking lot he could've picked up."  He left.

Ray Junior smiled at Calleigh again.  "Momma!"

"No, I'm not the mommy, that's your mommy," she said, pointing at Yelina.  "I don't have any babies."

"I think he's willing to be adopted," Speed offered.  Xander leapt onto him again, going back to his petting.  "Damn, kid.  Take up gymnastics if you want to do that.  Oops, sorry.  Another word you can't say until you've able to ride a bike, kiddo."

Horatio smiled.  "He's heard that one before.  Usually when he sneaks into the shower with me to play with the bubbles."

"At least he likes baths.  At his age I couldn't stand them and neither could my brother."  He looked at Yelina again.  "You good at home?"

"I'm fine.  He'll be sorry in the morning and I'll stay here."  He nodded.  "Are you sure you want to ride in that rain, Speed?  It's picking up."

"He can have the couch," Horatio assured him.  "I'm hoping he parked out of the rain?"

"Under the alcove next to your car," Speed admitted with a grin.

Calleigh shook her head.  "We've got to do something about our official cars, Horatio.  They're weak.  I had to go into the Everglades tonight and I nearly got stuck in a rut on the road."

"I've been talking to Megan and she knows.  She's not sure what she wants to file a grant for instead of the cars."  He got a journal, handing it over.  "These are what they're doing now in military applications."

Speed looked then at him.  "SUV's?  They destroy the environment."

"This one has a lab in the back," Calleigh said, looking at it.  "Wow.  That's got to be expensive but we could do some stuff on site."  Speed took it to look over, letting her point at what she had seen, leaning on his shoulder.

He looked at her.  "Comfy?"

"Very.  You're soft in the right spots," she said happily.  "I'm sure you make a good pillow too."

Ray tugged on Speed's pants and pointed at Xander.  "Want him back?"  That got a nod.  "Okay.  Down, kid."  He squatted down and let Xander climb off him with one last pet.  Then he hugged Ray and cuddled him, leading him back to the window to sit down and hold him.   He stood back up, shaking his head. "He really does like him as his teddybear."

"For the first month of Ray's life Xander was always clutching him," Yelina agreed.  "We had to get Xander a real bear so we could get Ray to change him."

"He's loved," Speed reminded her.

"Very much," Horatio agreed.  He looked at the boys, shaking his head.  "Want him in your room or should I plan on setting up the playpen for him, Yelina?"

"Whatever he wants, Horatio. He's been fussy about where he sleeps recently."  She took them to look over.  "What about these hummers?"  They both looked and Calleigh nearly drooled.  She looked at her. "You are the most feminine tomboy I've ever met."

"Thank you."  She smiled.  "It's good to know that everyone underestimates me as a pretty face and a charming manner.  Makes it really good when I have to get mean and evil."  Speed shivered at that.  "Poor baby, did it scare you?"

"Hell yes.  You're a scary woman who likes guns." That got a bright smile.  The boys looked over at them.  "What?"  Xander got up and drug him over so he came over to sit with them with a sigh.  "Sorry, boys.  Were we ignoring you to drool over the mobile crime labs?"  Ray nodded.  "Ah, good to know.  Won't happen again."  He sat down, letting the boys crawl into his lap.  He looked down a few minutes later and smiled.  "I think they're out," he called quietly.

Yelina came over to get them both into bed, only taking off shoes.  Undressing them further would wake them up and they'd be energized.

Calleigh left with the journal and Speed settled onto the couch while the others settled in for the night.  That was one of the problems of riding a motorcycle.  Heavy rains sucked.

***

Horatio walked into his unit the next morning, looking at Megan.  "The problem with Yelina's mother was fixed.  She went to the doctor yesterday and got something for the headaches she's been having."  She sighed in relief.  "So it will go back to being very rare that you have to see him."

"Thank you, Horatio.  I don't want him to have an accident or anything."

"I know.  It's not a problem."  He saw Calleigh coming in.  "Did you bring it?"

"I did."  She handed over the journal, the page she wanted already marked.  "Go to the post-it.  We need those."

She flipped to it then looked at them.  "We need the hummer mobile crime labs?"  They both nodded.  "Why?"

"Everglades.  On-site processing of some things.  As technology gets better we can keep updating them until we have almost a full lab in each one," Horatio told her.  She looked interested.

"So I won't get stuck in a rut in the road," Calleigh told her.  "Let's face it, only half our cases are in town, Megan.  The rest of it we're out in the middle of nowhere and I want something more substantial than a cruiser with me.  Especially on the really early call outs.  You've already sent me to the Everglades after dark.  There's no telling what's out there.  Including some panthers and other big predators.  They can and have gotten into cruisers.  They can't get into one of those."

"You've been complaining about our cars anyway," Horatio agreed.  "Why not think ahead?  This way we can update until they run out.  Since those don't run out very quickly...."

"Good points.  Both of them.  I'll talk to the boss, guys.  Maybe he'll back us for this grant."  She went to talk to her spouse about it.

Horatio and Calleigh shared a smile then they went back to work.  Speed came in later, as scheduled, and got to work with them.  "Hey," he greeted.

"Look at you," Calleigh said, frowning.  "Is that a spot?"

"It's made that way," he assured her.

Horatio looked at him.  "While I normally don't care, Speed, that looks a bit worse than normal.  You could have borrowed a shirt."  Speed gave him a grim look.  "We do have to seem competent to the public, and that shirt does not say that."

"Fine.  I'll go change.  That way you two can't nag."

"Nothing wrong with jeans," Horatio assured him. "Just change the shirt."  That got a nod and he went to do that.   He shook his head. "It'll get better."

"It will," she promised, patting his jacketed arm.  "Besides, everyone stares at your suits, Horatio."  He smiled at that, looking a bit shy.  "You do dress very nicely."

"Thank you but even I have to get into jeans for some assignments."  She nodded, agreeing with that.  "What's going on with your case last night?"

"Something ate him."

"Any idea what?"

"Alex was casting a bite for me today.  I'm going to see if she's got it done."  She went down there, finding Alexx getting sick into the sink.  "Are you all right?"

She rinsed out her mouth, giving her a dirty look.  "I hate morning sickness."  Calleigh squealed and hugged her.  "Thank you, dear, but quit before I puke on you."  Calleigh stopped.  "I've got the cast ready for you.  All four of them."  She pointed at a covered tray. "Go for it."

"Should I tell Megan?"

"Might be a good idea.  Some scenes are enough to make Horatio get sick so I definitely will."

Calleigh nodded, carrying the tray off while she calmed her stomach down.  "Megan," she called, smiling and happy.   "Alexx said morning sickness is hell on some scenes."

Megan gaped.  "She is?"  Calleigh nodded.  "Damn it, not now."  She went to talk to her.

Calleigh walked off shaking her head.  "Boys?"  They both looked at her.  "Alexx is having morning sickness.  Said said I should warn you."

"Some scenes have made me wanna puke, I'm sure she'll want to too," Speed agreed.

"We'll watch out for her," Horatio agreed, getting a smile.  He looked.  "That looks like the panther you mentioned and ...  That is an alligator," he identified.  "I'm not sure about the other two."

"I'm going to run them now.  Alexx said he was strangled then eaten so we'll have to see."  She went to do that since she didn't have any open ballistics at the moment.

Horatio and Speed shared a look. "What do you get the second time parent?"

"Something for the first one so they don't get jealous," Horatio offered.  "I checked when I thought Yelina might be pregnant again."

"Was she scary?"

"You have no idea," he said, looking very serious.  That got a snicker.  "Really.  We had veteran cops who ran from her with a mood swing.  Hardened veterans of both military service and some of the tougher neighborhoods in New York."  Speed laughed louder.  "Then Ray would piss her off by saying how she'd have fun taking care of the baby.  I wisely hid."  Speed laughed louder and leaned on the table.  "Exactly."

***

Xander's first birthday came and most of the lab was gathered around for him.   He had fallen at daycare and broken his ankle so he was at the lab after the ER.  Horatio had gotten Yelina to bring his cake over and the lab shared it with him, letting them take pictures of the mess being made.

Megan pulled Horatio aside.  "Is he going to need you to be home?"

"I'm not sure if Yelina's mother is back yet," he admitted.  "Why?"

"Because there's a convention coming up that I wanted to attend with Sean, Horatio."

"Go.  I can take over your duties for a few days and stay in the office if he needs me.  It's not like he can escape with that cast."  She smiled at that and patted him on the arm, heading back to announce that she was going and taking her husband.  That Horatio would be in charge for a few days.  Xander blew kisses at her.  "Thank you, Xander," Horatio said.  "Eat your cake."  Xander stuffed another handful into his mouth.  Calleigh captured it on film.  The Chief of Detectives came in, smiling at the party going on.  "Sir."

"Horatio."  He smiled at the little boy then at him.  "What happened?"

"He fell at daycare and had to go to the ER.  It's his first birthday today."

"That's a shame."  He patted the boy on the head, pulling back a chocolatey mess on his hand.  "Well, it's normal for a year old I guess."  He pulled Horatio and Megan aside.  "I have a request."

"Ask," Horatio offered.  "I can only yell at you."

That got a look.  "SWAT is looking for a good person with leadership skills."

"No."

"But...."

Horatio pointed at Xander.  "I can't take care of him and be on SWAT, sir.  CPS will never allow it.  His caregiver most days can't handle that sort of stress either.  She's an older woman."

"Okay.  What about bomb squad?  That's where the spot is, Horatio.  Let's face it, you're second-in-command here but you can move up faster over there."

"I'm already a sergeant," he pointed out.  "I'm on the list to take the exam for lieutenant next time it comes open."

"I know that.  It would still get you up there faster."

"What happens to my son if something happens?"

"Your family?"

"Yelina would take care of him," Megan agreed.  "I need him here because I'm booked for a conference, Chief."

"That's fine.  I'm asking him to think about it.  He could do a lot of good work over there.  He could also learn a lot of new skills.  Besides, they need a leader.  You seem to understand that mentality."  Horatio frowned at that.  "We're not going to have a lab leadership position open for a while, Horatio.  I'm sorry but that's the way it is."

"I know that."

"This would give you the leadership you deserve."

"I still have to think about more than just me, Chief.  I'm not leaving my son alone."

"I can understand that worry, Horatio, and if the state comes after you for being a single father on bomb squad, we'll handle it."

"I'll consider it and tell you next week."  That got a nod and he left.  Horatio glared at Megan.  "No."

"It is a good opening and you're doing the work half the time anyway, Horatio."

"So?  I'm still not leaving him alone, Megan.  That's very dangerous work and I could easily die on the job.  Most of them aren't married for a reason."

Speed coughed.  "The boss wanted you to move where?"

"Bomb squad," Megan told him.  "They need someone in leadership over there."

Speed considered it then looked at Horatio.  "You've been a bit burnt out recently," he reminded him.  "I'm not saying it's a good move, but it could be a temporary one.  Go for six months then come back."

"That would leave the lab short, Speed."

"I'm already looking at opening a new spot, Horatio," Megan pointed out. He looked at her.  "Got any good leads?"

"One out of water recovery but he's not finished with the classes yet."

"I'll look into him."  She looked around.  "Just think about it.  It's a higher pay grade because of the hazard pay.  It would push you up higher on the lieutenant's scale.  You could easily come back in six months after you've straightened them out."  He was still scowling at her.  "Xander would be fine.  He's got good people to help you, Horatio."  She patted him on the arm.  "Now, your son has made a mess and you should clean it up."  She walked out, going to make notes on what he had said.

Calleigh looked at him.  "I don't think it's a great idea but it would give you a break from the lab and the burnout we've seen, Horatio."

"Go then come back."

"If I come back, I don't have my spot," Horatio reminded them.

"Not like we won't listen to you," Speed said dryly.  "I'm out of my trainee phase.  Calleigh's a full level one and moving up.  We can handle it until she gets us a new rookie to haze."  Horatio shook his head.  "Think about not having to see another dead bloated body for a few months, H.  It could be very helpful for you."

"You'd have more standard hours," Calleigh agreed.  "Talk it over with your family."  He nodded at that and they all got to work cleaning Xander up.  Because he nearly needed a shower. "Poor little guy, with a cast and everything."  He kissed her and beamed.  "I know, you're going to use it to suck up some extra attention from the grandma."

Horatio shook his head.  "Don't encourage that behavior.  He already does it enough, guys."  Speed laughed at that, smirking at him. "Here, go pet Uncle Speed," he ordered, letting him have the baby.  Xander ran his cake and frosting smeared hands through his hair with a smile.  "Thanks, Speed."  He put the cake into the fridge and finished cleaning up the area they had tarped off for the mess.  It made it a lot easier to clean.

"Did I need chocolate?" he teased.  Yelina walked in and peeked around. "We're in the cleanup phase."

"Good.  We've got another one waiting on him at home."

"I'm sure he'll enjoy that.  Why don't you put cake in your aunt's hair, Xander."  He handed him over, getting a pout.  "I've got to help clean up the mess you made."  He helped move the table so they could get the tarp out and let it be brushed off into the trash.  "Go, H."

"I'll see you two tomorrow."  He walked out with Yelina and the baby.  "We need to talk tonight," he said quietly.

"Why?  Did something go wrong?"

"I got offered a different spot."

"In the labs?"

"In bomb squad."  She gave him a horrified look.  "They want me to move over in leadership for right now.  Those two think I'm burnt out."

"You are, a bit, but nothing a vacation can't fix."  She got onto the elevator with him.  "We'll talk about it when the boys are asleep."  That got a nod and they went home.

***

Three Years later.

***

Horatio walked back into his unit.  He nodded at Speed and Calleigh, who both nodded back.  "I'm sorry I had to come back this way."

"Us too," Speed agreed, shaking his hand.  "You okay?"

"A bit more tense," he admitted.  "Less happy."  He looked around. "Who do we have new?"

"Newbie's coming in next week since the last one left before he shot someone," he admitted, walking him upstairs.  Megan was in there cleaning up her desk.  "Megan."

"Horatio," she said, looking at him.  She gave him a hug.  "Thank you for coming back."

"I tried sooner but I was blocked."  She nodded and blew her nose again.  "Go home, Megan.  You're needed there."  She looked at him. "I've got the lab.  Just like always."   She nodded and carried her briefcase out.  He looked at Speed.  "Run it down for me?"

Speed looked at him.  "Only if you relax, H."  Horatio frowned.  "This isn't the bomb squad.  If something around he blows up you get to yell at someone for being stupid."  That got a small smirk.  "I checked.  You haven't done that in four months."

"Megan kept me from transferring back," he said quietly.

"Which was stupid of her," he agreed.  "She had everything in her control and liked it that way.  Now we're going to fix some things that got fixed wrong."  He handed over a paper from his back pocket.  "Here, fix that shit. Then we're coming for dinner tonight.  With the new guy."

"Fine," he agreed, looking it over.  He looked at Speed.  "Xander's missed you."

"He's a great kid but I couldn't just drop in."

"My door is always open to my family and my team," Horatio reminded him.  "Calleigh has."  Speed nodded, accepting that.  "Want to talk about it?"

"It's a bad anniversary."

"I've had those."  Speed stared at him so he closed the door.  "Speed, I lost my mother at seventeen to someone killing her."  He slumped and nodded.  "I know about your friend and we are friends so you can talk to me if you're feeling overwhelmed."  That got a nod.  "You're coming out tonight.  You can stay on the couch after everyone leaves.  We'll talk.   Xander will pet you again.  You'll feel better."  That got a small nod.  "Good.  What's this?"

"BS things she did."

Horatio opened it and sighed.  "It'll have to go slowly."

"Can we back the first three off?  Those are in order of relevance."

"I'll do what I can once I talk to the others."  That got a nod and Speed left.  He looked around the office, then went down to check on the lab.  He found Alexx talking to a new body.  She squealed and hugged him.  They exchanged baby pictures and he let her work.  He went back up to the main labs, finding a few new techs.  He nodded at the new DNA tech.  "Horatio Caine."

"Maxine Valera, sir."

"Horatio," he ordered gently.

She smiled.  "Thank you, Horatio.  You're taking over while Megan's out?"  He nodded.  "Have you done crime lab before?"

He smiled.  "I did until I got switched to bomb squad by Megan."

"Oh, then you're *him*!  Calleigh said the old second-in-command was coming back and a lot of the others calmed down at that."  He smiled and nodded. "Good.  Can you tell Calleigh to come get test results from me?"  He nodded and walked off again, going to meet the others.  A few hours later, at the end of shift, a meeting was called so they all traipsed in there.  "Is there a problem already?"

"Two," Horatio admitted.  He waited until everyone was in there.  "During my tour today there were two problems based on federal regulations.  I am a stickler for those who don't know or remember me.  Drinks are not permitted certain sections of the lab.  Also, we will not be copying our personal or home movies in AV."  That got some nods.  "Okay.  Now, let's get to work on what has also been brought to my attention.  I've been told that the dress code got tweaked?"  Everyone groaned and nodded.  "Does anyone have those?"  Calleigh slid down a binder and he read it over.  He pulled it out and balled it up.  That got a small cheer.  "Let's go back to comfortable, but reasonable.  We want to appear like we're professionals to the public, people.  While Speed can do that in a t-shirt, others can't.  He is the worst dressed in the lab and that's as low as we're going.  Am I clear?"  That got nods.  "Nothing obscene, nothing gross, nothing that's stained or will screw up test results by shedding.  Reasonable, decent clothing.  Jeans are more than acceptable as long as they are clean, do not have holes, and we are wearing something nicer overtop of them.  Speed, no more Nirvana t-shirts."  He shrugged at that.  "Okay, next item.  I am a single parent.  I have a son.  He's just over four years old.  Some of you may remember my son Xander."  A few of them smiled.  "I know a few of you are also parents.  If there is a conflict you *come* *to* *me*, people.  Am I clear?"

"Crystal," their fingerprint tech agreed, smiling at him.  "Good to have you back, Horatio.  How is Xander?"

He smiled.  "He's fine.  Still petting me now and then."  That got a smile from most everyone.  "He likes to pet hair.  Likes to leap at Speed to pet him especially.  Thinks he looks like him or might be an older him, I'm not sure yet.  He's not that verbal."  He looked at the rest of the list.  "Okay, third point.  Non field techs have a set shift.  That shift is eight hours.  If I need you to pull overtime I'll ask, you'll tell me if it's a problem.  Anything longer than that and the union can bounce on us until we beg for mercy."  That got some smiles.  "Also on this list are food choices in the machines?"

"Some of us with food allergies can't eat anything," Calleigh said.  "That came from the nightshift who literally can't have a dinner break since we've got a food thief and they can't get anything from the machines that won't send them to the hospital."

"I'll get with the vender.  What sort?"

"Wheat."  He moaned at that.  "Yeah, which is tough but we used to have a wider selection."

"I'd like to see the sandwich machine come back anyway," Speed offered.  "Take out the crappy coffee machine.  We got by just fine with a regular coffeemaker.  Anyone who wants special flavors can bring it in and brew it or bring in something to add to theirs."  That got a nod from everyone.  "H?"

"As long as both shifts agree, I'll get with the vendors once I find the contracts."  Calleigh slid them down.  "You're on the ball today.  What else do you have in there?"

"The new guy's dossier and a problem case that came from IAB."

"Slide them down.  I'll take them later."  She slid them down.  "All right.  Also on the list is the problem of music in the labs?  Headphones, people.  As long as they're not so loud that you can't hear when I yell at you. Your pagers or phones had better have a vibrate function.  If you miss a page, I will take it away.  If you're going to play a regular radio it gets played only loud enough for you to hear it.  Am I clear?"  That got nods.  "Anything else I should deal with today?"

"Heels?" Calleigh asked.

"Impractical for standing all day on these floors.  If you absolutely feel you must, then you're more than free to ruin your ankles and backs, but I am not going to baby you if you slip and fall, Calleigh."  She nodded at that.  "On a scene, if I see them, I'm making you change unless they're practical.  Because we spend too much time crawling around for them to be practical."

"I remember how you were before, Horatio."  That got a nod.  "He is a good person in leadership.  We can all talk to him.  He will nag though."

Horatio smiled.  "I have been known to be called a demon, someone who sucks souls, and a bastard as well.  Plus some less than pleasant names over the years by criminals.  I do hope that we don't have those coming from within the lab but if you have a problem with me, something I've done or said, you come to me.  Personally, in private, and we'll talk."  That got a mass of nods.  "Now, go home.  Shift's over.  Scene techs stay unless we're having a dinner at my house."

"I'm done for the day so I'm headed there so your demented spawn can pet my hair some more," Speed offered, standing up.  "Calleigh?"

"I've got one gun left to do."  They nodded and everyone headed out, going home.  "Welcome back."

"Thank you.  Was it the guy I wanted?"

She winked at him.  "It was.  He's cute, but stupid."  She walked off, leaving him to look over that case and the dossier.  It was the person he wanted.  He was proud of his former boss.  He went to drop everything in his office, finding the Chief up there.  "Sorry, sir, staff meeting to correct some assumptions."

"I heard.  The clothing rules?"

"Will go back to what they were unless I find a problem.  Speed's the worst dressed in the department and I will help him again."

"Thank you.  You might want to watch out for a few of the women.  Megan got mad that they were wearing trashy shirts.  The break room?"

"Depends on the contract.  I'll go over that tomorrow then call them."  The nightshift boss leaned in. "Morning."

"For me," he agreed happily.  "Welcome back, Horatio.  Please fix the break machines?"

"Speed suggested we take out the coffee machine and put back the sandwich one."

"I have a tech who would kiss you and offer to give Xander a sibling.  Especially if you quit stocking the crackers and put some chocolate back."  He walked off.  "Thanks."

"Welcome."  He looked at the boss again.  "You know I tried to come back months ago," he said quietly.

"I do, the same as I know why you weren't allowed.  So do you now."  That got a nod.  "At least you survived, Horatio."

"Barely, sir.  A few times barely."

"I understand.  I am here to tell you that your name will be on the list tomorrow."

"At the cut-off line or above?" he asked.

"Above.  You're the last one who made the line.  Stetler is right behind you."  He shook his hand. "Lieutenant."

"Thank you, sir.  I'll wear it well."  That got a smile.  "What else is going on?"

"The lab needs a head, Horatio.  This was convenient timing.  I don't like the timing but we need an overall head."  Horatio nodded once at that.  "Megan was driving people insane. Patrick will drive you insane."

"It happens."

"Good.  Then we'll work on that plan while she's gone.  Because there's only a few applicants and I'm not sure she's coming back.  It'll be stressful but you handle that well now."  He left, going back to his office.

Horatio gathered up what he needed and headed home to his son.  He smiled when he found him at home already.  "Did Auntie Yelina drop you off?" he teased.  Xander beamed and shook his head, pointing at the person coming down the stairs. "You made good time, Speed."

"Thanks.  I figured we could talk now?"

"Sure."  He pulled him back into the study.  It was quieter and Xander wouldn't have to leap to reach him.  "Where's your bike?"

"In the shop for a tune-up.  I checked out one of the hummers for the night."

"It's a good enough reason," he offered.  "What's going on?"

"It's that anniversary."  He got an understanding look. "I've been in a bad mood for weeks. My mother called the other day."

"They can do that to best of us."  Speed cracked a smile.  "What can I do to help besides let you talk to me?"

"Being a friend is about what I need," he assured him. "I'm moving on but it's slow and those old urges are hitting me again."  Horatio nodded and let Xander hold him.  "Yeah, that helps some," he agreed dryly, giving him a squeeze.

"You're sad?" Xander asked.

"I am, Xander.  I've had a bad day."  Xander 'tsk'ed just like grandma and gave him another cuddle. "Thanks, baby boy."

"I'm not a baby."

"Okay, you're not a baby anymore."  Xander went back to petting him and he smiled, relaxing.  Horatio nodded at him then left them alone.  "You're one of the best medicines to a scarred soul, little guy.  Thank you."

"Welcome.  Love you too."  He blew a kiss and went back to petting him.

Speed settled in to love the baby, recharging the love for the time being.  It helped with the hurt.  He had a new family down here who loved him.  Even if his mother was a bitch, he had them.  All the hurts were known about and they still accepted him for who he was.  T- shirts and all.  Horatio came back in with a bottle of water and he took it to drink, having to share with the baby.  "I know, you're thirsty."

"It's a good thing.  He had another of those bladder infections last month."  Speed shivered.  "It's fine now. All cleared up.  Even if he did walk around for three days cupping  himself like someone was going to kick him."  Speed smiled at that image.  "Yelina's mother shrieked at him for doing that in front of her but he told her it hurt so she relented and we sent him to the doctor's."  He sipped his water. "Feeling able to talk?"

"I don't need to now."

"When you do, I'm still here, Speed.  Even if they do name Megan or me head over the labs."

"They're what?"  Horatio nodded. "No, H.  That's just wrong!  I love Megan but she's turned into a greedy monster on the power they've already given her."

"I'm told that my name will be on the list tomorrow," he said quietly.  "That makes me eligible."

"Oh, please let him decide on you," he begged.  Horatio smiled at that.  "You think he will?"  Horatio nodded.  "Are you sure?"

"Not yet but I heard there was one person above me who's not on the list."  He sipped again.  "I put steaks in the oven."

"Thanks.  Is the new guy coming over?"

"I've called and invited him.  He said he would since he's had a day in the office today."

"I'm sure it's not always fun and games for underwater recovery but how hard is it on their off days?"

"He was playing solitaire with actual cards."  That got a laugh.  "So we'll be fine, Speed."

"Sure, Horatio.  Thanks."

"You're still welcome to the couch tonight."

"I know."  That got a smile and a nod, and Horatio went to answer the summons at the door.  He looked at the baby. "You are very good at that, Xander."  He smiled at him. "You're a good boy.  Even though I did hear that you mooned Frank the other day in the office."  He gave him a cuddle, letting him pet him some more.

"Speed, everyone else is here.  Let Xander come torment others," Calleigh called.

"Coming."  He walked out with the baby, letting him down so he could look at the new guy, then coo and pat him on the leg.

The new guy smiled at him. "I have a niece about your age, Xander."  The boy beamed.  "I'm sure you and she would get along very well if we could get you to my mother's to play sometime."

"Watch out for the petting," Calleigh told him.  "Can I help cook, Horatio?"

"You'd kill us," Speed reminded her, moving around them to put on veggies.  "Hey, Yelina?" he called.  Ray Junior snuck in and pounced.  "Hi, Ray," he said with a fond smile.  "Did you torment mommy today?"  He beamed and nodded, going to pounce his cousin.  "No Yelina?"

"She dropped him off then went home to her headache," Horatio admitted.  "Why?"

"I was going to tell her about the list coming out tomorrow."

"She made a new grade," Horatio said with a smile.  That got a smile from everyone.   Yelina was soundly liked.  "All right.  Was Frank coming or not?"

"Coming," Calleigh agreed.

Eric looked at the two boys. "Can you two swim yet?"  Xander nodded. "You can?"

"I've had him out in the ocean a few times, Eric.  The maniacal looking one is my son Xander and the other is Yelina and Ray's son Ray Junior, my nephew."

"They're both handsome and strong boys, Horatio."

"Thank you.  Boys, go find a book and make Calleigh read to you."  They ran off into the study and came out with five books between them.

"My, someone's starved for reading," she teased, taking them to the couch.  "Unless you can cook, our part comes later, Eric."  He came out to help her.  "So, do you have anything you know *really* well?"

"Cars.  Diving.  Underwater stuff."

"Good, we could use that with as many bodies as we have to pull out of the water."

"You guys talk about that in front of the kids?"

"Only in the most general and non-graphic terms," Horatio ordered.  "Not that Xander doesn't like horror movies already.  I found him down here the other night watching one of the Friday the Thirteenth ones and giggling madly."  Eric snickered at that.  "Watch out for the petting."

"My niece does the same thing.  She's always trying to make me pretty so my mother will quit pouting about me not being married."  They all laughed at that and he got up to answer the door.  "Hi, Detective."

"I'm off duty, Delko.  It's Frank off duty.  Detective, Your Highness, or Your Worship on shift."  He caught Ray Junior before he could sneak out.  "Xander!"  He ran back inside.  "Thank you!"  A cat ran after him.  "Huh.  Horatio, do you know the furry B&E bandit here?"

He looked at the cat.  "Go home, Morris," he said, scowling at it.  He ran out the door and up the street.  "He's tried to follow Xander home a few times now."  That got another round of laughs.  "Steaks, Frank?"

"I shouldn't.  Gotta watch my waistline or I'll never be able to divert the pretty girls from watching Speed at the scenes."  He closed the door after retrieving the boys again.  "Thank you."  He set them down in front of Calleigh.  "Here, be read to.  It'll make you smarter."  He walked into the kitchen.  "No Yelina?"

"Headache," Calleigh assured him.  She smiled at Eric.  "Sit.  Relax.  We're like a family around here."

"I was going to help set the table."

"You do that the boys'll send it crashing to the floor and giggle at the noise."  That got an understanding look.  "Sit down so Xander doesn't have to climb and leap like he does at Speed."  Xander was climbing up the back of the couch so Eric sat down and let Xander stroke over his hair for him.  "That's a good boy, Xander."

"I'm not a baby," he said with a pout.

"I know you're not. You're becoming a very big boy."  Xander beamed at that.  "Did we celebrate your birthday?"

"We took him to one of those pizza places," Horatio told her.  "Because I was tired that night."  Speed patted him on the back.  "I'm back now," he agreed. "It'll go smoothly again."

"It had better," Frank agreed.  "I'm tired of the zombies wandering around at crime scenes."

"Sometimes they still happen, Frank," Calleigh reminded him.

"Some cases do require an overnight," Horatio agreed.  "I usually let them break for naps if it's the time it takes for something to run."  Speed smiled at that.  "We'll work on it, guys.  I have officially transferred back."  That got nods and they all settled in to enjoy each other's company and learn about the new guy.

***

Megan came in a few days later, after meeting with the Chief.  "I hear congratulations are in order, Lieutenant."  He smiled and gave her a gentle nod.  "Also as new head of the lab?"

"I only believe things like that when I see them in writing."  He looked at her.  "How are you doing?"

"Not great but I'm hanging in there," she offered.  "I see you changed the dress code policy."

Horatio smiled and nodded.  "It makes them work better when they're not uncomfortable.  Of course, a few have taken it overboard and I've already had a talk with a few of them.  Here comes Calleigh."

"Horatio, Eric's leering at me," she complained.  He motioned her closer and handed her the safety pin Speed had suggested, then he pointed at the mirror.  "Oh, shoot.  I didn't know that button was slipping.  No wonder, I look like a tramp."

"No, that's Holly," Megan told her.

Calleigh finished fixing her shirt then gave her a hug.  "Are you doing okay?  Want to talk, have lunch?"

"No, I'll manage, Calleigh."  That got a smile and a shoulder squeeze then she left again.  She looked at Horatio.  "Only two to go."

He shook his head. "They're learning why that's not a good thing to wear.  I gave Eric free rein to leer today."  She smirked at that.  "One of them has already complained about it and I pointed out her skirt was north of tasteful and perhaps she should change into something more appropriate and change into the clubbing clothes when she's ready to go home for the day.  She walked off pouting.  Yes, Valera?" he asked, seeing her coming up the stairs.

"I came to see how Megan's doing, boss."  She gave her a hug.  "Are you holding up okay?  Because I make a great chocolate muffin and I'll gladly bring some over tonight if you wanted someone to talk to."

"I'm doing okay," she promised, patting her on the hand.  "You might tell the girls that Horatio never dates anyone he works with.  He never has.  Remind them why you're here."

"I think I can do that."  She winked at Horatio.  "Pity."

He smiled back.  "Yes, but if I did, I'd have to date everyone so no one got left out.  Eric might mind me taking away his playboy reputation."  She giggled and walked out.  "He would," he said at the amused look Megan was giving him.  "Whenever you're ready, Megan. I can easily give you some unpaid time off if you need it.  I know you're about out of vacation and grief leave."

"I'll think about it but I was thinking that working might help."

"It could but I don't want you to strain yourself.  I know for a fact that you'll find yourself turning to share your new case with him and he'll not be there."  She nodded, biting her bottom lip.  "I was there with my mother once, Megan.  You could talk to Speed.  He's lost a very close friend a while back."

"I'll handle it," she promised.  He slid over a card.  "A support group?  That's not really my style, Horatio."

"They're others who're grieving.  It might help, it might not, but it's an offer if you need it."  She nodded at that, putting it into her purse.  He got up and went to intercept the slutty ho coming up the stairs.  "Yes, Miss Prestons."

"You really don't date other cops or techs?"

"If I did, it could show favoritism.  Someone would get upset.  Even though we're all adults something like that would lead to problems.  So no, I do not.  Since I can't see myself dating every single officer and tech in the department I do not date any of them."  She pouted.

"You might ask Valera, Suzy.  We've had six different techs quit because Horatio wasn't going to date them.  We're here to work, not expand our social life.  No matter how much Eric does it."  She walked off pouting.  "Is that really comfortable?"

"No."

"Then I'd suggest you change and leave those sort of clothes for when you go home," he suggested.  "The same as the heels are adorable but they've got to be killing your back.  Be practical here at work.  We're not going to tell anyone, Miss Prestons.  You can change and become fashionable before you leave for the day so no one knows you turn into a geek at work."  She blushed and nodded, going to change.  "You might pass on that information?"

"Yes, Horatio."  She went to tell her fellow huntress the bad news.  She walked into the other woman's lab.  "We're never going to get him."  She pouted.  "He just called my shoes adorable.  Speed has a better chance than we do, honey.  He also suggested we change and then change back into fashionable things before we leave."

"He called them adorable?"  She nodded.  "Pity.  No wonder he's a single father," she sighed, going to the locker room with her friend.  "Did he really drive off six different techs because he wasn't going to date them?"

"Yes," Speed called as they walked past his lab.  "He did.  That's why Valera has a job and you both look like hos.  Do you mind pulling down the skirts before Eric goes into heat or something?  He's still too young to know better," he called without having to look.  They both scurried off.  Speed's word was law in the lab when Horatio wasn't in.  They had already learned that.  Their QD and forensic accounting techs had been here longer than even Megan but Horatio's word was law and the field techs came after him, then the status quo of the regular techs.  Speed smirked at his little bit of helping the problem of the day.  "Hey, Eric, you can quit gaping in horror now."

"It was in awe.  I haven't seen a skirt that short since the fashion shoot with the porn stars."  Speed gave him a look.  "I haven't.  I'm still in awe of Calleigh's slipping button too."

"She fixed that."

"I saw that.  Can I help?"

"Nope.  I'm nearly done.  Take the other envelope and consider it a pop quiz."  Eric nodded and got to work on that one.  "From now on you can't stare."

"Horatio said it was a one-shot deal."

"Good."

"I don't usually date at work, Speed.  I get plenty in the clubs."

Speed stared at him.  "Do we have to have the safe sex and AIDS talk with you?" he asked patiently.  Eric shook his head quickly.  "Are you sure?"

"I am.  I know all about that stuff."

"So you know you sound like a male whore?"

"I don't charge."

"Fine, then you're a slut.  Not a whole lot of difference.  The payment's enjoyment instead of money or gifts."  Eric blushed.  "Some day soon you'll realize that you're not the cute little college boy you used to be and then what will you do?"

"Settle down," he said with an impish grin.  "Don't you club?"

"Now and then."

"Does Horatio club?"

"With a four-year-old?"

"That's why some brilliant woman invented babysitters."

"I do club but I do not do it often," Horatio said from the doorway.  "I also go places where you'd be bored, Eric.  Thank you for the invitation though."  He looked at Speed.  "Valera said they're talking about us now, Speed."

Speed snickered.  "I love your son, but I don't think I'm ready for kids yet, H."

"I was warning you of the rumors."

"That's fine.  I've been hearing you and Frank ones and you and your brother with Yelina ones from those who don't know you're related.  A few who do because they think your brother's a slut too.  Haven't heard any of you and John Hagen but I have heard that you shot Megan's husband so you could come back and that you were sleeping with Stetler but broke up recently, that's why he's hanging around and moping.  I mentioned that one to him by the way," he said with a shit-eating grin.

Horatio shook his head with a small moan.  "No wonder he was checking out your butt, Horatio," Eric teased.

"I did not need that mental picture, Eric, but thank you anyway."   He walked off, going back to his office.  "Sorry."

"The boys picking on you?" she teased.

"Speed said he heard a rumor that the reason Stetler hangs around is because we just broke up and he's moping."  She shuddered at that.  "He also said he heard that I'm in a relationship with both Yelina and Raymond."

"Eww.  I don't like your brother."

"There are days when I don't like my brother," he admitted.  She smiled at that.  "All right.  I've got leave forms for you to sign because I forged it the last time."  He handed them over to her. "I amended it for you."

"Thank you."  She signed them and handed them back. "Who did you have forge it?"

"The Questionable Documents tech," he said blandly, making her smile.  "He put it up and copied."  She nodded at that.  "Go let Alexx fuss over you.  It's been an easy day, only two bodies so she should be done."

"Sure.  Is there anything I can do?"

He pulled out six sheets of paper.  "Write grants.  I don't do them very well."  He handed them to her with a smile.  "It'll be very helpful."

"I'll do what I can."  She took them with her, reading them in the halls.  He had some big ideas for her... their lab.  She found new technology in place.  "Why is there a tv monitor up here?" she asked over the headset she found.

"So he can get a closeup on something without having to come down here with a magnifying glass," Alexx called back, smiling up at her.  "Give me a half-hour, baby, I'll be right up."

"Sure."  She settled in to look at the new equipment.  She guessed some people couldn't stand getting down with a magnifying glass next to a dead body but it was helpful.  She could hear Alexx making a verbal report and see everything she was doing.  "How do you zoom in?"

"Zoom section three, times three," he said from behind her.  "Stabbed with a what, Alexx?"

"Something with a slight curve to the blade, Horatio.  Looks like a tooth instead."

"Interesting."  He moved closer and handed her the instruction sheet from the wall.  "Beaten then stabbed?" he asked.

"Stabbed then beaten.  The whatever was probably lodged and came out during the beating.  Slow bleed out."

Megan looked at him.  "Can't stand to go down and get your nose into the body?"

"Not particularly, but this also keeps us out of her way.  She likes that."

"I sure do," Alexx agreed happily.  "It's a trial system from the CJ program at the college."

"Wow.  The criminal justice people are nice to us," Megan said.  "Did we get anything else?"

"Hernias," Speed said as he came in.  "Hey, Alexx, did you have anything for me from that one?  If not, I'm done."  She held up a few envelopes.  "Love you too."  He walked down there to collect them.  He still didn't like the morgue but he could run in for short errands.  At least this body wasn't as bad as some of the others.

Horatio smiled at her.  "The boys enjoy using it too.  Calleigh still goes down to help."

"Women have stronger stomachs," she teased.

"I've seen my share of nasty things, Megan.  If you'd ever changed a diaper when the kid's got the runs and medicine that makes it turn orange, you'd know that."  She snickered. "Worse than a bloater any day."

"I'll take your word on it."

"You're more than welcome to help me finish potty training anytime you want.  He's still got a problem with going in the water."

"I know it happens but thanks anyway."  She patted him on the arm.  "I'll get on the grants, Horatio.  I'll see you in a few days."  She looked down there. "I'll see you for lunch in a few days, Alexx."

"No, wait," she complained.  "Let me stitch this guy back up."  She got to work on that and put him away, then came to take her out to talk to her.

Horatio smiled at Speed.  "Early night?"

"Eric invited me out to watch him pick up women."

"You could do that as well if you wanted."

"Maybe.  Sometimes I'm a bit more picky."

"Being your age is supposed to be fun, Speed.  Be picky about who you sleep with, not who you have fun with."  He nodded at that advice.  "Before you turn into me."  That got a small smirk and Speed walked off with his evidence.   Horatio watched the empty room for a minute then went back to his office. All his techs were more reasonably dressed this time.  It was much better.  He unfortunately didn't get to miss the nightshift tech who came in wearing a miniskirt, but one of the girls pulled her aside and said he had called her shoes adorable so they got together to pout about him not liking girls.  He just let it go, it was fine  if they thought he was gay.  He wouldn't date any of them and he wanted his private life to stay private.

***

A Year and a bit later

***

Xander looked up as Yelina came rushing in and into Horatio's arms, sobbing heavily.  He frowned and looked around, then walked over to pat her on the leg.  "Ray Ray?"

"Not now, Xander," his father said quietly.  "Go sit and read please."  He sat Yelina down to talk to her, tensing up when why she was crying came out.  "We'll handle it, Yelina."  She looked at him.  "We are family and we will handle it."  She nodded, going back to crying on him.

Xander found the phone and did what Daddy did when he wanted to talk to someone.  He hit the buttons on the top then the big button in the middle.  He heard a familiar voice.  "Ray Ray?"  He smiled.  "Hi, Unclie Frank.  Is Ray Ray there?  No, Auntie's crying.  Please bring Ray Ray over?"

"Xander!" he snapped.

"Unclie Frank can bring Ray Ray!"

"I'm sure he's safe, Xander."  His son scowled at him.  "Fine.  Give me the phone."  He took it.  "Frank, sorry.   Did you hear about Ray disappearing?" he asked quietly.  He nodded.  "She's here."  He smiled.  "Thank you."  He hung up and scowled at his son.  "He's fine, Xander."  Xander scowled back and shook his head.  "Yes, he is."

"Ray Ray's mommy is crying.  He's not fine, she only cries when he's not fine!"  He glared at his father.  "Ray Ray would need hugs too!"

"He could probably use one," Yelina said softly.  "I think he's with my mother.  I don't know."  She came over to hug the baby.  "You're a good boy most of the time and it's good you love my boy too."  He patted her like she did him when he got booboos and she settled in to hold him.

Horatio went to answer the door when he heard the car.  "Thank you.  Xander's patting her."

"He was home alone with the door wide open," Frank said quietly.  "Is she all right?  I know Ray walked out."

"That was last night, Frank.  He never came home."  He took his nephew from the car.  "You were wanted by the Xander."  His nephew smiled and headed inside.  "I don't know what's going on, Frank."

"He's been erratic at work, Horatio.  We'll figure it out."  He gave him a clap on the arm. "I hear official congratulations are in order, Mr. Head of the Labs."  Horatio smiled at that.  "Good job.  About time he made it official as well."

"Thank you."  Frank nodded inside. "She came in sobbing.  He walked out on her last night and we have no idea what's going on."

"We'll keep an open ear out, Horatio. You know that.  The boys are six, they're not that helpless."  He looked over as Speed pulled up.  "Did Xander call you too?"

"No.  Not this time."  He looked at Horatio.  "We need to talk."

"Why?"

Speed motioned him closer.  "Because Eric just got a call, H."  Horatio came closer and Speed showed him the camera Eric had told him to bring over.  He showed him the picture and Horatio tensed up.  "He didn't want someone else to tell you," he said quietly.

"Where?"

"Alley.  We're not sure what's going on but Eric said he found drug paraphernalia," he said quietly.  Horatio nodded.   "I'm sorry."

"Me too."  He looked at Speed. "Thank you."

"Welcome.  Want me to stay or help him?  He got the call himself.  IAB called him."

"Then you stay and we'll hover over his shoulder."  He walked them inside, pulling Yelina onto the back porch.

"The blue glow?" Xander asked Frank, who looked confused.  "Some people glow blue then they go away forever and ever," he said, walking away from his cousin to look at them.  "Uncle Ray glowed blue the other day."

"Um, well," Speed offered.  "Horatio?"  He looked inside.  "He said something about glowing blue and going away forever?" he mouthed.  Then he shrugged.

Horatio came inside and squatted down in front of his son.  "What was the question?"

"Uncle Ray was glowing blue.  When Miss Adams glowed blue she had the heart thingy.  So is Uncle Ray glowing blue like that and he'll be gone forever and ever?" he asked quietly.

Horatio stared at him.  "Blue how?"

"Like around him.  Around his hair mostly," he admitted.  "Uncle Frank glows blue now and then when he gets a really bad cold but it's a lighter blue, like a baby blue, instead of the bright blue like Miss Adams or Uncle Ray was last week."

"I have no idea what you're talking about Xander."  He huffed and stomped a foot.

"Someone's been babysat by Calleigh recently," Speed joked.  Xander grinned at him.  "Does anyone else glow?"  Xander nodded.  "Who?"

"Everybody.  You glow kinda red and purply, like the others.  Uncle Frank is getting the sniffles, he's glowing baby blue again.  Auntie Yelina's glowing yellow and orange right now."

"Maybe he's seeing auras," Frank joked.

Horatio stared at his son.  "I'll see what I can find out about that, Xander, but for now, don't mention that to anyone but us, okay?"  He got a nod.  "Promise?"  Xander hugged him.  "Good boy, thank you.  Ray, would you like a hug?"

"No thank you, Uncle 'Orro."  He beamed.   "Can I have the Xander back?"

"You can in just a minute."  He looked at Xander.  "Do not tell him about his father," he said quietly.  "That is an adult job."  Xander nodded and went back to playing like nothing was going on.  He looked at the two men, then shrugged.  "I don't know, we'll have to check into it."  He walked outside to see if Yelina had heard anything about this.  "Yelina," he said, shutting the door behind him.  "Xander said something about people glowing blue and then going away forever like his teacher did last year."

"My mother thinks he's seeing auras somehow," she admitted quietly, looking at him.  "We don't know why but he told her not to take a cabdriver because he glowed blue and was going to go away.  The driver laughed and promised to be very careful getting them home.  They took him and got home but later that night he had a fatal crash.  Two months ago he was talking to her about a neighbor's dog who was glowing blue and then he died.  I don't know."

"He said Ray was glowing blue for the last week.  I told him not to tell your son."

"I have no idea how to tell him, Horatio."

"I will, Yelina.  We're family."  She nodded and let him hold her for now.

Ray Junior came out.  "Not hug the mommy like the daddy would!  He'll get mad!"

"She's sad and I'm giving her a hug, Ray.  I'm not going to steal her from your father."  He picked him up to hold, putting him on the railing so he could look at him.  "You know how sometimes something happens to people and they go away?"

"Daddy gone like Miss Adams?" he sniffled.

Horatio nodded.  "He is, Ray.  I'm sorry you lost your daddy."  Horatio gave him a hug.  "It'll be okay, Ray.  I'm there for you.  Anything you need I'm here for you."  The baby cried on him and he patted him gently on the back until his son climbed up and sat behind his cousin to hold him.  "Do not tip backwards and fall, Xander.  We don't need you in the  hospital tonight."

"I won't.  Ray Ray needs cuddles to feel better."  He went back to crooning in his ear and cuddling him, letting his friend feel loved.  He looked at his father then gave him a gentle smile.  "Uncle Speed is making pudding for dinner.  Uncle Frank said he's going home for a while.  To call if we need anything."

"I will."  Xander nodded and went back to cuddling his buddy.  Horatio pulled Yelina over so she could hug the boys.

Speed leaned out the porch doors.  "I made instant pudding, H.  It's in the fridge.  I told Eric she's here and he said Stetler's looking for her but he's not telling him.  He can wait a day to ask any nosy questions."  That got a nod of thanks.  "Guys, if you need me, call me."

"Thank you, Speed," Yelina said, coming over to give him a hug.

"That's what friends are for, Yelina.  We didn't want to make you hear it another way."  He patted her on the back then left to head home for the night.

She helped him carry the entwined boys inside then sat down with the pudding.  He was right, she did need some.

***

Xander looked up when someone mean came to the office door.  "He's busy, go the fuck away," he said bluntly.

"Grounded, son," Horatio said patiently.  He looked at the doorway.  "What do you want, Rick?"

"I wanted to know why there was Meth in his system."

"I don't know, Rick.  When I find out I'll tell you.  Especially since he was undercover at the time."

"That's not a good enough answer."

Xander walked over and shoved him.  "I don't like you.  I want you to leave my daddy alone!  He doesn't need this!  Uncle Ray just died a few weeks ago and he does not need you to be mean to him.  Unless you want him to be mean to you when you have someone die?"  Stetler glared at him and Xander glared back, one fierce six-and-a-half-year-old.  "Get out!  Now!  Before I let daddy shoot you!  Or I shoot you!"

"You've got a fierce son, Horatio."

"Xander, sit down," he ordered.  "We'll be talking in a minute, son."

"He's no better than potty water!"

"I don't care.  Sit."  Xander sulked all the way back to the couch.  "He is right, Rick.  Now is not the time.  We barely buried Ray, it can wait until we've all healed some.  Ask his supervisor about his undercover.  That's where he was and he didn't tell us anything.   Yelina thought he was cheating on her, not working."

"Fine.  We'll talk when your guard puppy goes home."

Xander pulled out his tiny penis and peed on his father's nemesis.  "Told you you were no better than potty water," he said when the man gave him a horrified look.  He zipped back up and went back to the couch.  "Now, go away, you stink and need flushed."

Stetler stomped off.

Horatio stared at his son.  "Come here."

"Nope."

"Now," he growled.  "That was impolite and you know better."  His son looked hurt and his father glared at him.  He could feel his temper coming up.  It was not a good thing.  He walked out and slammed his office door shut, locking it from the outside, then headed out to get a breath of fresh air.

Speed watched Horatio stomp out and sighed, heading up to talk to the boy.  The door was easily opened with his ID card.  "What did you do?"

"Yelled at the asshole."

"You're not supposed to call people that."

"He's potty water!"

"I don't care, Xander.  You know better."  Xander slumped and gave him a pitiful look.  "Now, what did you do?"

"I treated him like potty water and peed on him."

Speed sighed and frowned, making the boy sniffle.  "You know that's not right, Xander.   Your father's very upset with you.  You're in deep shit this time."  Xander started to cry for real.  "Now, let's go talk to him.  He'll be calmer by now."  He held out a hand and the boy came over to take it, letting himself be walked out to where Horatio was standing and staring outside.  Xander burst into harder tears and hugged his father.

Horatio looked down.  "You knew it was wrong and you still did it."

"He's hurting you!"

"I don't care, Xander.  I'm an adult, I can handle those things.  That's my job to handle those things for the both of us."

"H, lay off the kid.  It was bad but Xander's always trying to protect you from assholes like that.  He knows he was bad.  Get past the nagging part and get to the teaching him better part of this talk.  Before you have a son who has to go to Alexx to stay with her kids tonight because you're still mad at him."  They shared a look; Xander had been truly scared when Horatio got really mad the last time.  He had hidden in his closet for three hours when he saw his father mad enough to throw something.  "He knew he was wrong."

"He was grounded before he did it.  I should spank him now."  His son started to cry again.  He felt miserable.  "I'm not sure what your punishment is going to be, son, but you will be punished for that."  His son hugged him harder and it calmed him down.  "You know I'd never really hurt you."

"Not care!"

"Okay.  We'll talk about how and why I scared you before.  After I'm calm.  Please take him back to his office so I can think about his punishment?"  Speed nodded, taking the boy back there.  He felt someone come up behind him and knew who it was.  "I'm not sure why he's scared of me, Frank."

"Because you letting your temper go is rare and a scary thing.  You scared me the last time you let it go.  Xander's smaller and more helpless."

"I've never hurt him."

"I know that."  He patted him on the back.  "What did the kid do that made you so mad?"

"He defended me in front of Rick."

"Xander's done that before.  And?"

"He called him potty water," he said, cracking a small smile.  "Then he peed on him."

Frank burst out laughing.  "No better than he deserves, Horatio."

"He still needs to be punished."

"I think he's punishing himself quite well worrying about what you're going to do to him.  Have a long talk with your boy tonight, Horatio, because that is a cute picture.  Wonder if the security cameras caught it."  He walked off, leaving him to think.

Horatio shook his head, hanging it.  He smelled a very familiar aftershave coming up the halls.  "He's sorry, Chief."

"I'm not."

Horatio looked at him.  "He knows better.  He's been crying while I try to figure out how to punish him."

"It sounds like he's already being punished."  He looked at him.  "You ever think about getting your boy a mother?"

"Yes, but then I'd have to have time to date and someone I was interested in."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "That might help, yes.  Then again, half the department thinks you have one."

"Half the department is demented and needs better porn, sir."

"I know but it's cute that they think you're doing the grumpy one and the playboy."

"Sir, a few years ago there was the rumor that I was doing Stetler and he was hanging around so often because he wanted to get back together."  His boss gave him a horrified look.  "They have bad taste."

"Oh, I don't know, you and Eric would be cute," Speed said as he walked Xander back.  "Alexx and he have had a talk."

"Why?"

"Because she volunteered when Calleigh told her."  He looked down at the kid.  "And?"

"I'm very sorry I peed on the mean potty water man and I'll never do it again, Daddy," he said, looking very serious.  "Please don't make me go away?"

He looked at him.  "I'd never send you away."

"Alexx said if I kept being mean I'd end up being like the bad guys you send away."

"No you won't and that's why I brought him over," Speed offered.  "I don't think fear tactics work but she did swat him twice and he did call to apologize to him with her watching."

"I'm glad he apologized but Alexx and I are going to talk about that," Horatio offered.  He picked Xander up with a moan for his poor back.  "Part of being a big boy and getting older is learning how to do things the right way, son.  Calling people names, even if they're bad people or they irritate me to no end, is not a good thing to do for a big boy.  I can't do it and neither can you for the same reasons."  Xander nodded, putting his head down on his shoulder.  "Now, peeing on him was something that was extremely wrong and you knew that before you did it."

"He was picking on Auntie earlier too."

"For that I'll say something to him.  That's the thing that fathers and uncles do for children," Speed assured him.  "I'll yell at him, your daddy will yell at him, maybe we can even get the Chief to yell at him since Yelina had no idea what your Uncle was doing and she's been crying at her desk most of the day thanks to him."   The chief nodded he would.  "For things like that you come tell us."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you," Horatio agreed.  "You are still grounded.  You were grounded for acting out earlier.  You are even more grounded now, son.  You will be grounded for the next month.  There will be no fun anything.  No tapes, no movies, no sleepovers unless Ray Junior comes over.  None of it."

Xander looked at him.  "Birthday?" he whispered.

Horatio considered it.  "If you are an excellent boy, we can have the party we planned.  If you break the grounding *once* it is off."  His son gave him the most pitiful look.  "You acted so far out of bounds I shouldn't even give you that concession."  But planning the birthday party had taken the last three months and Yelina was very proud of what she had accomplished and planned.  "Am I clear?"  His son nodded and snuggled in again.  "Good.  I will expect exemplary behavior for the next month, son, including on your birthday."

"Yes, daddy," he whispered.

"Thank you."  He gave him a squeeze and let him down, getting hugged again.  "Take Speed back to my office."

"I can go."

"I don't want to tempt anyone else to yell at you."

Speed grinned at him.  "Eric won't, Calleigh let Alexx handle it, and Valera's torn between ego and anger."

The Chief looked at Horatio once they were out of hearing.  "He makes a good mother for your son."  He walked off, leaving Horatio looking stunned.

Speed put him onto the couch.  "If something like that happens, you can tell us, Xander, and we'll run interference for her too.  We like Yelina just as much as you and your father do and we'll help you stick up for her.  I haven't gotten to snark at anyone for days."  Xander gave him a shy smile and a hug.  "Better.  Now, finish your homework."

"If I can't pass a math test is that being bad?"

"No, that's because your teacher doesn't explain things very well."  He sat down with him to go over things.  "Ah.  Okay, you're counting both ends.  See, if you take five from nine," he said, holding up the fingers.  "How many do you get?"

"Four and I tried that but the teacher won't let me count on my fingers.  She said I'm stupid if I have to."

"Your teacher needs her butt chewed and it's not.  Can you imagine them in your head?"  Xander nodded.  "Okay, for this one do it that way."

"Then I'm slow."

He stroked over his hair.  "It'll get faster the more you get used to it, Xander."  He looked at the sheet then at him.  "How long is the test?"  He pointed at it.  "In how much time?"

"Thirty minutes.  She said we should've done this last year."

"H!" he called.   Horatio walked in.  "Have you heard that his teacher is calling him stupid for not being a math genius or the most fast?"

"I have and I've talked to her about it.   She thinks he needs a tutor already.  I pointed out he needed a better teacher."  He sat down to work on the math with him.  "While we're in here, you can use your fingers and memorize the answers," he whispered.  Xander smiled and did that, going a lot faster.

"During the test, look at one hand," Speed ordered. "Use the one that's holding the paper."  He nodded, trying it that way.  It was a bit slower but he was getting it right.  "Within a few months you won't need to do that, Xander.  It'll get easier the more often you do it."

"I was going to get him some educational workbooks," Horatio admitted.  "I have no idea where to get it."

"Teacher said the store on eighth helps parents," Xander said, looking at him.  "Because a lot of us need it and she said we should've gotten it last year.  Ray's still a lot faster than I am."

"Not everyone is good in math," Horatio told him.  "There's going to be other things that you'll be better in than he will be."

"Besides, fast doesn't mean right," Speed reminded him.  "Sometimes you've got to take time to get it right."  Xander nodded and got back to work.  "Can we let Alexx spank the teacher?"

"Definitely since she recommended the school," he agreed.  That got a mean smirk.  "I'm also going to talk to everyone about having too many parents."

"Sorry if I overstepped the boundaries, H.  He was crying and he needed some comfort and a bit of common sense.  I wanted to do what he did."

"I've wanted to hit him for the last few days," Horatio agreed.  "That doesn't mean it's right."

"True."

Horatio looked at his homework.  "Good job, Xander."  He patted him on the head.  "Now, what else did you bring home?"  He handed over his backpack with a grimace.  "A note?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"I don't know.  I was helping Ray when he got upset because the teacher got mean about his daddy."

Horatio sighed and found the notes in there.  "Field trip?"

"To the zoo," he said, nearly cooing.  "It's the whole class."

"I can see that.  That would be acceptable."  He signed that and put it back inside.  The other note he read over it and then stood up.  "You stay here for a few minutes with Speed.  Do you mind?"

"I'm waiting on test results."

"Please?"

"Sure.  We like to watch the little guy, H."

"Thank you."  He walked out, going to talk to Yelina and show her the note first, making her scowl, then he went to talk to the teacher.  He walked into the school, taking off his sunglasses when he saw the headmistress.  She gave him a scared look.  "Call the teacher into your office," he ordered.  "We're going to have an official talk."  He handed over the note.  "I'm going to know exactly what my son has been going through."

"Of course, Lieutenant Caine."  She called the teacher's room.  "Lieutenant Caine is here and wanted to talk to you in my office."  She hung up. "She'll be right up, Horatio.  Is Xander all right?  And Raymond?  I know he was upset earlier."

"That's because the teacher told him his father was a bad man."  The headmistress flinched. "My son had to get him calmed down and she sent that home because he did."  He rounded on the teacher when she came in.  "Close the door."  She did that, looking calm.  "We have a few topics to talk about today.  The fact that my son and his cousin are very close.  My nephew just lost his father, it is not being a decent teacher to tell him things about his father."  She shrugged.  "It is also not being a decent teacher to yell at my son for comforting him when you made him cry.  Nor is it being a good human being for sending home a note saying I need to start aversion therapy early to weed out his, and I quote, gay tendencies.  Nor is it being a good teacher by telling him he's stupid for not living up to impossible standards."  He started to move closer, staring her down.  "I don't know where you were taught, if you were taught how to be a teacher, but you have already failed every single student in that classroom.  You are a failed human being and if you actually had children I'd be calling CPS on you for some of your extremist views and how you expect the impossible from a young child."

"Xander is behind."

"No, he's not.  By the educational standards set by the state he's actually ahead."  She snorted at that.  "He is six.  He's in first grade.  They're only supposed to be doing simple addition in first grade.  The same as he's not supposed to know the name of every county in the state or every state in the country until fourth grade."  She shrugged again.  "Headmistress?" he asked smoothly.

"That is true," she agreed.  "I believe in pushing the students some but that is beyond what any first grader should be doing."

"I'm worried about that but I'm also very worried about the emotional harm she's doing to her students," Horatio said, glancing at her, then glaring at the teacher again.  "Calling my son stupid for being right on target and a little bit ahead isn't helping him any.  Neither is emotionally destroying his cousin when he's barely starting to heal."

"Your brother was a dirty cop."

"My brother was undercover, those things happen when you go undercover.  It still doesn't mean you need to say such things to a six-year-old.  He doesn't need to know that."

"Everyone will be saying it to him.  He'll have to expect that."

"No, he doesn't.  Most people won't care."

"I'm going to agree with the parent in this case," the headmistress said regally.  "That is not how we treat our students here.  The same as this note is totally unacceptable!  He was comforting his cousin.  That does not mean he's going to be gay."

"He's got a single father who never married," she snorted.  "It's genetic."

"I did marry, she was a horrible bitch, like you, so I divorced her," Horatio said.  "Since then I've learned to be more picky."  She glared at him and he smirked back.  "Always nagging, nothing was ever good enough for her.  Even the judge called her a bitch."  She shrieked and went for him with her nails.  He put her onto the ground and pulled out his cuffs.  "*That* was stupid.  You assaulted an officer.  What will your fellow teachers think when you have to make bail."  He handcuffed the struggling woman and looked at the headmistress.  "I do hope my son's next teacher is a better human being and a better teacher.  Also, can they still go to the zoo?  He's looking forward to it.  I'd even agree to go as a chaperone because I know no one else can keep Xander and Raymond from exploring."  Yelina stomped in.  "Here, call a cruiser.  She tried to attack me when I pointed out how much of a failure she is."

"Good!"  She glared at the headmistress.  "I'll help chaperone the zoo trip if I can, but if this woman comes near my son again I will kill her and since I work with Horatio often enough I can probably figure out how to hide her body so it won't be found.  My son does not need this when he's emotionally fragile!"

"I agree.  She should not have said anything about your former husband to your son.  Nor should she have sent home a note to Horatio about Xander comforting him for it.  If you don't have her arrested I will have her fired.  We have a few good teachers who would love to fill in for the first grade."  Horatio sneered down at her.  "She will be fired.  I will put a black mark in her file."

"I'll be making a complaint to the state board," Yelina vowed.  "Horatio?"

"As long as she comes nowhere near the boys again."   He handed over his keys and she unlocked them.  "It will be fixed?"

"Within minutes."  The parents both nodded and left.  She looked at the teacher. "How stupid are you!" she yelled.  "I don't care if the boys do cuddle, you don't send home a note about weeding out their gay tendencies!"

"Or call them stupid or emotionally damage them," Yelina called.

"That was a later rant, Detective."  She glared at her coworker.  "I cannot have such attitudes in this school and you knew that when you did it.  I have no choice but to fire you.  Unless you want to be arrested?"  She shook her head and stomped off.  She called her favorite substitute.  "It's Gloria.  The first grade spot has suddenly come open permanently.  Would you like it?"  She smiled.  "Because two parents have come to complain about her treatment and she was nearly arrested.  Yes, those two parents.  She went after Horatio when he compared her to his ex-wife."  She smiled.  "No, it's been horrible.  Please.  Plus they've got the zoo trip coming up and both Lieutenant Caine and Detective Salas have agreed to chaperone if you'd like.  Well, let's see, a note sent home today about Xander comforting Raymond when she said something about his father to him.  Something quite mean as I understand it.  The note said he should start aversion therapy immediately to weed out his gay tendencies."  She grimaced.  "I know, but it is not permissible to do things like that.  Thank you."  She hung up and sighed.  They would probably be losing those two children to a different school within the year.  Probably right after the zoo trip.

***

Horatio walked into church the next week.  "What happened with Xander?"

"He hit someone," the nun said quietly.  "I don't know where he learned these things.  I asked him and he said Mrs. Patterson?"

Horatio growled.  "His current teacher.  I do not like that school."  He followed her to the play room.  "Xander."  His son gave him a sheepish look.  "What happened?"

"Your son struck my daughter," a mother said.  "I know he's missing having two parents...."

Horatio held up a hand.  "He's having a problem with the teachers in his school.  One of them decided he was gay because he was comforting Ray Junior when the teacher said mean things about his father to him in the middle of class."  The mother gave him a horrified look.  "She was fired but the new one apparently isn't much better."

"She said it's good to hit others when they pick on you, it teaches them it's wrong."

Horatio pulled his son up to look at him.  "Hitting unless it's in self defense or defense of someone smaller, weaker, or who can't defend themselves is wrong.  Any other type of hitting is wrong.  Am I clear?"  Xander nodded, but he looked confused.  "What?"

"She said people have fought for fun for years."

"That's a whole different matter and this isn't."

"Oh.  I'm sorry," he told the other mother.  "I'm confused."

"I can see that, Xander.  We'll forgive you this time because I know Horatio's doing the best he can."  Horatio glared at her.  "Sometimes two parents are better."

"I've done just fine until he started at that school," he told her.  "I'm not going to marry just any person to give him a mother."

"Sure, I can understand that.  You've got to have a really understanding spouse with the hours you work."

Horatio rolled his eyes.  "I have cut down for him."  He stood Xander on the table, looking him over.  "I did not put you in those pants this morning."

"The teacher put me in them."

"Why?"

"I played in the dirt and got dirty.  She put me in some girl's pants."

"Where are yours?"

"In her desk."

Horatio moaned and looked at the sister.  "Thank you for calling me directly."

"It's not a problem, Horatio.  Xander has been a darling child until he went there.  I do think the school is a problem."

"I know it's a problem.  I was hoping a new teacher would fix that."

"Can I still go on the zoo trip?" Xander asked pitifully.  A thought came to him.  "I'm so sorry, daddy.  I am, I really am.  Please don't take away my birthday?"  He started to sniffle.

"You haven't broken the rules at home and today's problem has been the teacher," Horatio soothed.   He gave him a hug.  "Let's go see your teacher."  Xander nodded.  "How would you like to go to the zoo with just you and Ray Junior?"  Xander gave him an awed look.  "That way we can get you out of there sooner."

"Can Uncle Speed and Auntie Calleigh and Uncle Eric come?  Maybe even Uncle Frank or Uncle John?"

"We'll see if they can.  That would mean going after work though, that wouldn't leave you boys much time."  Xander shrugged.  "Okay, I'll see if we can arrange it."  He gave him a kiss on the head.  "I'm sorry, ladies.  I'm going to go beat his teacher to death," he said, walking out with Xander.  Xander came back to get his backpack and ran after his father.

"That poor man," the mother said quietly, hugging her daughter.  "Well, it sounds like we'll get rid of a bad school at least."

"Quite possibly literally.  Horatio was on bomb squad for a while," the nun told her.

"Couldn't happen to a better place.  Where is he going?"

"St. Ives."

"Ah.  I heard bad things about their racist and purist problems.  I'll send him a list of *good* schools tonight."  That got a smile from the nun.  "I'm going to take her home.  It's only a small bruise and I can't blame Xander when he's been somewhere like that."  She carried her daughter and her jacket and backpack out to the car.  "Come on, you can come play in the office and we'll get you an ice pack for the bruise."  She nodded, letting her mother strap her into the carseat.

***

Horatio came in later that afternoon looking quite calm.  He walked up to the detective's desk.  "Yelina, your mother has both boys."  She gave him a horrified look.  "We are suing the school for teaching the children that beating weaker, lesser, or other races's children is wrong."  Yelina glared at him.  "Xander hit little Stephanie Dossier in after-school care."

"Did you withdraw both boys?"

"I told the headmistress Ray Junior wouldn't be going back but you have to sign paperwork.  Do watch out for the one that says you won't tell anyone about the curriculum or sue them."  He handed over that sheet.  "I took the whole packet when I saw that and gave it to Thomas.  Do have fun with her.  Frank, Xander's suggested we could do the zoo trip he'd be missing with those aunts and uncles he considers family.  Both boys, us two, you, Eric, Speed, and Calleigh.  Sometime soon?"

"Those two are going to go nuts in the zoo," Frank said dryly.  "How are you going to arrange schedules?"

"I don't know.  I was thinking a late afternoon trip."

"They close at seven," Yelina told him. "I thought about that as well.  Then again, you have that mandatory drill coming up."  Horatio smiled.  "Do it after that, Horatio."  That got a nod.  "I can arrange to take that afternoon off and Frank can arrange his however."

"I think we could handle that," Frank agreed.  He nodded at his boss when he looked over.  He came out of his office.  "Horatio just found out his kid's school is full of racists who wanted Xander to beat up on other races."

"I got a wonderful note from the last teacher suggesting aversion therapy because Xander was showing, quote, gay tendencies, for comforting Ray Junior after the teacher cut into him about Ray."

Their boss just nodded once.  "The school still standing?"

"I'm doing it legally," he said with a small, evil smirk.  The senior detective just nodded at that and went back into his office.  "So, we'll figure it out later this week.  Yelina, do have fun with the headmistress.  She's expecting you."

"Thank you, Horatio."  She got up and went to do that, Frank hurrying to keep her from destroying the woman and turning her into a case for them.  Horatio went back to his office, finding an email titled 'a list of GOOD schools' and smiled, opening it to look them over.  The one near where Yelina lived was apparently fairly decent.  He and Yelina would have to coordinate so the boys wouldn't wail about being separated.  But this would change his birthday plans for his son.

***

Ray Junior looked at his mother later that night from his protected position as Xander's teddybear.  "Does this mean I can go to a school where no one makes fun of me for having a mommy who's Brazilian?"

"It does," she agreed, smiling at him.  "It certainly does, Raymond."  She patted him on the head.  "Xander, can I have him back?" she asked quietly.  The sleeping boy grumbled.  "Please?  I need to take Ray home for dinner."  Xander gave him a squeeze.  She poked him on the side, smiling at him.  "Can I have my son back to cuddle him myself?"  He relented since he was half-awake, letting her have his cousin.  "Thank you, Xander."  She sat down to cuddle her son, making her mother smile at her.  "It's been a long, bad day.  I'm sure you've heard about the school."

"Horatio did say something when he dropped Xander off.  Where were you thinking instead?"

"I was going to keep him out for the next few days and take some time off so we could look at a few of them."

"Your Church has an excellent one.  They're on the 'excellence' banner and everything."

"I was going to go there but I wanted him to have a non-religious education.  It can skew things like science classes, Momma."  That got a nod.  "Besides, some nuns can be very judgmental and they might not accept Xander.  I don't want to separate the boys."  Horatio knocked then came in.  "Where were you thinking about looking for schools?"  He handed over a list, making her smile.  "This is quite a long one."

"From the mother of the girl he hit earlier."  He picked up Xander, getting complaining noises.  "Speed's coming for dinner."  Xander smiled and cuddled into his shoulder.  He handed her mother something folded.  "For this weekend?"  She smiled at that and nodded.  "Yelina, since you're taking the next four off, if we have to I'll take the next few after that off."

"Thank you, Horatio.  I hope it won't take that long."

"Me as well.  That's your copy.  We can compare so they won't wail and scream about being separated."  She smiled and nodded at that.  He kissed his son's cheek. "You're warm?"

"I'm not sure why but he's been sleepy all afternoon, Horatio.  He's been a darling child, no trouble at all.  He pulled Ray Junior to him and let him watch all the PBS he wanted while he slept.  He wouldn't even eat dinner."

"We'll check on him."  He smiled.  "Thank you."

"It's not a problem.  He's been a great little boy the last few times I've watched him.  If that continues I'd love to have him back all the time."

"He's enjoying his after-school program," he offered with a smile.  "It lets him get out onto the playground for an hour and a half."  She smiled at that.  "We're headed home, Yelina.  Have a better night."

"You as well."  She watched them walk out together.  "Xander's a hyper little boy but he's got a good mind."

"He does but he and Ray get into screaming, running battles of teasing each other."

"Momma, that's why you have a backyard," she reminded her.  That got a laugh and a nod.  "Let them do that."

"I'm worried about the man up the street."

"What man?"  She took her outside to point at his house.  "Is he watching the boys?"

"Plus some of the other children."

Yelina pulled out her celphone and called Frank. "It's me.  What do we have in the system about a man at 1328-B Lane Drive?"  She listened then growled.  "That's up the street from my mother, Frank.  She said he's been watching some of the children."  She nodded.  "Agreed."  She hung up.  "Momma, you need to gossip.  That man's been convicted of harming children in the past."  Her mother's face went hard.  "Do so tonight.  Do tell them if they hurt him they can still be charged but running him off is not a problem as long as he's not bruised, overtly threatened, or killed."  She nodded, going next door.  "I'm going to take Ray home."  She got him into the car with a smile and a kiss on his head.  "We should talk tonight, son."  She called Horatio.  "Ask Xander about the bad man up the street, Horatio.  One of those.  1328-B.  Him.  Yes.  I had Frank check on the address.   He's on the watch list.  That's what I told Momma.  Also not to hurt him or they could still be charged."  She smiled.  "That's fine.  I know that's rental property so the landlord might be able to help us.  I'm heading home with him.  She's going to gossip."  She smiled and hung up, looking at her son.  "How about some dinner?"

"Grandma gave us burgers," he said smugly.  "I got two because Xander wouldn't eat."

"Hmm.  It sounds like Xander may be really sick."  She smoothed down his hair and closed the door, going around to get in and drive off.

***

Horatio smiled when Speed came in.  "He's not feeling too good."

"Uncle Speed, I ache and itchy," Xander complained.

"That sounds like chicken pox and you're in the right age for it, kiddo."  He sat him up and pulled off his shirt, nodding. "Yup.  You've got clucking disease."

"Crap," Horatio moaned.  "Let me call his pediatrician."  He went to do that, shaking his head.  "Well, this'll put off the zoo trip."

"I'll call Yelina," Speed promised.  He grinned at him.  "I've had them."

"Will I have to grow feathers?"

"No, that's just where the disease started from way back when in the middle ages, Xander.  You won't grow feathers or cluck."  The boy smiled at that and snuggled into his side.  "Yelina, it's Speed.  Xander's got chicken pox.  Pretty sure.  Slimy yellowish green sores that itch.  Yup.  So that means Ray'll have them soon.  Depends on where he got exposed and how he got exposed.  Ray'll have them within two weeks, that's the incubation period.  I got them my freshman year of college," he admitted. "I ended up in the hospital for a week of it because I couldn't keep down fluids thanks to the fever."  He smiled. "That's between you and your doctor, dear."  He hung up and went back to cuddling him.  "Well, this will certainly change the dinner plans."  Xander gave him a pitiful look.  "I'm still staying."  Horatio hung up.  "Call the others in the lab, H.  Let them all know."

Horatio sent out a mass page, only he had the code for that.  "There, now everyone knows he has chicken pox."  He called his boss.  "It's Horatio.  I need some emergency time off.  No, nothing that drastic, I'm destroying them legally.  Chicken pox."  He smiled.  "I've already warned them all and Speed called Yelina.  He's over for dinner with Xander.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "I can have two weeks but you're to bring me things here."

"Of course."  He went back to petting the boy.  "He's a good boy most of the time."

"We still have to keep his temperature down or he's got to go to the hospital."

"As I did for nearly a week," Speed agreed.  "I got them my freshman year in college.  Nearly flunked a biology class because I couldn't tell the teacher.  Guy never answered his office phone.  I ended up having a friend bring in an excuse for him and the dean so I could do makeup work and extra credit."  He went back to petting the boy, earning a smile.  "I know, it's a switch from who normally gets petted but you need it.  Want some soup?"  Xander shook his head.  "Some juice?"

"I like juice."

"I can do that," Horatio agreed, going to get him some.  Then he carried Xander up to the bathroom so he could bathe him and put medicine on the spots.  Another dose of children's tylenol by the time he was done and Xander was put into bed with a book near him in case he couldn't sleep.  "Try to rest.  It'll make it go faster.  Wake me up if you need anything.  I'll be home with you."

"Bad guys won't get caught."

"They will.  Speed will catch them for me, okay?"  Xander nodded and curled up on his side, going back to sleep.  Horatio got him some water for his bedside table as well then went back down, finding Speed cooking.  "Thanks."

"Not an issue.  I'm just happy I've had it."  The phone rang.  "Eric or his mother?" he guessed when Horatio answered it.

"Eric."  He listened.  "He's fine so far.  His back's covered and his chest.  His legs are just starting to sprout sores."  He heard Xander get up and go to the bathroom then go back to bed.  "No, I'm taking a few days off and you guys are to bring me things to do here.  Thank   you, Eric.  He'll be fine.  His fever's not too high at the moment and he's keeping down liquids.  Sure.  That would be fine."  He smiled and hung up.  "He'll bring over some good soup from his mother for him."

"She does make good soup," he agreed.  Someone pounded on the door.  "Hmm. Alexx?"

"Yelina," he said, letting her in.  "Is Ray Junior breaking out?"

"Not yet.  Where did he catch them?  I called Sister Margaret, she said they haven't had a new case but she'd send out warnings."

"It could've been at school," Horatio admitted.  "At the very least he's exposed now and the Chief said to call him when Ray breaks out."

She sighed and nodded.  "You'll be here?"

"Most likely, unless his fever spikes alarmingly.  Tell your mother to lysol the couch as well."  She nodded, going to do that.  He closed the door and locked it, going back to the kitchen.  "That looks fantastic," he offered with a smile.  "You take very good care of us, Speed."

"Not like there's much thrill in cooking for just myself, Horatio."  He handed him a plate and they went to eat at the table and talk about the recent cases and other things.  Eric came in off the porch.  "You didn't knock?"

"I figured it was locked for the night."  He handed over the small jar.  "Momma said to heat that up and give him a mug of it.  It'll help with the lethargy and the fever."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Also, plan on having him in the bath a lot."

"I will, Eric, thank you and thank her for me."

"Sure.  He in bed?"  Horatio nodded.  "Good guy."  He put down a bottle of alcohol, one of calamine lotion, and a box of gauze pads.  "You'll need them according to momma.  I'll bring you stuff to sign tomorrow night."  He smiled and headed back out, closing the screen door behind him.

"Must have a date," Speed offered, making Horatio bop him on the arm.  "He probably does."  He ate another bite of dinner.  "Garlic soup.  He's going to belch for days."

"It is good," Horatio admitted, going to put it into the refrigerator.  The phone rang so he answered it.  "Horatio."  He listened. "That would be fine, Mrs. Delko.  Sure.  Bring them over to see him in a few days."  He smiled.  "That's perfectly understandable.  We'll be here.  I'll see you then."  He hung up.  "She's going to expose the older grandchildren."

"You know, there's supposed to be a vaccine."

"It doesn't cover all of them, Speed, and you can still get it," Horatio told him.  "We checked."

"Ah.  You're a very careful parent."  He smiled at the sounds of the boy moving around.  "Go back to bed, Xander."

"I itchy."

"I know."  He came down to cuddle his father, sinking his face into his chest and going back to sleep that way.  "Awww."  He took a picture and smiled at him.  "Not like I mind.  I can't catch it again."

"I had it in sixth grade.  I got picked on for years about having it that late."

"Kids can be mean."

"Ray picked on me about having it that late.  I didn't catch it when he had it."  Speed smiled at that.  "We'll figure it out over the next few days."  That got a nod and Speed finished up dinner.  "Staying?"

"If you want."  He took Xander to hold, getting fussed at.  "It's me," he whispered.  Xander sighed and sank into his arms instead.  "Go ahead and eat, H.  You'll need it."  That got a nod and he dug in, eating faster.  He took Xander to the couch and sat down with him, letting him stretch out on top of him since he put his feet up.  "Some year soon you'll be too big to do this, kiddo."

"Not for a few more years," Horatio reminded him.  He cleared the table and put things into the dishwasher so he could run it.  Xander flinched when it started but he settled back into sleeping afterward.  He came out to sit with him.  "Did you know the Chief said you made a good mother for him?"

"We both heard him say it, H.  That's why I sent him a frog today in inter-office mail."  That got a smile.  "It was about as playground as his suggestion was."  He shrugged and shifted some.  Xander shifted with him and snored into his chest.  He snickered.  "I didn't know he snored."

"He hasn't since he was a baby," Horatio offered.  He shook his head.  "We'll survive and move on.  He should be over it by the time his birthday party comes around."  That got a smile. "If not, we'll cancel due to chicken pox and reschedule it somehow.  He's been a good boy since then."

"When I got them I swore up and down they were a curse for having sex with my girlfriend of the moment."

Horatio smiled.  "I thought for sure they were God's punishment for not passing a physical science test."  That got a grin back.  "He'll be fine in a few weeks and we'll find him a good school."

"Well, at least you'll have time to call around."  He nodded at that. "Maybe Ray won't get them."

"Yes he will.  Xander was wrapped around him at his grandmother's."  That got a grin.  "Remember when he was younger and Ray was his teddybear?  He was again today.  He was wrapped around Ray's hips so he could sit up and watch PBS but he was a little python."

"He's good at cuddling.  Some year someone's going to be a very happy spouse."  That got a smile. "They'd better be cuddly or else, but they'll be happy with him.  I'll teach him how to cook."

"I'm wondering about Boy Scouts for him."

Speed looked at him. "Give it a few more years, Horatio.  Let them solve that whole anti- gay thing first."  That got a nod.  "Besides, he could decide not to be Catholic.  You said way back when that his mother was probably Wiccan or something since she mentioned the Goddess."

"She did.  She said her parents vowed to the Goddess to kill her."  He shrugged. "I don't know.  I know he hates going to church but that's usual at his age."

Speed nodded. "It can be."  He went back to stroking down the small back when Xander shifted on his lap.  "He'll be fine and everything will be fine."

"Hopefully," Horatio agreed.

***

Two Years Later.

***

Xander saw his Uncle Speed and his heart sank.  He had that blue glow.  He looked around the park he was playing in.  He had spotted someone who glowed funny to him earlier - they glowed blood red and white.  He found him watching his uncle and rushed over there, staring at him.  "Do I know you?"

"Nope, Xander, you don't.  I do know you."

Xander studied him then decided he could at least ask.  "Uncle Speed has that blue glow."  The man nodded.  "Can I stop it this time?  Daddy and I will be really sad if we lose him."

He considered it.  "He could live if some things happened but I can't promise one way or another."

"But he'll live?"

"He *could* live."

"What do I have to do?"

"Get him to clean his gun and wear his vest, kid."

"Okay.  Anything else?"  He shook his head.  "Thank you.  What are you?"

He smiled.  "Just a man, Xander."

"You glow funny."  He saw his father looking around.  "I'll see you again sometime," he said, knowing it.  He hurried off, smiling at his daddy and pouncing him.  "Hi."

"Who was he?"

"I thought he was one of my classmate's father's," he lied.  His father stared at him.  He looked around then at him again.  "Uncle Speed is glowing blue," he said quietly.  "He glows funny and I wanted to know why."  He saw his father's face fall.  "He said Uncle Speed has to clean his gun and wear his vest, Dad.  Please?"

"I'll do what I can, Xander."  He gave him a hug.  "Is he bright blue?"

"Getting there."

"Okay."  He put him down and went to talk to Speed.  "You know how you've wanted a few days off?"

"I can finally take some?" he asked sarcastically.

"You can.  But only if you can prove you've cleaned your gun."

He sighed and walked off shaking his head.  "I'll do it tonight, H."

"Thank you, Speed."  He watched him.  "Bring your vest too, just in case."

"Why?"

Horatio looked at him.  "A feeling, Speed.  Just a feeling."  That got a single nod and he walked back to his bike shaking his head.

***

Xander was in the office when Horatio called Speed back for the kidnaping case.  He pounced him when he saw him, smiling at him.  "Hi."

"Hi, sprout.  I've got to go work on that kidnaping."

"Sure."  He followed him back.  Speed gave him a look.  "I want to see what you do."

"A lot of chemistry stuff."

"So?"

"Fine.  Don't touch *anything*."  Xander nodded and put on the gloves as ordered, sitting there watching him.  Speed got to work on what they had gathered for him.

Xander watched him.  The blue glow was perfectly bright now.  "Uncle Speed, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Sure, what?"

"Daddy showed me how not to touch the gun."  Speed looked at him.  "I asked."

"That's a good and reasonable thing.  What didn't he tell you?"

"I wanted to learn how to clean it.  I don't want to be squealy and squeaky over them like Auntie Cal is, but you know how to do that and Daddy's really heavily busy.  I don't want to bother him and I was curious."

"Let me do this then we'll see if I've got some free time."  Xander nodded, leaning on the table.  "Not too close, Xander."  He pulled back some.  "Now, what I'm doing here is testing it for blood."

"Cool."

Speed smiled at him. "You're going to be bored."

"Daddy wants me to come into the lab some day."

"He wants you to do something that'll make you happy and live a good life, kiddo.  He doesn't have his heart set on the lab."  He got back to work.  Xander did indeed get bored but Eric came in with new information, getting an odd look for the boy being in there.  "He wanted to know what I did."

"Play with test tubes, small bottles, and all sorts of chemicals."

"Don't forget the whirry machines."

"True," Speed agreed, grinning at him.  He ran the first sample and took what Eric had to look at.  "That's DNA."

"Valera's out."

"She'll be back in a few hours.  Daddy called her before Uncle Speed came in."

"Sure," Eric agreed, going over there to leave her the sample.  He saw her coming in.  He was a brilliant little boy apparently.

***

Xander was with Frank when he heard the news.  He looked up and scowled.  "You never said he'd be hurt!" he whimpered.  Frank gave him a look.  "He glowed blue."  Frank looked stunned.  "The white and red glowy person in the park said he'd live if he cleaned his gun and wore his vest."

"Which he did," Frank agreed.  "That wasn't a 'he's dead' call, Xander.  That's he's injured and needs help."  He leaned closer.  "Why did you talk to him?"

"He was watching him too," he said miserably.

"Well, even injured he'll still probably live," Frank offered quietly, giving him a hug.  "We'll figure it out, Xander."  Xander nodded, crying on his shoulder.  "Shh, I've got you.  Horatio should've kept you at home today."

Calleigh came rushing over.  "Xander."  He looked up at her.  "Speed will be just fine, Xander.  I promise.  He'll be in really good care very soon."  Xander nodded, giving her a trusting look.  "Why did you have him clean his gun earlier?  He said you asked him to show you how to clean it."

"Long and involved story," Frank told her with a sigh.  "We need to talk to Horatio first."  She nodded at that.  "Come on, kiddo.  Let's go wait at the hospital.  Your father won't like it but it'll take his mind off this."  He walked him out to his car, looking at him.  "Tell me and him next time, Xander."

"The other guy said he'd be okay."

"Well, he probably will be in a few weeks."  He started the car and headed out to join the others at the hospital.  He walked the boy inside, finding everyone in the waiting room.  "Horatio?"  He looked over and groaned.  "He heard.  C'mere for a few?"  He walked them back outside and to the smoking area since it was deserted and had a bench.  "He said he talked to some guy who was glowing red and white about the blue glow around Speedle."

Horatio looked at him.  "You said that at the park."

"The guy said he'd live if he wore his vest and cleaned his gun."

"Tell me exactly what he said, Xander."

"That he could live if he wore his vest and cleaned his gun."

"Which he will."  He considered his son.  "At least you told me this time.  I was hoping it wasn't on his vacation."  Xander shrugged.  "How often do you see it and how long is it?"

"I've seen them on you a few times but they faded really fast."

"Which means your life was probably threatened," Frank said, considering it.  "When you see the blue glow how long do we have to change things?"

"Sometimes just a few days," he said weakly.  "The guy in the park knew me, daddy."

"I'm sure he did, but I'm not sure who he is.  So the next time you see him, point him out to me, all right?"  Xander nodded and gave him a tentative hug.  "It's all right, son.  I promise it's all right."  He gave him the cuddle he needed.  "Speed will be fine."

"Can he come sleep in the study while he heals?"

"We'll see if you can fuss over him."  He looked at Frank, mouthing a simple 'thank you'.

"Thought you should know, just in case, Horatio.  It's strange but he had Speed clean his gun today."

"I asked him to show me how to clean it."  Xander looked at him.  "I was a bit sneaky but I hope it was okay?"

"It was fine, Xander.  Just fine.  It still jammed but I'll be finding out why."  He called Calleigh.  "What is wrong with Speed's gun?"  He listened then nodded once.  "Thank you."  He hung up.  "His ammo was damp.  The bottom of his clip was molded."  Frank moaned.  "That's why he misfired.  The gunpowder got wet."  He gave Xander another cuddle.  "You did the right thing," he promised.  "Next time tell me that day."

"It didn't get any brighter while I saw him."

"Okay.  That's good, Xander.  Come on, we'll go wait inside so you can give him a hug as soon as he's in a room."  They headed inside, finding Rick Stetler already there.  "His ammo was damp.  I checked."  The man looked stunned.  "Calleigh said there was indication of mold.  Probably all the rain we've had recently or being on the boat for the case today."

"I see.  So it wasn't faulty gun maintenance this time."

"I had him show me how to clean it today," Xander said, glaring at him.  "You will not be mean to Uncle Speed like you were to Daddy and Auntie Yelina.  Just because you want to sleep with Daddy instead of Auntie doesn't mean you get to be mean to him," he finished with a sneer.

"How did you know I'm seeing your aunt?"

"Ray and I talk all the time, dumbass.  How did you think?"  Everyone stared at him. "Besides, we both walked in on you two groping on the couch.  By the way, that probably wasn't a happy noise, you squeeze the milk spot too hard."  Rick walked out blushing bright red.  "Good!  You're not good enough for my auntie!  Go find a hooker!"

"Xander," Horatio warned.

"He's not!"

"Grounded, son, and possibly for quite a while," he assured him.  "You should not act out like that."

"He's not good enough for Auntie Yelina and she did make pained noises.  Ray won't tell on him and his mommy refused to say anything so I had to."

"Next time say it to me, son, and let me handle it," he said quietly.

"Then you'd get in trouble for hitting him," Xander said smartly, grinning at him.  "Besides, he's nasty and gross.  He shaved his chest and his tummy.  Plus he wears pink undies."

Horatio sucked in a breath and walked his son off to talk to him about tact and not saying certain things in public.

"Probably traumatized the poor kid," Eric complained. "I'd have puked on him at that age."

"Me too," Frank agreed.  "Might even turn him off dating for life."

Horatio looked over and glared at him.  "Not funny, Frank.  Eric, take him back and work on finding the kid."

"As soon as we get an update.  Calleigh's on it," he reminded him when Horatio glared at him.  "They said we'd get one within an hour."

"Fine.  As soon as you know something go."  Eric nodded, going to bug the nurses again.  He looked at his son.  "Not cute."

"I thought the hooker part was.  Uncle Speed would've been proud."

Horatio sucked in a breath and let it out slowly.  "He is an adult.  You are eight.  You may not talk about such things."

"But that guy's the one who told Ray all he'd ever have were hookers, probably diseased ones because he was never going to be a good cop."

"I'll be talking with Ray myself tonight then."

"He won't tell you.  He thinks it'll upset his mom."

"While it might, me shooting Rick for telling him that would cheer her up."  Xander leaned closer and whispered to him about what he had heard and saw.  "Thank you, son.  As soon as this case is done we'll be going home and I'll be talking to him."  Xander nodded and gave him a hug.  "You are still grounded, son."

"Yes, dad."  He went back to waiting, staring at the nurses who gave him a horrified look.  "What?  He's my favorite uncle."  He plopped down and crossed his arms, looking just like his father in a stubborn mood.

"Any news?" Horatio asked.

"They've extracted the bullet and they're working on cleaning him up now, Lieutenant.  Are you sure such a young boy should be here?"

"He's eight.  Speed is his favorite uncle and he's getting spoiling rights."  That got a smile.  "Besides, they were together today."  He went to sit with his son, giving him a one-armed hug.  "He'll be fine. They got the bullet out."

"The guy didn't say he'd be hurt anyway."

"We'll talk to him the next time he pops up, son."

"Yes, Daddy."  He was already planning on what to yell at him.

***

Speed woke up and found a young lump of blur on his stomach.  "Xander."

"Hi, Uncle Speed."  He gave him a careful hug.  "You're going to come home with us so I can fuss over you and read you things.  I even yelled at the potty water man for you."  That got a faint, sleepy smile.  "I told him all about how he should have a hooker because he wasn't worthy of Auntie Yelina and how he had made her make the wrong sort of squeaky noises when he was groping on the couch and how his pink undies were ugly."

Speed laughed, holding his shoulder.  "Ow.  Oh, man."  He pulled Xander up to kiss him on the head.  "You're more than worthy to be my boy."

"Yelina almost wishes he was at the moment," Horatio said from the chair beside his bed. "We finally got Ray to tell her about the things he was told by him and she went to kill him herself while her son played cheerleader."  Speed smiled.  "When you cleaned your gun you forgot to check the bullets, Speed."

"They looked fine."

"They had mold, Uncle Speed."

"No wonder they didn't fire."  Horatio hummed and nodded.  "Am I going to live?"

"If you don't I'm going to curse God and destroy him," Xander assured him, sounding very sure that he could and that was that to him.  Speed and his father both looked at him.  "You don't take the good guys.  The bad guys win.  Then he's out of a job.  Unless he's so mean that he's going to make people pray for more good guys to come back and then he's a mean god and I'd never pray to him."  He went back to hugging his uncle.  "You'll come home to our study and I'll fuss and coo and even make cookies for you."

"I could use a cookie," he agreed, patting him on the back.  "It'll be fine, Xander.  I'll be all right."

"You had better."

Horatio nodded.  "I'll agree on that point."  The others he'd be talking with his son about later.  Like his mouth, some things needed straightened out apparently.  Speed gave him a smile.  "You can have the couch in the study, Speed.  It pulls out."

"I remember."  He shifted and winced.  "I hate hospitals.  When can I go home?"

"A few days.  Then you'll be off work until after you go through physical therapy," Horatio said quietly.  "We nearly lost you."

"Did it bounce off my vest?"

"Clipped the edge."  He squeezed his hand.  "Xander wanted to see you and we've got to get back to the office but I'll be back here tonight."

"Sure. Bring me cookies?"

"The mean nurses said you can only have liquids today so I'll try to sneak you a soda," Xander promised, kissing him on the cheek.  "Get better, Uncle Speed."  He wiggled off the bed and headed out so his father could say goodbye.

"I'll have a talk with him about his vendetta against God if you die."

"Everyone should have someone that they'd swear at God for losing," Speed said dryly.  Horatio nodded and patted him on the head.  "Don't be too hard on him for that.  For saying Stetler's good enough for a hooker since most of them wouldn't touch him...."  Horatio walked out shaking his head.  He pushed the button on the bed, bringing a nurse.  "Can I go home and have real food now?"

"No, Mr. Speedle.  You can't."  She came in to check him over.  "Someone untucked you."

"Xander doesn't like to be tucked in either.  He probably did it."  He smiled.  "It's fine."  She nodded and quit fussing. "How long am I looking at?"

"The doctor will be in tonight and he'll have all that."

"Sure.  Thanks."  She nodded and checked his vitals, making a note on the chart before leaving.  He found the remote and turned on the tv.  The nurse gave him an odd look. "I need noise.  It's too quiet."

"I'll make a note not to turn your tv off on you."  She went to do that.

He settled in to watch the cooking shows.  At least something was on at the moment.

***

Speed was walked into the house by Horatio, but it was Xander who put him onto the regular couch with pillows, juice, and some of his father's forensic journals and a few other books that were his favorite.  "Harry Potter?"

"I'm doing good with book one," he said with a grin. "Besides, who said magic isn't real?  They could be real somewhere and just hiding.  They're probably swearing that someone exposed them."  He went to get him some of the cookies he had baked last night with Eric's help, bringing out the plate.  "Here you go, cookies Uncle Eric and I made."

"They're great looking, Xander. Thank you."  He nibbled one, smiling at him.  "Tollhouse. A classic recipe."

"Yup, we didn't make tube cookies, we made real cookies that you had to mix and stuff."

"I was very proud you managed it, son," Horatio agreed.  "Eric only supervised and kept him from eating all the chocolate chips."

Speed smiled. "I usually sneak batter."  He finished that one and Xander curled up in his lap with the Harry Potter book, opening it to read to him.

Horatio watched, smiling at the comfy scene of his son and friend.  He went to the office to get something done and check in with the office.  Xander would tell him if something needed to be done.  He found an email from Yelina about Stetler and read it, shaking his head.  He called her. "I had to make Ray tell me, Yelina.  He only told Xander and said Ray didn't want you to be unhappy."  He smiled.  "Well, he did mention his pink underwear were ugly and he squeezed you wrong because you were in pain, not feeling pleasure.  He did it in the middle of the waiting area in the hospital.  Yes, we had a long talk about his mouth this time," he assured her.

"Especially when he said Rick should go for hookers instead because he thought Speed would like that.  He's on the couch reading to Speed.  No, he's still grounded.  He told me it kept me out of trouble for hitting him."  He grinned.  "Exactly.  If that's who you want I can't complain but if he hurts you or Ray I want to know immediately so I can kill him," he reminded her.  "No, that's your choice.  He's not one I'd pick for you but that's the whole point, isn't it?"  He smiled.  "He and Eric made real cookies last night so he's reading him book one of Harry Potter and feeding him cookies and juice.  Yes, high spoil mode.  Alexx will have to work hard to nudge him out of the way so she can spoil him some."  He smirked.  "Exactly.  Let me know if you need anything.  I'm home today and tomorrow to make sure Speed's okay.  Of course."  He hung up. "Xander, your Aunt would like to talk to you about your mouth as well sometime tonight," he called.

"Yes, Daddy.  She can come help us make dinner."

"I think she wanted you to call later so she got over her urge to spank you."  He got up and found his son bright red. "It'll calm down sometime soon.   You cannot pick on him about dating her unless he's bad to her.  Understood?"

"He said mean things to her.  He's not good enough for my aunt."

"While I agree, that's not for us to determine.  That's up to Yelina, son."

"Yes, daddy," he sighed.  He shook his head and snuggled back in to keep going. He rolled his eyes when his father took a picture.  His father was so mushy sometimes.

***

Speed looked up later that night when Horatio came down the stairs.  "I'm fine."

"I was coming to get a drink, but you are.  I know you'd complain if you weren't."  He smiled at him, getting some juice and coming back to the study.  "Are you enjoying being totally spoiled?"

"Alexx has nothing on your boy, Horatio," he agreed quietly.  "I'm so totally spoiled I'm almost looking forward to rehab."

Horatio smiled at that.  "You're one of the more important people in his life."

"I realized that earlier when he slipped and called me daddy."  Horatio looked stunned at that.  "Your boy thinks it's a bit deeper than friendship and we never told him but he's okay with it.  He adores the idea.  I told him it wasn't."

"Did he add a 'yet' at the end?"

Speed nodded.  "He did.  So he's making some sneaky schemes to get us to date."

Horatio sipped his juice.  People had been saying they were together for years now.  Ever since Speed's third week in the lab.  "I've, um, never been with a man," he admitted. "But I can see what he does and why he does."

Speed looked at him.  "You know..."

"I know about your friend who died, Speed."  He sat down next to him on the bed.  "My son has good taste."

"The best," he agreed with a small smirk.  "The question becomes is it like his thing thinking that Harry Potter's cursing somewhere in London or Scotland about the books or not?"

Horatio considered it then looked at him.  "I don't know."

"That's better than a flat no."

Horatio gave him a hug.  "We'll have to see what happens, Speed.  I'd have to take it slow."

"I know."  He gave him a kiss.  "Go to bed, Horatio.  It's late."  Horatio nodded and took his juice upstairs to drink and think, plus read for a while.  Speed settled down into his bed, thinking as well.  The boy did have taste.  Horatio was the one everyone in the lab wanted.  He was also strong, smart, and could keep up with him. They were incredibly close friends though and he didn't want to ruin that.  Horatio came back down and tucked him in then kissed him again.  "Our friendship?"

"We'd still be friends, Speed."  He went back upstairs.  He had known he'd be brooding and thinking bad thoughts.  Speed was that way.

Speed smiled and fell asleep that way.  Even if he did have odd dreams about another Xander and magic.  Strange nature magic, not even Harry Potter magic.  He was almost disappointed, Xander would look great on a broom and in robes.

***

Xander stalked his target around the office, watching what he did and said.  He and Ray had agreed, the asshole needed to leave his mother alone.  He nearly made it to his office with the snake but one of the patrol guys grabbed him and carried him off, handing him to Eric.  "What?" he said defensively.  "He deserves it!  He says mean things to Ray!"

Eric handed over the snake and the officer left, walking off shaking his head.  He looked down at the boy.  "If he's saying mean things to Ray Junior, you tell your father or his mother.  You don't put snakes in his office, Xander."

"It wasn't poisonous."

"I don't care."

Xander pouted.  "We tried telling her and Daddy, nothing happened."

"I'm sure it will soon."

"Before he's hurt more?"

Eric sighed.  "I don't know," he admitted.  "Would you like me to talk to your father for you?"

Xander gave him a look.  "I told him."

"I know."  He saw Speed walk in, his arm still in his sling.  "Let's talk to Speed."

"Sure," he said flatly, heading that way.  "He's still saying mean things to Ray Junior."

Speed blinked at that.  "Okay.  Can we prove it to his mom?"  Xander nodded, handing over the tape.  "What were you going to do with this?"

"Give it to Uncle Frank so he could have him dumped in the water so Uncle Eric would have something to dive after again."

"Uh-huh."

"He also had a snake and was stalking Stetler to put it in his office," Eric said with a small grin.  "One of the patrol guys caught him most of the way there."

"Hey, better than I can do."  He went to find his tape player and listen to it, then he paged both parents to the office and put it on an external speaker, letting them hear it while he waited outside the office.  When they opened the door, he looked at both of them.  "Her son is very upset.  Your son wants to kill him for hurting his cousin.  I think it may be time to do something.  Even if it's love and he's your soulmate, Yelina, it's time for something to be done.  Especially since you don't cover bruises very well."  Horatio stared at her.  "Now, Xander was going to put a snake in his office and give Frank that tape."

"He's sneaky," she complained.

He smacked her on the forehead with the palm of his hand.  "That's because you didn't listen to your son and he's protecting him, Yelina."  She gave him a horrified look.  "Ray went to Xander for help.  I'm pretty sure Xander taped it since that's one of the ones from the house that Horatio leaves him audio messages on."  She slumped.  "Your son is in pain.  Your nephew is going to commit homicide one way or another.  Even if he gets Frank to do it for him."

"I'll handle it," Horatio promised.

"Without yelling at the boys?" Speed asked.

"Probably.  Why?"

Speed looked at him.  "I'd pop you one too but the kid would get mad at me."  He walked off shaking his head.  "Xander, why don't you come stay with me tonight, kiddo?" he called.  "Let the adults have the time to talk."

"Okay.  If Daddy said I could."

"I don't think it'd be a big problem."

"He's still grounded from the incident in the hospital," Horatio called after him.  "He'll be going home tonight, Speed."

Xander looked at his father.  "If you make Ray Junior cry some more I'm going to have to get mean, Daddy."  He gave his father the same look Horatio gave suspects, then turned and stomped off.

Horatio muttered something and Yelina looked at him.  "He's very strong willed and protective."

"He is."  He looked at her.  "Are you still doubting he's bad for your son?"

"He'll straighten out.  I'll talk to him."

"No, I'll talk to him."  He took the tape down to AV.  "Cooper, please copy this for me?"

"Sure, boss.  Xander called to see how to set up a tape recorder for something at school.  Did it work?"

"It did."  He took the copy of the tape and walked off, going to barge into Rick's office.  His secretary started to get up.  "Don't bother," he ordered coldly.  He walked in there, finding Rick's boss in there.  "Unless you want me to hit you for what's on this tape, you should let him leave, Rick."  He went pale.  Horatio put the tape in front of him.  "My son is *very* protective of Ray Junior," he said quietly.  "He has heard every single word you've said to my nephew.  If you *ever* say such things to him again I will not stop at your badge or your life.  Am I clear?" he said coldly.  That got a single nod.  "Good.  If Yelina wants you that's her decision but I will not let you harm an innocent little boy."

"Your son is a holy fucking terror."

"Only to those who hurt his family," he said bluntly.  Rick rocked back.  "He has heard *everything*, Rick.  Which means I've heard most of it."  That got a slow nod. "I would not continue.  After all, I still have the original and I'm sure it's not the only copy."  He walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Rick pulled out a tape recorder to listen to it, then he moaned.  "Sorry, sir.  I wasn't exactly feeling pleasant and got into it with Detective Salas's son."

"I don't like you dating her anyway, Stetler.  You've shown animosity toward her in the past.  This smacks of revenge."  His boss looked at him.  "The tape?"  Rick shook his head. "Now.  Or I go to Caine and make it official."  It was handed over. "Thank you."  He listened to it then glared at him.  "You are bordering on abuse, Stetler.  Break it off with her or else I will have to investigate."  He took the tape with him and went to find Xander.  He found him in his father's office and his father nowhere around.  "We should talk, young man."

"Who're you?" he asked, staring at him.  "I'm not allowed to talk to people I don't know without another adult around.   So if you want to talk to me, get my father or Uncle Frank."

"Fine.  I can do that."  He paged Frank Tripp.  He was a good temporary guardian for the boy.  A fine officer.  Frank walked in and paused at the sight of him.  "Horatio just made some allegations of abuse toward Ray Caine Junior."

Frank coughed then nodded.  "We're all wary of the relationship, Captain."

"As I am.  I was down there warning him.  Horatio gave me the chance to leave but I didn't take it.  I want to know what he said to the boy.  I've ordered him to break it off because of his issues with the boy's father."

"You, um, might wanna look at Yelina's chin, Captain."

"I will.  Now, I'd like to talk to Xander and he wisely stated he's not allowed to talk to any strangers without an adult present.  He mentioned you or his father and you're calmer and a bit removed from the situation."

"Why not ask Ray?" Xander asked.

"Because his mother won't let me near him, son," the Captain said patiently.

Xander looked at him.  Then at Frank.  "Can I tell him?"

"I should ask your dad and her."

"I told them, they ignored it.  That's why I was going to give you that tape we made and then put the snake in his office."  That got a smile.  "That way you could drop him in the ocean and Uncle Eric would have a chance to go diving again."

"That bad?"

Xander sighed and opened his backpack, then pulled something out, handing it to him.  "I asked Cooper how to tape stuff for a school project.  Daddy had no idea until I was caught with the snake.  I nearly made it."

"He's not scared of snakes," Frank offered, looking at the tape.  "That the original?"  Xander nodded. "How long is it?"

"Twenty minutes."  Frank found the tape recorder and listened to it, then came back and let the Captain listen.  "Am I in trouble?" he asked quietly.

Frank shook his head.  "Only if your dad's not being reasonable.  Yelina wanted someone to cuddle when things got bad and she went for the wrong guy.  Sometimes that happens to people, Xander.  It's up to family to stand by you when it does.  That way you have help getting away from them."  Xander nodded, understanding that.  He saw the Captain letting Yelina listen and watched her glare up at the office.  He closed the door.  "I would hide from your aunt if I were you."  Xander and his backpack both went under the couch.  She stormed in.  "He left a few minutes ago, Yelina.  You okay?"

"My son...."

"Was apparently crying.  I saw him with tear tracks and I thought he fell," Frank said firmly, no longer leaning against the front of the desk.  "Also, you don't cover the bruise very well."  He ran a finger over it.  "Your foundation's too light and thin."  She stomped off again.  He sighed.  "This is going to end up with a lot of yelling."

"Can I run away for the night?"

"Your father would throw a fit to end all fits if you did that."

"Maybe but I'm protecting Ray and he didn't listen."

Frank looked down at him.  "It's not that he didn't listen, it's that he was letting her handle it, Xander.  Big difference there.  Sorta like how tact and social niceness escapes you but your daddy learned it."

Xander came out from under the couch, looking at him.  "Fine.  Whatever.  I'm still not letting my cousin be harmed by the simian crossbreed."  He walked out with his backpack, sneaking down to the bus stop.  He had his lunch money in his pocket since he hadn't gotten to eat today.  Plus his allowance.  He got onto the bus, looking at the driver.  "How do I get to Fairfax Drive?"

"What part?"

"Fifteen hundreds, sir."

"This bus can transfer you to another line that'll go there.  Put in fifty cents, kid."  Xander did that and sat down politely.  "You're allowed out alone?"

"I was coming home from school.  My dad works in there and now I'm going home."

"That's a good first step," he agreed, closing the door and heading off again.  When he got to the transfer point he pointed.  "Sit there and wait for the B bus.  Pay him twenty-five cents and give him this," he said, handing over a transfer stub.  The boy nodded and did that.  "Good boy.  It should be about ten minutes.  Don't talk to anyone."

"Yes, sir."  He sat down, his backpack at his feet.  He watched the bus pull away.  It was kind of scary here.  He had no clue where he was.  He looked around, seeing a patrol car passing by.  He kept himself from waving.  If he drew attention to himself they'd tell his father and he might figure out where he was going.  He did get into his backpack and put his borrowed taser in his hand.  Just in case someone bad came up to him.  An older lady sat down and gave the weapon a look.  "Heading to Grandma's.  My first time on the bus by myself."

"You're a very big boy, young man."  She smiled. "Go ahead and put it away.  I'll watch out for you.  Which bus are you taking?"

"The driver said B?"

"That's usually the one with the blue stripe."

Xander nodded and pulled his backpack up, putting the taser inside but keeping his hand on it.  He dropped the slip and had to pick it up, sitting up to find someone standing there.  He stared back, just blinking.  The guy smirked at him.  "My daddy's a cop," he said firmly.

"That's fine, kid. I won't hurt you."  He sat down on the other end of the bench.  "Got a knife?"  Xander pulled out the taser with a smirk.  "That's nice."

"My uncle's."  He put it back into his bag, keeping it in his hand.  The bus he wanted came and he got on, handing over the slip and putting in a quarter.  The driver looked at him.  "The other driver said so."

"Where are you going?"

"Fairfax Drive."

"What part, kid?" he asked patiently.

"Fifteen hundreds."

"That's fine.  I'll make sure you get off in the right spot.  Sit in front."  Xander sat down where he could easily see him, zipping up the compartment with his taser in it.  The others got on and he drove off.  Kids these days were doing things way too young on their own.  He pulled up to a stop twenty minutes later.  "Which block?"

"The next one.  She's in the white house please."

"Sure.  I can let you off across the street."  He let someone else off and went that way, letting the boy ring the bell.  He smiled at him for that courtesy.  "Good job."  Xander smiled and took his backpack with him, crossing the street in front of him like he did the bus for school.  He was well trained and polite at least.  He saw him knock on a door and an older Cuban woman answer so it was fine.  He went on, heading on his route.  He still thought he was too young.  You never knew who was on the bus these days.

"Xander?" Eric's mother asked.

He nodded.  "My father's an asshole.  He won't listen to Ray Junior and I and someone's making him cry by being mean to him and Auntie Yelina so I'm taking a night off.  If I went to Uncle Speed's he'd find me immediately.  Here he'll have a chance to calm down and think."

She let him inside. "How did you get here?"

"Bus."  He grinned.  "I didn't even have to use Uncle Ray's taser."

She crossed herself and ushered the boy into the kitchen, going to check him over and feed him some milk and cookies while they talked.  Some children did run away and she was thankful he wasn't hurt.

***

Horatio found Frank looking around in his office.  "Lose an earring backing?" he asked dryly.

"Looking for your son.  He walked off and no one saw where he went."  He stood up.  "I have no idea where he is, Horatio."

Horatio stormed off, going to talk to the guards.  One of them remembered seeing him at the bus stop, so his next stop was dispatch.  "Has anyone reported seeing my son?"  They all gave him odd looks.  "Xander ran off after a fight.  He was on the bus.  The guards saw him get on."

One of them put out a call.  "We have a missing child.  Xander Caine walked out of the station and got onto the bus that runs here.  Please report if you see him."

"He's smart, he'll head to someone he knows," Rick said from behind him.  "Your son's still a blight."  Horatio turned and punched him, then rubbed his knuckles as he turned back around to wait.  "I'll have you suspended for that," he sneered.

"Your boss heard you telling Ray what a horrible man he'd become.  The boys have been taping you for days, Rick."  He stomped off.  "Personally I'm looking forward to Yelina hurting him."  They all smiled at him for that.  "My son's being protective."

Frank walked in.  "I called Speed.  He just got home and Xander wasn't there.  He checked your house, he's not there either."

"The bus doesn't run by our house," Horatio reminded him.  "Who, that he knows, does it run by?"

"Yelina's calling home.  Her son hung up on her after spitting and she said it sounded like he was swearing."

"Go get Ray so I can talk to him?"

"Of course."  He went to do that, stopping her. "Let me get your boy.  That way his uncle can undo the damage of you two not listening to the boys."  He walked off, going to do that. "Figure out where Xander went!"

She stomped off, going back to the CSI labs.  "Everyone is to call home and make sure Xander didn't run away to their place," she ordered.

Calleigh looked at her.  "Why did he run away?   He's not prone to it."

"He's upset that we were handling something more delicately than he thought it should be."

Eric looked at her, then nodded once.  "Can I kill him?"

"No."  She stomped off.

Eric looked at Calleigh. "I'll call Speed.  You call Horatio's house and then the comic shop he goes to."  She nodded, going to do that.  He called Speed. "Buddy, is Xander there?"  He listened to him complain.  "No, like ran away, Speed."  He nodded.  "That's an idea.  I'll call the church they go to."  He called out there.  They all had the number for the after- school program in their phones in case something happened to Horatio.  "This is CSI Delko, is Xander Caine out there?  No, stomped off.  Thank you.  If so, please call his father.  Thank you."  He hung up and watched Horatio storm back in. "They're checking the church and calling his school, H."

"He's not there.  He wouldn't go there.  He'd go somewhere he'd get coddled."

"Alexx is here," Calleigh pointed out.  "He's not at your house or the comic shop he likes.  How did he get out?"

"Bus," Horatio said grimly.

Eric thought then called a number.  "Is Xander there?"  He smirked.  "No, keep him for a few if he shows up but call me."  He hung up.  "He's not with Valera."

"We'll find him, Horatio," Calleigh reminded him.  "He's a smart little boy who hides very well.  Plus he's got Ray's taser on him."  Horatio looked startled. "You didn't know that?  He's got it in his backpack.  He knows how to call you, dispatch, and 911 if something happens.  He's found a safe little hole to get comfort in."

"Dispatch knows to call me if anyone sees him."  His phone rang.  "Horatio."  He listened, then he nodded once.  "What was he doing there?"   He frowned.  "Thank you."  He looked at them.  "Get me a map of the bus system?"  Eric went to find one for him.  "Okay, he was spotted at this bus stop," he said, pointing at it.  "The bus from here is this one and it would've dropped him off."  He looked at the other three routes that hit there.  "Who's on those routes?"

Eric looked, then frowned.  "My house.  I called home and only got my machine.  He doesn't have a key to my place like he does yours and Speed's.  I checked with him."

"I live out that way," Calleigh offered, pointing at her block.  "He wasn't there when I tried."  She called home again, getting her machine.  Nothing.  She shook her head as she hung up.

Horatio studied the map, then went to call the school to see which kids in Xander's class lived out that way and have them check.

Eric looked. "I know someone in mounted patrol and they do that park," he said, pointing at a large one.  "The bike cops are out of the same precinct and they'd do the few malls in that same area."  He went to call there.

Calleigh looked. She had no idea who lived out that way.

***

Eric was wrung out when he walked outside and saw his sister.  "Please tell me you have Xander?" he begged.

"Momma does."  Eric sighed and paged Horatio, who came striding out very forcefully.  "Your son came to our mother," she told him.  "The bus dropped him off right across the street."  She patted him on the hand.  "He believes you don't give a damn about him and this way you wouldn't find him immediately so you would have time to calm down.  That's what he told her.  Poppi sent me."

Horatio groaned.  "Need a ride home, Marisol?"

"Sure."  She waved at her brother.  "Momma said to come to dinner, Eric."

"I'll be there soon.  I'll follow."  He paged the rest of the team with that information then called Dispatch.  "Call off the search for Caine's son.  We found him with my mother," Eric offered.  "No, I didn't think he knew where she lived," he admitted.  "He's smarter than I gave him credit for."  He smiled.  "Complaining like an old wife probably."  He chuckled. "Thanks."  He hung up and called Speed.  "He's with my parents."  Then he hung up and headed for home.

Horatio walked through the door and Eric's father pointed toward the kitchen.  "He's been telling her what's been going on.  You've got a bright son, Horatio.  A bit scary really.  Taping conversations, making plots to have someone commit murder for him.  Plans to get you to date."

Horatio groaned, walking into the kitchen.  His son saw him and hopped up, backing away from him.  "If you take off I will paddle you," he vowed quietly.  Eric's mother pointed at the backyard so he walked his son out there.  He started by spanking him three times then sat down on the old swing to talk to him.  "What were you thinking?"

"You don't give a damn," he sniffled.

"If I didn't, you'd be in an orphanage, Xander."  He stared his son down.  "I was working on getting him away from Ray."

"You could've made him go away and you didn't.  He kept hurting Ray because you didn't give a damn!  Some kid you don't even know comes before Ray and me."

Horatio took a breath.  "They do not."

"They do so!"

"Xander, they do not," he said firmly.  "I was working on getting him away from Ray.  I couldn't just arrest him for it."

"I asked the teacher, she said that's neglect and verbal abuse.  He could have been arrested for that.  She was going to talk to Auntie Yelina today."

"She did.  She called her."  He moved some of his son's hair around but he ducked away from him.  He pulled him back and made him face him.  "It was wrong to take this outside the family in the lab.  I was handling it."

"No you weren't."

"I was, Xander."

"If you were, he would be at home right now.  He's with his grandmother and she's not getting him back tonight."  Horatio looked stunned.  "You decided to let him hurt him, it's not going to go on!  I'm going to protect Ray even if you don't!" he shouted.  He got free of him.  "Get off me!"

"Quit!"  He made him stand still, staring at him.  "There's a few reasons why I couldn't simply arrest Rick for doing that, Xander.  That's why we were working on it quietly."

"I told you a few days ago.  It wasn't enough.  He hit him!  He hit her!  He's a bad man and if I see him I'm going to get him myself!"

"Calm yourself."

"NO!"  He got free again, glaring at his father.  "No, I'm going to protect Ray even if you and his mommy won't."  Horatio sighed and sat down again.  "I don't care how upset you get, dad.  He didn't need it from his teacher and he doesn't need it from that asshole either."

"Language!" Speed snapped as he walked out.  "You know better and you're a guest here, Xander."  Xander wilted.  "Now, come here and tell me, in a reasonable tone of voice, what the hell is going on."  Xander looked at him.  "Explain it to me.  Your father can listen and maybe he'll figure out where he missed a clue."

Xander trudged over there.  "You know Auntie Yelina was dating Rick Stetler, right?"

"Yeah, and it made me gag with the thought.  And?"

"He's been saying mean stuff to Ray about his daddy and about how he'd never be anything.  How he should just give up now.  I told them when you got hurt."

Speed nodded at that.  "Okay, that's been two weeks.  What happened since then?"

"Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  So we taped it and so she'd have to listen this time since she didn't want to before.  Daddy made Ray Junior tell her and she didn't do anything.  Now he's really hurt and Daddy gives more of a damn about some unknown person than he does us."

"He doesn't," Speed said, staring down at him.  "I know damn well he doesn't."  Xander snorted.  "What did he do?"

"Talked to his boss."

"When?"

"Today."

"H?"

"I warned him a few days ago, when I heard," Horatio admitted quietly.  "Thank you, Speed."  It was a clear dismissal.

Speed stared at him.  "Fat chance, Horatio.  Unless you want to try to find him later tonight?"  Horatio shuddered at that.  He looked at Xander, picking him up to put him onto the small garden wall so they were roughly the same height.  "Okay.  First.  Yes, your father did give a damn.  He was working on it slowly.  Ray Junior knows he's better than that piece of crap his mother's dating.  Period.  End of sentence."  Xander shook his head.  "He should."

"He made him cry."

"Then we'll talk to Ray and make sure he knows that."

"His grandma's not giving him back until his momma sends Rick away."

"That's between that family.  We'll do what we can to help Ray.  Did he say stuff to you?"  Xander nodded.  "Did you tell your father that?"

"That's the first I've heard of it," Horatio admitted, coming over.  Xander moved away from him.  "I'm not going to hit you again."

"Bet me," he said dryly, glaring at him.  "You still didn't stop him."

"He did the best he could, Xander.  He's still human," Speed reminded him.  Xander looked at him.  "He is.  Humans all have flaws and sometimes can't do everything to help everyone.  It's a hard lesson to learn but even we can't solve every crime and make every bad guy go away."

"Even when it's family?"

"Even when it's family," Speed agreed.  "Now, as for the next point.  You hatched plots?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"Because no one listened to us because we're kids."

"Uh-huh.  Well, I won't fault that one," he admitted.  "Even cops won't listen to kids before they do adults."  He patted him on the face.  "Third.  You so screwed up by running today."

"He doesn't care!"

"He does care.  He had half the cops in the city looking for you," Speed said firmly.  "Eric went nuts and called me four different times to see if you came to me."

"I came here because it'd give him more time to fix stuff and calm down."

"Well, you made him frantic.  Not a good plan."  Xander shrugged and rubbed his butt. "Good!   You riding the bus alone at your age was dangerous."

"I had the taser with me."

"I don't care," Speed assured him.  "It's still dangerous. Adults are stronger and could have hurt you before you could've gotten to it."  Xander went pale at that.  "You're in deep for that part, I can already promise you that.  As for the taping and stuff, it was a reasonable thing when the adults weren't listening.  It was helpful, but you could've come to me."

"You're busy getting better."

"So?  Don't I talk to you most every night?"

"I did tell you," he said quietly, looking so hurt.  "You said daddy could fix it and he didn't."  He hopped down and walked off, going to the other side of the yard to watch the neighbor's dogs play in their yard.

Speed sighed and looked at Horatio, who looked tortured.  "Now, your side is?"  Horatio looked at him.  "Spill it."

"I was working on it.   I threatened him before.   I took the tape down there to threaten him today."

"I was shot nearly two weeks ago, H.  A single threat in that amount of time?"

"Cases...."

"Then the kid's got a point.  You cared more about the victims than your own family."  Horatio glared at him.  "Truth, boss."  He stepped closer. "Your son was in pain.  Your nephew was in pain.  You were wrapped up in everyone else's pain but theirs.  You've got to find that spot of balance before he turns out like your brother."  Horatio slumped and nodded, going to talk to his son.  He sat down on the swing to watch, moving it slowly.  Eric leaned out.  "They're talking."

"He spank him for this stunt?"

"For the running away part.  He had some valid issues."

"I heard."  He came out.  "Your arm doing okay?"

"It's fine.  The stitches are all out.  I start PT in a few days for it."  They both watched as Xander stomped off again.  "With me," he ordered when he headed back inside.  Xander came back to give him a hug.  "Now, wanna tell me what the sticky point was this time?"

"I told him we'd argue at home," Horatio told him.  "Where we're not taking over someone else's yard."

Speed looked at him. "If you blame this on him I will hurt you myself," he mouthed.  Horatio glared at him.  "How about this.  My place is neutral.  I owe Xander dinner for all the cookies and stuff he fed me and how he read to me while I was on your couch when I got out.  You two can come argue at my place and I'll make dinner.  That way he feels safe and you're in a neutral environment."  Horatio looked stunned.  "That way both sides are on neutral and emotionally uncharged ground."

"I could agree to that," Xander said tiredly.

Horatio stared at him. "Fine.  Get in the hummer, Xander."  Xander went to pick up his backpack.  "Eric, thank your mother?"

"Sure, H."  He went inside.

Horatio looked at him.  "You can't jump into this."

"I can because you'll ruin your relationship with him," he said bluntly.  "Your son broke his ankle and didn't really cry.  He was just now crying."  He pointed at the wet spot on his shirt.  "You both need a neutral place to work this out before you scream at him and he runs away again.  Because I have no clue where he'd go this next time. This time I was sure it was family when I heard.  Next time?"  He looked at him.  "Now, try for a neutral topic in the car.  Meet me there.  He's got a key to my place in case there's an emergency and he can't go home for some reason."  Horatio walked off.  Speed sighed and shook his head, heading inside.  "Thank you for watching him for us."  He kissed Eric's mother on the cheek.  "I'm going to finish mediating and possibly smack Horatio on the head with a hot frying pan."

"The boy did run."

"The boy had his reasons," Speed assured her.  He walked out to his bike, starting it and heading home.

Eric's mother frowned at her son.  "Is what he said true?"

"Horatio was working on the issue with Stetler, Momma.  It was going slowly.  That's what upset Xander.  That and his father wasn't listening to him.  Which is why he ran away."

She nodded.  "Many children do."

"I'm glad he came to you guys.  I had no idea he knew where you lived or I would've called sooner."

"He needed time to calm down," his father advised.  "He came in looking like someone kicked his dog."

"Well..."  He shrugged.  "We think Stetler said something to him too.  If he did, I'm going to kill him."  He walked back to his room. "When's dinner?"

"Another hour," his mother said patiently, getting up to get back to the normal things.  Her son was a bottomless pit.

***

Xander sat down on Speed's couch when he got kicked out of the kitchen.  "He said I had to let you explain your BS reasons for not giving a damn about us anymore."

Horatio looked at his son.  "Do not swear at me."  Xander gave him an evil look and he knew why suspects tended to flinch when he gave it to them.  "We can talk without you swearing."  He stared at him until he looked away.  "Xander."  His son looked at him again.  "You had it wrong.  I do care."

"You didn't listen."

"I did listen and I was working on it."

"Two weeks later?" he snorted.  "Gee, dad, and Ray's supposed to do what?  Slit his wrists while you worked on it?"  He groaned at that.   "He's a mean man and he should be shot."

"I was working on it.  She had spoken to him too."

"Yeah, I heard that one.  He sneered at us both about that."  Horatio swallowed.  "Do you even have any idea what it's like to be told you're worthless?"

"I do," he admitted.  "I've been told that in the past."

"Did you listen?"

"I was your age," he told him, looking at him.  Xander slumped at that, crossing his arms but getting more comfortable.  "I was working on it.  Why didn't Ray come over?"

"His mother wouldn't let him."

"I'll talk with her again.  I don't mind you protecting Ray.  I do mind you doing it this way. I do mind you going behind my back to make plans to hurt him for Ray.  I also mind you running away when things got hard, Xander.  That was why you got spanked, because you did something so stupid you could've died from it."

"I had the taser."

"Which you shouldn't have," he reminded him.  "Can you even use it?"  Xander nodded.  "How did you learn?"

"Uncle Ray showed me.  I took it out of his desk.  Ray Junior knew."

"Is there another reason you needed it?  Beyond him?"

"Some of the bullies at school have been pushing me and someone keeps coming to Grandma Salas' house looking for you."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did.  You told me to ignore the bullies who tried to mash my face into the school and that she'd handle it if it was something serious."

"That is an adult's job," he agreed.

"Yeah, well, she's in her sixties, Dad.  Not like she can beat him if he comes into the house.  Or when he followed me to school one day."  Horatio stared at him.  "I told you."

"I don't remember that."

"You gave me another talk about strangers."

"Oh."  He ran a hand through his hair and looked at his son.  "I'm trying."

"Not a whole lot from where I'm sitting."

"I'm doing the best I can, son.  There's only one of me."

"Dad, do you realize you missed my school play?"  Horatio stiffened at that. "Uncle Speed was there. Auntie Calleigh was there.  You were in the office doing paperwork.  You also missed open house.  I know exactly where I fall against your job anymore.  Unfortunately I'm not young and cute like I used to be."  He went back into the kitchen to get something to nibble but Speed sent him back out after a few minutes break.

"I did not do those things on purpose, Xander."

"Then buy a desk calendar."

His father glared at him.  "You don't have to be smart about it.  I'm apologizing."

"It's worthless if it'll happen again.  Isn't that what you told me?"

"Have you ever known me to not keep my word?"

Xander nodded. "You didn't come to open house.  You promised you would."  He sipped his water.  "Uncle Speed came instead."

"You did?"

"You didn't."  He gave him a look. "Eric and I flipped a coin and then I handcuffed him to his locker so I could go."  He went back to chopping stuff.  "He had some pretty decent artwork this year, Horatio."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were working on that child murder," Speed admitted. "You were focused and didn't realize you hadn't eaten dinner.  As a possible solution I would offer getting someone else into the lab.  I'm going to be out for months and that would give you an extra hand so you're not doing so many hours.  When I come back I can take over some of the paperwork for you while I'm stuck in the lab."  He gave him a look and then went back to cooking.  "Calm down, Xander."

Horatio looked at his son, seeing how tense he was.  He moved closer but his son glared at him again.  "It was not intentional."

"Still happened," he said into his water glass before taking a drink.

Horatio took the glass and made his son look at him.  "I was not aware I was doing it.  It will not keep happening unless it is a matter of life and death."

"You mean like you not wearing your vest?" Xander asked.

Horatio sighed.  "That's a matter of circumstance.  Sometimes I don't have it when I need it."

"Then put it in the hummer."

"I would but then I need it at work," he offered.

"Maybe you should change jobs, dad.  That way you're not in danger like Uncle Speed was."

Horatio looked at his son.  "No one is going to hurt me, Xander."

"Two of the kids in the seventh grade said you were going to die when their daddies shot you."

Horatio slumped and shook his head.  "It won't happen."

"It did to Uncle Speed."

Horatio looked at him.  "That was a rare occurrence, son.  It is not the common, average day for us."

"I realize that.  It doesn't mean the bad guys don't want to get you back for figuring out that they're bad guys and putting them away.  Or else I wouldn't have spent a week at Grandma Salas' last year after you got a phone call."

"Why did you not talk to me about these things?"

"Because you don't listen to me or talk to me.  I'm not cute anymore."

"You're still cute and young, Xander."

"Maybe you should have another baby, Dad.  That way you can hold and coddle someone again."

"I can do that to Speed and you both if I wanted."

"No you can't."

"I can so."  He pulled him closer to hug him. "I'm sorry."

"Seeing is believing, Dad."  He got free and went back into the kitchen but Speed made him come right back out.  "Fine."

"Now is not the time to hide and retreat, Xander.  Now's the time to work out an agreement on how things should be," Speed told him.  "Lay it all out for him.  Tell him what you need for him to change and let him talk to you about them.  That way you know what's got to happen and what doesn't."  Horatio took him out onto the porch so his son couldn't escape this time, sitting down with him to work on the problems they were having.  Speed looked up. "Don't usually believe in you but can you maybe kick him in the ass?  And no, I don't mean the kid this time."  He went back to browning the meat and garlic, adding the onions to it.  Xander slunk back in and gave him a hug.  "Done talking?"

"I needed a break."

"It happens.  Make some more water and bring him some.  Tell him dinner's in an hour."  Xander nodded, making ice water for them both, then bringing the glasses out.  His father took his and they went back to talking but Xander was across the porch again.  His father made him come closer and sit with him.  Horatio did good with people in pain.  He put the meat into the oven and got to work on some vegetables.  Then he went to sit and read for a bit.  Xander hadn't gotten to finish the first Harry Potter book and he wanted to see how it ended.  Even if it was a bit simplistic it was well written and a good read for an easy night.  He kept an eye on the family on his porch and the kitchen, getting up now and then to stir stuff.  When it was nearly time he whistled and handed Xander plates.  "Set the table."

"Sure."  He went to do that.  His father got the glasses and silverware.  "What're we having?"

"Roast."

"Cool.  I had twinkies for lunch."

"Why didn't you eat?" Horatio asked.

"More money for the comic shop."

Horatio rolled his eyes and sighed.  That was for a later discussion.  For now, he had to go back to being a better father.

***

Horatio walked into Speed's bedroom later that night, having tucked the sleeping boy onto the couch, his usual napping spot if they talked into the night.  "You probably shouldn't have gotten between us."

"You'd rather be out right now driving around the city hunting him?"

"No," he admitted, sitting on the foot of the bed.  "I had it, Speed."

"No, you didn't."  He gave him a look.  "Was Xander listening to you at Eric's mother's house?"  Horatio shuddered.  "He nearly ran out again, right?"  Horatio nodded, looking down.  "So I gave you the space you needed to do that calmly and rationally but also gave him someone he could retreat to for some calmness.  Because you're not.  Not at the moment and especially not earlier."

"He ran from me."

"Do we know why?"

"Do I do the same thing to others?"

"I see you most every day," Speed reminded him.  "It says something when the patrol guys give him a birthday card and know not to get him one with puppies."  He slumped and nodded.  "You're doing the best you can.  It was okay until recently.  It's just recently that it sucked ass and you got caught up in the cases.  It would've been fine if it wasn't for that shit with the asshole."

"True."  He shifted closer and Speed held up the covers but he shook his head.  "I can't, not with him out there."

"Horatio, he's walked in on us cuddling twice now."  He got a horrified look.  "You were asleep once.  The other you were playing with my neck.  He gave me this gentle, pleased smile and disappeared to play on the back porch with the radio on.  You complained that the radio was too loud if I remember right."

"Crap," he muttered.

Speed smiled and pulled him in for a kiss.  "If he wonders he'll ask.  Right now he's happy that you're happy and now he's content as well."  He took another kiss. "But you could use some stress relief.  You're nearly vibrating."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Take off your clothes, let me get a towel.  I'll do your back?"  Horatio smiled and nodded, closing the door with a glance at his son before stripping down and laying on top of the towel Speed put down.  Warm, slick hands came down to work over his back, slowly kneading all the tension away.  "Are you taking tomorrow off?"

"The Chief suspended me for three days for hitting Rick."

"What did he get?"

"He got told he was lucky Yelina wasn't pressing abuse charges for her and her son and if he ever went near her again he was going to lose his badge.  I asked that he include Xander in that since I found out he had said things to him too.  The chief was livid.  He likes Xander."

"Everyone who knows Xander likes Xander but one patrol guy."

"I don't want him near Xander anyway.  He's wrong somehow."

"He is.  So, anything else get discussed?"

"I'm going to be putting up an opening for a trainee."

"Thank you."

"I should have earlier."

"Yup, but life gets in the way sometimes.  The same as sometimes cases get in the way of life.  He knows it has to happen now and then.  What about getting a secretary?"

"I asked, the Chief said he'd cut my budget by twenty percent if I tried."

"Then bring some home for after hours."

"I'm hoping the new tech will cure most of the problems.  How's your shoulder?"

"A bit sore but I haven't done anything all day."  They both heard Xander moving around but he went into the bathroom and shut the door.  Speed checked the clock a few minutes later and sighed, getting up to talk to him.  He found him asleep on the toilet and checked his forehead. "Not good, kiddo."  That woke Xander and got a startled reaction.  "It's all right. You fell asleep in here.  Clean up and go back to bed, okay?"  Xander nodded and he left him alone.  The boy wouldn't let anyone in the bathroom with him, hadn't since he had finished potty training.  He tucked him back in and kissed him on the head. "You're a bit warm, want some tylenol?"

"I'm okay," Xander said quietly.  "Sorry I got you up."

"I was still up and talking to your dad about the new guy he's going to hire."  That got a grin.  "Go to sleep, Xander."  He kissed him on the forehead again then went back to his room, closing the door again. "He's a bit warm.  He was sitting down when he fell asleep."

"I'll make sure he's okay in the morning," he promised.  Speed laid down next to him.  "I wiped off my back so we could sleep."

"I'm all for a cuddle."  He could feel that Horatio put back on his boxers.  A frail cover in case the kid came in but definitely not stopping any nefarious plans he had.  He cuddled in and stroked a hand over his lover's cock, making him hiss and arch into him.  He grinned.  "Mine?"

"Cuddle away," he moaned.  Speed let out a small cackle and went to play with him.  They'd gotten this far before but Horatio had kept them at this level.  He started to move down but Horatio stopped him.  "I want to."

"I'm...."

"A prude about being blown?" Speed teased.  Horatio blushed but nodded.  "You've dated some very fussy women, Horatio."

"It's what my mother taught me, Speed."

"Sure.  We can leave that off until you're ready to think about it."

"Haven't yet."

"Maybe we'll talk out it in a few weeks."  Horatio smiled and nodded. "Did you tell everyone you were suspended?"

"I told Frank, he can tell everyone tomorrow."  They both heard Xander get up and run to the bathroom this time.  "Sounds like the flu."

"Yes it does," he sighed, getting up to pour the kid some cold water while Horatio went to baby him.

***

Speed looked up as the Chief walked in looking confused.  "I'm the secretary for the moment.  No, you can't cut our budget or else Xander will kill you and let Eric dive after you."  He got back to work.

"Why can't Horatio do these?"

"They don't allow laptops on Xander's ward."

"Excuse me?  He's in the hospital?"

"He started to throw up last night, wouldn't stop, and ended up puking blood," Speed agreed.  "He's at Mercy on 2 South."  That got a shudder. "He'll be fine. They're making sure it's not an ulcer or something."  He called everyone on a conference call.  "It's me.  We all know Xander's in the hospital, right?  Horatio's with him and using his suspension to deal with him puking blood?"

"He okay?" Eric asked.

"Should be fine.  They ruled out an ulcer by four this morning.  They're thinking he's got the flu and ruptured something when he couldn't quit heaving.  Yelina, you might want to watch Ray."

"I will," she agreed.  "Where is he so they can visit tonight?"

"2 south, Mercy.  Horatio's not allowed to use his cell or laptop while Xander's in there so I'm doing secretarial duties.  You guys need shit, I'm in the office temporarily.  Also, Horatio's going to beg for a newbie to take some of the burden."

"I said he could," the Chief reminded him.  "I won't let him have a secretary but I will let him have a new tech.  It'll be cheaper than the overtime this department has."

"To cut out our overtime we'd need two, not one," Speed told him.  He pulled out a basket and put it onto the table. "This is this week's paperwork.  This is why they thought Xander might have an ulcer this morning."  He looked horrified.  "Most of it's sign and pass on crap but it has to be proofread.  The same as each report does."  That got a groan.  "Plus some of the more serious arrest files as well.  I can only stand this shit for so long, Chief.  So please, two techs and a secretary part time?"

"One tech and a part timer," he relented, walking off shaking his head.

"So you guys pass word around, all right?" Speed ordered.  "I'm going to relieve Horatio for dinner.  We'll play nicely and he'll quit growling for a while."  He hung up and got back to work on the backlog of paperwork.  With cases the way they had been no one had time to do these things.  Some of these reports were months old.  A while later Calleigh brought in another stack. "Gee, thanks, really," he said dryly.

"Now I'm caught up.  Eric's doing his.  Frank told Alexx and she's already over there loving on Xander.  Did they get it worked out?"

"Took a few hours but yeah," he admitted, looking at her.  "This crap got in the way for part of it.  Some of it was Xander wanting and needing him to move sooner than what was going on.  I'm hoping the new tech will help the hours some, especially when I get back."

"We can only hope."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Get better sooner and pass that onto Xander.  I'll see him tomorrow since I'm coming in late."  She walked out again.

Eric carried in a larger stack and put it down with a groan.  "Mine, Cooper's, and Valera's backlog.  Just sign.  We already proofread."

"The last time we did that the DA read it in open court and the judge laughed because the report sounded like Xander had written it in first grade."  He got back to work.  "We'll have a part-time secretary soon."

"Good!  Maybe she'll type reports?"

"Doubt it.  She'll be doing these things and filing, Eric."

"Fine.  Maybe it'll be someone nice for Horatio to see?"  Speed gave him the look of death and he caught a clue.  "Really?"

"It's new, no you can't have details, and if you mention it to *anyone* he'll kill us both.  I don't want to make the kid mourn me."

"Sure," he agreed, nodding. "I get that."  He walked off smiling and happier.  It looked like Xander had a super fussy, scruffy, grumpy mommy now.  It'd be good for him.  Even if Speed did teach him how to ride his bike.

***

Xander looked over as someone came into his hospital room, raising an eyebrow.  "Dad's in the bathroom.  Who're you?"

"I'm one of the guys who he's thinking about hiring to fill in while Speedle's on leave but I was told to bring all the folders so you two could go over them," he offered.  Horatio came out of the bathroom. "Lieutenant.  I was told to bring you personnel folders."  He handed them over.  "Plus to introduce myself.  The others will be coming in to guard the two of you now and then so you can conduct informal interviews and not have to leave his side.  I've got the door tonight."  He nodded and walked out to stand guard.

"Why do I rate a guard?" Xander asked.

"I do not know," he admitted, opening the door.  "Which threat is it this time?"

"Um, sir, you hadn't heard that there's a hit out on you?" he asked quietly.  "Your former teammates on bomb squad had to go undo the one on your porch."  Horatio moaned.  "So we'll be guarding you.  That way you can talk to us, see if you can stand us, and talk to us when your son's asleep.  That way you don't have to leave his side.  The Chief also told Speedle he was a bad secretary who made bad coffee so he had to pick someone to do the paperwork for him since he's on leave."

"Thank you...."

"Wolfe."  He shook his hand.  "Masters in Chemistry with an emphasis in Trace, sir."

"Thank you, Mr. Wolfe."  He went back to sit beside his son.  "He's bending over backwards."

"He knows he's in trouble for not stopping the man twat."  His father looked at him.  "I could use more creative names."

"Please don't, son."  He got to reading his dossier.  It had a lot of qualifications he wanted and needed.  The other folders were less promising.  "Has anyone else applied, Mr. Wolfe?"

"Not that I'm aware of, sir.  I only know one other person who could inside the department.  I've called and told him but he's out with a broken leg so I'm not sure if he's sent you a letter of interest or not."

"Thank you."  He went back to reading his folder.

"Can I see?"

"No.  Not personnel folders."  He looked at his son.  "You can interrogate him if you want."  That got an evil smile.  Which meant his son was starting to feel better.  "Hopefully we'll get you out of here soon."

"Hopefully," he agreed. He snuggled down into the bed, looking pathetic when the nurse came in.  "Must I have the shot?"

"Yes," she said patiently.  "Now flip over like a good boy."

"He hasn't thrown up in two hours," Horatio told her.

"Good!  He still has to have it so we make sure of it."

"But it makes me pee and I really don't need that," Xander complained.  "Please?  Just tell the doctor I haven't been throwing up?"  She sighed and went to do that. She came back with the shot.  "Damn it."

"Tough.  You get two more too."

"That seems excessive."

"They're vitamin shots, Lieutenant," the nurse said patiently.  "He's out of whack."

"You eat a good breakfast and dinner.  How are you that incomplete?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted.  The nurse gave him a look so he sighed and flipped over, yelping when she stuck him.  "Can't you be gentler!  Aren't I in enough pain?"

"Sorry, has to get into the muscle, Xander," she said patiently, finishing the injection then opening an alcohol swab to clean the area.  "There we go."  She capped the needle and helped him onto his back.  "Have you had anything to drink?"

"It ran right through him," Horatio offered quietly.  "Those things really do make him want to pee a lot."

"They do to some people.  Let's feel lucky the doctor didn't order a catheter."  He shuddered.  "Okay, let's try some juice for dinner.  Apple or orange, Xander?"

"Orange."  She nodded, going to get him some.  She brought back a small cup.  "Can I have more than that?"

"If you keep it down."  She handed it over and he gulped it, and they waited.  Half an hour later he was throwing it back up again.  "So much for that."

"He managed to keep down water," Horatio told her, stroking back Xander's hair and helping hold him up.  "It's all right, we'll figure it out."

"It's the stupid shot," he complained between heaves.

The nurse sighed and went to make notes. "No blood this time," she told the shift supervisor.

"Good.  Why does he have a guard?"

"I don't know.  Officer?"  He looked over.  "Why the guard?"

"Death threat and easier hiring of an additional tech," he said.

"Okay.  Thank you."  She looked at the man coming up the hall with the covered thermos. "He can't have that."

"He's never thrown it up in the past, woman."  Speed walked in and helped tuck Xander back into bed, kissing him on the forehead.  "I've got some of Grandma Delko's chicken soup."  Xander whimpered.  "Without anything in it."  That got a smile from Horatio.  "So you can have a few small sips, see if you can hold it down, okay?"  Xander nodded, taking the thermos cup of it.  He drank it slowly and they waited.  An hour later he got another one.  The nurse came in.  "He's keeping this down."

"He didn't keep down orange juice."

"Ow!  That stuff hurts when you throw it back up."

"He wanted that over apple juice."

"I'm glad it wasn't grapefruit then."  Xander grinned and finished that soup.  Speed settled onto the bed with book one.  "Let's see, we were in chapter nine, right?"  Xander nodded so he got down to reading to him.   He marked their spot when Xander fell asleep, kissing him on the forehead again while the nurse checked him over.  "He still puking blood?" he asked quietly.

"A little bit at the end but he bit his tongue," Horatio admitted.  "I couldn't tell if it was from that source or not."

"We'll have to see," the nurse told him.  "Now, death threat?"  Horatio shrugged.  "That's fine.  At least he's a polite guard."  She walked out.

Horatio handed over the personnel folder.  "That is who is guarding us.  All the candidates for the new spot are our guards."

"Makes it easier on you.  I coopted one of the receptionist pool to proofread so all you have to do is sign stuff.  Plus there's a new requisition on the desk as well."  He handed it over and Horatio whimpered.  "I know it'll blow the budget but that one broke."

"I've got a grant request in," he admitted, putting it into his bag.  "If we get it we can replace two of the hummers and update the others."  That got a smile.  Xander blinked up at him.  "Want to talk to the new guy?"

"Sure," Speed agreed.  "I'm training him, right?"  Horatio smiled.  "Ooooh, I'm feeling a sudden rush of power."

"You three are all training him, but they sent me people who were better in Trace, Speed."

"Sure.  Yo, Wolfe!" he called.  He came in.  "First, relax."  He relaxed, no longer at parade rest.  "Good.  Do you have any affiliations that will make your life a living hell in the lab?  Stalkers, reporters, anything like that?"

He coughed and nodded slightly. "There is a reporter who knows me and might try to use me.  I'm going to try to be careful with her."

"Which?" Horatio asked.

"Sykes."

"Ah, the blonde bitch," Speed agreed.  "Sleep with her?"

"That's a bit personal."

"Wolfe, the lab is a family," Speed told him.  "Not only do we do things together, we all get to pick on your current girl or boyfriend and we get to nag Eric about how many he has."

"Once upon a time we did.  It was over a long time ago."

"Do you clean your gun?" Xander asked.

"Every day.  I'm a bit OCD."

Horatio looked at him.  "That's more than a bit but that's not usually a bad thing in this line of work.  We work very long hours.  Do you have anything that can make you run home at a moment's notice, like I do?"  He pointed at his son at the curious look.

"No, Lieutenant.  I'm single, no kids, nothing like that.  I have a cat.  They thought it'd be good therapy.  He's going to be bald soon when I shave him."  Xander smiled at that.  "He sheds."

"All creatures shed.  Daddy complains about hairs on his suit too," Xander told him.  "Since I'm in there often how do you feel about teaching me stuff?"

"Personally I don't think you're old enough to be in the lab itself yet, Xander.  Teaching you things is fine but you're probably about the right age for the next troublesome growth spurt.  We don't want an accident with the chemicals so I'd keep you in one of the lesser labs to teach you things until you were at least thirteen and had some chemistry training.  That way you can't get hurt.  Not being a parent I don't have more than growth charts and developmental classes to go on so unless you're a chemistry whiz I'd let you watch in fingerprints, AV, QD, or any of those labs."

"Which is about where I stand on the issue," Horatio admitted, looking at Speed.

"He followed me in and followed orders when I had him in Trace."

"Good.  In a few years he can intern if he wants."  He looked at him. "Do you have any other specialities?"

"I can about name the formula for most cleaning products.  I'm good with weather and water patterns.  I'm good at doing hands and knees searching.  The cat makes me search out cat fur that way.  Would Xander like a cat?"

"No," Horatio said, shaking his head.  "A dog some year but no cats."  That got a pout from his son.  "Have more soup, son."  He looked at Ryan again.  "How do you deal with people?"

"Now and then not very well.  I do tend to take things personally as well."

"Then this job will rip you apart emotionally now and then," Speed told him.  That got a nod.  "At least you're realistic."

"I try."

Horatio nodded.  "That's better than some.  You're on my second interview pile.  Now, this death threat?"

"Not a clue, sir.  No one told me more than there was one and there had been a bomb on your back porch."

"Interesting.  Who told you that?"

"My shift supervisor.  I'm not sure who told him but I do know Kerns isn't in there but she's coming in next.  He just called.  She'll be taking over for me in an hour."  That got a nod.  "I'll go back to my post."

"Thank you, Officer Wolfe."

"Welcome, sir."  He went back to his post.  He nodded at the woman coming in. "He's in there with his son and Speedle.  Am I on dinner or relieved?"

"Dinner.  One hour.  Go."  He switched out and she leaned in, handing over her folder.  "Sorry, heard late, Lieutenant.  Speedle.  Sir."  She went back to her post.  She watched the nurses come in to give him a shot, shaking her head at the whining.  Kids were troublesome.

Xander leaned out.  "Dad said to come in when Officer Wolfe gets back."

"Sure, kid."  He looked around and snuck out.  She gave him a look and stopped him, putting him back inside the room.  "Not allowed to wander around the hospital."  She heard Speedle laugh.  She shook her head when Ryan came back ten minutes early.  "You've got ten minutes."

"I'm back.  Go ahead."  She went inside.  He listened to her ask if she was being interviewed with the child present and Speed's answer of 'he's the future boss'.  It was kind of cute.  She didn't do too great.  He looked around then texted his buddy when she came out and was standing there.  "Texting Rogers," he said at her curious look.  "He wanted into the lab too."

"I thought he was a ballistics person."

"He can do trace and other things.  We all can."

"Oh."  She shrugged. "Have fun tonight."  She walked off shaking her head. Maybe she'd rather be a detective.  It seemed a lot easier than working in a lab with Caine's son hanging around and twelve hour days.

Ryan's phone rang and he looked at it.  "Crap."

"Answer it," Speed called.

"Wolfe, I'm on shift," he said quietly.  He listened then nodded.  The nurse gave him a dirty look.  "Rogers, we're interviewing now.  Caine's son is on 2 south, at Mercy.  No, puking blood by the rumors.  He's interviewing now.  Get your hopping butt down here."  He hung up.  "Sorry."

"No cellphones.  They mess up monitors, Officer."

"Yes, ma'am, sorry.  Won't happen again."  He turned it off and slid it back into his pocket.  Speed opened the door.  "Rogers will hop down here, Speedle."

"That's fine.  We're trying to talk the Chief into giving us two so we don't have more twelve hour days unless they're necessary.  I'd like to have two days off in the same week sometimes."  He looked at him. "You know it's long hours, that it's a stressful job, and that you'll hate yourself sometime?  That you'll have to arrest kids who did stupid shit, that sometimes you'll feel more sorry for the murderer than the victim?  That you still have to detach and your temper cannot come out, ever?"

"The last one will be harder," he admitted quietly.  "I'm more prone to righteous anger than anything else."  That got a nod.  "The others are hard but I've had to do that before.  Arresting a wife who was defending herself because her husband pressed counter-charges.  Arresting people who defended themselves and someone ended up dead.  I had to arrest one woman who killed the man raping her," he said very quietly, looking at him.  "On the way in I told her exactly which public defender she should ask for and if she could afford them to go to Jenris instead.  That she might even take her case at a lesser rate if she had to because that was a bad situation."  That got a nod and a smile.  "I don't like having to do it but the law speaks and I've got to follow it.  Even when I want to beat someone for it."

"Good.  We sometimes manage to help in those situations.  Did you take her to the ER?"

"Yup.  Called my boss personally to tell him what was going on and that she needed medical attention so I was going to put her into custody and take her there first.  He agreed and called one of the DA's about it by the time we got in there.  She ended up getting a deal for probation but her lawyer got her off on self defense, as was right."  That got a nod.  "Kept it out of the media as well."

"Good.  I'm liking you more and more, even though your OCD will drive us all nuts."  That got a sheepish smile.  "You know you're going to be in mud, blood, and gross shit, right?"

"It happens and then I shower, a lot."

"Okay.  The other guy?"

"Rogers.  He's hopping right now.  Broke his leg and foot in an accident.  Not his fault, someone slammed into his cruiser."

"Ow.  I heard about that wreck while I was in the hospital."  He heard Xander getting sick and went to help.

Wolfe settled in for a long wait, nodding at his friend.  "Knock first.  The kid's getting sick again."

"Sure."  He tapped then leaned in.  "I can wait, Lieutenant."

"Thank you.  Sit."  He sat down and waited patiently, even getting up to move something off Xander's bed so they could tuck him back in. "It's not the soup."

"No, that was the juice they want him to drink," Speed told him.  The nurse came in.  "He's keeping down the soup but anytime he drinks the juice he gets sick."

"Hmm.  What about water?"  Xander moaned and held his stomach.  "How thin is that soup?"

"It's chicken soup without anything in it and it's a bit heavier," he offered.  "He was just throwing up water and juice."

"For the next hour let's try just plain water okay?"  They nodded.  "Then we'll try an hour with just the soup if he can't keep that down."  They nodded again.  "Good."  She walked off to make more notes.  One of the nurses looked over her shoulder.  "He's not keeping down the juice or the water.  He's keeping down the soup."

"Probably made by a grandmother," she offered.  They heard someone getting loud in there then it got quieter and Wolfe snickered a bit.  "The kid?"  He shook his head.  "Interviewing?"

"He's passionate about his desires."

"Ah."  They went back to work.  They didn't have a full floor at the moment, it was nice.  They did have parents come out of a room fighting and Wolfe glared until they quit fighting in the halls and slunk off.  When they came back later and the father had a gun, he arrested them both on the spot, much to their daughter's amusement since she clapped and cheered him on.  The officer interviewing at that time walked them out and took them in when she went.

***

Horatio walked into work four days later, looking around.  "He's out of the hospital.  Speed's babying him today from our couch."  He looked around.  "Where's Wolfe?"

"Getting a stain out of his shirt," Eric admitted. "He scared Calleigh and she splashed tea on him."

"Okay.  So we've all met Mr. Wolfe?"  They all nodded. "Good.  He's our new trainee.  Eric, he is a bit OCD.  Go easy on him."

"Yes, H.  Did he and Speed get along?"

"Not terribly well but well enough.  I've also got an idea of who I'm hiring for the next open spot we're allowed."  That got a smile from Calleigh.  "That way we can all work decent hours.  The new secretary?"

"Cried at the pile of reports she had to proofread for you," Calleigh offered.  "But she got through the whole stack and yesterday's meager offerings too."  Horatio smiled at that.  Ryan came out drying his shirt.  "There you are."

"How's Xander?"

"Better.  He quit throwing up, finally.  He's letting Speed baby him."  He smiled at him.  "Welcome to the lab."

"Thank you for this chance, Lieutenant.  Who am I working with today?"

"Eric."  Eric nodded and took him back to see if he was proficient in the labs.  "Play nicely," he called after him.  Eric's swagger said he was going to haze the rookie.  Eric gave him a smug look.  "Speed wasn't that mean to you your first week, Eric."

"He made me go through an unflushed toilet by hand, H.  Yes he was."  He smiled sweetly at Wolfe.

"I got hazed as a rookie on patrol," he sighed.  "I can stand it here and I'll punch you if you get too bad.  How about that?"

"Try it," Eric snorted but he was still smirking.  Wolfe smiled back.  "Fine, we'll work it out."  They got to work on an open case.

Calleigh looked at Horatio.  "I don't know who's worse today.  Eric didn't get any in the last week and you're tired."  She walked back to her lab.

Horatio went to his office to sign things.  He had a whole stack on his desk with a sign on top saying they were ready to be signed. His secretary leaned in a few hours later.  "Come here."  She walked in.  "Your name?"

"Marisa, Lieutenant.  I can see why you needed me.  I did write down some words to have one of the techs make sure they were spelled correctly.  I did also hand back two of Delko's reports because he misspelled his own name a few times."  That got a small smile.  "Those are all proofed for you.  The DA is groaning at the backlog when she came in yesterday to see why she didn't have a report for a case yet.  She said your son was interfering with the running of the lab and I let Calleigh answer that allegation for you.  The Chief would like a call when you have a moment, and he did say not to use the speaker phone.  I don't make coffee and I couldn't find the correct filing cabinets."

"Only some of these get filed.  Some get delivered," he admitted.  "I can manage my own coffee.  It lets me get down there to make sure people are doing what they're supposed to."  She smiled at that.  "It's not usually this bad."

"I figured it was backed up due to Speedle being shot.  He made the chain of command very clear to me, Lieutenant.  He also said I had the honor of helping keep some of the females off you since a few new ones are trying?"  He let out a soft moan.  "My girlfriend would be proud of me if I did."

"Please try."

She smiled and nodded. "Of course.  Your phone messages are under your phone.  Detective Salas wanted to know how your son was when I walked past her.  Frank was nibbling on a breadstick and muttering.  He didn't look happy with a case.  Eric warned me about those.  Is the new guy single?" she hissed.  "I know someone who would like him."

"As far as I know.  You can ask him."  She smiled at that. "Give me ten more minutes then I'll have things for you to deliver."

"I don't drive, sir.  I take the bus."

"They're in the building.  The DA can pick up their own."  He got back to signing what he needed, handing over that stack.  "To Evidence.  That's down on the first floor..."  She headed out with that stack.  He got to work on the reports, skimming them.  He signed off on them and they went into a pile for the DA at reception.  She could call over there and let them know they had a stack to pick up.  The rest he went through more slowly while she delivered.  One was making his head hurt so he looked at his phone messages and called the Chief first, leaning back to listen to him.  "You wanted to speak to me, Chief?"  He smiled and nodded.  "He's better.  He hasn't thrown up in ten hours so they sent him home this morning.  Speedle is.  Doing the same as my son did when he got out of the hospital."  He smiled.

"Actually, he sat on his lap and read to him, sir, so Speed's doing it back to him.  They're finishing book one of Harry Potter and moving onto book two if he's that awake.  Why?"  He listened then nodded slowly.  "No, they tested him for poisons and chemicals.  No, they did it, I didn't have the lab run it."  He rolled his eyes.  "I'm quite sure, sir.  Why?"  He blinked. "Why would they want to do that?"  He shook his head.  "No, actually I was hoping for the other grant so I can replace the one broken hummer, add one so we can spare the older models, and then update the rest.  One needs an engine overhaul again.  One needs totally replaced.  It's been in three accidents.  No, people running into it.  Eric calls it the trouble magnet one.  No, not mine, sir."  He covered his face and listened to him complain.  "That's why I was going for that other grant, sir.  Exactly.  So we wouldn't have to and if I had anything left I'd use it to up my budget so I could hire a second trainee."  She came back and he waved her off, getting a nod and she closed his door.  "Thank you for the secretary.  She's efficient."  Someone tapped and leaned in.  "No, Eric."

"Have to.  Calleigh and I are going out on a case with the rookie."  That got a nod.  Eric closed the door behind him.

"Sorry, Eric telling me there's a case.  No, I don't want a redesign.  An updating but not a total revamp.  Why?"  He shrugged.  "While that's nice, why?  It's functional right now. It's not too grungy and personally I'm happy with the lab as it is.  We just need some upgrades and the corners scrubbed.  You knew it was going to happen some day, sir.  We haven't had one to the hummers since my second year here and we haven't updated the lab since the year I took over."  He smirked.  "Exactly.  It needs to be done.  I'm doing that right now.  Marisa?"  She leaned in.  "Can you write grants?"

"Haven't but I can check a book out of the library and learn."

"Please.  I've got three I've got to write."  She nodded, going to look up titles and see if they had one in the CSI reference section.  "She's finding a book.  I don't want a lab revamp, sir.  Just an update.  As Las Vegas proved, that much glass can be dangerous.  Their tech is still healing from the explosion out there, sir.  Yes, I do know the cause.  Faulty equipment met a sample and they exploded."  He rubbed his forehead.  "I'd rather they updated equipment, not the structure.  If it's that much then they can replace the non-working hummer and the badly damaged one, sir.  It should come out about the same."  He smirked.  "It should.  Especially if we upgrade the computers in the back at the same time."  Marisa came back in with two messages.  He wrote a response on one and she left the other while she went to call them back.  "Yes, I'm quite sure, Chief.  Because it's comfortable now.  Even if it is a bit dingy in places.  That's more the cleaning crew."  Ryan walked in with something then backed out.  "Aren't you on the scene?"

"We were heading out and the hummer broke down in the parking lot.  That's why Eric made me bring you that."  He left again.

"Sir, one of the hummers just quit in the parking lot," he sighed.  "I'm sure we can go back to using personal vehicles as well.  I'm sure Speed would enjoy taking his bike to some scenes."  That got a moan of complaint.  "Now, sir, unfortunately I've got to do that.  Tell them the revamp of the equipment is welcome. The building itself is not.  Tell them to replace the hummers instead.  Thank you anyway."  He hung up and went to see what happened.  Auto detail was there.  "What happened this time?"

"Engine blew, Lieutenant.  We see more of this one than we do the others for anything but gas."

"I'm trying to get that one retired.  Can you use the other broken one to fix this one?"

"Can.  It'll take us a few weeks."

"As soon as you can please."  He walked off shaking his head. He took the tylenol packet from Marisa's hand.  "Thank you."  He walked in and took it with his water and got back to work signing and calling people back.  One of them was a pleasure.  "Mac."  He put him on speaker.  "What's going on?"

"Our new cold case unit came across two with your name on them.  They said one was a bit personal so I thought I'd call to tell you they were looking at the death of Xander's mother."  Xander had gone insane when he had went up there for their last crossover case and even Mac had smiled at the ball of energy his son had turned into.  "They want to talk to you about it, Horatio. There's something strange going on."

"I'm just back today after being out with Xander.  He was vomiting blood and in the hospital."

"I heard.  Calleigh called me back the first time for you."

"She never told me."

"I told her it wasn't critical and to leave me as a note on your desk.  I figured you had paperwork backlogged."

"With Speed having been shot, I came in to a four foot stack of reports that had been backlogged," he admitted.  Mac whimpered in sympathy.  "Thankfully they got me a part- time secretary and she proofed them all for me.  All I had to do was skim, sign, and hand off."

"I need one of those."

Horatio smiled. "Speed told the Chief he was my secretary and the Chief told him he'd look bad in a skirt and made crap coffee."  Mac snickered.  "Do they need us to come up?"

"Maybe for a weekend or so," he agreed.  "Again, nothing critical but something strange was going on and they're not sure what.  If you want I can take it over as a favor."

"If you want, Mac. I know you've got plenty on your plate."

"Don't remind me, please.  Let me grab that and we'll talk in a few days.  Tell him I said to feel better and Stella would hug him if he was closer."

"He ran from her last time, Mac.  Said she was a scary woman and I wasn't allowed to date her."  Mac laughed at that and hung up.  He smiled and hung up on his end.  Then he went back to the paperwork.  One was still giving him a headache.  He answered the phone.  "Horatio."  He listened to her tell him who it was.  "Thank you.  Always put him through or transfer him to my cell."  He took the transferred call.  "Horatio."  He listened then nodded.  "That's acceptable, Monsignor.  No, he's at home on the couch with an injured tech.  He'll be fine."  He smiled.  "Thank you for your concern.  We're not sure.  They know it wasn't an ulcer."  He frowned.  "Why was he behind in English?"  He nodded at that.  "I remember seeing it that morning.  No, there was some family stress at that point.  No, it was solved.  You can assure his teacher we handled that issue and it won't happen again.  How is Ray Junior doing?"  He smiled at the compliments of everything but his temper.  "His father had one of those too.  I can hopefully be there after school with her.  If cases are willing, Monsignor.  Thank you."  He hung up and took his water with him, going to find Yelina.  "Busy?"

"Only slightly.  Why?"  She smiled at him.  "How is he?"

"Better.  He's home now.  Speed's finishing Harry Potter book one."  That got a smile.  "He started reading it to Speed when he got out.  The Monsignor wanted to talk to us this afternoon about the boys."

"What did Ray do this time?"

"Nothing much.  They're both a bit behind at the moment.  Xander's last english paper is on the table if I remember right.  He said your son was behind in science for about the same reason.  He said it was nothing bad but he did mention that Ray's temper was a bit hot today.  I assured him that the situation Xander asked his teacher about was handled."  She groaned and put her head down, shaking it. "They were trying to protect each other, Yelina."

"They were," she agreed, sitting up again.  "He'll never do it again."

"Good because next time I'll let my new tech have his missing person's case."  She nodded at that.  "Now, I told him cases willing so come get me when it's time?"  She nodded and smiled. "Thank you.  Also, Cold Case up there reopened his mother's homicide so I've got to head up to talk to them some weekend soon.  Mac Taylor said he'd take it for me for now and then check with me again."

"Sure. Want me to watch Xander that weekend?"

"He adored New York," he said with a gentle smile.  "He ran them over with questions.  Though he did say I couldn't date Stella, his second in command, because she was scary."  She smiled at that.  "Just a head's up.  What was the other message about?"

"I found his baby book in the closet."

"Bring it over tonight.  He should be ready to play sedately by then."  That got a nod and he went back to his office, pausing at Frank's desk.  "Which case?"

"Speed's last one for me."  He held it up.  "Haven't heard anything and I'm stumped."

"I'll see who has it right now."  He made note of the name and went to check on the listing of who had what.  It appeared none of Speed's cases had been reassigned so he broke them up and left notes for his people.  It'd be good for Ryan to help.  Then he went back to his paperwork of doom.

***

Horatio looked at Speed when he came down from tucking Xander in.  "I had to reassign your open cases."

"Damn it," he muttered.

"It's not like I'm sending you to bomb squad, Speed."

"That's good at least.  I look crappy in all black."  He sat down next to him.  "Is that Xander's baby book?"

"It is."  He let him see it.  "I got him when he was a few weeks old."  That got a smile and Speed went through the album.  "They've reopened his mother's case."

"Why?"

"I don't know.  Cold Case took it.  Mac was checking into it for me."  He let Speed cuddle, looking at the pictures.  "Ray was such an asshole back then," he said quietly.  "He thought Yelina was going to do everything for Ray Junior and still work.  He fled the hospital while she was in labor so I got to help her through it.  Xander woke up and cried when Ray did.  The nurses thought it was cute."  Speed smiled at that.  "Yelina learned   how to change diapers on Xander since we had him two months before Ray Junior was born.  Shopping for him got her nursery decorated at the same time.  It was happier even if I did want to swat my brother for pouting about not having the firstborn of the generation."

Speed squeezed his thigh.  "Sometimes it's better to remember the nicer things and sometimes it's better to remember them how they really were," he soothed.  "Hagen had to break Ray of being an asshole to the techs on scenes.  He pulled attitude with Eric his first day in and Eric pointed out he must miss being single and not getting laid, unlike him."  Horatio snickered at that.  "He pouted the rest of the day."

"He did," Horatio sighed, shaking his head.  "I didn't know what Eric has said."

"Dead club girl.  That's how they got onto that subject."  He turned the page, smiling at the first birthday pictures.  "I remember that day.  Took me two days to get the cake out of my hair."  That got a smile.  "You're back and happy, Horatio."

"I'm hoping them reopening the case doesn't mean they've got something on her parents. They could challenge me for custody."

"Not hardly."  Horatio looked at him.  "I'll lie like hell if I have to," he said quietly.  "You're not losing him if they do show up."  Horatio smiled and gave him a hug. "Thanks, needed that."  Xander peeked around the back of the couch.  "C'mere.  Can't sleep?"  He shook his head and got on his other side. "These are your baby pictures."

"Do you two want another one?"

"Please God no," Horatio moaned.  "You were more than enough for us, Xander."

"Dad, you liked me a lot more when I was littler."

"I thought you two got that straightened out," Speed said, looking at him.

"Babies have a special appeal."  That got a nod.  "Besides, he got more days off then and I'd make a good big brother.  I do to Ray Junior."

"You make an excellent big brother but it's not in my plans at the moment, Xander."   He pulled him into his lap and gave him a cuddle.  Speed went back to the beginning of the book.  "That was right before your christening."

"Is that why I'm wearing a dress?"  Horatio nodded.  "Oh."  He pointed at one. "Who's that?"

"That was my old boss," Horatio told him. "He's the man who trained me to be a CSI."

"Wow."  He kept going, smiling at some of them.  "I was a mess."

"That was back during your petting days," Speed told him.  "You spread cake and frosting into my hair.  Took me two days to get it out."  Xander gave him a wicked grin.  "That was also the day your father was told he was going to bomb squad.  We about killed Megan for that.  She nearly had a mutiny on her hands."  Horatio looked at him.  "We kept it from you but Calleigh and I were planning on going to 'blue flu' status.  You were the only one keeping the unit running.  She had most of it but not the admin stuff.  You did that even then.  Even on the days when you had to bring Xander in on your back."  Xander looked at him.  "When he first came in and you couldn't go to Grandma Salas' house, he'd bring you in on his back, using one of those backpack carriers.  My first day with you there you were practicing your stealth maneuvers.  He had a blanket over the carrier and you snuck out and petted me in the lab."

"You jumped and shrieked," Horatio said with a grin.  "He hadn't even seen the carrier, Xander."

"I scared you?"

"I didn't think your father was petting me and your hands are a lot smaller."  That got a grin.  "When you started to walk you were a holy terror. You used to sneak into DNA to watch the machines run.  Scared the crap out of that tech a few times.  You pinched Calleigh a lot.  Petted me every chance you got.  You used to leap onto my back to pet me if you were being sneaky."  Xander gave him a hug.  "You were cute but hell on the nerves because you and Ray Junior both used to sneak around.  We'd lock you two in the break room and as soon as someone went in to get something you'd sneak out."

"I remember the time Ray lost Junior and he made it outside.  Seeing him with the snake and listening to Megan shriek at that was very fun."  Xander giggled.  "He did.  You'd do something and Ray would pout until he could do the same thing.  That day his father had off but he brought Ray Junior in to see his mother anyway.  He lost him outside.  Ray Junior picked up a snake and somehow got into the building and the elevator.  He got off in the labs and walked up to the office, Megan was still the boss then," he said, poking Xander on the stomach.  "She saw him and shrieked.  So I had to go save her from the garden snake by taking Ray down to his mother's row and letting him show it to her.  Poor Frank had to save the snake from your cousin and aunt but she went out and beat your Uncle Ray black and blue for losing track of her son."  He smoothed down his hair.  "Ray never lost track of him again."

Xander smiled.  "She's a scary lady.  I'm sure he was terrified she'd take that heavy mask off the wall and beat him with it."

"Probably," Speed agreed.

"Are you sure you don't want another one?"

"Maybe some year," Horatio offered.  "Not right now.  I don't want to share you with anyone but Speed."  Xander hugged him.  "Thank you, son.  Now, why can't you sleep?"

"Mrs. Abernathy's screaming at her daughter again about being a failure."

Horatio sighed and went to listen from the back porch.  Then he called CPS to tip them off. By the time he got back inside Speed had Xander down and was waiting for him in bed with only a smile on.  Horatio smiled back and stripped down to join him.  It was time they  moved onto a higher step in their relationship.

***

Horatio looked at Mac as he walked into the unit.  "Xander couldn't come.  Speed's watching him for me."

"That's fine.  I figured it'd be stressful for him.  He okay?"

"His stomach's better but he and Ray Junior ganged up on some bullies so he's grounded."  That got an understanding nod.  "Not that it didn't help, but it was the wrong thing to do.  I'm proud he didn't go for a weapon, just made fun of them until one cried and then Ray beat him."  He followed him to his office, smiling and nodding at those he knew.  "New trainee?"

"Level one," he admitted.  He closed the door.  "Aiden got so stuck she thought about tampering with evidence."  Horatio nodded that he understood that.  "Okay, I've got her case and what I'm finding is really upsetting."

"We thought so at the time."  He sat across from him.  "Did we find new blood samples or something?"

"No.  Someone over there started with googling names."  That got a slow nod.  "When they did that with his mother's name, they came up with a personal webpage of this person," he said, handing it over.

Horatio stared at the picture.  "That's her," he said, looking at him.

"No, that is Willow Rosenburg of Sunnydale, California. She's seventeen at the moment."  Horatio handed it back looking confused.  "On her webpage was this picture," he said, handing it over.  "A Xander Harris, who is her best friend."

Horatio looked at that one.  It was his son.  "How?"

"I have no idea, Horatio."  He looked at him.  "Her webpage has an 'about me' section and she said she's the only children of psychologists.  They're both only children back three generations.  She said she's known Xander since the first day of school.  She describes his parents as 'mean and icky' and left it there," he admitted.  "If she's right, the mother wasn't a cousin."

"She's the spitting image."

"I saw the autopsy photos and found the paperwork where she had the baby.  They found that but never told you.  That's the same name she checked in under and it's the same year and day but different year on her forms."  He handed those over.

Horatio slowly read through them, then handed them back with the pictures. "Are we thinking something extremely strange?"

"I'm not a big believer that those sort of things happen, Horatio."

"Neither am I but Xander said people who are going to die glow bright blue to him."  Mac looked stunned.  "He's pegged a few.  He pegged my brother when he died and asked if the blue glow meant he was gone away forever as he put it back then.  He pegged Speed when he got shot.  That's why he went into protective overdrive and made him clean his gun.  He was trying to prevent him from dying."  Stella walked in and gave him a hug.  "Hi, Stella."

"I heard you were up.  What's going on?"

"They reopened Xander's mother's homicide case," Mac offered.

"Oh.  Anything good?"

"No," Horatio said.  "Just some strange things.  Mac, she did say that her parents had vowed to the Goddess that they were going to kill her."

"I'm sure they did."  He looked at Stella.  "Close the door.   Do you mind?"

"No, three heads are better than one," he admitted.  "Before you ask, the ball of energy is with Speed this weekend.  He's grounded for taking on some bullies with his cousin.  He made them cry and Ray Junior beat them."  She smiled at that.  "I'm proud he didn't use the taser he got out of my brother's things."  She nodded at that.  "If you saw that what would you think?"

She looked over what they had, then at him.  "She was ripped apart by the ME's report.  No cutting marks of any kind and the injuries were consistent with tears.  She obviously knew something was going to happen by the letter."

"When she came up to me she said she knew she was going to die, said it was her parents, and said she'd only be in town for three days."  He crossed his feet. "That was the third day."

"So she knew," Stella admitted.  "Did you confirm his paternity with later blood work?"  Horatio nodded. "DNA?"

"I wanted to make sure he didn't have a family so I had Valera run it quietly for me.  Is hers in anywhere?"

"With her parents I'd say the California database for the AMBER program.  Or the anti- kidnaping kits."

Horatio called Valera.  "It's Horatio.  You know how you ran Xander's mother's scan once?"  He smiled.  "Do we still have it saved?  Run it in all the databases out of California, including kidnaping please?  Because Mac Taylor thinks he found a relative.  Thank you.  I'll be here.  Whenever you have a free moment."  He hung up and looked at him.  "It'll be a while.  It's been a bad few months down there."

"Is Speed okay?"

"Starting rehab for his shoulder," he admitted.  "We got a new trainee to take sone of the stress off us since Xander said I loved the victims more than him."  Mac snorted at that.  "He had a point, I had been working some extreme hours. To an almost ten-year-old it probably seemed that way."

"Maybe."  Horatio's phone rang.  "That was fast."

"Horatio," he answered, listening to Eric babble.  "Shit."  He sighed.  "Did he not get there in time?  That's fine, Eric.  No, he can't blame himself for that.  He's still human and I didn't want him in the office.  What do you mean Calleigh nearly got shot on the scene yesterday?"  He blinked.  "Really?  Is she all right?"  He nodded.  "Okay.  I'll be back in two days.  The paperwork can wait that long.  Have him take Xander home.  It's not his fault."  He smiled.  "Xander, it is not your fault you couldn't stop him.  I promise you it's not.  Of course we will when I get home.  We're working on that now.  I know, go cuddle Speed and get some love.  I'll be home soon."  He smiled. "I'll tell Don Flack to write you.  Danny too," he agreed, making the two techs with him smile.  "Sure.  You behave.  Love you too, son."  He hung up and looked at Mac.  "One of the officers was showing up that way to him and got hit by a truck."

"It happens to them," he agreed.  "I got hit last month on a scene."

"Showed up to him how?" Stella asked.

"Xander said people who're about to die glow bright blue to him," Horatio said honestly.

"Well, nothing human could've torn apart a body that way without help, Horatio.  We don't know people strong enough to rip a body apart at the joints."

"We don't," he agreed quietly.  "But I don't want to consider this being demonic.  Even if the priest who blessed him said evil touched his mother."  Mac looked at him.  "Father Patrick."

"I remember him," Stella admitted. "He always did have a good feel for evil things."

Horatio nodded.  "He did."  He looked at Mac.  "If this is the same thing what do I do?"

"I have no idea, Horatio."  Horatio's phone rang and he listened then nodded and hung up.  "Was it?"

"It matched her reference sample in CODIS.  She read off her full name and address for me."

"Why was she in CODIS?" Stella asked.

"Apparently she's part of a small group of defenders out there.  That's how it's listed in the system.  The department out there had her listed.  So...."

"So, maybe we are looking at otherworldly things?" Mac suggested.  "If so I'll bury the case again, Horatio."

Horatio sighed and stood up.  "I know someone I should go talk to about this if that is the case.  I'll see you two in an hour.  Thank you, Mac."  That got a nod.  "You as well, Stella."

"I'll tell those two to write your ball of energy," Mac promised.  "Come back for dinner?"

"If I can."  He smiled as he walked out, heading down to parts of the city he didn't like to remember seeing.  The first place he tried was closed but the second was open.  He walked into the palm reader's shop, coughing to get the woman's attention.  "Is Madam Artilla still here?"

"In the back. You need the special services?"

"I need to ask a question I think she'll have the answer to," he admitted.  "Tell her it's Xander Caine's father if she asks."

She nodded, going to talk to the old lady.  She came out with her.  "Him, Madam."

"Madam Artilla.  Horatio Caine."  He shook her hand.  "They're reopened his mother's death and some things have come up.  May we speak?"

"We may, Horatio.  Follow me."  She led him back to a fairly plain office.  "What has come to your attention?"

"The cold case unit started with a goggle search and found someone who looked just like his mother living in present day Sunnydale as a seventeen-year-old," he said quietly.  "She was nineteen when she died ten years ago."

"Interesting.  Also true."

"What happened?"

She sighed and put her feet up.  "It is a strong thing when one prays to the Goddess to save a special soul, Horatio.  There was and will be a battle against evil so bad that the world would have ended.  Many of them out there actually.  Her last one she saw her friend fall.  She prayed to the Goddess to spare him since he should not have been there.  He had been injured in a prior battle.  He was a normal man who helped.  He loved to jump in and help, withstood untold punishments for being normal, both from those he helped and not."  He slumped at that.  That was definitely like his son.  "She prayed that the Goddess spare him when she saw him fall.  She knew it would mean her own life.  So he got given another chance."

"So that is my son?"

"No, now he's your son," she corrected.

"Does he know?"

"No.  Nor should he ever before you ask."  Horatio nodded at that wisdom.  "Does that answer all your questions?"

"He sees dying people glowing blue."

"Some do see auras.  Some do not," she agreed.  "He will probably not be the strong Catholic boy you are," she admitted.  "Some of us can tell which way you follow."  He nodded his head at that.  "Let him discover it.  It will be up to him this time.  He has no reason to jump into the old fights.  He should have no memory of his last life.  A dream now and then may slip through but nothing else.  He is your son now and your pleasure to raise correctly."

"I do try."

She smiled. "Raising a child is always an iffy proposition."

He looked at her.  "He is also a bit violent."

"He's a boy, Horatio.  They're like that."  He tipped his head in acknowledgment.  "Almost nothing now leads back to what he used to be.  The only carryover is his physical appearance and that of who his mother was."

"What if he decides to go toward a nature religion?"

"Then that feels comfortable to him.  I would not press him to do so.  If he's satisfied with your faith then that's fine."

"Thank you."  He stood up.  "Should we contact her?"

"Do you want the world to end in a paradox?"

"Not really," he admitted, shaking her hand.  "What about the seeing auras?"

"He probably has enough sense not to shout it out."  He nodded.  "Then it is like an extra investigative gift for him.  Some people go into the police because they have such gifts.  Others do as I do, Lieutenant."

"Someone watches over him?"

"Some do watch him as an oddity.  Only once has he ever approached one and it was a messenger for the Powers That Be.  I believe the one he asked about is your spouse?"

"Boyfriend."

"Much the same for you," she pointed out with a small smirk.  "Keep him from talking to her."

"I will.  Thank you."  He left, going to walk in the park for a while.  He called his son.  "It's me."  He smiled at the babbling going on.  "Xander, I need to ask for a very important favor.  I don't want you to search out your mother's family.  Because there's something very wrong going on there and I don't want them near you at this point in time.  I'm not sure yet, son.  Exactly.  I figured you did.  No, she's not related."  He sighed and rubbed his head.  "Son.  Please?  Just trust me this once?"   He smiled. "Thank you."  He hung up and thought some more, running into Mac later that night waiting on a bench for him.  "You're right," he admitted as he sat beside him.

"How right was I?"

"His mother's seventeen right now.  I went to visit the only seer I know has a gift."  He looked around then at him.  "He was sent back to live a life of his own choice."

"Why?"

"Apparently he jumped in to save lives without being asked.  She didn't outright say it but she said the only thing left from his old life was his physical appearance.  Apparently she prayed to save him when he fell during a horrible battle."

"I didn't want to know those things happened in this day and age."

"She said they happen out there.  Thankfully not here or in Miami."  That got a nod.  "She did say not to tell him."

"Then I'll bury the case again."

"Thank you, Mac."

"It's not a problem, Horatio.  Every year we both get cases that can't be explained any other way."  He patted him on the back.  "Ready for dinner?"

"Sure.  My treat?"

"We'll go dutch."  He stood up and pulled Horatio with him, heading out of the park.  "Danny wrote him an email earlier and Don was writing one when I walked past his desk."  That got a smile.  "How's he doing?"

"He quit sulking earlier.  He and Speed were making shortbread cookies."  That got a smile.  "Speed's teaching him how to cook for me."

"It's a good skill to have.  My mother tried but it took Claire to teach me to do anything harder than boiling things."  That got a smile.  "Come on, we'll hit one of the better barbeque places."

"Sure."  He smiled as they got into a cab and headed that way.

***

Xander called his father, and Horatio was more than happy to talk to him since he was in his hotel room.  "Xander."  He frowned.  "What?"  He listened to him babble about what had happened.  How he had seen John Hagen's unusual glow and not connected it.  He hadn't run upstairs to get someone fast enough.  "The fact you didn't know what the black glow meant and only figured it out when John went into Ballistics to kill himself isn't your fault.  I'm very sure, Xander.  You're only ten.  You can't know everything.  I'm four times your age and I don't know everything."  He smiled.  "I'm sorry he's gone.  Is Calleigh all right?"  His son told him what Eric and Speed had done for her, nodding.  "Good.  I like that.   Sure, you and Speed can stay over with her or she can come to the house and have the pull-out couch while Eric gets the normal one and Ryan can sleep in the chair.  Whatever they work out.  Remember, it was not your fault.

"So?  Son, even if you seen some lesser glows like that before you didn't know what it meant.  You couldn't know what it meant."  He smiled as Speed took the phone.  "Make sure you and Eric both remind him that he didn't know so it's not his fault he couldn't act fast enough, Speed.  That's more than fine.  Bring her over, feed her ice cream, put her in the study if you want or in Xander's bed and he can have the study with Eric, however you guys work it out.  Bring Ryan over too if he wants."  He smiled and nodded.  "More than reasonable.  I promise, it'll be fine.  He didn't know.  Did anyone else hear him say anything about it?"  He smiled at the 'only Frank' response.  "That's fine.  Frank knew when you got shot.  Remember?"  He nodded.  "That's fine, Speed.  Remind him it's not his fault and give him all the love he can stand tonight.  I'll be home tomorrow night and talk to her then.  Remind her she's got tomorrow off and she can call too or wait until tomorrow night, Speed.  Love you too, and him.  Of course.  Be careful tonight."  He hung up and frowned.  Something about that situation made no sense.  Why was Hagen depressed?

***

Xander looked up as his father walked into the house late Sunday.  "What's going on?"

"Her family threatened to kill her, Xander."  He put down his bag and his coat, coming over to sit down and talk to him.  "They're not nice people."

"I found her webpage, dad."

"I want you to ignore it.  Can you do that?"

"If she's family...."

He covered his son's mouth.  "This has to do with why you can see auras, son.  There's bad people who would kill you if they saw you."  Xander slumped and nodded. "It's not that she didn't love you but she was being hunted when she brought you to me.  I don't want them to get anywhere near you."

"You had Valera run the test."

"I did.  I wanted to make sure you were related to them so I knew who to watch out for."  Xander nodded and gave him a hug.  "I know it's hard but you don't need them or the stress that would bring.  Can we agree on that?"

"Sure.  Until I'm older."  He kissed his father on the cheek. "Can we throw Eric a party for his next birthday?  He's moping about getting old."

"If he wants," he agreed, smiling at him. "Speed's is first so why don't we plan on throwing him a surprise one."

"He said we can't."

"He didn't tell me that."  Xander pointed at the note on the table.  "I'm the boss, I can ignore his orders."  Xander giggled.  "Now, shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I should ask you the same thing," he teased, heading up to his room with his cookies and milk.

Horatio walked upstairs, finding Speed snuggled in and asleep already.  He stripped down and climbed in behind him, cuddling up to his back.  Speed rolled over to hold him and it was nice.  It was comforting.  He kissed him and Speed blinked at him. "Sleep, I've got you."

"No birthday party," he mumbled.

"Tough, suck it up," he whispered back.  He smiled at the growl and got another kiss. "Sleep, Speed.  You'll need it tomorrow."  He got wound up in the arms and legs, letting him hold him however he wanted.  In the morning he hid the letter he had written Xander Saturday night so he could have it when he was older.

***

Year Sixteen.

***

"Dad, can I borrow the bike?" Xander asked.

"It's not mine, son," Horatio said patiently.

"Wrong father, Dad.  Mom, can I borrow the bike?"  Speed burst out laughing.  He frowned at him, pouting slightly.  "Not like I can ask to borrow the hummer."

"It's a police vehicle, son."

"I know that, Dad, that's why I didn't ask to bring it on my date."

Speed looked at Horatio, still smiling.  "Did you hear that joke?  I barely teach him how to ride and he wants to take my beloved bike on a date, Horatio."

"I did.  No, Son."

"Dad, it is an approved date night.  I'm going even if I have to hike there and then have sex at his house."  They both stared at him.  "Unless you two want me to date creepy old guys with cars?"

"You can have your own car when you can afford it," Horatio reminded him.

"Which is wonderful but I only get twelve dollars a week in allowance plus lunch money and you two won't let me have an after-school job because you can't guarantee I'll be able to get there.  So unless we want me to take up with someone, say, Eric's age who has a car can we maybe work something out?"

"You're too young to have sex," he said firmly.

Xander snickered.  "Pull the other one, I make A's in science," he said blandly.  He looked at his father.  "The choice is yours.  I can always go hit on Ryan again."  They both shuddered at that.  Ryan was seventeen years older than Xander was.  "So, can I have money for a cab so we can go do more than sex?  Maybe stuff like a movie and burgers?"

Horatio looked at him.  "I still say you're too young to date."

"Dad!" he whined.  "Not like I haven't had sex.  Not like I don't play secretary for you two.  Hell, I even fended off Grandma Speedle the other day so you didn't have to talk to her, Mom."

"What did she want?"

"Me to come up for a visit."

"And you said?" Horatio asked.

"That it's school time and I can't just take off like that," he said dryly.  "Then I mentioned my boyfriend and she threw down the phone and ran off crying.  So, can I either bum money or a set of keys?"

"Why can't you two come out here and watch cable?" Speed asked.

"Because that's lame."  He gave him a look.  "Would you have done that with your dates at my age?"

"No," he admitted, looking at Horatio.  "He's got a point."

"Then give him the bike's keys and money for movies and gas."

"The bike's as important to me as he is to both of us," he complained.

"This is majorly unfair, guys.  Ray Junior has a car."

"He has his mother's old crappy thing," Speed corrected.  "It doesn't go over forty miles an hour."

"We had Eric come over to help us overhaul the engine.  It goes about one forty now on the straight strip down by South Beach.  We dragged it last weekend and I drive better than he does."  They both gave him a horrified look.  "I do."  He shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. "The choices are: a, I can go have sex at his house after hiking across the city, b, I can borrow a set of keys and thirty bucks, or c, we have to talk about me getting a car and I just bum money tonight.  Which topic would we prefer because if I'm walking I've got to leave in about twenty minutes."

"You can be grounded son," Horatio said patiently.

His son looked at him.  "Then you two would have to listen to me have sex with myself tonight and I can promise I'll be as noisy as humanly possible because I'm getting some tonight or I'm going to go grumpier than Eric when he had that UTI and couldn't get it up for a month without pain."  They both gave him horrified looks.  "I'm usually a reasonable slut, guys.  Really.  I play safely, there's no grandkids coming, I like boys.  What more could you two want?"

"Less smart mouth," Horatio said.

"He gets it from your brother," Speed told him dryly, smirking at him.

"I think he learned it off a different source," Horatio said, staring back.

"Oh, just fuck on the floor already!  Damn it it's been weeks!"  He walked out, shaking his head.  On the way he called Ray Junior.  "Can I borrow your car and not have sex in it this time?"  He grinned.  "I know you're grounded.  Well, ask your mom if I can have your keys.  Because the guys didn't tell her I was drag racing with you?"  He beamed.  "Because I won't tell her about you and Kelly in the back room at the church, Ray."  Ray immediately asked his mother if he could borrow the car.  "Killer.  I'll be there in twenty.  Hiking my unhappy ass.  They're unreasonable.  I can't have a car until I can afford a car but I can't have an after-school job until I'm out of school.  No, I promised I'd have more sex than they ever had and noisier than they did on their anniversary when they drove us out of the house," he admitted.  "Tell your mom I'm cutting through the cemetery and I'll be there in twenty. Thanks, man.  I owe you."  He hung up and broke into a jog.  He always jogged through the cemetery.  He did not like them, they made him uneasy.  Someone popped up from one of the graves and pounced him, fangs and funny face out.  He shoved them off and kicked at them, then for some reason grabbed a branch and staked him.  "Whoa," he said when he turned to dust.  "Way too many horror movies."  He carefully backed away then broke into a harder run to Ray's house.  He ran in the back door panting, leaning down.  Yelina looked at him.  "Human bodies can't turn to dust, right?"

"No," she said slowly.  "They never have that I've seen if they're fresh.  Why?"

"Some guy popped out at me in the cemetery on my way across and for some reason I picked up a branch to hit him with it.  He ran into it with his chest then he turned to dust.  I'm majorly freaked right now."

Ray handed over the keys and a twenty.  "For forgetting that."

"Sure."  He nodded because he had a lot more blackmail material.  He looked at Yelina.  "That's not normal, right?"

"No, Xander, it's not.  Should we call your fathers to pick you up?"

"Do you want to see me that grumpy?"  She shook her head.  "Then I'll tell them later when I get home at an unreasonable hour.  I'll drop his car off sometime more reasonable."  He headed out before she could call his parents on him and started the old sedan.  He revved the engine and she came to the window, looking horrified.  He beeped and waved, then backed out.

"What is under that hood?" she demanded.

Ray looked at her.  "No comment."  She glared so he repeated it in Portugese, Spanish, and Russian until she walked off to call Horatio and Speed.  "Tell the Uncles I said hi."  He dug in again.  His mother didn't need the rest of her dinner and she clearly hadn't made enough for both of them.  Parents should give up food if their children were starving.  It was the way of the wild world of animals.  So said Animal Planet.

Yelina glared toward the kitchen when she saw her plate be lifted.  "Horatio.  Yes, he's already gotten Ray's car and his allowance for the week."  She rolled her eyes.  "I don't know what's wrong with the boys.  They're sixteen and I quit understanding them at fourteen.  No, there was a reason I called.  He said he was cutting across the cemetery when someone lunged out at him.  No, he fought them off, didn't even look bruised.  He was out of breath and he said the body turned to dust."  It got very quiet on the other end.  "No, he left before I could call but he did say he would talk to you about it later after I assured him most bodies don't.  We might want to, yes.  Thank you, Horatio.  Now, what was he blackmailing my son over this time?"  She smiled at his remark of 'his current girlfriend'.  "Is that the one the nuns said was very cute and caught them mid-grope during choir practice?"  Her son peered down the hall at her, giving her an odd look.  "The nun told me, son."

"Mom, that was months ago, I've had two serious girls since then," he pointed out.  He went back to inhaling the rest of dinner, but at least he also filled the dishwasher and started it before he went to hide in his room.  His mother had scary woman ESP sometimes.

Yelina smiled at Horatio's assertion Speed knew what it was but he wasn't telling on him.  So it wasn't that bad.  "That's fine.  Talk with him later and then get him to tell me what they put into the engine of my former car?  Because it revved like an F-1 racer, Horatio.  I know Ray drag raced it last week.  One of the patrol officers told me.  He was?  Hmm.  Interesting.  No, they never told me Xander had been in the car and driving it."

"Only half the races we won," Ray called.  "I got the cash since it was my car."

She glared toward his room.  "How much did you make, son?  Your uncles want to know."

"Six hundred.  It's mostly in the college fund.  All but two that went for gas, treats, and bribing Xander to not tell you."

She sighed and repeated that to Horatio, who snickered and said he'd handle his son.  "Maybe you should consider letting Xander have an after-school job so he quits stealing Ray's car.  I know you're against it because it'll take time from his schoolwork and he's having a bad year but a car is a great motivator and one good and sure way to ground a teenager since taking their cellphones only makes them pout and do dangerous things since we can't track them down.  Fast food?"  She smiled at his assertion Xander didn't need a job.  "Horatio, he's sixteen.  Remember when you were sixteen?  Ray did tell me about you and your girlfriend of the moment."  She could hear him blush, she swore she could.  "Would you rather have him doing it somewhere you can keep track of?  That way you can put a GPS chip on him to track him.  I know I do."  She smiled and hung up when he demanded the code to it.  That was one way to get Xander his own car so Ray could have his back and she didn't have to listen to him talk about his girlfriends, the slutty things he dated.  Her son needed better taste.  He really did.  She walked into her son's room.  "Who is Xander on a date with?"

"Bob."

"Bob?" she asked.  "He's dating a boy?"  Ray looked over and nodded, then paused his game.  "I suppose that's fine.  Are you dating boys?"

"I let one suck me but no."  She blushed at that.  "I tried it, it wasn't as good so I'm back to my ladies."  He grinned.  "Why?"

"Wondering," she sighed.  "What grade is Bob in?"

"I don't know.  I never asked him.  I know he's pretty cool and a decent guy.  He's an artist."

"As in graffiti?"

"As in editorial comics, graffiti, and some other stuff," he admitted.

"For his school paper?"  He shrugged.  "How old is Bob, son?"  He shrugged again.  "Give me a range?"  He shrugged again.  "You don't know?"

"Not a clue, mom.  Sorry.  I met him for maybe ten minutes.  He was wearing shades and a hat.  Couldn't tell you."  He got back to his game, concentrating on it.  "He's a nice guy.  He made Xander laugh and giggle, plus bat at his arm and kiss him in public."  She sighed and went to call Horatio again.  "Teach my boy to blackmail me," he said smugly, making his character shoot someone.  "Finally!  I never kill that guy."

***

Speed was waiting up when Xander walked in.  "Take the long way home?"

"Not like I wanted to go back through the cemetery again," he said dryly.

"Good point."

"Why did he turn to dust?"

"That's one of those strange things that it's best you not dabble in."  Xander stared at him, weight canted off to the side, arms crossed over his chest.  "Your father does that impatient look so much better."

"So, vampires are real and I know Wiccans who can do the deed.  Anything else real that I should know about?"

"No more cutting through the cemetery, it'd dangerous."

"Duh.  Been jumped there twice."  Speed glared at him.  "I handled it!"

"Bob?" he asked dryly.

"He's a nice guy."

"How old is Bob?"

"No comment," he said in Spanish, then he grinned and went up to his room.  Where his other father was reading.  "Am I cuddling you tonight?"

"You can if you want," he offered, holding up a hand.  Xander sighed and sat at the foot of his bed, making his father put his arm down and the journal too.  "Yes, vampires are real.  Yes, we were shielding you from that knowledge.  He was probably one of twelve in the city.  We'll be talking if you need to about staking him.  I want a name, address, and age on Bob.  Tonight."

"He's a freshman in college," he sighed.  "He does editorial cartoons, limited social commentary graffiti, and other illustration work in the parks now and then for spare cash.  He's a nice guy.  He treats me well.  He kisses great and gropes better."

"Have you two had sex yet?"

"Not into it until at least dating a month, dad.  You did beat that into me already.  We haven't gotten beyond blow jobs, touching, and rubbing really nicely."

"I tried for marriage."

"Eww plus not legal."

"Fine."  He sat up, looking at his son.  "Freshman in college?"  Xander nodded. "Which one?"

"Uni."

"Uh-huh."  He hummed.  "An art student?"

"No comment."

"Xander."

"I'm not letting you take one good thing in my life away from me.  Bite me, Dad.  He's nice even if he is slightly older."

Horatio stared his son down. "In this state if he's over nineteen I can have him charged with statutory, son," he said quietly.  "I'd rather have you date Ryan."

"Ryan said he was incredibly flattered but until he quit working at the lab it wouldn't happen."

Horatio sighed.  "How old is Bob?  No more games.  I will be meeting him and if I don't like him you will not see him."

Speed walked in.  "There's only three Bob's who're freshmen at MU, Horatio.  One's twenty-one.  One's on the football team and nineteen, and one's forty-three."  He handed them over.  "That one's in the art department and on the paper's board."  He stared at Xander.  "Wanna comment now?"

"No," he said, glaring at him.  "He's good to me."

"I don't care if he is. If he's the older one you're in trouble and so is he," Horatio said.  Xander hopped up and stomped out but Speed drug him back.  "Xander, it's not healthy for you to date someone so much older," he said gently.  "It can hurt you greatly."

"He's not into that!  Damn it, I dumped my last one because he liked handcuffs!"

Speed stared at him.  "I have no idea who you've been seeing, do I?"  Xander shook his head, his lips pressed together.  "Does Ray Junior?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm gay and his stated objectives are to not know about that.  It upsets his many girlfriends."

Horatio sighed and looked at his son, then at his lover.  Then back at his son.  "Speed, go ask Eric."

"I tried.  He hung up on me with a girl giggling in the background."

"If Eric can date girls who're eighteen why can't I date an older man?"

"For the same reason that's pathetic and you're not eighteen yet," Horatio told him.  "I've told Eric time and again it's time to stop dating college girls.  He doesn't listen."

"Maybe that's because he's *happy*, dad.  You're not the world's morality monitor."

"I am yours," he said firmly.  His son huffed and crossed his arms, leaning against his closet door.

"Kiddo, one of the big worries is that a guy his age has access to things you shouldn't be exposed to yet," Speed said quietly.  "Is he giving you alcohol or drugs?"

"With Uncle Ray's example?" he asked bitterly. "Ray and I are two of the straightest kids ever on that spectrum.  One of the guys in his dorm offered me a joint and I said my uncle had been a tweaker, he just nodded and left it there.   Not like I'm going to go out like that."

"That's good to know but there are other worries, Xander.  Including that someone that much older could be looking for someone to start an abusive relationship with."

"No, I dumped him," he said dryly.

Horatio sighed, shaking his head.  "We should talk about this, son, but you still have chemistry tomorrow and I don't like your grade this semester."

"That's because I'm not into making the drugs like the teacher is, Dad.  Jump off my chem grade."

"You know, I noticed the new shirt the other day," Speed said suddenly.  "Did Bob buy you that?"

"I saved up," Xander defended.

"Uh-huh. For a new, hip t-shirt from the place by Miami College that we can't even get into with a warrant?"  Xander nodded.  "You don't make that much in allowance, son."

Xander shrugged and looked down. "I've been doing some freelancing on the side."

"Excuse me?" Horatio asked.  "Freelancing what?"

"Mostly helping ink tattoos," he said, glaring at him.  His father glared back.  "I'm good at it."  He shrugged and looked at Speed. "Plus I got asked to model for one of the art classes.  Before you ask, I'm already done with that and I've only got one private time left.  Since she's seventeen you can't really say shit about it."  They both appeared horrified.  "Did you think Ray Junior got the new engine working at Wendy's?" he asked.  "Some of the drag racing profits might've went into the last payment," he admitted, thinking about it, "but maybe not.  I think he put it into the bank."  He shrugged.  "Anyway, I did okay up there.  It's kinda chilly in the sculpting room but it's nice.  Some of them came out really good."

"You've been... modeling?" Horatio asked.  Xander nodded. "How clothed were you?"

"Depends."

"Uh-huh.  So you could probably afford a car?" Speed suggested.  Xander shrugged.  "The truth?"

"Not anything decent that I won't have to fix up and not if I want to pay insurance.  See, if I could get a job I could get something that won't break down on me and afford insurance and gas."

"How much do you have saved, Xander?"

"A few grand."

"From modeling?" Speed asked.  "I did a semester of doing nude modeling for art classes.  They paid sixty bucks a session."

"Inflation," Xander said slowly and clearly.  "Before you ask, they thought I was eighteen."  He grinned.  "Plus some of my pictures sold and some of the freelance tattoo I'm learning and tips from that."

"I don't like you dealing with tattoos, son.  It's dangerous and you're exposed to untested blood," Horatio told him.

"I always make sure everything's clean and I wear gloves.  I'm doing pretty good."

"Have you been keeping a catalog?" Speed asked.  Xander turned and got into the closet, handing it over.  He looked at the clothes then at him.  "Aren't those my old leather pants?"

"I don't let my boyfriends buy me anything that expensive.  The one time I did he wanted to do freaky shit and I wouldn't have sat for days."  His father pulled him onto the bed while Speed went through his closet.  "Hey, search warrant!"

"Not in this house, son.  I can consent to having your room searched since you're a minor," Horatio said patiently.  Speed came up with a small gear box and a plastic bag that was tied off, plus a small lock box.  He put them onto the bed then went through the stuff on the shelf, coming down with another two boxes.

"Those are my pictures, put them back," Xander said coldly.  Speed glared at him.  "Now please."  They got put back.  "Thank you."  He stood up.  "Snoop the fuck away. I'm going to sleep on the couch so I can withstand the offer to make LSD with her."  He headed down to the couch.

Speed opened the plastic bag and winced.  "We need to teach him how to take care of his toys."  He put those carefully aside and got into the lock box.  It had a combination and it was easy enough to break into.  That held the cash, a few bucks over two grand, as promised.  Plus Xander's fake ID.  "He only made himself eighteen.  So he's clearly not going to the bars."  He put it back and got into the other box.  That held his tattooing gun, needles, and things.  He looked at it.  "It's sealed and clean, H."

"I still don't like him doing it."  He closed the box and pushed them aside then got into his portfolio.  Some of it was very pretty work.  He pointed at one, tapping it.  "Son, you did a Mala Noche tattoo?" he called.

"Not talking about those."

"You are.  They've got a hit out on this family and the lab," Speed yelled.

"You'll wake the neighbors again."

The two lovers shared a look and went down there to talk to him.  By the time they got down there Xander had disappeared.  His wallet and keys were gone too.  So was his cellphone off the charger.  Horatio and Speed got into the hummer to go find him.  Before he did something stupid.

***

Xander tapped on Eric's door, getting an unhappy person. "Can I bum your couch?  My parents are assholes who believe I'm too young to do anything like make my own decisions.  Again."

"I've got someone in."

"If I go to Ryan's I'll creep during the night."

"Point."  He let him in.  "Go use the spare room, Xander."  He nodded his thanks and went that way.  "You're telling them where you are."

"I left a message on the house's machine on the way over."  He closed the door and got down to his boxers to sleep.

Eric went back to his date, giving her a smile.  "A coworker's son.  He's sixteen."

"He sounded cute."  She ran a hand up his chest.  "He's at the right age for strife and whining."

"He's gay before you even suggest it," he said dryly, staring at her.  "And I'm still a cop."  She pouted. "Tough.  Go away."  She huffed and walked off because he wouldn't bring Xander in as a toy for them to play with.  He went to get a beer, hearing Xander already asleep and snoring.  "Must've been a good date with Bob."  Someone knocked on the door so he went to let the worried parents in.  "He's already asleep.  You should come back in the morning."

"Did you know any of this?" Speed demanded quietly.  Eric nodded.  "You never told us?"

"Hell no," he snorted.  "I told him I wouldn't unless it's something harmful.  Doing some nude modeling for art students isn't that bad.  Neither is his art hobby."  He sipped his beer, looking at Horatio.  "Your boy's got a good eye.  Maybe you should lay off him about Bob."

"You knew?"

"I vetted him when Xander wanted an opinion.  Then Ray Junior joined us for about ten with his ho of the moment."  He finished his beer.  "He's a decent enough guy.  I did a background.  One prior for graffiti and one for cashing a bad check a few years back.  Nothing too horrible.  He's helping refine Xander's drawing skills.  Also, have we talked to his chem teacher about her LSD experiments yet?  Ray mentioned it to me but Vice hasn't done anything."

"I will be tomorrow," Horatio told him.  Eric nodded, then shrugged and headed back to his room.  He looked at Speed, who turned and stomped out.  "Send him home tomorrow, Eric.  We'll be working from there."

"Sure.  Lock the door."  Horatio did and Eric shook his head.  "They worry about the straight one when the bad boy of the two goes wild?  Someone really should pay attention to the pimp in the family."

***

Xander was dropped off the next morning and stared at the house, huffing before going inside.  "What?" he demanded.

"Eggs or toast?" Speed asked from the kitchen.

"Not hungry.  That's the wrong kid.  Sorta like how you two think I'm the bad boy of the two of us.  I'm the straighter one, thank you."   He went up to his room then came back down.  "My photos?"

"On the table," Speed said, pointing.  "We kept them in order but you never showed us."  He looked at his son.  "Your father's in the study."

"I figured he was doing the morning email."  Speed handed over a plate. "I'm not hungry, Speed."

"I don't care, I'm not eating alone."  He sat down at the table and pointed.  "Sit, eat, we'll talk about how good you are."  Xander scowled at him.  "Why didn't you tell us you were doing so well in art?"

"You saw the grades, went to the art show, this is news to you?"

"Your stuff in the school art show was a lot different than your personal stuff."

"That's private.  That's why I don't show it."

"Would you let me look at the second box?  I stopped halfway through the first."

"No."

"Okay."  He ate another bite, looking at him.

"This is some sort of reverse psychology, isn't it?"

"No, you are old enough to have some private things.  Some artists feel very shy about their work.  I'm not going to *make* you show me or brag about it.  Or about the award we found in there."

"You got into all four of them?"

"No, I started with the oldest box in the back, Xander.  Most artists have a progression to their work and I wanted to start with the earliest stuff, see how you've grown."

"Oh."  He nibbled on a piece of toast then pushed his plate away.  Speed gave him a look. "Feed it to Dad."

"He already ate."

"I'm still not hungry."

"Did Eric feed you or are you that upset?"  They knew Xander got an upset stomach when he was upset.  They'd have many bouts of holding him while he vomited over the years.

"Neither.  I'm out of my growth spurts.  I'm not the bottomless pit Ray is."

"Ray is," he agreed, nodding some.  "Truth, who won the races?"

"I did.  I drive better so he let me enter the higher yield and faster output races."

"When did you start that?"

"The day I took the hummer for a spin when I was fifteen."

"Oh."  He nodded.  "I remember grounding you for that."

"I remember dad letting the Chief ball me out for it."

"True, I remember that too."  He ate another bite.  "Try to eat anyway.  I doubt Bob let you eat last night."

"You called him!"

"Damn straight I did," Horatio called from the office.

"Great, now I'll never get laid again."

"There's more important things in life, Xander," Speed said patiently.

"Not at my age."

"Cars, sex, and rock 'n' roll isn't all there is to life."

"Again, wrong cousin."

Speed looked at him.  "Is there something we should know about Ray Junior?"

"He's not on drugs."

"I know that.  The same as I know he changes girlfriends more often than underwear, when he wears any, and we all heard he got frisky during choir practice."  Xander smirked at him.  "Huh.  More than once?"  Xander just stared at him, still smirking.  "I know, you won't nark on him unless it's something little so you can borrow his car."  He finished his breakfast.  "Eat."  Xander nibbled on a piece of bacon, shaking his head.  "Thank you.  You made me think I lost my touch."

"I'm fine.  Even if you two are nosy bastards when you don't need to be."

"We wouldn't be if you'd tell us stuff," Speed offered.  "And if you followed orders we wouldn't be going behind your back to arrest your chemistry teacher today."  Xander gave him a horrified look.  "Your whole class will be taking a test and your yearly grade will be based on that."

Xander moaned and hung his head. "They're going to blame me.  I'm going to get my ass kicked for this, Mom."

Speed reached over to tap him on the head.  "Ray's in deep shit for not turning her in."

"He's not in Advanced Chem."  Speed gave him a look.  "He's not."

"His report card last semester said he was."

"No.....  Ray hasn't had a science class since last year.  He's in gym this year instead."  Speed went into the office and came back out shaking his head.  "Um, not to sound too harsh, but I think I know better than you two do.  Let me see."  The copy they had was looked at and he giggled.  "He switched ones with Candy.  Her mom doesn't believe that she'll do anything with her brains and college is only for finding a decent husband who'll be able to support you.  She's in Advanced Chem with me and she's going biomed if she has her way."  He handed it back.  "They've been switching report cards now for two years, Mom."

Speed groaned and went to tell Horatio that, getting one out of him as well.  He came back out.  "Okay.  Your grades were tanked because you refused?"

"Yeah, and now I'm going to get a rep as a nark and I'll never get invited anywhere ever again."

"Not true.  Ray will."  He grinned and sat down.  "Horatio said so."  He looked at him.  "Eat."  Xander sighed but nibbled his way through the eggs.  "Thank you!"  He stared at his son.  "We'd love to share your love of art with you, Xander."

"That's private."

"Which is all right with us, but art can hide a lot of stuff."

"Or it could be getting it out of me."

"True, so how about you keep some private and brag about the rest?"

"Dad hated my tattooing."

"What about some of the pictures?  The few I looked at were fantastic.  I wanted to blow up the one of the bridge and the tree."  Xander looked confused so he got into the box and found it, sliding it over. "That one."

"That's one of my earliest works," he said, looking at him.  "I was wandering around and found it."

"It's a beautiful composition.  You caught it at the best angle and the sparkle on the water doesn't overpower the black and white film.  Why black and white?"

"Because that's kinda life.  I've got other stuff in color."

"Can I see some of those?"

"Maybe.  If you don't show the bastard in the office who believes I'm an infant."

"He really doesn't."

"I'm able to find myself a decent boyfriend.  Even if he is older."

"By state law we can have him arrested and there's still a lot of worries about you dating someone so much older, Xander.  A lot of guys do things like that so they can control someone else."  Xander snickered. "I know, no one's ever going to be able to control you.  We certainly can't now and then."  He patted his hand again.  "While they're busting the school and the others are taking their test cold, we promised you wouldn't study for it but I wanted to take you out to get some mats for some of the pictures I want around the house, maybe get a few blown up if you'd let us, and get some albums for the rest.  Because that box isn't good for the photos."

"I can't afford the good stuff on my allowance."

"Which is probably why you took the job tattooing."  Xander nodded.  "I looked at your portfolio.  You've got a good hand."

"Most of the time I'm cleaning up what they bring in or doing stock stuff that you copy off and paste onto their skin so you can follow the lines.  I've only done a few very unique ones."  He got into one of the newer boxes.  "This one wasn't what I thought it should be but that's what she wanted.  Then there's these four I did on one girl who gave me free will and fifty bucks every five inches.  She wanted something unique."  He let him see them.

"Horatio, come see."  He came out of the office, looking at the tattoos.  "These four are all original works.  The other was the victim's vision but not his taste."

"It's beautifully done but I'm still wary of you dealing with blood."

"Like you don't at work?  I take the same precautions you do, dad."

"Then I like it better."  He looked at the other pictures on the table.  "I like that one," he said, tapping the one with the bridge and the tree.  "Can we hang that here?"

"I wanted to blow it up if he'd let me," Speed offered.  He looked at Xander.  "Up to you, kiddo."

"I, um...   Sure," he decided.  "It'll be like a gallery showing."

"Where else has some of your work?  Besides the one in the church," Horatio asked.

Xander looked at him. "Why are you suddenly interested?"

"Because you're finally telling me you like art instead of letting me think it's an interesting hobby and you're chronicling my nephew, the escapades of a wannabe pimp."

"No, I've done that too."  They both gaped at him.  He shrugged. "She paid me a hundred bucks to tape it and take stills, guys.  Not like I can pass it up while saving for a car."

"That's a reasonable excuse," Speed said, frowning a bit.  "Okay.  Whatever.  We'll get into that with Ray because he's a slut."  Xander snickered. "Or are some of his girls paying him for it?"

"I'm not real sure if one of his girls is doing it for him or not.  She's a nympho, classic textbook version, and she goes to him then goes to others then back and forth.  She's a nice girl but she's seriously addicted and likes pain."  He looked at them.  "You really want to see the stuff I don't consider that personal?"  They both nodded. "You guys didn't like my art stuff before."

"I didn't like the tattooing," Horatio corrected.  "I don't mind normal art.  That's why I made you help with the church's community center mural."  He went back into the office. "Eric said if you're letting us copy stuff he wanted the ones you took of him."

"He's the only one."

"I'll tell him you said that.  Should I tell Ryan anything?"

"I've caught him a few times but no."  He looked at Speed again.  "You'd take me to break the bank at the art and photo shop?"

"Not break the bank but something reasonable so you could mat a few, blow up some, and put the rest into better books."

"That's going to break the bank, Mom."

Speed sighed.  "Why?"

"Because the rest of the stuff is at Auntie Yelina's.  I don't keep anything too personal here and she never cleans her storeroom."

"Oh."  He nodded.  "We can pop by there and you can put them somewhere safer since she found mice."  He looked horrified.  "We'll deal.  A new copy can be made."  Xander nodded, swallowing some.  "Should we take the hummer?"

"We can't take the bike and I still don't have one."  His cell rang and he looked at it. "I should probably get that."

"Go."  Xander jogged over and answered it quietly, taking it onto the porch, then he nodded and hung up, typing something into his phone.  He came back.  "Ray asking for an answer?"

"Someone asking me to do their portrait tattoo," he admitted.  He shrugged. "It's an honor."  He looked at him.  "We should go so I have time to sort things out."

"Okay.  Horatio, we're going to pick up the rest of his photos and then go to the photo store."

"I'm coming.  I'll drive."  He came out, sliding into his jacket.  He looked at Xander.  "You can shower and change."

"I can't.  I've got nearly a case of paper over there with photos."  That got a nod and they went out to gather them.  Fortunately he had the keys.  "We're here to pick up the stuff I'm storing in the closet," he called.

"Good for you," Ray called back.

"Nephew," Horatio said, heading that way.

"Don't yell at him, he's helping her hide that she's got brains from a mother who hates smart girls and thinks they should all be put down."  Horatio gave him a look and opened his nephew's door, then blushed and closed it.  "Hi, Tiff."

"It's Amber."

"Hi, Amber.  Ray, they wanted me to put my photos somewhere better since you've got mice."

"Only two pics got nibbled and I killed it."  He came out in boxers to dig into the closet with Xander's help, handing over those things, then going into his room to get the rest.  Those he handed to Speed, along with the blank paper and the software bundle Xander kept at his place. "There, go play."  He slammed his bedroom door.

"Nephew, we still need to talk," Horatio called.  "Since I know you're skipping today."  Ray moaned.  "Now."

"Can't I make her squeal first?"

"No, Raymond.  Now."

"Crap."  He opened the door and looked at his uncle.  "Mom knows about her.  She knows I'm skipping today too so I don't get blamed for the bust or caught in it. I quit science last year because I didn't wanna be in her drug ring.  Xan stuck it out but I couldn't be in the same room.  Yes I know you'll blame me instead of him.  That way he doesn't tank his grades.  Yes I heard about the test and I asked to take it as well since I can actually pass it since I've been using his books.  You know I've had multiple girlfriends.  I'm always careful.  I'm never having children and I'm actually saving up for a vasectomy at eighteen when I can legally do that.  No, you can't talk to her, yes, she's over the age of consent, and hey, it's not Bob."

"You don't like Bob?"

"I like Bob just fine, Xander.  I don't like that he's an older guy."  He shrugged.  "Tastes may vary.  Like how you like strawberries and I don't."  He closed the door.  "I'll be over for dinner tonight.  Mom said so, Uncle H.  Have a good day at the photo shop, guys."  He threw the lock and the girl in there with him giggled.  "Sorry, overprotective uncles," he excused.

Xander and Speed carted the boxes out to the hummer and then Xander worked on sorting some out to show him.

Speed held up one candid one of Ryan, in color and from the side, while he was working a scene.  "When was this?"

"Last summer when I was gophering around the office.  The scene in the park.  That's probably the worst one of that bunch."

"Actually, it's kinda artistic.  It captured him when he was concentrating very hard."  He saw another one and peeked but Xander closed the box, glaring at him.  "Sorry, can I?"

"No," he squeaked.

"Not like I don't know, Xander.  Please?"  He sighed and handed over the rest of them from that scene.  "You take better crime scene photos than I do.  If I had known that I would've let you do it last summer for me."  He flipped through them, finding a few more very candid ones of Ryan bending down.  He gave his son a look, holding one up, getting a sheepish look.  "You wish."

"You heard that?"

"The nice old lady at the end of the cul-de-sac heard you, Xander.  She called the cops on you."  He found one that literally screamed Ryan to him and held it up.  "I like this one."  Xander blushed shyly.  "Hey, H?"  He came out of the house and looked at the picture, drawing in a breath.   "Isn't that great?  That's just so Ryan."

"It is," he agreed.  "Can I see Eric's?"

"He said only he can."

"That's fine.  I'll go to his place later tonight to see them."  He patted his son on the head and went back to listening to his cellphone.  "Looks like last summer because you lost that t-shirt in the car crash, Ryan."  Xander moaned and bent forward, hiding his face on Speed's shoulder.  "It's a very good shot of you while you were working.  It is.  Speed and I agree it's a great shot."  He patted Xander on the head. "He wants to see that one and any other good shots of him since he only has bad pictures of him."

"Sure," he said weakly.  Horatio smiled.  "Can we please quit embarrassing me now?"

"Sure.  Calleigh said she found about ten sheets of blotter in her desk.  Where's the rest?"

"Ask Amber.  I don't deal with that.  I refused, that's why I'm flunking Advanced Chem."

Horatio went back inside to get Ray's girlfriend and talk to her about that.  He found him mid-grope of her crotch and coughed.  "Amber, where's the rest of the blotter?"

"You're involved in that?" Ray asked, looking down at her.

"Unlike Xander, I *need* the grade to get into college, Ray."

"Are you making it?" he asked patiently.

"No.  I'm taking one of Xander's pictures and printing out sheets for her.  She's doing a paper study right now," she admitted.

"So where's the stored product?" Horatio asked.  "They only found ten sheets in her desk."

"Have you checked under her desk?  She's got a little floor safe in there.  That and in her trunk somewhere.  That's all I know.  She likes the heavy mix with the stationary grade paper, Captain."  He nodded, repeating that on the way out. "I know how you feel, Ray, but I needed that good grade.  I was kinda hoping you'd help me study tonight even though we're not supposed to."

"We'll see.  What picture?"

"The lone tree on the hill he uses for his tattoo stuff."

"He'll kill you."

"I changed and colored it and he changed his image when he found out."

"I wondered why he was making new cards."  He shrugged and dove back in.  "No more?"

"Not unless I can't pass any other way."

"Sleep with the sub in History, Amber.  He'd give you all A's like he does Tiff."

"Cool."  She kissed him and flipped them over.  "You need a bigger bed."

"My mother said I can't so I wouldn't have sex at home."

"Wanna use her bed?"

He looked up at her.  "Do you really want to be carved into little, bitty chunks?"  She giggled and shook her head, getting back into the mood and the swing of things.

Horatio walked back out.  "You changed your card?"  Xander sighed and pulled out the new one.  "I liked the tree better but this one's prettier."

"Thank you."  He let Speed see it.  "So, can we go to the photo shop?"  They nodded and let him bundle everything but those two pictures of Ryan back up.  Xander got into the back and Speed got in to drive so Horatio could talk to him. "More ranting?"

"No, but I do think we should talk about what other jobs you're doing after school.  Since you apparently have one part time already."

Xander shrugged. "A guy's gotta have pocket change, Dad.  Does this mean I can get a car?"

"We'll see."

Xander nodded at that and he waved at Eric when they drove past him.  "He doesn't look happy."

"He had to kick the girl out this morning because she wanted you too," Speed said dryly, nodding at him.  Eric nodded and they pulled into the photo shop together.  Ryan pulled in a few minutes later.  "What ones did you want from Xander?"

"He took most of a roll of film of me one day in the park."

Xander got into the back by going over the seats and started to sort photos again, giving Eric a small stack.  "The better ones.  The others turned out less than great."  Eric shrugged so he gave them to him and one of Calleigh that he especially liked.  Her in ballistics looking at a new gun with this half-smile on her face and her hair pulled back.

"I want to put that one in the house and can we have that one?" Speed said, plucking one of Eric's out of his hand.  "On the family wall?"

"Make a copy," he snorted.  "Momma would love that one too."

Ryan leaned in.  "Where's mine?"  Xander handed over those two.  "The others?"

"Nope."

"Please?"

Xander looked at him.  "Those are the best.  Unless you want the three really goofy ones."  Ryan shrugged so he got into another box and handed them over.  "I want copies of all those.  Eric's too."

"Sure."  He smiled at them and Speed laughed at the one of him sleeping at his desk.  "I do kinda look like a little kid in that one," he agreed.  Eric looked and laughed too, nodding.  The others he was blown away by.  "Xander, are you going to major in art?"

"It'll stay an expensive hobby."

"How expensive?" Horatio asked.

"Um, dad, do you think I only made two grand since last year?"

He let out a soft moan.  "What camera are you using?"

"My new one I bought."  He pulled out the bag with his camera and lenses, letting him hold it.  "You break it you buy me a new one."

"I will."  He looked at it.  It was better than they used.  "Pawn shop?" he asked hopefully.

"Internet.  New cards came from the pawn shop.  Film comes from here for the other one."  He got back to his sorting, handing Speed a box.  "Any of those can be blown up.  The rest are being stored."

"Okay.  We'll see when we go inside.  How many do you have?"

"About six thousand," he admitted sheepishly.  "Sorry."

"That's all right.  We'll get safe boxes to store the ones you don't want to put into albums and look at.  We'll get some albums, and these we'll see what we want to blow up and mat for around the house."  He walked him inside.  "How many will we need albums or portfolio pages for?"  The man behind the counter smiled at Xander.  "Yeah, we caught his art addiction.  He's damn good."

"I know.  I judged some of his work at the city wide show last month."  He handed over an envelope.  "The rest of your credit since you wanted that instead of cash."

"More like need.  I've got these that can be blown up or matted that way. I've got three hundred I want in albums and the rest to store in safe boxes because they don't like the acid free boxes I'm using now."

"We can do that.  Sort out what you want blown up and matted.  Can you mat?"

"I've seen Bob do it."

"I'll get you the book on how to do it properly, Xander."  He went into the back to do that, coming out with some boxes for him and a few new portfolios.  "These do?"

"They're all in that size," Xander admitted. "I've been using Ray Junior's computer again."

"Eehh, you use what you have."

Speed went through the box and handed the ones he adored over.  "Those need to be blown up to put onto the wall."  Horatio added a few more. "I've got another view of that one, Horatio."  He looked then left it and added one of Eric's, one of Ryan's, and the one of Calleigh.  "Any of Yelina and Ray?"

"They won't let me."

"We'll make them sit down to do one then, huh?" Speed said with a smirk.  "What about us?"

"It's at home."  Eric brought in the boxes from the back of his hummer that he had been storing and the ones from the house.  "Wow.  You're prepared."

"About time, Xander."  He patted him on the back of the head.  "Can I get a copy of that one?" he asked, pointing at one.  The guy nodded, making a note of it.  "Thanks.  I'll have others for you to copy and mat for me later."  He grinned.  "My mother will coo in happiness."

Xander dug out three of them, letting him see them.  "Those are my favorite ones."

"You snuck in to get us while we were sleeping?" Horatio asked.  Xander nodded.  "Well...."   Speed glared at him.  "Fine.  They'll be in the bedroom but fine."  Xander hugged him.  "Anything for the living room?"  Xander dug into another box and came out with one of Speed in the lab and Horatio at a scene, hands on his hips, looking into the distance, his sunglasses on.  Plus one of Speed squatting down at a scene, camera in hand.  "I like those."  He added them to the pile and looked at the other boxes.  "We weren't supposed to know about the ones at Eric's?"

"Not really.  Some of them are a bit more risque and if Auntie Yelina found them she'd scream as she burned them."  He pulled out one of Ryan sleeping in the break room, making Eric moan at the composition of it.  "See?"

"I do."  He gave his son a hug and Ryan came in to look at it, giving him a gentle smile and a light head shove but the took it with him.  "We do get a copy of at least one of them, Ryan."

"Of course."  He handed over his favorite, the one that Speed had liked first.  "That one good?"

"That one's excellent," the art store owner offered.  "I wish you had shown ones like this in the show.  You would've placed higher than the sniper series you did, Xander."  He shrugged.  "Speaking of, someone wanted to know if you were willing to sell?"

"I wasn't fond of them, that's why I let them be shown.  The most private things not even these guys will ever see if I have my way."  That got a smile and he went to call someone, then came back to see what size they wanted and how they wanted them framed or mounted.  Eric went with regular frames.  Ryan had one really good one blown up slightly and professionally mounted.  The rest got the usual frames.  Horatio and Speed looked at the frames for the ones they wanted copies of but the few that were getting blown up were given better ones for wall mounting.  Xander sorted the other boxes into things for the portfolios and things for the new boxes, getting an understanding look.  He used the last twenty bucks of his credit to get some new film because he needed it.  They went home to slide things where they needed to go and Xander read over the mounting book but his parents had decided to have them done by the guy at the store so it was a professional job.

Horatio stared at his son as he worked.  "You've shown in the All City?"  Xander looked at him and nodded.  "I was there, I don't remember seeing your stuff."  They had went because Xander had wanted to go.  It had been a good exhibit and Xander had been bouncy and happy.

"I was in the second part, the real life category."  He went back to work. "I don't think I have more than film of the whole show, sorry."

"You took film of it?"

"Of the judging so I'd have the criticisms to go over later.  That way I wouldn't have to be there.  I took it through a small camera I planted."  He went to find the tape, coming down with the DVD.  "Here you go."  He went back to arranging them in time order.  That way he could see the progression.  A few more he set aside as things that could be shown and he wouldn't care.  Horatio looked at him. "For the next show.  Speaking of, I think I've got some on my camera right now that I'm not totally thrilled with."  He checked his watch.  "I've got to do her tattoo after school too."  He went to shower and change clothes, then headed out with a wave and an, "I'll be back in a few hours, I'm doing a castle with black turrets," and a slamming door.

"We have no idea what the boys do," Speed admitted.  He found Xander's stuff on the DVD and motioned him over with a waved hand.  "Come see."  He froze on each picture.  "He took them like he was doing a sniper shot," he said in awe.

"He did. They're well composed."  They moved slowly to each one and watched how it progressed.  Xander had excellent taste in who he shot. One had a corner of another person in it.  "Probably couldn't cut it because it'd be off size."  At the end of his they rewound it and listened to the criticism of their son, including that he had included another person.  They moved forward and found another picture in there that had to be his.  Speed zoomed in on the name tag and smiled at the simple card that they had been shown earlier.  He went back to the wider view.  It was a beautiful portrait of an older homeless lady looking at a house with kids playing.  They both held in a small sniffle.  At the end was the awards ceremony.  Xander got one for that one and a smaller one for the sniper series.  That was something to brag about.  Xander came bouncing in just after dinner and got back to work on the portfolios so they had the table back.  Horatio came over to hug him.  "They were very well done, son.  I'm proud.  Especially of the single one."  Xander frowned at him. "The homeless woman."

"I thought you were talking about the flower."  Horatio looked confused so he got up to find it on the DVD, letting them see it in pause.  "That one was mine too.  The art teacher wanted me to do it."  He went back to his task, setting some more aside.  "Can I borrow the computer to go over what's on the camera later?"

"Sure," Speed agreed.  "Hurry up or put it aside until later.  Dinner's in twenty or less."  Xander carefully moved things out of the way and onto the couch.  "Thank you.  How did the tattoo go?"

"Very well.  It'll be beautiful once I finish coloring it in.  She couldn't stand more than the outline today.  The guy I'm training under thought it was great work and he took some stills of it in outline then we'll do color."  He beamed.  "She's very happy with it so far.  As long as I don't screw up the coloring part it'll be okay."

"Good!"  He gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Go clean up."  Xander nodded, going to do that. "I want to see pictures when it's done."

"It's going on my portfolio of tattoos," he called from the bathroom behind the kitchen.

"They were good work," Horatio agreed, coming in to set the table.  They had both decided to nibble while he ate.  That way they could still talk to him while he ate.  He found the 'show' stack and put them carefully aside as well.  "I moved the ones you were putting aside to the tv."  Xander put them onto the couch, just farther away, then took his camera into the study to plug in and look.  Horatio followed once the table was set.  "That one's nice," he said, pointing at one of the thumbnails.  Xander enlarged it.  "It's an odd view but it's nice."

"Not really.  It's almost an Alice in Wonderland view of that subject."  He printed that one anyway and went on.  It went into the show stack too.  A few more got copied off and he loaded the rest onto a DVD of stored images.  Horatio looked at him.  "The ones I print out go onto a different one.  It's in the bank."  He shrugged and Horatio reached over to download them onto his computer.  "You sure?"

"I am."  He kissed him on the head.  "Anything on film?"

"Yeah but I've got to finish the roll first.  I think there's another good shot of Ryan in there actually and maybe one of Alexx too."  He shrugged and went to blow the rest of it on the sunset and the ocean.  "I'll do them in school tomorrow after the chem test."  He sat down to look at the food then at his father.  "You still think I eat like Ray."

"Ray apparently needs the energy," he said dryly.  "Did you talk to Bob?"

"Tried, he hung up on me."  He got to work on eating quickly.

"Chew and slow down," Horatio ordered. "Whatever you don't get done tonight you can do this weekend since you'll be home."

"But..."

Horatio looked at him. "We'll talk about jobs and cars this weekend but I want you home."

"Ray and I were going to go to the new art thing at the museum."

"We can all go."

"It's for teenagers."

"What better way to let us understand," Speed ordered.  "Unless you're embarrassed to have us there?"  Xander slowly shook his head.  "Then we'll go as a family, work wiling."  He grinned and added more vegetables.  "Eat."

"Do you have anything in that one?" Horatio asked.

Xander snickered.  "It's by nationally known artists, Dad.  Of course not."  Speed gave him a look.  "I'm not."

"You're not but you could be if you wanted to do that instead of being a lab geek," Speed offered.

"I could go work for a gun company too, doesn't mean I will."

"Point."  He pointed at the plate.  "I'm tired of nagging.  Don't make me tell Alexx."

Xander finished his dinner and went to work on the sofa for now.  Speed went to look up the exhibit, coming out with something printed that he gave to Xander.  Xander looked at it then at him.  "What?"

"You can put something into the exhibit if you wanted, Xander."

Xander blinked at him.  "But it'd travel."

"It would," he agreed.  He kissed him on the head.  "How about that one of the gridlock in front of the mall?  That's pretty much your hormones talking."  Xander gave him a shy grin and put that one aside, leaving a spot for it.  That and two others were saved spots in the portfolio until he could get them copied.  "We have got to arrange the walls again," Speed pointed out.

"I'm no good at interior design, sorry.  Not quite that gay," Xander quipped.  "I can ask Bob if he's talking to me again."

"I think we can manage this without Bob," Horatio said, getting up to help Speed arrange the pictures on the walls.  A few got put onto the bookcases in the study since they spent a lot of time there.  The family wall got shifted around to make more room.  The team pictures got moved into the study so the candid ones could be put up there instead.  Yelina walked in.  "Hi."

"My son is a whore."

"He doesn't get paid," Xander said while he worked.  She took one from him.  "Hey!"  He took it back.  "You'll wrinkle it!"  She sighed and walked off.  "Meany!"  He made sure it was crease free and put it into the album once he had wiped the skin traces off it.  He was wearing special gloves to do this.  Horatio came over to look.  "Like rare books, skin oils can damage photo paper.  Especially the printer version since that's all I had."  He put in another one then had to switch portfolios.  That one got put down undone just in case he had to go in and anchor any that were slipping.  Speed got a pair of gloves and helped him, getting a smile.  "Can you check them for slippage?"

"Sure."  He sat down to do that so he could look at them all.  One did slip and a piece of the putty that they had picked up earlier was put onto a corner.  "Should I zip it?"

"Please."

"Let me see it first," Horatio ordered, sitting down with Yelina to look through it.  "Is this the older stuff?"

"Yup, sale of black and white film."  Speed looked at him and Xander gave a pointed look at Yelina, getting an understanding smile.  The rest of them got done faster and then the boxes got filled and marked with dates.  The others weren't bad but since his dad had sprung for the really good ones he'd gladly use them, even if it was mediocre work by his standards.  Speed checked the others for slipping pictures, having to putty a few more into place.  Horatio took them when he was done.

Yelina came over and gave him a hug.  "I'm impressed, Xander."

"Thank you.  Dad said I had to catch you and Ray unaware to get ones of you too."

"Whenever you want, dear."  She patted him on the head.  "Why isn't Ray in chemistry?"

"Because we knew she was making drugs last year.  That's why he dropped it suddenly."  She sighed.  "You know damn well we're not going there.  That's why I'm flunking; I didn't want to help."

"The test tomorrow should solve that," she promised, kissing him on the head.  Ryan walked in with a large box.  "What's that?"

"Things we had blown up, matted, and put into frames for the walls," Speed offered.  "You picked it up?"

"I got greedy for mine," he complained.  "Eric got a copy of Calleigh's for her.  She squealed and danced around."  He smiled at Xander.  "You have a very good eye."  He gave him a gentle hug.  "Can we see the rest?"  The boy turned shy and shrugged.  "Can I look?"  Horatio pointed at the stack of portfolios.  "In order?"

"Oldest is on the bottom, Ryan."  He came over to help Speed hang up the new things, taking the graphic ones upstairs.

Ryan looked over.  "This one of me in the break room, Xander...."

"Is staying in there."

"Fine."  He went back to it, smiling at some of the choices he had made.  They were all very unique and like the boy.  "How did my neighbor's tattoo go today?"

"I did the outline and it came out fine.  The colors might be a bit tricky but she couldn't sit there anymore so I'll do those soon."

"Sure."  He went backward through the stack, smiling at the older ones.  "I like the black and white look.  Maybe you should do some more in them."  The boy blushed again.  "What? Hiding some?"

"A few of the more risque ones.  I did some with strippers."  He found them and let him see them.

"I like those.  They're good shots."

"They didn't turn out as good as I had hoped.  The really good ones they confiscated for promo photos.  They didn't like us taking pictures in the club."

"Should've asked permission."

"I did but then the boss got drunk and rescinded it."

He nodded.  "That can happen."  He put down the last one and gave him a hug.  "You are incredibly gifted.  No matter how bad you think you are.  Even the crappy ones are pretty decent and above anything I can do, and I do it for a living.  Got it?"  Xander nodded, staring at him.  "Good boy."  He kissed him on the head again then went to look at the family wall.  "Switch mine and Eric's."  Speed did that.  "It's a bit more balanced and shows the progression through time better."

"The Lifestyles of Teenagers show is this weekend," Horatio told him.  "He's going to try to submit to it."

"Good!  I like that," he agreed happily.  He grinned at the boy and went back to work.  "Talked them into a car yet?"

"No," he moaned.  "Dad said this weekend."

"That way you know your Chem grade and you're not worried about the test," Speed ordered.

"Thanks for reminding me."

"No studying.  They wanted to know what you really knew."

"Most of the kids in there can't remember a single chemical without studying," he complained.  "We'll blow the curve."

"Then they deserve it for helping her make drugs and not studying," Speed ordered.

"I'm not sure I can, Speed."

Speed looked at him.  "What project were you working on last time?"

"Making my own batch of photo developer."

"What's in it?"  Xander rattled it off.  "And those are made of?"  Xander broke it down by solution.  "You won't have a problem."

"Just because I can recite it doesn't mean I can write it."

"You can ask for a verbal test maybe," Ryan offered.  Xander relaxed at that.  "Tell them you're better at doing it verbally than at writing it.  It'd be a lot less easy to cheat too."

"I guess."  Horatio gave his son a look so he forced himself to quit worrying before he saw supper from the wrong side.  "We're missing one?"

"Two," Ryan admitted. "They're not done yet."  That got a nod and Yelina came over to look, smiling at the family wall.  "Isn't he amazing?"

"Much better than my son the slut."

"He's Eric, the next generation."  Speed snickered at that, nodding he had pegged it.

"I'd rather have him married."

"Well, when he slips up, you can make him," he assured her with a smile.

"He's saving up to get snipped," Xander told him.  She glared at him.  "Not my choice and they're reversible these days if he finds someone he likes."

"My son will die if he does," she promised.  She shook her hair back.  "When did you want to do ours, Xander?"

"I tend to catch you unaware and take them when you don't know," he offered.  She smiled at that.  "I've got one of Frank somewhere but I can't find it."

"I found a box in my closet.  It may be in there."  He went out to her car to get it.  She looked at Horatio and Speed. "Maybe he should do this instead of going into the lab."

"That's his choice to make," Horatio agreed.  Xander came back in with one and a box.  "Frank's?"

"Yup."  They slid it into a spare frame they had picked up and Horatio smiled at the one of Frank doing something at his desk.  Probably playing a game by what it looked like but you couldn't quite tell.  "Space Invaders," he explained.  He went up to his room to put the stuff into his closet and under his bed, then looked around.  "Did I leave my tattoo stuff there?" he called.

"Yes," Speed called back.  He walked in and shut the door.  "Risque stuff?"  Xander sighed and pulled out one, making him blink. "Did you do that tattoo on her ...."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Didn't that hurt?"

"Yup.  It was Eric's girlfriend too so he was in the background complaining that she wanted a labia tattoo."  Speed shuddered.  "Then the guy teaching me put in a new hoodie ring and she went home to be very delicate with it for a few weeks."  He pulled out another one.  "That's one I helped learn on.  I only did some of the coloring because the guy doing it was in mental agony."

"I can see why!"  He walked them downstairs, showing Horatio.  "He helped color the ball one."

Horatio winced.  "I was hoping that wasn't where it looked like it was."

"Yeah, but he only got to help color.  The other was Eric's girlfriend and Eric saw him working."

"We really should ask about the tattooing thing more often."

Ryan glanced at them.  "I've met her.  She was showing it off at a club I was at one night. He did good work.  Must've hurt though."

"Hmm," Horatio agreed, handing the photos back with a shudder.  Speed took them back upstairs.

"Does Xander have any tattoos?"

"No," he admitted.  "Unless it's hidden under his bikini trunks, no."  Ryan smiled at that.  "I haven't changed his diapers since he was three so there's been no reason for me to look there."

"Hey, Xander?" Ryan called. "Do you have any?"

"No comment!"

Speed burst out laughing a minute later and came out. "It's a hidden message one and it's very tiny, on his left hip.  They must've used an extra small needle for that one."

"Yes, they did, and it hurt like hell," Xander agreed. "Night all!"

"No studying," Speed reminded him.

"I'm not.  I'm going to sleep so I can face my doom tomorrow."

Speed came down the stairs shaking his head. "He does excellent work."

"He does," Horatio agreed.  "Some of the pictures are stunning."  He looked at his and Speed's favorite, which they had gotten blown up bigger than the rest.  It was one of his early ones and it was lonely looking but you could also see that it didn't have to be that way because it was a springtime picture.  So it gave you hope at the same time.  They smiled at each other.  "Good night, Yelina and Ryan."

"Night, boss.  The other two should be done later this week."  He left.

"We'll talk this weekend about Raymond?"  They both nodded so she left as well.  It was time she asked her son what he liked to do - besides have sex and drag race his car.

Those two sat on the couch to stare at the pictures, just cuddling tonight.  The phone rang and Horatio answered it.  "Horatio Caine."  He listened.  "Do we know this person?"  He smiled.  "Thank you.  Can you weed out which are his and which are Xander's?"

"If that's about Terror, I'm going to kill him," Xander called.  "I'll make sure you can't find the body."

"Thanks, kid," Speed called back.  "Go to sleep."

"Sure."

Horatio listened and smiled.  "Thank you.  We'll have a talk with him later."  He hung up.  "Xander embeds his photos with a small image on the right bottom corner."  Speed got a magnifying glass and looked at it then smirked.  "Is it the same as his tattoo?"

"No, it's his logo."  He let him see.  "His tattoo is pretty scrollwork, one of the ones with the message hidden in the swirls.  Like the pictures that're one thing and then another."  He winked and went back to the couch to cuddle once his mate got done.

***

Xander walked into school the next morning and heard someone brag that his stuff was being judged for the teenager show.  Xander coughed as he walked over.  "That's fine.  We're submitting evidence of how you stole a few too, Terror."  He smiled at the horrified look.  "By the way, I embed an image into mine.  We can prove what I took."   He walked off again, heading to his locker then the photo lab.  "Hey," he said, winking at the teacher in there.  "We do realize Terror plagiarizes?"

"I hadn't.  How can you tell?"

"Anything after May of last year I embedded an image into the corner."  He gave her a magnifying glass and let her see.  "That's why I do so much printing off the computer and I take the negs to the shop I like so he can do it for me."  She gave him a stunned look.  "Yeah.  Since I heard he's trying to submit some of my work for me, I'm going to kick his ass."

"I'm going to do a review.  Since May?"

"Anything after the picture of the shoes."  She nodded and took his current roll of film to let the machine develop them.  "Thank you."  She nodded again and he went to homeroom, finding him in there throwing a fit.  "Then prove it's your work. Produce negatives or digital files."

"You can't," he sneered.

"I can.  I keep every single image I snap on disc.  Separated out into things that got printed and things that didn't.  My dad has them."  He sat down and looked at the teacher coming in.  "Since I was kept home yesterday, do we know when I'm taking the chem test?"

"This afternoon, after school."

"Crap.  I've got stuff I promised to do.  I'm working on someone's tattoo tonight, Teach."

"We'll see.  Do you have a study hall?"

"Chem since we're probably not having it.  I saw the tape on the door."  The photo teacher leaned in.  "Did they come out crappy?"

"No!  The strip came out beautifully, Xander. Terror, can you please come with me?"  He stomped off.  "Sorry.  Small case of plagiarism."  She followed, taking him down there to go over each of the photos with him.  She had wondered if he and Xander had shot together a few times. She would have to get the boy to speak up more often since it kept happening.

***

Xander walked into the house after school, smirking happily.  "Terror got expelled for plagiarizing nearly everything in his portfolio.  The tattoo was done and the one spot I screwed up because she flinched was able to be corrected.  She said she liked it better anyway and she didn't blame me for making her flinch."  He showed off the new pictures he had done, making them smile.  "I have added another two hundred to the car fund.  Why does everyone look upset?"

"How did the chemistry test go?" Speed asked.

"Very well. I did it both ways and they taped my verbal one.  Why?" he asked cautiously.

"Because you're three hours late," Horatio reminded him from behind his journal.

"I went to finish the tattoo."

"You didn't call."

"I did call, I called your office because I didn't realize we were off today too."

"Oh, we're off for a while," Speed said bitterly.

"Because of something I did?"

"No, because someone decided to bomb the station," he sighed.  "Got the foyer.  It's structurally unsound at the moment."  Xander dropped his bag, looking horrified.  "Pick it up if it's got the ink stuff."  Xander did that, checking that case to make sure it hadn't broken open.  "Thank you.  So we've got a bit of paid leave coming."

"Gee, if only it was summer." Horatio smiled at that.  "What about the hummer?"

"They took it back from Horatio to give it an overhaul and update too.  He's pouting."

"No wonder I didn't see it."  He kissed his father on the forehead.  "You like riding behind him anyway, Dad.  You could use the vacation too."  He went to put things up, finding his lockbox with the money on his bed. "Did we get in there to count it?"

"Yup," Speed called. "That way we could look at some online listings."  Xander came down and hugged him.  "No dragging with yours, Xander."

"Not even when I need extra cash?"

"No, son," Horatio ordered calmly.  "Too many young men die of that stupidity every year."

"Sure."  He gave him another hug.  "Do you want to hear the other reason I'm late so you can make excuses now or should I wait until they file charges?"  They both stared at him, the journal being slapped onto the table.  "Madison's boyfriend is in the ER.  Ray found him forcing himself on her and called me to help.  Ray probably could use the ER, he still doesn't fight that well.  I waded in and beat the shit out of him for hurting Maddy and then not letting Ray win.  I drove them home in his car, so it's outside, and I told Suzie what had happened and where he was, plus who he was.  She called someone about a restraining order against him.  Madison was sobbing in her bedroom because she thought he loved her so Ray and I sat down to give her some facts of life and then got Suzie to give her a realistic talk about how she came to be.  She's traumatized but now she knows why no one in the family takes medicine when we need it.  So I'd expect cops later if he presses charges."

"If he does, we'll support you.  That's a righteous beating," Speed promised.  Horatio looked at him. "You'd have killed him."

"I would have."

"I kept myself from killing him.  When Ray called she was screaming 'no get off me' in the background.  That was before the tattoo and after the test by the way."  He sat down and looked at them.  "And I could really use dinner tonight, mom.  Please?"

"Going," he agreed, smiling as he went to warm up Xander's food for him.

"Is he living?" Horatio asked quietly.  Xander nodded.  "What did you do to him?"

"Broke his jaw, nose, both his hands, and then I mashed his penis with my Doc Martin's."  He grinned sweetly.  "Then I kicked him in the ribs for hurting Ray when he deserved the beating.  Since she was dating Terror...."

"The same one who got expelled?" Horatio asked.  He nodded.  "How did they meet?"

"Ray Junior at the mall.  He even told her he was an asshole, didn't matter.  She's got bad taste so far.  This is the second guy we've had to beat the crap out of for trying to force her."  He shrugged. "I'm about to wade in and set her up with some nice women."

"It might help if she swung that way," Speed agreed, bringing him something to eat and a fork.  He went to make a delicate call and check.  "Hey, Eric, it's Speedle.  Has anyone gotten an assault victim case this afternoon?  Probably at the ER.  Named Terror?"  He nodded at that, listening to how the CSI refused to take it since it had been Ryan.  "Did he pass it on?  To who?"  He nodded at that.  "Thanks."  He hung up and called her. "I'm not butting in but I wanted to know what went on between the kid and Terror.  I heard his side, I want the other kid's side."  He listened the nodded once.  "Is he going to be able to press charges?  We will, we just wanted to know if we needed to call the attorney tonight or not."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  No, not pushing.  Just let me know if they do so we can bring him down, okay?  Thank you."  He hung up.  "Ryan got it originally so he had to hand it to Melina, who said he deserved it and the DA doesn't want to press charges but his mother's whining about it.  Even after hearing why.  She's trying to blame Madison."   Horatio went into the study to talk to Suzie and her.  He looked at Xander.  "I'm proud, even if you do get probation for kicking his ass."  That got a small smile.  "But never again, right?"

"Not unless I need to."  He finished his dinner and went to do his chores, including taking out the trash.  He waved when Ryan pulled in.  "I heard they gave it to you.  I don't want favors."

"Good.  I heard Speed called."  He looked at him.  "He did what?"

"Ray found him pressuring her into doing it in an alley so he called me for backup.  When I got the call she was screaming 'no get off me' in the background.  I came out to help since Ray isn't the best fighter in the world and got him for Maddy then once in the ribs for Ray. Then we took her home to talk with her and her mom."

"That's fine.  We'll probably need a statement from you."  Xander nodded, handing one over.  "Who wrote it on official letterhead?"

"Frank.  I ran into him while I was coloring the tattoo and he made me give him one just in case."  Ryan smiled at that.  "You missed it.  They totally overreacted to the news of me having Bob."

"Do I know Bob?"

"Eric met him for me."

"Ah."  He walked him inside.  "Frank apparently took a statement earlier.  The only thing they might be able to use to force the DA to press charges is the fact he might lose his tiny, steroid shrunken penis due to the injuries from him stomping in them."

"I ground it into the ground," Xander admitted.  "I didn't mean for him to lose it."

"He'll never rape again," Speed offered.  "Madison okay?" he asked Horatio.

"She's fine.  They're having a long talk about Suzie's past and what happened to send her there.  She's mad at the boys for beating him that badly and Suzie showed her why it was wrong of him to do that with the scars on her arms.  Madison was getting sick when I hung up.  So she'll be fine."

"So what's this I hear about him having a new boyfriend?" Ryan asked.

"Bob.  He's a forty-three-year-old freshman at MU in the art department.  He's a nice guy according to Eric," Horatio admitted.  "I still made myself very clear about my desire to castrate him for touching my sixteen-year-old son and how he had better not be hurting him in any manner."  He looked at his son.  "I'd rather you dated Ryan.  At least I know he's a decent man."  He went back to his journal.

"Eric vetted him before we got serious," Xander complained.

Ryan looked at him.  Then he clapped Xander on the back.  "You need some better taste.  I'm too old for you and he definitely was."

"Sometimes older guys make more sense to me.  I hung out with you guys too often.  All I understand are Ray and you guys."  He shrugged.  "It's not like he's like my first boyfriend, who wanted to get into some really kinky shit, or the last one who believed in handcuffs a bit too much for my pleasure.  I'm wondering why leather daddies love me."  He headed into the kitchen to get something to nibble.

"Define really kinky shit?" Speed asked after sharing a look with Horatio.  Xander gave him a look, then went back to digging in the fridge.  "Bottom crsiper drawer, Xander.  I got you some strawberries."

"Thanks, Mom."  He came out and kissed him on the cheek then hissed a web address in his ear.  "That's his stuff."  He looked at Ryan and grinned.  "Want some of my strawberries?"  Speed went into the office.

"That's okay," he offered with a smile.  He handed over the two pictures that hadn't been done.  "Those are yours I believe."

Horatio smiled at them.  They had come out very well and they went up into their spots.  "Thank you for picking them up, Ryan."

"Not a problem, Horatio.   How did the tattoo come out?"

Xander sucked the juice off his current strawberry and nodded at the table.  "She flinched a bit so some of the coloring's not the most even but she liked it and didn't blame me for making her flinch."

Ryan looked at the picture, then smiled at him. "It's a good job."

"Thank you."  He nibbled on a new one, sucking the juice off with a blissful look on his face while Speed came out white as a sheet.  "See, and I know what bad boyfriends are like," he said dryly.

"Son, he had a snuff film on there."

"Huh.  Definitely not my thing.  He was talking about hooks and things."  He shrugged and sat down, turning on the tv.  "They're talking about the arrest again."

"As they should with as much product as we found," Ryan agreed, coming over to watch it with him while Horatio went to look at the film and call someone.  Speed gave Xander a hug around the neck then went to help hm.  "They really do worry," he said quietly.

"I'm fine, Ryan."  He gave him a look.  "I dropped him when he got freaky on me and the last one when he liked handcuffs."

"What about the guy in-between them?"

"He was nice but kinda pathetic.  He was goody-goody nice as Ray put it.  Soft, simpering, wanted to be Martha nice."  Ryan smirked at that.  "He was and that's great but not my thing.  Every now and then I want a guy who'll shove me into the wall and take me there while we knock pictures off the wall.  The same as there's a place for cuddling during sex and after sex definitely."  He shrugged again and gave him a small grin.  "That's one of the reasons I don't date guys my own age.  They don't understand me.  They give me looks like I'm strange and dangerous.  Which, totally wrong cousin, but still."  He ate another strawberry, sucking gently on it.  Horatio came out to give him a hug.  "Did he put something of me up?"

"A poem about you and how you were still an unsoiled dove."

Xander coughed.  "Not hardly," he said dryly.  He shrugged at his father's look.  "I'm a bit more experienced than you think, Dad.  Really.  Careful but I do know a bit more than you think."

"We should talk about that."

"Did you want details, dad?"

"If you're comfortable giving them to us."

"Um, no."

"Does Eric?" Ryan asked.  Xander gave him a look.  "I know I know some about the nice one."

"You did get more details than you probably should have."

"I needed it in that one instance," he reminded him.

"I know."  He gave him a one-armed hug then went back to his strawberries.  "He might, Dad.  I think he tunes out any sex related stories unless we're complaining about having problems or asking for advice.  Or at least he does mine.  I know he and Ray ended up with the same woman at least once so they compared and Ray decided it was creepy, which was probably Eric's objective to get Ray out of his dating pool."

"I'm going to have to talk to that boy," he complained, going back into the study.

"Ray or Eric?" Ryan called after him.

"Eric."

"Talking to Ray won't really do much good," Xander told him, sucking off another strawberry and watching the weather.  It was important to his stuff that he not shoot during high humidity.  Ryan nudged him with a shoulder, getting a grin.  "I need to do something for class later this weekend."

"What's the subject?"

"Still lifes."

"Do the cemetery."

"I did that the last time and she turned me in for being depressed."

Ryan smiled.  "We'll figure out something."

"We wanted him home this weekend," Speed called.

"Assignment for art class."

"Then we'll go to the park and see if you can do it there," Horatio offered.  "Yelina wanted us to have a picnic with her and Ray."

"Is he bringing his harem?" Xander teased.

"His mother would freak if she saw how massive his harem is," Ryan told him.  Xander nodded.  "How many is he stringing along?"

"He's got one main girlfriend, a few he's got for mutual stress relief, his nympho buddy, and his girlfriend likes it when he goes to gather more for her to watch him with.  He and Minerva's LunchBox are fast friends."  He winked and went back to his treat.

Ryan forced himself to quit watching Xander suck and lick at the soft flesh of the strawberries and watch the news with him.  His phone rang.  "Wolfe," he answered, listening to them.  "Did they decide to charge him?"  He smiled.  "Thanks.  No, he's the reason Ray Junior's so bruised too.  He tried to protect his half-sister first.  Then Xander waded in to protect them both.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "You're off the hook but the DA is watching you to see if you ever screw up that way again and she'll press charges at that time."

"I only do it when someone needs me to.  We had to threaten and shove her last boyfriend too.  Nothing harder than a black eye but he got the point about trying to make her drink."  He ate another one.  Speed came out to take the strawberries away from him.  "Hey!"

"Have the rest later.  Come see this stuff he put up."  Xander sighed and went with him, waving at Ryan.  Speed came back out, looking at him.  "You knew about his others?"

"About why he left the first guy, that he was into painfully kinky S&M stuff that Xander didn't like.  I knew about the second guy and why they broke up.  This last one doesn't really surprise me.   Why?"

"We've just decided if you wanted to step up at least we know you'd be decent," he said quietly.  "Up to you but we won't drive you two apart."  He went back into the study.  "What happened with your second one?"

"He snapped one night.  Went from sweet, simpering, and nice to raging drunk one night.  I had to call Ryan for a ride home since I didn't have one."

"Did he hurt you?"

"Black eye.  You were out of town that weekend at the conference.  He tried to call me once the next day and I told him off so he left me alone."  He gave them looks.  "I extracted myself from there and didn't go back."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Horatio asked quietly.

"It was a dead issue."

Horatio sighed.  "What if he comes back, Xander?"

"Then he'll be a sorry damn bastard when I kill his ass," Xander said, staring at him.  "I can take care of myself most of the time, dads."

"We know," Speed agreed.  "Sometimes we need to check to be reminded of that fact.  Especially with the other shocks we've had in the last few days."  He petted him.  "Now and then I still think about the first day I met you and how all you did was this every time you saw me for the next four years."  That got a grin from his son.  "So...  Why do you like older guys?"

Xander shrugged.  "They're not childish.  They understand me.  They think I'm deep and soulful for being artistic and think I'm a bit odd because I like guns?"  He grinned.  "They're better lovers than guys my age, who're generally pretty lame and think a blow is the height of being a good lover, and most of them drool or bite still."  Horatio gave him a look.  "Yes, I dabbled in guys my age, Dad.  It sucked.  Badly.  They all did."  He grimaced then shuddered.  "I almost needed stitches after one guy bit me by accident."

"I remember you being unable to move one day," Speed said, thinking back.  "You said it was an accident in gym class.  Soccer ball to the nuts you said."

"It was more like bad teeth to the base of my cock, but yeah.  Speaking of, would it be okay if I got a PA?"  Horatio shook his head slowly.  "Shoot."

"No, son," Speed agreed.

"Should I point out you have three holes, Mom?"

"No, because one of mine infected recently and I had to remove it," Speed told him.  "Suspect to the balls."

"It happens," Xander agreed.  He stretched then looked at them.  "Did we get the test results for the exam yet?"  Horatio smirked and nodded.  "Can I have mine?"

"Not until Monday morning."

"Crap," Xander muttered, standing up.  "Did I pass?"

"No comment," both parents said in unison.

"So you're going to make me worry for dating Bob?"  They both smiled and nodded.  "You do realize this means someone's going to be holding my hair most of the weekend?"

Horatio sighed and looked at Speed.  "Should we?"

"It's better than him getting sick with worry," he admitted.  "He still deserves it for the forty-three-year-old guy he was dating."

"Mom!" Xander whined.  "At least he was *good* to me!  Even if there are...  Never mind."  Horatio looked at him and he gave him the same steady look back.  "I'm not sharing that."

"Naked pictures?" Speed guessed.

"No comment."

"Trade you for the results," Horatio offered.

"If you bust him some very good pieces of art will be lost to the world and I'd hate that."

Horatio sighed and considered it.  "What if we make sure he can't do it again?"

"Okay.  Some of it I don't mind if it doesn't get out, ever, but it's great work, guys.  He's a great sculptor and painter."

"Are we talking things that some perverts would love to own?"

"No comment?" he hazarded.  His father shook his head for the attempt.  "He wasn't going to hurt me and me being with him meant he couldn't work on the pictures of the twin boys groping or the statue of the two teenagers groping.  They're asexual.  Can't tell if they're male or female."

"Which means they're underaged," Speed finished.  Xander shrugged.  "You were going to tell us when?"

"If I found out he was doing something wrong," he said firmly.  "I had no proof, only a hint of something the other night when I borrowed Ray Junior's car.  I saw the statue and praised it so he showed me the picture he's working on.  He said it's his boys."

"I want to see them," Horatio said quietly but firmly.

"You'd be involved," Ryan said from the doorway.  "Eric and I can go and it'd be like friends checking on his boyfriend for the dad.  I can easily brag on how good Xander is and show him a few of his photos."  Xander grinned at that.  "I can."

"You can.  He's been bugging me to see more than the commercial stuff."  He got up and went to pull something out from under his laptop, handing over the key to Ryan.  "It's in Ray Junior's room."

"We can do that."   He walked him out.  "We're going."

"Take a camera," Speed ordered.  "We want to know what's going on."  Xander nodded, grabbing the spy camera out of the bag in Horatio's office.  He clipped it onto the necklace he wore and they headed out together.  "You think?" Speed asked his mate.

"I do, but he doesn't know for sure.  He would've told us if he did more than have a subtle worry.  Xander is like that and he hates people who prey on children."  Speed nodded that was true, sliding down to sit on Horatio's lap so he could look at the computer too.  He logged into the camera, smiling at the complaining Yelina was doing that Xander still had things hidden at her house.  He showed her one and she shut up, just sitting down.  Ryan took it and looked comically at it.  Then at Xander.  Both boys giggled and Xander took it back.  "Wish I could see that."  Ryan took the box and looked through it then showed one to his camera, making both fathers stare in awe.  "Our son's been doing playboy?"

"Maybe," Horatio admitted.  "I wonder if he's been making money for that."

"Possibly," Speed admitted.  "It's still artistic and not smutty."  They watched Yelina hop up and start to complain so Xander got the other things out of the footlocker, but Ryan just took the footlocker and brought it out to the hummer.  Xander carried the other three himself and put it into the back with a laptop neither of them knew anything about.  "Huh," he said.

"Indeed."  He gave Speed's neck a kiss.  "We'll see later on.  Then we'll tie our son down and renegotiate his responsibilities, rights, and allowance."

"Twelve dollars is too low," Speed agreed.

"We'll see what we can do," Horatio promised.

"Twenty-five?"

"A bit high in my opinion."

"Ray Junior gets that much a week," Speed reminded him.

"Yelina spoils him."

Speed shifted to look at him.  "Horatio, our boy's more than either of us expected.  He's a gifted artist.  He's doing good in classes.  Hell, he passed the test cold, H.  He has the chance of going into the lab to follow Calleigh or going into a good art career.  He's a great boy, even if he is dating someone over twice his age.  And apparently has been for a while," he said at his lover's grimace.  "He's a good boy, Horatio.  Hell, I'd like to know how much he made last year."

"We can look up his tax information," he suggested.

"We don't have to snoop with Xander, H.  He's not going to do bad things.  Except his boyfriends and drag racing apparently."

"It's dangerous."

"It is," he agreed, stealing a kiss.  "Then again, so is the job and the life we live.  You know that better than most with the amount of time you've spent with a gun pointed at your head."  Horatio grimaced but nodded.  "Now, most kids his age are getting about that much.  He's got an after school job too.  Are we going to let him get a car?"

"As long as it's not used to have sex in, not used in a porno shoot, and not used for drag racing," he sighed, looking at him. "How do you do that?"

Speed grinned.  "You know he's ready for it."  Horatio nodded, giving him a cuddle, but looking at the camera again.  Speed turned back around.  "Huh, Bob's pictures made him look older than he does in person.  Is that a rug?"

"Weave," Horatio admitted. "Hair extensions woven into his natural hair to make them thicker."

"I like your hair, do not even consider it.  They can't match your shade of red."

"Yes, dear."  He gave him a squeeze and Ryan was telling him that they had sent him over to see if he was suitable to date their son.  "He's good."

"He is," Speed agreed.  "Glad our son likes him like that."  Horatio growled in his ear. "Everyone should have someone who thinks that they're so hot they're a fire hazard.  It's good for the ego."

"Some already have too much," he said dryly, seeing Eric walking in as well.  Xander walked Bob out to the hummer to get the box he wanted, letting him see it out there.  Bob heaped praise for the artistic merit and looked at a few others he selected to show him.  "Hmm.  Very impressive."

"It is," Speed agreed. "We might need more portfolios."  Horatio groaned.  "He said it'd break the bank, that's why he was using cheaper stuff."  They went back inside and Bob put one of Xander's up on his wall, earning a smile from Eric for it since he was in it.  They  walked around to let Bob tell them about what he was doing and listening to Xander ask him to see the new statue again, that they'd appreciate it and not be mean.  They went to look, and they saw Eric stiffen slightly but he didn't say anything.  Ryan noted the artistic composition and the transgendered and non-gendered aspects of the figures.  Bob beamed at him and said that it was good he understood he wasn't doing children, as some claimed.  Then he led them out and promised he'd see Xander in a few days, his father willing, and would he please pose again.  Xander smirked and said he hadn't gotten to see the others yet so no, not until then.  He led him back up into his private space to let him see the two statues and the painting.  All nudes.  Horatio growled very loudly and Speed patted the hands around his waist.  "We'll get him, Horatio."

"Yes, we will be," he vowed.  "We're recording this?"  Speed checked then nodded. "Thank you."  He saw one and squeezed him harder.

"I'm not your teddy bear, H."

"Sorry."  He eased off some.  "Is that Ray?"

"It is," he sighed.  "Idiot."

Horatio chuckled.  "He can be, but then again he's sixteen now."  Xander told Bob he didn't think that he'd done anything with the picture he'd asked to borrow of Ray and his girlfriend but apparently he had been wrong.  Bob just beamed and said she was left faceless because all young men searched for love.  Then he led him back out, promising he'd call for lunch soon.  He waved and beamed as they walked off.  Xander's camera caught him closing the door then they both apparently drove back home.  Horatio went to get the footlockers with the boys' help.  "I'm going to kill him, you realize this?" he asked his son.  Who just sighed and nodded.  "Perhaps we should not date for a while?"

"Causal sex is so tawdry," he complained. "Much more the junior thug's style than my own smooth one, Dad."

"I did like the one of Ray Junior," Speed noted dryly.  He came out to look and Eric gaped at some of the pictures.  "He was hiding them under Ray's bed."

"Oh."  He picked up one. "Isn't this my girlfriend?"

"Yeah, she wanted to give you a few.  I wrote out a short contract using a legal document making program that said I kept all negatives and photos she didn't want, with the authority to show them at my discretion.  She signed it."  He shrugged. "It's standard according to most art teachers I talked to."  He handed over one and Eric drooled.  "Expect some from her soon."  His fathers looked at him.  "It made me good money!"

"How much did you make last year, son?"  Horatio asked patiently.

"Enough?"

"Son," Speed warned.  "I don't think we need to snoop and ask the IRS, but...."

"I know."  He looked at his father. "About ten grand."  Horatio just nodded once.  "I'm going to offer to do some of the graduation photos this year.  The teacher said it was acceptable."

"That's fine, son."  He gave him a short hug.  "I'd like to see those too."

Eric looked at him. "You didn't seem like the playful nudity sort, H," he joked.  He looked at Xander.  "How did your naked statues and pictures turn out?"

"He captured his face very well.  The one where he deaged him to about twelve was wonderfully done and nearly correct," Speed admitted.  "Then it morphs into the him of now on the other side of the statue.  They're very artistic."

"It's still naked kids," Ryan complained.

"Which is why we'll talk with someone tomorrow morning," Horatio assured him. He patted his son on the back.  "We'll renegotiate your allowance and things after we see the show tomorrow."  Xander beamed at that.  "Plus talk about a car for you."  Xander squealed and hugged him then Ryan, giving him a short kiss before hugging Speed and heading up to his room.

"I'm still much too old for him," Ryan complained quietly, shaking his head.

"Apparently not," Speed said dryly.

"Better you than the one who hit him, the one who tried to hurt him sexually, or the one who liked bondage too much," Horatio agreed.  "Especially better than this one."  He went back to the study then came back to get into the other pictures.  Before Xander could complain.  One he bagged because it had biological samples on it.  "We need to talk to the nephew."

"Already did, dad.  I spanked him for that.  There should be a reprint in there."  He came down to get the spare laptop and a few other pictures. "For the submission tomorrow."  He went back up to his room to do some manipulation work.  Speed came up an hour later to give him a hug, staring in shock at the screen in front of him.  "Like it?"

"Love it," he assured him, giving him an extra squeeze.  "Get to sleep sometime tonight, Xander."  He kissed him on the head.  "Love you.  Great work.  Horatio?"  He came in to look then smiled and kissed him on the head too.  "Doesn't that progression and the intermixing of the more innocent things like skinnydipping interspersed with the dancing pictures, and then the stripper and the sex ones really speak the confusion of being a teenager?"

"It does," he agreed quietly.  "I do like that, Xander."  He gave him another kiss on the head.  "Go to bed soon.  Remember to save that."  Xander smiled and printed it out, having to bind the two pages together with some tape on the back, but it went onto a cardboard mat so it was fine. "Good job."  They left him alone to get into bed and be happy with himself.  They weren't going to listen if he did.  They wanted to celebrate having a son who had some sense and taste.

***

Year Twenty-Seven.

***

"As you well know, this is the lab," Eric said, finishing the tour.  "This is the main lobby area.  You're going to be getting your trainers today.  All three of you are going to be expected to keep up with the rest of us.  I don't care if you can't but let us know if that becomes a problem.  Any questions?"  The guy behind Xander and Ray Junior raised his hand.  "Yes, Paul?"

"How long are we a trainee for?"

"Until we think you're trained enough then we'll give you three chances to test into a level one by solving your own case.  I will be honest, the other two have a head start.  One's uncle is in the lab and the other's got two parents in here.  They've both been raised here."

"I heard," he admitted.  "So I won't be judged on their timetable?"  Eric shook his head.  "Good.  Thank you."

"Welcome, but you've still got the harder mentor to live up to."  He led them up to the main lab area.  "Interns in the lab!" he called.  Speed and Horatio came out to greet them.   "No Calleigh?"

"In her lab finishing something," Horatio admitted.  "Welcome to the felony lab, gentlemen.  I do hope you enjoy your tenure here and you can live up to expectations."  He smiled as Ryan jogged out.  "Late, Mr. Wolfe?" he teased.

"Unavoidable, Captain," he taunted back with a smirk.  "Alexx had me."  He looked at them.  "Hi.  Ray."

"Ryan."

"C'mon."

"Sure.  Just don't make me OCD.  Mom would whine."  He nodded politely at his uncle.   "Mom wanted dinner tonight.  She just now figured out that you and Marisol had an arrangement and you weren't cheating on Uncle Speed."

"Of course she did," he agreed.  He patted him on the back.  "Xander."

"I know my way to ballistics," he agreed, grinning.  "Laters.  Yes, we can even have dinner at my place, but only if Mom cooks."  He smirked and walked off.  "Have fun, Paul, Speed's the picky bastard in the lab."  He walked into ballistics and pulled on a lab coat.  Then he squealed and they hugged each other.  "I'm here!  Finally!  No more tormenting rich kids on patrol and having their cars towed for doing ten miles over the speed limit to make the department money and piss them off."  She laughed and let him help her with the current weapon.  "Ryan has Ray Junior."

"Figured he would.  Speed's too close.  How is the junior slut?"

"Not a junior one anymore, but still Eric the next generation.  His mother's whining about grandkids."

"Maybe he should tell her that he did get fixed after all?"

"Maybe," Xander agreed.  "Or that he did it because there's two already around.  They refused to acknowledge it though and told him to leave them alone.  One filed a restraining order so he can't see the kid.  Thought it was bad he became a cop."  She giggled.  "Are you coming to the art show tomorrow night with the dads?"

"Sure am," she agreed happily, smiling when Horatio came in to hug his son.  "Mushy," she teased.

"I'm allowed."  He kissed the back of Xander's head.  "I'm impressed and proud, son.  I always am.  You still have to learn things and pass your test."  Xander gave him a 'duh' look.  "I have how many great nieces?"

"Two.  The mothers won't let him see them."

"Pity.  That won't stop me."  He smirked and walked out to talk to Ray Junior and give him the same treatment.  "Great-nieces?" he asked quietly.

"One of each. One looks a lot like Maddy too, Uncle H."  He grinned at him.  "Her mom filed a restraining order so I can't see them.  Maddy watches over them for me."

"I like that," he agreed, patting him on the back. "I'm proud, Ray.  Never doubt that I'm proud, even when you mess up.  All rookies do it."

"I'll do my best to own up to mistakes."

Ryan nodded. "You won't be following my path, young man."

"Yes, Ryan.  Going to Xander's showing tomorrow?"

"I am.  Eric is.  I'm assuming your whole family is."  Horatio nodded.  "Then we'll go as his posse like we did to the show at the college."

"Hopefully without the leather this time," Ray complained. "I chafed last time.  My girlfriends were not pleased."

His uncle patted him on the back. "Settle down or I'm buying you a foreign bride, Raymond."  He walked off, content with his lab once again.  He looked at Eric, who had just recently been forced to marry someone by his family.  He didn't look happy.  "It takes work to make a happy relationship, Eric."

"She's talking babies and I don't like kids, Horatio."

"So let her tell your mother that."

"I can't.  Momma wants a few grandkids to carry on the family name.  I told her I'm not doing it but she's not listening."

"It happens, Eric. You'll figure it out."  He patted him on the arm and walked off.

"Well, I did tell mom if she forced someone to marry me I'd get myself fixed," he said, going to look up a doctor to snip his tubes for him.  Ray walked in and gave him a card then left again, earning a smile.  He loved his younger clone.  He was a good boy.  A testament to his skills as a favored uncle.  And hey, Xander was a kick ass CSI already.  They had done good raising the kids in the lab.

The End.