Contents

Hunted And Wanted

Family.

Hunted And Wanted

Xander came up from the basement on Sunday, pouting.  "I need to build onto the tunnel."

"You don't need all that, Xander.  Give some of it to Calleigh or Mac."  He turned the page.  "What did Toby send over for doing his Grafton collection?"

"That was the flame thrower a few weeks ago.  I just finished his Stephen King collection."  Horatio gave him an odd look over the edge of the paper.  "They're like 'True Life' stories and romance novels to them.  Willow and I read _Christie_ for them and started a small breeding orgy."  Horatio shook his head and went back to reading.  "Can't I please build on?"

"No, Xander.  And remember, they only saw the entrance from the other house," he said patiently.

Xander pouted all the way into the office to make the calls.  "Mac, make Horatio let me add onto the weapon's cavern?" he begged.  He grinned.  "Hi, Uncle Don.  No, I didn't buy more.  I'm translating stuff for the guy at Tentacles and that's how he pays me.  I figure at least they're not on the street, but I'm out of room after the WWII-era flame throwers.  Horatio won't let me add on."  Pause.  "I am being good, Don.  I told him I didn't need a SCUD system."  He smirked at the shocked coughing.  "Can't you convince him, Mac?"  He listened.  "No, you can't have any of the swords but if you can't convince him I'm to give some of them to you and Calleigh.  That way I have more room."  He grinned.  "You let Danny play with your weapons?  I thought he hated them."  He smiled at his lurking mate.  "Dear, Mac wants to send down Danny."

Horatio took the phone and listened.  "He can keep Xander out of trouble.  Maybe they can do an inventory."  Xander pointed at his cabinet.  He went to find it.  Xander always hid things from him in here, but only the things he wanted him to find.  Because Xander never *told* him anything.  "I trust you and Calleigh to hide them from him, Mac.  If it's one he's not fond of or he's got multiple copies of I'll try to convince him."  Xander shook his head. "You've got enough swords to outfit a full company of Musketeers and an entire Scottish village for a rerun of _Braveheart_, Xander.  You can share with Mac."  Xander pouted.  "That won't work.  Soon please, Mac?  He's already pouting.  We'll let you and Calleigh work that out.  I'm not sure.  I just found the inventory.  That's Xander's space and I only go down when invited."

"All you have to do is ask, Horatio," Xander complained.

Horatio looked at him.  "If I know I might have to arrest you, Xander."

"I was a good boy.  I turned down the SCUD system."

"I'm proud.  Really.  That would be fine, Mac.  Thank you."  He hung up and called Calleigh.  "Xander's weeding out his collection.  You will pick up Mac and Danny so Xander can lead you down there together.  Yes, I'm sure.  Either you two help him weed it our or he's got to build more space. Thank you, Calleigh."  He hung up, weathering the pout.   "No one man needs that many swords.  Not even if you claim multiple personalities."  He went back to his breakfast and the paper.

Eric walked in looking confused a few minutes later.  "Why did Speed call to complain about Calleigh's squealing?"

"Horatio's being mean and making me clean out some of the weapons Toby paid me with."

Eric blinked then shrugged. "So?"

Xander led him down there, weathering the horrified looks for the artillery tunnel.  "Toby pays me with them for translating books into demon.  Horatio said I couldn't expand."

Eric finally closed his mouth and walked the younger man off.  "Has the stress snapped your mind?" he demanded once the vault door was shut.  "What if the wrong people hear about that, Xander?  Or the FBI?"

"It's not like I'm selling them!  I collect them."

Eric moaned, feeling his forehead.  "Did the chicken pox do bad things to your mind while you had the fever?"  Xander smirked and shook his head.  "Some of those are probably illegal to *look* at!"

"None of them are secret that I know of."

"That won't help you if someone comes, Xander!"

Xander walked off.  Eric stomped after him.  Xander turned back on the security system, something he had paid Ethan for, and the door disappeared.  He gave Eric a look then led him back upstairs.  "He thinks I have chicken pox brain damage from the fever."

"I know this hoarding leads back to Sunnydale, Xander.  Don't worry about it."

"Now I know why Speed complained about her squealing."  He looked at Xander. "If anyone asks, I just got here.  I never went down there."

"Yes, Eric.  Coffee?"

"No, that's all right.  When is Mac coming?"

"Tomorrow," Horatio said, giving him a look.  "When you're forced to save the world, you do tings like that for the next time, Eric."

"We're not in Sunnydale.  Unless Cuba is going to invade, we're pretty safe in Miami."

"Maybe I'll be really old and the bad aliens will land," Xander offered.  "Horatio, more coffee?"

Horatio got up to check for a fever.  "Don't wish that on the world, Xander," he ordered when he found him normal...well, for Xander anyway.

***

Mac walked off the plane with Danny sulking behind him.  "It'll be fine, Danny, just like last time."

"I haven't worn you two out in weeks," he complained.

"Yes you have.  Stella can't sit."

"You were back there, not me," he retorted.

Mac frowned.  "I was very gentle because she was already sore.  You're the one who had her in the kitchen and make her that way.  Besides, guarding Xander is an easy job since he's only got society sniping at the moment."

"Finally!" Calleigh called.  "I was going to go insane waiting."  She hugged them both, leading them to baggage claim then outside.  "C'mon, let's go."

"Speed said stimulants had a funny effect on you," Danny teased.

She blushed and hit him on the arm.  "Quit!"

"Which house are we going to?" Mac asked.

"The one they waited for the ransom demand in.  He said the tunnels didn't connect, that Horatio wouldn't let him put it in."  Mac smirked.  "Big lie?"

"You'd have to ask him."

"I wonder what the neighbor over the tunnel thinks," Danny offered as he climbed into her car.

"They're some of you. They take everything with a 'whatever' and a shrug, like most New Yorkers."  She started the car and drove them back, charming the guard totally before he let them in.  They liked to tease her enough to make her blush.  She parked and bounced inside, Xander looking up from his coffee.  "Okay, we're here, let's go."  The dog barked.  "Hi, Percy," she cooed, petting the poor dog.

Xander pointed at the kitchen.  "Di made coffee and went back to bed.  Eric and Toddy are both upstairs after trying to light this kitchen on fire like they did the other one."  Danny headed that way, bringing out two cups for him and Mac.  Calleigh was already scary, he wasn't feeding her caffeine.  Xander led them down to the bunker.  Mac stared at the door.  "This is the hurricane shelter.  There's a general code that's taped overtop of the keypad to get into the general bunker but not the weapons.  To even expose that door you've got to have the other code."  He entered it and let them in through both doors. The general bunker was basically set up like a family room, only underground.  A small fridge, a few chairs and couches, and a set of bunk beds.  Plus a generator.  The gun bunker was a sliding door that opened behind and off to the side of the fridge, letting them into a small antechamber with two regular doors.  Once he had palmed the outer door shut the lights came on, highlighting the two doors in front of them.  "Big and heavy weapons on the left; swords, handguns, and assorted things associated on the right."  He opened both doors at the stereo looks.  Mac tapped a foot a few times.  "What?"

"Kinda clear there's another door, Xander," Danny noted.

"No, that's a table."  He folded down the table.  Mac went left, Calleigh went right.  A moment and a squeal followed.

"Very manly, Mac," Danny teased, sitting on one of the table's fold down seats.

Calleigh came out with a pout. "I can't move anything in the cabinets."  Xander walked in and opened the drawer associated with each weapon in the index case, then the three metal shutters that hid his swords and those drawers for the collector's pieces.  Then he went back to his coffee.

Mac walked in to see what the noise had been.  "Horatio wasn't kidding.  He can outfit an entire village for a remake of _Braveheart_ and a Musketeer company," he said, staring at the swords.  Pulled one off its pegs, testing it.  "Very nice weight."

"Not my pure silver one, Mac.  Anything on the left panel, where I have more than one," Xander called.  That's all Horatio had convinced him to part with.

Mac put the one he was looking at back so he could poach from the excess pieces.  "Xander why is there a drawer labeled 'Highlander'?" he called.

"Collector's editions."

Mac looked and shook his head, getting back to his scavenging.  He carried some out.  "Where's the others?"

"Basement in cases and in my former closet at Speed's."

"Which is a scary place, Mac," Calleigh complained.  "Speed pulled out a crossbow to threaten a new neighbor."

"It's a nasty slug demon.  They're always into bad things," Xander said simply. "Even if it is claiming clanless status."  He finished his coffee, looking at Danny.  "It's going to be a few hours.  Wanna go for a walk?"

"Sure."  He followed him out to the beach.  "Since I'm to play bodyguard, can you keep it down while I'm here?"

"I haven't had a stalker in weeks," Xander assured him.  "You can spend the whole time playing with Eric or in the labs."  Danny shook his head. "No?"

"No, I was told to watch you.  Or else Mac would have my badge."

"Okay, then you can be bored."

"Teach him how to cook," Horatio ordered from their porch.  They walked up to join him.  "Still down there?"  They nodded.  "I'll let Calleigh make up the hours if she's late."

"Cellphones work down there.  I made sure of it," Xander promised. He stole a kiss and grinned.  "Be safe and today and make someone beg."  Horatio smirked.  "I know, that's a benefit not an everyday thing."

"Yes, but they are nice to see," he admitted.  He left them alone.  Danny had his numbers if he needed him.

***

Calleigh came out of the tunnel with a few very nice things that she wanted, and a few boxes of stuff the lab could use for the exemplar cabinet.  She smiled at Di.  "He's having to give some away to get  more room."

"Joy.  Let me clear the kids out so they don't have to see the guns."

"Xander's got to lock it behind us anyway. I noticed the doors don't lock unless you input the code," Mac offered.  She nodded, pointing at the very attentive kids.  "It'll only take us a few minutes."

"That's fine."  She gathered both kids and the dog up, taking them outside to play.  Percy may be Horatio's dog but he followed Eric around faithfully.  She kept an eye on the moving progress.  Calleigh got a few more cases outside.  Mac carried some longer, tube looking things.  Plus some of the swords.  She kept a mental count but it was going to give her a headache.  She opened the door to lean in.  "Did he buy those?"

"No, he was given them in payment for translating some things into demon," Calleigh assured her.

"Oh, that's nice of them," she said dryly.  "Then why doesn't Willow have these?"

They looked at each other, then groaned.  Calleigh called Willow. "Xander's letting us yard sale some of his collection to gain more room.  What are you getting paid for the book translation?"  She listened, then smirked. "I'm sure it's just a mental exercise for you, Willow.  Now, give.  That way I can warn Horatio."  She blinked and stared at the wall.  "But I thought you can't....  Ooooh.  Well, decent enough idea.  They're where?  Won't that bother them?  I don't know, like radiation or something?"  Mac raised an eyebrow as he made another trip.  "She's getting magical books to keep them out of other's hands."  She listened.  "Okay, it's your call.  I'm sure Ryan knows?"  She swallowed.  "Willow...."  She moaned.  "Fine. I'll only tell Horatio.  Thank you."  She hung up and moaned.  "She didn't want Ryan to know," she muttered, going to help Mac with another load. "He said you can't have the silver one."  Mac gave it an adoring look. "Mac," she sighed.  He put it back and closed all the shutters and cabinets, then made sure the other one was locked as well.  They walked out one last time, putting up the table and taking the coffee cups with them.  Calleigh tapped in the code that was over the keypad and the doors sealed, she could hear them both seal.  "I want to know who he got to do this work."

"I'm not sure I want to know," Mac admitted.  "Stella might get mad if I turned our safe spot into a bunker that way."  He followed her upstairs.  Di took the coffee cups.  "Thank you, Di."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "How have you been?  And Taylor?"

"She's with her parents this week but we're all good."  She smiled at them. "Can't he get into that from the other side?"

"There's only one door so he'd have to come through, come out the other side, then close the vault door and then back inside," she offered.

"So it's easier and faster if he just pops over and goes into the basement and the hurricane shelter."  They nodded.  "At least the general shelter's nice."  She walked them outside, waving as they left.  "Now if only Horatio would stop the boy."

***

Danny looked around the formal event Xander had to go to that afternoon, moaning mentally.  This was not his thing.  Definitely not his thing.  Even Xander looked bored.  He personally hoped for a page from Horatio or someone saying they needed them.  Not in a bad way of course, but that they were needed to talk to someone.  He followed Xander around, nodding silently at those around him.  Then again, he was picking up a lot of information playing bodyguard.  He knew rich kids were brats but two of them were talking about major drug deals in the corner.  He glanced at them, memorizing their faces, then back around the rest of the room so it didn't look suspicious.

"Xander, dear, a bodyguard?" one older woman asked, looking chiding.

"Yes, Bess.  This is Detective Messer from New York.  He's had a small problem up there with a case that wants to make him dead.  So we're guarding each other at the moment."  He grinned at her.  "He's trying to keep me out of trouble," he mock-whispered.

She snorted and patted him on the head like a dog.  "I'm sure he tries quite hard, Xander."  She smiled and shook Danny's hand.  "Messer?  Do I know that name?"

"Probably not," he admitted, smiling at her.  "Though we did come down during the lab switch and I'm on the board at the Foundation."

"Ah, that's where I know the name from," she agreed, smiling at him. "Do try to keep him out of trouble."

"Oh, I do," he said with a wry grin. "But this is Xander we're talking about."

"It's probably your toughest assignment to date," she agreed, smiling at him.  "Are you having fun as his bodyguard?"

"I'm learning quite a lot," he agreed.  "I should walk around behind Don when he does these things."  She laughed and patted him on the cheek before walking off to get some more punch.  He looked at Xander, then nodded at the corner.  "The two who were over there?"

"I'll give it to you later," he offered quietly.  That got a nod.  "I'm so bored," he admitted. He looked around then sighed and headed over to one person.  "Isabel, is Melody sick again?"

She nodded. "Unfortunately so, Xander."  She smiled at him then at Danny.  "Horatio hired you a bodyguard?"

"This is Danny.  He's part of the New York lab and there's a case that's making him a big, huge target so we're protecting each other from each other's problems."  She giggled at that, leaning on his shoulder.  "Also, he's part of the Board."

"Ah, I see.  Mr. Messer," she said, shaking his hand.  "My name is Isabel.  I'm one of the local matrons who helps Xander when he runs into social troubles."  She looked at him.  "Someone was gossiping that they saw police officers carrying boxes out of your other house?" she asked pointedly.

He nodded. "Horatio said I had to share some of my weapons collection with Mac, his boss, and Calleigh, our ballistics tech.  When I came from Cali I had a pretty good collection going that someone else handed me since they were given to him and he hated guns.  Mac coveted some of my swords as well."  She blushed at that.  "He did."  He grinned at her.  "I'm pretty good with a broadsword.  I'm still stuck on fencing but I'm pretty good with a real sword."  She smiled at that.  He shrugged. "Each department keeps an exemplar cabinet so I let them browse and borrow.  That way I can find neat new stuff that I will covet and beg Horatio to buy me as a present."  She laughed at that. "I will.  There's a pretty new battleaxe I've got my eye on but Horatio said I couldn't get another one.  He said the only way I could get it was if it was a present.  So I've been dropping pointed hints about presents and axes."  She kissed him on the cheek and shook her head.  "It works for us."  He pulled Danny closer, out of someone's way.  "That'll cause a snit," he offered quietly.  Danny nodded and shrugged. "Anyway, Horatio told Danny he had to play bodyguard today."

"That's fine, dear. I understand that."  She pulled them both out of the traffic and handed him a note.  "This was delivered to Candace for some reason."

"They probably knew she's dating Ray," he admitted, reading it.  He blinked and looked at her.  She nodded.  "No way."

"I'm afraid so."  She stroked his cheek.  "You need to take that to Horatio, young man."

"A threat?" Danny asked.

"No, not a threat."

"Another gift giving person?" he asked bitterly.

Xander handed over the letter then looked at her.  "Any idea who?"

"No, but I wouldn't put it past Broussard to have pointed you out to them."  She looked at him.  "Some of us do know the drill, young man.  Now, how is Toby?"

"Very well.  I'm translating for him," he offered with a sweet grin.  "Which is why I'll get that axe one way or another."  She laughed.  "I turned down the big stuff I couldn't hide."

"Good boy."  She patted him on the cheek again and Danny looked at her.  "I know, we like to pet the Xander.  He's very gentle with us ladies.  Besides, none of our husbands get very jealous since he's gay.  He's one of the few young men we can go anywhere with and he's very protective when he's with us."  She looked at him.  "Stop in on Melody tonight or tomorrow.  Early dinner time.  She's been very tired."  He nodded.  "Tell us what's going on if you can.  All she said was that she was feeling ill."

"I will, Isabel.  Kiss Candace on the cheek for me.  I'm going to use this as an excuse to duck out."

"Go ahead.  I'll tell Bess."  He nodded and they snuck out of the luncheon.  She walked over to where the higher matrons were.  "I let Xander leave a bit early, Bess.  My daughter got sent a letter about a new threat to him so he's taking it to Horatio with his bodyguard.  Plus he'll check on Melody for us."

"That's fine.  He did look a bit bored today.  His bodyguard was also listening very closely."

"They're supposed to," an older, African-American woman with white hair and some very nice yellow diamonds to go with her yellow dress offered.  "My husband's is very good at listening to everything and everyone.  He never says anything, that's the mark of a great bodyguard."

"This one was a detective."

She looked at the two girls in question.  "Well, it looks like another scandal then."  She sighed and shook her head.  "They had such promise."

"Yes, but they're importing millions of dollars of drugs.  I'm surprised they haven't been caught before now," Isabel offered. "Especially when Willow Wolfe went off on the people who were trying to harm Xander and Horatio."  They smiled at that.  "By the way, have you met Willow?  She's delightful but shy.  Very brash and outspoken about what she believes in, but such a wallflower."

"Ray brought her to the Library Luncheon and she blushed and stammered the whole time," Bess agreed dryly.  "She could use a mentor."

"She could," Isabel agreed. "I do have a daughter and Xander if something's seriously wrong with Melody."

"That would be two of his mentors who got sick," the other woman pointed out.

"Tabitha was extremely ill and on her last legs when they met," Bess reminded her.  "Melody's had recurring blood problems for years now.  I'm assuming this is another relapse."  She sipped her drink.  "Where did Mrs. Wolfe come from?"

"Xander's town. Her parents are psychologists, but they apparently went into a cult and tried to kidnap her recently.  They're in Federal detention."  Isabel moved closer. "I heard one of them tried to cook her son.  She was pregnant with her daughter when they tried to take her."

"Oh, dear.  That poor thing.  Were they good before then?"  Isabel shook her head.  "Xander told you?"

"Ray did.  He said Xander told him that they used to run around Sunnydale all the time, all hours.  Her parents had not a clue what to do with a child, even for being professionals.  She's apparently a genius but very shy and has little in the way of people skills.  They're trying to get her to start school this semester to up her people quotient."

Bess looked at her.  "Have her start at Reading.  It's got the finishing classes she could use and is a good, solid foundation for education.  That should help her more than most things.  Plus it would keep the boys from dressing her for every event."  Isabel smiled at that and nodded.  "Thank you, dear.  Anything else you want to share?"

"Xander's got a weapon's collection that he's sharing with the NYPD labs and the local one as a favor to his husband.  They needed some exemplars for their matching system."  She rolled her eyes.  "Also, Detective Messer's boss, Detective Taylor was down.  He apparently poached some of Xander's swords from him."  That got a smile.  They all liked Mac when they met up with him in New York society.  "Danny did mention that Don may do more events.  He was talking about how educating being a bodyguard was, just following around and listening.  He said he should follow Don when he does these things."

"I'll let someone up there know to invite him to something less than stressful."  She went to do that, smiling the whole way. It was good news.

***

Xander walked into the station and they all gave him a horrified look.  "What?  I'm even wearing clothes today."

"That's probably why they're worried with your usual wardrobe of choice," Danny noted, patting him on the back.  "Horatio and them in?"

"Detective Speedle was the last I knew."

"That's fine."  Xander signed them in and headed up to the labs, waving at those he knew, and the two new people he didn't.  He found Speed and leaned into his lab.  "Can I borrow you for two-point-three minutes?  I figure you'll use the point-three to scream."

Speed glanced at him, then nodded once. "Give me ten. Head to the break room."  Xander nodded, heading that way with Danny trailing him.  Xander was in a suit.  Danny was in a suit.  That meant they had been at one of those events he went to.  Which meant it was probably bad trouble.  He got finished with what he was doing and rebagged his sample, tagging it properly before leaving to talk to his son.  He nodded at the Fed coming in.  "Get out."

"You have unauthorized personnel in here?"

"No, my son is here to talk to me and he's been escorted by a certified lab tech.  You'll find Xander helping now and then around here.  He's married to one of us.  Horatio's out right now if you wanted to nag him again.  You'll have to wait."  He walked past him, heading down to the break room.  Xander handed over the letter, letting him read it.  "What the fuck!" he shouted.

"Told you you'd yell."  He pouted at him.  "Want to tell me how this one happened?"

"Not a clue."  He sat down to reread it, then looked at Danny.  "Did you hear anything?"

"No, Isabel said it got sent to her daughter Candace?"

"Ray Jr.'s girlfriend," Speed noted for his benefit.  He reread it then looked at Xander. "Horatio's out on a call."

"That's fine. I can wait in here.  Danny wanted to turn in two of the society hos who're shipping drugs by the ton anyway."

"Write me out a report, man."

"I need to ta know who they are."

"Which corner and what dress?" Xander asked .

"Right corner, near the bass speaker that wasn't working.  Pink dress with flowers and sparkling centers.  Big hair.  The other had a bun and a light pink dress, kind of plain but in a gauzy material."

Xander got up and went to the office, coming back with something once he had relocked the door.  He had seen the fed lurking.  He waved the magazine.  "Horatio said I could have this."

"You have access to his office?"

"Ask him yourself, nut sucker," he ordered as he walked past him.  The guy grabbed him and Xander glared, making him back up, eyes wide.  "Ask Horatio yourself.  I'm helping in a drug investigation by helping the detective identify someone."  He continued walking, heading back down there.  "He tried to grab me," he said fondly.

"Did you hit him?"

"No, I figured he might try to arrest me if I had knocked him off the walkway."  He flipped to one of the local society pages and then slowly scanned the pictures. "Them?" he asked, pointing at two.  Danny looked and tapped one, then another one.  "Hmm, Hortense and Artemis.  The other one in that lower picture is Treeana.  They're usually found together but she wasn't there today.  I'm not sure if she knows or not."

Danny smirked at him.  "You know everyone," he teased.

"Usually on sight at the very least."  He sat down and got comfortable.  "We've known that they're helping with the import of drugs somehow, but not how."

"Today they were talking about a shipment due in tonight.  Dock twelve from what they were saying. Could've been in code, no clue."

"I'll let someone know.  You sure it was them?"

"Yeah, she was wearing the same earrings and dress as that picture.  Plus the other one was facing me better."

"That's fine.  I'll let someone know to come talk to you both," Speed offered, going to make that call.  He called Horatio as well.  "Your husband is being good, he didn't hit the Fed."  Then he hung up.  He got back to work.  Danny could keep Xander out of trouble.

Danny looked up from talking to the Vice guys when Horatio walked in.  "He's in the bathroom. The letter's here," he said, handing it over.

"Why was the pain in my ass bothering him?"

"He got the magazine from your office."

"Ah.  No one's told him."

"I didn't want to make things harder on you.  You know how some of them can be."  Xander walked around him and grinned.  "Danny heard stuff about a shipment of drugs."

"Wonderful.  Maybe we can stop this one.  Last time they were using code," Horatio reminded the Vice officer.

"We remember but we can still pay closer attention to incoming shipments tonight, especially at the weights they were talking about."  Horatio nodded at that.  "Is that something for us?"

Horatio looked and moaned, then shook his head.  "No, this is another present person."  He looked at Xander.  "How?"

"Isabel thinks some evil, nasty, chaosy person pointed me out to them."  He stared at Horatio.  That's how he usually described his boss these days.  Horatio just nodded once. "Oh, and Melody's sick so I'm stopping there on the way home. I'll give her your love too."

"Thank you, Xander.  Tell her I hope she gets better."  He looked at the letter again. "I'll hand this to Phil.  Are you going to the warehouse?"

"Nope.   Not alone."

"Thank you.  We'll go tonight, together with Speed and Eric if I can talk him into it."

Xander looked outside. "Hey, Eric, I've got another one.  Would you like to come with us tonight," he called.

"How?" he called back.

"Not a clue, man.  All I know is that Ray Jr.'s girlfriend got sent a letter for me to go see the pretty new present in a warehouse."

"Make sure I'm there," he called back, walking off shaking his head.  He went to check in with Speed.  "Going tonight?"   Speed gave him a 'dumbass' look.  "Me too.  He asked."

"Good.  I like that my son requests backup now and then.  It shows he's smart."  He got back to work.  "For me?"

"Unless you want me to get Danny to help you."

"If they're done with him I could use the help."  Eric nodded and went to get him, bringing him back.  "Jacket and glove up, man.  I'm being buried."

"Sure.  Beats a social luncheon with bored people."

"It's the end of the season," Eric told him.  "Even Marisol's bored with it now.  All he'll have are polo matches."  He went back to his own lab.

Speed looked at him. "Polo is croquet on horseback and tailgating.  They even got Don into it."

"I heard.  He made me watch a few matches on tv.  Said it was better in person and you got to pet the horses now and then."  He smiled.  "They're insane, you know that right?"

"It's chronic exposure to Xander's insane life.  Even Horatio's relaxed now and then."

"For that I'm feeding you dinner," Xander called as he walked past.

"Crap," Speed muttered, taking an antacid.  Even the thought of his son cooking made his stomach hurt.

"Xander, it's not nice to threaten to give your dad food poisoning on purpose," Ryan noted in the halls, earning a smirk from Danny at least.  He walked in and handed over another two envelopes. "Sorry."

"That's why I'm letting Danny help," he noted dryly.  "How many more?"

"That's from the shirt.  All taped samples.  Possibly a few on the second one.  The pants are covered though."

"Do a general roll and I'll take that.  It's most likely from the same source so we can weed it out," Danny offered.  Ryan beamed and went to do that.  "Easier than picking off individual hairs anyway."

"Yeah, and much less work on our part.  Because I'd be here forever doing all those.  I saw the body."  Danny laughed. "Seriously.  Guy owned ten dogs.  He was *covered*."

Danny nodded.  "We get cat cases like that."  He took those and got to work on them, making Speed smile.  "Not like I was doing real work following Xander around."

"True. You can come with us tonight."

"Sure.  Think he'll be there?"

"Not if he's smart.  Horatio takes a dim view of people who try for the kid."

"I remember.  Last time was fun."  He grinned and got back to work.

"Who is he?" the agent demanded from the doorway.

Danny looked over.  "Messer, NYPD's labs under Taylor.  I'm down because the current mob trial got me a few death threats.  Anything else?  I'm tryin' ta work here."  He stomped off to face down Horatio.  "Well, he's really not going to be in a good mood now."

Speed snorted.  "That's where Xander was heading, Danny.  We're going to be lucky if he's not in traction later."

***

Horatio looked up as his office was invaded, giving the agent a dirty look.  "What?  I'm busy."

"You let an unknown officer in your lab?"

"On the contrary, Danny came down during the lab switch.  He's excellent in Trace.  That's what he does for Mac.  He's also a very good field tech.  That's why Mac sent him down to us again, because he knew we'd keep him safe and let him work.  He's more than rated high enough to work in Trace with Speed."  He looked at his mate again.  "I faxed it to Phil.  He's probably still swearing since he hasn't answered yet."

"I thought he was taking part of this week off."

"He might be."  He shrugged.  "We can handle it otherwise."  Xander nodded, getting comfortable.  The agent sneered, he could feel it.  "You had something to say about my husband?"  The man stiffened, then burst out laughing.

"By the way, I'm a marksman," Xander said casually.  "You're well within range."  He quit laughing and stared at him.  "You're upsetting me and since I've got a new stalker, again, I'm doubting anyone would say anything more than 'poor baby' and 'aren't you distraught'."  The man took a step back.  "You needed something?"

"You're allowed in the labs?"

"The hallways so I can come up here, to the bathrooms, or the breakroom.  Sometimes I'm taken to ballistics to help identify guns."  He swallowed. "Anything else?"  He shook his head.  "Good, then go away.  We're talking about my life being in danger at the moment."  He stomped off.  "Pissant."

"Be nice."

"No."  He looked at him.  "Not a chance I'm being nice to him.  I didn't hit him earlier when he tried to stop me."

"Technically you're not supposed to be in here when I'm not.  They can claim you tampered with reports or files."

Xander snorted. "Yeah, because I so wanna do that.  Someone tried to threaten me to and they got turned in too."

"They did?"  Xander nodded.  "An officer?"  He shook his head. "One of the society brats?"

"Yup.  Tried to say I'd be sorry, hinted that Eric was very vulnerable.  I walked her over to Broussard and told him, he arrested her.  She had been annoying his wife."

"At least he did something nice."  He got back to work on the note.  "Do we have any idea who this could be?"

"Someone with delusions and too much money?"

"Probably," he agreed.  The agent and Frank came to the door.  He handed Frank the note.  "We're going tonight to check this out."

"Want backup?"

"We're bringing dad and Eric," Xander offered.  "Were you bored?"

"I can be," he offered, smiling at him.  "You do get pretty and drool-worthy presents when the psychos give them to you."

"I do."  He smiled at him.  "Danny heard two of the society brats talking about a drug shipment.  We came back so he could turn them in and I could handle that."

"Phil's off this week."

"No wonder he hasn't written back," Horatio said dryly.  "Any other news?"

"Yeah, the Xander underground is pouting that he's not wearing the Xander-tight clothes again."

"With what happened the last two times?" Xander suggested.

"Point but they're still pouting."

"I'll try it again but if something happens or some rookie tries to have me arrested for looking hot, they won't be coming back at the station. They'll have to stalk me at home."  Frank smirked at that. "Seriously.  Then again, the guys at the door today were giving me worried looks for the suit."

"Well, yeah, that's you in Xander Caine mode.  They think you're going to break bad on someone."

"I am and he's behind you.  He tried to grab me, Frank."  Frank looked then laughed, shaking his head.  "Seriously."

Frank looked at the agent.  "Xander has been hunted by eleven serial killers since we met him three years ago.  He's our unofficial profiler and bait."  He looked at Horatio then the note, then back at him. "Let me call the wife, make sure she's not going to cry about it."

"If she is, we can handle it, Frank."  Horatio took the note back.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  Let me call.  Make sure.  Our anniversary's this weekend and I'm not sure which day she wanted to do something."  He headed back to his desk to call his wife.  Then he called Horatio.  "Bad news, her mother's in.  Well, she's eighty-three, Horatio.  She still hates me too.  Thanks.  You sure?  I can tell Yelina."  He smirked.  "That's fine.  If you think you do.  If not, call for backup and we'll come running.  Too many of us like your boy to leave you hanging."  He hung up and looked over at Yelina since she was staring at him. "Someone sent Ray Jr.'s girlfriend a letter about wanting to see Xander tonight to talk to him about his undying love."  She moaned.  "Yeah, another one.  They said Eric and Speed are goin'.  My mother-in-law's in."

"I'll make sure they don't need me."

"He said your son's having a special dinner tonight."

"He is. That's fine.  We'll keep our phones on."

"Don't spoil Ray's fun," he told her.  "Guys don't get mushy this way very often."

"Did you see his acceptance pile?"  He shook his head.  She pulled out the tabbed manilla envelope and tossed it over.  He leaned back to look through it, whistling. "He's officially announcing his choice tonight at dinner.  He and Candace have decided to go together."

"Hmm."  He smiled as he closed it and handed it back.  "I'd be damn proud of your boy, Yelina. That takes brains."

"It does.  I'm still worried he'll go to Cambridge or Stanford.  They're too far away."  He nodded.  "At least you don't have to deal with this."

"No, thankfully not," he agreed happily.  "Then again, she's on the change of life babies at the moment."

Yelina gave him a look.  "It'd be another version of Eric.  You know that."

"I do.  She thinks she could keep him from the kid though.  Not that I don't think the kids would play together.  Little Eric can warp other kids so fast their mommies wonder."  She laughed at that.  "He can. Delko told me that he got sent home from daycare for talking about his dog and his two mothers.  They said it wasn't appropriate."

"Pity there are so many bigots in the world," she offered.

"No, the talking about the dog part. Di sent him to a daycare run by a set of flaming queens."

"What's wrong with dogs?"

"I have no clue."  He shrugged.  "Did he sit when Xander ordered him to?"

"I've head him call a heel command and Eric followed it," she offered.

"He took the boy to the obedience classes with the dog," he said in amazement.  She nodded.  They both laughed.  At least the kid wasn't a total brat.  His 'no' phase hadn't lasted that long either.

***

Horatio walked into the warehouse first, checking around.  Then he let Xander in with Speed and Eric.  All their hands were on their guns.

A disembodied voice called out, "I assure you he didn't need a protection detail."

"One's my father, one's my husband, and one's my coach.  They were coming anyway," Xander said firmly.  "And this is the last time I'm talking to someone who's not there."

"Fine.  Choose and be mine."

"No thanks.  Already Horatio's.  I'm too tired to have a second husband."  The voice went silent and he looked at Horatio.  "Are we done?"

"We are."  The lights came on, showing a few different cars and some stacks of money.  Horatio looked then snorted.  "If he wanted things like that, he could get them for himself."

"He will be mine. I can give him whatever he wants."

"I have what I want," Xander assured Horatio.  He wasn't talking to the voice. There wasn't a body attached and that was a bad thing. "Let's go.  Melody wanted to see you tonight."

"All right."  He took his hand to hold in his free one and they headed for the door.  The doors locked.

"He will be mine."

"Too late.  He's already mine," Horatio noted.  He looked at Xander, letting him free.  He knew Xander was armed.  He could tell, Xander was that way.  He looked around.  "You should show yourself."

"Yeah, this disembodied, Wizard of Oz thing you've got going, really annoying," Speed agreed dryly.  A shot rang out and he flinched, clutching the new hole in his shirt and the vest underneath it.  "Ow."

"Take cover."  Xander helped Speed out of line of sight, then covered him.  "Dad?"

"Fine.  Bruised."  He rubbed under the vest.  "Ow.  That shit hurts."

"It does."  He looked up then around.  "Make me shoot you for shooting my father, watch me destroy you before I'm done."

"You are mine!"

"No, I'm Horatio's.  I have been.  Dad gave me to him.  Didn't you get the memo?"  The gun discharged again.  He heard the direction.  "Do it again.  Everyone okay?"

"Fine," Eric called.  "Horatio is too."  They both had their guns pointing in the right direction.  "Xander, just cover him."

"I am.  Unless you guys both miss."  The gun went off again and Eric shot at the muzzle flash.  Horatio shot just off to the side of it.  Someone screamed. "Nice shot."  They headed off to check while he stayed with his father.  "So, daddy, what am I making you for dinner tonight?"

"Kid, I'm already bruised," he complained.

"It was your taunt."

"Yay.  That's mean to me."

Xander glanced back. "I'm telling Mom."

"Which one?"

"Aiden.  She'll be in next week."  He smirked and turned back around, waving at the guys rushing in.  "Hi.  Horatio and Eric are up in the rafters.  The guy who shot at us is up there somewhere. Speed got hit in the vest," he offered.  Most of them took off.  A few of them stared.  "Oh, please.  New to the department?"  Ryan came jogging in.  "We're fine.  He had on a vest.  The others are up in the rafters."

"Wonderful.  We good?"

"Vest hit.  Just bruised and being threatened with dinner for earlier."

"Okay.  Stay here.  You idiots, guard him since you didn't go."  He headed up after the patrol guys, finding the gun, then finding the knot of people. "Do we need handcuffs?" he called.   A few of the patrol guys pulled off at his voice.  "Guys, off!  Don't make me get Xander up here to spank!"

"Not funny, Mr. Wolfe," Horatio called. Then someone not in a uniform was thrown onto the ground.  "He was trying to escape."

"Gee, my one day a week in the lab was fun today," he noted dryly.  Horatio smirked at him.  "It was."  He handed over his handcuffs, looking at him. "He's going to need an ambulance."

"It happens," one of the patrol guys offered.  "Sir, who was the other one with the gun?"

"Captain Caine's husband," Eric panted.  He held his side.  "The guy kicked me, can't I kick him, just once?"

"No, Eric," Horatio said patiently.  "Ryan, take him down to Xander."  That got a nod and he walked him down there.  The patrol guys took control of the suspect and he went to look at his nest and office area.  It was a shrine to Xander.  Complete with offerings of a few rats.  "Someone get my field kit!"

"Fat chance," Eric called as he came back up.  "Remember, it involves your husband.  You can't work it."  He moved him out of the way and looked, then grimaced.  "Why would Xander want rats?"  He shook his head and got to work.  It wasn't the strangest ever.  Plus nothing was currently dripping blood.  Xander came running up with a sword in his hand. "Xander," he said patiently.  Xander moved him and looked up in the rafters, making him look.  "It's a shadow."

"Bet me."  He looked around, then at his husband.  "Can I have a boost, honey?"

"Is it dangerous?"

"If it comes down, it'll eat you."  Horatio groaned and gave him a boost up. Xander made it into the rafters and chased the quickly moving blot of shadow.  A few minutes later they heard a triumphant 'ha!' and then a dripping and fizzing started.  Xander jumped down and headed their way.  "He's kind of acidic.  Watch the puddles of goo."

"Thank you."  He took a kiss.  "Go back and sit with Speed."

"Ryan took him.  He'll be right back to help Eric."  He walked down there, his sword being cleaned on the towel he had in his jacket pocket.  The patrol guys stared at him.  "It's for rats.  There was one trying to eat Horatio."  He looked at the guy in the back of the car, taking a longer wipe of the blade.  "He give a name yet?"  No one said anything.  "Guys, he was trying to take me from Horatio.  Told me to pick and I'd be his."

"We ran the VINs, sir, and they were stolen cars," one officer offered.

"Excellent.  Tell Eric Delko or Ryan Wolfe that please."  He looked at him again, then finished his blade and put it back into the holder. The man swallowed.  "You are?" he mouthed.  He started to thump inside the car.  "Honey, can I have him removed?  He's trying to hurt himself."

"Have him restrained," Horatio ordered as he came out.  Two guys moved in to further restrain the suspect.  "What did you do?"

"I put up my sword once it was clean and asked him who he was. He started to thrash and thump his head. He's throwing a house elf fit.  Bad, stupid person.  Bad, bad, stupid person, must slam ears in door," he explained at the odd looks.  All the officers outside stared at him.  "Didn't read Harry Potter?"  One shook his head and tightened the restraints.  "Ask him if his name is Dobby.  See what he does."

"He gave me a clueless look, sir."

"Xander.  I hate being sirred.  Not like I'm in the military.  They wouldn't like me," he said with a shit-eating grin.  He walked over and leaned on the door. "Do you have a name, house elf?  Did someone give you clothes?"  The man looked confused.  "Illiterate as well?"

"No!"  He sneered. "You'll still be mine.  My spell will work."

Xander smirked and leaned closer.  "I know many wiccans.  You wanna bet?"  He swallowed.  "You got a name?  Or should we just call you dumbass?"  He growled.  "It fits.  Trying to take me from my mate means you're incredibly stupid."  The man tried to move again.  "You know, most of the psychos who've tried have started out with tasteful gifts being sent in ways that mean I can't find out who they are.  At least you came at me semi- directly.  But I would leave Isabel and Candace alone.  Ray Jr. is very protective of what's his.  The same as I am.  Now, name, dumbass?  Because you done fucked up in a terminal way."  The man whimpered. "Yay. Give it."  The man swallowed and said something quietly.  "Didn't hear it.  Repeat it please."  He said it louder.  He frowned then snorted.  "Ethan's last student?"  He glared.  "I trained in Sunnydale.  Still think you'll get me?"  He shuddered and shook his head.  "Good.  Then the nice officers here can have you put into gen pop so you can howl later on when you'll be taking it up the ass like I will from my mate."  He grinned sweetly and walked off, going back to the car.  "Honey, join me at Melody's?"

"I'll be there shortly, Xander."  He nodded and headed off.  He looked at the man, then at the officers.  "I want a complete report on my desk when I get back in," he ordered calmly.  "People like him rarely work alone."

"He's really your husband?"

Horatio looked at the very young patrol officer.  He was barely older than Xander.  "It takes a strong man to handle Xander's stalker issues, officer.  The same as it takes a very strong man to keep him in line when he's determined to protect his family."   He walked off, heading to his hummer.  His team had it and he had to make this call in case she was terminally ill.  It wasn't like Melody to ask to see him.

***

Melody smiled when Xander came in.  "Horatio?"

"On his way.  We had to stop the last stalker idiot."  She smiled at that and he kissed her on the cheek. "You're not going to get better, are you?"  She shook her head.  "They're going to think it's me."

"We know it's not your fault, Xander.  Sit, have some tea until he gets here."  He sat down and poured tea for her, making her smile.  "I trained you well."

"Well, you tried really hard," he teased, making her laugh.  "Well, we went to the guy's meeting area.  He had a 'choose and be mine' thing going.  Had a shrine with dead rats on it to me.  Had a demon in the rafters of the warehouse."  She shuddered delicately.  "Sorry, it's gone now.  That's what took us so long."  She nodded, sipping her tea.  "All of them were recent so it's not from when I was stripping at least."

"That's good."  She smiled as Horatio was let in by her maid.  "In here, dearest."

"Melody."  He walked in and kissed her cheek.  "Xander said you asked to see me."

"I did, dear.  Xander, why don't you head home and start on dinner?"

"He's not allowed to cook.  Go order dinner, Xander."  He nodded and got up, leaving them alone.  He looked at her.  "What?"

"He'll be fine, Horatio.  I trained him well."  She stroked his cheek then stood up and walked slowly over to her desk, pulling out two things.  "I want you to have these.  They've got some pictures for him and some information you could probably use.  I've been hiding it for quite a while you see."  She sat back down next to him, handing them over. "I'm not sure if the others are alive or not, but I think perhaps it will solve some outstanding cases."

He nodded. "I knew you were a princess, by the modern vernacular.  Which family?"

She smiled.  I'm a distant cousin of Mr. Gotti, dear.  My father was in imports.  He married me well when he found I didn't want anything to do with his life.  He had my brother for that and it was enough. My husband knew but his family had recently went legitimate so it was a good enough match. Even though I loathed my husband with everything in my body.  Still did the day I poisoned him for trying to kill me and making me miscarry."  She sipped her tea.  "In there are some things that will clear up some very old cases.  If they're still alive, what you do with them is up to you.  If they're not, at least someone will have answers."  He nodded, putting them in his lap.  "Also, Xander does know he's probably not in my will?"

"Of course.  He never expects anything from anyone."

"Good.  I'm leaving most of it to charity really.  No children of my own and no real family I've kept in touch with.  He has been like a charming grandchild to me but they need it more."

He touched her hand.  "He would never suggest it."

"He did ask if he could have the picture of us at the ball last winter."  She pointed at the painting.  "That one."  He looked and swallowed.  His husband looked magnificent.  "He wanted it as a keepsake.  I told him he could have it.  You'll need the hummer to take it home, dear, that's the other reason I needed you to come today."  He nodded, going to take it down.  "Now then.  A new one?"

"We think the Chief turned him onto Xander."

"Hmm, I heard Isabel knew something about the world he came from.  I had wondered about that.  Oh well.  At least she's mostly normal."

"I think her grandmother used to work in it," he offered.

"More than acceptable by current standards then.  Just don't let Bess ever hear that.  She's deathly against anyone not Christian."  He nodded, accepting that.  "Do try to be with him as much as you can.  My death will give him a good reason to slow down next year.  This year is nearly done and I'll die within the month.  It wouldn't be right for him to do more than attend polo matches, but no parties."  He nodded, understanding that.  "Try to keep the poor thing out of trouble, dear.  He's very necessary to the world.  Especially to your world.  Everyone says how much happier you look now."  She patted him on the cheek.  "Now, leave an old woman to her fond past and you go baby him.  He'll need it.  He's an emotional one now and then."

"Thank you, Melody."

"It's not a problem, Horatio.  I have always liked you and Xander together.  You have a very tight grip on the boy's leash.  Otherwise he might be like some of our society brats, as you've called them."  He smiled and nodded.  "Go and be safe, Horatio.  Keep him and the babies safe.  Remember me fondly but remind him you love him more."  He nodded, taking the things with him.  She sighed and smiled at her former husband's picture.  "Killing you was the best decision I ever made," she noted fondly.  She sipped her tea and added another heart pill to it.  Best not to draw this out and be in pain.

***

Xander decided he needed to be held and Horatio was reading.  That was not going to do it for him tonight.  He leaned over and nudged the book out of the way of his head, getting a quiet chuckle and a hand in his hair as he sucked on a nipple.

"Desperate?"

"Yup."  He moved to the other side, slinking across Horatio's chest, doing whatever he had to so he could get what he wanted and needed tonight.  Because he did need to be held.  He knew it was going to be a rough few days coming up.  With her so sick, he'd have to do a lot of stuff on his own, without someone to check over his shoulder.  Horatio continued to pet him as he worked his chest over, then moved down to tease the spot on his stomach that drove him insane.

Horatio put down his book, realizing that this wasn't going to be something quick.  He pulled his husband up into his lap, taking a firm kiss, making him pay attention.  "You could try asking."

"I'm more a show it than tell it guy," he offered with a grin.

"Ask, Xander."

"Please?"

"Please what?"

Xander looked at him.  "Please don't make me beg before you take me really hard so I sleep tonight?"

"I can do that."  He flipped Xander underneath him, giving him what he wanted so very badly, just not exactly.  A slow kiss, a gentle friction, and his mate was screaming for more.  Literally this time since was yelling that he needed more between kisses.  Horatio laughed at his exuberance.  "Don't make the guards come tell us to be quiet again," he warned.  "Once was enough."  He took control of the mouth, then moved his hips upward again, giving him more friction this time. Xander hated it when he teased him this way but ...oh, well.  He knew what his husband needed and it was to feel like he was going to have a bit of shelter left.  He knew he was worrying and why.  The same as his reading earlier had been a pretext to see how desperate he was.  It could've been days before he snapped but he had done it tonight instead.  That showed that he was willing to come to him, to trust him, which was a nice thing after nearly three years of marriage.  He let his boy come but he still had bigger plans for him. Plans that included him begging, even if he had asked nicely not to have to tonight.  He loved to hear him beg.

Xander moaned as Horatio cleaned him up, spreading his thighs.  He knew his mate was going to make him fall asleep later.  Horatio was predictable that way.  That's one of the reasons why he loved him.  He was steady and let him get away with childish things like tonight.  He was yanked up into the lap, smiling and stealing a kiss.  A bit different then.  "What did you want me to do?"

"You were the one asking.  I thought I'd let you decide this time."  Xander leaned in to nip his neck in *that* spot, the one that got him claimed.  "Not tonight.  Tonight isn't for claiming.  Tonight needs to be more soothing.  Get me ready for you."  Xander's eyes went wide.  "If that's what you want."

"No, not tonight."  He snuck a kiss and cuddled for a minute, playing in the scratchy chest hair, teasing it gently back and forth.  He decided what he wanted and grabbed the bottle of lube from the drawer, then crawled back to slide some down Horatio's cock.  Then he wiggled his way back into his lap and gently sat down on it.  Horatio moaned.  Xander was fully unstretched but they had sex often enough that he wasn't critically tight anymore.  He moved slowly, inch by inch.  Down, then up, then down, taking long, sucking kisses and slow pets of the chest and arms holding him up.  Horatio finally had enough of the slow and abruptly opened his arms so Xander fell backward.  He pinned him to the bed and went to work on him, knowing they'd need sleep.  "Horatio!"

"What?"

"I was going for slow and teasing, how you started."

"No teasing.  It's already one and I still have to be in at eight."  He pushed harder and Xander responded to it, but it wasn't going to be over soon.  Horatio moaned.  "Xander, please?"

Xander flipped them over and took control again, smirking down at him.  "Please what?"

"Please make it go faster tonight and you can get me tomorrow after work?  All night if you want?"  Xander considered it for a moment then nodded, squeezing his muscles to clamp down while he leaned down to take a better kiss.  Horatio moaned and got off, that was all he needed.  He even was nice enough to stroke his boy until he came too.  Then Xander flopped down on his chest.  "We've got to start earlier in the night," Horatio complained.  "Eric and Speed spend way too much time picking on me when I come in sleepy."

"Next time, ask them if they're jealous.  They're obviously not getting enough anymore."

Horatio laughed. "I'll let you do that.  Calleigh might shoot me."

"Hmm.  Maybe but I'd protect you and take care of you."  He snuck another kiss then wiggled to get comfortable on top of his man's chest, sleeping that way tonight.

Horatio looked at him.  "I needed a blanket too?" he joked.  He was never cold with Xander in a cuddly mood.

***

Xander walked into the station the next day, paper in his hand.  "My man in?"  That got a nod so he signed in and headed up to the office, handing over the paper. "She died last night. Her heart gave out," he said quietly.

"I'm sorry, Xander."  He gave him a hug.  "She did say you were like some fond grandchild.  For you to mourn and remember she loved you."

He pulled back and wiped off his face. "Is she here?"

"No. Natural causes and it was known she was ill.  They would've taken her directly to the mortuary.  We can go to the funeral together."  Xander nodded, sitting down on the couch.  "Are you all right?"

"No, and Eric won't cuddle today."

"That's fine."  He handed over the statement from last night. "This was on your mystery stalker."  He read through it, grimacing in distaste.  "Anything you know that you can't include?"

"He was Ethan's student for a while but Ethan kicked him out for trying to move against him.  Ethan said he didn't practice for a few years due to the backlash he created in the asshole by turning his attack back on him.  He knew the Chief that way I'm sure."  He continued on.  "Aww, he was going to give me stolen goods."

"He was," Horatio agreed.  Xander gave him a look and he smirked.  "It could be worse."

"It could be.  At least this one made her laugh."  He sighed and handed it back. "I guess I'm not going to be doing anything socially for at least a month."  He nodded.  "Did she say anything else?"

"Polo matches after that.  Use it to cut down your schedule.  Then you can take more classes."

"I'm still getting stressed just taking six hours."

"I understand, Xander.  Did you talk to the swim coach?"

"Yup and promised we'd send Eric to him after bigger Eric and I got through with him.  He laughed and clapped me on the back.  Told me he understood. He had seen me floundering in classes.  Plus, the foundation stuff."  He shrugged. "Tia's due any day now."

"I know.  I called her this morning.  She's pouting because the baby's not being cooperative.  Plus it gave her two stretchmarks."

"They make a cream to bleach them out."  He looked over as someone tapped on the door.  "Hey, Frank.  Good news?"

"He killed himself by grabbing a bailiff's gun."  He looked at Horatio.  "Whispered rumors state he was writing something, Horatio.  We're not sure it's not like that one guy who killed himself and left everything to Xander in his will."

"Gee, thanks," Xander said dryly.  "Everything last night was stolen though."

"Doesn't mean he doesn't have assets," Frank reminded him. "Just means that he likes to steal."

"Point."  He looked at Horatio then back at Frank. "My sponsor and friend Melody died last night."

"I'm sorry, Xander.  You okay?"

"She was kinda sick and I didn't know until last week.  Plus Tia's coming soon."

Frank nodded.  "At least you'll have some excitement this summer."  Xander shuddered.  "I know.  Let's hope no one raids the OB ward this time."  Xander snorted and nodded at that.  "I just wanted to give you guys a head's up in case it happened again."  He headed off.  He found Speed in the hallway walking and reading. "Hey."  Speed looked up at him.  "Melody, the lady sponsoring Xander, died last night."

"I saw that in the paper.  He okay?"

"A bit pouty but then he reminded me Tia's coming soon."

"Yeah, and Eric's going to go nuts."

"The younger or older?"

"Both.  The younger after, the other before."  He grimaced and looked around. "Hey, Eric, how is Marisol?"

"Cranky.  She's warm and can't get comfortable."

Valera came out of DNA.  "Is the discomfort rhythmic?  My sister had that."

"No, just all over and all the time.  Last two days."  He shrugged as he stepped out of his lab.  "The A/C's down at the house.   She knows she can go stay at H's but she said she didn't want to.  She's being cranky."

Frank grinned.  "She knows she'll have to steal the girl to get it back from Xander."

"Probably true," Eric admitted with a grin, "but momma said she'd enforce them getting time."  Frank and Speed both laughed at that.  "Well, she'll try."

"I thought the baby was Horatio's," Valera offered.

"It is, but any and every baby around Xander is Xander's," Speed offered.  "No matter who the parents are originally, they become like Xander's kids.  We're fully expecting to have to pull Calleigh's away from him too."

"No we won't.  I can't stand the pout."

"Guys, I'm not that bad," Xander called from Horatio's office. "Plus he said someone had work to do because he hasn't had a report all day."

"We were trying to be nice," Eric called, going back to work.

Speed gave his back a look.  "You are?"  He snorted and went back to where he was heading.

Valera smiled at Frank.  "So, how is little Eric?"

"Last time I saw him he was pouting adorably at the dog because Percival needed a nap."

"His mother needs her own dog so I can have my dog back," Xander offered, joining them.  "I'm going to check on Calleigh."  He grinned and went to check on his baby brother or sister.  "Hi."  She gave him a look.  "I came to check on you."

"You came to pat my stomach again."

"Well, and give you a hug."  She sighed and let him plus pat her stomach.  He kissed her on the cheek.  "You need lunch."

"Speed made me lunch."  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  "Go back to the office, Xander.  Worry about Tia and Marisol first."  He nodded, going that way.  She sighed and rubbed her stomach.  "You're going to be so spoiled even before you're born."  She winced.  "Ow, quit kicking!"  He ran back in and felt, earning a swat since his head was down there too.  "Xander!"  The baby kicked and he grinned then went to tell Horatio.  She shook her head and moaned.  He was having mood swings today.  Well, it meant she didn't have to have any for a while.  Speed walked in and patted the baby, tapping his fingers.  They got kicked and he beamed in the same way, then headed back to work.  "I wonder if they're really related," she muttered, deciding to work on his family tree tonight. They had looked identical with their goofy grins.

***

Xander walked out of the house the next morning and stopped. "Horatio?" he called.  "You might want to come out here.  Your hummer is pink."

"What?" he demanded, coming out.  He stared at the lipstick pink hummer, then checked the plate numbers, letting out a sigh of relief.   Not mine."

"Then where is yours?"  Horatio called the guard shack, getting told that it was in the parking lot down there.  They had moved it so the person delivering the two cars could put them in the driveway and not on the street today, that way he could get out of his driveway.  He came back out and Xander looked at him. "That's not a happy look."

"Why do the guards have the keys to my hummer?"

"They don't.  Not that I've given 'em.  Why?"

"They moved it.  There's another one coming."

Xander shuddered and shook his head.  "I didn't do it."  He headed inside. "I had nothing to do with this!"  He slammed their bedroom door.

Horatio found the person delivering the other car a few minutes later, tapping him on the shoulder.  "What are you doing?"

"I was told to deliver these to you, Captain."  He handed over a letter. "I was to tape that to your door if no one answered."

Horatio read it then moaned and shook his head. "Take them back.  We don't need them."

"I can't do that, sir.  They're not new cars, we had them in storage for the former owner."  He shrugged. "You can arrange for storage space if you'd like."  Horatio walked off. "Sir, there's eight of them...."

Horatio walked back and wrote out an address, taking the list of cars from him.  "Take the others there.  There should be excess parking at the condo."  He went to get into his hummer, his beloved, normal colored hummer, one that was not lipstick pink, and head to work.  Where he could yell and scream at someone.  He parked and found Frank and Speed waiting on him.  "Let me guess, he collected cars?"

"Yeah," Speed admitted.  "How did you know?"

"They're delivering them to the house," he muttered.  "Who gave the guards at the house the keys to the hummers?"

"They called me this morning to move yours and Xander's car both," Speed offered dryly.   He took the list and frowned.  "Pink?"

"Lipstick pink.  Calleigh's lipstick pink," he muttered, snatching it back and heading inside.  He went right up to IAB.  "Where the hell is Phil?" he demanded.  The secretary swallowed and pointed at the office. He stormed in there and slapped them both on his desk, growling slightly. "I've had enough for the year."  He turned and walked out.

He picked them up to read.  "I wonder if it was the fact he left it to him because he was strong enough to claim Xander or if it was because the hummer was pink?" he muttered.  He called Xander and got yelled at and hung up on.  "Hmm, someone's not happy."  He got up and grabbed what he'd need.  "I'm heading out to check on the new gifts Caine got given.  Hold my calls."  She nodded and he walked out, heading that way.  "Tripp. Speedle," he offered as he passed them.

"Xander's upset it's a new one."

"They left them to Caine."

Frank blinked. "It rubs off?"

Phil smiled at him.  "I don't know.  You'd have to find out and tell me."  He headed out to get into his car, going to talk to the person over the will first and then head out to Horatio's house.  And the condo, just in case some of it went there.  There was no way Horatio's neighborhood could park eight cars, especially not three oddly colored hummers.  Baby blue, baby pink, and lavender.  Caine would freak.  But maybe he'd donate them and have them repainted and outfitted for the lab.

***

Horatio looked up from his crime scene as a car parked and Phil got out.  "Do we have to do this here?"

"It's outside.  It'll give you a chance to vent, Caine."  He walked over.  "Did you read the letter?"  That got a glare.  "Just making sure.  You know he left them to you?  Including all three hummers?"  Horatio's glare got worse.  "Again, just making sure.  I've filled out the paperwork, all you have to do is sign it and swear."  Horatio scrawled his signature.  "That and two houses were about all his worldly goods.  We can't get into the house for another three days. The person over his estate said so.  Apparently his one call was to him and he knew he was going to do it.  He wrote out the will backing up what he had called about.  He decided you were stronger so to the victor go the spoils.  Including your mate.  He had every intention of killing you and taking him."  Horatio growled at that.  "Anyway, when you go to the houses, I want to be there with you so we can take a general inventory.  All right?"

"It's reasonable."  He glanced around. "I don't need three more hummers, especially not in *those* colors."

"Then either repaint and retrofit them so they can be donated or give one to Marisol and sell the rest."  Horatio snorted.  "Remember, the donation will cut some of the tax debt."

"Point.  How long before I can sign paperwork to get rid of those things?"

"Two weeks. You can have it put onto the market at the same time if you know a good realtor. I saw pictures.  One's in the Gables and one's out by one of the country clubs.  Speaking of, is your husband learning how to play polo?"

"We're both learning how to ride for relaxation, not sport.  His sport is swimming and fighting with a broad sword."

"Okay.  If he does, let me know.  I might watch polo if he played.  A lot of people might watch polo if he played."  Horatio gave him a look.  "I'm realistic.  He's cute but he's yours and I'm way too damn poor for your boy.  By the way, what are you doing about the serial killer's estate?"

"Which one's estate and why is it bothering us?"

He groaned.  "No one told you?"  Horatio shook his head.  "One of them was killed in prison.  He left it to him and Danny Messer.  Said they made a cute couple."

"Which of the bunny paper killers was it?" Eric called.

"The one who was going after the innocents."  He looked at Horatio again.  "Something's got to be decided on that soon.  You seriously didn't know?"

"No."  He called Xander's cell.  "Dear, did you know anything about the secondary bunny paper killer dying and leaving you and Danny things for being such a cute couple?"  The screaming and ranting made him remove the phone from his ear.  "I don't think he knew either."

"I'll talk with Danny when I get back.  I've got the notification in my office.  I'll see you when you get back.  Bring him in as well if you can."  He patted him on the arm.  "Remember, some day there won't be any more of them."

"Will they all be gone and in jail or will they forget him?" Eric asked.

"That's a very good question, Delko.  I'm not sure," Phil said honestly.  He looked at Horatio.  "We persevere so that others live in peace and harmony."  He went back to his car and headed back to his office to get that announcement and make copies of this set of forms.  He found Danny in Trace and cleared his throat.  "Do you have a few minutes so we can talk?"  The Fed in there with them glared.  "One of the serial killers he helped us catch left him something.  According to Xander and Horatio, they hadn't been told."  He looked at Danny, who was leaning on the table and gripping it tightly enough his whole hand was white.  "Calm down.  Please."  Danny gave him a heated look.  "I know.  Just stay calm for a moment or two.  When you're done, come see me in the break room.  We'll go over the notification I was sent.  I asked Horatio because you're running out of time to claim things."

"I don't want something from some sicko!" he complained loudly.

"Calm down," Phil repeated.  "You still have to know what you're turning down and file that paperwork, Danny.  When you're done with whatever you're working on, come see me in the break room.  I'll even buy you a soda, okay?"  He nodded, taking a few deep breaths before doing back up the envelope he had been working on and following, taking off his gloves with a snap.  "It's not that bad.  He left it to you and Xander because he thought you were a cute couple.  That if he couldn't have his innocence then you were the next best thing.  Said you were just as much a predator as he was only yours had turned protective of the innocence that you held in your hands."  He heard Calleigh yell and Danny took off at a run, finding her bending down, crying in pain.  Phil called dispatch.  "I need an ambulance in CSI, in ballistics.  ASAP.  Pregnant tech in trouble."  He hung up and came over, putting the file on the table.  "Calleigh?  Calleigh?"  She glared at him. "I've got an ambulance coming, can you sit down?"  She nodded, letting them help her down.  "Is this a ripping pain or a throbbing pain or what?"

"Ripping."  She panted, letting Danny hold her up.  She winced as a new one came.  "I don't like this!"

Two paramedics rushed in.  One of them knelt in front of her while the other got out his equipment.  "Tell me where it is, CSI Duquesne?"  She put his hand over it, letting him feel.  "Ripping?"  She bit her lip and nodded.  "She's cramping, maybe contracting.  Who's her medical contact?"

"Speed.  I'll get him," Danny promised.  He looked at her. "Want me with you?"  She nodded, clutching his arm.  "Okay.  Phil, lock the door."  They got her loaded once they had a beginning blood pressure and he walked out beside her, one hand in hers, the other dialing Speed's cellphone.  "It's me.  We're taking Calleigh to the ER.  She fell down in pain.  We're going now.  Which one?"

"Mt. Sinai is closest," the paramedic pulling offered.

"Mt. Sinai, Speed.  Yeah, bad pain.  Like crying pain."  He hung up and moved closer.  "He'll let one of the others take his scene and be there as soon as he can," he promised gently, smoothing her hair down.  His phone rang and he answered it, getting into the elevator.  "Not now, Mac."  He listened. "Calleigh's in pain.  I'm going to the ER with her.  I don't know, have Hillbourne call Phil down here."  He hung up and went back to trying to keep her calm.  "It'll be okay.  If they can make it okay it'll be great."  She nodded, staring up at him.  "That's right, concentrate on me, honey.  I've got you until Speed gets there."  She nodded, trying to shift.  "Guys."

"Once we get her on the way we can call about pain killers," he promised.  "It's a five minute ride from here."  He got them off the elevator and out to the ambulance, waving at the ME.  "Not now."

"I'm coming."

"You can follow, I've got her," Danny ordered.  "I've already told Speed.  Mt. Sinai, Alexx."  He got in and the doors were closed, the driver getting in to take them away as fast as he could.  Danny silently prayed for no traffic issues to get in their way, and hopefully it worked because there was only one small accident and it was out of their path.  He walked into the ER with her.  "I'm her hand holder until her SO gets here," he told the nurse.  "She needs me."  He walked back with her, handing over her wallet.  "Her ID and medical record is in there.  She's about six months along."  The nurse nodded, going to run it in the system.  He was gently pried away.

"No!" Calleigh shouted.  "I need him!"  He was let go and she went back to clutching his hand.  "You're nearly as good as pain killers."

He grinned.  "I'm hoping that's a compliment and not that I'm making you sleepy."   She shook her head.  They got her transferred and he got out of the way, standing behind her, keeping her attention.  "In and out, Calleigh.  You know this drill."  She nodded, breathing deeply.  "Guys, she said it was a ripping pain," he reported.  "She doubled over and was screaming loud enough to have it echo.  She doesn't usually even cry."

One of the nurses looked at him.  "We can give her a mild pain killer but it could obstruct what we're seeing."  Calleigh lifted her head.  "You're having a problem."

"No shit!" she said bitterly, then tensed up again.  "Whoever is doing that is getting kicked!"

"Calleigh," he soothed, stroking over her hair again.  "Calm down.  Please?  Let them work, even if it's making it hurt a bit more they're tryin' ta help."  She nodded, tensing up when someone touched her stomach.  "Her boy's coming soon.  He's Detective Speedle.  Scruffy, dark hair, was wearing a button down and jeans today.  I'm just her handholder." She let out another scream and they rushed to give her some pain killers.  Danny was pushed outside the room when she was relaxed again.  He went into the waiting room, finding Speed out there.  He got pounced and pushed against the wall.  "You want the truth or the lie?"

"The truth."  He stared into his eyes.  "What happened?"

"They were saying something about a partial miscarriage. They're tryin' ta stop it.  They think something split," he said quietly.  "I got her calmed down.  I just now got kicked out.  They're doing an ultrasound, they've started drugs, including pain killers.  I was eavesdropping and she demanded to have me there.  Nearly kicked a doctor."

"That's my girl."  He let him go and walked over to the nurse.  "The blonde CSI is mine.  I want an update as soon as humanly possible!"

"Of course, sir, sit down and let us start treating her, then someone will come brief you."  He glared but stomped off again, letting Danny get him away from the rest of the waiting room.  He would snap on someone if he had to deal with normal people.  A nurse came out and he stared at her.  She shook her head and got another patient to bring back.  A boy with a heavily bleeding gash on his arm.  Speed went back to pacing.

"Speedle?" someone called eventually.  He nearly pounced her.  "Come with me.  We're moving her to a more secure room."

"What's going on?" he asked, following her with Danny silently behind her.

"Once we're in there."  They walked into the room, finding Calleigh asleep.  "We knocked her out because of the pain she was in," she offered calmly. She looked at Danny.  "Are you family?"

"I'm the one who's going to keep him from shooting you."

"Ahhhh....."

Speed growled.  "Just fucking tell me, woman."

"Okay."  She opened the file.  "It appears that she had a slight separation of the placenta."

"With the pain she was in?" Danny asked. "Slight?  I came in with her as her focus."

"It started off contractions."  She looked at Speed.  "She'll be fine.  We can fix this without harming either of them.  She will need some rest time.  Is she an officer?"

"CSI.  Like I am.  Ballistics."

"Okay.  Is your boss here?"

"He will be soon.  Rest, anything else?"

"We're going to go in and put it back in place with a few stitches.  We can do that laproscopically and not endanger either's health," she offered more gently.  He nodded quickly.  "To do that, we need someone to sign forms."

"Okay.  Can I wake her up and ask her?"

"If you do, she needs to stay absolutely calm."  He nodded, moving over to whisper in her ear.  She moaned and shifted.  He went back to whispering in her ear, getting a nod.  He stroked her hair and she started to snore again.  He smiled and the nurse held out the paperwork.  "Thank you for keeping her calm."

"She's horrible to wake up," he admitted, signing where he needed to.  He looked at her.  "What's the chance of risk to either of them?"

"There's a slight chance of infection but we'll be giving her antibiotics from the start, Detective.  We'll have to keep her here for a few days, possibly up to a week."  He nodded at that.  "Can you get your Lieutenant here sooner?"

"Yeah, Horatio should be here within an hour.  He took over my scene."

"That's fine.  By then she'll be in surgery and we'll talk to you both when she comes out."  He nodded, kissing Calleigh while the nurse got someone to bring her upstairs to surgery.  She smiled at them.  "You can wait up in surgery and there's guest phones up there."  He nodded, letting Danny drag him up there.  "They're a very tight lab," she said happily.  She knew there wouldn't be any problems with her going on bed rest for a while.  They all knew Horatio was fierce about his people.

***

Horatio walked into the surgical ward and looked at Danny, who pointed at Speed.  "What's going on?  Do we know anything?"

"They're reattaching the corner of the placenta that came up," Speed said, looking up from his hands at him.  "They're thinking about another hour.  They need to talk to us both about her after-care."

"She's going on leave, Speed.  Even if she'll have about two months unpaid, we'll manage it."

"Xander's already paid the rent ahead and put a grocery gift card blatantly on the counter," he admitted.  "Horatio, this was..."

"I know."  He sat down beside him, letting him rest against his shoulder.  "It'll be all right, Speed.  I promise it will be."  His phone rang and he glanced at the nurse, who nodded it was all right.  "Caine."  He listened to the babbling.  "Where is she going, Xander?  Because we're at Mt. Sinai with Calleigh.  She started to miscarry."  He nodded slowly as Xander talked to Marisol, who growled back.  "All right, send her there, I'll be there as soon as I know about Calleigh."  He hung up and looked at him.  "They're taking her in now."  He gave Speed a squeeze.  "I'm here for you, Speed.  No matter what.  Even if I'm there, I'm here."

"Thanks, H."  He looked up as the doctor walked in. "That's her."  They stood up.  "How is she?"

"Good.  She came through excellently."  She smiled at Horatio.  "Lieutenant."

"Captain."  She smiled at that and shook his hand.  "Bed rest and she's on full leave?"

"She could probably come in and do light things.  I would prefer not to let her into ballistics or around chemicals."

"That's the majority of what we use," Danny told her. "But she'll go nuts at home," he admitted, looking at Speed.

"We'll work it out," Horatio assured him.  "Even if I do have her sitting in the lab doing paperwork when she can come back."  The doctor smiled at that.  "She'll be fine?"

"She'll be fine.  We're fairly certain she should be able to carry to term normally but she will be having a c-section just in case.  We've talked to her OB, who will be in to see her like normal tonight."  Speed nodded at that.  "With that said, we're moving her to recovery and then we'll have her in a room within an hour probably."

"Good, because Horatio's other kid is being born," Danny offered.

"Across town," Horatio admitted.  "By c-section."  She smiled at that.  He looked at Speed.  "Speed?"

"Go.  Come back tonight with pictures."  Horatio nodded and clapped him on the back then left.  He looked at Danny.  "I can wait alone."

Danny snorted.  "Fat chance I'd make you do that. You're not even allowed to take a piss by yourself until you've gotten to cuddle her and released it."  He looked at the doctor.  "Wait here or where?"

"Recovery is fine.  We'll let him go in to see her briefly before we move her up to OB."  He nodded, following her up the hall.  "She'll be fine."  She pointed at a bathroom.  "That one is soundproofed if you need to go yell, scream, or kick things.   That's where we usually suggest.  The mirrors won't break before you try it."  He nodded, heading in there to rant and scream, Danny waiting outside for the storm to lessen before he went in to calm him back down.  She smiled at him.  "Follow the blue line, Detective."  He nodded.  "I'll see you in a few minutes."  She went that way, going to tell the nurses who was going to be waiting on her.

***

Horatio walked into the other OB ward. "Marisol Delko?"

"Are you family?"

"The father."

"Ah.  The other young man?"

"My husband."  She nodded once and pointed.  "Thank you."  He headed that way, following the swearing in Russian.  He walked in and frowned at Xander.  "You're loud."

"I'm doing it for her so she doesn't traumatize the nurse again.  She made two of them cry already.  How's Calleigh?"  He let Horatio have his place, ignoring his broken hand for now.

"They stopped it in time. She's out of surgery, expected to fully recovery and come back to paperwork.  Speed and Danny are there."  He looked down at her, giving her a gentle smile.  "I would've been here sooner, Marisol.  I'm sorry."

"Not your fault."  She panted and arched her hips up.  "Where is the nurse with the drugs!"

"On her way," Xander reminded her.  He looked at Horatio.  "They're backed up for c- sections.  She's next in line. They're doing the pain killers right before."

"She can have them sooner," Horatio decided, going to make sure of it.  He glared at the nearest nurse.  "When is my girl getting some painkillers?"

"As soon as it's her turn for surgery."

"Marisol is a cancer survivor.  I don't care what you think, she's in extreme pain.  I've never seen that woman cry, much less hurt others.  She is now."

"That is normal."  He moved his coat, showing his badge and gun.  "We'll get to her next, sir."

"Captain.  Try now."

Xander leaned out.  "Either someone does it or I'm calling someone who knows how to lay a spinal in and having her instruct me over the phone.  Thank you."  Marisol let out another scream.  "I've been tortured, this is worse than I screamed."

"Birth is a natural...."  Xander walked out and she ran.  "I'll get someone to do it now!" she called.

"Good."  He looked at Horatio.  "She's really fine?"

"She's really fine.  They stopped the placenta from moving further with a few stitches.  She'll have to have a c-section just in case.  They think she'll be able to come back to paperwork."  He stroked his cheek with a smile.  "Thank you."

"Not a problem.  I'm going to be a very hands-on daddy with the baby Horatio too."  He walked back in there.  "Good news, she went for a run.  So either security is coming or the painkillers," he said, letting her have his injured hand again with a wince when she squeezed.  "Just try to relax.  Remember the visualizations Di went over with you?  Try to do those now, Marisol.  Just until they can give you drugs."  She nodded, closing her eyes and swallowing.  "Horatio, see if she can have ice chips?" he called.  Horatio came in with some and a nurse.  "Finally.  This is worse than the time someone tried to take my intestines out through my back."  The nurse gave him a horrified look.  He stared back.  She fussed over Marisol and got the line laid in, making her sigh in pleasure when it started to work.  "There, how's that?"

"Better," she said in a hazy, feel good voice.  "Thank you."  She looked at his hand.  Then she giggled.  "Oops, I think I broke it."

"I know you broke it, but it's okay.  It'll still hold the baby Horatio."  He grinned at her and let Horatio have his spot again so he could feed her ice chips.  The nurse glared at him.  He glared back.  "You think I'm kidding?"  She drug him out, taking him to have his hand fixed.  "No casts.  I've got a toddler already.  Plus a bathing habit."

"We'll see," the nurse ordered, handing him off to another one.  "She broke his hand.  Take him down to the ER."

"Of course."  She looked at his hand, then at him.  "Most guys would be crying by now," she praised.

"I've been tortured in the past. A broken hand is pretty minimal.  I need to be back here for her.  Can we hurry up and put an air cast on or something?"  She blinked.  "That's my husband's baby being born.  I need to be there."  She nodded once and drug him down to the ER to have him looked at.  They gave him ice, took an x-ray, and sat him in a room for a while.  After twenty minutes he got up and the nurse shoved him back into the room when he tried to leave.  "I need to be up there for her."

"She'll be going in soon.  We called for you.  The father is going into the c-section with her brother."  She sat him back down and took the ice pack, looking at his hand.  "That's got to hurt."

"I have a high pain tolerance. I'm a weapons fighter."  He looked at her.  "Can't I just have a pretty brace or air cast?"

"We'll see what the x-ray says."  She went to check on it.

Xander waited another ten minutes, then got up and looked around again.  The nurse glared at him and pointed back into the room.  He gave her a look and she shook her head.  "Nothing yet?"

"Not yet.  They'd just be cutting out the baby, sir."

Xander huffed and waited five more minutes.  Still nothing so he went back up to OB with his ice pack.  He found the rest of the family watching and wiggled next to Mrs. Delko.  "Ewww.  Insides are nasty.  Even if I had the brains I'd never be a doctor because I'd have to see insides."  She took his hand to hold, making him wince but not say anything. She needed the reassurance.  His phone rang and he ignored it.  For now. He'd answer it later.  Whoever it was would either call Speed or would be Speed and would call Ryan or Willow if they couldn't get him.  He watched as the baby was pulled out, smiling at them "Awww.  I thought the puppies were nasty. Or Toddy and Liz."  Mr.  Delko laughed at that, clapping him on the back.  "She is."

"They are," Mrs. Delko sighed, sounding happy.  The nurse took the baby to weigh and measure.  Horatio and Eric calmed Marisol back down, getting a few nods, then the baby was brought back and they let her see it from Eric's arms.  They all awwwed at that.  The baby was put into a basinet and rolled out, letting them all wave as she was rolled past.

"Hold on, blue?" Xander asked. "I thought she was a girl."

"She is, that's the surgical scrub, sir.  She'll be in the nursery very soon for you to all admire. If you'll follow me?  Miss Delko will be in recovery and only her spouse or medical power of attorney can get in to visit her."  They followed, leaving her in the capable hands of Horatio and Eric.

One of the nurses grabbed Xander by the arm and forced him back downstairs.  "You're not to wander around."

"That's my daughter!  Get off!"  He glared at her.  "Not like I was needed down there."

"You're wearing an ER bracelet," she sneered.

"Grandma!"

"Our daughter broke his hand while she was screaming," Mr. Delko called. "He's our family."

The nurse glared.  "A likely story."

Xander patted her on the cheek, then hit her.  "Get off me, you sanctimonious bitch."  He walked off, heading for the nursery, handing Mrs. Delko his ice pack and the bracelet.  "Sorry, I hate bitches."  He smiled at the baby.  "Aww, I have a cute daughter."

"You do, son, but she could press charges," Mr. Delko reminded him.

"I'll gladly spend the night in jail for hitting her," he said in a sing-song voice.  "It was worth it."  He made a face at the baby, making the nurse smile and shake her head.  "What?  She's mine."

The nurse came out to look at them.  "Baby Delko?"

"Tia," Mrs. Delko agreed.  "That's what they decided on.  My daughter was having her for Xander and Horatio."  She pointed at Xander.  "This is Xander."

"Aw, that's so nice of her," she agreed.  She saw the security guards and then looked at Xander. "Hit the nurse?"

"Called her a bitch too.  Felt good.  When can we see her closer?"

"When we bring her up to her mother's room later, sir.  For now, until we get everyone properly banded and ID'd no one but her mother can see her."  That got a mass nod.  "Okay.  So go back to making cute faces at her.  She's adorable and looks healthy so far."  She withdrew and made notes on the chart about the overprotective family.

Xander looked at the security guard, staring one of them down.  Then he grinned.  "She tried to keep me from seeing my daughter.  The mother broke my hand.  They drug me to the ER."

"Did you have to hit her?"

"You'd rather I have gutted her?"  They shook their heads.  "Then yes, especially since she decided I was a run-away patient, even when my family said I belonged with them.  She's lucky I only hit her once.  I'm having a happy day."

"Are you normally homicidal, sir?" the guard asked tolerantly.

"No.  Just when you try to get between me and my family."  He shrugged.  "Ask the one earlier who refused to give her mother pain killers and she was screaming in pain.  I've been tortured and it wasn't that bad."

"Military vet?"

"Bad city I grew up in.  Bad parents too."

"Okay.  Can I see your hand?"  Xander held it out and he winced.  "That looks like it should be casted."

"I gave them about a half an hour after they did x-rays.  I don't want a cast.  All I want is a brace or an air cast.  I can apply one of those or tape.  It's only a broken hand."  Eric walked up behind the guards.  "I'm trying very hard to be a nice guy."

"I can see that."  He looked at them.  Then he shrugged. "He's highly overprotective of his family.  This is his newest daughter.  The nurse getting in his way?  Only made his husband groan in mental misery."  They nodded wisely.  "I'll take him down to the ER and make sure he behaves."

"Can you take him home?" the second guard asked.

"With my daughter in there?" Xander asked.

"You could come back tomorrow," the first guard suggested.  "See her when she's been cleaned up, weighed, measured, all that stuff."  Xander gave him a look.  "Can you calm down and not hurt the staff?"

"As long as they don't hurt what's mine.  I had no intention of seriously hurting her."

"Okay.  As long as someone will watch out for you."  Eric nodded.  "And you'll go home with him?" he asked Xander.  Who nodded.  "That's fine.  Thank you, detective."

"Not a problem.  We heard the nurse.  I about hit the nurse."  That got a smile.  "I understand security but really.  My father even said he belonged and she didn't believe him."

"That's fine, sir.  We'll note that in the report."  They walked off to talk to the nurse, who started to yell.

Xander looked at Eric.  "Sorry."

"You're taking anger management classes," he said dryly.

"I didn't want to hurt her."  Eric gave him a look.  "I don't normally."

"You don't.  That's why Horatio won't paddle you.  What happened to Calleigh?"

"Horatio said her placenta had to be stitched back down."

"Call Speed to make sure she's okay, tell him about the baby."  Xander nodded, moving to the courtesy phone to do that.

"You'll go with him or he'll leave," the nurse said shrilly.

"Woman, back off before I kill you myself," Eric demanded.  She gasped and he glared, tapping his badge.  "This is his family.  You're keeping him from his family.  You threatened his family.  Feel lucky one of the rest of us didn't kill you."  She stomped off.  Security came back.  "Leash her," he demanded.

"We've been trying for years."

"Last year I saved this ward," Xander said dryly.  "I'm not sorry about saving most of them."  The guards stared at him then one burst out laughing to tell her that.  She went pale and headed in a different direction.  "Hey, dad, how is she?"  He grinned.  "Tia's fine.  She's wrinkly and red and nasty.  Horatio and Eric went in with her to hold her when they pulled her out.  How's the step-mom?"  He listened, then smiled. "Hold on, Eric's here.  Eric, dad."  He handed over the phone, letting them have it. "Calleigh's all right."

"Xander," Horatio called impatiently.  He trudged that way.  "Apologize."

"She was trying to ...."  Horatio glared at him.  "I'm sorry I slugged her and called her a bitch."  He went back to the nursery.

Horatio took a deep breath then looked at the nursing supervisor.  "He is sorry.  He's a bit overexcited."

"He's not the first one who's hit her," she admitted dryly.  "Try to keep him calm and with others for now."

"Tomorrow he'll probably be bringing in our son while I'm at work."

"That's fine. She only works nights."  She smiled at him and he nodded at that.  "I heard they're worried about another patient.  Is she here?"

"No, Mt. Sinai.  She nearly miscarried and she's our coworker and Xander's step-mother."

"Ah.  I hope she's all right, Captain.  Try to keep him calm.  Hand him the baby.  That usually makes even the most uptight ones gooey mentally."

"I'm sure it will. He didn't get to hold his son when he was born.  Thank you for being so understanding."

"Not an issue."  She watched him walk off, then finished the report off for him.  She wasn't surprised that someone like him was excitable.  He was young, gay, and hyper.  They were all excitable when they were like that.

Horatio stopped Xander from moving by putting a hand on his shoulder.  "No more," he said quietly.

"I'm not trying to."

"I don't care.  Never again."  Xander looked down and nodded. "Thank you.  I know you were upset but it's still wrong to hit someone.  Especially a nurse."

"Can we sit guard on her tonight?"

"It shouldn't be necessary."

"This isn't like the hacks at Sunnydale," Eric assured him.  "They have good nurses here, even if one of them is a mean and evil bitch.  Because she was," he said when Horatio looked at him.

"Eric."

"Sorry, but she was!"  He looked in the nursery again.  "There she is."

Horatio smiled at the baby.  "There she is.  The reason all of us are going to be insane soon enough."

Mrs. Delko looked at him.  "You wanted a second child, Horatio. Didn't you think about that?"

"I did, but I had convenient memories of Toddy until now."  She laughed and hugged him.  "We will be having her over soon."

"Of course you will," she agreed dryly.  "We'll get the first week or so."  Xander gave her a look.  "We will," she said more firmly.

"Fine," he pouted.  "I never got to hold my son at that age.  Di hid him from me until he was walking."  She moaned.  "Please?"

"Xander, let them enjoy the grandchild.  We can have her all the time," Horatio said patiently.  "You won't miss out on anything with her unless you get seriously hurt."  He looked at him.  Eric smirked and looked in the window, moving him out of the way.  "Where did you go?"

"They drug me to the ER."

"Why?"

"To look at my hand."

"It's all right?"

"Relatively."  Horatio nodded at that and walked him off, taking him back to the ER.  "I'm fine!"

"Shut up, Xander. I can see the pain in your eyes."  The nurse down there spotted him and stormed over.  "Our second child was just born."

"That's fine.  Did the nurses up there give him any trouble?  Where is your ID?"

"She tried to say I was a run-away patient and didn't belong up there.  Tried to kick me out," Xander said, giving her a sheepish look.  "I kinda hit her and called her a bitch."

"Hmm."  She looked at his hand, then sighed.  "Did you hit her with this hand?"  He nodded.  "Why?"

"Because that's the hand I usually hit with. It's fine.  The little bone is back in place."

"We'll make sure with another x-ray."  She led him to do that, letting Horatio keep control of him.  He obviously held the leash in that family.  He ended up in a cast and Horatio gave her a nod that he would keep it on the full time and treat it well.

***

Speed looked up as the bouncing ball of boy and cast came into the room.  "Whoa!" he ordered, holding up a hand.  "She needs rest."

"I brought you dinner and pictures of Tia," he offered with a pout.

"What happened to your hand?" Calleigh asked him.

"Marisol broke it.  Kinda a long story.  I hit the nurse who tried to keep me away from her too."  He brought over the bags.  "I checked with the nurses and they said you can't have anything too solid today so I got you a pasta salad.  They said it's cheating but should be okay as long as the anesthesia didn't make you sick.  I also got you some sweet tea with lemon slices so you can add as you see fit."  He laid that on the tray across her lap, making her smile.  "For Danny I got him a real salad since Stella and Mac said he had to eat better or else they'd be spanking him.  Plus a soda.  And for dad I got him real food because he missed lunch."  He handed over the chicken plate and the coffee.  "There."   He hugged her.  "I dropped off a bag of your things with the nurse so they could log them in.  It's from your place.  Jammies, shampoo, soap, that stuff.  Plus slippers and a robe.  I also included one of his bigger t-shirts and sweats in case you wanted to smell like him for a day.  Plus your green dress to go home in since it's soft, flowing, and shouldn't irritate anything. Don't worry about shaving, no one will care."  He kissed her on the forehead. "Also, these are pictures of Tia," he said, handing over the copies he had made off Eric's and his own phones.  "Off your home computer, dad.  I hacked in again."

"That's fine.  Do I need more photo paper?"  Xander nodded.  "How is she?"

"Adorable," he assured him brightly.  "Just at seven pounds.  She's very sleepy so far.  Which means she's going to drive us insane according to Mrs. Delko.  They'll have her for the first week and then we can go poach the daughter."  He looked at her.  "If you're around and don't want to see her for a few hours, I can totally understand and will cater to your every whim, for the most part," he offered.

"I don't mind.  I didn't miscarry, Xander.  It was really close but I didn't."  He smiled and nodded, hugging her again. "Thank you for all that.  Is anyone else coming tonight?"

"Eric's off tomorrow so he'll stop in on the way to see his sister and niece.  Horatio said he might be in tonight but he headed home to tell Di and them.  Plus to talk her into getting her own dog so we can have Percy back."  Speed smiled at that.  "He's my dog."  He beamed at her.  "Did I miss anything?"

"Not a thing, Xander.  As long as you included underwear."

"I did but I didn't look. I just grabbed and looked away."

She smiled at that.  "Thank you, dear.  Now, go home and bounce at home."  He nodded, giving them all hugs before heading home.  She changed her tea for Danny's soda, handing over the lemons as well.  "I'd usually want tea but right now I want fizzy things."  She looked at her salad, then at Speed's, changing it out for his chicken and pasta dinner.  She smiled sweetly and dug in.   His had dessert.

"I would've shared."

"I'm hungry.  Eat that. It's good for you."  He smiled and dug in.  It paid to spoil his girl.  Danny just sat back and grinned. "You could go home."

"I will soon.  I'm basking in the beauty and keeping away from the bouncing ball of Xanderness."  Calleigh giggled at that.  "He was."

"He so was," she agreed. She ate another bite and waved her fork at her nurse when she came in. "He spoils us horribly."

"I can see that.  You shouldn't have the caffeine."

"I don't care.  It's fizzy and I wanted fizzy."  She took another sip.  "I stole it fairly from Danny's dinner."

"Fine. This one time."  She checked her over, then looked at her dinner.  "Better than what you'll get here, honey.  Enjoy the spoiling."  Calleigh showed her the picture.  "Their new one?  I know that nice Lieutenant had to run to see his child born."

"Yup," Speed agreed.  "Horatio's a captain now too."  She smiled at that.  "She stole my dinner."

"Babies often make women do that," she soothed.  She smiled at them.  "Where is she?"

"Women's.  Xander had a broken hand and he babbled something about an evil nurse," Danny offered.

"They've got a few.  One of them got hit earlier from the grapevine.  Tried to keep a young man from his family."  She shrugged. "Should've known better.  OB is one of the worst floors to stop anyone on because they're all emotional."  She fussed the contents of the bag into the drawers and laid out a pair of pajamas on the end of the bed.  "That should do for tonight.  I'm supposing he didn't look when he got your panties, dear.  He got thongs mostly."  She gave her foot a pat and left them alone.

"He said he didn't look, just grabbed," she agreed, digging in again and taking another drink of her spoils.

***

Xander got tired of the cast and finished cracking it with careful application of the hammer over the unbroken part, then pried it off.  His hand looked horrible but he didn't care.  He went to pick up his son and diaper bag, smiling at him.  "Eric, want to see your new baby sister?"  Di handed over the baby and diaper bag.  "Thanks."  He blew a kiss and headed out, dodging the extra cars in the driveway.  "Your baby sister was born two whole days ago and we're bringing her home today."  Eric gave him an awed look.  "So we're going to pick up Auntie Marisol and take her to Grandma Delko's, where you can stare in awe at the baby and then we'll come home for lunch so she can rest."  His son nodded hard at that.  He got the boy into his car seat, checking the other one just in case, then got in to drive.  He got to the hospital and got Eric out, heading up to the OB ward.  He found Mr. Delko there.  "I've got the baby seat in my car."

"I figured you did, Xander.  Can you fit me too?"  He patted Eric on the head.  "She's in with her mother."  Eric wiggled until he got down then ran in there, climbing up on the bed to straddle her knees and stare at the baby.  Mr. Delko smiled at the father.  "He's very gentle."

"He's had a lot of experience.  He's been practicing on Lizzy."  He walked in and smiled at her, kissing her on the forehead.  "Eric's agreed, we're going to take you home and he's going to stare in awe."

"That's fine.  She is a beautiful child, Xander."  She smiled at him.  "Thank you."

"Not an issue.  You know I like spoiling you, even if you don't like my nursery."  He picked the baby up off the bed.  "Let her sign the papers so we can go to Grandma's."

Eric went running to find the papers his daddy spoke of. The sooner they got home the sooner he could get nearer to his baby sister and cuddle her.  He tugged on someone's coat.  "Papers so we go home?"  He bounced and danced.  "Daddy say need papers so I can cuddle sister."

"I'll get the nurse for your mother, son."

He snorted and shook his head.  "Daddies, not mommy.  Just sister."   He pointed at the room.  "That sister."

"Okay.  I'll get her paperwork and bring it in."  Eric nodded and ran back into the room, then out and next door.  He smiled at that.  "That is one hyper child," he told the nearest nurse.  "I think they're ready to go home."

"That's Miss Delko's family.  She was having the baby for the boy's fathers."  She handed over the paperwork.  "So she can sign it."

"Thanks."  He headed that way, tapping on the door.  "Miss Delko?"  She smiled at him and Eric bounced beside the bed.  "He said you're ready to leave us?"

"I am.  My parents are looking forward to spoiling me rotten.  Plus the baby."

He smiled and took the baby to look over, letting both older men hover.  "She's fine."  Marisol handed back the paperwork so they switched.  "Let me get you a wheelchair.  We have a baby seat?  For them both?"

"I do," Xander agreed.  "There's even enough room for Grandpa between them."

"Good.  It's installed correctly?" Xander nodded harder.  "That's fine then.  Let me get a wheelchair so you can go home."  He went to get the nurse to bring her down.  The nurse glared at Xander and he looked at her.  "Problems?"

"We don't like him here."

"Feeling's mutual and the next one in the family can be born at Mt. Sinai.  We like them.  They're nice."  He helped Marisol up and into the chair, even being nice enough to let her keep the baby while he got Eric and the bag to follow.  Grandpa walked beside her.  They got outside and Xander hit the alarms for the car, hearing nothing.  "Eric, where did Daddy park?"  He pointed.  Xander went over there to look, finding the car.  He did both alarms and came up without a problem so he waved them over.   Grandpa and the nurse rolled Marisol over and got her inside, then he wiggled in so Eric could have his seat.  Marisol got in the front.  Xander got in to drive.  He backed out and headed for home, a nice, sedate pace.  Of course, someone tried to shoot at them.  Xander growled and called it in.  "Dear, someone's shooting at us.  Station?"  He nodded.  "Of course."  He hung up and checked his belt as he sped up.  "We're going into Xander mode.  Please watch the kids.  Eric giggles at this.  The baby should be cushioned well enough."  He sped up further and went around a car, ignoring the new gunshot.  He got onto a street that didn't have a divider and spun into the other lane, turning them around.  He looked at the car with the guy hanging out with the gun.  "Huh. I thought they were gone."  He sped up and turned another corner, heading for downtown and the maze of buildings.  "Let me lose this person and then we'll go home."

"Sure," Marisol agreed, slinking down some.  "Poppi, you all right?"

"Fine, dear.  Is that a siren?"  He looked back and nodded.  "That is."

"That's fine, I saw them," Xander agreed, slowing down and pulling over.  The officer came over and he got out.

"Back in the car...."

"Hold it, look at the tail of the car.  We were being shot at.  They're in a pale yellow, almost cream camaro."  The officer looked, then at him, one hand still on his gun.  "I'm carrying Eric Delko's sister, new niece, and father, plus Captain Caine's son.  He said to lose him."  The officer called that in and nodded, relaxing.  "Pale camaro.  We spun back on the main drag and saw them.  One guy hanging out, blue bandana.  One driver.  Didn't see anyone in the backseat."

"Okay.  They agreed you called it in, sir.  Are you okay to take them home?"  Xander nodded.  "Then let's do that.  I'll escort you.  Where are we going?"

"The Delko's."  He got back in and the officer followed him.  He called Horatio.  "We're heading to Grandma's house.  We're fine.  I told them what I saw when I changed directions suddenly.  No, we're good.  I'll go rant in the backyard when I get there."  He smiled.  "Eric, Daddy Horatio said to tell you he loves you."

"Love you too, Daddy 'Oro," he called, then he giggled.  "Sister is funny looking. Like Lizzy was."

"I know.  He saw her when she was born."  He smiled. "Love you too."  He hung up and headed for their house, pulling into the driveway.  Next to Ryan's car.  He got out and waved at the officer, getting a nod and him heading off.  He looked at him.  "Do you ever work in your office?"

"I came to see Tia."  He frowned at the departing cruiser then at him.  "What happened?"

"Gang banger."  He got the baby out, letting Grandpa have him for now.  Then Eric, who bounced around his feet.  Ryan picked him up and carried him inside while Xander got Marisol inside. Then, as promised, he went into the backyard and ranted and threw a fit.  Their mother came to the backdoor.  "Gang bangers.  Not related to me at all."

"I understand that it happens, Xander.  Would you like some lemonade?"

"Sure, if you've got some made."  He calmed himself then walked back in.  "I'm better now."  Eric smiled at him.  He grinned back.  "It's all right.  I don't like it when people threaten my family and these things come in groups."  He looked at Ryan. "Isn't she adorable?"

"She is.  She's nearly as precious as Lizzy was."  Marisol giggled at that, swatting him on the arm.  "Sorry, parental bias."  He handed her over and Eric wiggled closer to her.  "She won't disappear."

"Good.  Daddy beat someone they take her," Eric said firmly.  "Daddy 'Oro too."  He nodded at that and went back to staring at his sister.  "She come home with us?" he asked over the laughter.

"No, she's staying with her mommy this week and we'll come visit a whole lot.  Then we'll steal her in a few days," Xander promised.  Eric beamed at that and nodded, going back to his staring.

"More than a few days, dear," Mrs. Delko said firmly, making Xander sit down and forcing a glass into his hand.  "I talked with Horatio already.  He said it's not to do with any case, but that road has had a few of those shooters recently.  They're coming to pull the bullets out of the car.  He's sending Eric so he can have lunch too."  She went back to making lunch.

"Momma, I don't want anything solid," Marisol called.  "My stomach still aches."  Eric scowled at that.  "I'm fine. It's where they took Tia out," she explained, showing her stitches.  He made a gross face and looked away.  She kissed him on the forehead.  "That's how she got out.  It's all right.  I'll be fine and heal."

"You promise?" he asked, hugging her.  "Not lose you like Auntie Melody."

"I promise, honey.  I promise a lot."  She kissed him on the top of the head, looking at Xander.  "Melody died?"  He nodded.  "When was her funeral?"

"Yesterday," he admitted quietly.  "That's why we were late yesterday."  She nodded, accepting that and going back to being a mommy.

Ryan smiled.  "You're good at that, Marisol.  As good as Xander is."  She smiled at that.  He stood up.  "I'd better get back to the courthouse.  I've got an afternoon meeting with one of the other judges who's going to lay down the law again.  He thinks I'm lenient."  He shrugged and hugged Eric's mother and clapped Eric's father on the shoulder, then looked at Xander.  "You'll be okay?"

"I'll be fine.  It wasn't related back to us."  Ryan nodded, giving him a shoulder squeeze before leaving.  Eric looked at his father.  "I will be."

"Daddy 'Oro make all better," Eric reminded him, then went back to his cuddling.

"That's very wise," Mrs. Delko agreed.  "Your daddy Horatio can make it all better."  She gave Xander a pointed look and he quit slouching. She turned it up and he nodded.  "Where is your cast?"

"Probably on the back porch where I cut it off.  I didn't need it and it was annoying me."

"Didn't you need to leave it on for weeks?" Mr. Delko asked.

"My hand feels fine."  He flexed it and kept himself from wincing.  They both stared at him, along with Marisol.  "I'm fine."

"If you say so," Mr. Delko decided, sitting down next to his little girl to hold her and the kids.  "Maybe Eric should stay with us tonight."

"He's staying with us tonight," Xander reminded him.  They stared him down.  "Or with his mons."  Eric came in.  "Tell them I can handle the kids."

"Where's your cast?"

"Gone.  It was annoying and my hand's fine."

"It's been three days, Xander."  Xander shrugged. "I'm telling Horatio and Speed."

"Both of them don't need the aggravation," Xander said wisely.  "Quit being a nark."  He went back to watching his kids. "Eric's been staring the whole time.  He even ran out to get the papers so we could go."

"I'm very proud of him," bigger Eric agreed.  "Unlike what I am of you."

"Horatio said it's not related."

"Maybe not, but you still took your cast off after three days, Xander."  He took his sandwich and drink from his mother then went to eat while he pried the bullets out.  He saw a patrol stop and look at him, flashing his badge.  "They got shot on Cabbaro."

"We heard there was another one.  Any idea what?  That hasn't made it back to us yet, sir."

"Xander!"  He came to the door.  "What were they driving this time?"

"Pale camaro.  Blue bandana on the shooter, he was leaning out.  I changed lanes and directions suddenly when we got past the dividers. I didn't see anyone in the backseat but I was more interested in getting away."

"Thank you, sir.  Are you all right?"

"Fine.  Not the first time."

That got a smirk from the officer.  "We figured as much, sir.  Your son all right?"

"Just fine.  Staring at his new sister like she's a Goddess.  As it should be."  That got a smile and they headed off.  He looked at Eric.  "I heard at least two."

"One didn't hit you then.  I only see one hole."  He finished prying it out and put it into a baggie, then sealed it and put it into his case, coming back inside.  "You did what with the kids and Marisol in the car?"

"And your father in the back.  They shot at us.  I did some defensive driving. I sped up, I swerved around people, when I got to a spot that didn't have the pretty dividers I changed sides of the road so I got a look at them and lost them by taking the next available corner.  A patrol stopped us after that, I got out to talk to him, scared the shit out of him when I did it, he called it in to check, I had already called Horatio.  We came here with an escort once he had verified.  I threw a fit in the backyard.  Then I came in to lemonade.  Oh, and Ryan popped by to see Tia."

"Good.  Everyone should worship my niece."  He looked at her, then at his sister, who was napping with Eric cooing and petting her hair.  "You're very good at that."  Eric smiled and went back to it.  Bigger Eric finished his lunch and kissed his parents on the cheek, then patted the baby on the head before leaving and going back to work.  He walked into the station, finding Horatio waiting. "They're fine.  Eric was cooing to help Mari sleep with the baby in her arms.  He's staring at her like she's a Goddess according to Xander.  Xander's calm again, he said he threw a fit in the backyard.  Everyone's all right.  The patrol guy who stopped while I was there to see what sort of car it was asked about the kids."  Horatio smiled at that. "Eric is already as overprotective as his daddy is of his little sister.  My mom thinks Eric should stay with them tonight.  Xander's cast is missing."  Horatio groaned.  "He claims his hand is fine.  To not bother you with this since you're already stressed.  He said it's not related because you said so."

"I don't think it is.  There've been random attacks on that street now for the last few days."  He moved closer.  "Everyone's all right?"

"Everyone's fine, Horatio.  Even your boy.  Even your son and daughter.  Even Mari and Poppi."  He nodded at that, smiling slightly.  "Eric was cuddling Mari's shoulder and petting her hair while cooing at her to put her to sleep while she held Tia.  When they're both older she won't be able to date for her big brother."  Horatio smiled at that.  "They're fine at the house, Horatio."

"That's fine.  How was Xander?"

"Edgy.  Trying to relax.  His hand's got to be killing him."  Horatio gave him a look.  "He may be himself but he still broke his hand three days ago."

"Point.  Where did he say his cast was?"

"Probably still on the back porch where he cut it off."

"Ah."  He nodded and went to call the family to check on them.  Then Speed to check on him and Calleigh.  Speed had Xander's spare laptop so he could log in and work from a distance today and tomorrow.  He found an email waiting on him from his boss, calling him.  "You needed to speak to me, Chief?"  He listened, then grimaced.  "She's fine, Chief.  Xander's with her and the baby, plus Eric and Delko's family.  Why?"  He leaned back, looking amused.  "I didn't realize you had those."  He grimaced.  "How sure are you?"  He nodded once.  "Them, him, or her?"  He nodded a second time.  "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."  He called Mrs. Delko again.  "I may have been wrong.  Tell Xander that someone may be tracking him.  To turn on his phone and keep his phone on in case we need a GPS lock.  Tell him to head home.  Alone.  I'll have Eric pick up the baby on his way home tonight.  Thank you."  He hung up and leaned back again, pulling out the GPS monitor from his drawer and turning it on.  It would track Xander no matter where he went.

***

Mrs. Delko hung up.  "Xander, dear, stay calm...."

"It is about me and I need to head off while you watch the kids?" he suggested, standing up.  She nodded.  He finished his lemonade, then hugged everyone, whispering in Eric's ear.

His son stared at him for a minute.  "Remember, Daddy 'Oro fix everything.  He say so."  Xander nodded and smiled, patting him on the head before heading out to his car.  He looked at Grandma.  "Cookies?" he asked with a brilliant grin.

"We'll see.  After lunch. You know that."

"But sister need cookies."

"She can't eat cookies for a few months, Eric," Mr. Delko said patiently.  "You can have cookies after lunch."

"'Brate, like birthday?  Have cookies for that?"

Both adults sighed but she was trying not to laugh.  "After lunch you can celebrate her being born.  Her first birthday is in a year and she'll have cake then."

"Randy have cookie cake, and ice cream," he assured her.

"We can do that when she's having her real birthday and you can have cookies after lunch.  Now, quit, or no cookies and no cooking with Grandma."

"Stay sister.  'Tect sister."   He put his head back down and went back to cooing and petting his auntie, who was marvelous. She had put up with his sister and gotten big owwies to give him a sister.  She was next to that god Grandma talked about now and then for giving him a sister.  Grandma said he did great things that made people happy, and sisters were like that so far.  Even if Toddy didn't like his for her diapers.  "Cookies now?" he asked a minute later.

Both parents laughed.  He was definitely Xander's son.

***

Xander saw the lights and pulled over.  He hadn't been going very fast.  He was actually at the speed limit at the moment.  His lights were still working, not that he had them on.  He rolled down his window and pulled down his visor to get his registration and insurance card, then shifted to get his license out.

"Please don't move, sir."

"Sorry, getting my license.  What did I do wrong?  I didn't think I was speeding."  He settled back into his seat with his wallet in his lap.  The officer moved closer.  "What's wrong?  What did I do wrong?"

The officer looked at him. "You exist."  He shot him in the neck.  Ten thousand volts of electricity went through him until he was unconscious.  "Pity you were born."  He looked around then nodded at his partner, pushing Xander over and getting in to drive.  Anyone else would think he was going home or coming to work his shift.  Most cops didn't get to take cruisers home.  He pulled into his temporary driveway and got out, his partner nodding as he drove on.  He got Xander out and inside, tying him to a chair.  Then he went to change.

When Xander woke up, he was tied to a chair, had a splitting headache, and even he would admit his hand hurt.  "Where am I and who are you?" he asked patiently.  "Besides terminally stupid."

"You are here and this is the next-to-last place you will know."  He smirked at him.  "As for who I am?  No one you need the name of.  Now, let's search you for listening devices.  You obviously had a clue I would be seeing you today."  He ran the scanner over him, a normal hand-wand scanner.  It beeped on his crotch and he gave him a look. "Piercing?  Kinky."

"Very.  Thank you for asking."  It kept going and he smirked at the second beep. "What can I say, it's the angle."  He gave him a look and got backhanded and the chair was kicked backwards.  He landed on his hand, letting out a small yelp before he could control it.  "I'm not that weak, thank you.  I learned better in my early life."  He rocked the chair and got onto his side.  "Ah, better now."  He had to keep some control of the situation.  The guy kicked his thighs apart and tried it again, getting the beep on the inside of his thigh.  "Last year Horatio implanted a GPS chip but it's been removed.  It's probably residue."  Pure lie.  It was still there.

"We'll see."  He pulled out a knife and cut his pants and briefs off, looking at his dick. "Where's the ring?"

"Behind it.  Got another comment?"  The man snorted and looked at his thigh, pressing on it hard.  Xander didn't let himself react, even if that was on a nerve point and too high up.  The man stared at him and pressed harder, then suddenly stabbed him in it.  That got a small moan.  "Feel better now?" he hissed through the pain, his teeth clenched.  "Why don't you untie me so we can go for real?"

"Where's the fun in that?"  He pulled the chair up and let it rock back into place, sitting in front of him.  "Now, I want to know why you hang out at the police station."

"My father works there."

"Hmm.  Any other reasons?"

"None that I feel like sharing."

"Pity. I saw you in the sports and the society pages."  Xander shrugged as much as he could and got backhanded again.  "Be civil."

"I was, I didn't spit."  He spit the blood in his face. Then he smiled.  "There, now I'm uncivil.  Level with me and you might get what you want.  What?  Money?  A hostage to talk to the cops with and about?  What?"

"No.  I have you."  He tipped his head to look at him for a minute, then traced a line on his shoulder with the knife, circling the gunshot wound.  "You're not a cop?" Xander shook his head.  "You were with them."

"Like I said, my father works there."

"No one in that office is old enough to be your father, kid.  Not even Tripp."

"First, I'm only twenty-two.  Yes there are.  Secondly, who said it was biological?  That's an assumption.  I'm told those are wrong by the psych teachers I took in the past."  He got hit again and this time the knife dug into the scar for his former gunshot wound.  He ground his teeth together again, then took a calming breath once it was gone.  "I've had worse."

"You're sure?"

"I am.  Hell, my parents tried to sell me to worse than you."  He gave him a long stare.  "Do I know you?"

"Maybe.  Where you from?"

"Sunnydale."

The man shook his head.  "Never heard of it."  He smirked. "Don't worry, I'm not one of those sick, gay bastards."

"Pity, because I am."  He spit at him again and then smirked.  "I'm having fun now.  You?"

The man smirked back.  "You're going to be fun prey for my clients."

"I doubt it.  I'm not fun for anyone but my husband."  The man laughed at that.  "Seriously.  Plenty of stalkers and serial killers have found me very unfun."  The man smiled at that.  "What?  Suspected that I'd been hunted?"

"I know you have. You've got 'prey' written all over you."

"Actually, I don't.  I've got 'hunter' written all over me.  In every pore of my body. Your clients will quickly become the prey. Even if I'm injured."  The man laughed and got up, heading to a wall.  He came back with a pool cue.  Xander tensed and calmed his mind.  He reminded himself he had had worse.  Even when his broken hand got broken more.  He fell deeper into his mind, letting all the instincts work for him.  He didn't even realize it when the guy stopped until he got slapped and hit with water.  He came back slightly and looked at him.  "Tired already?  You're fucking pathetic.  I had worse than this when I was eleven."  He fell back into his mind, waiting.  He knew Horatio would be coming for him.  Even when the guy picked up a thicker rod and started on his upper arms.

***

Horatio walked out of his office.  "People."  Everyone stopped and came out of their labs.  "We have a missing spouse, again.  Word came to me that there was a cruiser stolen from downtown.  Traffic cameras show that they stopped Xander."  Eric looked at him.  "We have a GPS lock and it's not a normal spot for him to be at.  Eric, I'm leaving you in charge until Speed gets here."

"I'm going."

"He was alone, Eric.  You're staying. You're in charge."  He left, heading down to meet up with the SWAT team in the truck.  He handed over the GPS monitor.  "Best investment he ever made."  They nodded.  "We have no idea who has him but the only clue I got said it wasn't related to his usual thing."

"You're staying in the truck," the team leader said.

Horatio looked at him. "If Xander's too injured, he'll attack you too.  He won't attack me.  I'll go in last."  That got some hot looks. "You'd rather have to fight the victim too?"  They shook their heads, they had seen Xander in action a few times apparently.  "How many times have you guys rescued Xander?"

"Three," everyone said.  Horatio glared.  "You knew about two of them," they all noted.

"Yay," Horatio offered.  The truck took off and he did up his vest.  "I'm still going in.  Xander's probably in pain.  He will attack you if he's loose."  He had seen him do it before.  He concentrated on his thoughts, getting into that calm frame of mind.  He needed to be calm or else he was going to kill the person who had his spouse.  They pulled up at the address and Horatio got out last, as promised.  They moved up the driveway, finding two entries.  The team split and two guys went around the back.

"Car in the garage," one guy reported over the radio.

"I can hear noises, ranting," one of the guys in the back reported.  "No visual."

"Okay, we go in this way," the team leader ordered.  They nodded and took their rehearsed positions.  "Miami-Dade PD!"  The door was knocked in and they headed in.  Horatio took the rear position.  One of the guys gasped at something and he glanced.  Human hunting trophies.  He kept going after the leader.  They found a back room with a padlock-shaped set of screws high up.  He nodded the door buster in and they hit the door once.  It held, rocked but held.  They tried it again.  It still held.  Horatio growled and blew in the bolt-shaped place, making it explode and splinter.  This time the door went in.  "Miami-Dade PD!" the leader called, heading in.

The guy in there backed up, grabbing something that looked like a gun. "I'll kill him!"  He heard a growl and looked at his victim, who should be unconscious.  That's why he had untied him and was ranting over his unresponsive body about how great he wasn't.  Xander lunged up and got him by the throat, squeezing and growling in his ear, making him shiver.  He dropped the taser, waving his arms.

"Xander, off!" Horatio ordered.  Xander sniffed then backed off.  "Come here."  Xander backed up.  "Xander."  He moved closer.  "Xander."  He put away his gun.  The guy lunged for him and he knocked him onto his ass and kicked him in the side, then moved closer.  "Xander," he said quietly.  "My mate.  Here.  Now.  To me.  Come."  Xander let out a small whimper.  "I know.  I'll protect you while you heal.  Come here."  Xander went limp and he caught him.  "We'll need a medic."

"Will he be all right?"

"Eventually.  Get that idiot out of here before I kill him," he ordered coldly.  Paramedics rushed in and he looked at them.  "He goes to Mt. Sinai."  They gave him an odd look.  "He doesn't like the nurses at University.  He hit one the other day."  That got a nod and they helped load him.  They heard the growl and backed off. "Xander, those are paramedics.  I'm staying with you."  He got another whimper and leaned closer to his ear. "I'm here.  I'm staying here.  Let the antiseptic smelling people help me take care of you.  Even if I don't have you every minute, I'm there."  Xander leaned toward him.  "Good boy.  Very good boy, Xander.  Come on, let's go."  He looked at the paramedics.  "He's a victim of a very bad town."  They nodded and let him follow.  He called Eric.  "We have him.  Get someone to process this place before I burn it."  He climbed into the back of the ambulance and took Xander's hand. "I'm here."  He got another soft growl.  "No, I'm here.  You'll let me handle this."

"Daddy 'Oro fix everything," he whispered.

"That's right, our son was right.  I will."  He stroked over his forehead.  "Radio ahead, make sure they've got a camera ready.  We'll need to take crime scene photos."  They gave him a scared look and he glared.  "I am Captain Horatio Caine.  I said so," he snarled.  They nodded and radioed that in.  They had heard of him apparently because when they got in there, they let him take whatever photos he wanted and had a paper bag ready for his clothes.  Horatio handed off the camera, letting it be put into the bag as well.  "He's in his mind.  He's growling," he told the nurse.  She nodded.  "Do not strap him down.  There's a reason for this."

"How bad were his parents?" one of the doctors asked.

"They sold him a few times to people who liked to torture him," Horatio said quietly.  "Look at his side."  They did and nodded.  "This is without pain killers."

"We'll sedate him," they promised, doing that so he could leave and wait outside, staring in the windows.  Because there was no way he was moving.

Speed walked up behind him and looked then at him.  "Eric took the scene anyway.  He was the only one in."

Horatio looked at him.  "He was growling."

"He's probably in a hell of a lot of pain.  Eric was growling about the trophies.  What trophies?"

"Apparently he hunted humans."

"Uh-huh.  Can I work the scene?"  Horatio looked at him.  "Please?"

"You'd taint it."

"He'll die in prison anyway."

"He'll plead mental incapacity and go there instead," he said, looking inside again.  He opened the door.  "He's coming around."  They stared at him.  "He's my husband.  He's probably halfway awake at the least.  Xander?  They're trying to fix you."

"Owwies," he whined.  He walked in and whispered in his ear, getting a sigh of complaint and Xander relaxing again.

"Okay," one of the nurses said.  "The other person is?"

"His adoptive father."  They nodded.  "Can he be moved?"

"We're going for x-rays."

Speed leaned in.  "He had a broken hand already.  It might be worse.  They did it at University the other day."

"We got his files from the local hospitals," one of the nurses offered.  "He struck a nurse?"

"She was trying to keep him from our daughter," Horatio offered.  "He's very protective of his family."  Xander tensed.  "Xander, where does it hurt?"

"Back."

"Let's roll him onto his side."  Xander tried to move.  "No, let us.  That way you don't get hurt more."  They rolled him onto his side and winced at the cuts and bruises.  "Yes, I'd say that hurt.  A lot."  They put him into a more comfortable position.  "He's going to be here for a while, sir."

"I doubt it.  He hates hospitals."  He looked at Speed. "Go run the office."

"Nope."  He came in and tapped Xander on the head, getting a bleary look.  "If you behave, we'll let you go float in the pool."  Xander let out a tired smile.  "But you've got to behave."

"Hate being injured."

"Yay.  Like when you had chicken pox, Horatio and all of us will get to spoil and fuss over you."  Xander shook his head.  "Yes, Xander."

"Uh-uh.  I hide," he said in a childish voice.  "Whining is bad and it'd annoy him."

"Tough, Xander," Horatio ordered.  Xander tried to move and Speed caught him.  He went to the higher authority of the one person who could make Xander see being fussed over wasn't bad.  Even if he thought so himself.  He called New York.  "Mac, talk to Xander.  Tell him he's too injured to leave.  He's so injured the doctors are crying."  He handed over the phone.

***

Mac looked at the judge.  "I have to take this or else he's going to escape from the hospital with life threatening injuries. May I have five minutes?"

"He can't wait?" the judge sneered.

"No.  He can't."  He got up and walked into the hall.  "Xander, tell me about the injuries?"  He listened and moaned.  "Xander, you know what medics are.  Let them treat you.  At least to the point where you're ready to fuss and itch.  Then you can escape home."  He listened to Horatio's quiet report about the injuries, wincing.  "How?"  He listened to that as well.  "Where was Danny?  I thought we agreed he'd watch over Xander."  He sighed.  "That's fine.  Will he be okay?"  He looked at the pictures coming in and shuddered.  "Tell him he's got to stay with the medics until he's ready to itch.  Then he can come home."  He smiled.  "Yes, I said so.  You get the guy?"  He relaxed.  "Thank you.  Let me know."  He hung up and walked inside, showing the judge the pictures, making him turn green.  "He wanted to leave the ER with those.  Yes, it was important."

"Very well.  I can consider that important.  Is he expected to live?"

"He's as tough as I am.  He was trying to get up and walk out." He retook his seat and looked at the lawyers.  "Sorry.  Escaping injured person."  He tucked his phone into his pocket and gave them an attentive look.

"We heard you mention a Danny in that call, Detective Taylor.  Would that be Detective Messer?"

"It would be and he's out of the city at the moment.  I trust him to look after him with the victim's husband's help.  He's not a witness that I know of and it's safer for him to be there instead of here, where he had gotten death threats."

"I see.  What if he is a witness?"

"Then we can get him back for you and guard him until he goes back.  They'll need the help with one tech out due to pregnancy and another just becoming a father for the second time."   That got a wise nod.  "He's filling in during a critical time."

"In another lab?"  Mac nodded.  "In which city?"

"I'm not going to tell you that in open court.  Your client issued ten different death threats to Detective Messer in the course of a week.  I'm not giving him any help."

The judge coughed.  "Is he in the United States?"  Mac nodded. "Easily retrievable?"

"A phone call and a flight."

"I see.  Within how many hours could he reappear?"

"Six at the earliest probably.  A day at the most."

"That's fine," he agreed.  "I agree, due to the death threats, we don't need to know his exact location."

"Fine," the lawyer agreed.  "I will be calling him as a witness."

"He had nothing to do with the case," Mac reminded him.  "He didn't even run any of the tests."  The lawyer glared at him and Mac glared back, his most evil, cold glare.  The man took a step back.  "Did you have more questions for me?" he asked politely.

The lawyer checked his sheet then nodded.  "I do.  Where did you get the mall footage?"

"From the security office. They're who tape the mall."

***

Xander woke up in pain and in a hospital room, nowhere else smelled that foul.   He groaned and sat himself up, holding his head.  He looked at his arms, then his legs.  "I look like I'm in some strange body armor," he complained.  He looked around his room, then at the button beside his bed.  He pushed it.  A nurse came in and tried to make him lay down but he swatted at her and sat back up again, moaning a bit.  "I'm not my son's age," he growled.

"Need a pain killer, sir?"

"Yes, and a situation report."

"That I can't give you.  Your husband said to tell you he went to give your son back to his mother.  He'll be back in a few minutes.  Your father should be here soon."  Xander gave her a look. "Let me get the pain killer.  It might make you more reasonable."  Xander shook his head. "We'll see," she said happily, going to get his allowed dosage and inject it into his IV.  He sighed a bit but that was all.  The glare didn't lessen any.  "I'm sorry he had to leave for an hour, sir."

"Don't sir me, this isn't the military."  He stared at her. "What day is it?"

"The same day you got here, Xander."  He nodded once at that.  "Any other questions?"

"Why am I in casts?"

"You have a few broken bones and a lot of bruises."  She tried to push him back down but he removed her hand. "You could cooperate."

Speed walked in.  "Be thankful he didn't knock you out and sneak out."   He held up the bag from Xander's favorite place.  "Hungry?"

"Starved and I want to sleep in my own bed without casts."

"Fat chance and fat chance.  Lay back down and we'll raise the head of your bed."  Xander glared.  "Now."  Xander did so and Speed and the nurse fluffed his pillows and put him more upright. "Thank you."  He put the food in front of him, but sat beside his thigh so he could feed him.  Xander wasn't exactly able to bend at the elbow at the moment.  "Say ah."  Xander frowned but opened his mouth.  "You're the guy who got taken hostage."

"I remember him saying I'd be prey."

"Better pray?" the nurse suggested.

"No, as in he had clients who were going to hunt me."  He ate another bite when it was shoved into his mouth.  "Meany."

"Tough.  Eat."  He shoved in another bite with a smirk.  "I'm practicing for a recalcitrant toddler."

"I'd never let Eric or my baby brother or sister turn into me, Dad," he said firmly.  "Not for real."

"Good to know.  Then again, they'll never have the same reason you did, kiddo.  Now, eat."  Xander sighed but let himself be fed and have his drink held up for him.  Speed grinned at him.  "Thank you."

"Welcome."  He relaxed again, looking at him.  "Is Eric okay?  Was he with me?"

"No, he's with Grandma.  He's been guarding Tia all day."  Xander looked confused.  "Tia, the new baby?"  Xander slowly shook his head.  "Xander, what day is it?"

"Thursday?"

"Yes, but which Thursday?" Speed prompted. Xander picked up his wrist to look at and frowned at the date on his watch.  "What day did you think it was?"

"Last week?"

"Okay, apparently you got hit in the head again.  Tia was born late Saturday."  Xander slowly shook his head. "Yes she was.  You hit the nurse who tried to stop you from seeing her."

"But...."

"No buts.  My watch is right."  Horatio walked in. "He's missing a week.  Doesn't think Tia's born yet."

"She's not due for another three weeks."

"She delivered last Saturday by c-section, Xander," Horatio said, sitting on his other side.  Xander looked so confused.  He kissed him gently.  "I promise, you'll remember."

"But...."

"No buts."

"He knew the guy decided he was going to be prey," Speed offered.  "Knew he said something about clients hunting him."

"Then he'll definitely get it back."  Horatio stroked over his head, getting a small wince.  "Head hurt?"

"Yeah, now that you're petting me."  Horatio smiled and stopped.  "That wasn't a hint," he said, nearly frantic to get the hand back.  Horatio moved closer and gave him a hug. "I hate this, Horatio."

"I know, and this time you can't take the casts off."  Speed snickered.  "He can't."

"I can so," Xander muttered.

"You're not allowed."  He pulled back and Xander went stiff.  "Speed, shift over."  Speed moved the tray table and himself to the end of the bed, letting Horatio sit beside him.  "There, how's that?"  Xander snuggled against his side.

"Captain, we really can't have you on the bed," the nurse said from the doorway.  Xander flipped her off. "Young man."

"He's here or I'm leaving," Xander said firmly.  "Can I have my pain killers now?"

"You just had them."  Xander frowned at her.  "You did.  I gave them to you myself."

"He's showing some mild cognitive interruption," Speed offered.  "Knew today's event but not when his daughter was born a few days ago."

"It can happen."  She came in to check him over, especially his IV tubing and monitor lines.  "At least he's not interfering with anything," she said, heading back to out to inform them of this.

Horatio let himself be cuddled, protecting his mate, and looking at the meal. "You picked him up decent food."

"Least I could do.  He is my boy."  The doctor walked in and he waved.  "Hi, doc."

"Hi, Speed.  Hi, Horatio.  Hello, Xander."  Xander flipped him off.  "Feeling antisocial?"

"He thinks he needs more painkillers."

"I'm surprised."

"He did have some damage around his spine," Horatio reminded him.

"True.  Can I look you over, Xander, or are you going to bite me like you did the nurse earlier today?"

"He was asleep," Horatio reminded him. The doctor came closer slowly and Xander growled.  Horatio stroked his neck and the boy relaxed, closing his eyes.  "Speed said he's having a few memory issues."

"It can happen."  He came over to check his monitors then what he could of the boy.  He did a small reflex test and saw the first flinch he'd ever seen out of his patient.  "Did that hurt?"  Xander nodded, putting his face in Horatio's shoulder.  "I think we may have overloaded his pain tolerance.  Now we know where his limits are. Let me see what they gave him.  Maybe we can give him a bit more."  He looked then nodded, writing out a normal person dosage.  He looked at Xander, then at Horatio. "Do I need to write a sedative?"

"No," Xander said firmly.

"Okay."  He made a note that his patient refused a sedative when offered, going to get the nurse.  "Usually he has a very high pain tolerance."

"I wondered why we were giving him pediatric strength," she admitted, getting him the rest of the dosage and handing it over.  "Was he tortured?"

The doctor nodded.  "It looks like it.  He's been that way in the past as well."  He walked into the room and injected the pain medicine, watching as the boy went limp and smiled gently against his mate's shoulder.  "Ah, that's better.  Much happier."  He checked the chart again, looking at the pictures, then at Horatio.  "Who did this and are they in custody?"  Horatio nodded. "Are they staying in custody?"

"Unless the judge is an idiot or has something against us," Horatio offered.  "They wouldn't let Ryan do it," he told Speed.

"He probably told on himself. He's honest that way.  Who?"

"The one who reminds you of Lestat."

"Hmm.  He'll get a high bond if he gets any."  He looked at Xander, then back at him.  "If he does, we can protect him, Horatio."

"We'll have to gather everyone back at the house.  Diana will be upset when the Delkos overrun her again."

"Eric will adore it," Speed said dryly.  "Bigger Eric said that he's still staring at his sister."

"He tried to kick me to get free so he could stay with her," Horatio agreed.  Xander giggled at that. "Your son is a lot like you. He's already stubborn and overprotective.  Eric's sisters and brother-in-law all thought it was cute."  He went back to stroking what he could.  "He scowled at his brother-in-law and kicked him in the shin then got free and went back to cuddling his sister."  Speed laughed at that and so did the doctor.

"Eric thinks she's a goddess for having owwies to give her to him.  Like grandma keeps telling him God does miracles," Xander said sleepily.

Horatio looked at him.  "Are you telepathic?"  Xander shrugged.  "If you are I'm whacking you in the head again, Xander."  Xander shook his head.  "Thank you."  He went back to petting him.  "How long do you think you can keep him?"

"If we're lucky he won't sign himself out before four days.  By then the pain should be easing. He'll still have three broken ribs, a broken wrist, a broken femur, and that broken hand, plus all the assorted bruises that're so bad we can't tell if there's breaks or not."

Horatio nodded at that.  "All right.  How soon before we can tell?"

"When the swelling goes down.  Unless you're willing to let us do an MRI?  Or a full-body CT?"

Horatio looked at Xander, then at him.  "Only if you sedate him," he mouthed, remembering very well Xander's last CT scan.  The doctor nodded at that.

"I heard that," Xander mumbled.  Horatio patted him on the head, then gave him one good, gentle hit.  He glared at him. "Hey!  Already sore there!"

"You're going telepathic.  I told you I'd club you in the head if you did that."

Xander snorted and put his head back down.  "Daddy, he's being mean to me and picking on me while I'm miserable."

"Son, if you go truly telepathic, I'm holding you down and clubbing you in the head myself," Speed promised.  "We couldn't put up with an all-knowing you."  He saw the doctor laugh at that.  "I can't.  That would make him scary."  Xander kicked him and he grinned.  "As long as you're not telepathic, I won't care and we'll still love you."  Xander stuck his tongue out.  "If you're going to abuse me, I'll go home and let Calleigh abuse me."

"Love you.  Pet the baby for me?"

"Of course.  You be good tonight and I'll see you tomorrow during lunch."  Xander nodded and he got a hug then left.

Horatio and the doctor talked a bit more about the aftercare Xander would need, then he was left to settle his boy into bed for the night.

***

Xander woke up alone, in a hospital, and confused.  He ached, a lot, but why was he here?  Hospitals were bad, evil places.  He looked at himself, he looked like was a bulky mummy.  That made him shudder and gave him more pains, but he didn't care.  He was not going to become Ampata.  He carefully reached over and turned off the alarm for his EKG, then pulled off the pads with a hiss for his poor chest hair.  The IV got shut off and yanked as well, he used part of the sheet to hold the spot down for now.  He padded to the doorway, checking the halls, then he snuck down them in the shadows.  He had to duck into a room twice, but he made it to the stairs.  There wasn't even an alarm.  This was no way to run a military hospital.  He snuck down the stairs, trying for causal and knowing he looked more like Frankenstein's monster, and out the side door to the smoking area, the place where they had taxis.  He flagged one over and the cabbie gave him a look. "Hospitals are evil. I'm going home to rest in safety and hiding.  Can you take me there?"

"You got money?"

"Inside.  In my dresser.  It's my hiding spot.  Pay you a hundred to take me home."  The cabbie considered it.  "Please?"  That got a nod and the cabbie took off.  "1238 Seacrest?"

"Sure, kid.  You some heir or something?  You look familiar."

"No.  Married to a cop."  He smiled.  "Just had a really sucky day and hospitals are evil and bad."  That got a smile and the cabbie nodded, taking him home.  When they got there, he let him park in his spot and get him into the elevator.  He walked up to the security desk, getting horrified looks.  "Yes, it's been a crappy day.  I'm going up.  Of course I don't have my keys but I've got the spare set up there.  Can you let me in?"  That got a nod and they took him and the cabbie upstairs to let him into his condo.  He paid the cabbie a hundred, as promised, and got a smile and a nod.  "You never saw me."

"You escape the psycho ward?"

"No, but my husband's a cop.  I hate being sick and I'm hiding so I don't whine him into divorcing me."

"Then I never saw you."  He smiled at the guard and left.

"Mr. Harris," the guard sighed.

"Don't even.  I've had the crappiest of crappy days.  I'm fine to be out, I'm only bruised and a bit sore.  A few broken ribs, a broken hand, a broken femur, a wrist.  The rest is bruises.  Help me get the bandage on my back?"  That got a nod and a sigh, but the tape was ripped open.  The guard hissed.  Xander looked in the nearest mirror.  "Huh.  No wonder my back hurts."  He looked at him. "I'm not here."

"Fine, you're not here and I'll expect the chinese guy again.  Go to bed, sir, you need it."  He left, going back to the desk to write in that Mr. Harris said he wasn't there, that his spouse would divorce him for whining in pain so he was hiding.  The other guards laughed at that note.  "That's what he said.  Took a cab from the hospital and you *know* his husband's going to be pissed.  He usually orders Chinese so watch out for delivery guy switches."

They all nodded, letting that information soak in.  Xander was a nice guy to have living in their building.  He really was.

Xander finished stripping off what he could of the bandages and climbed into bed, getting as comfortable as he could in the soft mattress.  Then he flipped off the lights and forced himself to go to sleep.

***

Horatio woke up to the phone, never a good thing, and grumbled into it.  The voice on the other end saying it was the hospital woke him fully.  "What happened to Xander?"  He listened and moaned.  "Any idea where he snuck off to?  He likes to hide.  No, if he left that way I doubt he'll be back.  First thing in the morning.  Thank you."  He hung up and mentally swore at his mate, looking at the clock.  Xander had escaped nearly an hour ago.  He got up to prowl around the house. No Xander on the couch or the porch.  He called the guard shack. "Has Xander shown up yet?  No, he snuck out of the hospital. Thank you."  He called the office.  "Sikes, are you on nights this month?"  He smiled. "That's fine.  Has Xander been reported as a runaway patient?  He is one but I thought any cabbie might turn him in."  He grimaced. "Thank you.  No, if he does, let me know immediately."  He hung up and decided to go look in the drawer.  Xander never told him anything but he put things in the drawer that he thought Horatio should or could know.

Nothing in there that hinted at other property.  He went to the other hiding spots he knew.  Nothing there either. He tried his last ditch resort in this case.  He called his nephew, sitting at his desk, putting him on speaker. "Ray," he said patiently. "Where is Xander's other house?"

"Um, you mean the one you're selling to Di?"

"No, the other other one, Raymond.  The one he's got hidden from me at the moment. Where might it be?"

"Not a clue, Uncle H.  Why the interest at ...four-twelve in the morning?"

"He's escaped from the hospital.  Already."

"Uh-huh."

"It's nowhere in his drawer in the filing cabinet or any of his hiding spots."

"Okay, first, you're the one who told him you knew all your hiding spots.  Second, what makes you think I know?"  The sound of a drink. "Third, we do realize that Xander is an adult and can go hide when he's sick like everyone else can?"

"He's missing most of the last week, Raymond.  Where is it?"

"Not a clue, Uncle Horatio.  By the way, it's not a backup plan, it's an emergency plan.  That means it wouldn't be in the filing cabinet."

"Is it in the city?"

"Yup, I know that much.  Downtown was the only clue he really gave me."  Another drink.  "I do realize that you're worried but if he was well enough to sneak out of the hospital he's probably in okay enough shape to last a few more hours to a *reasonable* hour."

"What are you doing up?"

"Studying.  Mom would kill me if I flunk my history test after bragging about all my admissions and my grades this term. Did you check all the hiding spots?  The bottoms of the closets, the bottoms of the drawers, those spots?"  Horatio hung up and went to check them, coming back to call him again about fifteen minutes later. "Uncle Horatio," Ray complained mildly. "I know you're helping me stay awake while I cram, but it's four- twenty-eight.  All I know is downtown.  That's a big area."

"House, apartment, or condo?"

"Probably bought so he could renovate and not have to worry about landlords."

"So house or condo, possibly a townhouse."

"Stairs and kids, Uncle Horatio.  I know it's not that large.  I'm pretty sure Speed doesn't know where it is since I don't.  Usually I'm one of the first to know but I didn't know about the houses out there until I had to help him with the bedroom one day and that was only two weeks before you found out. He'd had them over seven months and I didn't know about the second one at all."  Another drink.  "I hate cramming."

"Then study over the longer term, nephew.  Anything else?"

"Yeah, I know little Eric knows enough to give you a clue where to find it in case of emergency. He said he showed it to him and made it their big secret.  Though, I would not call Diana at four-twenty-seven in the morning.  She's liable to be quite cranky with you.  By the way, know anything about the Civil War and the Appalachians?   I've got to write a paper on them and she wants something more than the battle everyone knows about in the panhandle of West Virginia."

"I'm sure they had multiple battles within the state. Call the local reconstructionist society to see if they would have any sources.  Did he give any other clues?"

"Nope. I know he traded Willow some of her magic books she got off Toby for the loan and computer money he gave her."  Another drink.  "I really hate coffee."

"Switch to tea, Ray.  Focus.  Please.  Anything else?"

"If I were you, I'd go back to bed for another two-and-a-half hours.  Wake up Di at seven. She'll be less cranky and there's a chance that Eric might have her up then anyway to go stare at his new sister some more.  By the way, we have realized Mrs. Delko is trying to make him Catholic as well?"

"I had.  I've pointed out both of his parents are Wiccan or otherwise pagan.  Taylor's Lutheran but not practicing.  We've decided to teach him that stuff later in life, when he can make his own decision."  He grimaced.  "Would it have security?"

"Is that rhetorical?"

"Not really."

"Think about the man who set this up, Uncle H."  The sound of a door opening. "Uncle Xander escaped from the hospital, mom, and Uncle Horatio can't find his other hidden spot. I didn't mean to wake you up."

"Go to bed, Raymond, it's late and I don't care if you flunk history as long as you don't go to Cambridge.  Tell your uncle to ask his son at a reasonable hour.  He's probably the only one who'd know where his father might be.  Unless he told Frank because he certainly didn't tell me."

"Hear that?"

"I did.  Thank you."  He hung up and called Frank, getting a complaining wife.  "It's me, Margaret.  Nudge Frank and hand him the phone.  It's only a head's up.  Xander escaped from the hospital and he's not fully lucid."  She moaned and hung up on him.  He smiled at that.  She'd complain to him in the morning and Frank would call.  He called about ten minutes later.  "Frank?"  He listened to the polite asschewing.  "Frank, he didn't remember Tia being born.  He snuck out with broken bones looking like Frankenstein's monster before they unwrapped him."  He listened to the less than polite asschewing.  "Well, he could come for you but Ray Jr. suggested you might know his other hiding spot?"  Frank gave him another two clues then hung up.  "Hmm.  Downtown.  Secure.  Residential.  Condo."  He made a list, looking up condos in the real estate guide with that search criteria.  He logged onto the PD system, startling the nightshift supervisor using his office computer. He typed in why and she sent back a snort and told him to go to bed and ask his son in the morning.  He typed in what he was looking for and she typed it into the building search engine, coming up with a list of over 140 buildings, which she gleefully sent to him.  He thanked her and signed off, researching them online until a decent hour came.

***

Di glared at the man daring to wake her up.  "Horatio, I will murder you and not even your lab would convict me.  It's seven-thirty."

"I heard Eric babbling and needed to talk to him."

"Why?" she asked, still defending the door.

"Xander escaped from the hospital last night without signing papers and left for a house no one knows where it is."

"Why do we think our son knows?"

"Because the three people I talked to, Ray Jr., Frank, and the night supervisor, all said to talk to him.  That Xander gave him clues to tell me so I could find it in an emergency."

"Hmm.  Fine."  She let him in and slammed the door shut, then let the dog back inside.  "Don't do that."  She went into the kitchen, stopping her son from hogging all the cheerios.  "Go talk to your other father in the living room."  She handed Horatio his bowl and spoon once she had added milk for him.

Horatio brought their son to the living room, settling his food on the coffeetable and sitting across from him while he knelt and ate.  "Eric."  Eric grinned at him.  "It's very important that I find where Daddy Xander's other house is." He pointed up the street. "Not that one, the other, special, secret house.  Do you know where it is?  Ray thinks Daddy Xander told you."  He nodded, eating another bite.  "Can you tell me where it is?"

"Downtown."  He ate another bite and tried to smile as he chewed. "It 'mergency?"

"It is.  Your daddy Xander got a booboo and he's hiding from me there.  I've got the magic medicine to make it feel better but I can't get it to him."

"Daddy 'Oro always make better."  He ate another bite and looked at him. "'Partment downtown. Pretty building.  See waves. Daddy say he can stand and watch next 'cane and big waves and not be soaked like everyone else."

"Is it glass?"

"No, glass breaks in 'canes.  It dangerous.  It have pretty blocks.  Pretty, pretty pattern and hidden windows.  He say like Batman."

"All right. Is it bricks, or blocks, like the station?  Or is maybe cement like the guard shack?"

"Yup."  He ate another bite and stared at him.  Horatio looked confused.  "All free.  Pretty pattern.  See waves come in and go out.  Daddy say he stand there and watch waves come in and people get washed out during 'canes."  He giggled. "He thinks people stand outside in them."  He ate another bite then slurped his milk.  He could do that here, even though Daddy 'Oro didn't like him to do it.  He put down his bowl and looked at him. "It very pretty.  Have nice guards too."

Di came in and flopped down on the couch.  "Did you park on the street or inside, Eric?"

"Inside.  Go down and down and down to park. Then ride elelator.  I watch waves and boats.  Very nice.  Very pretty.  Windows darker, not like doors."

"Hmm.  Do you know the address?"  Eric shook his head fiercely.  "Did he tell you anything else about it?"

"It by sea?  Something about sea.  Eric not remember that part.  He said something 'bout Popeye and Batman but Daddy Xanner not explain that part.  Daddy Xanner was having confusing day.  He confused the Eric.  Said he not have puppy for there too.  Said neighbors might not like.  Ooooh, he say one of Unclies know."

"Which one?  Speed?" Eric shook his head. "Bigger Eric, or Grandma or Grandpa Delko?"  He shook his head again, still smiling.  "Does Marisol know?"

"She girl, Daddy 'Oro.  Not an unclie."  He reach over to pat his hand.  "You not feel good?  You teach me how boys and girls not the same.  Even I know that."

"You do. You're a very smart little boy, Eric.  That's why your parents all love you so much."  Eric beamed at him then at his mother.  "Does Uncle Ryan know?"

"Maybe.  Not sure about Uncle Ry.  Uncle Danny not know.  I not think Uncle Stella know either."

"Stella's a girl, son," his mother said patiently.

"She say she not a girl.  She say she not a girl because girls wear dresses and she doesn't wear dresses to work.  She say she a woman and that's more like an unclie than an auntie."  He gave her a 'so there' look.  Then he looked at his daddy again.

"What about Uncle Don, does he know?"

"Maybe.  Not sure.  Not like Uncle Don so much.  He calls me cute.  Erics are not cute.  Bigger Eric say cute for babies and girls.  Eric a big boy so he handsome."

"You are very handsome," his mother agreed.  "You look a lot like your father."  Eric beamed and hugged her for that one.  "Know anything else about the building, squirt?"

"Daddy Xanner say that need key to get in.  He said key hiding in ...pony?  I think pony.  Yeah, pony, like polo pony."  He nodded at that.  "Key in pony."

"Where is the pony?"

"Eric not sure."

"Thank you, Eric.  You've been very helpful," Horatio said, giving him a kiss on the head and Diana one on the cheek.  Then he left, calling Ryan as he drove off.  "Do you know where Xander's new emergency place is? I know what time it is, Ryan.  He escaped from the hospital last night.  Where is it?"  He listened, then put that with Eric's clues.  "Thank you."  He hung up and went back to work.  He could search much easier from in there.  He walked in and found Speed in his office.  "He escaped at three, they called me at four. By any chance you don't know where the new hiding place is, do you?"

"Nope.  Let me fire up the building search program down at the lab."  He led the way down there, logging into it.  "Okay, what do we know?"

"It's not a highly glassed building.  It's downtown. It has underground parking.  It has security and needs a key to get into.  By the way, do you know where the pony that holds the key is?"  Speed gave him an odd look. "Eric said it had the key, a pony like a polo pony."

"Does Xander own a polo pony?"

"No, we agreed, no horses.  They weren't cuddleable pets."

"Okay."  Speed got to work typing that in.  "Anything else?"

"Eric said you could watch the waves and the hurricanes come in.  He said he saw boats.  He said Xander said something about being able to watch the waves come in and the people stuck out in the hurricanes be sent out to sea."  Speed typed in 'view of water'.  "Also he said it's got a pattern on the building.  That the windows were darker, not like the sliding doors.  He said doors, but I'm assuming he meant the porch doors."

Speed typed in 'patterned blocks' and hit enter.  Sixty buildings.  "Well, it's smaller than it could be."  He sat down to search them out.  He went back to the search and put in 'must haves' to prioritize and cut down the list.  That cut it down to twenty-eight.  He printed it and handed it over.  "Better."

Horatio looked.  "Residential, not commercial."  Speed fixed that and it brought it down to sixteen.  "Thank you."

"Oh, no, I get to help," Speed reminded him, taking the list back.  "Which end do you want?"

"Xander's rear end in a sling," he muttered.

Bigger Eric leaned in.  "The GPS chip?"

"The hospital removed it," Speed complained.  "Said it was interfering with the machines."

"I'm implanting a permanent one in the back of his neck," Horatio vowed.  "I don't care if he doesn't like it."

"Find one that'll attach to the ring, Horatio," Frank called from the hallway.  "Delko, did you get the four-thirty call?"

"No.  Why?  I heard the gossip that Xander escaped from the hospital last night."

"Yup, and Horatio called *me* at four-thirty."

"Frank, he didn't remember Tia being born.  He knew yesterday and then a week ago. He could have went to you.  You guarded him a great many times."

"He doesn't know where I live, Horatio."  Horatio stared at him.  "Never mind, I have had him end a chase in my driveway once or twice.  Well, he didn't."  He came in to look at the building search.  "Xander has more class than any of those."

"A few of these belong to the same company and this is last year's database," Speed admitted. He tried them first, talking quietly on the desk phone. Then he hung up and crossed all them off the list.  "They've never heard of Xander or anyone like him."

Horatio checked it off the physical list, then started his own calling.  Starting with Mac.  "Do you know where Xander's emergency plan is?"  He blinked.  "Why?"  He sighed.  "Where might he be?  And of course he doesn't bring his phone?  Escaped, Mac.  Escaped.  Walked out at three this morning.  Casts and all."  He smiled. "I know, but it's still not polite."  That got a laugh and Mac hung up.  Horatio groaned.  "Don may know but he's out on his morning run and won't be due near a phone until nearly nine since this is his late morning and he's not due in until ten."

"Sure," Speed agreed.  "Start on the Kerris Agency one.  I'm doing the one above it.  Eric, he said the key's in a pony?"

"Huh?" Eric asked.

"Have we thought about the riding club?" Frank asked, heading out to go back to his desk and be cranky there.  It was clear that Horatio was worried sick but he should have expected the boy to slink off and sulk since he hated to be sick.  He looked in the property database but didn't find anything.  He checked Patrick's name too, just in case it was part of that.  Nothing.  He frowned and looked up Don's name.  Then he smirked and called Horatio.  "Don owns a condo down here?"  He laughed at the shocked silence then hung up.

Horatio shook his head.  "Don owns a condo?"  Speed looked it up and compared the address to the ones in their search.  Not the same.  He looked up the building and frowned.  "Not in the database?"

"No, which means it's new."

"Or it's really old," Eric offered.  "Some of the older buildings aren't in there either.  We noticed that last year."  That got a moan.  He came in to look.  "I think that's residential."

Speed pulled up a map, looking at it.  "Depending on where he was in the building, he might be able to see the water."  He looked up the building's security office's number.  "Hmm, office handles a few buildings."  He dialed it.  "This is Detective Speedle and I was asked to check and see if a resident was in their apartment down here for a wellness check.  Harris.  Xander Harris?  We're moderately sure he's on Seacrest.  6443.  Thank you."  He took down that information.  "I'll let his family know."  He paused and looked at Horatio.  "I know his husband relatively well.  That's not true.  No, they're worried because he checked himself out.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Xander's orders say he's not there because you'd divorce him for the whining."  He handed over the address.  "They said you have to have the key to get in.  They cannot let anyone in, not even a spouse, without having a key.  That's due to some prior domestic issues when a kicked-out spouse came back.  There are no exceptions except for emergency calls and they have buttons they're supposed to push first."

"So I need to find the key."  He called his nephew, who hung up on him.  "Must be in the middle of his test.  Have you seen anything of Xander's with a pony?"

"No.  Hey, Eric?"  He came back.  "We found the building.  H still needs the key.  Have you seen anything pony related?"

"We don't have lockers or anything at the place we're taking riding lessons."

"No... well, yes.  Actually I have.  His gym has one hanging up and he had a small stuffed pony in the back of his locker. I thought it was something your son gave him."

Horatio nodded.  "The gym opens when?"

"One."

"I'll go then.  Let me try to get in first."

"Horatio, they were insistent it was no exceptions," Speed warned.  "They've even said they don't let officers in to do a wellness check without a reason.  Like decomp smells.  Then they check and call us."

Horatio looked at him.   "I appreciate that but with how injured he was and him missing memories?"  He walked out, going to try to get in.   They were very polite about it but insistent.  He ended up calling Don, getting a panting, muttering man.

***

Don rushed out of his shower to grab the phone.  "Flack."  He listened to the quiet voice.  "Mac said he had been roughed up.  You need me?"  He caught the towel around his hips from falling.  "That sounds really bad, Horatio.  I can be down there by tonight."  His 'I want your keys' made him pause.  "To your place?"  The answer of 'to the condo on Seacrest' made him moan.  "My keys are with Xander's keys, which are inside some little stuffed pony."  He sat down and listened to the complaining.  "Xander didn't set this up.  Patrick did.  He knew that we were both in major danger.  We've got a set of condos down there and one up here.  The ones up here are nice enough that I might think about giving it over to the Mac/Danny/Stella trio if I didn't need them. Xander's said the same.  We didn't find out about them until six months after the wills were read."  He heard the comment.  "We were to keep them absolutely secret, Horatio.  They were in case of true emergency. You know how bad things can get for cops on some cases and Xander's fanclub.  Why did they beat him that way anyway?"  Someone pounded on his door.  "What?  I'm naked and on the phone."

"It's me," his father called.  Don got up to let him in then came back.  "Son."

"Hold on, dad, I'm with Horatio."  He listened to him.  "Find the keys.  They're serious, Horatio. A few years ago they had a domestic that ended up with a dead person due to the key issue.  I'm surprised that they let Xander in without his last night.  Unless he stole his effects back?"  He smiled.  "I thought you had them as evidence still.  Okay.  Oh, one more thing.  There is a chain.  If you can't get into his place, I have the place next door and he had the guy who did the bunker put in a doorway between my den and his closet.  It's hidden.  Like Willow hidden."  He smirked.  "That's fine.  One key in the pony is the front door key, then there's one for his apartment and one for mine, and tell the others to ignore they ever heard of this place.  Period."

His 'only Eric and Speed know' was good enough.  "That's fine.  Tell them to ignore it too.  Good luck.  Yeah, and what was it that Xander said when he wanted to hide while he had chicken pox?"  He smirked.  "Like I said, good luck."  He hung up and looked at his dad.  "I was kinda in the shower. Can I do that and come back out?"  His father nodded.  "Cool."  He went to do that and think.  Xander was really badly hurt. He finished up and came out, calling Mac.  "Send me those pictures?  No, Xander escaped from the hospital and Horatio said he wasn't thinking right due to the trauma.  I'm trying to decide if they need me down there too."  The pictures got sent to his phone and he winced.  "Ow.  Thanks, Mac."  He hung up and showed his father.  "Some sicko wanted to hunt Xander down like a deer."

"The boy all right?"

"He left the hospital last night."

"No wonder his husband can't find him."

"Oh, he found 'im, but he's gotta have a key to get in."

"Can't he kick the door in?"

"There's an alarm and he will be arrested, Captain or not.  Owner or not.  Those are the building's rules and they're for security reasons, dad.  Like I told him, due to some really bad domestics, they can't even let spouses in.   If it was an emergency they'd have expected Xander to use the emergency button that's in all the places."

"How would he reach the alarm box?"

"Xander said it's wireless and it's probably beside him on the bed."

"You can do that?"

"Yeah, it's just like a remote control with only one button or those necklaces in the 'I've fallen and can't get up' ads."  He shrugged and went back to his bedroom to get dressed.  "So, what's up?"

"Son, your mother's ill."  He came out of the bedroom in his boxers, staring him down.  "Not terribly ill but they're taking her in for tests today."

"For?"

"She thinks she found a lump in her breast."

Don nodded once and called his boss.  "Hey, it's Flack."  He smirked.  "Yeah, it was a great run, then I came home to Xander being beaten yesterday and escaping the hospital and my mom going in to see about a lump."  He listened.  "Yeah, that's fine."  He hung up and looked at his dad.  "Okay.  Let me get dressed and we'll go."  That got a nod and he went to change out of his suitpants, coming out in jeans and a button up shirt, then he grabbed his badge, his gun, and his jacket, following him out the door once he had his sneakers back on.

***

Don's boss stormed into Mac's office.  "What did that Xander brat do this time?"  He held up his phone with one of the pictures, making her turn green.  "Is he alive?"

"Yeah, he escaped the hospital last night somehow.  Casts and all. Did Don head down?"

"No, not yet.  He said something about his mom seeing about a lump.  I told him he's still on call, he said that was fine."

"Okay.  I'll check on him soon.  Thank you for telling us."

"Will the brat be all right?"

"Xander's not really a brat.   He's as tough as I am.  With someone deciding he was excellent prey to be hunted by some clients, they apparently decided he needed softening up."  She shuddered. "The bad thing was the DA moved on only the assault charges and without using any of the evidence from his home of other humans that had been hunted, so he's out on bail."  She gave him a furious look.  "Xander's in a secure building but he's still ill, his husband thinks he's got some mild memory loss, and he's injured.  He doesn't have a key to get into the building he's in.  Since his husband is Horatio Caine...."

"Oh, dirt, that brat."  Mac nodded once.  "Hell.  His husband seemed decent when he was up here.  A bit tough when someone attacked him if I remember right.  Didn't he have a thing with people giving him stuff?"  Mac nodded at that.  "Okay.  Let me know if you hear from Flack by the end of the day.  I'm going back to my office."  She went that way, thinking about it.  Anything that could take a guy who beat up two Mala Noches in her parks and make him look like that, that was a dangerous person.  Then again, so was Caine.  She'd hate to be that DA.  They had the life expectancy of a chocolate crueller with sprinkles at a Weight Watchers meeting.

***

Horatio walked into the DA's office and back to the senior ADA's office.  He knew exactly who had let the person out.  He walked in and placed ten very graphic crime scene photos of this hunter's trophies in front of her.  "You let him out on bail.  Should he come for my husband again, I will have you in the cell next to him as an accessory."  He turned and walked out, heading to the higher office to make a formal complaint.

She pushed them out of her way with a grimace.  "Not like they could have held him."  Her boss called twenty minutes later and she got that sinking feeling.  Caine was vindictive.  Everyone knew that.  "West," she answered.  She tense and even her face scrunched up in distaste.  "Of course I will, sir."  She stood up, listening to his instructions.  "Of course, sir.  Be right there."  She hung up and took the case file with her.  She left those photos but that's okay, she found he had the full set in front of him, along with all the other evidence.  "I moved very quickly on the assault of an officer's husband."

"This makes three times this year you've moved well before the evidence spoke," he said grimly.  "One turned one boy into a murderer to protect himself.  This one is now endangering the victim's life even further."  He tossed over photos from the hospital.  She pushed them back without doing more than glancing at them.  "I'm reassigning this case.  I've already ordered patrol officers to find him and pick him up on the other homicide charges.  You let a serial, murder one, death penalty case go as a bad assault.  That is discrediting this office!"

"Sir...."

"I don't want to hear it.  I've heard about your problems with the lab.  No more.  You're on suspension pending case review.  Leave.  Now."  She huffed off.  "I hope like hell Caine knows what can of worms he just opened."  He called in his toughest DA, the woman that they called the Icy Death Queen.  She walked in and nearly saluted him.  "This case was West's.  She had this and went with simple assault, didn't even protest him getting bail. She moved before the lab did and ignored the other evidence they handed her."  He handed over the file Horatio had given him, including the pictures on his desk.  "The man is out on bail.  I've ordered him picked up."

She looked through them then at him.  "West let this go as simple assault?"  He nodded.  "Is she being hunted?"

"No."

She nodded at that.  "Pity.  Death Penalty?"

"If you can swing it.  He's apparently helping human game hunters."

"Even better.  Murder one and for a profit.  I'm your girl, sir."

"It's going to get messy."

"Do I care?  So what if they have money to throw away."  She shrugged.  "I brought down two senators in NCIS.  I can do this now."  She saluted him.  "Thank you, sir.  I needed some fun."  She walked out, taking them back to her office.  Someone was in some deep shit when she found them.  She called Dispatch.  "This is ADA Hammra.  I want that perp my boss ordered caught brought to me here in the office please.  Do be warned he is probably armed and dangerous.  He's the same one who tried to take out Captain Caine's husband and use him as the prey in some big game hunt.  Acceptable.  I'll be here all day."  She hung up and sat down to get to work on the case.  By the time the gossip chain had started in the station and almost every officer was out for blood, she had it mapped out, she had the papers filed to move this from assault to assault and ten counts of murder in the first and counting, and all she had to do was wait.  He was drug in a few hours later, looking much worse for the wear.  "Thank you, boys.  You've been very helpful."  She smiled and shook their hands.  "Tell Horatio I hope his boy is all right."

"Yes, ma'am, but we heard he managed to escape from the hospital."

"Hmm, I knew Xander was a strong young man, very stubborn.   It shows promise.  Maybe he'll become an ADA."  They smiled at that and left her there.  She looked at the man in her chair.  "I am ADA Hammra.  I am the one who will be putting the cap on your head and I will be begging to flip the switch on you.  You have one chance to not die this week by giving me a list of your clients.  If I have to find out from the crime lab, I'll make sure you go to Old Sparky."  He burbled.  "Pity."  She summoned their guards.  "We're going directly down to the courthouse to have him rearrested."  They nodded, following her with him.  She called Horatio's office.  "Caine, this is Hammra.  I've got your boy's case.  It's going death penalty.  Get me his clients ASAP.  I want someone to roast over a pit this week.  I've already got my pitchfork ready.  We're rearresting him right now on the capital charges.  Let me know when you have it."  She hung up and held open the door of the cruiser for them.  She got into the front and let one of them sit back there with him while the other drove.  This was going to be a fun day.

***

Horatio hung up and looked at Speed.  "They gave it to Hammra."

"They gave it to Satan's Dominatrix Teacher?"  Horatio smiled at that nickname.  Plenty of people who went against her said she was worse than Satan, she had taught him all his tricks and she was clearly a domme of the old 'I'm going to flay you alive' school.  "Well, he'll be sorry.  What did she want?"

"His client list."

"Computers is working on it and so is Eric.   She'll get it as soon as they do."  He called Eric.  "They gave his case to Hammra."  Eric let out a few swears.  "She wants a client list.  She's going death penalty.  That's just how she is."  He smirked at Horatio.  "He said he might've found his ledger entries.  He's going to bank to trace back the accounts."

"Keep me in the loop, even if I can't officially help."  He checked his watch.  It was eleven.  Someone should be at the gym.  "I'm going to the gym to see if I can get the keys."

"Have fun with that."  Horatio nodded, leaving.  "Yeah, he went to the gym, Eric.  Yeah, tell us."  He hung up and finished his coffee, nodding as Danny came in with a suspect. "Sure you won't transfer down here full time?"

"I'd miss New York.  If I ever get ta go back.  Any word on Xander?  I heard the guys on patrol were out for the idiot's blood."

"They gave it to Hammra."

"Satan's eviler mistress?"   Speed smirked and nodded.  "Good for them."  He went back to dragging his guy inside.

Sikes coughed.  "We've found him, Speed, and he's back in custody.  Unfortunately he tried to run," he said quietly.  "It was a hard arrest."  He smiled and walked inside.  "Give him my love," he called as he walked off.

"I will.  When we finally get in to where he is," he finished in a mutter.  He still wanted to spank his son for running that way.

***

Horatio walked into the gym, nodding at the guard.  "I need into my husband's locker."

"Why?"

"Because the keys to the apartment he's hiding himself in are in there.  He's injured and trying to hide so he doesn't get babied."

"Knew Darkness was a bit odd.  Otherwise he wouldn't draw those sort."  He nodded, letting him follow him to the locker room.  "You know his combination?"

"No, but I'm sure I can buy him a new lock."  That got a smirk.  "Besides, this way I can do his laundry as well."  He pulled out the bolt cutters and cut his lock off, then stuffed it into his pocket.  He found everything neatly arranged, tucking it into the bag they were laying on top of.  He found the stuffed pony and smiled, digging inside the zipped part on the back.  He came out with three keys, smiling at them.  That too went into the bag and he bundled the rest up.  "Thank you.  Don't expect him in the next week.  He got a bit injured in the last one.  I'll buy him a new lock."

"That's fine, Captain.  We knew something like this would happen some day."

"No, not his usual sort of problem," he admitted quietly.  "Someone decided he'd be the prey in a hunt."   The guard's eyes went wide.  "You know something?"

"I do, but I can't tell you.  I've signed a confidentiality agreement for anything illegal I might overhear."  Horatio looked at him.  "They can sue me."

"It won't hold up in a court of law.  I would check on that and then call Delko.  I believe he's a member here as well?"

"He is.  If I can't, maybe I can hint."  Horatio nodded at that.  "Thank you, Captain. Tell him I hope he gets better."

"Thank you.  I will once I get in to see him."  That got a smile and Horatio left.

The guard went to talk to his boss.  "Boss, Darkness' husband Caine just popped his lock to get into the stuffed pony.  He said Darkness is badly injured and hiding from him to whine in private."  That got a moan.  "He's doing his laundry too.  The problem is that I think I overheard one of the people who might've hurt him."

"You signed...."

"He said it might not hold in court," he said calmly.  The boss looked at him.  "They wanted to hunt him down like poachers hunt gators, boss."

"Delko's a member here.  You can hint all you want to him.  Just don't outright say it, Mibbs.  Am I understood?  We can be sued."

"If it won't hold up in court...."

"It sets a bad precedent for the club. He's still alive?"  That got a nod from the guard.  "Call Delko down here and hint very strongly.  Just stay south of telling him."  That got a nod and he went to make the call from the security office.  The boss prayed for Darkness but he had to maintain the club's integrity as a safe, secure haven no matter who you were or what you did.

***

Eric walked back into the building an hour later, all smiles.  "He had a helper.  The helper goes to our gym," he noted to Speed.  Who put down his cup of coffee to look at him.  "They signed a confidentiality agreement so I can't get more than hints."

"They know how badly Xander got hurt?"

"Yeah, but it's part of the club's integrity and he can get fired.  Besides, he gave me more than enough to get him this afternoon when he comes in.  Want to help?"

"I'd better since I'm the only other CSI on today."

"Point."  He smiled sweetly.  "He usually comes in around three."

"That's fine.  Let me know when we're going with some patrol guys."

"I'm only bringing the guys we routinely work with.  I want them at my back."

"Sikes is back on days."

"Even better.  Think Yelina would want to go?"

"I don't see why not.  Ray Jr. goes."  He shrugged.

"Point."  He went to talk to her, tell her what he knew.  She smirked and nodded she'd be there.

"Oooh, can I see the inside of this place?" Frank asked happily.

"It's a gym, Frank. It's like most of them.  Equipment, weights, a room with mats.  A pool.  There is one room with safety equipment and a pole to practice stuff on, but otherwise it's a gym."

"Shoot.  I heard it was somewhere special."

"It's anonymous.  The guards signed confidentiality agreements, like priests do.  Nothing they hear is ever spoken about.  They broke it enough to hint for our benefit this time."  Frank shuddered.  "I'm fully expecting to run into the bodyguard posse today."   That got some nods.  "See you guys at two-thirty."  He headed back to work.

One of the patrol officers casually walked over, smiling at Yelina.  "Ma'am, we'd love to escort you," she offered quietly.  "When and where are we going?"

"Two-thirty.  Make sure it's four patrols at most.  It'll be two CSI and myself, possibly Detective Tripp as well."  She nodded, going to tell her supervisor that.  She looked at Frank.  "I think it got spread around why Xander got captured this time."

"Probably.  I heard the guy came in after a very hard arrest.  Apparently he ran," he noted dryly.  She shuddered.  That meant he was barely walking or talking.  "Oh, other gossip.  They gave the case to Hammra."

"That is one woman even I'm scared of," she said happily.  "I'll cheer her on even if I needed pompoms."

Frank shook his head quickly.  "I didn't need that mental image, Yelina.  That's almost scary."  She cackled and he went to find something to take it out of his head.  He ran into Speed.  "Yelina just said she'd cheer Hammra on like she needed pompoms."

Speed held his head.  "I didn't want to see her in cheerleader gear, Frank, but thank you anyway."  He walked off shaking his head quickly to avoid that thought.  Before it stuck.

***

Horatio walked into the building, holding up the keys.  "Which is to my husband's apartment?"

The guard looked and tapped one.  "That's the front door.  He's got 156, Captain.  He says he's not here however."

"Bet me."  He headed for the elevator, one of them following.  "I know he escaped last night."

"Yes, sir, he came right here.  The cabbie escorted him up and got paid."  He got them off at the right floor and went to tap on the door. "Mr. Harris?  I'm doing a wellness check, sir."

"Mr. Harris is not accepting visitors.  He's sleeping it off," Xander said in Spanish.

Horatio smirked.  "I know that voice, Xander.  Much too well."  He tried the key but the chain was on.  He growled.  "He said there's a connecting passage through Don's.  Which way?"  It was pointed at.  "Thank you.  Xander, are you sure you won't let me in?"

"Senor Harris said you went over this when he had chicken pox. This time he's not contagious, just cranky.  He does wish his husband would respect this about him."

"Fat chance, Xander.  Don't make me kick this door in."  The body behind the door moved away.  Horatio headed for the other apartment, letting himself in and shutting the door.  He had to admit, it was a nice two bedroom condo.  One was toward Xander's apartment off the living room. The other was past the kitchen toward the other side of the building.  He paused to look out a window.  Don had a beautiful view of some of the prettier parts of the city.  He headed into the den, finding the blank wall.  He called Don.  "Where's the switch?" he asked quietly.  He looked. "I can't... ah.  No wonder.  Thank you."  He hung up and pulled out his flashlight and the pink screen.  The diffuser often showed him magical markings for some reason. He found the doorway.  Then he looked around for the switch under one of the shelves and the desk.

He found it there by sight but not by touch.  He tried feeling for it.  Nothing.  He exposed it and looked, touching it.  Still nothing.  He growled and concentrated.  He knew magic was concentration, he had done a bit of it in his youth.  Pulling that up now was harder, but it did unhide the button for him.  He pushed it and walked through the doorway, coming out in Xander's closet.  He found the switch over there and closed it, then walked through the clothes and out, finding Xander collapsed on his back on the bed.  It was almost cute if he wasn't in a few casts.   He laid down beside him, stroking his forehead.  No fever at least.  "Xander, you know those days when I really want to spank you for doing stupid things?  This is one," he said grimly.

"I hate being fussed over."

"Tough, Xander.  Suck it up the same way I do.  I'm not used to someone fussing either."  He checked him over.  "How much pain are you in?"

"Tolerable."  Horatio smacked him on the head.  "Ow!  Hey, I remember hitting the nurse.  Do that again."  Horatio smiled and patted him on the head.  "Nope, didn't help."  He hit himself in the head a few times and shook it really hard, then he nodded. "That's better.  Sorry, must've had a loose connection."

"I think you have one most of the time," he said dryly.  He stroked down his face.  "You are still getting fussed over, my mate.  That is the job of a protective spouse."

"But...."

"Shut up, Xander.  It's my right and my responsibility to fuss over you. It's my pleasure to make it go on as long as I can."  Xander pouted at him.  "I don't care, Xander.  You're getting fussed over."  He went back to checking him over, ghosting touches over the bruises.  "Where does it hurt the most?"

"Everywhere," he said petulantly.  "I want to heal by myself. All I want to do is hide and lick my sore paw, Horatio.  I'm sorry but I hate being sick with others around."

"It's not like I'm going to pick on you about it."  He went back to stroking his head, getting a sigh of pleasure when his fingers moved to comb through his hair.  "You'll need a bed bath."

"They're coming off in a few days. I don't care."

"No they're not.  You're keeping the casts on until you don't need them anymore."

"Which would be...."  His hair was gently yanked, making him hiss.  "Fine.  I still want to hide."

"No hiding."  The phone rang and he got it.  "Caine."  He listened, then smiled.  "Have him bring it up to the door.  Thank you.  That is his father."  He hung up. "Your father made you something to eat."

"Not hungry," he pouted.

Horatio smirked.  "I'm sure."  He got up to get the food from Speed, getting a nod.  "The sweet and sour sauce tipped?"

"Of course.  The soup's going to leak soon too.  All I had were the thinner plastic bowls."  He shrugged.  "We'll get the accomplice this afternoon.  Where is my son?"

"Trying to escape."  He nodded up the hall and let Speed put the food in the kitchen for them while he went to pick up his mate and carry him back inside.  "No, Xander."

"But Don needs me."

"No, Xander."  He carried him in to the couch, putting him down on it.  Then he let Speed out with a quiet 'thank you' and a smile.  He locked them in and looked at him.  "That was stupid."

"Horatio, no matter how much I love you, I hate being sick around others.  It's not you, it's the guy I am.  I hate being sick, period, and having someone hovering over me makes me feel worse."

"That's because you feel guilty that you're keeping us from working."

"No, it's because I feel the pity.  Can't you please leave me alone?  I'll be home in a few days when I feel better."

"No. Because I don't pity you.  I wince when I see the injuries, that's not the same," he said at the opening mouth.  "It's really not.  Now, get over it."  Xander sulked.  He came over to kiss him.  "I can smell the soup.  It's the one with the pasta.  You want some?"  Xander shook his head.  "Please?"

"My stomach's upset."

"That's the pain you're in," he said wisely, going into the bathroom to see what he could find for medicine.  He found his prescription already filled and came out with it.  "How did you sign yourself out and get this?"

"I faxed it to them earlier today."

"They let you?"

"I called as well, explained that hospitals were for sick people and I was injured, not sick. Therefore they could use the bed for someone who could use it.  They decided I was rational enough even if they thought it was stupid."

"It is.  Injured and sick are synonyms, Xander."

"No, sick requires medicines.  Injuries require pain killers and ice or heat packs."  His mate gave him a look.  "This is one of the reasons why I wanted to be alone while I'm injured or sick."

"Tough.  You're never being left alone again.  Even if I have to retire or work from home."

"You do that and I'm leaving."

Horatio stared at him.  "Really?"

"Really.  You'd be miserable."

"I'm not particularly happy that you escaped from the hospital at three this morning either."

"Which is another good reason I'm hiding."

"You're not hiding, Xander."  Xander started to move and he came over to stop him, kissing him silent.  "It is a husband's honor and privilege to take care of an injured or sick spouse," he said quietly, staring into his eyes.  Xander went limp.  "Thank you.  Hopefully we don't have to have a repeat of this discussion."  He looked him over again, noticing he was slightly hard.  "Feeling better?"

"Biological response."  He grimaced. "Can't help that one.  It happens even when I'm sore."  Horatio gently stroked it, making him wince and hiss. "Horatio!"

"If you're not that injured, you should be trying to get some," he reasoned.

"I'm not that injured but still!  I feel naughty!"

"We've done it on the couch before," he reminded him, shifting Xander so he could sit under his back and hold him.  He could still stroke him while he played with his neck.  "You scared me, Xander," he said quietly.  "Please quit scaring me?"

"I didn't mean to but you know I hate being fussed over."

"Get used to it.  When we get home, I'm telling all the grandmothers, including Alexx."  Xander whimpered, trying to shift his hips up.  "You'll learn to like fussing when I do it."  Xander came with a small moan.  "Good boy.  Very good boy, Xander."  He kissed his neck again, then went to stroking his stomach.  "Want some food now?  You need food to heal.  Speed made your favorite."

"Fine."  Horatio smiled as he let him sit on his own and went to get him some lunch.  Xander looked down at his body.  "Traitor," he muttered.  Horatio came back with a bowl, a spoon, and his medicine.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  It's doing what I trained it to do, Xander - to react for me when I play with it.  It's not traitorous.  I should bring you pleasure."  He knelt beside him, using the warm washcloth he had retrieved to clean him off.  "If you weren't in a cast, I'd have taken you already to make sure you're all right."  Xander tensed at that and swallowed another bite of soup.  "Seriously.  I would have bent you over some pillows on the bed to cushion your ribs and hips, then I would have taken you as hard as I dared until you came and begged."  He felt him get hard again.  "Unfortunately there's no position that won't hurt you with those casts and your broken ribs."  He moved the washcloth, getting a quiet whimper.  "Finish your lunch then I'll finish you off again so you can nap."  Xander drank it, earning a smile.  "Good boy."  He took the bowl, handed him some juice. "That as well."  Xander gulped the juice, then put it aside.  Horatio kissed him slowly moving his way back down to suck on his cock for him.  Xander tried to move to give him better access. "No, Xander.  Let me.  Don't strain or hurt yourself more."  He made it back down to the cock, pulling off the sweat pants to get better access.  He sucked gently, one finger going down to tease his earring.  He looked at it, then at him.  "He took it out?"

"Nurses did."

"I'll go there to get it.  You're not wearing my mark.  I might have to get upset."  Xander shivered.  "Not at you, love."  He went back to his soothing blowjob, making Xander sigh and come.  Then he suddenly tensed.  "Bathroom?"  Xander nodded quickly.  "Let me help."  He picked him up and carried him in there.  Then he went to untuck the bed and give him a nice nest to sleep in.  He knew Xander would want to prop the casts up some.  He had with his hand while he had it on.  Otherwise it thumped against his back in the middle of the night and woke him up.  Xander flushed and he went to help him, getting swatted at.  "Don't, Xander."

"You should be catching bad guys."

"I am.  You're a very dangerous man and you did flee custody."  Xander groaned at that.  "You did."

"Sorry."  He cleaned himself up and let Horatio help him back into a new pair of sweats, then back into bed. "Can't I sleep on my side?"

"I don't see how, Xander.  Not with your injuries being on both sides."  He got him settled and let him try it but even Xander had to whimper in pain at that.  He got him settled back onto his back.  "Feel lucky you're not in traction."

"Ick."

"Tough."  He kissed him and got a smile.  "Sleep.  I'll play some more later."  Xander nodded and let himself drift off.  He waited until he heard a snore then got into the closet to shut that connecting door again.  Then he locked the closet and headed out to check out the rest of the space.  The second bedroom was the same place as Don's den.  It had a full sized bed and a playpen in there.  Everything was done in the darker woods all over the house.  Xander definitely had an old world style in decorating.  The fridge and cabinets were nearly bare.  He looked at the menus he found in the drawer, the same place they kept them at home.  "Chinese?"  They were all chinese.  He smiled at that.  At least it was healthy.  He called in.  "Anything?  He's eaten and now he's napping, Speed. Anything?"  He smirked.  Evilly.  "Good.  I'm glad.  Anyone I know?"  He nodded.  He knew a few of those names.  "Have fun with that. Let her help."  He cackled.  "I'm sure she would.  Tell Don to call me on my cell if he calls there.  He said something about his mom.  Thanks."  He hung up and checked on Xander, finding the Xander-shaped lump under the blankets.  He walked in and laid behind him, getting a cuddly head on his stomach.  "I've got your back, Xander, even when you think you are an imposition."  His cell rang and he looked.

"Yes, boss?"  He listened.  "No, he's still badly injured.  He escaped from the hospital.  I can't tell you that, sir.  It's a hidden spot for emergencies.  I only learned of it today and he's known since six months after Patrick's funeral."  He listened to him.  "Technically, Speed and Eric have it.  I can't work it, it involves my husband.  That is protocol.  They're doing that now.  They have a client list."  He smirked.  "You'd have to ask Delko, sir.  Again, I can't be more than informed since it does relate back to my husband's case.  No, my last one was closed two days ago. All I had was paperwork and I'm still on call.  Xander won't keep me from fussing over him this time.  Yes, that's why he ran.  That and he thinks hospitals are for sick people and he's only injured. His words, sir.  Yes, well, he is from Sunnydale and I've heard Willow say much the same thing.  Send it to my office, sir, and I'll bring it over.  No, I believe Detective Messer is still in and filling in for Calleigh today.  She's still on medical leave for another two weeks.  She nearly died in the miscarriage. She's coming back to paperwork and fingerprints."  He smirked.  "Her doctor said so.  Because she's another who can't not work.  That's fine.  We've already worked that out and the other labs that meet with my qualifications know to send anyone they want out of their city for a few days."

"You can go," Xander muttered.

"No I can't.  You'll head up to hide at Don's."

"Not a bad idea," Xander muttered.  "Go to work if they need you."

"The only case right now is yours.  I can't work that anyway."

"If you don't, Dad's going to kill them."

"It got handed to Hammra, Xander.  She'll kill him."  He smiled at that.  He liked her.  "I would go but you might leave again."

Xander looked up at him.  "I'd still rather be injured in peace so I can lick my paw.  Then I'll come home."

"Your son has got to be worried sick."

"No he's not.  Why would he be?"

"Because he's your son."

Xander kissed him gently. "Go to work, Horatio.  Please?"  He got a snort and a head shake.  "Pretty please?  I'd rather be miserable alone."

"No, Xander.  You'd try to run again and who knows where you'd end up this time.  I might have to track down Angel to find you."  Xander gave him an evil glare.  He smiled.  "Even if I did, you'd be staying here.  Or I'd bring you to nap on the couch again."   He listened to his boss.  "That would be most acceptable."  He hung up.  "You can come rest on my couch."

"No."   He shook his head, then held it. "No way in hell.  Then others could fuss."

"Your choices are to nap with Calleigh, come to the office, or going back to the hospital, Xander."  Xander gave him a glare.  "Tough.  I'm not letting you alone. You'd take off again."

"I'm about to prove you right.  I won't be fussed over."

"Bet me."  He got up and hauled him up, helping him into some sneakers.  Then he grabbed the keys and Xander's wallet, taking them with him so Xander couldn't.  He got him out and relocked the door.  "We can come back here tonight so you can hide again, but you're not getting out of the city, Xander."  He walked him down to the elevator, looking around.  "Is there another apartment on this floor?"

"The other side of Don's bedroom. It's tiny and behind the elevator."

"That's fine."  He got him into the elevator and down to the garage, taking him to the hummer.  He nodded at the guard down there.  "He'll be back later."

"That's fine, sir.  Remember there's a mandatory meeting in a few nights for all residents."  He smiled and put up the gate for the hummer, then called upstairs to let them know.  At least someone was babying the boy.

Horatio paused at the place he would normally turn. "Calleigh or the station?"

"Station," he muttered.  "I'm locking myself in an empty room though."

"Fine.  You can see if Phil has anything new on your last stalker."  He turned that way, heading back to work.   He parked in his usual spot and walked around to get Xander out and help him inside.  A few of the officers looked at him.  "He escaped from the hospital."

"You're stronger than I am, sir, I'd whine," Sikes offered with a smile.  Xander gave him an evil look.  "He doesn't like to be fussed over?"

"He was trying to hide so I couldn't," Horatio assured him, getting a smile.  "He's going into my office.  Xander is not allowed out of the building without me."  He got him into the elevator and up there.  Eric stared.  "He's being stubborn."

"Yeah, I'd expect that.  Xander, we're going to get his accomplice.  Take a nap and we'll have it sewn up."

Speed walked over, pausing to look at him.  "You look like shit.  Did you eat?"  Xander grumbled but nodded.  "Good.  Go hide in Horatio's office. I'm sure he can find something to do in the labs while you hide in there."  That got a nod and he slowly trudged that way.  One of the DNA techs ran over to hug him.  "Don't!   He hates being fussed over.  He'll hide.  Again."

"Let me help you up there, Xander."  She helped him up the stairs and into the office, then got him a pillow from the break room.  Then she closed the door and went to call Alexx.  Anyone that injured usually saw Alexx at least once.  She did warn her about the fussing thing but she supposed she already knew.

Alexx came up an hour later when she was done, looking at the sleeping boy from the doorway.  He looked really bad.  She felt someone behind her and saw Ray Sr.  "Why are you in today?"

"Horatio called and asked me to make sure his boy stayed here instead of New York."  He handed over a bracelet.  "It stops Willow accidents?"  She nodded, moving in to put it on him.  Xander woke up and glared.  "Be more respectful, Xander."

"Go the hell away, Raymond.  I'm sore, I don't need an audience to be sore."  He looked at Alexx.  "Can't sleep."

"I know, baby, but you need some fussing."  Xander shook his head.  "Yes, you do."

"I hate fussing.  All forms of fussing.  Go make dad fuss over my baby brother or sister.  Go fuss over Calleigh too.  Please."

She smiled.  "Fat chance, sugar.  You know better than that."  She tested his forehead.  "No fever at least.  Want something to drink?"  He shook his head.  "Are you sure?"  He nodded.  "Then want helped to the bathroom? It's down the stairs and all that."

"I'm fine."

She patted him on the top of the head.  "I'll ignore the attitude this time because I know how much you want to hide right now, but try to lose it, dear."  She straightened up then tucked him back in.  "There, go back to sleep."  She left, heading back to tell Horatio she had checked on him and he wasn't looking too bad.

Ray looked at him.  "That wasn't nice."

"Feel very lucky Horatio moved all the guns away from the couch, Raymond."  That got a smirk.  "Some people don't want to be fussed over and babied.  Go find someone who does, like Calleigh."

"I can't fuss over her.  She's not family."  Xander picked up a lamp and threw it at him, pegging him too.  "OW!"

"Xander, don't hurt my brother," Horatio called, coming up the stairs.  "Ray, check on him periodically.  Thank you."  He came in to get Xander resettled and back to sleep, moving all the hard or dangerous objects away from him this time.  Even if he did have to pry a statue form his hands.  Xander tried to wiggle but casts and broken ribs cut down on that.  "Quit, Xander."  Xander gave him a pitiful look.  "I know but quit anyway."  Xander went limp and nodded, letting him tuck him back in.  He closed the door and locked it. He had the keys.  "Ray."

"Alexx woke him."  Horatio gave him a look.  "I don't remember you ever being that big of a bastard when you got sick or injured."

"I'm never sick."

"Uh-huh.  Keep up that myth, brother.  It makes you look more superhuman than your husband."  He walked off.  "I'll get him some water from the breakroom."

"Thank you."  He sighed, leaning against the door.  He looked over as Yelina came in.  "Did you get him?"

"Yes, we did, and I'm surprised Xander goes to a gym like that."

"It was one of the perks of where he used to work, Yelina."  She came up to look in the window then at him.  "He threw a lamp at your husband."

"As I have."  She shrugged. "There's a great number of dangerous people there."

"I know.  I've been with him a few times."  He took the water for Xander, sneaking in to put it beside him, then back out, locking the door again.  He looked at them.  "Covert surveillance."

"Of course," Ray agreed.  "I'll sit outside and read while waiting for her to get off shift again."  He smirked at his wife.  Who hit him on the arm.  "Ow!" he whined.

"Good."  She looked at Horatio. "Will he be okay?  I've never seen someone that injured."

"He'll be fine," Horatio promised quietly.  "Right now he needs rest and less fussing. He was trying to hide so I couldn't fuss."  They all nodded and left to find their own ways to make sure Xander didn't leave. The rest of the lab had heard how injured he was and knew from Speed that he'd try to hide and hated to be fussed over.  So they watched the door to the office and called Horatio when it opened.  He got seven calls, all but one of the techs in direct sight, when the door opened and Xander padded out slowly.  The other called from the bathroom to tell Horatio he was in there.    Only one however called ten minutes later to say the door was still open and Xander wasn't back yet.  Horatio went to find him, checking the bathroom first.  He checked the breakroom, hoping he went to get a drink.  He headed for the door guards.  "Gentlemen, has my husband snuck past?" he demanded calmly.

"Yes, sir. Said he was going for a quick walk," one said.  "Was he supposed to stay inside?"  Horatio nodded. "Sorry, sir."

"That's all right."  He called his brother, not getting an answer.  He headed out, finding Ray in the grass with Sikes kneeling beside him.  "He all right?"

"He tried to stop Xander and Xander got him in the balls and then the chin, Horatio.  I would've tried to stop him but he looked liked he wanted to be left alone."

"He probably did," he agreed.  "Get him into my office please."  That got a nod and he helped him back inside while Horatio called the transit cops at the airport from the front desk. "This is Captain Caine.  Is my husband, Xander Harris, there?  Four casts, dark hair, sweats. Grumpy and growling?"  He raised an eyebrow.  "Why did he head there?"  He nodded once.  "Thank you."  He hung up and went to find the phonebook he had gotten off Willow.  He found Xander's emergency wallet missing as well.  "Damn it," he muttered.  His brother laughed.  "He went to visit the stupid vampires."  He called LA.  "May I please speak to Angel?"  He listened to the laugh.  "This is Xander's husband, Horatio.  Yes, it's important."  Someone else came on.  "Wesley?  He's talked about you.  I'm not sure but he's injured and he bought a plane ticket to come to LA.  No, a human. He's trying to hide so we can't fuss over him."  He listened, then groaned.  "All right, if you see him, please call me.  I'll get him back here.  Thank you."  He hung up and called Mac.  "Check with your transit guys.  Xander bought a ticket to LA but I'm not putting it past him to switch it and come up there.  Four casts, Mac.  Sweats.  Thank you.  He's got his emergency wallet with him.  I have no idea which card it had in there.  I'll call my nephew to see if he'd know."

"It's his history test," Ray said from the couch, sounding like he was still in a bit of pain.

"As soon as he's done with his history test.  Thank you, Mac.  No, he's doing well filling in for Calleigh."  He paused.  "Is she all right?"  He nodded slowly.  "I'll call his cell, see if he has it too."  He did that, getting the message that he was going to hide now.  "Xander, it's Horatio.  If you're heading to New York, check in with Don.  His mother's ill.  If you're going to LA be aware I will follow you so I can have that badly overdue talk with Angel about you."  He hung up and looked at his brother.  "When does history end?"

"Three.  It's his last class."

He looked at the clock, then called the school. "This is Horatio Caine. Is my nephew still there?  That's fine.  Can you have a note put on his windshield to call me immediately?   Thank you."  He hung up and looked at his brother. "I may be heading to stake a few vampires."

"Why?"

"Angel wasn't exactly the best person to him.  In fact, neither he nor Willow want to talk about him."  That got a shudder.  "That was my thought as well."  Yelina came in.  "He's gone."

"I'm sorry.  Did you call New York?"

"I did.  He bought a plane ticket to LA however."

She frowned.  "He hates LA.  Especially the protector out there."

"I know.  Which means he could recuperate alone."  He looked at Ray, then back at her.  "He got him in the balls."

"Xander seemed like he was in the mood for cheap shots."  She headed back to her desk.  "He's singing, Horatio.  You should see the list."

"Coming."  He got up and followed, going to listen to the interrogation and watch the list be put together.  Eric was mostly verifying what he already knew.  They had cracked his files earlier.  There were going to be some sorry people in Xander's social circle.

***

Xander came off the plane and found Stella standing there.  "Go away," he growled.

"Fat chance."  She took his non-casted hand and walked him off.  "Come on, Xander."

"Let go!"

"Quit or I'm handcuffing you."

"Problems, detective?" one of the airport guards asked.

"Stubborn friend's husband.  He's trying to hide since he's sick. I'm taking him to his uncle's house."

"Want a wheelchair for him?"

"Nah.  He's too independent for that.   His uncle doesn't need this today but he's being fussy."

"What happened to Don?" Xander demanded, getting free.  "Did someone shoot at Don again?"

"No, his mother's sick."  Xander headed off.  "See?" Stella said.  She got an understanding smile.  "Xander, car?"

"Bite me, woman."  He stopped at an ATM and headed off for a cab, letting her try to catch him.  He slid into one.  "See the curly brunette?"  He got a nod.  "She's my uncle's concubine.  She's jealous that I came up to see him. Please lose her on the way to Manhattan.  I've got to call Don and see where he is."  That got a nod and he headed off, going to lose the woman.

"She a cop?" the cabbie asked.  Xander handed over two hundreds.  "Don't matter to me, kid."

"CSI.  Crime scene person."

"Ah, one of them."  He sped up and changed lanes, going normal cab speeds with normal cabbie abandon.

Xander called Don.  "Where should I meet you?"  He weathered the yelling.  "Shut up, Don. Your mom's sick.  Where should I meet you?"  He looked at the cabbie. "Cedars- Sinai?"  That got a nod.  "East entrance."  He hung up on the yelling.  "Thank you."

"What happened to you anyway?  Car accident?"

"Someone who wanted to turn me into a hunted squirrel."  That got a laugh.  "Seriously.  They wanted me to be their game and prey. He's sorry now but I fucking ache."  That got a nod.  "I'm going to hide from most of the family.  I hate fussy people.  I'd rather hide in a closet than be fussed at.  She's the worst at it though."  He glanced back, he couldn't see Stella at all.  "Huh."

"They'll figure out where you are soon enough."

"Doubt it," Xander offered.  "Not unless they get Don to crack and he's a cop too."  He smiled sweetly.  "His mom's sick."  That got a wise nod and he took the exit before he had to, going the back way to the hospital.  That way he was sure no one was following him.  Xander added another twenty on top of the two hundred and got out, heading up to the front desk.  "Hi, is there a Detective Flack pacing and muttering around here?"

"That way, sir," she said, pointing.  "Should you be walking?"

"No, probably not.  Not like I care at the moment."  He walked that way slowly, finding Don still pacing and muttering. "How's your mom?" Don paused and took a deep breath before turning to look at him.  "Well?"

"I swear to fuckin' God, Xander!  Why are you out of bed!"

"I hate fussing people.  You know that.  I'm going to hide in a few minutes.  How's your mom?" he asked again.

"Fine.  They said it's really small and it might not be cancerous.  They admitted her so she could have the biopsy tomorrow."

"Good, then let's go see her so I can go hide."

"Do you even have the keys?"

"Yeah, to both places and the other one."  Don popped him on the back of the head. "Ow!  But thank you, probably needed that.  Horatio did that earlier and I remembered Tia being born."  He followed him up to the room, weathering the horrified look. "He's in custody. He wanted me to become a safari hunt."  He kissed her on the cheek. He liked Don's mother.  "I'll be around for a few days, grandma.  You tell me if you want me to come visit.  All right?"  She nodded, patting him on the cast. "I'm a stubborn bastard.  Just ask Don."  He grinned at her.  "Are you all right?"

"We'll know tomorrow, Xander.  Are you all right?"

"I ache," he admitted, "but I'm going to bed as soon as I leave here.  I had to come see you first."  She smiled at that.  "You get better and if Horatio comes up I'll let him fuss over you instead."

"Only I and the kids get to fuss over her," Don Sr. noted dryly.  "Back off, kid."  Xander gave him a dirty look and he smirked.  "Your husband said to keep you here."

"And I kicked the ass of the last person who tried."  He kissed her on the cheek again.  "I'd better go before your husband realizes how old he is and your son remembers he's got testosterone poisoning sometimes."  She laughed at that and he headed out.

"Get back here, Xander. I can drive you," Don called.

"That would mean telling you where I'm going."

"I know where they are."

"Not all of them."

"Oh, yes, I do."  He followed him down the hall.  The nurse gave him a look.  "He checked himself AMA in Miami.  Came up here to hide."  He got him at the elevator, making Xander look at him. "At least let me drive you over.  You know I'm not going to fuss."

"I'm going to LA, Don.  I'm going to double back to the airport and head out there because I need to talk to Angel about someone."

"Fat chance you're making it out of the city.  Pick a place and I'll drop you off.  If you don't let me, I'm calling Mac."  Xander moaned at that.  "Now, let's go. Which one?"  Xander handed over the set of keys he had.  He looked. "Where is this one to?"

Xander took them back with a smile. "Didn't think you'd know."  He got onto the elevator.

"I'm still driving you, dumbass.  You're too sick to be let out alone."  He stabbed the button for the lobby.  "Come on, Xander.  Not like I'll nark to Horatio but we need to know for safety reasons.  What if someone comes after you to get to Danny?"

"Then I'm killing them, Don.  I'm a miserable prick when I'm in pain."

"I noticed."  He gave him a look, then whistled for a nurse.  "He's tired, can I get him a ride out to the car?"  They nodded and got him a wheelchair with a smile.  "Thanks."  He forced Xander into it and took him out there, keeping a heavy squeeze on a bad bruise on his shoulder, making him wince the whole way out.  He got him into the car and the car relocked, then handed a strolling nurse the wheelchair.  "Can you take that back to the lobby?  Thanks."  He got in to drive Xander, weathering the dirty look.  "Is that the place in Gramercy or not?"

"Not.  Seagate."

"Jesus.  Could you get much farther away?"

"They suggested a place in Conference House Park.  I believe that's on the tip of Staten Island."

"Point.  And hey, at least you're near Coney Island out in Seagate.  Still nearly the end of the earth."  Xander handed over the address.  "You can look at Miller Field across the water."

"I can."  He grinned. "It's a nice place but I want you to forget it."

"Yeah," he snorted.  He called Mac.  "I've got my dumb nephew and I'm taking him to his hidden spot of choice.  No, I'll know, he said you guys couldn't because you'd fuss.  He wants to hide from the fussy people."  He smirked at Xander.  "Mac said you owe him since he's got a screaming, ranting Stella."

"Have him ask her if she's pregnant again, she'll stomp off in a snit.  Oh, and tell him Calleigh's okay.  They stopped it in time."

"He said to ask her if she's pregnant again, she'll stomp off again.  Also to say Calleigh's all right?"  He looked at Xander.  "What happened to the perky one?"

"Her placenta tried to dance without a partner.  They reattached the part that came up to dip itself."  He yawned and moaned.  "Ow."

"He said she started to miscarry and they stopped it, Mac.  Sure."  He smiled.  "Yeah, but he said we couldn't fuss.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Mac said he understands but a wise man knows when to let his mate fuss and worry. Or else you get locked to the bed.  Apparently he speaks from experience."

"He said Claire once tried to keep him from going on an assignment by handcuffing him to the bed and sitting on him.  He ended up making her call his commander, who talked her out of it and got him free."

"I can foresee many pairs of handcuffs in your future," Don said wisely. He turned onto the bridge.  "Once you fall asleep I'll call Eric and tell him we've got you safe, you're going to hide, and I'll check in on you."  He looked over at the silence, seeing him asleep.  He checked his pulse.  He had one so it was all good.  He called Eric. "It's Don.  Tell the pacing redhead I've got him.  He's fine."  The yelling made him move the phone. "Hey, Horatio.  I've got him.  No, he's going to hide for a few days then I'll make him go back.  Of course I will.  Not like I'm not taking a few days off to be with my mother.  A small lump, they're doing the biopsy tomorrow.  Calleigh's all right?"  He smiled and relaxed.

"Thanks.  No, he pissed Stella off by having the cabbie get him away from her.  He visited my ma and now I'm taking him out to the edges of New York.  Yeah, he's apparently got a place set up for himself.  I promised him I'd check on him and Mac said he understands why he doesn't want to be fussed over.  Yeah, but some guys are that way.  Danny hates it too.  Even if he is a champion fusser, he hates it when people do it to him.  Yup.  Sure I'll give him hints.  Hey, Danny.  Edges of the ocean.  He said he was offered one out in Conference House Park but he turned it down in favor of the place nearer to the fun but still on the edges of the city.  No, he said I can't tell you.  Hmm, hint.  He can see Fort Wadsworth and he's in the unlucky number on the map.  That map.  Yeah.  Thanks, man.  Tell the fussy ones I'll check on him every day.  Yes, I will.  Thanks, Danny."  He hung up before it could be handed back. He checked Xander's pulse again.  At least there was a hospital out there if something happened.

***

Danny hung up and reached for a keyboard, looking up a map online.  He found the PDF file of New York City, done by Mayor Bloomburg, and looked at the area he needed.  "Okay, he's somewhere in this area," he reported.   "Somewhere in Seagate or South Bath Beach."

Horatio looked at the map.  "Is that a good area?"

"Lots of old houses.  Don said he could see Fort Wadsworth," he said, using the pointer to point at that name.  "He said he'll check on him every day."

"Not good enough," Horatio decided, looking at the map.  "That's a lot of area to cover."

"And Don's promised, Horatio.  Xander's probably asleep in the car.  That's about as far as you can get from where he had been.  It's possible he'll stay with him."

"What about his cat?" Speed asked.

"Don's allergic to cats.  Eric refused to believe it.  So Stella got a cat for her birthday.  City loves Mac's winter coat to sleep on.  She climbed it until it fell then lays on it all the time."  That got some smiles.  "Anyway, his mom's in Cedar's.  That'll be one hell of a commute every day so he might stay in his place but he'll go check on Xander.  Plus there's a decent enough hospital out there if something is going on.  And hey, when he's less grumpy, he can go visit Coney Island."

"It's still not where I want him," Horatio said firmly, glaring at the map.

"Yeah, well, some guys don't like to be fussed over.  He hates it, Horatio. The same as I'll fuss over Mac and he'll hide, but if I get sick, he won't see me until I'm better.  Don's mostly the same way too.  So are you really."  He stared him down, getting a less evil glare.  "You should take lessons from Mac for that look.  He does it better," he offered with a pat to his arm.  "That's a pretty decent neighborhood most of the time.  They've got a good patrol company out that way.  If he can't get out personally, he'll make Mac go because Xander knows he won't fuss.  They will both try ta talk some sense into your boy."  He looked over at the cough from the doorway.  "Hey, Warrick, you down here for a vacation?"

"Not really.  More like escaping the heat."  He looked at Horatio, handing him a letter.  "From Grissom, Horatio.  Sorry."

"We could use the help anyway," he noted patiently. "Especially since I need to go to New York."

"You do that, he'll run again," Danny reminded him patiently.  "Xander's are like that."  He stared him down, getting the hotter evil glare this time.  "He is.  Otherwise he'd be in his normal bed."  He looked at Warrick.  "His husband's injured and hates to be fussed over.  He ran ta New York."

"Greg's like that sometimes.  He doesn't really try to hide he just complains when we're being nice."  He looked at Horatio.  "So you can use me, even with Danny?"

"Of course we can.  We lost Ryan to one day a week," Speed offered.  "He's a judge now."  That got a smile. "Calleigh's out sick too.  H is twittering."

"I am not."

"You are so.  If this was the baby you'd have him back in the hospital by now."

Horatio looked at him. "I won't allow any of our children to turn this far into Xander, Speed.  Not mine, not yours, not Ryan's, and he agreed with me.  Xander and I agreed that there was no reason for the kids to become that much like him."  He looked at Warrick.  "Dive in, work with Eric."

"Thanks, man.  Thanks for understanding too."

"My husband's in New York hiding from me," Horatio reminded him.  That got a small smile.  "How is Greg?"

"We're going to go insane.  He's having mood swings."  He shrugged.  "Eric, where do you need me and where can I park my bag until I've got a spot?"

The group looked at each other. "I've got a spare room, Warrick.  Save yourself and your department some money," Horatio offered.  "It'll be too quiet otherwise.  I'd end up spending the time with the mother of our son."

"How many kids do you have?" he asked.  "Last I heard we only knew, roundabout, about Eric."

"Eric's sister just had our second child, Tia," he said proudly.  "She's adorable."  He looked at Eric.  "Did you tell your mother she doesn't have to worry about Xander sneaking in to steal her again?"  He nodded.  "Did she sigh in relief?"

"Went off swearing that the boy didn't take care of himself.  Everyone else but not himself.  My dad went to hide in the office and Marisol took the baby to see Di."  That got some laughs.  "My momma's a fierce woman when she wants to be.  Smart men are scared of my mother."

"My grandmother's the same way," Warrick agreed.  "I duck and run for cover at the first gentle 'damnation' and keep going.  Then I bring back good tea and chocolate."  That got some laughs from the guys.  "So, what happened to Calleigh?"

"She nearly miscarried," Speed offered quietly.  "She's fine."

"Man, I'm sorry.  Wait, she married and we didn't hear?  I can understand kids, but marriages and we don't hear?"

"We're not, yet," Speed told him. "She's being fussy."

"Huh.  Let Greg have her for a day, Speed."  Then he smiled sweetly.  "He threatened my life if I didn't quit moving his stuff around in the labs."

Speed laughed.  "I got that at home, man.  Her mood swings and his mood swings would be horrible on your city, even if she could fly."

"I heard that," Calleigh yelled from the hallway.  Warrick got out of her way.  "Hi, studly."  She hugged him. "Why are you in?"

"Greg nearly got blown up and I'm hiding from his mood swings.  Can I hide from yours?"

"You don't cause them," she promised, smiling at him then glaring at Speed.  "Horatio, where's Xander?"  He pointed at the map.  She looked.  "That looks like part of New York.  Why is my stepson up there?  Aiden will want to know too.  She's due in tomorrow."  Everyone winced and Speed went to call her.  He ended up sighing and paying for airfare up there for her.  She smiled sweetly at Horatio.  "Now, what am I doing today?"

"Sitting down," everyone said, sounding firm about it.

"You can run backgrounds and finanicals on the stupid people who wanted to hunt the Xander down like he was a lion," Eric offered, handing over that file.  "Hammra has the case now.  They took West off it."  She smiled cruelly at that.

"You've got some reports you could work on," Horatio offered.  "Unless you did them at home and I haven't seen them yet."

"I did and you haven't."  She patted him on the cheek. "Your email is bouncing."  He groaned, logging in to weed out some of that stuff.  He saved down the pictures from Di, making everyone smile.

"Print that one for me," Warrick requested.  "It'll make Greg happy to see such cuteness.  He thinks he is the King of Cute and Hip so therefore he'll have to learn to pass on his crown."

"I'd rather have our son doing a different job."

"Yeah, well, some *major* chemical companies have come hunting Greggo," Warrick offered.  "We're talking like Dow major."  They all stared at him.  "Greg's a minor genius, guys.  They're offering him the major bucks to move to medical research.  We're talking houses that they show on tv major bucks."

"Grissom must be pouting," Calleigh said.  "Why are you really down here?"

"Testifying and getting one of our people back but it's not looking too easy on us."  He handed over the folder.  "Plus Horatio put out a call for temp techs from us and New York to fill in for you.  It must take me and Danny to fill in for your beauty and brilliance."  She smiled at that and hugged him.  "Thanks.  Are you sure, Horatio?"

"I am.  We moved.  I've got the room.  We even have a beach."

"That's good.  I heard he got a dog.  Xander and Greggo keep in touch."

"He does but the dog's adopted our son."  He sighed.  "Let me drive you out there, Warrick, while they pull up the file."

"No need, we've already got it up," Speed offered, holding up the sheet.  Horatio growled.  "Uphill battle, Warrick. He's the guy who hurt Xander and we found human trophies in his house."  He flipped through.  "Two of them are yours though." He looked at him again. "The ADA over it is best known for giving Satan lessons and him not learning enough from her."

"That's fine.  We can work something out and I'll bridge back to my people while Horatio needs me."  He shrugged.  "You guys are meaner with the death penalty.  He go after showboys down here too?"  Everyone looked at Eric, who nodded. "That why he went after Xander?" Warrick asked.   Eric nodded again, smirking.  "Oh, tell me he didn't think Xander was prey."

Eric smirked and giggled.  "He did.  He thought he was a perfect hunting victim. At least until Xander started to fight back and didn't flinch the knife in the scar in his shoulder.  Then he let him go free so he could drug him again and take him to the hunting grounds.  Xander came off the floor when SWAT came in to get him.  He snuck out of the hospital in four casts and looking like a bad Mummy remake."

Warrick nodded.  "Hell, then I'm impressed.  His client list lead back to us?"

"You, us, LA," Danny said dryly, smirking at him.  "There's going to be a mini convention in the DA's office."  That got a laugh.  "Go toss your crap down and come back, man. Horatio could use the drive."

"Sure.  If it's not a problem, Horatio?"

"No, he's right, I could use the drive.  I've got to tell Diana where he is anyway."  He led him out to the hummer, bypassing Frank. "He's on the tip of Brooklyn."

"Why?"

"He's hiding, Frank.  He hates to be fussed over."

"I knew that when he pegged your brother with a lamp," he said dryly.  "By the way, the kid's got a nice arm on him."

"Hmm.  Yes, he does.  Maybe Eric will play baseball instead."  He led Warrick outside to the hummer.  "Sorry, it's been a bad week."

"Been there, done that.  We're still in reconstruction after the lab exploded."

"What happened?"

"Faulty hotplate with a sample left on it under the fume hood.  Blew up DNA and chem.  Blew into Trace.  Blew into all the labs across the hall.  Greg went through the glass walls and got massive burns. He's not a happy camper and he's back with second degree burns on parts of his back."  Horatio winced at that.  "Hence his crankiness and mood swings but he refuses to go home."

"He's dedicated."

"Yup, that's why he's not taking the major bucks to go to medical research.  He could be richer than Xander if he did."

"You do what you love in this field," Horatio said wisely, backing out and heading for the house. Warrick watched the buildings go past and Horatio saw the cream colored convertible in front of him with the gunman standing up.  He called dispatch.  "This is Caine, I'm on Padre.  They're back.  Cream colored convertible.  Adam-Charley-Jack, 458.  Heading downtown."  He got back confirmation.  "Hold on.  They've been popping up randomly."  He turned on the lights and sped up to go after them.  The car sped up too, and the guy sat down.  Then again, they had pissed off Horatio.  They had shot at his family.  They tried to turn onto a busier street and he gave them a bumper nudge, making them miss the corner and hit a street sign, one of the older stone plinths.  He got out, gun in hand.  "Miami-Dade PD.  Don't move!" he shouted, moving closer.  All they did was groan. "Next time, wear your seat belts and keep your guns inside the car."  He called it in and patrol officers screamed up with an ambulance.   "This is them."

"Man, and I thought the Wrath of Caine was bad when you scratched a hummer, what did these guys do that he'd dent the hummer?" one patrol guy hissed.  Horatio glared at him.

"They shot at his family when they were bringing Eric's new niece, Horatio's daughter, home," a more unwise one said loudly.  They all hissed and stepped away in case lightening struck him.

"Yes, but they have shot at others as well, and my husband is very good at defensive driving," Horatio said calmly.  "Take them in for that as well," he ordered.

"Um, sorry, sir, yes, sir.  At least it's a small dent.  Easily fixed."  He scurried off before Horatio could bite him - with the way his jaw was clenched it was possible.

"Gee, and I thought this would be like a vacation," Warrick quipped, looking at Horatio with a smile.

"Not in this town, my friend.  Not in this town."  He started on the paperwork there for the arrest report and the new dent in his hummer.  It was the longer paperwork.  He even got a call from his boss.  "Caine," he groaned.  "No, I was taking a visiting tech to my house to drop his bag when we ran afoul of the duo shooting people in this area, Chief.  Since I was there, I reacted.  They're in custody."  He looked. "It's barely a scratch.  Some paint transfer.  The garage can fix it later today.  Thank you, sir."  He hung up and turned off his phone before someone else called to make sure he hadn't eaten anyone.  He wasn't really like that.  Most of the time.  Except about his family.  He handed over the paperwork.  "Have it put on my desk.  I'll finish it when I get back."  That got a nod and he went back to driving Warrick home.  This was definitely not a good day now.  It had been bad before but now it was horrible and he wouldn't even have cuddles tonight.  He called his boss back once they got inside. "My mate is in Brooklyn.  Warrick's here.  Calleigh's back. Speed's back.  I'm going.  Thank you, sir, I will."  He hung up and tossed Warrick Xander's house keys.  "The silver one is for the front door.  I'll reintroduce you to Di and Taylor."  He walked him up the street, smiling at Willow when she answered it.  "I'm going to Brooklyn.  This is Warrick.  Make sure he gets back to the station?"

"Of course. Is he staying with you?"  Horatio nodded.  "Xander's where?"

"Brooklyn."  He walked away.  "Kiss my son for me."

"Yup, will when he gets up.  He wore out the dog."

"Put Xander's dog back at our house.  She can get her own."

"Sure, Horatio."  She let Warrick inside.  "Come on, big man.  We'll let the women around here terrorize or coo at you.  Lizzy, look who mommy found."  Her daughter cooed from her seat on the couch.  "This is a Warrick person. He works with Unclie Horatio."  Her daughter squealed at that name.  "I know, you like the Unclie Horatio."  Di came out of the kitchen so she nodded.  "Horatio said he's housesitting and watching the labs."

"That's fine.  Hi, Warrick."

"Diana. You grow prettier every time I see you."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Greg drove me away with his mood swings.  He got a bit blown up recently."

"Awww, my poor baby!" she cooed, going to call him. "You settle yourself in and we'll drive you back that way.  I'm taking Eric to visit Tia anyway."  She looked at the dog, then at him. "Horatio wanted his dog back?"

"He said to put Xander's dog back," he offered with a smile.  "He's at home, we're still on nights."   She dialed that number and got a grumpy, pouty voice. He went to play with this kid he didn't know and the dog, who was very bouncy and a lot like how he remembered Xander.

***

Horatio stepped off the plane, finding Mac there.  "I didn't need an escort."

"Yes you did.  I heard you had to dent the hummer earlier."  He smiled at the groan.  "Speed said he finished the report about the past shootings and sent it back. He warned me someone mentioned the Wrath of Caine rumors to your face.  Any idea where he is?"

"Danny said Seagate or South Bath Beach?"

"Decent neighborhoods."  He called home.  "Lindsey, look up where Xander's house is out in Seagate.  Okay, have Stella do it or ask Don.  Have her threaten him with the cat."  He smirked when that got an address.  "Thanks."  He hung up.  "A bit run down but clean and decent in that neighborhood.  He's probably got some nice views.  He's right on the tip."   He led him out to the car he had checked out for the day and took him out there.  It was a long, quiet, friendly drive at least.  Horatio smiled at the sight of Coney Island.  "I'm guessing he wanted the fun, Horatio."

"I'm sure he did and I'm still going to spank him.  It took me hours to find him earlier."

"Let me stop somewhere to get you dinner and breakfast," he offered, pulling into a dinner.  He walked inside and came out, handing over a few boxes a few minutes later.  "There you go.  That should last you.  There's a corner store up the street if you need other stuff."  He got back in and drove them to the house.  He had one neighbor and a few across the street but most of the rest were for sale.  "Like I said, quiet."

"Very."  He got out and headed for the house, looking at the lock, then the sign for the alarm company.  He picked it and walked in, answering the phone before it could do more than half ring.  "This is his husband, I forgot my keys," he said quietly.  He nodded. "Thank you."  He put the food in the fridge and walked back into the bedroom, finding Xander curled up on his side, somehow.  He looked at him as he slid out of his jacket and undid his belt.

Mac walked in and turned away.  "The neighbor next door wanted to know why he was so hurt.  I told her he was attacked in Miami and he came up for a rest, that you're his husband.  She smiled at that and promised cookies.  Call me if you need anything, Horatio."

"Thank you, Mac."  Mac nodded and left, closing the door behind him.  Horatio finished stripping and found the lube in the bedside table.  This house was barely furnished. He had seen a couch and now a bed without much of a frame.  He slicked himself up and settled behind his mate, gently and slowly pushing his way inside, making him tense up.  "I will be spanking you for this, Xander.  You knew better."  He moved back and pushed in harder.  Xander moaned and shifted his hips backward. "You're loose today."

"Had to clean myself earlier."

He put a hand on his hip to make sure he couldn't go too hard and got to work making sure his mate knew he was to follow his orders.  Xander clenched around him and whimpered.  "Mine."

"Yours."  Horatio came at that admission, then cuddled up to his back.  "I still hate being fussed over."

"Xander, my restraint is snapped right now.  Unless you want me to turn you over my lap and paddle your ass bright red, shut up."  Xander went silent and pressed back against him.  "I'm sorry but you knew better than to run."

"I can't stand having people around when I'm sick."

"Tough.  Suck it up.  Mac has to now and then."  Xander moaned and he moved against his back.  "Pain?"  Xander nodded. "From me?"  That got a quick head shake.  "Liar.  I shouldn't have."

"Needed it anyway.  Move to my other side?"

"If you want."  He moved to that side, letting Xander curl up on his chest.  "Can you ribs take that?"  Xander nodded and closed his eyes.  He fell back asleep within minutes. "I didn't want to hurt you," Horatio said quietly.  He stroked through his hair, resisting the other urges to mark his mate.  His mate obviously needed a reminder of who was alpha in this pack.  He stomped on that urge until it was whimpering quietly in the back of his mind about him being mean and went back to soothing his mate.  He could handcuff him later.  When he went to find a ring for his piercing.  Xander shifted and he thought calmer thoughts, letting him drift back off again.  Horatio considered it.  His mate needed to be claimed but he was too sore.  Much much too sore now.  Plus he needed his mate to see how being spoiled and pampered wasn't so bad, that it wasn't something he should run from.  He called Danny, speaking quietly.  "I have him. Anything new?  Phil came back why?"  He groaned.  "No it's going to be a few days.  Must he?"  He sighed.  "Have Speed forge it, or Eric.  One of the two.  Maybe Marisol since she's so good at it."  He smiled.  "Thank you, Danny.  Now make it go away."  The phone was handed over. "Phil.  Make it go away.  Also the extra cars too."  He listened to the idea.  "How much would that cost?"  He grimaced.  "I could use it.  Thank you."  He hung up and looked down at the open brown eyes.  "Marisol forged your signature on some paperwork and I'm getting rid of the girly hummers."

"Give them to a gay Marine?"

"No, Mac would get mad if I did that."  He stroked his back. "I'm disappointed, Xander.  I feel like you don't trust me."

"I do so.  I don't want to be fussed over. I know you won't hurt me more.  Some guys don't want to be fussed over."

"Yet you fuss over others."

"They need it."

"So do you now and then.  Like right now."

"No I don't, I need sleep.  I never get sleep when others are around because I have this need to fuss over them."  Some things clicked in his mate's mind, he could almost hear it. "Don't you dare."

"Shut up, Xander.  You're mine to treat however I want.  Including making you eat dinner since Mac stopped to get us some."  Xander groaned. "We threatened Don.  He didn't willingly give it up."

"With what?"

"An allergy attack so bad he wouldn't be able to see his mother tomorrow."

"That's mean."

"I know.  That's why we did it.  A threat doesn't work unless it's mean."  He went back to stroking him. "Tonight, we are going to get a new ring for your holes, both of them, and then I'm going to find a way to remind you that you are mine to take care of.  Even when you're sick.  The same as you do me."  Xander hid his face against his side.  "I may love you but this attitude annoys me."

"Sorry, Horatio.  I don't want to be a bother. You're always taking off work for me."

"And today I had to do it again because you ran."

"You would've taken today off anyway and I thought it'd give you a few days to calm down."

"I worry when I can't check on you, Xander."  He made him look at him, shifting onto his side to face him. "If I can't check on you and make sure that you're all right, I worry.  The fact that you flew like this worried me greatly.  Anyone could have tried to mug you up here."  Xander slumped and gave him the most pitiful look.  "I know you weren't considering that, but it could have happened.  You could have ended up being one of Mac's cases, then what would I have done?"  Xander slumped further and nodded, putting his face against Horatio's chest again.  "That's why I want to protect you.  I want to be able to check on you, to protect you.  The same as you do me.  I know if I took off to hide like you do to me, I'd never hear the end of it."

"I'd pout but understand."

"I don't pout."

"No, you don't."  He looked up at him. "I'm sorry."

"Good.  Let's get you cleaned up, Xander, and then we'll go get you a new ring.  I hate that you're not wearing my marks."  Xander shivered and kissed him on the chest.  "Not like that.  I can't hurt you.  I didn't mean to hurt you last time."

"You didn't. My leg was already cramping.  That's why I hate casts."

"Suck it up, Xander."  He took a kiss.  "If you ever get this hurt again, I'm putting you in traction."  Xander moaned at that so he moved a hand down his back to squeeze his ass. "This and every other part of you is mine, remember.  You promised yourself and your life to me.  The same as I did to you.  Xander nodded, letting it go at that.  "Good boy.  Now, let's get cleaned up and then I'll treat you to a new ring."  Xander nodded, heaving himself up with some help from Horatio and heading into the bathroom. "No breaking those."

"I did a quick healing spell earlier."

"I don't care.  Casts are a punishment for doing stupid things.  You're keeping them on the full time."

"I've already cracked two of them and got my hand one wet earlier," he called from the bathroom.

"Fine then we can stop at an ER on the way into the city."  Xander's groan carried.  He heard a knock and got up to put on some pants and answer it.  "Hi," he said, smiling at the nice looking middle aged woman standing there. "Can I help you?"

"Where is the other one?"

"My husband's in the bathroom getting cleaned up.  We were going to run out for a few minutes.  He managed to crack one of his casts already."

"Awww.  Joyce said your husband was attacked in Miami and came up here to rest for a bit.  It's nice to see this house occupied."

"It's our vacation house for when he wants snow," he admitted quietly.  "He'll be fine.  It's mostly bruises and a few broken bones, ma'am."

"Oh, Mary, please," she chided, smiling at him.  "And you are?"

"Sorry, Horatio Caine."  He shook her hand. "Miami-Dade PD."

"Ooh, and an officer?"

"Captain," Xander said as he came out.  He leaned on Horatio's arm, smiling at her.  "Hi, Mary.  I'm Xander.  We met the day I signed on the house."  She smiled and shook his hand. "This is our vacation spot.  We take reverse snowbirding now and then."

"That's fine, dear.  I know you don't have much in there.  How long are you in for?"

"Two days," Horatio offered.  "Then we have to go back for some paperwork about the attack."

"I understand fully.  Well, Joyce said she'd make you some cookies, Xander and Horatio.  I'll let you go out tonight.  You really did crack that leg cast."  He nodded.  "It's all right.  I'm sure they can put a new one on pretty quickly.  The local hospital is up the street and toward Coney Island, but then take a left.  There's some really good signs once you head back that way."

"Thank you, ma'am."  Horatio smiled at her.  "We'll try to keep it down."

"Oh, please.  We may be a bit provincial around here but love is love to Joycie and I.  Be loud, it's celebrating the love.  Have a good night."  She bounced next door to talk to that neighbor.

Horatio looked at Xander, then at himself.  "Let me get redressed."  He closed the door and put Xander on the couch, then went to finish putting on his clothes, including his badge and gun.  Just in case.  He knew that someone would want Xander more because he was vulnerable looking.  Maybe not as their sextoy but still, they'd want him. He came out and helped Xander up, taking him out to the garage.  No car.  Xander called a cab and one came, making the neighbors smile and wave.  He waved and smiled back before getting him into there.  "I'm surprised there's no car."

"I figured a rental would be more unknown but I took a cab from the airport."

"Probably a better idea with four casts, Xander.  The local ER please," he told the driver. "He cracked one."  That got a nod and they went to the local not-quite-a-full-emergency area of the hospital's ER.  He walked Xander inside and the nurse gave them a horrified look.  "He was attacked in Miami.  He's cracked a cast.  We need more x-rays since he ran and flew up here without me."

"Of course..."  She saw the badge.  "Detective?"

"Captain," Xander corrected.  "I'm a pretty quick healer. Can I have ones I can take off?"

"Probably not."  She walked them back to a room and told one of the doctors what was going on, then went back to check in the next one.

***

Mac looked up as Xander walked into the hospital on his crutches.  "Didn't you have casts yesterday?"

"I still have one on my leg and my ribs are still screwed," he offered, grimacing.  "I did a quick healing on the others," he muttered.  "I ache."  That got a knowing smirk from Don.  "She in yet?"

"Just went under.  Where's Horatio?"

"He's in the bookstore to find me some tylenol and a soda."  He sat down with a sigh of relief.  "I hate being injured."

"Next time, don't let yourself be taken."

"He was in a cruiser."

"Excuse me?" Don asked. "It was another cop?"  Horatio joined them. "It was a cop who attacked him?"

"No, he was in a stolen cruiser and a rental uniform."  He handed over the bag to Xander.  "Eat the chocolate after you've taken the medicine."  Xander nodded, taking the meds first without an argument.  He nearly swallowed them dry before he could get the soda open.  "Pain?"  Xander nodded, digging into the candybar.  "The man wanted to hunt him like he was on safari.  The one who took him decided to beat him to soften him up so it'd be an easier hunt.  Warrick's down there because they had some victims from Las Vegas too."

"I'm missing Warrick's visit?"

"He'll still be back there when we go back in two days," Horatio reminded him.  He sat down beside Mac.  "Thank you for getting us food."

"Welcome.  Looks like you went out anyway."

"He needed more clothes and he didn't have his rings in."  Xander blushed at that and played with the new one on his hand.  "That's at home, Xander."

"I figured it was."  He shrugged. "My hand was too swollen anyway.  I wouldn't let them cut it off."  He took a longer sip of his soda.  "How's Calleigh?"

"We called down there.  She's working in Horatio's office, doing the paperwork," Mac offered, patting him gently on the back.  "She's swearing at you."

"I didn't want to worry her."

"You didn't, you created a few new mood swings.  Speed had to calm her and the baby down twice."  Xander groaned, shaking his head.  "Next time think, Xander."

"Sorry, guys."

"It could've been worse. We heard Horatio had to dent the hummer to get the guys shooting at people."

"Danny said one guy wrote an apology for mentioning the Wrath of Caine rumors in front of him.  It's on his desk," Mac offered, making Xander smile and Horatio moan.  "She said he's very sorry.  He said he'd rather face down a pregnant Calleigh during a mood swing than ever mention it again.  He told her it was obviously a rumor."

"Not even close," Don said dryly.  He looked over as his father came back. "She in?"  He nodded.  "Dad, you remember Horatio probably."  He waved at him.  "Xander's husband."

"I remember.  I'm surprised you let him out of bed."

"He's being stubborn and wanted to come wait with Don," he offered shaking his hand. "I hope she's all right."

"Us to."  He looked at Mac.  "Last time I knew you had some curly haired goddess on your arm, son."

"Don's like an annoying brother."

"That's fine.  He could do worse."  He looked around.  "No Messer?"

"He got ten death threats in a week thanks to the thug on trial, Dad. He's down subbing for them today."

"Ah.  Understandable really.  I might've run too.  Probably have taken the family with me."

"Gee, thanks, dad."

"Sometimes leaving them is safer if the guy's going to chase you and not use them as bait," Xander told him.

Don looked at him.  "Sometimes I wonder about you."

"Yeah, well, look why I learned to think that way, Don.  Besides, if he had taken his family, Mac's lab might've had to stopped or moved to a crawl."

"Paperwork definitely wouldn't get done," Mac agreed dryly, patting Xander on the back. "Just your ribs and you femur?"  Xander nodded, giving him a pitiful look.  "Plus the bruises?"

"Yeah, and they ache too."  He leaned against Mac's side.  "He doesn't understand why I wanted to hide, Mac."

Mac looked at him.  "As much as you feel the need to check on him, take care of him, and look after him, his soul is screaming that he's vulnerable.  That he's a liability to the family in this state.  That you can do better on your own without him for a few days than having to protect him."  Xander shook his head.  He looked down. "You sure about that?"

"Even before I met her, I never liked to be fussed over.  Being fussed over was a bad thing."

"Okay, and the fact that his very bad parents were abusive and hated having to take care of anything," Don added. "Probably yelled at him when he got the sniffles since it cut into their lives."

Horatio nodded at that.  "I got that part.  The other I hadn't considered."  He looked at Xander.  "The worry makes me more vulnerable, Xander."

"Can I tell you where I'm disappearing to?"

"No. You forget, I can get others to watch you for me if I have to defend the pack or the lab."  Xander nodded, accepting that.  "The same as Calleigh doesn't make us weaker, it makes us meaner when someone attacks us."  That got another nod.  "So no more running or else I will punish you next time."

"Yes, dear."

"Thank you."  He looked at Mac. "I even made him let me dress him but he got to talk me into jeans since he's got the air cast on his leg and a cramping thigh."

"I'd still be at the begging for painkillers stage," Don admitted.  "You're a stronger guy than I am, Xan."

Don's father looked at him.  "You're not on pain killers?"

"He hasn't had any since about noon yesterday," Horatio admitted.  "He's refused them totally after a rebound hit his shoulder."  Xander nodded at that. "He didn't even mention when Marisol broke his hand during labor."

"Ow," Don sighed, rubbing his own hand.

Xander looked at him.  "I hit the nurse with it later when she tried to keep me from seeing Tia too."

"She probably deserved it," Don's father agreed.  Xander nodded, grimacing slightly.

"Still, we do not hit without reason," Horatio reminded him.

"I apologized in writing."

"I saw.  Thank you."  He looked over as a nurse came over to check on them.  "Anything on Mrs.  Flack?"

"No, not yet.  Is he all right?"

"I'm fine," Xander promised with a small smile. "I ache but I had tylenol."  She nodded and walked off.   "They're nicer than ours at University."

"That's why we took you to Mt. Sinai," Horatio reminded him.  Mac smiled at that.  "He literally snuck out of the hospital at three in the morning."

"At the time I thought it was really lax security for a military hospital," Xander admitted.  Mac smiled at him for that.  "I was missing a few days in there.  Horatio smacked me on the head and they came back.  I had a loose connection."

"Next time don't run and he won't have ta," Don reminded him.

"Were you military, son?" Don Sr. asked.

Xander looked at him and slowly shook his head.  "No.  I grew up in a bad place.  I had homegrown combat training.  Survival."  That got a horrified look.  "My former town had about a thirty percent homicide rate."  He gaped then whimpered. "Yeah, that's why I'm so good.  I helped protect others."

Don's phone rang.  "That's Aiden."  He walked out onto the balcony to answer it.  "Hey, Aiden. No, he's here.  My mom's in surgery.  Cedar's.  Surgical waiting area.  Sure.  Come on up. The more the merrier."  He grinned.  "He's down to a cast, broken ribs, and crutches besides bruises.  Sure."  He hung up and walked back inside.  "Aiden just landed at La Guardia."  Xander moaned.  "Yup, you're in deep shit."  He sat down again.  He grinned at his dad.  "Aiden used ta work for Mac.  She's like Xander's adopted mom.   He's in so deep."

"I'm sure she'll take it outside to scream at him.  Which one was she?"

"The dark-haired, pouty looking one with the lips, dad."

"Oh, her.  She was pretty."  He looked at Xander. "Hop away now, kid.  Save yourself."

"Won't work.  She's native and she'd hunt me down."  He looked over as someone else walked their way. "Speaking of, Mac."

"Lindsey, is there a problem?"

"No, not yet.  The guys in Don's unit wanted him to have this," she said, handing him the envelope.  "They hope your mom's okay, even though they're only guessing what's wrong."  She looked at Xander.  "What happened to you?"

"Someone who wanted to use me as a safari attraction."

"Why?"

"Because he thought I'd make a good deer to hunt."

"They were really dumb."  She looked at Mac. "Stella got a head's up, the defense is going to try to call Danny."

"I'll warn him. The Judge knows it'll take about a day to get him up here.  They'll call me when and if he gets called.  Thank you."

"Welcome.  I hope she's okay, Don.  Should I pass back any messages?"

"Nope.  Thanks anyway, Monroe.  We'll know soon enough.  She's still in surgery."

"That's cool."  She hugged him gently then patted Xander on the head like she would a dog before leaving.

Xander waited until she was gone before looking at Don.  "Did I just get the 'nice doggy' pat?"

"Yup. She thinks you're Horatio's pet boy."

"I'm his husband.  Not quite the same thing, even if I do occasionally fetch him something to drink."  Horatio smirked at that.  "I do."

"You do.  That's still all you're allowed to do in the kitchen."  Don and Mac laughed.  "How did your military buddies like his roach spray?"

"They loved it.  They cooked up a huge batch and sent it over for sand fleas in tents.  I let them see the stink bombs too.  They were very impressed with such a childish prank.  Especially when someone suggested how they could shoot them down into holes."  Xander giggled at that.  "Exactly."  He patted him on the back of the neck, feeling the lump.  He looked at Horatio, who only smirked.  "A permanent GPS chip?"

"Yes.  It's a human application of the chip for pets."  Xander moaned and hung his head.  "It's staying in too.  We've got the paperwork on it so you don't have to worry about security at the airport."  He looked at Mac again. "GPS and an ID chip that links back to his ID and medical history."

"Think I could get one for Danny?"

"Probably.  I think we need to get Grissom one for Greg.  Did you hear about the lab explosion?"  Xander gave him a stare.  "An accident in DNA and chem, Xander.  He went flying and got some burns.  He's fine.  Warrick said he's escaping his mood swings."

"I think Di's other party buddy should've come down," he said more firmly.  "Instead of Warrick.  As much as I like the guy, Greg obviously needs the break more."

"Warrick said he's refusing to go on break," Horatio offered.  He looked at Mac.  "Faulty hotplate under the fume hood with a sample that exploded," he said quietly.  "He went through the walls."

"Damn," he said with a wince.  "He okay?"

"Cuts and burns mostly.  They said it took out part of the labs on the other side of the hall from there."

"Can we help them?" Xander asked.

"I was going to put the sale of those stupid cars out there for them," Horatio offered.  "He suggested you should have the lavender, lipstick pink, and baby blue hummers, Mac.  Painted after he got them.  His last stalker gave them to me because I was obviously stronger to have beaten him and kept Xander."

"To the winner go the loser's spoils?" Don joked.  Horatio nodded. "Tell me you're kidding?"

"Eight new cars," Horatio said quietly. "It's either we give them to Mac for up here or we give them to the PD and make them repaint and outfit them."

"Define lipstick pink?" Mac asked cautiously.

"Like Calleigh's favorite one pink," Xander told him. "Like five shades lighter than Don's pink suit pink."   Mac moaned.  "I suggested he find some gay Marine to give them to but he didn't think so.  He thought of you instead.  Because it takes a real man to drive a pink car or wear a pink suit like that."

"It does," Don agreed. "And I look fabulous," he taunted.

"Son, you sound more gay than your nephew," his father complained.

Xander looked at him.  "Don't look at me. I wear tight stuff and leather unless Horatio wants me in a suit.  For some reason they think I'm going to break bad and go all Wrath of Caine's Husband when I'm in a suit."  Horatio moaned at that and Mac laughed.  "Really, the door guards looked upset when I came in from that formal event the day Melody died."

"She did?" Don asked.  Xander nodded.  "Damn it.  Why?"

"Isabel said she had some blood problems," Xander said quietly. "Her heart stopped according to the person who signed the certificate.  She gave me that picture of us at the Christmas ball and she gave Horatio some old journals that had some mentions of who did what crime way back when."

"Interesting. Anything for us?"

"I've got photocopies, Don," Mac assured him.  He looked at Horatio.  "I may be a Marine but I'm not man enough to drive a lavender hummer, Horatio.  Repaint them and give them to your city.  Or repaint them and give them to our city, but please repaint them."

"I figured I would have to anyway," he agreed.  "Unless Don wants one?"

"They'd go well with some of my suits," he agreed dryly.

"Son, half the city already thinks you're gay.  Driving one of those would make the rest of them certain," his father said patiently. A woman he vaguely recognized came off the elevator.  "She made good time.  Too late to run now, boy."

Xander gave her his most pitiful look.  "Hi, mommy."

"Baby.  Speed told me what happened.  Why did you run?"

"I hate to have people fussing over me."  He got up to give her a gentle hug, wincing and hissing.  "Mom, ribs," he moaned.  She let him go and looked at him.  "Sorry, want a good hug but can't hack it right now."

"I've had one, son, I remember.  You have how many?"

"Three."  He sat down, pulling her down between him and Mac.  "I'm sorry I made you come all the way up here, mom."

"No, you obviously need a mothering touch, baby.  Horatio!"

"He ran from me so I couldn't fuss," he pointed out.  "I had to find him twice yesterday.  Blame the real reason, Aiden."  She glared at her son, who flinched and ducked his head.  "I told you running was bad.  That's another reason why."

Aiden nodded.  "Yes, it is."  She made him look at her.  "You're so getting fussed over, even if I have to beg for more time off."

"I thought you were going medical," Mac offered.  "That way you'd be in Miami."

"So did I but they couldn't find my replacement and I ended up in another occult case.  Some stupid group of boys who wanted to be Gods so they were calling on a darker power to gift them."

"Was Andrew with them?" he asked.  She nodded.  "I'm sorry."

"Me too."  She shrugged and cuddled him, ignoring the mild swats and the heaving sighs to be let go.  "Tough.  Suck it up.  It's good attention."

"Horatio gives me good attention, even though he threatened to spank me."

"You spank him, you lose him," she told him.

"I know.  I decided instead I had to spoil him. He hates being spoiled.  He didn't even want me to buy him new clothes."

"You're breaking into your savings," Xander defended.

"You put two of those accounts at my disposal, Xander.  By the way, I'm looking over them when I get home.  Ray Jr. called and said there was something suspicious going on in one of them."

"Sure."  He looked at her.  "Save me?" he whispered.

She kissed him on the nose.  "Not a chance, baby.  You spend so much time spoiling others that we want to return the favor."

"I'm never buying another present again," he swore.  She laughed and hugged him again, getting a yelp. "Mom!"

"Sorry, I forgot."  She cuddled him more gently.  "Even if you suddenly quit, you're still going to get spoiled.  Suck it up, kiddo."  The nurse came over to check on him.  "Sorry, I forgot he's got broken ribs."

"That's all right.  We've got some tylenol if you want some, sir."

"I already had two packs," he offered. "Thank you anyway.  Mommy here gets a bit rambunctious now and then."  The nurse smiled and nodded, going back to the desk. "Do I look that bad?"  Everyone nodded.  "Sorry, guys."  Another nurse came over and Don and his father jumped up to intercept her, getting told something quietly that made them both smile.  Don smiled at them. "Good news?"

"Very.  Non cancerous."  He came back to hug everyone, making sure he didn't squeeze Xander too hard. "You guys head off to spoil Xander."  He bounced back, following the nurse to his mother's side.

"We can visit later," Mac decided, standing up. "Horatio, a word of warning. It reached my ears today through the mayor's office that one of the robotic Xander's went onto the auction block recently and went for nearly eight million in a highly contested battle.  It went to a techie but who knows whether or not any of the other bidders are still in town."  Horatio nodded at that.  "Aiden, dinner with Stella and I?"

"Sure, Mac."  She smiled and he nodded, leaving them alone.  "Where to first, Horatio?  We've got to spoil my boy."

"First, I want Xander to show me how he planned on getting rid of the loose gems in our safety deposit box."  He handed him a small box.  "I had Willow have Ethan send them up."  He looked at him.  "I don't like having them around."

"Did you break into the cash box too?"

"No, just that one."

"They were in the same box, Horatio."  Horatio moaned and went outside to call the bank, coming back looking furious.  "Again?"

"Didn't we move things?"

"Nearly everything. All but the safety deposit boxes because none of the other banks wanted to take a chance since that one bank had been stealing from them."  He looked at him. "Emptied?"

"It was. I talked to Ray Jr. and he had checked with Willow.  He's already thrown a fit and there's Feds down there. So we really do need to do this today."

"Actually, I need to go see Webber to get them to authorize something first," Xander admitted, getting up with a moan and grabbing his crutches. "Come on.  We'll go together."  They nodded, following him out.  A cab was easily gotten and he whispered the address, getting a nod. "Thank you."  He leaned back with a sigh of relief. "I hate broken ribs.  Was anything else missing?"

"The one with the pictures was fine.  The one with the other documents hadn't been touched that he could see but it was only half full?"

"Mac had to keep some of them with the contract case."

"Understandable since that was probably the only records of those attacks."  He looked at his mate, who almost shrugged.  "I can't argue much in hindsight about those.  Especially since you didn't know who you could trust in the department."  Aiden leaned forward to look at him.  "Someone had a contract out on my life for dumping his daughter twenty years ago," he admitted quietly.

"They in jail?"

"Now."

"Good.  One less person I have ta kick the ass of," she said firmly, leaning back again.  "Who's Webber?"

"Oh, a Willow buddy."  He shrugged. "He's hidden some things on my authority.  Don knows but he doesn't know who Webber is.  All he knows is his email address."  He paid the cabbie and got out in the very rundown neighborhood, heading up the narrow stone stairs in front of the old stone building.  He pounded on door with a fist, making a hesitant young woman stare at him.  "Tell Webber it's Xander.  I need to see him.  This is my mom Aiden and my husband Horatio.  They won't say a thing, no matter their jobs."

"I'll tell him. Wait there," she said timidly then she closed the door and disappeared for ten minutes.  She opened the door and pointed at them. "You two stay.  You can sit.  Others have."  They nodded, Horatio offering his jacket for Aiden to sit on while Xander hopped inside. "You're the Xander?"  He smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

"Not an issue.  I know Willow. I grew up with Willow," he offered with a smile.  He followed up her up the stairs and through the maze of the second floor, finding him in a small bedroom that looked a lot like a dorm room.  "Webber."

"Xander," the brunette girl said, getting up to hug him.  Her pale skin and slanted, dark eyes showed her mixed races.  She was fairly pretty and tall but her features was odd enough that most people had to take a second look to make sure they saw what they thought they saw.  "What happened?"

"The bank thing I emailed you about.  Feds are in it now.  They took the ready cash out of the box."

"Pity."  She sat down behind her old computer keyboard and started to type, then smirked and emailed a very large zip file to someone at an address that ended in .gov.   She got to work in another screen then ran a blank card the size of a credit card through a scanner on her desk.  She turned to look at him.  "Ten grand enough or do you need more?"

"Ten grand today, thirty tomorrow?  Just in case?  We've got to get home and we've got medical bills coming. I was going to use it for those."

"It'll be returned, Xander.  The Feds don't want to have someone else climb up their ass."  She handed it over.  "Hit an ATM, brother love."

He kissed her on the top of the head.  "Thank you, baby love."  She smiled. "You got needs?"

"I would kill for a pepperoni pizza but most of the kids here are vegan."  She smiled. "I can go eat it later when I escape for my afternoon off.  Be glad you caught me.  I heard you were in town and injured."  She looked him over, then into his eyes.  "Who?"

"Someone decided I was good prey for a hunt."  She burst out laughing. "Yeah.  I'm down to bruises, broken ribs, and a leg."  He grinned.  "Thanks, baby love.  Be well, be safe, and remember you can call me."  She nodded and he headed out, going down the stairs.  He smiled at the door guard.  "One day, you'll be one of the greatest of the great as well," he assured her.  She smiled at that and let him out.  "Okay, I need an ATM."

"In this neighborhood?" Aiden asked.

"No, a better one with real cash."  He flagged down a cab and got in, with them following.  "I need a really good ATM.  Someone just authorized some funds for a major shopping trip."

"Fifth Avenue?"

"We're talking grands."

"Fifth Avenue. I know the bank."  He headed off, and it was a drivethru so he even got waiting time and a nice tip from the kid.  "Thanks, man."  Xander nodded and handed the guy next to him the money and the card, whispering in his ear. "Hmm, two badges too," he noted as he drove off.

"Xander," Horatio said once they got out.  Xander handed him the money and whispered something in his ear. "How long have you had that set up?"

"Since we took it from him for pissing us off."  He grimaced.  "We only touch it in necessities."  He looked at his mom.  "He's going to make me spoil him, right?"

"Wrong way around, baby."  She patted his cheek. "Who were the hacker corps?"  He raised an eyebrow.  "Please, honey, I used to work in those neighborhoods for crimes.  Which one is Webber?"

"The one you look twice at."

"I remember her.  I saw her when her big brother died."

"I was there."  He nodded, taking her hand to hold.  "They came to Willow for help and she helped them set up the Covenant.  We don't talk about it."

"That's fine," Horatio agreed, moving slightly closer.  "Does that mean that you know how to hack, Xander?"  He gave him a horrified look. "Xander."  He caught him before he could inch away.  "Xander, tell me.  Us.  She's your mother, I'm your mate.  You can tell us anything.  We're not going to tell Willow."

"She thought I was playing around," he said miserably, looking down at his feet.  "She thought it was a phase when I was trying to fit in."  He looked at him. "I can hack, Horatio.  Very well.  I sent her an information file on who was touching my things and she just sent it to Fornell or Abby."

Horatio nodded slowly.  "What else can you do, Xander?"

"I don't use it and I'm out of practice, Horatio."

"I know that, Xander.  You only get onto the computer to play games and check your email and account balances."  He looked at him.  "Now, tell me."

"I can hack a little bit and I kinda wrote two of the viruses we gave to Gibbs.  The one that makes it sneeze while you have total access underneath is mine and so is the mock- doomsday."  Horatio nodded at that, staying calm. "I'm sorry, I haven't had to use it in years, Horatio."

"I'm not disappointed, Xander, but if I ever get stuck with a computer issue I'm coming to you instead of Willow."  Xander looked panicked.  "Quietly of course."  He calmed down at that.  "Now, how much more can we get?"

"Up to ten grand today.  Thirty tomorrow.  The stuff in the box was to cover all the medical costs for Tia, Marisol, and Calleigh."

"Understandable.  I'll call later to make sure they got the file."  He hugged Xander.  "Let's hit another few ATMs and then we'll go shopping if you think you can walk."

"Can I have ice cream?"

"You can have ice cream as long as you don't bounce.  Oh Aiden."  He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it over. "This is being spread around to the family.  This is the GPS ID of the chip in his neck and the ID code that it goes to."

"So he's got another one in?"

"This is permanent, like what they put in pets, but it goes back to an ID and medical history," Xander admitted. "He checked, the hospitals in Miami have the scanners.  I have a nifty card in my wallet to tell them to search for the chip and where it went."

"Why not his forearm?"

"Too easy to get it dislodged or damaged," Horatio admitted. She nodded at that.  "Come on, let's go, Xander.  Make sure Mac gets a copy of that tonight, Aiden."

"Sure."  She took Xander's other side and they went to hit a few more ATMs then take him for ice cream.  Then shopping because he needed it.

***

Speed looked up as the computer in front of him beeped with an email notification.  He didn't use his official email for anything so he opened it cautiously, finding it from Abby.  "Huh," he said dryly.  "Hey, Danny, call the Feds and tell them we've got a surveillance file from the bank," he called.  "Xander's stalker network heard already."

"Sure."  A fed came running in and looked over his shoulder as he let it run.

"Abby's a friend in NCIS.  She helped us get Xander back from the FBI head once.  She works with Gibbs."  He shuddered at that.  "Know her?"

"Heard of Gibbs."  He reran it, then smirked evilly.  "Does she know who sent this?"

"No. Why?"

"We found the hacking intrusion into the bank's cameras and couldn't find out why.  So someone suspected and taped it for them."

"Xander suspected.  He turned them into you guys before."

"So it was probably related back to that?"  Speed nodded.  "That's fine.  It's got the bank's security code stamped on the bottom.  It was cut and pasted together but nothing else."  He called his boss.  "Boss, Hendricks.  Speedle in the crime lab just got sent some hacked surveillance footage.  It does.  The date codes correspond.  Someone knew and were watching out for Harris.  He reported it to us before and I'm betting none of the other banks let him move it while the last case was open."  He listened.  "Through Gibbs' girl, Abby.  Can I see the message?"  Speed went back to it.  "A hacker she vaguely had heard of sent it to her.  Oooh, I don't know.  What's that other file?"

"Xander's stalker file.  She added it on for us."  He opened it and let him browse through it.  "Shit, that's more extensive than I thought.  Someone's been keeping tabs."  He looked outside then back at the computer.  "Probably someone here.  Huh."  He went to call Ryan since he could be on lunch, and if not he had voicemail.  "It's me.  Did you know someone tracked all the scary people that Xander had stalking him, down to the ones who bought him drinks and wouldn't leave him alone?  If not, I've got the full file. It got sent to Abby at NCIS along with stuff against the bank that just stole from him. Call me back, especially if it was you, Wolfe."  He hung up and went back in there.  "Anything good?"

"Oh, I do," he admitted.  "Two of the people on the bank's boards.  Do we have a list of things sent to him?"

"Phil, our local IAB guy, does.  That way no one can claim Horatio got sent any of it as a bribe."

He smiled.  "I like that you're so organized.  Can you get it for me?"

"Sure."  He called Phil.  "It's Speed.  Someone stole from Xander's safety deposit boxes and his stalker list indicated a few guys at the bank probably were in on it.  The fed from the SEC needs the present list.  I'm in Trace.  Abby sent it to me.  Sure."  He hung up.  "We'll do a file switch.  He wants that one."  That got a beaming smile.  "We like you, you haven't tried to take over yet."

"Not going to either.  All I'm concerned about is SEC violations.  Treasury ones are them.  We only work with them now and then.  He'll be down tonight probably.  I'm hoping we can hand him the gift-wrapped people and hand Mr. Harris back his money."

"Me too.  Especially with what was supposed to be in those boxes."  That got an understanding smile. "Horatio hated that he did that."

"It's got a reasonable reason and that's instant access and security.  I do that myself with about ten thousand dollars.  Just in case something happens and we can't get into the electronic based accounts."  A smiling and happy man carried in three binders.  "Tell me that's more than a list?"  If not, he was in the *wrong* profession.

"One's a list, the other's are pictures."  He handed them over and came over to copy down the two files onto a CD, smiling happily.  "I wonder who's been paying such good attention."  He made separate copies of the other files in case they were needed by others.

"I think it might be Wolfe but he hasn't called me back yet.  We just got that," Speed offered.

"Wonderful.  Where's Horatio and Xander?"

"New York."  Phil looked at him.  "Xander hates being fussed over.  He ran to hide from the fussy people, namely Horatio."

"Why?" the SEC agent asked.

"Someone decided he'd make good prey during a hunt and decided to soften him up by breaking him into smaller pieces."

"Ah."

"He escaped from the hospital with four casts and about ten pounds of bandages on," Phil told him.  "Xander has homegrown combat experience."  The man stared at him.  "You know the FBI stats list?  The crime stats list?"  That got a slower nod.  "Heard of Sunnydale?"

"Unfortunately a lot more than that.  He's from there?"

Speed nodded.  "Yeah, I spent some time there too.  You?"

"My little brother turned whistleblower on the Initiative since he lived."

"Xander was very proud of the plans he sent Willow Wolfe."

"Ah.  We had wondered," he muttered.

"She's sacred."

"I know.  I have not a problem.  I could bow at their feet really."  He got back to work.  "Yes, two of them did send him some very nice gifts."  He took those to make copies of the pages and the pictures he found referenced.

Speed looked at Phil.  "Xander?"

"The hacker too possibly.  Willow looked very confused at the mention of one of the viruses he turned over," he said quietly.

"I remember him taking a few classes but we thought it was part of his 'looking for a way to fit in' phase."  Phil looked at him.  "You're kidding?"  He shook his head.  "Can you tell if any of the ones he gave Gibbs were?"

"Two were.  I talked to Abby about them when I heard about the Watchers Council thing from the FBI.  She told me two were coded vastly differently."  He got back to it.  "I'd say the stalker's list was done by Mr. Harris himself.  Unless someone sat with him and checked IDs each night and each person.  He's been keeping track for a while now. Just in case.  Very smart of him."  He looked at Speed.  "Think Horatio knows?"

"Nope.  Well, maybe now.  Who's the hacker who sent it to Abby?"

"Someone named Webber.  She's fairly famous as being one of the good guys that some cops have went to in the past.  CSI Brown?" he called.  He stepped into the lab. "I thought I had seen you.  Didn't your department work with a hacker named Webber once?"

"I did.  It was mine and Nick's case.  Greg got us in touch with her.  Why?"

"Her?" Phil asked.  Warrick nodded.  "Conjecture?"

"He apparently knew her on sight.  She came out to Vegas for the case, we paid her airfare and for a cheap motel room since it was breaking a major child porn ring.  She teleconferenced with our computer tech.  Never came out of her room but she ate a bunch of pizza.  Greg teased her by calling her a ninja turtle hacker."  He smiled.  "She was good and fast.  I never heard she used it against anyone."

"No, she's known for being one of the good guys," a male voice said from behind him. "Hi.  We have bank theft?"  Their usual Treasury contact, Agent Elliot, smiled at them.  "How close are we and do I have to worry about Horatio biting me this time?"

"He's in New York with Xander, who's injured," Speed told him.  "Calleigh will shoot you though."  He looked at the list again.  "We've got surveillance video from a hacker named Webber. We think she knows Xander."

"How would someone know Greg and Xander, other than Diana?" Warrick asked.  "The first time Greg heard of Xander was during that convention he danced at."

"Not a clue," Speed admitted.  "No one tells me those things, especially not Xander.  He thinks I'll rag on him for it or yell."  He grimaced. "He had a very nice stalkers list however.  Including a few from your end of the world."  Warrick came over to look, nodding at some of the names. "Whoa, back up.  Was that Sam Braun's son?"

"Yeah, major player.  Probably wanted in his g-string."  He kept going.  "Someone is very thorough.  If we get him through chemistry and his profiling classes, he'd be a great asset to any lab."

"That was my thought."  He got handed the CD and handed it down to the treasury agent.  "The surveillance video."

"Thank you.  How did they know to do this?"

"Xander filed a complaint with the SEC before," the SEC agent offered with a small smile.  "It was still being investigated.  He had a very well founded case of 'they stole from me'."

"Can I get that as well?"

"Of course.  Once we're done with them."  He smiled sweetly.  Then he got back to work.  "Yes, that's more than good enough for us," he agreed, printing out what he needed and taking it to put with the lists pages.  He saluted Phil.  "I'm so glad we got to work with you."

"Oh, don't worry, you try to step on our family's toes and I'll bite you," Speed promised, looking totally serious.  "Or we'll let Calleigh shoot you."

"Fair enough.  I'd shoot me too."  He smiled at the treasury agent.  "Have you seen Miss Duquesne yet?"

"No, not yet. I stopped in ballistics but she wasn't down there.  Where is she?"

"Pretending to be Horatio.  Calleigh, Feds in the lab!"

"Another one?  Or the same pimple on the baby's ass?"

"Your buddy."

She came out to the walkway, looking at him.  "Hi, Peter."

He smiled up at her.  "Hi."  He stared, then blinked.  "You're pregnant."

"You're very observant."  She looked at the SEC fed.  "Try to hurt the Xander and we will harm you and make you cry in many ways."

"Of course," he agreed. "He's cooperated beautifully.  Someone even sent us some footage from the bank and his stalker list."

She squealed and rushed down the stairs to come see.

"I would've forwarded it," Speed complained mildly.  She hit him on the arm. "Ow.  Boyfriend abuse is wrong.  Didn't you go through that lecture series?"

"I slept through it.  I figure most boyfriends deserve it for not letting me have the chocolate mousse he was making his son last night."

"That's for Xander and you have one in the freezer."  She beamed and went back to browsing.  Eric leaned in.  "Someone sent over a comprehensive list of stalkers."

"Really?  Xander's or all of them?"

"Just Xander's," Calleigh said, making room for him to see.  "Though it could be most of the ones in the city from the length."

"How long is that?" Eric asked.  He looked at the page count.  "Sixty-three pages?"  She nodded.  "I'm impressed and a bit scared.  At least less than ten percent went super stalker or serial killer."

"True," she agreed happily.  "Maybe even as little as one percent at this font size."  She upped it for easier reading.  "Man, the names on this list are... impressive.  Oh, Speed, Mac and Stella sent a warning.  One of the robotic Xander's went on the block recently.  A techie bought it for eight million to see how it was made.  That doesn't mean some of the people on this list weren't bidding."

"Understood.  Did they say Horatio knows?"

"Yeah, Mac told him.  Also, Don's mom's fine.  It was non-cancerous.  Just a lump."

"Excellent.  We'll have to send her a card."  He smiled and went to do that.

She smiled at the treasury agent.  "So, how is your girlfriend?"

"Okay.  A bit upset at Horatio for having her suspended."

"It happens.  She let the person who was hunting people almost get away with simple assault.  Discounted the trophies of twelve other victims since his current one was alive.  And Xander, Horatio's husband."  She smiled at that.  He moaned.  "Exactly.  Hammra has it.  She's been interviewing all the hunters all day.  Half of them are on this list too."

"So they were probably going to rape him and then kill him?" Warrick suggested.  Eric nodded at that.  "Should we share this?"

"We should."  He called Yelina's phone since she'd be there and she was next to interrogation.  "It's Eric.  Get Hammra down to Trace.  We've got Xander's stalker file and it's got a lot of the same names on it."  He hung up on her swearing.  "She's not a happy woman."

ADA Hammra walked in smiling and happy.  "You have something else I can taunt them with?"  Calleigh let her have her spot at the list.  "Ooooooh."  She shivered and nearly got off.  "I want this."

"Only for this case," Eric warned, looking at her.  "Or else Xander will pout and throw a fit."

"Agreed," she decided.  "And one other.  He murdered his boyfriend and he looked a lot like him."  Calleigh hit the print button for her and it printed out, letting her have whatever she wanted of it.  "I'm so happy!  This is nearly as good as sex."  She walked off humming.

"Someone's going to die," Calleigh said quietly. "Probably by their own hand."  Eric nodded frantically at that.  "Oh, God, now I see why you guys think she taught Satan only half of what she knows."  They nodded, Eric frantically.  "We should go watch," she decided happily. "The baby wants to see someone else cry today," she said at the funny looks.

"This is the only one, right?" Warrick asked. "Because you are a scary woman, Calleigh."

"Thank you."  She walked off, going to watch with Frank and Yelina.  He even brought her in a chair so she could sit with them.  "We just printed off Xander's stalker list for her.  You'd be surprised how many names are in common."

Yelina looked down at her.  "I remember when Ray Jr. made me want to torture and maim."  They shared a smile.

"That's why my wife and I have her cat," Frank noted patiently.  The person in there exploded and started to yell and threw his chair at the window.  "Give it a five.  Clearly faking it in panic."

"Four," Calleigh said.  "Look at the sweat and the scared eyes.  Though, Hammra just sitting there like nothing was going on was very much a eight and a half."

"Agreed," Yelina decided.  "Who else has the list?"

"Speed, the SEC guy since it's going to come back to that investigation.  Eric and I got to read it with Warrick.  Some of them were his too."

She laughed at that. "Those poor Vegas boys are going to yell at us for the paperwork."

"Your choice," Hammra offered him.  "Ten years per hunting incident you went on, thirty for the one you killed on, and the possibility of a civil suit or twelve, or the death penalty for each count of where you went hunting and the certainty of a civil suit.  The choice is yours, all you have to do is cooperate and give me the other names."

He started to cry.  "My wife will kill me," he sobbed.

"I'm going to be talking to her in another four minutes anyway.  She's next on my list.  You've got thirty seconds to decide or I'm going to withdraw the offer."  He looked up at her.  "Tick.  Tick.  Tick," she said slowly and clearly, enunciating fully.

"Fine!  Just keep me away from her."

"Deal.  Now give.  I want every other name you know associated, the higher in the group that arranged it the better."  She slid over some paper and a pen.  "Now."  He started to write.  "While you're doing that, I'm going to go tell your wife that she's going to be electrocuted and have bad hair for an afterlife for her two kills to your one."  He gave her a horrified look.  "Your mistresses I believe.  Cindy and ..."  She checked the file.  "Ah, Bethany."

"Bethany?  No, that's my stepdaughter from my last one."  He looked at it, snatching it from her hand.  "No, not her.  She was so sweet!"  He started to cry again.

"Really?" she asked. "Interesting. Write that down as well."  He sniffled and nodded, going back to it and adding that in at the bottom.  Including victim's names that he knew.  Because he had asked.  She snapped her fingers and two patrol officers walked in.  "Put him in the 'made a deal' group."  She wrote out the details, letting him read it, and nod, signing it like a promissary note.  She handed it to them. "Book him that way.  He'll be taking a plea at his arraignment."  That got a nod and they took him away.  "Boys, he lost his stepdaughter to one.  His new wife hunted her down.  He just found out."

"We'll hand him tissues, ma'am."  He smiled coldly at her, getting a cold smirk and a nod in return.

"Oooh, slam!" Frank said happily, almost wishing he had popcorn.  "If Xander were watching this with us we'd have snacks."

Yelina stood up and went to get something. She did have the nibbles now that he mentioned it.

Frank looked at Calleigh.  "Think she is?"

"Know she is.  Ray's going to bounce and so will Xander.  But Sr. had better hope for a bunker when his son finds out."

"Hmm-uh.  Or when Horatio finds out."  They shared a smirk and nodded.  They'd tell Horatio later when he called to check in.  The next victim was walked in and Yelina came back shortly afterward with popcorn and candy for them.  Plus sodas.  "Thanks, Yelina.  So, when do you take the EPT?"

"I am not," she ground out.

"Girlfriend, that's like me denying it.  You'd better hope Sr. can run really fast when your son and brother-in-law hear.  Then again, Xander and Ray Jr. will bounce together."

"Probably on top of his body until he's paste," Frank said, popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

Yelina sighed.  "I'm not."

"Take the test here, that way you have time to put your gun away and calm down before you drive," Frank ordered. "Get Delko to go pick one up for you."

"Why?"

"I'm sure he has in the past," Frank said prosaically.

"Eric plays very carefully," Calleigh assured him.

"For those witnessing this, you're too loud and your popcorn stinks," Hammra yelled.

"The baby's hungry," Calleigh yelled back.  "She's enjoying it too.  She wants to be just like you."

Hammra smiled at that bit of warm fuzziness.

***

Horatio walked off the plane and saw Frank and Yelina waiting on him, her in handcuffs.  "How bad were you?" he asked.

"I'm keeping her from killing her ex."

"It might not be his," she muttered.

"Excuse me?" Horatio asked calmly.

"Ooooh, a new baby for me to spoil!" Xander squealed, hugging her.  "I'd bounce but it'll hurt!"

Frank handed over the report on who took what.  "From Hammra, Horatio.  We sat there and ate popcorn and watched as she destroyed a good many people."  Horatio smirked at that list.  "Notice how many of the people where hating him before?"

"Not another scandal," Xander moaned.  "I can't be part of that."

"You're not.  They wanted to kill you and were hunting other young heirs and showboys and girls," Horatio offered, giving him a kiss.  "We need to get the bag, Frank."  He nodded, leading them that way while he read.  He let Xander have it while he got their bag from the conveyor belt.  He came back and found Yelina unlocked.  "Where is my brother?"

"Hiding," she said grimly. "I'm not sure if I can handle another one, Horatio."

Xander tugged on her shirt. "Then I have a third child.  It was a wish demon who put it into you."  She hugged him and sniffled some.  "It's all right, Yelina.  I'll love the baby if you can't."  He patted her.  "Now, get off.  I'm already itchy."  She laughed and pulled off. "Back to the station?"

"Yup," Frank agreed.  "Horatio has to sign off on the case files so they can be finalized and deals accepted.  Oh, and Horatio, a woman named Bess called and said to please fry them and she hopes your son is all right?"

"She thinks Xander's that young," he admitted quietly, taking them out to the hummer.  He looked at the front bumper.  "Thank you for having that fixed, Frank."

"Not an issue.  We knew it was a bad day when the chucklehead ran off, but then you had to dent the hummer."  He looked at Xander.  "I hope he broke you of that nasty habit?"

"Yes, he spoiled me and made me pout."

Frank looked at him.  "Did your momma yell at you for being sick?" he demanded loudly.  Xander flinched and nodded, looking down.  "Damn it, why can't we put her away?"

"There's plenty of others, Frank, and I like to stand there and watch them go away even more since I met Xander," Horatio offered.  "Xander, it's all right.  We worked it out, Frank.  If it gets that intense and he feels he has to, he'll warn me and stay local so I can still check on him at least once that day."  Frank sighed and nodded, getting the boy into the front seat.  Horatio made Xander look at him.  "I do understand."  Xander nodded.  "When is Aiden coming?"

"Tomorrow.  Thankfully her old boss really did hate her but couldn't let her go since he couldn't find a replacement."  He buckled up.  "You really dented the hummer?"

"I did."  He started the engine and backed out, heading back to the office.  He frowned, feeling the difference.  "What else did they do, Frank?"

"Someone decided to vacuum and messed with your seat position.  They changed your oil, and they topped up the other fluids for you.  Plus they cleaned it with a toothbrush.  We had rookies down there on probation for stupid shit."

"Ah.  No wonder it feels different and doesn't smell like mint."  He put it in drive and went forward, heading back to the office to do the limited paperwork.  "The bank?"

"The treasury dick who liked Calleigh is waiting on you to get in so he can sign paperwork to get all that back.  They found it all in his house. What wasn't put into an account under his other name."  He tapped Xander on the back of the head.  "We even ate popcorn and had sodas like you would've while Hammra was working, Xander."  He grinned at that and shifted some, then winced.  "Ribs?"  Xander nodded. "You gonna live?"

"Partial healing spell. It fixed my hands.  Now all I've got are thigh cramps, the one cast, and broken ribs, plus the fading bruises."

"At least it'll be done soon," Yelina offered.  "Calleigh told Hammra that the baby wanted to be like her."  Xander beamed at that.  "So, where is this hidden area?"

"Staying hidden," Xander told her.  "It was part of the emergency plans Patrick put into place."  They both nodded at that.  "In both cities."  He grinned.  "Don's coming down with Mom for the building's tenant meeting tomorrow night that's mandatory."

"Is he bringing Messer home?"

"Nope.  Sonny threatened him in open court. The Chief up there said that we're to keep Danny as long as necessary.  They're paying his salary and everything since he's working down here.  Don's coming down with the trial's statements."

"Normally we'd be told it was part of the job," Yelina told him.

"Sonny promised to bomb Danny's house and family.  Mentioned his current family," Horatio offered.  "He said he had a few friends in the Malas who would love to make bombs for him to bomb all of Miami and New York in his honor.  Talked about dirty bombs as well.  The FBI swooped in and tried to take him but the city prosecutor is being stubborn.  They wanted Danny far away from that. Even though he wasn't involved.  They asked Mac how he knew and he said he had searched for the tatoo, that Danny had told him exactly who in his family was in which organization, and that he'd be protected.  That it was an attempt to discredit the lab.  The defense asked about lasering it off.  Mac noted that would leave burn scars, which he didn't have.  He had a cut there, but that was gotten on the job his rookie year, it was in his official file.  He presented a picture of Danny's back from his wallet and the man gave him a horrified look while Mac smirked and said he knew it was going to be pertinent that he have that some day, today was a good day for it to come out."

Xander grinned.  "The defense lawyer stammered and swallowed his tongue for about ten minutes.  Finally the judge looked at him and asked if he was having a stroke and needed medical attention."  Frank laughed at that.  "Sonny went off on a rant about fags and Mac pointed out that he was neither a british term for a cigarette nor a bundle of sticks bound together for a desert fire created most likely by nomads.  If he preferred to use the more vulgar vernacular, what did or did not go up his ass had no effect on his lab performance or how he did his job in the field.  As Sonny very well knew since he had caught him."  Yelina started to snicker too.  "No, no the best part, the bailiff muttered just near enough to Mac's microphone that maybe if Sonny started taking it up the ass he might be smarter too."  They all burst out laughing at that.

"Mac looked at him and said 'while it's never been tested, it may be true.  Someone really should see if intelligence and gayness has a correlation.  Even then some of them would still be whores', and he looked right back at Sonny," Xander said proudly.  "When Stella was called after him and that same sort of question was asked to her she backed it up that she had seen Danny's back on numerous occasions in the locker room and other places and she had never seen indication of a tatoo there.   Besides, his one was in better taste than the ugly Tanglewood one.  When asked if Danny was gay she looked right at him and asked 'why, did you want me to see if you could have a date?'  The judge burst out laughing and called him on it.  Said he wasn't part of the case and wasn't germane to it. To stick to the case, not speculation."  Stella smiled at him and he smiled back.  "He asked her if she had a similar such picture. She said she wasn't in the habit of carrying around semi-naked pictures of coworkers unless it was for evidence.  She dug into her purse and pulled out one of the ADA on the case and said I used to date him but he forced that one on me.  I never got rid of it.  Then she handed it back."

"The judge called it for the day at two," Horatio agreed.  "He went to roll around in his office.  How was Ryan's first case?"

"Messy and nasty," Frank said dryly, smirking some.  "Kinda literally.  Someone stole fertilizer."  Horatio smiled at that.  "Thankfully they've got him in small crimes right now."

"At least until he finishes passing the bar," Xander agreed.  "How is he?"

"Tired," Frank assured him.  "Willow wigged out and he had the kids in his office for a day."

"She's doing a lot of that," Yelina admitted. "Is she pregnant?"

"No, it was a false positive.  She just went off into her mind and didn't come out for a few hours.  That's why he ended up stealing the kids."

"We need to set up a group-wide sitting circle more formally," Horatio noted.  "What happened at the daycare?"

"Eric talked about his dog and one of the girls started to cry because he had lost their dog.  They said it was inappropriate to tell the others about losing Clothes, their dog.  "He's going to start at the religious one Grandma Delko suggested.  They swore up and down to me that they are run by a church but aren't religious.  I pointed out both of his parents are pagan and they said it was fine.  So we're waiting to see how bad that one is.  If not, I'm about to find someone to start a daycare in our homes.  Calleigh will need one when she starts back.  Tia will need some now and then.  Yelina will need one maybe."  Yelina nodded at that.  "We need a good daycare that we can all agree on."

"I like this new one," Horatio offered.

"Yeah, but I'm still scared that some of the other parents are going to start shoving religion down the kids' throats.  Especially since I'm really uncomfortable with some of them.  Is the blessing this Sunday?"  Horatio nodded.  "Is he coming?" Horatio nodded again. "We got the tickets, right?  He knows it's our daughter that she had for us?"

"I paid for them myself," he promised.  "Thank you, Xander."  He reached over to pat his knee.  "Was it shoved down your throat?"

"A lot.  Some of the teachers, some of the other parents in the town.  My parents thought it'd be a great way to get rid of us to send us to vacation bible school, even if it wasn't in our faith and it confused us worse. Then Jesse and I started to see lies and ways that they were ducking questions we asked, especially about things like 'what happened to all the women in the bible'.  Jesse pointed out that there were zillions of men and only four women in the bible and they were either wives or prostitutes.  They agreed with him.  And he pointed at that real women weren't that way so obviously this was a faith that didn't want women around.  Since he thought girls were neat by that time he didn't want to be part of any faith that didn't appreciate women as more than baby makers, sex toys, or mothers.  We walked out and asked a few others.  Sunnydale had 43 churches. None of them could give us the answers we wanted and most of them went off on the other churches and slammed it down our throats that they were right and everyone else was wrong.  Therefore we gave it up and the more we backed away the more people tried to shove it down our throats.  I don't want our kids to end up that same way."

"They'll be allowed to make their own choices, including a Christian faith or not," Horatio reminded him.  "We may be raising Tia Catholic, but that's only until she's old enough to make that decision."

"Which will make her grandmother throw a fit, Horatio.  Can you see Eric's mother or father accepting it if she wants to change to my ways at ten?"

"No," he admitted.  "She could come to us and to her mother."

"Who will probably still throw a fit," Frank noted.  "Eric might be cool with it."  Xander nodded.  "You're not formally Wiccan."

"Nope, borderline.  I'm not quite earthy enough for them."  He shrugged and winced. "Ow, gotta remember my ribs hurt."  Horatio gave his knee another squeeze.  "I'm sorry, this is the one thing I'm going to be watching for, for someone to shove it down their throats like came to me."

"I agree," Horatio assured him. "Faith is a private thing, between you and your God.  You should only tell someone else if they ask.  You should not try to recruit by force.  That's why I'm not disappointed when you don't go with me."  Xander relaxed at that and he shot him a smile. "It'll be fine.   I've talked a great deal with Mrs. Delko and she agrees that all the children can know but she's assuming you're teaching the other faiths and mythologies."

"I am.  I'm taming down the Greek ones right now for Eric because they had a lot more sex than even I do.  Plus some incest."  Horatio smiled at that.  "I may have had a screwed up childhood but thankfully not that."  Horatio nodded, pulling into their home's community and up to the guard shack. The guards looked at them. "What?"

"Mail for you, Mr. Harris."  He pointed at the truck in the way of their driveway.  "Please clean it up and send it off?"

"Can't I just send it off?"

"Whatever.  Just get it out of here."

"Gladly," Xander agreed.  "Did it come with a driver or did I just get an ugly delivery truck?"

"No, it's got a driver.  He's in the cab.  He's a nice guy, just has a crappy job," the second guard offered.  "Also, Mr. Brown is in right now.  He was out walking Percival for you two just a moment ago."

"That's fine.  You might expect Mr. Messer to show up as well," Horatio offered.  That got a nod.  "And various other family members since Xander's back and able to move."

"That's fine, sir.  Thank you."

They nodded and drove on.  Horatio pulled onto the lawn and into the driveway that way, basically parallel parking between the house and the truck.  He got out and Xander got out on his crutches.  He let Frank and Yelina out, nodding at Warrick, then at the truck.  He got a shrug.  "Hello, Percival.  Your boy missed you."  He petted him and pointed.  "Look, the Xander master."  The dog barked and ran over there to bounce around Xander's feet, letting him pet him and play with him, making everyone smile.  "What is it, Xander?" he called at the furious look.

"Horatio, honey, who the fuck was Snearet?"

He shrugged.  "Not a clue.  Let me ask."  He went inside and pulled up the list Speed had sent him.  He had looked at it on Mac's computer.  This time he did a name search and frowned, coming out.  "He's not on your stalker list, Xander."

Xander looked confused, then looked at the driver.  "Are you sure I'm the right Alexander Harris?  I mean, it's a common enough name."

"Yes, sir.  To one Alexander Lavelle Harris I leave everything I have because he is stronger than I am and will withstand the voices that have told me I was wrong.  He'll make the demons of the world disappear and leave his love alone like I couldn't.  I wish him better luck than I had."  He opened the back of the truck and let him see, then watched him sit down suddenly, the dog crawling into his lap to be cuddled.  "I have no idea, sir.  I'm just the delivery guy."

"Where is Mr. Snearet from?" Warrick asked.

"England."  He handed Xander a copy of the will, getting a growl from the boy and the dog for it. "Sorry, sir."

"Fucking Watchers!" he shouted.

"Calm down, Xander. You still have broken bones."  Horatio took the letter.  "Inside, Percival.  Wait on your boy inside."  The dog went inside, sitting in the doorway.  "Good boy."  He helped Xander up, handing him his crutches, then he read the will over.  "He was," he agreed.  He looked in the truck, then blinked.  "That's a chemistry lab.  Some very old equipment in a chemistry lab."

"I got a D in chem," Xander complained.  One of the guards came over and looked.  "Remember the last idiots that broke in?"  The guard smiled and nodded. "One of them paid me back by leaving me his crap."

"Put it in storage."  He shrugged. He looked at Horatio.  "By the way, Speed said you forgot to come in.  He's bringing it out here for you to sign."

"Thank you.  That is a good idea.  Where is the nearest storage area?"

"Broughton," he offered.  He even pointed the way.  "Want us to call?"

"Please," Horatio agreed quietly, looking at the driver.  "Would that be all right with you?"

"Easy as unloading it here."  He let Horatio have the clipboard.  "Have him sign it please."  He nudged Xander and let him sign it, then he read over the contents list. "I know, some of it's ancient.  Not a computer or a plug anywhere."

"Xander, go sit inside," Horatio ordered at the quiet whimper.  "Go inside, Xander."  Xander nodded and hopped that way, going to sit with the dog.  The guard laughed at that. "He took Percival to obedience class.  Our son answers to them now and then too."  He handed back the clipboard, taking their copies of everything.  "Thank you for being so understanding."  He saw another car pull into another driveway and park.

"If I can ask, who painted the hummer pink, sir?"

"It was left to me in bad taste," Horatio offered.

"I understand, sir.  Looks like a practical joke to me."

Speed nodded. "Us too.  We know some Marines who say that they're not man enough to drive that monstrosity."  The guard leaned against the truck to laugh.  "Truth. Mac did."  He looked inside. "That's ancient. I had more updated stuff in high school."  Horatio handed over the will.  "Hmm, idiots in Britain.  Again.   Someone will have to tell Willow."  He handed it back.  Then he waved his papers. "You have to sign all these within the next hour."  Horatio took them and the pen, sitting on the back of the truck to do that while the details were finalized.  Speed went with the delivery driver once the guards got it set up, taking Horatio's wallet with him.  Horatio went to fax the paperwork back to the office from inside, signing the last few things.  Then Xander had to sign a few and send them back.  They played fax tag for the rest of that hour.  Then Eric came out with a large box in the back of his car, sealed with crime lab tape.  Speed came back with the receipt and Horatio's wallet. They set the box in front of the stunned boy and dog and went into the kitchen to work on dinner while the rest of the family drove over.

Xander leaned forward to look at the tape.  "Ryan was into it?"

"There was a discrepancy from the lists you made and what the bank had listed," Eric called. "Ryan had your updated list."

"Oh.  I hope you didn't pull him out of work."

"Nope.  He had a migraine.  Counting things calmed him down."  He came out to look at Xander, then at Horatio.  "It had been in bigger bills but the guys there cashed it out."  Xander winced at that.   "We were thinking about changing it out for a cashier's check but the Treasury guy said he wanted to see Xander's face."

"As would I.  Tell me that's not all money," Horatio requested quietly.

"Well, they did take it out of hundreds and a few bank-only thousand dollar bills," Eric offered dryly.  "It's in twenties."  That got an evil look.  "Some of it's papers."

"I see.  Xander, would you like my pocket knife?"

"Can we go to the park?  Feed the squirrels?"

"No, Xander.  Open the box," Horatio ordered, knowing why Xander was stalling.  He went to his office, pulling down Xander's account books.  He saw the updated figures from Ray from that afternoon and had to sit down.  "Xander!"  He came to the door.  "Did someone do it again?"

"Yup.  Not my idea."  He went back to staring at the box and petting his dog.  Marisol and Tia came in and he stole his daughter to cuddle, getting a baby noise.  But he was happy and the dog liked to sniff her and lay on his cramp.  It was nice.  He fell asleep that way.

Horatio came out, staring at him.  "That won't save you," he noted.  Speed and Eric both cracked up at that.  "Box's contents?" Eric handed it over and drug his sister and Speed back into the kitchen.  He looked at it, staying calm until he could go outside and vent and scream.  Eric came running and hugged him.  "I'm all right, son.  Only a bit frustrated," he said, smiling at him.  "Your father and sister are curled up together, but you may not crawl onto his chest or his bad leg.  They've both got booboos, all right?"  Eric nodded and went to lay on his stomach, wiggling between the back of the couch and Percy's back.  He sighed in pleasure, one hand on his sister's foot, the other across his father's waist, his head listening to his father's stomach gurgle.  Horatio smiled and took a picture to spread around.

Di walked up behind him.  "He said 'Daddy 'Oro mad at Daddy' and ran out of the house, nearly over Taylor," she said, patting him on the back. "What's in the box?"

"The stuff that was stolen from Xander's safety deposit boxes.  They turned the cash into smaller bills," he offered, leading her into the kitchen.

"Horatio, I don't know what to tell you."

"I'll take him to the bank again tomorrow, Horatio.  Just like the first time I did when we got him back," Speed promised. Horatio nodded at that.  "Did he say why he had that much money in there?  Even though the SEC guy said it was a good idea for when the bank was shut down electronically."

"Medical costs and the next ransom."  He continued to stare at the box, then he decided his husband had the right idea.  He carefully shifted Xander up and let him rest his head in his lap, stroking through his hair.  "Eric, any idea who this came from?"

"Ryan does."

"Where is Mr. Wolfe?"

"The Honorable Judge Wolfe went to yell at his wife," Speed offered.  "She went off into lala land again this morning and he had to have the kids in his office, Horatio."

"We were talking about needing a family-wide daycare on the way back," Frank offered. "Hey, Marisol, you could do that."

"I could," she agreed, smiling at him.  "Some of the older children would adore that.  I'm not licensed however."

"That's not that hard to get," Eric offered. "I'm sure we could find you a spot and pay enough for each kid to pay the rent on it."

"That would mean Xander could maybe go back full time," Speed said dryly.

"With his leg, it's going to be weeks before he's ready to run, much less swim," Eric assured him.  "He looks like he's cramping."  Horatio nodded at that. "Why?"

"It's right under the dog's chin. No idea why.  I'll work on it later."  He went back to staring at the box.  "Don and Aiden are coming down tomorrow."  That got some smiles.  "Maybe I'll make Don open it."

"Um, Horatio, turn to the third page of the list," Eric said, then he scurried away and hid.

Horatio looked then blinked.  Then he sighed and balled it up, getting a happy dog who went to chase it.  "Good boy."   He threw it again and Percy was very good at fetch. Di bounced out his ball and Percy got that, letting her take the contents list.  "Di, Greg has burns on his back."

"I talked to him, Horatio."

"He's coming down for a few days during spring break," Warrick offered.  Horatio looked at him.  "He's a horny brat, Horatio.  Of course he's going to stare at the bikinis."

"He can have those any time," Di reminded him, going to call him and make him come down sooner.  She uncrumpled the list so she could look through it, staring in awe at the money. "I thought he was pouring money back into the foundation."

"He was," Horatio called quietly.  "Diana."  She sighed and brought it back.  He kissed her on the cheek.  "He is."

"Um, Horatio, he's hyped the Foundation a lot," Speed offered.  He went to get that book and show it to him.  Horatio stared at it then him.  "I don't know.  Cheline won't tell me.  But she did just get a promotion."

"Who?"

"Not a clue," Speed assured him. "Ask His Royal Majesty Ryan or Don."

"Or maybe Danny.  He was working on something with Phil recently," Eric reminded him.

"That was one of the bunny paper killers who decided they were a cute and strong couple for having caught him.  They missed the deadline so it's going in front of a judge. The families want some of it."

"Xander said he didn't care as long as he didn't have to see it."

"Danny said the same thing.  He and Xander both talked to the judge over it. The judge got reminded that Xander was nearly his last victim and Danny pointed out Xander had money and didn't need any more.  The judge thought that was thoughtful and split it up among the families of the other known victims.  Danny came in smiling and happy," Speed reminded him.  Eric nodded, remembering that day. It had only been yesterday.  He looked at Horatio, who was still staring at the box.  "Let me see if Phil knows."

"He broke out swearing and stomped off," Frank offered.

"Which means he might know.  Some of that could have been from the last ransom," Eric said suddenly.  "The swim meet one."

"Yeah," Speed agreed.  "There was enough in the box then for that ransom."  He called Phil, putting him on speaker.  "Phil, who do we have to shoot about the contents of the box?"

"Xander. It may be the only way to stop it from happening again."

"What again?"

"Well, one and a half of that was his originally.  He put that in there for ransoms and just in case of emergencies."

"Okay, I remember him saying he did that out of one of the auctions."

"Exactly.  Then there's the Freid bequeath.  Then there's a bequeath from Toddly.  Then there's the Frikenez one.  Then there's the Martinez one that made his wife cry.  Xander told her to please take it back, begged her, and she slapped him for it.  Said he dishonored her husband's memory and no wonder she hadn't been enough in bed.  There was the Coates.  There was the Brunsk one.  That was troublesome.  It was another killer, a sniper, who was supposed to kill Horatio.  He saw Xander and liked him too much to kill Horatio.  He nearly killed me a few times for bothering Xander."  Speed moaned.  "Then there were three other auctions.  Two of which Mac Taylor oversaw for him.  One of which I think Messer oversaw but I can't be sure.  She insists on having someone she can see to talk to if something comes up.  He's basically paying them a little bit for that.  Most of those are auction proceeds.  A few were cash bequeaths.  One was another sports car.  Do remind Caine he's got to do something about the vehicles soon because of the tax laws.  By the first of the year or pay full taxes on them.  Also, have him take his to Xander's tax guy.  I like him.

"Hmm.  Oh, and the jewels came from another source in the same deluded family.  He apparently decided Xander was a family curse that was spreading.  He saw a tape of him, one of the porn ones I think, and he's hooked now.  He followed his ancestor and cousin's footsteps and went over to the other side.  He had no relatives.  They all distanced themselves from him for his strange tastes.  That auction is coming up I think.  The will was just probated.  Anything that's probated in New York he lets one of them go to for him so he doesn't have to come out of the house and deal with this.  The last one he started to scream 'I don't want it, just leave me alone'," he said flatly, "and it got really bad and embarrassing.  They had to sedate him he was so hysterical.  Stella was with him that time.  He needed a bodyguard and he rented her on her day off with the promise of something in a Tiffany's box.  She got something very pretty when he woke up enough to take her.  He was distraught enough to want to jump off somewhere very high to make it stop."  He took a sip of something.  "She talked him back down and called Don's father to have him watch Xander while she went to get Danny and bring him to the hotel he was staying at to calm him back down.  Apparently Messer is like his big brother most of the time?"

"Pretty much.  They're like our step-family at times, with some of the Vegas lab now and then."

"Good.  It's good he's got more family.  Ah, here it is.  That last one is still to be auctioned off.  Next month.  Interestingly enough we found out from Patrick Benis's journal, that Ethan lent me, that he had this same problem right after he was turned.  It lasted for four years and then suddenly quit.  That's how he got his sire.  We're not sure if it was before but Ethan did trace a number of gifts in his name at his death."

"Interesting," Speed agreed.  "Any idea why it ended?"

"Patrick's book said something about the family being built stronger this way?  I'm not sure, I don't deal with that. You'd have to ask Ethan for it."

"I will be later. Anything else?"

"Yeah, the underground here is seriously pouting that Xander hasn't been in wearing his usual clothes.  Make him tomorrow when you guys drag him in for his own safety."

"He's on crutches and has an air cast."

"So?  Put him in shorts.  Or as one of the officers pouted, put him in gay cabana boy shorts and a sinfully tight t-shirt."

Speed snorted at that.  "Sure.  I'll see if he's got any.  How did you know we were bringing him in?"

"There's more paperwork and Caine is much too possessive to let him out of his sight until he's well.  Especially with the death threats made in New York.  I doubt Messer's going to make it out of the lab either."

"Yippee.  Anything else we should know?"

"Nope.  Want it in fax form or did you make notes?"

"I made notes, man.  Thanks."  He hung up and walked it out to hand to Horatio then went back to see if any of that was in the cabinet drawer.  He found one drawer with a new label in Ray Jr.'s handwriting, smirking and opening it.  "Ray Jr. made a whole drawer of wills that mentioned Xander and Horatio," he called.  Horatio came in to snoop.  Because Xander never told him anything.  Speed went back to the kitchen to check on things.  Eric and Marisol gave him 'so' looks.  "Wills. Plural."

Marisol moaned. "Again?"

"Ethan gave Phil Patrick's journals and right after he was turned he had a similar problem for about four years."  Horatio walked into the kitchen.  "He said he didn't understand it, you'd have to ask Ethan.  Oh, and he's got more paperwork to do tomorrow so he's got to come in.  They wanted you to dress your boy up or else there might be mass pouting."

"I'll try."  Di squealed and went to find something to dress her boy slutty.  He moaned.  "He doesn't need that."

"He does, Horatio.  All the attention he gets makes you guys stronger."

"Which was what Phil got out of the journals," Speed offered.  "Oh and there's one left.  The New York crew knows more than they let on.  Cheline's been going through Mac and Stella for that stuff.  Stella went with him to one will reading and had to sedated him.  Kept him from jumping off somewhere high to make it stop too.  Had Don's father watch him."

"I noticed they were very friendly.  The last I knew, Don's father hated Xander."  He went back to his snooping.  He found the file marked 'INDEX' in all caps.  He pulled it out since it was in his brother's handwriting.  They had summarized them all, including who went and whether or not Xander threw a hysterical fit, their phrasing.  The further down he got the more that column had a check.  The last few it was noted that Xander didn't go.  There was one listed as 'ongoing' and it stated that Mac had it.  He called Mac's cell, getting a panting man. "Sorry to intrude, but wills and auctions that I wasn't told about seem to be going on behind my back?" he demanded.  Stella took the phone and told him everything in a few terse sentences then hung up on him.  He growled and sat down to go over those again.  "Speed?"

"The ongoing one is from *that* family, Horatio.  The one with the decree.  They've decided it's a family curse that's contagious.  He was disowned and they won't take even pictures of him," Danny called.  He leaned into the office.  "Hi.  Mac growled at me to come fix you on my way here.  So, what's up?"  The list was held up.  "Yeah, when Xander started to try ta jump off somewhere high and started ta go in drugged we stepped in so you kept him.  The local ones have mostly been Ryan.  He considered it good training.  We've done what we can to make them go away and leave your boy alone.  Won't work but we've tried.  He begged one woman to please take it back, that he hadn't known her husband, much less slept with him.  She slapped him and said it dishonored his memory to deny his wishes."

"I see."  He went back to reading. "This new one?"

"Not a hope in hell.  The judge is declaring it a family curse brought onto them by the first one for liking boys.  Especially stripper boys. Mac and Cheline talked to the guy together and they're not even leaving pictures of him. They're burning everything of him in the way of pictures or they're cutting him out if they're important ones. They think it's some demon that infected the family.  They've sent one of the daughters over to school under Mac's careful watch to make sure she doesn't pick it up too.  Only daughter in the family.  He introduced her to a few very nice cops with families from her family's region, I don't remember where, and they've hit it off.  She likes one of their sons.  It's considered a sign that it may not take them all.  Only some sons.  Both so far have been lesser sons, not the direct heirs."

"Wonderful.  Any others coming?"

"There's one young one they're watching because he's gay but we got told confidentially that he likes blonds.  Wants to date a man like Thor and be a bottom slut for him."  Horatio smiled slightly at that.  "So she may have broken the family curse.  Unless she names the boy after him.  That's now a firm rule in the family. His names, your name, all our names, are stricken and forbidden in the family.  Her future husband is a Thomas so that's okay so far."  Horatio relaxed some.  "The only problem is that this son is a hacker."

"Which we've recently seen Xander have ties to a few of," Horatio admitted dryly.

"Could've met that way I suppose.  As long as the wedding goes off, she'll be fine, and Mac warns her whenever we know Xander might be coming to town so she can't go anywhere near him.  Xander agreed to that stipulation and lets us make sure of it.  He definitely doesn't want blamed for bringing down the family."

"Thank you.  He's been paying you?"

"He said it's like a second job, we deserve it."  He shrugged. "Mac protested the first two times.  Xander spoiled Stella with another blue box of stuff from the good place that makes her go off when she walks in the door."  Horatio smiled at that. "Mac said the sore back wasn't worth it really."  He leaned on the doorframe.  "So, anything else you wanna know?"

"What about Ryan?"

"He protested too but I think Willow made him take it anyway.  Said it was like handling a legal matter for him so it was only right he paid him.  Said it'd hurt his feelings and then Xander would pout at her and make the kids pout at them both. Oh, and no, you can't place one of those in my neck.  Thanks anyway."  He went to help in the kitchen, looking at Ryan. "Your turn, sparky."

"Not with the day I've had.  Anyone have any idea why Willow would just suddenly start staring into space?"

"Visions," Speed called.  "Can't prove it though."

"I'll keep that in mind," he decided, shaking his head.  "We're going to have to hire a nanny for when she goes to school anyway.  That way we don't have to fight about daycares."

"Xander and Horatio think we need a family daycare," Marisol offered.

Ryan nodded.  "It's about the only thing that would make the pagan element calm down about some things and Mrs. Delko calm down about the rest.  Who were they thinking?"  Marisol raised her hand.  "Well, you'd get time with Tia then."  She giggled at that and swatted him. "Really.  Xander's back now, even limping.  Did you plan on having her tomorrow?"

"I'll take all the kids tomorrow, Ryan," Xander said from the couch.  Eric cheered at that.

"You're needed to do some paperwork," Speed ordered.

"Yay."  He sat up and looked at him.  "Can't they fax it?"

"Your underground wants to see you.  Preferably in shorts that make them drool and blush," Eric told him.

"I can watch them until you can get done," Marisol offered.  "I have to go to the doctor's at two."

"I should be done by then," he agreed. "Probably by lunch."  She nodded, accepting that with a smile.  "We'll figure it out, Marisol.  That way you're not the commune mommy figure."  She smiled at that.  "Or your mom."  He looked at the rest of his family then at the box.  "Why didn't it disappear?"

"Because it's still not a figment of your imagination," Ryan said plainly.  "Has Willow ever spaced out that way before?"

"Yes, she's usually working on something mentally.  Last time I nearly died; she did it during a spell to float me."  Ryan moaned.  "Ask her what she's thinking so hard about. She'll blurt it out."

"Wonderful."  He went to talk to his wife.

Xander looked down at the sleeping baby. "Let's let you try out your new crib, Tia."  He wiggled free and hobbled up the stairs, checking the nursery.  A few things had shifted.  "Who tried to repaint?"

"One of the stars fell off," Di called.  "I had to repair a small section, Xander."  He huffed but let it be and put her onto her back in the crib.  Tia woke up and blinked at him.  She cooed and played with his finger, then drifted back off.  He smiled and left her up there.  "It okay?"

"It's got a line but it matches.  I'm not mad."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Nothing that'll get me arrested, Di, please."  She smiled at that. "Please?  Remember, people have to still respect Horatio."

"Fine, no leather, no lamme.  Noting like that."  He sighed and went to grab his crutches for balance and hopped into the office.  She closed the door with a giggle.  "They're talking."

"Dinner in twenty," Speed yelled.

Horatio looked up as Xander hopped in and straddled his lap.  "Are you sure you're not too sore?"

"Only my thigh is cramping."  Horatio worked on it one-handed.  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was trying to ignore it and make it all be a figment."

"I heard about you nearly jumping off somewhere high on me.  Are you really like that or was that a momentary thing?"

"I was hysterical."

"Good.  Then we can keep you from that.  I agree with having a proxy but you couldn't find a lawyer to send it back?"

"I went to one, he said there was no way except to contest and the judicial system wasn't set up to handle people protesting they got too much.  I've signed some of them back over to the families when they started to protest.  At most of them I pointed out I had no idea who in the hell their loved ones were, or why they were naming me.  It got me some evil looks but I panicked at a few and begged them to take it back.  That's when the first sedation came.  Then he handled another with my name in it and suggested I bring someone with me this time since I was prone to hysterics.  I told him why and he agreed it was odd but apparently they liked me.  I don't know why or care why but they do.  They decided I could handle this with someone with me.  Then, when Stella had to stop me, they went to them instead of me.  I started paying them for their time to go.  It gives them about another eight hundred each thing."  Horatio smiled at that.  "More if it's an intense auction that takes a lot of meetings and things.  Mac usually handles those because it's so much paperwork and he's got my official power of attorney when I'm not in the city.  Cheline had me sign one naming him, then Stella and/or Don, then Danny because he said it was too much work.  It's only for the auction house and the more intense they are, the more I spoil them.  I got Mac a new sword like the one he wanted of mine for the last one plus his fee."

Horatio smiled and hugged him to him.  "That was very nice of you.  I'm sure they appreciate it.  Phil did say Patrick had a similar problem."

"Ethan hinted at that.  Said it lasted four years.  When is our fourth anniversary?"

"This December."  He took a kiss.  "Did you want to do something extra special?"

"Only if they stop.  When they stop I want to make it our third anniversary."

"All right."  He saw the wince and got back to work on Xander's thigh.  "There?"  Xander nodded, resting his head on his shoulder. "Any idea why these happen?"

"The pain from lower is keeping me off it and it's an unfamiliar way of walking according to the nurses."   Horatio hummed in his ear.  "Tia loves her nursery.  Went right back to sleep."

"Good."  He smiled and took another kiss when the door opened and Eric stuck his head in.  "What?"

"Food?"

"Coming."  He helped Xander off his lap and handed him back his crutches, walking behind him.  He went up to check on Tia, turning on the baby monitor and bringing the rest downstairs.  He put it in the middle of the table, making Marisol quit worrying.  "She's happy and content.  She's sleeping and trying to smile."

"I still think it's for more older children but if she likes it I don't mind so much," she decided.  "Horatio, someone brought up a point.  Ryan's decided to hire a nanny and we like the idea of the whole family going to the same daycare.  What if we all chip in to do that?"  She ate a bite of dinner.

"That is one way we could go," he agreed.  "Would one person be able to handle Eric and Toddy, plus the babies is the bigger one."

"Eric and Toddy can drive even me to a nap," Xander pointed out.  "Besides, we'd have to decide on them."  That got some nods.  "Plus get Calleigh to agree?" he asked her.

"We'll have to plan on that when I go back to work," she agreed. She dug into her dinner.  "By the way, our kid wants to Hammra when she grows up.  She was kicking up a storm while we watched her go evil on all the hunters.  A few surprises, Horatio.  Some of them were hunting their mate's former stepkids or their stepkids on the side.  We found evidence of over forty hunts here and in Vegas in the desert."  Warrick nodded at that, chewing.  "Their DA and Hammra worked it out so those who only hunted in Vegas went out there.  We called them up like it was a new hunt, asked them if they'd like to go, monitored who paid, then who boarded the flight.  In a few cases, someone else was paying.  It gave us a wider pool.  Brass flew down on the chartered plane and read everyone their rights once they took off."  He smirked at that.  "Most of them cut deals."

"Excellently done, team," he praised.  "Any still in the wind?"

"Two," Eric noted. "One who paid for someone to go once.  Not sure why.  One of the hunters is off on a real safari supposedly.  We've turned him into the FBI and Immigration so they could have him picked up there or on his way back into the country.  We've also kept them pretty much out of contact when we could.  Their lawyers yes, social circle no.  We know at least one leaked, probably to him."

"Interestingly enough, it was someone in LA who paid for that one," Warrick offered.  "A law firm known as Wolfram and Hart?"  Xander choked, letting Horatio pat him on the back.  "You know about them?"

"Law firm for hell," he gasped, grabbing his water to sip.  He looked at Speed.

"Angel's enemies," he said, nodding once.  He looked at Warrick.  "I thought I knew the name from somewhere.  They're literally the law firm for hell.  All the demons and bad things out there?  They represent them, make the deals, earn the extra money from it. They've got offices all over the world and they're evil, Warrick."  He stared at him.  "Seriously.  Which one?"

"Layla?  Something like that."

"Lilah Morgan?" Speed asked.   Warrick nodded.

"Angel's number two enemy," Xander said now that he was back under control.  "Up and coming in Wolfram and Hart.  Ruthless bitch.  I can put you in touch with Angel to see if he can help you."  Warrick smiled at that and nodded.  "Is she ours or yours?"

"Ours."

"Even better.  I'd rather let Wolfram and Hart be somewhere else far, far away."  He sat up suddenly.  "Willow. We need to check her to make sure it's not tampering magic."  Speed raised an eyebrow.  "We do."

"We can.  I can have Ethan check."

"We need to talk to Ethan anyway," Xander said dryly.  "Apparently this gifting stuff happened to Patrick."  He looked at Horatio.  "Can we go over after dinner?"

"If you want.  Are you sure?  The kids will still be here."

"They'll still be here when we get back too," he said firmly, making both Delkos laugh.  He looked at Horatio. "Where did you put the stuff for my locker?"

"In the back of the hummer. I plan on washing it first, Xander."

"Oh.  Okay.  I'll let you be kinky and do the laundry."  He grinned at him, making Horatio blush and moan.  He got up to hop over to the phone but Horatio stood up and pulled him back into his seat. "I was going to warn Ethan."

"We can show up over there.  Remember, he's got a teenage slayer in his house now."

"Hmm, Mary Eileen.  Not a happy camper the last time I saw her.  Okay."  He dug back in again, smiling at his son, who was pouting.  "We will get to play with Tia all tomorrow afternoon, and probably Toddy and Lizzy too.  Will you help the daddy with the babies?"  He nodded and gave him a smile for being thought such a big boy.  "Good boy."  He went back to eating.

"I still can't believe the magic and demon stuff is real," Warrick complained.  Xander called over the phone and handed it to him.  "How in the hell...."

"Too much magic in the house," Speed said firmly.

"I only floated over the phone.  Not like I was changing channels by accident again, dad."  He took the phone and called Ethan.  "We're coming over after dinner."  He hung up and called Greg, getting a grumpy person.  "When are you coming out?  Because there's a spa down here that helps me bleach out my many scars and since you're pouting about your scars I'll treat you to it.  Besides, this way I have someone to help me pick out new music since no one in the family does much goth."  He smiled. "Please?  Beg Grissom?  Tell him I'm giving Warrick a contact to get one of the other scumbags?  Because otherwise I'll go insane...er.  Yeah, and we've still got the one auction and they want me there in person, Greg. No, I'm presently limping.  Broken femur an inch above my knee, bad thigh cramps, broken ribs.  Multiple bruises.  They wanted to hunt me.  I was their last victim."  Greg yelled that at someone named Brass, who came running. He repeated that and that Xander had a contact for one of the ones they were missing.  Brass said something about Warrick, and Greg pointed out Xander was already on injury leave and it was *that* Xander.  Stripper Xander. Brass moaned and told him to switch out with Warrick.  Xander smiled.  "Great.  When?"  He looked at Warrick.  "Brass said to tag out with Greg on this."

"That's fine.  Greg could use some vacation time to pull himself back together again.  That way he quits growling at people.  Can I get that contact tonight?  I can head out tomorrow afternoon, which means he can get down here sometime tomorrow. I'll even hand him my rental keys."

"Why?  We've got eight spare cars," Horatio told him.  "Please, let him drive one."

Warrick looked at him. "I'm not man enough to drive the pink hummer either, Horatio." Xander giggled at that.  "Give me the phone."  He took it and went to talk to Greg outside, getting a much happier tech.  He came back in.  "He'll be here in the morning, Grissom agreed, he could use the time off.  Keep him for a week, Horatio.  Grissom's orders."

"That's fine.  I'm sure if he wants to work I can find something for him to help with around the office.  If not, Xander could probably use the help."  He smiled at him. "You know we hate to see you go."

"Yeah, but can you imagine Grissom's pout if you poached me?"  He grinned at him and patted him on the shoulder before sitting down again.  "You know very well any time we get a case that crosses over, you're our favorite working vacation spot.  Same as it is for New York."  Danny nodded at that.

Don walked in.  "We're here!  We're magnificent."

"Are you a Lockhart?" Xander called.

"Unclie DON!" Eric squealed, running over to hug him.  "Granma too!"  He hugged her hard enough to cut off her airway.  "Come eat with Eric!"  He drug them back in there.

"We're early. Sorry, guys."

"Not a problem.  The condo's noisy without your games and snoring," Danny assured him. "Don't I get a hug, Grandma?"  She punched him on the shoulder before hugging him, making him smile. "Love you too, Aiden.  When are you coming back?"

"I've decided to go medical but I'm torn right now between Miami and New York."  She looked at the table.  Xander got pulled into Horatio's lap, freeing up one seat.

"Calleigh, I'll offer since Speed hasn't," Warrick teased.  She blushed and kicked him under the table, shaking her head. "Marisol?"

"No thank you, Warrick. You're much too much a player for me. It would be like sleeping with my brother."

"Oooh, direct hit," Speed taunted.

"I am not," Eric pouted.

"Eric, triplets," Frank reminded him.  Eric blushed at that.

"Marisol, I've never been that bad," Warrick offered.

"Please, I heard about your two dates in one night night," Don snorted, picking Marisol up and putting him into her lap.  "There.  It's comfy and I'm single so it won't upset anyone.  Warrick's rarely single."  She gave him a look, then kissed him.  He blinked at her.  "My, you're a bit forward.  Taking lessons from Stella?"

"Shut up."  She kissed him again and he grinned.  "No you're not single."

"Damn it.  Stella's not here to pay up," Danny complained.

Eric gaped at him, then at his sister.  "Excuse me?"

"Man, your sister's scary when she hunts," Don assured him.  "She started to hunt and I had to fall at her dainty toes.  Besides, you know I'm good to whoever I'm dating."

"Uh-huh. And what does our mother think of this?"

"Your mom loves Don," Xander reminded.  "Nags him more than me to eat."

"That's different than liking him as her boyfriend."  She stabbed him on the hand with a fork.  "Ow!  Shrew!"  He went to wipe his hand off under the water.  "I take it Momma and Poppi know?"

"Poppi does.  He likes Don.  Calls him steady and sensible."  She looked at Don.  "Momma wants to meet you formally."

"I'm down all weekend."  He kissed her on the cheek. "Eat, my woman.  Before I have to go caveman and tie you up to make you eat."  She blushed and dug in.  "I wasn't trying to suggest that way," he muttered in her ear.  "But if you wanna try...."   She swatted him.  "Eric, she and I have been talking and seeing each other whenever I'm in town for the last four months now."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because you were involved in Xander's swimming and all that stuff.  Besides, I was making sure it was something first."

"One of you is going to have to move, which?" Horatio noted.

"We're still working on that," Don admitted.  "We don't want to steal Tia from all her family but my dad will throw city-wide fits and get others involved if I move down here full time."

"But the switching thing is still going," Danny reminded him.  "That means you can be together and move for half a year each."  He ate a bite.  "Want something?"

"Nah, we ate on the plane.  Mari?"  She looked at him and blushed.  "Like that idea?"

"I do, plus you'd be closer for Xander and the rest of the family down here when something happens.  Horatio had to call around when he disappeared from the hospital at three in the morning."

"Yeah, we heard about that."  He glared at Xander. "It was fixed."  He moaned and nodded.  "Good."

"Mommy, someone Watchery left me some really ancient chemistry stuff," he complained.

"Super ancient, nothing has plugs," Speed agreed. She stared at him. "I helped him unpack and told him what shouldn't be put on top of other things. One of the Watchers left him his chemistry lab.  Talked about voices in his head too."

"Wonderful.  What are we doing with it?"

"You want it?" Xander offered.  "Take it, anyone, please, Goddess."  They all smiled at that and nodded.  They'd break it up between the labs and home labs.  "Whatever you guys don't want I'm giving to Greg."

Warrick looked at him. "That's a dangerous threat."

"So?"  He shrugged.  "Should we go pick up Greg?"

"He'll call when he's got a flight time and number," Warrick promised.

"I don't know about Xander, but I'm loving the chartered flight thing," Don admitted.  "It's expensive as hell, but yay.  It's comfy. I can actually stretch out on a flight and not cramp up in the seats."  Aiden nodded.

"How expensive is that?" Danny asked.

"Mucho," Aiden assured him.

"The time I drugged Tim and sent him to Sunnydale it was about twenty-four grand," Xander offered.  Horatio spluttered. "And did Timmy forget to go this year?"  Tim shook his head.  "Why was that?"

"Xander banished my ass back there with my girlfriend's help."  They both smiled and nodded. "So, when do I get to quit going?"

"When I'm a grandfather or you are."

"Eric not want babies, babies icky," Eric told them.  Everyone stared at him. "Granmma Delko say Eric give her great-grandbabies and daddy grandbabies some day.  I tell her no, babies icky.  They make nasty poos and things.  Even sister, who is sister and not a baby," he said with a glare for his Uncle Eric.  "You wrong!"

"Technically, anyone that young, even a sister or a brother, is a baby," Xander told him.  "To everyone else she's a baby, to you she's a sister.  It's that extra special relationship between you that makes her less icky."  His son frowned at him.  "Really.  You used to be that small way long time ago."  Eric pouted.  "Remember, to you she's your sister, to everyone else she's only cute."

"All babies cute?"  Xander nodded. "Okay, so sister baby to others but to me she sister?"  Xander nodded again, smiling at him for that.  "Fine."  He dug in again.  He looked at his Uncle Eric.  "You only half wrong," he stated, then stuck his tongue out.

"Tongues only handle food, son," Di said firmly.

He went back to eating, smiling at Granmma.  He loved his Granmma Aiden.  She played fun games. "Daddy go see Efan.  We play?"

"Sure, we'll play with Tia even.  It's never too young to teach her how to have fun and be cute."  He beamed at that and nodded.  "Where is my other grandchild?"

"In her nursery," Xander said.

She scamped up to the nursery and looked around.  "Xander, honey," she called into the baby monitor.  "Who did you have decorate?"

"Me," floated up the stairs. "I like it, climb off my decorating skills or else I'm going to help Uncle Don spank you.  Again."

"No, I think it's cute.  It's very Goth.  That Abby girl would probably love this."  She checked on Tia, finding her sucking on her knuckles.  "Ahh, you're so precious."  Tia shifted and let out a small moan. "Pretty girl, just like your momma."  She smoothed down some hair and went back downstairs.  "She's adorable, Marisol.  Think she'll keep the dark hair?"

"We don't know. She might end up a redhead like her father but half of his family has dark hair too.  I'm hoping she has his eyes and chin."  She added more food to her plate and nudged Don with her elbow when he laughed. "I'm hungry.  I've helped Momma all day."

Eric took the phone, calling home. "Momma, Marisol told you Xander and Horatio are back, right?  That we're snacking over here?"  He smiled.  "I thought so.  No, Aiden and Don are in too."  He looked at him.  "When's that meeting tomorrow?"

"Eight."  He looked at her.  "When's your appointment?  Two?"  She nodded, smiling at him.  "How about we have an early dinner with your parents, my treat, and you get to be pretty and beautiful for it?"  She smiled at that.  "Eric? That good with her?  It'll give your mom a night off from the stove and fridge."

"Momma, he wants to take you both out for an early dinner tomorrow.  That way you don't have to cook for a night, momma.  Yes, that's a nice thing. Of course he loves your cooking."

Don took the phone. "I love Marisol's cooking and since you taught her of course I already love yours, but every mother needs time off from the kitchen, Momma.  Even mine.  My father's having to learn to cook after thirty-four years of marriage thanks to Ma just getting out of the hospital.  No, I had to be down here anyway for a tenant's meeting at my condo.  Tomorrow at eight.  So, since she's got an appointment at two, I was thinking an early dinner, say around five, sixish?  Then we'll go to that, then I'll drop her off at home?  That way you can talk about me behind both our backs and decide I'm a scary guy for being related to Xander?"  He smiled.  "Well, right now she's eating.  She's got her mouth full.  Mari, the Tangent good?"  She grimaced and shook her head.  "No?"  She shook her head.  "Where?"

"Periwinkle," Xander said, smiling at Horatio. "That's where he took me for our first official dinner out."

"I've never been there."

"Great steaks and meat dishes," Calleigh assured her.  "Fairly reasonable.  Within normal salary ranges."

"That sounds good.  Hard to get reservations?"  Horatio shook his head.  "Think I could swing it?"

Xander looked at him and got up to hop around and find his cellphone then the phone book. "Hi, this is Xander Harris, I need to make a reservation for tomorrow if you've got something open around five-thirty or six?  Don?"  That got a nod.  "No, my Uncle Don is in town and meeting Marisol's parents for the first time.  They're dating.  Yes, that Uncle Don and that Marisol.  Tia's beautiful.  I'll have him bring in a picture for you."  He smiled.  "That's fine.  Thank you."  He hung up. "Don, six-thirty.  They're booked before then.  Bring a picture of Tia."

"Sure."  He smiled at him.  Then at the phone.  "How about six-thirty at Periwinkle.  That's where Horatio takes Xander when they want to go out on a dinner date.  It's highly recommended by everyone at the table.  He already has.  I can do that.  Of course.  My treat.  I'm meeting you guys, that's how it's supposed to be, woman.  Don't argue with me or I'll tickle her and make her snort her milk out of her nose."  He smiled at her laughter.  "Six-thirty.  Suit place?"  Horatio nodded. "Nice suit, dress.  Church clothes.  That's fine. Thank you. See you then."  He hung up and looked at her.  "You, eat.  You're much too skinny.  I swear, my stepdaughter weighs more than you do.  Some big wind will come down and blow you away from me some day like a kite."  She blushed and dug in again.

Eric looked at him. "I like you more than I do our other brother-in-law already."  His sister slapped him.  He grinned at her.  "Then again, he must know you're a shrew."

"Hormone swings can last for months after pregnancy according to Momma," she said with a vicious smile.

"I have the couch here."

"Horatio, send him home if he tries to escape my wrath," she ordered, eating some more.  She finally smiled at him and got up.  "Walk on the beach?"

"Of course."  He took her arm properly and walked her outside.  The dog got sent back inside.  "Later, Percy.  We'll go for walkies later."  Percy sighed and looked at his father.

"Find me the leash," Xander ordered.  He finished his plate of food while his dog got the leash, stole a kiss, then grabbed his crutches.  He snapped on the leash and walked out with the dog.  "Slowly tonight. Let's not go for a pull."

"Eric go!" Eric yelled.

"Sure.  Put on shoes."  He scrambled down to put on shoes, then followed his daddy and dog out the door, smiling at them both.

"Okay, that's too cute for words, both sets," Di sighed.  "Taylor?"

"We can cuddle later," she promised, giving her girl a kiss.

"Speaking of cute," Calleigh teased.  They both blushed.  She winced then held her stomach. "Hi, dear.  What?"  She looked down.  "Hungry?"  Eric handed over some more food. "Thanks, apparently she's hungry.  She was quiet when I was eating."  She dug in, eating heartily.

"The pregnancy is the one thing I'm glad I got to miss when I got Xander," Aiden quipped.  Speed nodded at that.  "What?  You think I'd be scary?"

"Er?" he prompted.

She smiled. "Well, yeah."  She beamed at him. "Thanks.  You tell Mac that one, Danny?"

"Yeah, because I need kisses to get the image of you pregnant outta my head," he noted dryly.   "Warrick?"

"No, man, I like girls.  Sorry, ask Eric or Speed for kisses.  I'm a player, but not like that."

They all laughed.  The dog barked and yelped.

Horatio hopped up and walked outside, finding someone going after Xander with a bat.  "Get off him!" he shouted.  "Percy!  Bring the boy!"  Eric was drug off by him.  He walked out there to stop them with the guards.  Bigger Eric came out to help, along with Speed and Warrick.  He shoved the older guy back. "What is your problem?" he demanded.

"He's wrong!"

"Get over yourself."  He helped Xander up and looked him over. "Eric, get Percy and our son.  Percy?"  He heard a quiet growl.  "Get them both and go inside."

"Percy, heel," Xander called. "Eric, heel!"  Both came running to him and he looked at them. "Go with Unclie Eric.  Both of you.  Take Percy, Eric."  He nodded, taking the leash and leading the dog away.  He looked at the man. Then he punched him once, knocking him down. "Don't you ever THINK about bringing violence near my son again!" he shouted.  Some more neighbors came out. "I will kick your ass eight million ways from Sunday if you bring violence anywhere near my son ever the fuck again.  Are we fucking well clear?" he sneered.

"Back down, Xander," one of the guards said quietly.  "Please.  Patrol officers are here to arrest him."

"Good.  I'm pressing full fucking charges."  A patrol officer came up to him and looked at his head. "Hi, Michaels."

"What happened?"

"First we knew, the dog yelped and Horatio came out and started to yell," Warrick offered, taking control of Xander since he was wobbling.

"I came out the door and saw that gentleman hitting my husband with a baseball bat," Horatio said. "On the arm. Which was recently broken."  That got an odd look.  "Xander went to the same person who helped Wolfe recover faster," he said quietly.

That got a nod. "We remember that.  It was odd but we appreciated it.  Xander, are you pressing charges?"

"Hell yes.  I was willing to be nice when he tagged the house. Tore up the back yard.  This time he attacked me at night in front of my son.  Is Eric all right?"

"I didn't see any bruises and bigger Eric has him," Warrick soothed.  Xander nodded.  "Here, Horatio.  Keep yourself calm.  I'll go check on them both."  He went to do that, finding Di checking him over.  "He wanted to make sure they're both okay."

"Scared to death," Eric told him.

"Thanks.  Patrol guys are already here.  Is... I haven't noticed it in any of the other neighbors."

"It's only his family," Taylor assured him.  "He thinks we're sweet as hell but they're men."

"Ha."  He walked out there.  "Eric's fine and so is Percy, Xander.  Officer, Taylor and Di, the mothers of Xander's son, said this isn't the first time but he never bothers them."

"Yeah for some reason lesbians only get it half as often," he agreed bitterly.  "We hoped like hell he learned from his last arrest for tagging the house and yard.  Turn around, sir."

"No!  I bought this property!"

"I wasn't near your property," Xander told him.  "I was taking the dog for a walk and don't you live on the other street in the development?"  The guards nodded. "Then what are you even doing over here."  He looked at the house. Then at him.  "That's the Errrenson's house.  They're in Europe lecturing."  He went pale.  "Yeah, I know them.  They're a great African-American couple who think my son's adorable and a genius.  So, why are you even on my street with a baseball bat?"

"We've had people going around breaking into places."

"First I've heard of it," Horatio noted.

"Us too," the guards agreed.  "That's why we're here, Mr. Palmer.  Boys, please.  Before this escalates?"  Officer Michaels looked at him.  "You're more than young enough to be my boy."

He grinned. "Thank you.  I'm having an ancient, old guy day.  My son said I'm out of touch with music and movies now."  He turned the suspect around and cuffed him.

"Then I'm pressing charges against him."

"You can do that but I doubt you're going to get much of anything out of it," Michaels noted dryly.

"No, he wants me arrested, I'll go.  I know I've got a temper," Xander offered.  "Same as when I hit the nurse who tried to keep me away from my daughter."  He stared him down.  "I'll gladly go.  I'll take my probation easily."   The man looked stunned.  "I hit the person attacking me, Mr. Palmer.  Big shock there."

"Xander, calm down," Horatio ordered.

"No, if he wants to press charges, I'll go. Just because I'm married to you doesn't mean I'm above the law.  The same as I don't fight speeding tickets."  That got a smile. "Oh, tell me you guys don't...  You guys ignore me?"

"Only when you had the porsche."  He nodded. "Let's go see if he's serious."

"Sure.  I need my crutches."  They were handed over and the guards walked him over.

"That's unfair!" one of the neighbors shouted.

"So is getting a spouse who's protecting themselves for hitting back," Xander offered. "It happens."  He shrugged. "I'll gladly take the probation."  He climbed into the back of the second car and put his crutches next to him. " Sorry, broken femur.  Thigh cramps.  Broken ribs."

"That's fine, Mr. Harris. Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll get nothing but probation and I did hit him. I'm not above the law because I married Horatio."

"That's very big of you, sir.  Okay.  We'll let the officers in tonight sort it out."  He sped off, taking him back to the station.  "Want the windows down?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks."  He gave him a gentle smile.  "Not a problem since my son's fine.  Otherwise you'd have cleaned up a body.  I can't believe he tried to hit me with my dog and my son with me."

"Some people are scared."

"This isn't scared.  Before he tagged the house and ripped up the backyard that day, he came up to rationally talk about the problem of those wrong, gay folk moving into the neighborhood."   That got a grunt.  "Sorry."  He settled in to watch the ride.  It was a nice night.  They parked behind the station and he was helped out, handed his crutches and followed inside.  Everyone went silent. "I hit someone back.  It happens.  Just like everyone else, people.  Only I'm limping."  He sat down with a sigh of relief.  The other guy was sat next to him.

"You think your husband will save you," he sneered.

"No he won't.  Horatio's one of the most honorable cops on this force.  He's the guy IAB goes to when they need to clear other officers."  He looked stunned.  "Besides, most of the guys here know I'm more than willing to protect myself.  At least half the station hates me because I am gay and with Horatio.  The other half think I'm cute now and then, especially with my son."  He shrugged then winced and hissed.  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  "I hate broken ribs."

"I didn't..."

"No, you didn't," Xander interrupted.  "The guy who tried to use me as a safari hunt did.  That's why I'm on the crutches too."  One of the sergeants came over.  "He tried to plug me with a baseball bat and I hit him back when Horatio shoved him off me."

"Okay.  Let's go talk about this."

"I don't want to go anywhere with him and his gay filth!"

"Ah.  That reason.  Prestons!" he called, getting one big, white bald guy with a visible swastika on his arm.  "Get this one.  He's claiming we'll be biased since it's a gay bashing. I  trust you to act professionally."

"I'm not above the law," Xander said quietly.  "You're going to treat me just like every other person who comes in here."  He looked at the other guy.  "I remember you.  You asked me if you should make out my speeding ticket to my Horatio's pussy once."  He nodded and smirked.  "Great.  He hit me with a bat in front of my son and dog.  I hit him back."

"Good.  Excellent even.  Let's go."  Xander stood up. "They won't let you keep those in holding."

"I'm wearing an air cast.  Unless you're carrying my heavy ass, something's going to have to be arranged.  I've got a broken femur from a guy the other day.  And broken ribs, thank you."  He hopped after him.  "So, how's the wife?  Ironing the sheets?"

"Hopefully.  They were a mess earlier."  He pointed at a table.  "Sit.  Across from each other is fine."  Xander sat down with an audible sigh.  "Let's see the cast."  Xander let him have his leg.  He yelped and tensed up when he pressed on it. "Yeah, that's broken.  Any other complaints?"

"He got me on the head.  It's ringing.  My leg, my bruises other than my head and the new one on my shoulder, and my ribs are all from the other day when someone tried to take me to hunt me down like a deer."  He gave him a horrified look.  "Yeah.  Let's just say I heal fairly easily, thankfully."

"We heard about that case.  They get the guy?"

"Yup.  A lot.  Hammra has the case.  She got the other hunters too. He was softening me up."

"Fine.  You," he asked the other guy.

"I bought that house fair and square and they're ruining my retirement community."

Xander snorted. "I put money into the development so he could build the houses."  The man glared at him. "Truth. I put money into there back when I was a stripper, nearly four years ago now.  I got two houses for my six hundred thousand.  The one Di is buying and ours."  The officer looked at him. "What?"

"Who were you doing to make that much as a stripper."

"I was known as Darkness."

"Aw, fuck.  No wonder you had a porsche."

"Misguided attempt to woo me.  Too bad it blew up. It was a sweet ride and I couldn't send it back. He made sure of it." He shrugged, then winced.  "Really hating broken ribs."

The officer nodded. "Okay, so what happened, chronologically?"

"I was out walking my dog," Xander told him.  "With my son beside me. I get two, three houses past Di's, so five houses around the circle of our street.  He comes out of the shadows and swings with the bat at my head.  I let go of the leash and try to duck.  The dog moves my son, thankfully, as I trained him to do, and he got in another swing before Horatio came out to save me.  I hit him when Horatio got out there for trying to kill me while my son was there."

"How old is your son?"

"Four in a few weeks," he said proudly.  He pulled out a picture. "That's my son."

"I've seen him around now and then with various CSI.  You use them as babysitters?"

"No, they're family.  Every now and then I bring Eric in to have lunch with Horatio and they steal him.  A few times there's been a crisis and we had to give Eric to one of them to protect him."

"Fine.  Now your side?"

"He's ruining my retirement!  I want him gone!  I bought my house!  All I want is peace!"

"I bought my house too and you're on the other street.  You don't even live on my street.  For that matter, you like the couple that is my son's mothers."  He sneered at him.  "Also, Officer, he tagged my house in the past.  He dug up my back yard and put a lot of cow's blood on it.  He was going to put a doll out there but he was arrested with it."

"Let me check on priors."  He went to do that, leaving them alone. He watched from observation for a minute, then looked at the other person in there.  Internal Affairs.  "He said to treat him like everyone else."

"Then why does he have crutches?"

"Broken leg.  I tested it, it's broken.  Ribs too by the way he's wincing. Three on his left."

"Interesting. Why?"

"The hunting case a few days back."

"That's Caine's husband?"  That got a nod.  "Very interesting.  When did he hit the old man?"

"After Horatio stopped him from being hit again.  He took two swings on the kid with his dog and his kid present.  The dog saved the kid."

"Hmm."  He walked in there, looking down at Xander. "You don't rate privileges."

"I never wanted to.  Even when I'm at the CSI office I don't want them.  Occasionally to be left alone so I can nap on Horatio's couch on days like today turned into, but I don't want any special privileges.  I told them to treat me the same as anyone else, just in case they tried it.  For that matter, did you borrow out of Phil's or Mulder's closet?"  The man snorted and smirked at him. He shrugged, then winced and slumped some. "Sorry.  Smartass was my second language."

"So I've heard.  Leg?"  Xander put it up on the chair, letting him check the cast.  "Broken?"

"Femur."

"Hurt?"

"Only if you press on it and then I'll kick you.  Also, thigh cramps from the crutches.  Broken ribs.  Numerous bruises.  New head injury.  You're very pretty when you're swirly."

"Thanks."  He dropped the foot and Xander tensed up, clutching the chair so he wouldn't hit him. "I doubt you could in that shape."

Xander stood up, leaning his hip against the table. "I've taken on bigger, badder, and faster with multiple head injuries at once.  A broken leg, I'll just be slower.  Then again, I'm only violent when you try me or you try my family.  Like he did."

"Fine. You've got balls.  What if they put you in gen pop?"

"First, holding isn't gen pop.  Secondly, I'm pretty sure hitting him back is only worth probation my first offense.  Especially when I'm defending myself and my son.  Third, what makes you think they wouldn't fall?"  He gave him a look. "I'm not claiming I'm the best but I grew up with parents who sold me a few times to people who tried to kill me.  They're dead now thanks to one of my stalkers."

That got a smirk.  "Really?  Where?"

"Not a fucking clue.  I left Sunnydale and never really looked back except for the time we went to save Speed and Aiden."

He blinked at that.  "I know that name."

Prestons walked in.  "Town on the FBI crime stats list.  Thirty percent homicide rate in a town of under two thousand.  And climbing."

Xander nodded. "That happens in Sunnydale.  I was one of the people who defended against the reason."  He looked at the folder.  "I was never charged with anything in Sunnydale."

"It says here you were caught breaking and entering twice but both times into your own residence?"

"My parents were drunks.  Not like I was going to walk through the *front* door."

"Okay.  One case of assault, witnessed, but the charge was withdrawn?"

"Date?"  The cops looked at him. "Read my lips.  I was one of the *defenders* in town.  That usually requires saving someone's ass by use of my foot up another person's.  Date?"

"October 31, 96."

"Tenth grade?"  He sighed.  "The whole school that went out that night on the 'watching the little kids' patrol were handed some candy to keep our spirits up.  It was tampered with and drugged.  Even me and I'm a chocolate hound."  That was the official story put around about that halloween.  "For that matter, I don't remember *hitting* anyone.  I remember moving some brainless twit out of my way. I remember moving some little demons and brats out of the way of some other kids.  I remember nearly killing someone who tried to kill me first by chewing on my neck. Can you be a bit more specific?"

"Hmm.  Doesn't say."  He looked at him.  "Lots of drugs there?"

"Only in the official views.  Not my thing, I hung out in the library with two girls and a librarian.  I dated a cheerleader and I skated.  I swam."  They nodded at that.  "Anything else?"

"One report of domestic dispute, screaming, down here?"

"My ex put child porn in my dresser and boxes.  With four cops in the house."  They stared at him.  "That was during the bunny paper killers?"  That got a look and a nod.  "I found it and drug her outside to scream at her.  The neighbor did call.  The officer reported what went on.  I was living with my adopted father, Speedle, at that time.  He and Don Flack, from the NYPD, found it in there, and I got here there so I could scream when I verified it wasn't mine.  I found more of it in other, stored, boxes.  I may have a playboy now and then but some of that was disgusting rape porn, snuff porn, and kiddie porn. Hell yes I yelled at her. We moved to get away from her."

That report was looked at.  "That goes with what we see in the incident report."  It was handed over and he looked at the other folder.  "Then we have Mr. Palmer.  One B&E in his youth, time served after three days.  Drunken stunt was the memo put in.  A few months ago we have an assault on Captain Caine's house.  Tagging and ripping up the backyard with blood."  He turned to that report.  "It says here you said to leave him alone?"

"I thought he was misguided and he'd learn better with proximity to us.  The rest of the neighbors love us.  They love our dog, our son, our new daughter, my son's mothers who took my other house and bought it off me.  We're pretty quiet and safe neighbors plus having a cop there means less chance of crime.  We moved to a gated community because of my stalker threat."

"What stalker threat?" the IAB guy asked.

Xander looked at him.  "Before I started to date Horatio, I stripped.  I went by the name Darkness."  He went pale.  "I gave it up for Horatio.  Between the serial killers who wanted to kill me and the stalkers and the people who send me presents, it's not been happy making at times."

"I've heard about that."  Xander nodded. "You told us?"

"Of course.  I want nothing and no one to be able to say anything about Horatio.  He's one of the most honorable cops there is.  He's one of the great ones who serves the victims first."  That got some nods.  "Yes, we've had a talk about my tendency to fight back in the past.  I still wouldn't dare use his name to get special favors or anything else.  I make my own way.  If he wants to charge me that's his shit."

"Fine," he agreed.  "Even if it would look worse that his husband was charged."

"For fighting back?"  He waved a hand at his head.  "Kinda obvious he hit me first.  I've never been known to hit first unless you're trying to hurt my family."

"Fine.  He's not using his husband's influence.  Crutches please?"

"You're going to carry my big, heavy, ass?"  That got a head shake. "Then you can't take them until you book me.  That's local law.  Then someone's got to find a way for me to be able to get around."

"True.  You studied it?"

"Someone had to help Ryan study for tests."

"Oh."  He walked out shaking his head.

"Being a smartass doesn't help you any," Prestons warned.

"I'm being myself.  I'm not going to suck up to you or him.  You either like me or you don't.  If you don't, I can be socially polite and nothing else."

"If you'd move...." Mr. Palmer started.

"I was there first.  You can sell.  It's a hotly wanted community.  You might even get more money if you did. Then again, you did move to Miami, which is the second biggest gay boy city in the States."  He gave him a horrified look. "Never went to South Beach?"  He looked at the officer.  "Can you kick that one closer so I can put my foot up?  I think you opened the stitches when you pressed.  I need to open my cast."  That got a nod and the chair was kicked closer.  Xander put his foot up carefully then took off the air cast.  He looked at the dagger that landed on the floor.  "When did I put that in there?  I made it through airport security with that?"  He picked it up and put it on the desk.  "Is it plastic?"  It got felt and nodded. "No wonder I got through airport security with it."  He rolled up his pantsleg, getting a gross look. "Can I have a napkin or papertowel?"  One was found for him.  "Thanks."  He went to work putting pressure on it so he could get it stopped.  Another officer came in.  "Hey.  Didn't realize I had it in there."

"Caine admitted he put it in there this morning, sir.  He thought he had told you.  You need the block doc?"

"No, I can get it stopped. I've had worse."  That got a nod and he looked at it.  "Don't."  The man backed off.  "You're not wearing gloves, man.  How many times did that get drilled into you?  Even I know that and I've only my CPR card."  He put more pressure on it, hissing as he bent forward to lean on it.  His thigh was screaming in pain right now.  Another cop came in with more paper towels and gloves for them both. "Thanks."  He added more towels and pressure.  The second cop took over for him.  He relaxed and grabbed his thigh.  "Crutch cramps."

"I've had those," he said calmly.  "Head hurt?"

"Throbbing but I've had worse after a few times into some walls.  It was only a bat once.  The other hit my shoulder but you'll never get a distinct bruise with the others."

"We'll still need to check, sir. Take off your shirt?"  Xander moved and slowly took it off, they stared at his chest.  Xander looked down.  "Hey, they bruised now."  He leaned back against the chair.  "Three on that side broken.  Four, five, and six if I remember right."  That got a nod.  He looked at Palmer.  "You injured?  I know I knocked you down when I hit you back."

"No. Just a fat lip," he said, staring at him.  "What are you?"

"Trained.  I protected a hell of a lot of people in my former town."

Prestons closed the folder.  "Military service?"

"Homegrown.  Dangerous town and alcoholic parents that ran out of money and patience near the end of the month."

"Sir, what's this scar from?" he asked, touching the one on his side.

Xander looked. "Which?"  It was touched.  "Claw I think."  He shrugged. "I was out of it.  I remember going 'oooh, intestines pretty' and then the next thing I knew my friend Willow was stitching it closed for me."  They gaped. "Ryan Wolfe's wife was my best friend growing up.  I protected her too and she came after me when things got too bad."  That got some nods. "I'm fine, guys.  Just a bit dizzy and aching from that thing."  He pointed at his leg.  "Is it stopping?"

"Starting to.  Is he having charges pressed?  We should have him checked."

Mr. Palmer looked at him.  "Why didn't you go military, the gay thing?"

"Timmy sent me down here right after graduation.  He sent me to the CSI team to mentor."  He looked at his leg.  "I'm still failing at the college thing most of the time.  The foundation's doing pretty well."  Palmer got up and moved closer.  "Don't even."  He sat back down.  Xander shifted. "Let me try."  The other guy eased pressure off when Xander took it back, tightening on a different spot that made him hiss but it stopped the bleeding. "They said it was starting to heal two days ago. That's why they allowed the air cast."

"Probably too much walking."  He looked at it. "Did it come through?"  Xander shrugged. "You don't know?"

"I was pretty well back into my mind and growling by the time Horatio and SWAT came in after me.  I remember Horatio talking me down before I bit him.  Nothing else.  I woke up in the hospital and growled at the nurses.  I remember needing more pain killers than I usually would.  They were thinking the nerves were suddenly connecting when they didn't used to or I overshot my pain tolerance."

"How high of one do you have?" the officer working on his leg asked.

"The old scar on his shoulder, the one underneath the knife cut, was a ricochet into his shoulder, went three inches deep.  He had tylenol," Eric said as he walked in.  "What's going on?  I moved the kid back so he wouldn't hurt him."

"I'd never hurt a kid," Palmer said firmly.

"You swung a baseball bat at his dad and it could easily have hit him if Xander ducked wrong."  He looked at him.  "Please put back on your shirt?"  Xander grabbed it and tried.  Prestons put it over his neck and helped. "Thanks.  Were they that bruised earlier?"

"I wasn't paying attention.  Ask Horatio. He told me not to look.  My leg reopened, Eric."

"I can see that, it's bleeding."  He looked at it.  "Can't we get it to stop?"

"We nearly had it but when he moved to put on his shirt again it reopened."

"Sorry."  Eric looked at Xander's head.  "Let's take a picture of that for the records.  They'll need one in the DA's office."  He smoothed out the hair with his fingers and took a picture, then put a small right angle ruler next to it, taking another one.  "Any others?"

"He hit my right shoulder, but you won't be able to get a good bruise shot."  That got a nod.  "You can?"

"Agreeing with you.  If I remember right, Warrick said you hit him in the mouth."  He tipped Palmer's face up.  "I can get that.  Hold still, please?"

"No, I'm going to drop this."

"Horatio's not.  You attacked his husband and his son, plus his dog.  Not happenin'," Eric noted.

"Eric..."

"No," Eric told him. "Horatio said it's not happening.  He attacked you.  He attacked you with your son standing there.  I don't care if you did protect Eric by taking the hit, tough.  Horatio said to tell you he said so."  Xander sighed at that.  "Now, let's see what we can do about your leg.  You cannot practice until that's fully healed and the bone too."  He moved the camera and got down to help.  "Let me see.  I've treated his other ones."  That got a nod and Xander smacked him on the head.  "Xander!"

"Gloves, dumbass."

"I've seen your last fourteen HIV tests.  I know damn well you don't have anything."

"Why?" Prestons asked.

"I'm coaching him in swimming, Prestons. I've demanded to see them and all his physicals as well.  Xander has this nasty habit of hiding injuries from us."  He looked in his eyes.  "Like the concussion."

"No, he told the IAB guy he was very cute when he was spinning," Prestons offered dryly.

"Okay, not hiding it."

"He dressed like Mulder.  You know how much I like to cackle at the X-Files."

Eric looked at him. "Don't make me smack you."  He went back to work on Xander's leg.  "It's not stopping.  It's slowing."

"Slowing is good.  Can we bandage it really tightly with a pressure bandage and put the cast back on?"

"Why did you take it off?" Eric demanded.

"I was checking it for weapons and for it to be a fake.  I pressed a bit.  He yelped.  He said it was feeling odd so asked for the chair so he could check it. He found a plastic knife.  It started to spurt."

"It happens."  He shifted his grip a bit higher and it stopped. "I don't want to put on a tourniquet."

"That's usually a bad idea," Alexx said as she walked in. "What happened?"

"It started to bleed, Alexx.  It was seeping but when I put pressure on it it started to get worse."

"It happens sometimes."  She moved Eric after she had on gloves, grimacing at it.  "Broken?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Poor baby."  She looked at him.  "Why did you escape from the hospital?"

"Hospitals are for sick people.  All I needed was some rest and some painkillers."

She gave him a look.  "I'll lecture you on how *stupid* that was when you're better."  She got back to work on it.  "Any internal stitches?"

"Not a clue.  Scan the little chip in the back of my neck and get the medical records.  No one told me, even when I woke up looking like the bloated Mummy."

"Don't remind me of that case," Eric pleaded.

"Sorry, Eric."  He frowned at him. "Seriously?"

"I'll tell you for a bedtime story if you're not back in the ER."

"No, I can get it stopped," she promised.  She undid another staple and the bleeding slowed.  "Yeah, it shifted some."  She shifted his leg.  "Xander, hold onto Eric's arm."  Xander did that with a sigh.  "Do not kick me.  Your bone shifted."

"Just do it already," Xander complained. "I'm not that weak, Alexx."  She shrugged and shifted the bone back.  Everyone else grimaced at the grinding.  "Too far."  She gave him a look. "It is. It's pressing on the other one."  He leaned down then hissed.  Then he grabbed what he needed to pushed.  It ground back into place.  He panted and let it out. "Okay, check that?"  She checked it then straightened out his leg again.  It shifted slightly then stayed.  "That good?"

"That's good but I'm going to beat you senseless."  She took some bandages and did it back up, then his air cast.  "Horatio and I, we're going to have a long talk, baby."  She patted him on the cheek.

"Alexx, head injury," Eric warned.  "Bat to the head."

"Uh-huh."  She glared at the other man in the room.  "You did what?"

"Alexx," Xander ground out.  "Quit."

"No!  He hit you!  With a bat!  When you were on crutches!"

"With his dog and son there," Eric said.

"Eric!" Xander whined.  "We don't want to have to clean up a body in here!"

"Baby, I'd take him out into the Everglades so no one would *ever* have to pick up a body," she assured him.  "You did *what* near a toddler!" she shouted, turning back on him.  "You swung a *bat* near a *toddler*!  A sweet, slightly innocent, toddler!  How could you!  Do you have no humanity!  No shame!  No common sense!  Someone should take that bat and shove it where the sun don't shine!  I'll make sure you never...."  Eric grabbed her and walked her backwards.  "Let go of me, Eric Delko, or I'm going to make your existence a living hell!  Put me down!" she yelled.

"No!  I'm not that stupid!"

"I'm gonna knock you stupid!  Put me down!"

Speed leaned in.  "Is he being charged or not?  If not, we need to bring Xander home so she has someone to fuss over and calm down on."  The plastic knife and Xander's crutches were handed back and he was helped up.  Speed followed him out. "No pressure on that leg, kiddo."  He patted him on the back.

"Why did it have to break open?" he complained. "I hate being fussed over.  This is why I hide!"

"Suck it up. It's a good thing.  You know, I'm having deja vu.  Didn't we have this talk when we brought you back from Montreal that time?"  He swatted him on the back of the head, getting a yelp. "Suck it up.  You're tougher than that."  He got him into the hummer, letting Alexx settle him between her and Eric.  "Are you calm?"

"Hell no!  That man had better be in jail!"  She looked at Xander's leg.  "How did it feel when you hopped?"

"Fine.  You know, we're supposed to go to Ethan's tonight.  He could probably try a healing spell."

"Nope, not with it in a report," Eric said happily.  Horatio had already told him he couldn't do that.  "Home, Speed.  Where's Horatio?"

"Cuddling the son."  He backed out and headed home.  "Do we need to go over how stupid that was?"

"It was the right thing to do.  I'm not going to use Horatio's position to get out of shit."

"He's right," Eric offered.  "It would be wrong for him to use Horatio's position to get out of things like that.  Even if it was stupid."

Speed paused at a stop sign and looked back.  "There are times when we need him to act like a princess.  Not go in and act like Xander of Sunnydale's protection squad."  At the honk he went on.  "Because that's what he did.  They pulled his record and he answered.  That was appropriate.  Him going into thug mode wasn't."

"I did not."

"I got it on tape, we'll talk about it tomorrow."  He pulled back up to the gates.  "We're back.  He might be back later," he admitted.

"We heard. Is everything okay?  Is he in trouble?"

"No, he's fine.  A bit of a problem with his leg, but he's fine."

"I'm good, guys.  Just a bit dizzy and my leg started to bleed when the bone shifted.  I'm not sure if they're still going to charge him or not. I reminded him Miami was the second biggest gay boy capitol of the world.  He didn't look happy.  Apparently I'm ruining his retirement by being myself."

"It's his own problems, not yours. If he can't accept you as you are there's no reason for him to associate."

"He lives on the other street," the guard noted.  "Captain Caine is hovering in the door."  That got a smile and they headed back. He finished his copious notes in the log and filed it with the company.  He got back a response and called his boss.  "Yes, sir?"  He listened.  "No, sir.  Mr. Palmer decided to attack Mr. Harris while he was walking his dog on his own street.  Mr. Palmer lives on the other one.  He's also the one who put graffiti on his house and did their lawn.  Yes, sir, those.  The cars?  No, sir, that was an inheritance that they're struggling to deal with.  Apparently someone Captain Caine had to take down killed himself in custody and left them to him because he was the stronger man."  He listened.  "No, sir, it's not Mr. Harris's fault.  Mr. Palmer walked up to him the day he moved in to complain about the gay couples in the neighborhood because he heard he knew you, sir.  He came to complain and after Mr. Harris assured him he would leave him alone if left alone, he came back and tagged his house.   He dug up his lawn, poured on cow's blood.  We got him after he tagged and the cops let him go, deciding he was delusional.  Gave him back to his wife.  The next time, Captain Caine got pushy when they found him going to put a doll on the bloody lawn.  He was arrested, put on probation, and tonight he attacked him.  Baseball bat with his son right beside him and Mr. Harris on crutches from his injuries the other day."  Horatio walked in.  "Hold on, sir.  Yes, Captain."

"Is there a problem?"

"Not particularly.  My boss wanted an update."

"If that man comes back to try to harm my family again, I'm going to have him put in jail for attempted homicide for this time.  Two counts, plus intentional attempted injury and cruelty to an animal.  He knew what he was doing.  He was going to kill them both.  Tonight, he's going to be charged with assault.  I have thoroughly had enough of this man.  Especially since he blames *Xander*, not me, *Xander* for ruining his retirement."

"Which is insane, sir. Is he one of his stalker idiots?"

"That's something I have to check," he admitted.  "Where was he from originally?"

"Pittsburgh."

"Thank you.  Tell your boss he can call me if he wishes to speak on this.  We have no intention of causing trouble.  We like it here because it's quiet and safe.  Usually.  You guards do an excellent job."

"Thank you, sir, but, um, it was asked when you're going to move the cars?"

"Someone's coming to get the atrociously painted hummers tomorrow for a repaint.  The cars are going to the other location to be dealt with.  Because I've had enough of them as well."

"The truck today?"

"Remember the people who broke into his house to attack us all so they could have him back?"

"The Englishmen, right?"  Horatio nodded.  "Them?"

"One of them sent him a very ancient chemistry set so he could fight the demonic voices going on around him."

"Ah.  How long should this spurt last?"

"We're hoping it's done by the end of the year."

"I wish you luck with that sir."  He listened to his boss.  "He said you're in the clear, sir.  He hopes you do get the last of his stalkers done with.  And please do move those cars within a week."

"If at all possible.  Tell the Captain I said hello."  He walked back home.  He found Eric clinging to his father's chest while Alexx worked on his leg.  "It'll be all right, Eric.  I promise, it will be all right."  He stroked over his dark hair, then his mate's.  "Everything will be just fine.  I'll protect you and daddy both."  Eric looked up at him.  "I promise I will.  The bad man will not come near you ever again."  Eric gave him a gentle smile and went back to clinging to his daddy's chest.  "Good boy, you hug the daddy.  We both love you."

Eric nodded.  "We have cookies?"

"Xander can't have a cookie until Alexx is done with his leg.  You may have a cookie because you followed orders exactly as I wanted you to," he praised.  Eric smiled at that.  "You listened very well when we trained you and Percival both, Eric.  Very well done."  That got another smile.  The dog gave a gentle bark.  "Yes, you were a good boy too, Percival. It was a good boy to protect the Eric.  Very good boy.  Let's get you both a treat."  He went to do that, coming back with two cookies for his son and some wet food and dog biscuits for the dog. "Good boy, Percival."  He gave him ear and belly scratches then let him have the food.  "Very good boy for protecting your boy and your master."  He looked at Xander.  "You trained him very well, Xander.  He did very good.  I'm very proud of him and you tonight."

"So was I until he decided to smart off when Prestons checked his record.  The officers stared at him and he said not to treat him any differently," Speed offered when Horatio looked at him. "One of the sergeants came over to see what was going on.  Xander told him it was a gay bashing, that he didn't want to be treated any differently. That he wasn't going to use you to get out of shit, like he didn't use you to get out of speeding tickets."

"Good to know.  How many speeding tickets?"

"Four," Xander said grimly.  "I went and did that six hour class thingy and passed it so I took three of them away already."

"Too many tickets means no license," he reminded him.

"Two of them were from pursuits and could have been cleared anyway.  One of them was in the porsche and the other was probably also in the porsche," Speed decided.  Xander nodded.  "He told them all to treat him normally.  When they heard it was a bashing, they put on Prestons, the big, redneck idiot with the swastika?"   Horatio moaned. "Him.  Yeah."

"The one who asked me if he should make out the speeding ticket to your pussy, dear," Xander agreed.  "He brought us back into a room.  He smarted off about the crutches.  I pointed out I had a broken leg and ribs, and multiple bruises.  He checked the cast."  Alexx glared at him.  "Checking it for contraband," he said firmly.

"In other words it broke right after that," she said dryly.

Speed nodded. "Yup.  Then the scum bucket of IAB came in, taunted him how he couldn't use you anyway.  Xander stood up to him.  They exchanged words, Xander stood up to get into his face, resting against the desk.  Clearly resting against the desk.  Prestons checked backgrounds after hearing them out.  He went over Xander's record in detail, how some things got noted, that sort of thing.  Xander told him he was a member of the Sunnydale Protection Society.  The IAB guy recognized that name.  He mentioned Willow as well," he offered. "He went into the other guy's record after Xander told the IAB scumbucket that he looked good in the twirly lights.  Eric came in, took photos of his head.  Xander requested to look at his leg.  No, Eric came in after that.  They were working on his leg by then.  Xander felt something off and asked to look at his leg, they kicked a chair over, he took off his cast, and seeping did occur.  They got to work on it.  Another officer came in, Xander had to remind him to put on gloves.  Something about he only had a CPR card and he knew that.  Guy did that, got him some more papertowels because by this time it's more than seeping."

"The pressure put on it squeezed the vein the wrong way, Horatio," Alexx offered, finishing off the stitches and rebandaging the leg.  "It happens to the best of us.  I couldn't say for sure if it was the *checking* of the cast or not."  She looked at Xander. "Only he could."

"I may hate the guy but I'm pleading the fifth."

"We'll get into that later.  They're working on stopping the bleeding when Eric shows up?"

"Yup," Eric agreed.  "Xander yelled at me about the glove thing too.  I reminded him I'd seen his last fourteen HIV tests and all his physicals results.  I got a funny look and told them I was his coach for swimming stuff.  Palmer started to look but I got him back into his seat while I tried to help slow it.  Pushing further up helped, Alexx."

"Of course it did. That cut off the blood flow."  She looked at Horatio.  "By then I was there.  They had Xander without his shirt to check his shoulder, and by the way, were his ribs that bruised earlier?"

"No, that was when I ducked wrong," Xander told her. "I still didn't pay attention to it but it felt like I broke another one when I moved.  They had me put back on my shirt, which took some help from Prestons, and then Palmer started to stutter and complain about that. He asked me about military service.  He thought I didn't serve due to being gay. I told him it was because dad sent me down here to you guys right after graduation."  The door slammed and he flinched. "Don't do that!"

"Why not?" Don asked. "I always slam the door.  New Yorkers do that, and why is your cast off?"

"It started to bleed when I was custody."

"Why were you in custody?" he asked calmly.

"Is my sister home?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, and her mother and she are talking outfits.  Xander?" he asked patiently, looking at him again.  "What the fuck happened?"

"Do *not* swear in front of the children," Alexx snapped.

Don backed up.  "Jeez, mom, chill!  Eric knows he can't say that word."  Eric nodded at that, making everyone smile. "See.  It's a bad adult habit, like smoking and drugs."  He looked at Xander again.  "I'm still waiting for an explanation?"

"If I tell you, you'll throw a fit and scare Eric more," Xander said calmly.

"Me not scared now.  Daddy 'Oro fix everything," Eric said firmly.

"That's right, he does," Xander agreed, smiling and kissing him on the forehead.  "You're a brilliant little boy to know that Daddy Horatio can fix anything."  He beamed at that.  "Now, would you like to hug Uncle Don while he puts you to bed?"

"More cookies for being smart?"

Horatio and Alexx both laughed. "Oh, he's fine.  He's soaking it for everything it's worth," Alexx said dryly.  "Come on, pumpkin, we'll get you another cookie and I'll put you to bed."

Eric looked at her. "I not understand."

"What, dear?  What don't you understand?"

"If Grandpa like daddy and Uncle 'Oro, why you not?"

"You mean a boy?"

"No, he's just started to notice people are different races," Di explained from her seat at the table.  "We've been explaining to him slowly.  We're hoping we're going to do better than we did with milk and breast feeding."

She gave her a look.  "I remember hearing the moos. You tried, dear, you tried so hard."

"Yup, until the cow wandered up to my parent's anniversary party," bigger Eric sighed.

"And the idiot calls me," Danny called from the kitchen.  "Because supposedly I know cows?"

"I figured Monroe is always around and you could ask her. Not like I have her number in my phone," Xander defended.  He tapped Eric on the head, getting an attentive child.  "You know what adoption is, right?  Like your friend Merle from up the street?  His parents wanted a baby so much that they took in one that didn't have parents who could take care of him.  Remember that talk?"  Eric nodded, smiling at that.  "Well, adoptions can happen between bigger people too.  See, Alexx is a great, big, huge mommy person who wants to nuzzle and cuddle everyone!"  Eric beamed at that.  "When Grandpa Speed started to work at the lab, she saw he needed a mommy since his was so far away."

"Why?"

"She lives up past where I do, kiddo.  Way, way far away," Don explained.

"Oh.  'Kay.  So she not visit?"

"Not hardly ever," Speed agreed. "So Alexx adopted me."

"Oh. But you big."

"Even big people need a mommy sometimes," Alexx told him. "Especially your Grandpa Speed.  He does silly stuff sometimes."  Eric giggled at that.  "Mm-hm.  I see you've seen some of them. That's why I adopted him.  It didn't matter to me that he's the palest of my kids, he's still one of my kids."

"Okay, I understand now."

"Good.  That just proves you're going to be a genius when you get bigger.  Now, let's get you a cookie and then to bed."

"I have two cookies 'cause I'm so smart?" he asked with an impish grin that usually got him his way anyway.  "Pwease, granmma?"

"Fine."  She picked him up.  "Kiss the daddy so you can both go to bed."  Eric kissed him then Daddy Horatio, then everyone else, grabbed his cookies and let her get him changed while he ate them.  Then she helped him brush his teeth and into bed.  She came down the stairs.  "He doesn't say grace?"

"Wiccan, Alexx," Di reminded him.  "We don't exactly have an evening grace."

"Oh.  Okay.  Do you greet the sun?"

"Only when my son makes me."  She laughed at that.  Di looked at her.  "Who's kidding?  I will say thinks for my cornflakes and everything else I eat.  I will say thanks for rain and clouds and all sorts of weather.  I will not greet the sun cheerfully at any given time.  I was meant to be a night baby."

"A toddler is something that will always get you up at dawn," Alexx agreed.  She checked Xander's leg, then looked at Horatio.  "Bed bath.  Don't even try to cover it or let him stand tonight.  Either he sleeps there or you carry his butt to bed and give him a bed bath in the morning. I want no weight on that leg.  Or else I will spank you."  She gathered up her things.  "You guys have a better night."  She smiled at Don because he walked her out to her car.  "Thank you, sugar."

"My mommy tried to beat manners into me," he quipped.  She laughed as she drove away.  He walked back inside, this time not slamming the door.  "So what happened?" he asked again, leaning on the back of the couch.  "Because you look like you suddenly have a concussion.  Tell me you didn't fall while hopping off with the dog."

"No, the guy with the baseball bat made him fall while he was hopping around with the dog and the son," bigger Eric told him.  "That's why we couldn't tell you when he was down here.  You'd have a hissy."

"Yup.  Gonna go down to the water and have one now."  He went out the back door to do that, joining Taylor down there.  He was even nice enough to let her cry on him.  That's the sort of guy he was after all.  Then he threw a hissy fit. Then he called Mac and Stella, getting an angry, growling Stella who demanded to know why she couldn't have sex without phone calls.  "Because you leave the phone on."  She growled some more.  "Their neighbor tried to bash Xander."  She quit panting and got silent.  "He's got a concussion and something's more wrong with his leg.  Alexx just went home.  The son was clinging because apparently he and the dog were out there."  He felt something cold against his shoulder and turned, smiling at Di.  "Thanks, Di."  He took the beer to sip.  "No, she, Taylor, and I are at the water but I think Taylor's going to be cuddled to death now."  Taylor nodded, letting Di take her home.  "So anyway, Xander was apparently almost arrested.  His leg opened somehow in custody.  Not sure how.  All I really got was the 'someone tried to kill him while he was hopping around with the son and the dog' part."  He took a drink of his beer.  "So, how's my city?"  She groaned and said something.  "Maybe.  Oh, possibly big news as well.  Nope.  For that you've got to come down."  He hung up and finished his beer, then took the empty inside to toss away and look at the empty couch.  "He carry Xander to bed?"

"To the bathroom and then to bed," Speed offered.  "Stella growl at you?  She did when Danny tried to call."

"Yup.  Mac should call soon.  She was either having a lot of fun alone or he was mostly brainless.  Didn't hear him at that moment."

"Big shock, but he's not a real screamer," Danny offered as he brought out some food.  Eric gave him an odd look.  "What?  It's a good way of wearing out stress when I can't hit someone."  The baby started to sniffle. "I got her."  He pushed Eric out of his way when he tried to get Tia, winning that race easily.  "Hey, baby girl.  It's the Uncle Danny," he cooed, picking her up.  "Ooh, someone needs a change."  He changed her and brought her downstairs for a while, taking the bottle Speed made up.  "Ahhhh, there you go," he praised. She fussed a bit and wiggled.

"She likes to be rocked," Eric told him.

"There was one of those upstairs."  He walked her back up there, flipping on the nightlight.  The room glowed softly, all the white was glowing back at him.  He smiled and settled into the rocking chair to feed her, staring out the window with her.  "Hmm, you can look right into Di and Taylor's bedroom from here," he noted, getting comfortable to watch the show while he fed his honorary niece. Xander yelped and he smirked.  "Someone's getting a spanking."

"Not unless he never wants to have my son again," Speed said from the doorway.  "That is the one thing Xander will walk away for.  Being hit."  He looked at his granddaughter. "Hey, Tia.  Want the bed?"  She gurgled and cooed, seemingly perfectly content.  He looked out the window, seeing why.   "She will kill us."  He reminded himself he was taken and sighed as he walked away to gather Calleigh from the guest room.

Danny continued to rock her and watch.  He'd go back to the condo later and take care of himself.

"Messer," Don said from the doorway.  "What are you doing?" he demanded.  He came in and caught sight of what he was doing.  "Whoa.  Pretty.  Give me the baby before she decides she's like that and breaks her mommy's heart."  He put the baby down and got her settled, getting a sleepy smile.  "There you go, Tia.  You're a good girl.  A very good girl.  You nap now.  The Daddy Horatio will get up the next time you yell."  The baby yawned and fell asleep.  He yanked Danny up by the collar and gave him a nudge toward the stairs.  "I'll drive.  Go."  He waved at Eric as they passed him.  "Nursery looks right into their window.  Might wanna warn 'em tomorrow."

"She knows," Eric assured him.  "That's just Di.  She have on the leather again tonight?"  Danny moaned at that.  "Now you know why I moved the rocking chair there. Shoo, go.  Before Tia decides that being rocked is an all-night thing."  They disappeared, Don driving Danny home so he could blow that off.  Eric snuck up there but Horatio came out and kicked him out, locking the door behind him. "Hey!" he complained. "Momma said I should stay."

"We're not a threesome, Eric, go home."

"Fine.  Spoil sport."  He smiled at the guard.  "The nursery looks right into Di's window in the right light.  Gotta remind of her that tomorrow."  He got into his car and drove home, leaving one imagining guard with too long of a remaining shift.

***

Xander was helped into the station the next morning, not putting any pressure on his bad leg.  He was wearing tight cutoffs, as requested, but a looser button up shirt since his ribs really hurt today.  Horatio followed.  "Yes, it's me.  It's all that fits over the cast and it needs to be cleared since it was bleeding."

"We heard.  You okay?"

"Nope.  I ache like fuck.  I hate broken ribs.  Broken ribs and paperwork together are quickly climbing up my shitlist as well," he complained.  The guard smiled.  "Yes, my ribs ache.  I ache.  All over ache.  I'm going to take a nap on the couch now."  That got a bigger smile.  "If Marisol comes by with the kids, they're expected.  Send them up to wake me up so I can take them home."

"With a broken leg and broken ribs?"

Xander looked at him.  "Didn't you know I do the impossible before breakfast?"

"That means he resists the urge to cook," Horatio offered, getting them into the elevator.  "Sorry, he babbles when he's in pain."

The guard waited until they were out of sight before calling his friend in dispatch, who spread it around.  They could call off the pout-a-thon!  Even if it was for a bad reason.

"Did I not say no walking?" Alexx demanded when she saw them.

"Grandma, no weight on the foot," Xander said patiently.  He looked at the stairs and sighed, leaning on the railing on his injured side so he could move up them slowly and carefully.  Even if it was killing his ribs to bend toward them.  He passed by Ryan.  "I hate broken ribs."

"I hear ya.  Had 'em once.  Never want them again."  He looked at Xander.  "I thought you did a healing thing."

"I did. It left me with a broken leg, broken ribs, and bruises."

"I can see that.  You can see some of them very well really."  He looked at Horatio.  "Is he okay?"

"No.  He's stubborn."

"His picture's next to stubborn in the dictionary. You knew that before you married him, Horatio. Is he all right otherwise?"

"The broken legs and ribs are on the same side.  His leg reopened last night.  He's not in a kind and gentle mood."

"Oh, good."  He handed over the file he was working on.  "Stevenson.  Dead three hours when we got there.  Looked like piranha had gotten her.  Alexx said she reeks of PCP.  On the skin, in her mouth.  In her nose. In her ears.  She thinks she took a bath in it.  I'm calling the local ERs to see if anyone came in vomiting chunks of human."

"Thank you. Keep an ear out for him if I'm not here."

"Of course."

"How is that last will going?"

"Being debated in Dubai, Horatio.  I'm still here.  Mac has it.  Oh, and your phone is blinking up a storm.  Rang all morning."

"Thank you."  He went that way, finding Xander curled up on his uninjured side and trying to sleep. "Did it ring?"

"It did.  I answered it.  Told the Chief to give you twenty, you were being briefed.  He asked me what happened last night, I told him I hit the guy with the bat back. That my leg opened when the cast was being checked for contraband.  It took three very nice officers and Alexx to get it stopped.  Plus Prestons who I didn't like but he didn't make it any worse."  Horatio snorted. "When it was already bleeding.   Besides, it could've been from all the walking.  I'm pretty sure it was feeling odd and shifting while I was taking the dog for a hop."  He yawned.  "Lay off him, dear."

"Fine.  You know, one of these days, I'll have to protect you."

"Yes, and the greater majority of the city fears that day," Speed said from the doorway.  "The Chief called me to see about the gay bashing.  I told him what Xander told him was correct.  He had hit the asshole back who was trying to take him and his son and his dog out.  He growled for some reason.  I'm not sure why since he doesn't like Xander."

"He likes me just fine.  I'm his favorite target but only his," Xander said tiredly.  "Can I nap?"

"Treasury had more paperwork."

"They can open that damn box too," Xander said dryly. "I'll be here."

"Good.  Don't move."  He looked around then back at him. "You think maybe you want to nap in the break room since it'll be by the bathrooms?"

"Nope.  No couches.  I'm staying right here.  I can hold it until lunchtime when I'm going home with the kids."

"Diana's taking the children all day today," Horatio told him.  "She said so."  Xander opened an eye then snorted and shook his head, closing it again.  "Did you want a drink and some tylenol?"

"No thanks.  Drinking means having to pee and I hate peeing sitting down.  Don't know how women can stand it and they definitely have got to have problems peeing into a sample cup. Not like they fit against them or anything."

"I'll get him some caffeine," Speed promised, going to do that.  He handed it over and got paged to go onto a call.  "Going out," he called as he walked away.

When Horatio got summoned he got waved off by his tired mate "Just close the door so they have to knock."

"That's fine."  He did that on his way out.  He stopped on at the patrol desk.  "My husband is resting in my office.  He's now got four broken ribs, possibly five, and a leg that needs to be checked by Alexx around lunch if I'm not back.  No one is to disturb him except for the agent from the Treasury.  He has to sign some paperwork and that shouldn't do more than annoy the agent."  That got a nod.  "No standing and leering, he's in a cranky mood with the pain."  He headed off, knowing he had hit one of the Xander underground with the horrified but sheepish look she had on her face. He headed out to the call with Speed, finding a dead officer.  "What happened?"

"He stopped a traffic stop and they shot him.  I called you because the camera's tape shows a hummer just like ours."  He looked at him, then nodded at where he had it queued up in his hummer's AV gear.  "You need to watch that."

Horatio went to watch it, trying to make out the license plate.  He called Tyler. "I am sending you a priority video. I want a plate and description of the hummer ASAP.  An officer was killed and this is patrol video.  Quietly, Tyler."  He hit the button to transmit it, listening as he enlarged what he needed to and gave him information.  "Which one is that?"  He wrote that down.  "Thank you."  He hung up. "It's the other lab's and it's been reported missing for two days.  He's working on the tape to see if he can find a driver."

"Okay, good.  Alexx has yet to come, but we're good then."   Horatio nodded, helping him get to work processing the scene.

***

Xander was woken by a brisk knocking. "Unless your the fucking tooth fairy or the treasury go away, I'm in pain."

The door opened to show a man in his late thirties. "I am with the Treasury and you should be more respectful."

"I've got four broken ribs and a broken leg.  Bite me.  What did you need me to come out of my comfy, warm, closer-to-the-bathroom bed for?"

"You're Mr. Harris?"

"The shorts were the only thing that would fit over top of the cast since it has to be open in case it starts to bleed again," he said patiently.  "Again, I'm not taking anything for the pain and I'm not home in bed."  The man came forward and handed over forms.  He looked at the first one then glared at him.  "No I didn't."

"There's no way you could have known that without hacking into the surveillance systems."

"Yeah, I could have.  Some of us do keep track of what we do in our boxes and how much we put in there.  I have Horatio's nephew do that for me.  You can call him in since he's playing hookie today to spend it with his girlfriend."  He looked horrified.  "That's right, I pay Ray Jr. to do my accounting, even after taking accounting one.  We knew exactly what was in there.  We have known exactly what was in there.  The few times I forgot to write it down, we did a count.  Between that and some limited in-box surveillance gear that I got in Time's Square, I pretty well knew what was going on.  That's why I called the SEC."

"Why did you call someone on the board of the bank?"

"Because I'm friends with his wife and I'm pretty sure he wasn't in on it.  He's always been very upright and honest about stuff.  He's known for it. I figured if they couldn't and you couldn't, he could figure out what was going on and fix the problem for me.  He did, it was amazing, he even presented the SEC with who had done it and how.  Then this one happened and I went to him first.  He authorized me to put back on in-box surveillance to see who got into my boxes.  He agreed, something bad was going on. Again, he was right.  I like that man, he's a good man.  His wife's very nice as well and gave me heartfelt congratulations when I came in second in most of my events at Nationals."  The phone rang.  "Help me up."  He got helped up and hopped over.  "Caine's office."  He listened. "Yes, I am the secretary.  Can I take a message?"  He wrote it down and nodded a few times. "I'll let him know when he comes back.  Anything else?"  He smiled.  "Okay, and husband but part-time secretary while injured. Thanks, Fornell."  He hung up and hopped back, laying down again.  He handed back the paperwork he had dropped.  "Anything else, Agent-whoever-you-are-since-you're-too-rude-to-introduce-yourself?"

He blinked at him.  "You have a lot of attitude for a civilian."

"I'm in pain, mister.  I could care less right now what the fuck you wanted, thought, hoped, dreamed, or fantasized about.  All I care about right now is my four broken ribs and my broken leg.  Anything else?"  He stomped off. "Thank you for not closing the door as well."  He pushed down the legs of his shorts and got comfortable again.  Two patrol officers came to the door and he waved. "Horatio said to wait for him in here."

"And you are, sir?"

Xander opened his eyes and glared.  "His spouse."  One stepped back.  "Someone come get these people!" he yelled.  "Before I have to get up again and make Alexx crankier with me!"  Ryan came jogging up and pulled the guys aside.  "Thank you.  Already had to get up once.  Watch out for cranky treasury agents too."

"Xander, want some tylenol?" Ryan called.

"Four broken ribs and a leg.  Won't help any.  Let me nap."

"Okay.  We can do that."  He closed the door and heard the phone ring, going to answer it before Xander could do more than groan.  "Horatio Caine's Office, CSI Wolfe speaking."  He listened, then looked at the note on the desk. "No, it's still here, Fornell.  Why?"  He balled it up and made another one.  "Thank you for telling us this.  No, he's in pain.  He's cranky.  Four broken ribs, possibly five according to Horatio," Xander twirled a finger in the air at that, "and a broken leg."  He smirked at him.  "Sure, I'll tell him."  He hung up.  "Xander, even Fornell said you sounded cranky and he is the King of Cranky."

"Abby said that's Gibbs."

"Okay, then he's the Crown Prince of Cranky and he thinks you're cranky."  Xander looked at him.  "Sit up, let me check your ribs."

"Gee, you don't look like a Willow."

"Yay. I'm the next best thing."  Xander sat up and put his leg up on the coffeetable.  He unbuttoned his shirt and Ryan winced. "Ow.  That bruise is spreading, isn't it?"  Xander looked, then shrugged.  "Who saw it last night?"

"Eric, and he's on a downed officer call by the radio I heard a few minutes ago."

"I heard.  Okay.  Let me call Alexx."

"I'll never hear the end of it."

"Better to be safe than sorry, right?"

"No, better to remain unskinned for things that aren't my fault than to be skinned because I had to get up answer the phone."

"Okay, who else saw them last night?"

"Prestons."

"The bigot..."  Well that would be an unbiased opinion.  He looked outside, then sighed, looking up his commander's phone number.  "You so owe me for not going to Alexx, Xander.  It's Ryan Wolfe.  Is Prestons still in or is he on night shift?  No, he saw Harris's bruises last night and we need to compare to the present ones.  No, just general life-sucks stuff I guess.  He went from three last night to four, possibly five today we think.  Yeah, that bruise.  Please.  Thank you. His husband's office growling at the treasury guy in the doorway here to harass him.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "He's on lunch anyway."

"I'll give him money for fast food," Xander said, shifting and wincing.

"What the hell happened to him?  Was he in custody then?"

"Only of the asshole who wanted to use him as game."  Prestons stomped up and Calleigh came running behind him. "You, no running.  I will tell him.  I need his help on something."  She scowled.  He glared back. "I'm so telling him you were running."

"Just because you were the most overprotective husband on the face of the earth...."

"I'm telling Alexx," Xander growled. He glared at her.  She stomped off, moving the other officers out of the way.  Xander dug out his wallet.  "Here, since I'm taking your lunch break.  He wanted a comparison of the bruise on my ribs."  He moved his shirt out of the way.

"It's spread.  At least down another two ribs."  He looked at Wolfe.  "You didn't get to see it?"

"No, this is my only day here and I had magistrate duties last night so we didn't make it to dinner for the gay bashing either.  A lot different?"

"A lot.  It's deeper around too."  He grimaced.  "That's gotta hurt."  Xander nodded.  "You might wanna go for that."

"Can't do anything for broken ribs."

"They can knock you out."

"I was trying to take a nap but the treasury agent woke me up and then I had to get the phone. Thank you."

"I may not like you or your husband but I don't believe in letting human beings suffer that way.  How's your leg?"

"Alexx said the bone shifted against the vein and ripped into it."

"Ah.  Sorry I checked it."

"Could've been me taking the dog for a hop, man.  I told Horatio that, repeatedly."

"Thanks."  He looked at the twenty.  "I'm only hitting Burger King."

"Then get dinner too.  You kept him from calling Alexx again."

"That's one scary woman," he agreed heading out.   "Have a better life."

"You too."  He looked down as he redid his shirt.  "So I was right, it's now four ribs."

"Hold on, let me palp," Ryan offered, coming over to do that.  He winced at the shifting under the very gentle pressure and Xander's yelping.  "You are so going to the ER.  I don't care if you don't like it."

"Excuse me, I need my suspect here," the treasury agent noted dryly.  "I know he had something to do with the theft."

"As the victim," Ryan said firmly, glaring at him.  "You have anything further to say, you can say it to his spouse or his lawyer.  I'm sure there's plenty of them who've loved his work in the past defending the gay community."  He backed off.  "Anything else?"  He shook his head.  "Then scram.  Horatio is out with a downed officer and he's clearly in pain.  Otherwise you'd have walked off crying by now."

"Hmm, that's an idea.  I'm sure I can get Xander a knife if he needs one," Alexx said smoothly.  "What are you accusing Horatio's husband of?"  He went very pale.  "I see.  Is it founded?"  He backed up and disappeared.  But it had given Ryan and Xander the time to do up his shirt.  "How's the leg and shouldn't you be laying down?"

"I sat up to deal with him."

"Calleigh was running up the stairs behind Prestons, who cam in to check on him and make sure it wasn't his checking the cast that had hurt him," Ryan told her.  "But make him sound more human if you say anything.  He did look kinda worried."

"I told him it was probably me going for a hop with the dog."

"Uh-huh.  I doubt it."  She got down to open his cast carefully, looking at his leg.  "Were you up?"

"I had to hop and get the phone. Ringing phones annoy me."  She snorted at that and tested around the edges, making him hiss.  "Ow, Alexx."

"You should be seen again, Xander."  She looked at him.  "Why are you so pale?"

"You hurt me," he pouted.

"That means it might be getting infected."  He pouted.  "We'll see later.  Let's put some heat on it for now," she sighed. She knew she wasn't going to win.  "Why was he really up here?"

"Doing me a favor and filling me in about last night," Ryan offered. "Calleigh was still running up the stairs after him."

"I'll see her next."  She found the heating pad in Horatio's desk, looking at the note on top.  "What's this about?"

"The Treasury case, about the hacker."  He noticed Xander frowned at that.  "You know who did it?"

"Of course I do.  I didn't ask but I do."   He shrugged and winced.  "I know everything, didn't you know that?"   One of the rookies leaned in.  "We're fine."

"I'm sure you are, sir, but are you a suspect?"

"No, he's a spouse.  The trashy shorts are all he could wear with the cast, dear.  Why?"

"Just wondering what was going on, ma'am.  I was told to lurk around here and watch out for anything suspicious."

"That would be me trying to get up and hop away," Xander told her.

"You move from that couch and I will tan your ass," Alexx assured him.

"We do realize that Natalia put the bathrooms downstairs?"  Xander suggested.  She gave him a horrified look.  "Let's be thankful that I'm not at the stage I was the day it happened, when I had to do an enema because my stomach was blocked by the swelling."

"That was dangerous."

"Had to before.  Still nasty. Not my favorite thing in the world but I endure because others like it now and then."  They both blushed at that.  Horatio walked in.  "Hey, dear.  Fornell called.  Info's on the notepad."

"Thank you, Xander. Didn't she tell you not to move?"

"Ryan got it the second time."

"I can tell by the handwriting."  He looked up. "How is he, Alexx?"

"I'm worried he'll infect, Horatio."

"I'll call his regular doctor today to update him and get him some antibiotics."  She smiled at that.  "Any other orders?"

"Make sure he doesn't walk when he has to go to the little boy's room.  His leg looks fine otherwise.  I'm going to check on Calleigh. She was running earlier."  She went to nag her too.

Horatio looked at Ryan, who was staring at his husband intently.  "Something else happen?"

"He and the Treasury agent got into it.  He thinks Xander had something to do with the theft," Ryan offered, turning to face him.  And he knew Horatio knew that was a partial truth.  He rolled his eyes since Xander couldn't see him.  "I told him if he had any further question to come to you or his lawyer, that I'm sure you had one for idiots like him."

"We do, thank you.  What was he trying to do?"  Xander scooped up the paper ball and tossed it at him, letting him read it.  "Very interesting.  "Thank you for the help, Mr. Wolfe.  Prestons was doing what in here?"

"Comparing his bruise and doing me a favor by sharing what happened last night while I was being bored by pros paying bail and fines."

"That's fine.  Was he polite?"

"Very.  We even made sure he could still get lunch."

"Thank you for looking out for him, Ryan. Anything new?"

"Two of them admitted it to the nurses.  They're being brought in as soon as they're released. Another one's being hunted down at home. It was her idea to do the PCP and champagne enemas."  Horatio and Xander both moaned. "She sweated it out of every orifice by the time she was killed.  When they come in for final statements before booking I'll make sure Alexx agrees with them." That got a nod.  "I love easy cases that make people turn green over dinner."  He smiled and walked off.

Horatio closed his office door and sat down beside his mate, on his good side.  " How are you feeling?"

"Cranky.  Are you going to be able to see who shot him?"

"I am.  We have a very good idea already."  He stroked his cheek, then his forehead.  "No fever."

"Pain around it."

"Hmm.  That can indicate an infection.  Should we go to the ER?"

"Only if you want to spend hours and hours waiting."

"Not particularly.  I could call your doctor to get you something."

"We can pick up what I already have when we go to the meeting tonight."

"Plus the leftovers."  He looked at his chest. "Let me look at your ribs."  Someone briefly knocked and opened the door as he was reaching for a button.  "Chief."  He moved to the next one, ignoring the swatting.

"Must you two have sex in front of me?" he demanded bitterly.

"I'm checking his broken ribs, Chief.  I wouldn't be undoing his shirt if we were having sex in here.  There's too much traffic for anything more than a quickie."  Xander blushed bright red at that.  And then he saw the bruise.  "Xander?"  He looked at him. "How many are broken?"

"I think four, Ryan thought five."

"We are going to the ER."

"No, we can call my regular doctor and have him write orders to send me for x-rays."

"All right," he agreed, nodding at that.  "Then you are going home to rest."  He stood up and walked around his boss, who was staring in horror. "It had been three but then the attack last night made him duck and fall down.  It may have broken others that were cracked before."

"In custody?"

"No, during the assault."

"Oh, good.  I've heard Prestons could be fairly rough."

"I shot back when he and I verbally jousted. To be honest, I'm in more pain now and much more cranky.  Which is why there's a treasury agent cowering behind an FBI agent outside."

Horatio looked.  "Glenda, it's Horatio.  I need to have Xander sent in for more x-rays.  The broken rib bruise on his side is spreading and he thinks he broke another one that had been cracked when someone tried to attack him last night.  It's down most of his left side.  Oh, and his leg broken open last night.  The bone shifted and caused it to."  He nodded. "Thank you, Glenda.  Please.  No, not University.  We had issues there when the OB nurse tried to keep Xander from seeing our daughter.  She's adorable.  Of course, the next time we come in we'll bring her or a picture of her."  He smiled.  "That would be good.  They know us and love us there.  Thank you, Glenda.  Chest, side, front, and back if possible and his right leg. Alexx thinks it may be infecting.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "You, in here," he ordered. Agent Elliot walked in, the Feeb stayed outside. "You as well," Horatio ordered tolerantly.  "Close the door," he ordered, losing patience fast.

"That's his going to spank someone voice. I'd follow it because we'll sell popcorn."  The Chief gaped at him. "I'm in pain, I'm allowed to be fucking cranky if I want to be!"

"You are and quit swearing," Horatio ordered. "Now then.  You made some allegations about my spouse doing what?" he demanded coldly.  His glare got turned up higher.

"The only way he could've known..."

"Would be to actually do the responsible thing and keep track of his finances?  Yes, I know.  He pays my nephew to do it for him."  He swallowed.  Horatio's hands went to his hips, staring him down.  "You are accusing the victim on circumstantial evidence.  Evidence so flimsy that Deputy Director Fornell only needed to ask the tech who it got sent to who had hacked the system.  It was Webber herself."  He went pale at that.  "She knew that something was going on.  Someone had informed her of that and Xander is a friend of hers somehow.  She did it for him."  The FBI suit was typing her name into his PDA.  "Just like it sounds," he said facetiously.

"Th...that would be in line with..with what we know about the hacker Webber," he stuttered, looking at Horatio.  "She only works for good causes."

"Banks stealing the money of a friend and others would be a good cause, especially with an SEC case open, right?" Xander prompted.  That got a nod from that suit.  "Then why blame me?"

"Oh, no, sir, I'm not here for that.  We'd like permission to use the sneezing virus on a local group of bigots that go by the name of the Patrick Benis Foundation."

"Really?  Because I know them.  They support gay rights," Xander noted dryly.  He looked horrified.  "Some of the board is gay and most of the board are police officers.  Some in this very lab.  What sort of bigots did you say they were again?"

"Um, causing sedition?"

"Let me see," Xander said, standing up and snatching the PDA before sitting back down.  "Honey, they put the file back."  He tossed it to him. He glared at him. "Do I look like a mother fucking bigot to your stupid, blind ass?" he demanded.  He whimpered and wet himself.  "Do I?"

"N...no...no, sir."

"Are you fucking well certain?"

"Yes, sir," he squeaked.

"Xander, the language is getting out of hand," Horatio ordered.

"Yay."  He glared at the man.  "Name one thing that I've done that's caused sedition?"

"You take some officers off their shifts."

"Usually, we meet on weekends, planned weekends, planned long in advance so that doesn't happen.  Every now and then a family emergency can crop up since most of the board is family of our own making.  Besides, that's not sedition.  That's playing hookie."

"But, Detective Messer...."

"Is probably downstairs in Trace.  Chief, would you please open the door."  He did that.  "Daniel!" he shouted.  "The stupid ass suit is claiming I'm being seditious by keeping you from working.  Would you mind coming up here?" he bellowed.

"We could have used the phone, Xander," Horatio noted.

"Then I'd have to get up and risk opening my leg or hurting more ribs, dear."  Danny came jogging up the stairs.  "This...suit," he said with great distaste.  "From Sears and not even on the good side of Sears.  Not even on the so-so polyester side of Sears, thinks I'm spreading sedition the whole board is and being bigots, for doing things like sticking up for gay rights and gay students and keeping you off work."

Danny burst out laughing. "I'm down here on a death threat situation and fillin' in, you fucking moron."

"I've had enough of the swearing," Horatio snapped.

"Sorry, Horatio.  My language will improve." He glared at him.  "You think I'm a what?"

"Wha...what about Det...detective Flack?"

"He's playing with his nieces and nephews from Xander and Horatio.  He's down for a tenant's meeting tonight."  He swallowed at that.  "Any other charges for your sedition case?"

"He destroyed our director.  Plus, he went to New York with no bags and came back two days later with one.  We think he was picking up drugs."

"That would be the DEA's job," Danny told him.  "Did you ever think maybe he was *shopping*?" he asked, talking down to him.  The man looked horrified.  "Millions of people do it yearly in New York.  Wonder why?"  He backed out.  "Oh, no.  There's no way in *hell* I'm letting this one go on for another ten months like last time."  He grabbed him by the collar.  "Horatio, I'm going to use the video conferencing system if that's all right?"

"Go ahead, Danny.  I know it's not a social call.  Try to modulate your language in the labs."

"Of course. I do try."  He smiled at the chief.  "Thank you for harboring me while I was under death threat, sir."  He walked/drug the other guy out and down the stairs. He ran into Speed.  "We're seditious again."

"Really?  Can I hurt him this time?"

"No, this time we're going to call Mac.  He just blamed Xander for bringing down their director and going up to New York to shop."

"Interesting ploy.  What about the treasury moron?"

"I do believe Ryan came down to the point of 'he has a lawyer, use him' and left it there."

"Hmm.  Even better."  He looked at Danny as they walked into the lab that had that set up. "Think she'd mind if I borrowed a mood swing?  Or two?"

"Only if you give them back. What's wrong, boys?" Calleigh asked.

"We're seditious," Speed told her.

She looked at the Fed in Danny's grip, then dialed New York.  Then she grabbed the guy and started to shake him.  "What the heck are you doing, you stupid, moronic, vapid excuse for a *really* bad suit!"

"Calm down," Stella ordered from the screen. "What's up?"

"Sedition, again."

"I merely came to ask if I could borrow one of those viruses that Agent Gibbs has to look into the vile bigots at the Patrick Benis Foundation."

"You mean the one Xander and Don Flack run?" Danny asked.  "The one that we sit on the board of?"  He went really pale and liquid joined the stain on his pants.  "That's really pitiful, especially that it makes your suit look better."  He looked at Mac as he joined Stella.  "We thought you should be in on this one from the start.  So far it's sedition because I'm down here, Don's down here, we have to have weekend meetings now and then, we ended up taking down their director, and Xander came up with nothing and went back with clothes."  He closed the door with a push of his hand.  "Sorry, but it's going to get tense," he called at the hurt sound. "And Horatio said to please not let him hear any more swearing in the lab."  He smiled sweetly.

Mac walked closer to the camera.  "Are they trying to ruin your career?  Danny, can you three-way in Abby or Fornell?"

"I can definitely do Abby, not sure about Fornell."  He dialed that number, he liked Abby and talked to her whenever he could. She came up on the screen and smiled, waving.  "Sedition, again," he said, pointing at the suit.

"It's really pathetic that the urine stain makes it a nicer suit."

"I like my suit."

"That shows that you're stupid and you have bad taste," she noted dryly.  "Why do you think it's sedition?"

"Missing work, me and Don, we took down their director, and Xander came home with luggage when he didn't go up with any."

"So, you're basing it on death threats that're keeping Danny in Miami thanks to a mafia trial that your office is screwing up.  Don being down there to check on Xander, who was horribly injured recently.  Your director going off the deep end and kidnaping Xander under threat of naming him an enemy combatant if he didn't allow himself to be raped and killed while being kidnaped by your director, and him going shopping?"  She looked at him.  "Now I know you're stupid.  Hold on.  Fornell is upstairs with Gibbs."  She called up there.  "Boss, need you and Fornell in the lab pronto for a conference call with Miami and New York.  And a really ugly suit."  She hung up and looked at Fornell as he charged in.  "Don't they teach you how to dress better at the academy and to not piss yourself?"  She pointed at him and Danny shook him again.  "Let me replay so you don't have to repeat yourself."  She replayed the tape she was making on their end.

Gibbs looked at him. "No, you can't use it.  First, you went to the maker of the virus you wanted and you pissed him off.  Second, you have no idea what you're accusing anyone of, you probably can't even spell sedition.  Third, how damn dumb are you?" he shouted. "I've never met a more open group of people than that board!  They're cops!  And you think they're doing what!"

"Gibbs, let me," Fornell said calmly. "You will go back to your cubicle and wait on me. I will be down there by tonight.  You are not to leave the office because you are an embarrassment to the FBI," he said in a cold voice with a glare that made Calleigh sniffle.  "While there, you will try very hard not to talk to anyone or interact with anyone in case your wrongness is contagious.  You will wait on me. I would take the time to clean up your desk and polish your resume.  Am I understood?"

"Who are you to order me?"

"I am Deputy Director Fornell, DC branch."  He shit himself.  "Please have him escorted back, Detectives.  I will bring the subject of this complaint to all three labs as soon as I wade through it."

"I love you guys," Calleigh sniffled.  "You deserve a hug."

He looked at her. "You're pregnant aren't you?"  She nodded.

"The baby wants to be like ADA Hammra too," Speed offered.

"That's a woman that even scares me," Abby admitted.  "That says a lot."

"She got the hunter case," Gibbs told her.  He smiled at Speed.  "He okay?"

"We're down to a lot of bruises, broken ribs, and one broken leg.  Healing spells are wonderful and he managed to sneak out of the hospital before doing one while confused."

Gibbs smirked.  "That's the kid for you.  I'm sure Mac was proud."

"Yes and no.  Yes, that he could, no that he did.  He wanted to hide."

"Yeah, my wives never let me do that either.  Thanks for the laugh, kids.  Fornell will be down tonight."  They hung up on his cue and he looked at Fornell. "You didn't know he wrote two of those?"

"I hadn't heard that."

"He did.  It was written totally differently than the others," Abby offered. "He doesn't have a whole lot of skill but it's a nice one.  Very nice at giving you a wide open back door."

"I'll remember that.  I wonder if Willow knows?"

"Nope, she still thinks he's a goofy tagalong kid at times."

"Interesting. She does have blind spots in her life."  He went to make flight arrangements and find out who that idiot was before he went down so he could tell the new director he was going to fire him.  Even if he was the president's second cousin.

***

Xander trudged into the house that night. Horatio had forgotten to take him to get x-rays, which was nice.  He had spent a whole day avoiding a trip to the ER.  Then again, he now ached even worse and he felt like he was going to die soon.  He smiled at his son, who came running to see him.  Then he looked at his mate.  "If I begged, would you knock me out and go to the tenant's meeting without me?"

"No, why would I?"

"Because either someone knocks me out or I want morphine.  Please?"

"Daddy's booboos hurt?" Eric asked.

Xander looked down and nodded.  "A lot. Really a whole lot."  He looked at his spouse.  "You will have to treasure this because you will never hear it from me again, but please take me to get the x-rays and some pain killers?  Please?"

Horatio pulled him closer to kiss him gently. "I'm sorry I didn't remember before now.  Eric, go tell Mommy daddy has to get pictures taken of his ribs again.  All right?  We'll be back after the meeting."

"I'm cooking," Taylor called.  She came out and looked at him.  "He should probably be in bed."

"I'm going to pass out if we don't do something about the pain and the doc said I could have even more pretty pictures of my insides taken.  We're going to do that."  She nodded slowly. "Save us some."  He turned and hopped out. "Can we take my car so you don't have to lift me into the hummer?" he called.  Speed parked Calleigh's car. "Great.  Give Horatio your keys so we can go to the x-ray people."  Speed looked at him, not surrendering his keys.  "Dad, I'm in pain.  Either I go now or I'm going alone."  Speed continued to stare at him so he headed for his car, inching his keys out of his pockets.  He slid in with a wince.  It was not a good day.  And he remembered it was a standard too.  Oh, well, guess his left foot was doing a lot today.  He started the engine and backed out, heading for the hospital by himself since everyone else was stunned too stupid to help him.  He parked and hopped inside, going to the registration desk.  "I have x-rays I was supposed to come in for earlier.  Harris?"

She typed him in. "I do see your name and that you are pre-registered by your doctor.  It says you have a chip?"  He nodded. "Where might it be?"

"Back of my neck.  Safest place for it."  He let her scan it.  "How long?  I've got broken ribs and a spreading bruise."

"I could have one of our ER nurses look at you."

"The ER is for sick people.  Not much they can do for broken ribs anyway."  She downloaded his file and uploaded it into their system, then smiled at him as she put the bracelet on his wrist. "Thank you.  How long?"

"Probably shouldn't bee too long.  So far not too many dinner accidents tonight.  Go have a seat over there."  She pointed at the waiting area.  "The technician will call you in a few minutes, Mr.  Harris."

He nodded his thanks and hopped over there, sitting down in one of the uncomfortable chairs, letting the pain overwhelm him until he was called about twenty minutes later.  By then he was nearly stoned on the pain but the tech was still moving too fast.  "Slow down," he snapped.  She stopped to look at him. "Broken leg, at least four broken ribs, can't hop that fast and these floors are too slick to encourage it."  She nodded and slowed down so he could keep up, letting him into one of the x-ray rooms.

"If you'll sit on the table, put your legs out straight and we'll do that first.  If you wanted to take off your shirt now, you can also do that.  Let me look at the cast, okay?"

"I bled yesterday. The bone shifted and popped some stitches open," he warned before she could touch it.

"That's not in your chart," she said, looking it over.

"I had our unofficial family doctor look at it after I got assaulted last night."  She nodded, making a note of that.  "I also have a mild concussion."  She looked at him.  "It's my twenty-third or so. I can tell."  She made a note of that as well. "Thank you."  He wiggled as best as he could out of his shirt, weathering her gasp.  "Like I told the other one.  The bruise is spreading and I'm in pain."

"I should get one of the ER nurses to look at that," she said worriedly.

"My doc can prescribe anything I need," he pointed out.  "Just take the pretty pictures so he knows what sort of pain killers to give me before I kill.  Again."  She nodded, inserting some film and then adjusting the focus on the camera.  Horatio walked in, giving him a dirty look. "That's my husband," he said at her opening mouth. "He was so shocked by me asking for a ride that he stood there."

"Do you want me to kick him out?"

"He'll handcuff you and have another tech do it."

"Oh.  All right.  You're one of those who never needs the pain killers, aren't you?"  He nodded.  "Bad parents, gangs, or otherwise?"

"Bad parents and bad town."

"Sports?"

"Swimming. Diving.  Did it with a few inch deep ricochet right before team tryouts while I was still full time."  She looked impressed with that.  "Metal stitches, I didn't even cover them.  Pool kept it clean."  She giggled at the small mark on his upper thigh. "Yeah, he made me get it."  He looked down at the fancy cursive script H and the handcuffs hanging off one side.  "To remind me I could lean on him."

"I was stunned, Xander, that was all," he offered gently. "I would've snapped out of it sooner but Eric decided to beat me for letting you feel pain."  He came over to look at his leg, then at him.  "As soon as they have the results uploaded I'm calling the doctor to get you some pain killers."

"He might have to spend a night in the hospital with that sort of bruising and the new head injury," the tech offered. "He really should go to the ER."

"I escaped the last time they wanted me to stay in the hospital," Xander told her. "I was wrapped like the mummy that night."

"I saw that.  How did you heal so fast?"

"I have a few very strong Wiccan friends who helped me."

"Oh, I see.  Okay."  She left it there.  "If your husband will please step behind the screen I'll be right there and let me put the lead bib over your parts."  She did that and stepped back, looking at the focus.  "That should be fine for this time."  She went back there to click the button.  "Hold perfectly still please?"  She clicked it and came back, adjusting the film.  "Can you flip onto .....  No, you can't, can you.  Hmm.  Well, we'll have to tilt the camera."

"I could turn my foot and let it flop to the side," Xander offered. "My thigh cramp might like that."

"I noticed that.  Crutch cramp?"

He nodded. "It does not like being hurt."

"We'll try it that way."  She turned his leg carefully, then adjusted the camera's angle until it had the better shot.  Then she went back and clicked that one.  "All right, Mr. Harris.  Let me change the film while you lay down.   Unless you want to stand up for the chest films?"

"Please don't make me stand."

"I understand fully.  I broke my ankle once. I never went jogging again."

"I've already missed almost a week of my running and training time.  I'm going to be miserable when I get back in shape.  But the dog'll enjoy the shorter runs for a while."

"We let him go with Eric to build his stamina," Horatio promised, coming out to look him over.  "How much pain are you in?"

"The fact I'm mentioning it should be a clue," he noted patiently. "The last time you heard me say ouch I cut my finger on some paper.  The time before that I was shot."

"Good point."  He took a kiss.  "Stay calm, it'll be over soon."  She moved him so she could adjust the bed this time and insert the film.  Then they went back to the screen and hid while they took front pictures, then a side picture.  Xander chose to stand up for the back picture, that way he wouldn't have to lie on his stomach.  "Are you going to be able to sleep tonight?"

"You could try for a gel mattress, those are very nice and they conform to you.  We use them on burn patients because they don't have friction or pressure points."

"Can we get one tonight?"

"Maybe.  You'd have to check around.  You could probably get a mattress topper tonight but him sleeping alone might be easiest."  She let him sign his papers.  "Okay, it'll take us about an hour to read them then upload them and the results into the system, tell your doctor that.  Until then, try to eat something.  Remember, protein and calcium are needed to rebuild strong bones and muscles."  She smiled and let Horatio help Xander back into his shirt while she redid his air cast.  "He really probably should go to the ER.  I don't like that bruise."

"If I gave you a digital camera, could you take a picture and upload it?"  She nodded.  He went to get his and handed it over.  She took a few good pictures and uploaded those into the system, then handed it back. "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  It's what I do."  She smiled and let them go, smiling at the cuteness really.  He took such good care of his playboy husband!  She went to see about another patient while those x-rays uploaded and were read.

Horatio looked at Xander.  "I took a cab."

"There where did your camera come from?"

"Him," he said, handing it to Speed.  "We're going looking for a gel mattress topper.  It could help him get comfortable."

"Easton's.  They have them."  Horatio nodded at that and headed out with him, and it was even open a bit late.  They got the mattress topper and some new bandages, plus a male urinal for the bedroom because Xander noted that there was no way he was getting up without help tonight.  They made it home and the doctor's office called Horatio, chewing him out by the look on his face.

"He escaped, Doctor.  I'm well aware of that but the bruise is since then.  An attempted gay bashing last night by one of our distant neighbors.  Baseball bat.  He moved to duck one and it broke the other ribs plus shifted the bone in his leg."  He looked at Xander, then smirked. "Did you want the truth?  Xander's a Wiccan, some of his friends are Wiccan.  Yes, that's what I said.  That's what they did.  I have no idea.  It didn't work on everyone in the past. Well, for us, it would be like praying for God to heal us.  Yes, that sort of faith.  I'm quite sure.  He says hospitals are for sick people.  You know how he can be. That's why he escaped."  Xander glared at him.  "It was.  We have a gel mattress topper now, that was suggested.  The bruise?"  He looked at his chest.  "Off with the shirt."

"I look like the pool boy."

"You already look like my pool boy.  Off with the shirt, Xander."  He wiggled free of it again, and Horatio sighed. "It's not looking any better but I can't see any spreading."

"I can," Speed called.  "It's deeper in color on his back."

Horatio nodded a few times.  "Of course.  The house?  You're more than welcome and we'd gladly make you dinner.  I can agree to that.  We'll be there within twenty minutes.  Thank you."  He hung up and looked at Xander. "Leave it off.  We're going to the office."  Eric made a whining noise. "You hate going to the doctor."

"Daddy Xanner go, I go. Make sure his boo boos get better!" he ordered, stomping a foot.

"Fine.  Grab your coat."

"He not wear a shirt."

"He's got booboos there.  You don't."  Eric grabbed his lightweight coat and followed his father out to the car, letting Daddy Horatio hitch him in.  Then watched as he hitched Daddy Xander in.  Then he got in to drive and did up his own, making him a happy boy.  Daddy Xander and Ray Jr. had told him how important seat belts were. He scowled at his mommy whenever she didn't use hers.  They backed down the driveway and he hummed along with the radio, watching the pretty lights of the city. He loved driving at night, the lights were pretty.  He saw his daddy slump and grab his side.  "Daddy?"

"He's fine, Eric.  Let Daddy Horatio drive just a bit faster.  You go back to humming, all right?"  He sped up and of course, lights came on behind him.  He noticed the driver and called him.  "Michaals, quit trying to stop me.  I'm taking Xander to the doctor's.  The bruise on his ribs is spreading and he's admitting he's in pain."  The lights went off. "Thank you."  He hung up, noticing they were shadowed the whole way there.  He parked and got out, helping Xander to his feet, letting the officer get him.  "Eric."  He undid himself and scooted out then over to him. "Thank you, good boy.  Can you get daddy's crutches while we get daddy?  Stay with us?"  He nodded, grabbing them to drag inside.  Daddy Horatio locked the car and they helped carry Xander inside.  The guard gave them an odd look.  "He said to come in."

"Doctor Montrosey is back in his office, sir.  Let me go get him."  He smiled at the boy and went to get him, nodding politely at the officer who followed.  "Is he in trouble?"

"No, but we noticed some things earlier that Xander didn't tell Horatio.  He's like that."  They found the doctor and he shook his hand, quietly whispering in his ear, getting a nod.  "He never told him.  He was snapping at a few people too.  Cranky was his name."

"Thank you, Officer.  You have a good patrol and I'll take that into account."  That got a nod and he followed them back to the front, smiling at Eric.  "Usually you spit when you see me."

"You fix daddy or else I hit you with crutch," he said and to him it was that simple.  Then he smiled sweetly.  "Okay?"

"You can only threaten the doctor if he's trying to hurt me, son.  Not when he's trying to help," Xander said patiently.  He looked at his doctor. "He's a fierce protector of the daddies."

"I can see why.   I can also see why you made the pool boy comment."  The officer laughed.  "Help me get him back to one of the exam rooms please."  They got him back there and situated on his good side with a helping hand between his knees to ease any pressure in his hips.   He read over the notes, then looked at the bruise, noticing how fresh it looked. "You've obviously abused a blood vessel today somehow."

"I had to lean on the railing to get up to the office," Xander offered. "But I was bruised last night when I tried to duck.  I already knew how painful baseball bats were."

"I'm sure you did."  He came over to touch the bruise, seeing the wince and actually hearing a hiss.  "Have you taken anything today?"

"Tylenol."

"What happened to the stuff I sent after you escaped?"

"At the emergency hiding spot.  We were going to pick it up tonight," Horatio admitted.  "What worried me is that he didn't have that sort of bruise before and it's steadily gotten worse today.  Plus, he asked to go to the hospital for the x-rays.  We let Alexx look at his leg and ribs last night then again at lunch.  She thought his leg might be starting to infect."

"I can see why she thinks that."  He uploaded the front chest x-ray and side one onto his monitor, letting Horatio come over to see it.  Horatio moaned.  "He did what last night?"

"Nearly got killed by a retiree with a bat," Xander said dryly.  "How many?"

"Six."

"Ow.  Any more cracked?"  The doctor shook his head.  "I broke all the cracked ones?"  Horatio nodded.  "I'm impressed at myself, really," he admitted bitterly.  He called Don.  "I'm not going to make it to the meeting.  I'll send in a doctor's excuse with Horatio."  He smirked.  "Fine, Don.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "It is mandatory, Horatio.  They go over all the safety and security stuff once a year.  Tag, you're it."

"I'll drop you at home first."  The doctor gave him a long stare.  "Can the hospital give him anything we can't at home?"

"No.  You can definitely feed him antibiotics and pain killers. He'd probably snap at a few of the nurses."  Xander nodded at that.  "Do we have a way to ease the agony of sleeping?"

"We bought a gel mattress for the bed," Horatio offered.

"That'll work."  Horatio's phone rang.  "Again?"

"Probably."  He answered it.  "Caine."  He listened.  "No, he's not there, Speed.  Why?"  He listened, then he shook his head.  "Does he have proof or is he trying shit?"  He looked at Xander, then shook his head.  "Arrest or otherwise?"  He smirked.  "Then you don't know where he is and when I get to him I'll have him call."  He hung up.  He looked at the doctor.  "There's a Treasury agent who doesn't like Xander for taking down his bank when they were stealing from him.  Dear, how did Webber get that footage?"

"I didn't hack it.  Willow didn't hack it.  As far as I knew, Webber herself hacked it.  Why?"

"He says it came from Miami."

"She could've routed it through Miami.  Do they actually have proof it wasn't routed? I routinely route anything I do through Brazil."

"You can hack?" the doctor asked.

"In a very limited scope," he admitted. He and Horatio shared a look.  "I didn't."

"I believe you."

"Good.  Go to the meeting."  Horatio smirked.  "I'm not going anywhere near the station but I'll call in."  Horatio rolled his eyes.  "Really."  That got a nod.  "I'll even cab home if you'll give me twenty bucks."

"I can do that."  He handed that over and then took a kiss before heading off with their son.  Xander shook his head.  "Sorry, Doc, some people are stupid."

"What did the bank do?"

"Robbed me of a few million I had in my safety deposit box for emergencies."

"Hmm.  Well...."  He looked at the information, then at him.  "You'll still need to get some antibiotics and the old pain killers.  We'll let you try on them first."  Xander nodded at that.  "If they're not holding you, you'll let me know tomorrow.  No physical stress."

"Yes, sir.  I'm going to hide my ass."  He stood up with a moan and rehitched his cast.  "Can you call in the 'scrip to the usual spot?"

"Wouldn't they have your cards frozen?"

"Possibly.  Okay, call it there anyway then tell Horatio.  He can pick 'em up for me." He smiled sweetly.  "I'm going to go hide."  He hopped out, heading to let the guard call him a cab.  The address got an odd look but he gave him a look and stroked his bruise.  The guy shuddered and let it go.  He gladly dropped him off at the old building three blocks away from his house and watched him go inside.  Xander walked in and waved at the kids in the illegal bar.  "I'm heading down," he told the bartender, getting a nod.  "Locked room three."

"That's fine, Mr. Harris, sir.  You okay?"

"No, I ache," he admitted, heading down to the basement and through one of the locked doors.  A glow stick was easily snapped and shook and he hopped up the tunnel to the back exit out of his bunker.  Then inside bunker.  Because once you were in the gun bunker, there was a small sitting area in there for him to sit at and play with things.  Once he got in there and quit panting, he flopped into his easy chair and got comfortable, calling the station. "Put me on with the treasury dweeb please?  No, I take him as someone who would take fond advantage of my six broken ribs and broken leg.  I'm not coming anywhere near there tonight.  My doctor said I'm to be in bed and I'm going to head there eventually."  He snorted.  "They stole from me and I did what?" he asked the officer, who he did know.  "It was in my safety deposit box, man.  Dear, think.  How many ransoms have we had to get things for?  Plus how many emergencies?"  He smirked.  "Yeah, that's what that was for."  His line beeped.  "Hold on, incoming call."  He switched over.  "Yes, Danny?"  He listened.  "I know.  Ignore it.  It's nothing.  Ignore it totally."  He looked around the small sitting area.  He had padded the walls with hangings and rugs so it didn't echo.  "No, I'm okay.  Going to talk to him now."

He hung up on him and clicked back.  "Sorry.  Danny wondering what a light was."  He used a crutch to push on the door, hearing the click.  "Ah, better."  He smiled.  "Thanks.  No, Horatio's attending a meeting for me tonight.  He's bringing me antibiotics for my leg and my pain killers.  Yeah, well, six now.  No, when I had to duck the guy with the baseball bat.  Gaybashing," he snorted.  "Yeah, one of them.  Sure."  He wiggled a bit and hissed. The voice on the other end sneered.  "You try having broken ribs."  He listened to his accusations.  "Okay, slow down.  First of all, I'm not a hacker.  I can program some things now and then.  I'm abysmal at it if you want me to be honest."  He smirked at the assertion.  "I know that.  Webber is a friend of a friend.  She and a few others do a lot of good work with the government and others.  I support that.  Webber's a new friend and I do know quite a lot about her. Really?  Can you prove what I gave her were part of a crime?  And the last time I knew, aiding in an open investigation wasn't a crime.  She had every intention of handing that to the SEC for the second complaint I was going to file.  The same as the friend I have on the board knew she was going to do that and I was using in-box surveillance.  Because I couldn't move it with an open SEC complaint going on.  The other banks wouldn't let me.  Yay, whine."  He yawned.  "Damn, you're nearly as good as painkillers for letting me sleep."

He put up the foot rest.  Then he sighed in pleasure.  "Sorry, just putting my leg up again.  Wasn't over you, really."  He listened to him rant.  "No I can't.  I'm not any good at hacking security systems.  Designing them yes, hacking them no.  Really?" he asked dryly.  He saw the light go on that said the main door had opened.  He conveniently lost his signal and hung up on him.  "What?" he called.  Mac walked in with a tray.  "Thanks.  I'm hiding down here."

"I figured you were."  He patted him on the head. "You okay?"

"Sore as fuck and I'm sick and tired of the treasury.  It's not like I hacked the bank."

"I've been talking to his boss.  He's already in trouble for this but they're giving him rope."

"Yeah, well, I'm not going to be his noose.  He's the sort to take advantage of a physical weakness.  Calleigh agreed that he would probably be the sort to take someone's wheelchair away."

"Good point.  Just don't make it a stand-off."

"I'm not.  How did you get in?"

"I watched you tap in the code, Xander."  He patted him again.  "Horatio?"

"Tenant's meeting at the emergency place Patrick set up for us."  That got a nod.  "If it wasn't so important, Don and I would've given you three one of them and just had the other up there."

"I like my place," he assured him.  "It's comfortable."  He patted him again.  "You good?"

"It's now six ribs."  Mac hissed. "I finished breaking all the ones that had been cracked.  I'm not a happy guy."

"I understand.  How did you get in?"

"Back way," he admitted with a grin.  Mac laughed and left.  "Tell him I said that."

"I will."  He shut the door and locked it then went back up to Di's.  "He's fine.  He's sneaking back out again."

"What is going on?" she demanded.

"They decided him trapping the person stealing his money for definitive proof was a criminal act."

"Why?"

"Because they're idiots," Don assured her dryly.  He smirked.  "How did he get in?"

"The back way.  Weren't you supposed to have dinner with Marisol and her parents tonight?"

"We started to but they had a kitchen fire at the restaurant.  We decided to try it again tomorrow afternoon for a picnic."  He grinned.  "That means we'll be switching cities back and forth, Mac."

"That's fine, Don.  We'll see you about as often for court anyway."  He went back into the kitchen.  "He's calling him."

"That's fine.  It means he can say he wasn't fleeing or hiding, he just wasn't able to be found."

"That's a fine distinction," Di complained.

"Not really.  Especially since he's injured," Don reminded her.  "How many?"

"Six."  Don hissed.  "He said he broke the rest that were cracked."

"I'm so sorry for the nephew right now."

"Yeah, me too," he agreed dryly.

***

Xander finished his sandwich and called back.  "Sorry about that.  Lost the signal.  Too many waves."  He sipped his soda.  "No, I took the opportunity to eat dinner.  I've got to eat to heal and I'm looking forward to healing and being able to train again.  Yup, I've also heard he's in deep shit with his bosses.  Sure, thanks."  He moved the tray off to the side.  "Why are you in my husband's office without a warrant?" he asked dryly.  "No, I lost my signal.  The satellite was in the wrong spot I guess.  Happens all the time."  He listened.  "Really?  Hmm.  Because you guys were so on the ball with the first one?  There's no rule that says I can't hire someone to do an investigation for me, especially when the officials who're supposed to do it are ineffectual and dragging their feet.  Speaking of which, I reported the first round of theft to the SEC and never saw one of you guys.  Why was that?"  He listened to the counter of how many times he had gotten into his boxes.  "Yes, I was keeping careful records of people who attacked me or tried to give me shit.  Since there was a contract out on my spouse's life and I was working with IAB, I was keeping files on everyone that tried me for a while.  You know what, ask IAB that."  He conferenced Phil in.  "Sorry to destroy your appetite, Phil.  Paranoid Treasury boy there wants to know about the contract and why I got into my box so many times.  Do you know where the files would be since he's in Horatio's office?"

He smirked. "I'm following my doctor's orders.  I've got a broken leg and six broken ribs, Phil.  He's the sort who would take a few cheap shots at my ribs during an interrogation.  I know that, and he's doing it.  It's not like I'm keeping him from talking to me.  Though I did lose signal there for a few minutes and had a sandwich while I waited for it to come back."  He shook his head.  "No I'm not, Phil.  I'm not putting my physical health at risk.  His warrant is to talk to me.  He's talking to me now.  It doesn't specify that I had to be in the same building.  I'm cooperating to the best of my present physical capabilities.  So please answer the paranoid man?"  He waited while Phil told him exactly why he had.  He smiled.  "Thank you, Phil. I know.  Phil, I've got broken ribs and a broken leg.  I'm not moving for a while.  He is the sort to refuse me medical attention if necessary.  Hell, my doctor wanted me back in the hospital since I've got a horribly spreading bruise thanks to the assault last night by the gaybasher."  He rolled his eyes.

"Remember the neighbor that tagged the house and got the yard?  Him.  No, Prestons was not in any way responsible for my leg opening, Phil.  He checked my cast, he did press on it, but I was also up and taking the dog for a hop before that.  That's when I got assaulted.  It could've easily happened when I ducked a blow.  Or with all the hopping I was doing that day.  It started to bleed and I opened it to check it.  It wasn't his fault.  Yeah, he's a bigot but he didn't hurt it that way."  The pressure had hurt but he wasn't going to tank a guy's career since he knew the guy hated him for being with Horatio.  Let his career be tanked if he did it to someone else.  "Yes, I'm sure, Phil.  That's my statement on that matter."  He got a glum 'fine'.  "Thank you.  Now, did you see a problem with me starting my own investigation since the SEC hadn't closed the first one when it started to happen again and the Treasury never showed up about the first one?  Or in the fact that a hacker I know and occasionally pay for her to do some limited computer work for me helped?"

Xander shifted and hissed.  "Sorry, needed to move some.  Who told you I hacked?  No, I can barely program.  They'll tell you that anything I've done has a lot of flaws in it.  I'm not a hacker.  I only get on my computer to play games anymore.  Webber has worked with multiple government agencies and PDs on various types of cases.  Including some hacking to get entrance into some child porn rings."  He shifted again and moaned.  "Sorry.  Still in a hell of a lot of pain."  He yelped.  "I think my chair has ants."  He got up and got the fire extinguisher, hitting his chair with a burst.  He put it back then sat down again.  "Ah!  And colder too.  No, no fan where I am. No I'm not telling you where I am.  I'm not stupid nor do I feel any desire for any more torture at the moment.  I've got my yearly quota already," he noted plainly, making the treasury guy grit his teeth together.  "By the way, who told you I wrote any programs, sparky?"  He smirked at the 'you were seen meeting to hand some over' remark.

"Those mostly weren't mine. You are aware of that?"  He smirked brighter at the swear.  "That's why we gave them to them.  We *trust* them.  They're *honorable* and they're *good* agents.  They're the sort I'd want to come after me again the next time they have to help rescue me."  He smirked at Phil's laugh.  "Gibbs is."  He listened.  "Yes, I was.  He... Phil, since he's at Horatio's desk, can you please send him that case file?  Thanks."  He winced again.  "I've got to shift again.  Want me to call back in five minutes so you can sound out the words?"  He heard the order to quit making fun of him.  "Sorry, I get cranky when I'm in pain.  Hell, I'm still playing nice with as much pain as I'm in." Phil noted something.  "Fine, I'll be nicer and more polite if possible.  It's not like he doesn't deserve it."  He snorted. "Really?  When am I getting the stuff from the first time they stole from me?"  He grimaced.  "No.  I tend to avoid large boxes unless they come from my husband.  Otherwise they give me headaches.  I'm assuming it's somewhere in the house."

He grimaced.  "Ask Phil.  He has the most recent list.  I haven't updated the house's files in the last few weeks."  Phil recited the last few things that had come to him, making im gasp in horror.  "Yeah, that's why I don't like boxes.  Anything else you wanted to know before you go do your job instead of making citizens do your job for you?  Well, gee, I asked the SEC agent over my complaint and he said you guys hadn't come near it.  By the way, I liked the guy who came in.  He was polite, he was helpful, he didn't make accusations.  Especially since I told him I was using some surveillance measures to try to track it.  Well, when the system fails it's either we do it ourselves or we wait for Batman.  Miami's version of Batman is me. Or I'm probably as close as the city will ever come," he offered when Phil choked on his laughter.

"You guys weren't paying attention.  Normal people had to do it.  Yes, I know Webber.  I paid her to make sure our new computers within the family could talk to the office with the round of births going on.  It was necessary and Webber is a very nice person.  Webber and a few others take in some kids who have the skills who're being abused and otherwise held down and harmed and sees that they find a career and make it.  I do support that."  He shifted again, mentally wishing for pain killers.  A bottle appeared next to him and he caught them.  They were even his.  "Huh."  He looked up.  "Thanks," he mouthed.  "Needed this."  He dry swallowed two and relaxed once they started to work.  He yawned. "Guys, I've finally broken into my stash of pain killers.  No, I can't, sparky.  I'm about to fall asleep on this end.  If you try you're in for a hell of a shock."  He listened to Phil.  "Am I not cooperating?  That is the essence of the warrant for interrogation, correct?"  He nodded.  "Which I am doing, Phil.  Even if I'm not in the same building.  I'm not getting anywhere near him with what I've heard about his reputation for cheap shots. Especially not when I'm in pain and it might result in someone else being severely hurt.  Yeah, and what happens if my pain tolerance is maxed again, Phil?  How did they find me?"  He hung up on that point.  The recliner was comfortable enough for a nap and a nap sounded good right then.  He could let the fuzzy mental thoughts go round and round without him for a while.

***

Horatio walked into his office and glared at the agent in there.  "I do hope you have a warrant to be in my office," he snarled.

"Your boss said we could, Caine.  He let me in."  He stood up.  "Your boy's riding the line with me.  I wouldn't endanger it any further."

"Considering I just sent him his painkillers?  I doubt you'll be talking to him again for the next few days."  He moved closer.  "If you wish to speak to my spouse, you can speak to me, or to our attorney.  Xander is injured.  Severely injured.  Severe enough that his doctor wanted me to have him admitted again."  That got a smirk.  "From the person who wanted to hunt him."  He put that case file on the desk, showing him the 'before' pictures, making him back away and shake his head.  "Yes, that's my spouse.  Now, at the moment, he's down to a broken leg and broken ribs.  I want him where he is, which is resting."  He moved closer and closed the folder.  "Did you have further questions?"

"Why didn't he come to you for the investigation?"

"It's not my job.  When I asked him that, that's what he told me. Technically, those are federal crimes, not felonies.  I do know he did ask one of the technicians in the non-felony lab about things that would admissible in court since you showed no interest in doing your job."  He sat behind his desk and closed the other file as well.  "Now, did you need to know anything else?  He turned over his full investigation to the SEC agent.  You can get it from him."

"I already have.  I want Webber."

"Webber does a lot of good with a lot of agencies.  You want her that much, you go ask them."

"Her?"

"Yes, she is female.  Or so I was told recently."

"Your husband supports her."

"She runs a vocational shelter for some very abused children.  Some of them learn at her knee, some of them go onto other careers, but she makes sure they're fed, watered, clothed, cared for, and given a family within the group.  We don't care what you think about the Covenant.  Most people like that she's filling in a gap that no one else does."  He looked hurt at that.  "Ask Deputy Director Fornell.  She's got him on speed dial for a few cases in the past.  This time, she did it as a favor because Xander helped her buy the building they're using.  They needed more room."

"I see.  How much can he hack?"

"His was an annoyance one.  It made computers sneeze."

"Sneeze?"

"My husband has an odd sense of humor," Horatio said dryly, staring him down.  That got an eye roll.  "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss since you weren't paying attention and doing your job?"

"We were.  We had them under surveillance from a few other incidences.  His so-called investigation could've damaged ours.  Especially since he went to the board."

"The person he went to on the board is the one who fired the people doing these things and he had them banned.  His wife and Xander know each other socially.  Xander knew he was an honest man and would help make it right.  He knew this gentleman would never condone such actions and that he would be stopping them.  Which he tried very hard to do."

"I know that now."  He grimaced. "He could have come to us directly."

"He went to the SEC.  They were SEC violations.  With that case still open, he didn't feel that the current theft issue would have been looked at seriously.  That's why he talked to his friend on the board and then together they investigated.  Since my husband's not an officer and not a CSI, I'm highly impressed on what he gathered and how.  Including the documents.  Even if it did have to come through a slightly illegitimate source like Webber."

"It was well done but it still endangered......"

"Then why didn't you say anything?  You could have come to me or Calleigh and you didn't.  You could have had the agent with the SEC note that there was an ongoing investigation, which would've been news to him, and he would've told Xander to cease, and he would have.  Xander is usually quite reasonable."

"He said he was this city's Batman," he said blandly.

"At times.  My husband's past has been full of defending others.  Then again, he's got broken ribs and is in quite a lot of pain."

"Fine.  Whatever.  I have what I need and I'm sure that your own investigation into this hacker is ongoing."

"She hasn't done anything wrong that we've been told.  Helping an active investigation isn't wrong.  Even if it was done by a civilian.  You'll have a stretch convincing anyone."

"She's a hacker.  She could've gotten into their accounts.  Most judges are paranoid these days."

"She could have gotten into the Pentagon and has for cases.  It doesn't mean she's disabled them even though she is very anti-war from what I've heard through various sources."

He glared at him. "The source of the funds she accessed for your husband lead back to a dead person who had verbally but not officially claimed that his money had been stolen out of his account back in Sunnydale.  Would he know anything about that?"

"Mayor Wilkins was an evil man who tried to kill my husband many times.  Xander doesn't have that sort of skill.  He can hack the video games he plays, not banks."  That got a huff.  "I'm sure you did a search on the former Mayor of Sunnydale?"

"I did, and I saw some obviously rigged footage from graduation too," he sneered.  "It looked like a D&D set with your husband and some little blonde girl playing hero."

"No, that was what happened," Phil said from the doorway.  "Unfortunately."

"People don't turn into giant snakes!"  Phil glared at him.  "I can't believe...."  He stopped when something tugged on his pants leg, looking down at this horrifying creature.  It was drooling, it had spindly arms and legs, and many too many teeth.  He shrieked and moved, and it followed.  Horatio threw a wadded piece of paper at it and disappeared.  "What was that!"

"A recent infestation," Phil said grimly.  "We were going to ask Xander to take care of them until we found out they're allergic to paper and disappear when you throw wadded up paper at them," he said with a perfectly straight face.  "Xander handled things like that in Sunnydale."  The treasury agent ran from the office. "Have a nice night!"  He looked at Horatio.  "An imp?" he asked quietly.

"Talk to Ethan, I do not use magic," he said blandly as he stood up.

"Anymore?"  He smirked. "Your boy took two and went to bed in whatever recliner he's in."

"He'll wake me up coming to bed later.  I'm off to a tenant's meeting for his emergency hole.  Oh, erase all mentions of the search today?  It was an emergency plan put out by Patrick."

"Already done, Horatio.  Ethan told me earlier.  Have fun.  Remember the keys."  He walked off, going back to dinner and his desk.

***

Horatio walked into the house with Don behind him. He looked at Mac and Stella.  "You two made good time."

"Don promised us a big announcement," she offered with a smile. "He's still down there."

"Down where?"

"He has a small sitting area in the weapons storage area," Mac offered.  "I brought him down dinner."

"I had someone make sure his meds got to him by magic," he admitted, going down into the basement.  He tapped in the code for the weapon's locker, then walked inside and locked them in.  He headed to the other side and out, locking it when he saw the two agents there.  "Gibbs.  Fornell.  Why are you here?"

"We need to see the kid about something."

"He's broken."

"I heard," Gibbs admitted.  "We didn't tell the dweeb.  You've got a second mole."

"No, we've got a big mouth," Eric offered as he came down.  "Where is Xander?"

"The weapon's area."

"Weapons?" Fornell asked.  Horatio looked at him.  "Should I not be here?"

"Xander translates some things for a weapon's collector and he pays him in weapons," Eric offered.  "Xander doesn't sell any of them but now and then the labs get new exemplars for the cabinets."

"Interesting," Gibbs said dryly.  "Not like I care.  Go away, Tobias.  I'll talk to him."  Fornell nodded and let Eric lead him away.  "Your secondary mole is more than a big mouth.  He blabbed to the Feeb."

"I figured someone would."  He let him into the shelter after tapping in the code.  "Our hurricane shelter."

"It's nice.  Well done."  Horatio locked the door behind them and then opened the other one, making him smirk.  "I know who did this.  Abby knows them.  She hinted I'd see his work down here."  He followed Horatio into the other room, blinking at the doors.  He walked him through one and through the door behind one of the sword cabinets, into a small sitting area, finding Xander curled up in there.  "Awww."

"Very. What's going on, Gibbs?"

"One of his present givers is mad that he's not his yet.  We arrested him earlier tonight. He's the one who sent the bad suit down."  He looked around the other room, opening a few cabinets.  "Man, Abby would kill for this."

"Mac too.  Calleigh too," Xander said sleepily, glaring at him.  "You woke me up why?"

"I don't know, Batman."  He looked at him.  "One of the senators got arrested for liking you so much that he's trying to ruin you so you have to go to him to get it fixed.  He was going to blame everything on the lab.  That's what was wrong with the treasury guy and all that."  He came back.  "Can you use all those?"  Xander nodded slowly, then held his head.  "Sorry, kid.  You okay?"

"No.  Head hurts."  He looked at Horatio.  "I'm sore."

"I know.  Let's get you into the new bed."  Xander moaned but let Horatio help him up and out of the bunker on the other end with Gibbs behind him.  They left and locked it behind them, then up the stairs with Gibbs' help.  "Thank you," he offered quietly.  Once they were back in their house, he picked Xander up and carried him into the bedroom.  "Need the bathroom?"  Xander nodded so he brought him in there, then back to the bed when he was done.  Xander sank in with a moan of pleasure.  It didn't make him hurt more!  "Good boy, Xander.  You rest.  Remember, I love you."  Xander blew a kiss and let himself be covered.  Horatio went back into the living room.  "Did you tell them?"

"I did."  He looked at him.  "Your state senator is in deep shit and he's about to name names."

"We did nothing wrong," Calleigh reminded him.

"I know. We've proved that already."  Fornell came in with Di.  "Sorry about that."

"Anything really good that he should hide?"

"He has them hidden and yes."  He looked at Horatio.  "How did he get current weapons?"

"The former owner bought them off someone who had shipped them back to themselves."

"Can I talk to him?"

"Do you want to talk to the vampire?" Eric countered.

"Abby would probably pout if I talked to any vampire but her."  He shrugged. "I'll try to track it from my end.  What happened to the kid?"  Speed handed up the file and he flipped through it slowly, then snorted.  "Hey, four of the names are in here. I'm surprised we haven't seen your ADA yet."

"Hammra will show up soon enough," Speed advised dryly. "She always does.  She taught Satan half of what she knew. She's greedily hoarding the rest for the amusement of my offspring."  Calleigh swatted him.  "She is!"

"She is," she agreed happily.  She smiled at Fornell.  "Hi.  Did you get him straightened out?"

"Right before I fired him.  With prejudice.  He'll never work in the government again with what I put into his file.  Including the state of his suit when I first saw him.  Oh, he did take the time to clean up, but it didn't help any."  He looked at Horatio. "Your boy is having a bad patch this week?" Horatio nodded. "Do we know why?"

"He was injured.  I'd assume someone else was hunting him."

Fornell nodded. "You'd be right.  The senator asked for him personally so he could hunt him.  By the way, I thought your ADA was a charming woman.  Is she single?"

"Yeah, she broke up with Satan a long time ago," Eric said dryly from his seat.  "Watch out for the whips, unless you like 'em."

Fornell smirked at him. "She's not that evil."

"Yes, she is," Speed assured him.  "She's also former NCIS."

"Hammra?" Gibbs asked.  Fornell looked at him.  "Where?"

"Lebanon."  He shuddered at that.  "Yeah.  So...."  He looked at Horatio.  "This hunting, this current crisis, it's all the senator's fault."

"Let's not let him die and leave Xander stuff," Danny complained.  He looked at Gibbs.  "If he can't get the hummers repainted, you want the pink, purple, or the blue one?"

"Who disgraced a hummer that way?" Gibbs asked, looking amused.

"One of the others who wanted the kid and decided Horatio won so therefore he got his stuff too," Speed offered.  He looked at Calleigh.  "By the way, I heard what you said earlier.  He *is* my son, Calleigh.  I don't care if it's not biological or not.  He's my boy.  I adopted him, he's mine.  If he gets pushy to help with the newest kid, then I'm not going to be too mean about it. He's done a great job of raising Eric.  My grandson is a brilliant little genius in the making.  His past hasn't hurt Eric in the least.  It won't hurt the new one either."

"I'm more worried that some of the hunting stuff he's been through will start to rub off."

"Then maybe our kid will be one of the greatest CSI.  One that they write the textbooks about."  She sighed.  "It's not going to hurt them.  Has it hurt Eric?"

"Well... no."

"Or Toddy, or Liz, or any of Delko's nieces and nephews?"  She shook her head, looking down.  "Then it won't hurt this one.   I want my boys to be close."

"What's going on?" Horatio asked.

"She said earlier she doesn't want Xander to think that he's going to be doing a lot with our kid.  That he'll have honorary uncle status.  I'm setting the story straight now.  He's this one's big brother.  No questions asked.  The same as Willow got adopted by Aiden and I.  They're my kids.  Aiden's as close as you'll ever have to deal with an ex-wife, but yeah, I've got two kids already."

"I don't want it to hurt him."

"It hasn't hurt ours yet," Horatio reminded her. "Xander does exactly opposite of what his parents did for him, Calleigh.  He would never harm your child, even by accident.  He would sooner kill himself."  She nodded, hanging her head again.  "Who gave you that idea?"

"Adam," she sighed.  She looked at him.  "He thinks Xander's so protective because of his past."

"No, to Xander, it's a pack thing.  They're his kids," Speed assured her.  "All cubs in the pack come from the alpha pair.  He takes his alpha bitch spot very seriously.  Since Horatio couldn't sneak around and use his alpha pack rights to all the harem of women, he's taken over senior mommy duties.  I might be more worried if we hadn't seen how he was with Eric first, but my son's a great father and uncle.  The same as I'm damn proud I can take credit for some of that.  Got it?"  She nodded, leaning against his side.  "Ease that worry?  We're still the parents but we'll have a smiling, bouncy big brother around a lot.  I'm very sure our child will not have any of the problems that you or I had," he said more quietly. "Or that he had, or that Horatio had.  It's sad that the slut of the group had the most normal upbringing."  Eric snorted and threw a pillow at him.  "Thanks, she could probably use that," he offered with a smirk.  He put it behind her back.  "We better now?"  She nodded. "Good, then figure out how many ways you can put my mother back in her place when they show up next month."  He looked at Horatio.  "My parents are coming on the fourth.  They'll be here for a week."

"Will you need time off?"

"Easy cases.  What I'm doing is fine."

"Okay.  Let me know.   Also, remind her we don't really live in a commune, it just seems that way at times."  Danny laughed at that.  He looked at Gibbs.  "How soon before it stops?"

"Should be tomorrow.  He's going to try to name names tonight.  Your boy's injured anyway.  I'd suggest a guard from the press while you're at work."

"We can do that," Eric agreed.  "Speed's got tomorrow off and they hate him."

"They do," Horatio agreed, smirking at him.  "That good with you?"

"Fine with me.  Don, you were going to make an announcement?"

"Um, yeah, Marisol and I are very serious.  Serious enough that I'm meeting her parents officially, even though they like me already."  He looked at Eric, then back at his group from New York, his might-as-well-be-family.  "We're going to work it so I'm staying in the switching program. That way neither of us have to give up our cities.  Right now we're talking short engagement but nothing's set in stone."  Mac smiled at that and Stella hugged him.  Danny stared him.  "What, Messer?"

"I like you and her.  She calms you down.  But I guess this means less basketball?"

Don smirked. "That's the best thing.  She thinks you're a cute little brother who comes over to bug me now and then.  She said it was fine with her, less time I spent underfoot."  Eric chuckled at that.  "Got that one from your mom?"

"Yup.  It means she's really okay with it, doesn't want to change much."

"Good.  We're pretty tight together.  I've spent the time since the Children's Hospital dinner thing talking to her most days and seeing her whenever I'm down here.  So I'll be back down here in a few weeks for my six months, then come back with her probably."  Mac smiled at that.

"Has she already met your Ma?" Danny asked.

"Not yet.  I'm flying my parents down in a week and a half, Horatio," that got a nod, "so they can meet her and the rest of this insane family.  Ma's hinting about grandkids.  She thought it was sweet that I was blushing when she asked me about dating someone special."  He grinned at Danny again.  "So, you, no jealousy, all right?"

"Not an issue.  We're good.  We're buddies and all that.  I might pout if she keeps you from being buddies but I'll be good with it."

Don beamed.  "Great.  What'm I wearing tomorrow?"

"Something nice but comfortable since it's a picnic," Mac reminded him.

"Who's doing dinner?" Stella asked.

"I think she said she was."

Eric looked at him. "I'll call Mari in the morning to make sure.  That way you don't end up bringing stuff when Momma did or not bringing stuff when she didn't.  Either would be really bad."

"Where were you two thinking about the wedding?" Stella asked.

"Not real sure," Don admitted.  "She's got all her family here but not a lot of friends.  I've got all the PD buddies up there and very little family."

"Hold a private one and then parties in each location," Horatio offered.  "It'd be simplest and easiest."  That got a smile.  "You can show video."

"Did you and the son ever do official vows or just private ones?" Speed asked.

"Private ones.  We'll do official ones when it's legal.  He said so."  He smirked at him. "Nice try though."

"Thanks, had to."  He looked at Calleigh, then at him.  "She's still being stubborn."

"Some women are like that," he reminded him.

"Sic Aiden on her," came out from the bedroom.

Horatio smirked at Calleigh's horrified look.  "That is an idea," he noted, going to see what his husband needed.  "What's wrong?"

"I turned wrong and my ribs woke me."  He accepted a kiss.  "I love you for putting up with my shit."

"I love you too.  Now, try to go back to sleep.  You can stay here all day tomorrow."

"I heard."  He snuck another kiss and smiled.  "This is almost as cool as a waterbed. Can you cuddle?"

"In a while.  Try to sleep for now, Xander."  He nodded and wiggled again, trying to get more comfortable.  Horatio propped a pillow between his knees, getting a small smile.  Then he stroked his hair, petting him until he fell asleep. "Percy," he called quietly.  The dog ran in and jumped up onto the bed, snuggling in.  "Good boy, Percy.  Good boy."   He patted him.  "Guard the daddy and help him sleep."  He kissed Xander on the temple and went back out there. "Sorry."

"The last time I had broken ribs, I slept in a recliner, it was the only way I was in little pain," Gibbs assured him.

"We got him a gel mattress topper," Speed offered. "They use them on burn patients."

"Those have got to be nice.  I'll consider that for Mr. Head Injury."

"What did DiNozzo do this time?" Fornell asked bitterly.

"Suspect clubbed him in the head with a gun."  He shrugged and stood up.  "We'll be around for tomorrow's fall out, Caine.  Probably lurking at the FBI's local offices to scare the piss out of more of them."

"Make them quit being so annoying when they have to work with us," Calleigh ordered, grimacing. "They're always trying to lead and I'm sorry, but I lead even when I dance with my boyfriend."  They smirked and nodded, leaving them alone.  "Are they going to get Xander in trouble for his collection?"

"No but if they find the other end it might dry up."  He sat down, looking at them.  "What else is going on?"

"Ryan's going to get a reputation as a gun-toting judge," Calleigh said dryly, making Eric laugh.  "One of the guys pulled a bailiff's gun off him. Ryan stopped him."

"Ryan still carries his shield," Speed agreed happily.  "He had him rearrested on the new charges and then denied his bail based on the new charges and the violent intent."

"I'm sure that was cute," Horatio agreed, smiling some.  "Did he give him a lecture on how much smarter his toddler son was?"  They all nodded, Ryan had given a few ultimately stupid criminals such lectures.  "Good.  It sounds like he's enjoying the bench now.  I talked with Ethan earlier about the journals and figuring out what was wrong with Willow.  He blocked whoever it was.  He also copied off the pertinent parts."  Percy came out and sat beside him.  "Is he awake again?"  The dog barked quietly.  He went to check on him, finding his leg bleeding.  "Xander?"  He got a grumble.  "Xander?  Mac!"  He came walking in.  "Get me something to stop it, his leg's bleeding again."

"Danny, call someone!" he called, coming over to help.  "I'm not a medic, but did Alexx like this?"

"No."  He kept trying to wake Xander, getting a slightly open eyed look. "Xander?"

"Wha?"

"You're bleeding."

"Again?" he whined.

"Yup," Mac assured him.  A team of paramedics and a third came in.  "Trainee?" he asked.  One nodded. "This isn't the first time."

"He bled very well last night," Horatio offered quietly.  "Mt. Sinai is where we go.  He's got a chip in the back of his neck."

The trainee pulled out a scanner and used it then downloaded it.  "It says not to go to University?"

"We've had some problems with the nurses in OB."  They got the bleeding contained and grabbed Xander.  "He's got six broken ribs," he said when they moved him.  That got a nod.  "And a slight concussion still."

"Okay.  You're his husband?"  Horatio nodded. "Let's go, the others can follow."  They rolled him out.

Eric stopped the dog. "You stay and guard the house.  We'll bring the daddy home," he soothed.

"Stay here and field calls, Eric," Speed said, hurrying out with Don and Danny.

"Well, at least he left me with the pretty ones and Mac," he offered with a grin.

Calleigh stroked her stomach.  "I won't tell Mac you said he wasn't pretty if you give me a footrub."

"You don't have to blackmail me.  I'd have done it anyway."  He sat down across from her and got to work so his mind had things to do while they waited.

***

Horatio walked into work the next morning about ten minutes late.  Valera gave him a look.  "How's Xander?  I heard he had to go back to the ER."

"He went for x-rays after we left and then he went back last night when his leg started to bleed.  They've fixed the bone in place now.  He told the doctor he denied the existence of traction.  Said it wasn't part of his faith."  She giggled at that.  "So they pinned it and he's in a real cast again, back home because he refused to stay but others could come check on him as long as they didn't fuss."

"Horatio!" Frank called.

"He's fine, Frank."

"Good.  Not about that."  He pulled him off to the side.  "The treasury twerp is back."

"Xander's sedated and on enforced bed rest."

"Yelina asked, he's not here for him, he's here for you."  He got a nod and Horatio headed for his office.  "What's going on?"

"With Xander having things being stolen from the bank, he stared his own investigation with some slightly odd help.  Between that and the senator who brought him to the hunters' attention?"  Frank shuddered.  "By the way, tell her he's got three pins and he's at home."

"Sure."  He went to do that and tell the twerp to go bug Horatio since he was in his office by then.  It would keep Yelina's temper down for a few more hours.

Horatio sat down and opened his inbox, seeing a message from his boss.  He called him.  "He's at home, he has three pins, most of the New York lab is down for the weekend due to a construction problem on their end, they lost electricity for the next two days while they replace the lines up there, and they're staying to play with him and the kids today."  He heard the quiet request.  "It's not my fault but I did hear from two Federal agents that the main reason behind the hunters was caught and naming names so it was going to be a high press day."  He smirked at the treasury agent, waving him inside since he didn't look happy.  "If they wanted to.  They were debating if it had any relevance to call him."  He leaned back.  "Interesting. No, we want it to continue.  Don Flack needs it to continue since he's dating Marisol."  He smiled.  "The other reason they came down, yes.  Thank you.  It has been a great exercise.  Yes, he's on loan from Grissom in Las Vegas.  They had a lab explosion and he was in the center of it.  He and Xander are friends so they sent him down to finish recuperating and to see if he wanted to go into medical research instead.  They're hounding him up there and his foul mood was putting others into even worse tempers.  Thank you, sir."  He hung up and looked at him.  "From the expression on your face, you've learned what Deputy Director Fornell told me last night," he said casually.

"I did, and I'm sorry I hounded your husband."  He moved closer.  "It was told to me *why* he was having to do it on his own and why we ignored the SEC complaint.  Your boy's a strong man."

"My *husband* is," he agreed.  "Did you need anything else?"

"I need to make sure he checked the box against the inventory."

"We haven't touched it yet.  It got drug into a closet."

"I can't leave until it's checked against it."

Horatio called the house.  "Find the box with the crime scene tape and check it against the inventory.  It should look like a paper ball."  The agent sighed and pulled another out of his briefcase, handing it over.  "I'll fax another copy over.  He needs it counted and checked against.  Thank you, Stella.  Well, it's slightly boring make work."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  Make sure he drinks a lot.  We bought a urinal if he needs it."  He hung up and looked at him.  "Give them a few hours."

"Okay. I'll go for coffee and check in with Calleigh.  I'm sure she's seen most of this by now."  He left the office.

"She'll hurt you," Horatio muttered after he was long gone.  He got sent to a crime scene fairly quickly but that just allowed him to hide easier. At least until he got back and two reporters jumped on him.  "No comment."  He walked past them and inside.  "Jessup, please go send the reporters home."

"Sir, I don't have a bullwhip or a sword," he joked, smiling at him.

"Unfortunately my husband has three pins now to keep his leg from shifting and bleeding again," he quipped back, giving him a look.  "Think like Xander, Jessup.  I'm told he's teaching you like he is Ray Jr."

"Yes, sir."  He walked outside, going to send them off without letting them know anything.  He smiled when Willow walked up to him and gave him a hug.  "Thank you, Mrs. Wolfe."

"You're welcome.  I'm in a hugging mood."  She glared at the reporters.  "Are you bothering the nice officers who made sure my son didn't try to run away?"  They backed off.  "Good idea.  Officer Jessup caught my very dangerous toddler when he tried to escape the office the other day."  She smiled and patted him on the arm.  "Go get into the car, Jessup, I made you brownie bars."  He smiled and went to do that. She walked inside and then leaned out. "If you're here about Captain Caine, he's already escaped again."  She ducked back inside.  Jeessup walked in smiling and nibbling on a brownie.  "I got the recipe from Speed."

"Thanks, Willow."

"Hey, you're my boy!"  She punched him on the arm and smiled.  "I'm taking Calleigh to lunch."  She signed in and got her paged down.  She smiled happily. "I'm here to take you to lunch so we can talk about pre and post birth spoiling."  Calleigh frowned at her. "You'll need it.  Stuff to keep you calm and stuff to help you heal.  Before you ask, I've already okayed it with Speed, who said you *can* take a lunch and you *will* eat during it.  So I'm taking you to be spoiled rotten for a lunch."

"But it's only eleven."

Willow huffed.  "Are you actually busy?"  She shook her head.  "Then you can take a lunch now and have the time honored pudding as a mid-afternoon snack."  She pointed at the sheet.  "Sign out for lunch and let's go."

"Okay."  She signed out and called Horatio.  "I'm being drug off to lunch by Willow, who's promising me spoiling and talking about keeping calm and that stuff."  She smiled.  "Sure, Horatio. See you soon."  She hung up.  "He agreed, I need it. He said I'm scary."

"You are, but you're always like that," she promised, getting a happy grin. "Especially since everyone believes the cute, pretty, charming exterior."

"They so do and it's nice to see the shock when I break bad."  She followed her out to her car, finding the package with her name on it.  "Ooh, what's this?"

"Speed's brownie bar recipe. I made some for Jessup too because he stopped the runaway son.  He wanted to go play with Tia."  She backed out and took her to her favorite spoiling space for lunch.  Calleigh squealed, she loved the Chocolate Palace.

***

Mac looked up as Stella came out of the office with the fax.  "What's that?"

"The treasury twerp won't leave without someone checking the box against the index."  She handed it over.  "We've got to do it since Xander is to stay in bed and Horatio was sounding like he's ignored it."

"We wanted to see the box anyway," Danny offered, coming over to pull it out of the closet.  He pulled out a knife. "Do it officially or just open it?"

"Do it officially in case we have to reseal it or protest something," Mac offered.  "Bring it over here, Danny."  It got shoved over and Danny sat beside him so they could open it together.  Stella wiggled between them, then took the jewelry to look at and check off.  She got to touch all she wanted.  Mac took the files.  Danny counted the money.

Mac looked over at the stacks, then at him.  "You're kidding?"

"No, they broke it into smaller ones on him."  He counted out another pile and put it down.  Mac moaned.  "It was for ransoms, emergencies, or medical bills.  And I guess some spoiling of everyone, but mostly for the first three."  He put down another stack.  "We need a counting machine."

"We could borrow one," Stella suggested, putting back the last piece of jewelry and checking it off.  "I'm supposed to have another stack."

Mac looked into the box.  "Under my files."  He dug the rest of his out and put them beside him, then let her come steal the boxes with a squeal.  "Most of those were inherited."

"I've recognized the stuff that came with the pieces he gave me."  She got back to fondling and counting.  She looked up as Danny recounted a few stacks and bundled them together.  "Short, over, or exact?"

"So far, a bit short.  By about three hundred grand."

Mac took the money to count it behind him.  He looked at the form then sighed and looked in the box.  "There's more under Stella's sparkly stuff."

"I would've used files as the base.  Much more steady," Stella complained.  Danny and Mac finished up the money and the files, then Stella finished fondling the jewels, looking in the bag of loose stuff last.  She sighed and poured it out into her hand.  She looked at the list.  "He only listed it as loose jewels, value unknown."

"I'm sure he was tired of counting by then," Danny teased.  He looked at the list, then checked off his.  "Works for me.  You guys?"

"It's correct on my end but I've got two extra files," Mac offered, putting those two aside.

Stella smiled as she finished with her part.  "I've got two necklaces that aren't on here."  She got up and checked in the bedroom, finding Xander using his urinal.  She waited until he was done, then came in to take it from him and empty it, rinsing it before bringing it back.  "There's a few things that weren't on the list," she told him, smoothing back his hair.  "Want some soup?"

He shook his head.  "No thanks.  Can I have some soda?"  She nodded, going to get it and bring in the extra things.  He looked at the files, frowning at them.  "Ray was working on those.  Sr. not Jr."  He put them aside and looked at the two necklaces.  "I've never seen those before."  He blinked at them. "Huh."

"We'll let Horatio figure that part out," Stella promised, gathering them back up and heading out to the living room.  "Mac, he said Ray Sr. was working on the files and he's never seen the necklaces.  We should take pictures and send them too."

"I can do that," Danny agreed, taking the necklaces to lay out and take pictures of.  He found a note.  "Ah-ha!"  He handed it over to her and she went to show Xander, who moaned and nodded.  "Are they going in the box?"

She nodded.  "He'll honor it."  Danny nodded, making note of that on the bottom of the index.  He handed them over and she went to fax them.  Then she came back and they repacked the box and put it back into the closet, money on top.

Mac went to check on Xander and make sure his leg was all right, and his ribs weren't bruising further.  Xander gave him a look.   "Doing a wellness check," he said softly.  Xander shifted so he could look at his cast.  "It feel okay?"

"It hurts."

"I know.  How are your ribs?"

"They hurt more."   Mac checked the bruise.  They had marked it at the ER last night so they had a way to gauge if it was spreading. "Still going?"

"Only in one spot."  He patted him on the head.  "Want lunch?"

"Lunch means going to the bathroom and I'm not moving," he said plainly.  Mac smiled and nodded.  "I'm good with soda."

"Okay."  He smiled at him.  "Are we going to have to plan a way for you to get to your daughter's baptism?"

"Frankly, the priest doing it doesn't want me in the church.  He complained that Horatio had me.  He complained that Horatio had me with kids in the house especially.  It'll be him and Marisol up there and I'll be in the background.  Horatio was teasing me about a wheelchair and a skirt."

"I think Taylor or Di could work out a way for your to wear pants."  He smiled at that.  "Have you talked to them?"  He nodded.  "Which one did they want to use?"

"Horatio's favorite one and he pouted."

Mac smiled at that.  "Which one do you want to use?"

"It's on the back of the door.  Taylor's seen it and thinks I'll look okay.  She's planning on fixing the inside seam with ties or something."  He shifted and winced.  "Pain pills are when?"

"Another hour.  Try to rest.  We've got the house and the kids when they come over."  Xander nodded and let him have his soda to put beside him so he could get comfortable again.  Mac tucked him back in then left.  "He's not hungry, Danny."

"I know. It's hard to eat when you're in that much pain, especially when you can't make it to the bathroom."  He nodded at the person outside.  "She knocked on the door and said 'hi, what's wrong with Xander this time'."  He gave him a look.

Mac walked out there.  "Buffy?"  She turned to smile at him. "What's wrong?"

"I came down to see Xander's daughter baptized and all that.  What happened to the Xander this time?"

"Broken leg and ribs."

"Car accident?" she asked hopefully.

"Someone who wanted to use him as prey for a hunt."  She moaned and rolled her eyes.  "He's trying to rest."

"That's fine.  I'm used to an injured Xander."  She walked inside, going to where she could hear some groaning.  "Want me to fluff the pillows?"

"No thanks," Xander moaned, holding his ribs.  "I'm never moving again."  He tried to curl up.

"No, straighten out," Mac ordered, coming in to help him. "What did you do?"

"Tried to shift on my back."   Mac and Buffy helped him.  He panted and calmed himself down.  "Thanks, guys."

"Welcome.  Tell us and we'll help you move the next time too," she reminded him, smirking at him.  "Now, where are my nieces and nephews?"

"Willow's are with Ryan since he's got the morning off.  Tia and Eric are with her mom."  He put a hand on her arm. "You should've seen Giles' look when he saw Eric."  She giggled at that and hugged him around the neck.  "Thanks.  Mac, can you call Di and tell her to send over the heathens?"

"I'll see if they want to give him up for the day."  He went to do that, trusting her to not hurt him this time.  He walked into the kitchen and hugged Danny.  "She wanted to see the kids."

"That could help her if she wanted to have some of her own.  Eric is a good reason for birth control."  Mac gave him a look but he was smiling.  He called Di himself. "Hey, it's us.  Xander's awake for a while and Buffy wants to see the tots.  You wanna send them over?"  He smiled at Mac.  "Go stand outside so she can let them run up the beach."  He nodded, going to do that.  "Buffy, kids are incoming," he called.  She squealed and headed out onto the porch.  "Down further.  They'll be running up.  Toddy was over too."  She went down to wait with Mac.

"Eric, this way!" Mac called.  "Come on, you've got a visitor."  He squealed and ran up the beach with Toddy chasing him and the dog following.  He caught Toddy and Eric caught Buffy, pouncing her.  He laughed and helped her up.  "He's a bit hyper."

"The first time I met Xander he ran me over.  It's fitting that my first time seeing him running he does the same thing."  She carried him inside.  "Hi, Eric.  Hi, Toddy!"

"Uffy!" Toddy crowed.

She smiled. "That's right, I'm Auntie Buffy, you talk to me all the time on the phone.  Where are the girls?"

"Sisters boring," Toddy snorted, lunging over to get her cuddles too.  He smiled at Eric.  "Uffy!"

"Buffy, bring my heathens in here," Xander called. She carried them in.  "Hi, guys."  He doled out kisses and gentle hugs.  "Sorry, daddy's got big booboos."

"Eric see booboo," Eric assured him.  "Ouchie?"  Xander nodded.  "Me cuddle?"

"Very gently," Mac told him, laying him on his father's good side.  "It's going to be a few days before he'll be able to pick you up and cuddle like normal."

Eric snuggled in and smiled at Buffy.  "My daddy."

"I know. You look just like him.  He even ran me over like you did," she told him.  He grinned at that. She patted him on the head.  "Broken ribs do suck.  I've had a few.  One recently."  Xander raised an eyebrow.  "I can't quite forget I was nearly immortal."  He sighed.  "He jumped me.  It was a mugger."  She picked up Toddy.  "I think I should go read to you.  What do you think?"

"Read!" he said happily, hugging her around the neck.  "Mommy read?"

"Your mommy's having lunch with Auntie Calleigh," Taylor said from the doorway.  "Hi.  I'm Taylor, Eric's other mommy."

Buffy waved a hand and smiled. "I'm Buffy, the person who used to help endanger Xander's life with Willow."  Taylor laughed at that.  "I did."  She carried Toddy out. "Eric, want a story?"

"Later.  Cuddle daddy.  He have booboos."  He snuggled in again, smiling at his mommy.  "Him have big booboos, mommy."

"I can see that.  If I have booboos like that, I'd still be sucking on the hospital's tit."  She came in to kiss Xander on the head and fuss over him for a minute.  "Want some soup?"  He shook his head.  "You have to eat something today."

"I'll try it later.  When it's not as hot and I'm in less pain."

"Okay."  She snatched Eric, making him giggle.  "You guys have a visitor and you're not even terrorizing her or Stella.  I'm surprised."  Eric's eyes lit with unholy glee and he went to hunt down his auntie to pinch her again.  She yelped so pretty when he did that.

"Eric!" Stella yelled a minute later.

"Hey, no one but me and Mac get to pinch that, little man," Danny defended, putting a hand over it. "Mine.  Go pinch your other auntie's ass."  He cackled and went to do that, snuggling up beside her and sliding a hand down, then pinching her.  She squeaked nearly as nicely.  It was cute.  Danny shook his head and looked at Stella.  "At least he's not using you as a pillow anymore."

"Eric get those back when he as old as Jr," Eric called.

Mac moaned, shaking his head.  "Yes, you will.  You'll get lots of pretty women when you're the same age as Ray Jr."  He went to hide in the office and see if anything had changed at home.  He came out when the doorbell rang, finding Marisol there.  "You don't have a key?"

"I forgot it."  She walked in with the baby, letting him have her.  "Here, she's cried all night."

"Let me see my girl," Xander called.  She got brought into him and he cuddled her on his good side.  "There, Tia, how's that?"  She cooed at him and smiled.  "Good girl. Want your nursery here or your big brother?"  She cooed again and kicked.  "Eric, go check to make sure the nursery's clean again."

"'Kay!" he yelled, heading up to do that.  "Wow, mommy and mommy are cute!" he called a few minutes later.  "They kiss pretty!"  He got handed the phone by Danny, who patted him on the head.  "Mommy, did she spill cheerios on her like Eric did?  Well, you lick her like you did my hand."  His mother made a funny noise.  He stood up in the window and waved.  "Hi, mommies!"  He looked at the phone. "Mommies hung up!" he complained.  He looked over and the curtains were shut.

Danny walked back downstairs.  "That should stop that exhibition problem."

"Unclie Mac, why did mommy lick mommy that way?" Eric called as he came down the stairs.  "Did she spill stuff on her like I did my cheerios?"

"I don't know," he said with a blush.  "You'll have to ask her later, Eric. Go play with Toddy."  He went to pounce his buddy.  Mac went to take Tia upstairs, putting her down so he could calm down.  He looked at the other house and realized what Eric had seen.  It made him groan.  Tia cooed at that.  "It's all right, some day someone nice will like you that way."  He put her down and watched as she drifted off again.  He turned on the baby monitor and headed downstairs.  "She's down."

Marisol sat down with a sigh of relief.  "Thank you."  Mac smiled and nodded at the kitchen.  "Is there any juice?"

"Of course."  He went to get her some, and the boys some since they'd want some, and Buffy some since it was polite.  Then he gave Xander his pain meds and he went back to sleep, finally.  Mac went back to the office to go back to talking to Sheldon.  The message waiting on him made him moan and call his boss.  "Sir, it's Taylor.  What did Sheldon mean when he said all the power in the building was going out for good?"  He listened.  "Sir, we rather need electricity, if only so the morgue doesn't rot."  He raised an eyebrow at the 'it's all been moved for you' answer.  "For how long, sir?  And are we working out of that office?"  He groaned.  "Sir, we have to have a central office or we spend all our time fighting traffic to get test results."  He put his head down.  "No, that won't work.  Sir, I'm telling you right now it won't work.  No, I'm in Miami for a friend's daughter's baptism."  He sat up.  "You have our paperwork because of the construction, sir."  He let out a small moan. "No, sir."

Stella walked in and took the phone.  "Chief, this is Bonasera.  You did *what* to my lab?" she demanded.  She listened, tapping a foot.  "That's fine.  Are you going to suddenly pay gas?  Or are you going to hire us more techs?  Because we spend half of each case in the lab," she said firmly.  "If I'm traveling from one lab to another lab to do that, I don't get shit done. People go free.  And the crime rate goes up.  Which loses us that nifty grant you count on every year.  Exactly.  No, you've given him a headache, you get me.  Tough shit, sir.  Yay.  Just think, when Mac retires, you get me permanently."  He moaned at that.  "Now, how long before my lab is fixed?"

Mac took the phone back. "Sorry, sir, she's feeling a bit thwarted today."  He glared at her.  "Don't swear at the bosses."

"He either fixes it or Danny and I are moving to Miami.  We enjoy the bikini culture down here."  He raised an eyebrow.  She smirked.  "You can come.  Horatio could use you too."  She strolled off, twitching her hips.

"Sir, if you don't fix it, I'm going to have mutiny on my hands.  Well, you try it while we're down here.  We'll be back Monday.  Hmm, really?  I'm sure Monroe will love it then, but she also doesn't drive very well in traffic.  Good luck with that, sir, and if Stella goes, I've got to follow.  I've got her trained as my second and she's just how I want her."  He hung up, leaving it there, then he called Horatio.  "Can we come work with you all the time?"  He heard the quiet laugh.  "Due to a building up the street going down we had some minor construction, that was the power problem.  I accepted that.  It got us down here for a short vacation.  He's now split the lab into different buildings halfway across the city.  My morgue and Sid are now in Queens.  Trace and Chem are in Brooklyn.  DNA is further down Brooklyn, in the wrong direction for easy travel through traffic.  The rest are on Staten Island.  So, can you use our lab?  Please?"  Horatio's 'let me handle this' made him feel better.  "Thank you!  Xander's had his pain meds and he's back asleep.  Buffy's here.  She's reading to the boys."  Buffy squealed.  "Eric's having a pinching day.  Eric, Horatio said to quit pinching butts.  You can't do that until you're Ray Jr.'s age either."

"Meany," floated back.  "Feel nice."

"I don't care."  He listened to Horatio laugh.  "He said you're mean, they feel nice."  He smirked. "Thank you, Horatio.  Please do."  He hung up and went to try to straighten out the kid.

Danny was staring down at him. "You keep pinchin' like that, no girl will *ever* be yours to snuggle.  They don't like that shit."  Eric pouted. "See, you gotta be nice to girls.  Like Taylor is your mommy."

"Mommy pinch her all the time," he defended.

"Pinching like that is for when you're together, like married," Buffy told him.

"Ray Jr. pinch too. He not married," he said seriously, looking at her.

"He will be if his momma finds him pinching her like that," Danny assured him.  Eric pouted but he quit.  "Thank you.  Do it again, get a time out."

"Time outs work?" Buffy asked.

"On him.  Xander made sure of it."

"My mother would've swatted me."

"Xander said no swatting."

"Oh."  She nodded.  "I guess I can understand that.  He's not a huge brat."

"Eric not a brat!" he protested.

"No, you're not, most of the time," Danny agreed. "Most of the time you're a very good boy, Eric.  That's what she said."  Eric looked at him.  "That's what she said."

"That's right.  Every kid is a brat now and then but you're better than most," she said, smoothing down his hair.  He pouted but nodded.  "Pinching is still bad."

"Fine.  Not pinch.  Even though it feels good."

"Thank you, Eric."  She kissed him on the head.  Then she turned the page on her book, smiling at Toddy. "You're very quiet today.  Usually you babble like your mommy."

"Daddy!" he said scowling.

"Okay, then you babble like your daddy."  He grinned at that. "Did I interrupt morning naps?"

"Nah," Danny promised. "With Xander outta commission for a bit they're testing their boundaries.  They did it to me for a few days but nothin' happened so they know I'm gonna enforce it like daddy would."  He looked at the two boys, who smiled angelically.  "Does that actually work for you two?  I mean, one of you dyed a dog, the other tried to eat the dog."  Stella laughed at that.  "Toddy was teething on Percy's ear."

"Saw doggy chewing on ears," Eric told him.  He looked around.  "No Percy?"

"Percy's hiding from you two again.  He needed another nap."  They pouted.  "We'll talk your Mas into buying you a second dog, Eric."  That got a bright grin.  "But only if you're good."

"I'm good!" he defended.  "Always good."

"Fat chance of that," Stella snorted.

"At least he's not nuzzling anymore," Mac offered as he came out of the kitchen.  He looked at the boys, put down two sandwiches, cut into triangles, and they ate from each other's plates.

"You guys are good," Buffy said in awe.

"It's understanding the nature of those two," Stella told her.  "We've seen Eric since his daddy found out about him."  She patted the boys on the head.  "Once your mommies finish their naps we'll talk to them about getting Eric his own dog to live over there so his daddy can have Percy back."

"Percy my dog," Eric pouted.

"No, Percy is Daddy Xander's dog," Danny reminded him.  "You're borrowing him until you can get a new dog."

"Miss Cwothes."  He pouted.

"Good, then that means you're ready for a new dog," Danny assured him. "I'll talk to your Ma myself."  He headed over there.  They had to be done by now, and if not, maybe he could watch.  Stella was claiming soreness again.  He knocked then walked in and headed for where he could hear quiet talking.  He tapped on the bedroom door.  "It's me."

"What?" Di asked, sounding cranky.

"Your son needs his own dog so Xander can have Percy back."

"He'd just wear that one out too," she complained, getting up and opening the door.  She smiled when he didn't look.  "Watched from the nursery?"

"Eric said he warned you about that."  He smirked.  "Besides, Stella would smack the shit outta me if I looked."

"Probably true," Taylor called.   "We could have another dog but it'd have to be one that Percy could get along with and that would love the son and other kids."

"They had good luck at the pound and Xander did a lot to help 'em," Danny reminded her, leaning on the wall.  "Besides, your son has this problem of wearing the dog out.  He needs something to do."

"I thought about baby sports."

"Take him into the pool more often."

"I can't. I still work, Danny."

He kissed her on the head.  "We love you because you do, Di.  The same as most of us love your slutty clothes."  She blushed at that.  "Many people didn't pout because of Xander's shorts the other day."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "When do you wanna go to the pound?"

"Next year?"  He gave her a look and she sighed.  "Having a toddler is bad enough!  He and Percy create chaos together."

"Percy is Xander's dog.  He's going to go back to living with Xander."

"Which means we'll never see the son again," Taylor agreed.  "Maybe something a bit less hyper?"

"Our son will go insane if it's a dog like Baby," she complained.

"Then let's go to the pound, see what they've got.  We can even bring Percy."  He grinned.  "Besides, it's either that or your son keeps pinching butts."

"He is?" Taylor asked flatly.

"We're already working on it," he assured her.  "Got Buffy and Stella both."  He looked at Di again, getting a sigh. "He said he misses his dog."

"It was comforting.  Clothes would sit there and let us pet her while we thought," Taylor reminded her gently.

"It's still a lot more mess."

"He'll be growing out of all this bouncy stuff soon," Danny reminded her.  Di snorted.  "He will be.  Willow said so."  He kissed her on the forehead.  "You want lunch?"

"No, I had my lunch.  She tasted really good."  She closed the door.  "We'll be over soon."

"Okay."  He went back over there, making sure the porch door was closed after himself.  He nodded at one of the guards.  "We're talking about getting Eric his own dog."  That got a smile. "Tia's over."

"I saw Marisol's car.  How is she?"

"Momma and baby are fine.  Daddy Xander's kinda cranky still but we're dealing."  That got another smile. "He come back yet?"

"They decided to move houses to a more conservative city.  I think they went to Panama Beach or up in that area."  He continued on.  "Tell them Eric tried to sneak out last night.  We caught him and sent him home."

"Sure."  He walked into the house and picked Eric up, staring at him.  "You did what last night?"  He looked horrified.  "Tell me why?" he asked patiently.

"Bored," he sniffled.  "No swim, daddy hurt, mommy sleep too much.  Eric bored.  Eric was going to talk to fishies on beach."

"Hmm."  He kissed him on the forehead and put him into the time-out chair, making him cry for real.  "It's dangerous for you to sneak out that way, Eric.  For now, until your daddy wakes up again, you're sitting there. It shouldn't be too long."  Eric looked up at him, giving him a begging look. "You know you can't go off by yourself.  Daddy said that, both daddies said that.  So whichever daddy gets up or comes home first will talk to you and decide on a punishment."

"He said he not tell mommies."

"He didn't, he told me and I'm telling the daddies."  Eric nodded, curling up in a miserable ball of child.  "You sit there and think, because you knew it was wrong."

"Only going to beach," he complained.  "Right outside."

Mac cleared his throat.  "Eric, even though it was right outside your house, there still could've been bad people."

"Do NOT make my son paranoid!" Xander yelled.  "Come here, Eric."  He trudged that way, looking really miserable now.  Xander patted the bed beside him and his son wiggled up and next to him.  "What did we say about strangers?"

"To scream really loudly and that they could be bad people but might not be.  It was up to mommy or daddy to decide that and tell me."  Xander nodded.  "But no people that late."

"Just because it's late doesn't mean there's not people.  After all, you were up.  Someone else could've been and we don't want you hurt."

Eric sniffled and nodded.  "Yes, daddy.  Not tell mommies?"

"No, I won't tell them you snuck out, but we will be talking about this night wandering habit of yours, son."  He nodded, snuggling in better.  "You're still in trouble for it too. You knew better."

"Yes, daddy," he agreed quietly. "Tell Daddy 'Oro?"

"No, I think you should tell Daddy Horatio.  It was you who did the bad thing and I have to tell him when I do bad things."  He handed over his cellphone after hitting the right button.  "Tell him."

Eric sniffled but listened to his daddy answer.  "Daddy 'Oro, I did bad thing and went to talk to fishies last night," he said quietly.  "Daddy Xanner say I have to tell you."  He listened to the quiet, reasonable voice and sniffled harder.  "I sorry, Daddy."  He hugged his father, getting one back, even if his daddy did wince.  "I sorry.  I not do it again."  He nodded. "Yes, Daddy."  He handed over the phone.  "For you."  He went back to his cuddle so daddy's booboos didn't have to hurt from the hugging.

Xander listened.  "The guards apparently caught him sneaking out. One of them told Danny.  I've got the bathroom window open and heard him."  He nodded.  "Yeah, and I'm awake at the moment so I thought we should talk about this now.  Was it a bad time?"  He relaxed. "No, I told him I had to tell you when I did bad things, he could tell you when he did bad things."  He groaned.  "Yes, dear.  Of course."  He smiled and patted his son on the head.  "He's giving me very healing cuddles right now.  Of course.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Next time you can't sleep, pick up one of your workbooks and do something or read something, Eric.  That way you're safe and quiet, but not bored."  Eric nodded at that, smiling slightly.  "Much better.  Now, you have thirty more minutes in the chair from what Horatio said.  Right?"  He nodded.  "Go do it."  He wiggled down and went back to his chair.  "Thirty minutes," he called.

"Thanks," Mac called back.  He looked at the boy.  "Sit."  He sat and curled up.  "Sit up straight, Eric."  He sat up straight, like he was supposed to.  "Thank you."

***

Xander was rolled into the church for his daughter's baptism, frowning greatly.  He didn't like the idea of being in a wheelchair but he was too sore to hop on a crutches today.  Even with the pain medicine, his ribs were killing him. He was put next to the family's row, nodding down it.

"You managed to make it into a suit, I'm impressed," Mrs. Delko praised.  "How did she fit it over the cast?"

"Ties on the inside seam. It can be fixed later when necessary."  He shifted.  "Hand me Tia please?"  The grandparents shook their heads.  "I can hold her and she'll stay quieter for me."

"We'll need her back later," Mr. Delko noted.  Xander gave him a look.  "You'll get her most of the night, Xander."

Horatio took the baby and smiled at her being awake.  "Your cousin slept through his whole christening," he told her.  "It's cute that you're awake."  He made a face at her, earning a baby coo.  "It'll be fine, Tia.  I'm sure it will.  Now, let's let you calm down daddy.  Okay?"  He handed her down and Xander took her to hold and whisper in her ear.

"Nothing like that in the church," Mrs. Delko hissed. Xander glared at her, she glared back. "You can't."

"I can, they have in the past, and I'm not.  I'm talking to my daughter."  She humphed and leaned back.  He and his mate shared a look, him getting an understanding one back.  He knew this was important for Horatio and Marisol, but he really wanted to run away with the child.  It was almost a need to protect her at the moment.  He hoped no one tried anything.  He really did.  He looked down at Tia, finding her staring at him. "It'll be okay.  You'll get some water splashed on you and that's it.  Then we'll go have a big, huge lunch and dress you funny again," he offered, teasing her stomach.  She giggled and kicked at him.  "That's my good girl.  Yes it is."  Eric came in and sat next to him, filling in the gap between him and Horatio.  "I promise I won't wheel off with her."

"Didn't figure you would.  I'm going to hold you down when you jump up to protest."  He gave him a look.  "When's her other blessing?"

"We're doing it tonight."  He looked down at her.  "You'll be loved by whichever faith you choose, sweetness.  You definitely will."

"She'll be raised Catholic," Mr. Delko reminded him.

"She'll be raised both," Xander said firmly, glaring at him.  "She'll have the right to make her own decision.  The same as Eric, Toddy, and Liz will."  He snorted at that.

"Xander, calm down," Horatio warned.

"I am."  He went back to soothing her again.  Eric tried to take her but he swatted him.  "Still my turn."

"Fine," he agreed.  "Just stay calm.  Please."  He nodded at the priest who came over to see the baby.  "This is Tia."

"I've seen her a few times.  Her mother has told me she'll be raised in both faiths?"  Xander nodded.  The grandparents gave their daughter horrified looks.  "No matter what they call it, it's still doing good works, children.  It will be fine and she'll make her own decisions when she's old enough."

"She may turn to Judaism like her Auntie Willow turned away from," Xander agreed. Personally he doubted it, but maybe.  He held her up and the priest took her to look over.  "Her grandmother had the gown already."

"Christening gowns are often passed down through the generations."  He smiled at the darling little girl.  "You are going to be special, young lady.  Very smart and strong.  Very beautiful as well."  He kissed her on the forehead and handed her back to Xander.  He clearly needed to stay calmer.  He gave him a look.  "Who's doing her blessing tonight?"

"Her Aunt Willow and I.  I stay out of that community most of the time.  I'm her assistant for the most part so we're keeping it quieter."

"That's fine. I heard and saw the pictures of the one you arranged for your niece recently.  It was very nicely done."  Xander smiled and nodded his thanks.  "We'll be very gentle with her, son."

"I know you will."  He looked at him.  "Has the other one quit swearing about me yet?"

"He hasn't sworn that I've heard, or heard his confession for penance, but one never knows with that man."  He patted him on the shoulder. "Horatio, good to have you back as well."  That got a nod and a smile.  "Just you and the mother, correct?"

"He refused to do it if Xander was up there."

"Ah, the other reason he's so uptight."  He looked at Xander.  "He cannot keep her," he said quietly.  "No matter what you think might happen, he can't suddenly proclaim that the child will not go back to the fathers because they're together.  Understood?"  Xander nodded.  "Thank you, Xander.  Try not to snore this time?"

"I tried last time."

That got a laugh.  "I was dry that day."  He walked off to greet some others who hadn't been in for a while.

Eric looked at him.  "Okay, I'm going to ask.  Why?"

"It got shoved down my throat so often," he said quietly.  "A lot of was hateful, contradictory, and about as evil as anything I ever fought.  All it did was piss us off greatly with some of things that were said.  Besides, I think faith is something that's an individual thing.  I can't personally uphold this one.  Not with the history that the church created.  Not with the present problems it's got with women and gays.  Not with the dismal future it's looking at with some of the present feelings in the church.  I'm not going to torture myself by making myself miserable for the sake of a faith I can't believe in.  Especially when I've seen history that contraindicates it."

"Okay, at least you have a reason," Eric admitted.  "And we can agree to raise her both ways?"

"Just like your mother's trying to turn Eric Catholic, and I'm teaching him our ways.  The same as Willow's doing it for Toddy and Liz."  Eric relaxed at that.  "Speaking of, who has Eric?"

"Di and Taylor.  They're in the back," he offered. "They didn't want to walk in here either.  They're sitting with Willow and Ryan and their horde."  That got a smile.  "Are you going up?"

"He refused to let the baby be baptized if I did.  Only Marisol and Horatio are going up."

"That makes sense. Causes the least amount of misery for everyone."  He took the baby to hold. "My turn."  He smiled at his niece.  "Hi, Tia."  She patted him the coughed.

"Eric, your aftershave," Horatio warned, taking her back.  "She coughed on you the other day because of it."

"Oops, sorry."  Xander handed over a babywipe from the diaper bag.  "Thanks, guys."

"Not an issue," Xander noted patiently.  "We all have things that she coughs at because they're too strong.  You're allowed stinky aftershave since Horatio had one too."  Eric smiled at that.  He threw the used baby wipe into the plastic bag inside the diaper bag, then he took his niece back, getting a happy baby.  He continued to hold her until the service started, then his mother took her back.  She started to cry, no matter what she did.  Her grandfather held her and tried too but still fussing.  Horatio tried and Marisol tried.  Then Uncle Eric and Xander got her back.  Xander took her and whispered in her ear, getting a coo.  "I know, it's loud and unfamiliar and the incense makes you sneeze," he offered, patting her on the back.  He handed her to Eric.  "Go walk her for a few minutes and come back when something more singing or rhythmic starts."  Eric nodded, taking the baby out with him.

Eric snuck back in a few minutes later and the baby cooed at the singing.  He took his spot and whispered in her ear, getting a calm baby.  He shook his head at his mother, getting a scowl.  The singing stopped and Tia started to fuss again.  "Here," he said quietly, handing her back to Xander, who she settled down for.  "What's wrong?"

"Anxiety.  Babies feel emotions very well.  I personally think all babies are born empaths for the first six months of life," he whispered back, keeping her calm.

Marisol looked down once she had calmed her mind, taking her daughter back.  She settled back into her arms and stared in that fuzzy baby way at the people in front of her.  Until the sermon started, then it made her fuss.

Horatio looked down at her.  "I know it's loud, but it's all right," he soothed quietly.  Tia wiggled.  "Hand her back down."  She handed her to him.  He got her calmed down and against his shoulder.  She wouldn't sleep but she was staring at the people behind her.  One of who was a young boy who waved and smiled at her.  She liked boys his age, like her brother was, so she squealed at him.  He looked back and smiled. "You're good."  He got her calmed down with a few more pats to the back.  He noticed Eric and Toddy had snuck up to sit in Xander's lap, both of them curled up with him.  Toddy was nearly asleep.  Eric was looking very confused while Daddy Xander explained things to him.  Horatio smiled at the boys, then went back to patting Tia on the back.  Eric nudged him and took her, getting a yawn and Toddy waking back up to hold her hand for a while.  "That's very nice of you, Toddy."

Toddy smiled.  "Mine."

"Shh, whisper," Xander ordered quietly.  Toddy looked up then nodded. He shifted over to sit between Xander and Eric.  Bigger Eric got a sudden loud wail.  He took the baby and whispered at her, making her calm back down.  He knew the priests were keeping track of where she was, especially the one baptizing her.

When it got time to go up, Horatio got handed Tia once he had helped Marisol up.  Eric followed.  He looked at him.  "You're not coming."

"I am so.  That's my sister and those guys are strangers.  They could hurt her."

"They'd never hurt her," Mrs. Delko complained, glaring at Xander.

"He's right to be scared of strangers.  Son, he's not going to hurt her.  That's why her parents are going."

"I'm still going.  She's my sister!"  He walked up after them anyway, standing beside his daddy to watch over his sister.  She was small and couldn't protect herself.  Well, unless she pooed on someone because then even strangers would run in fear.  He took his daddy's free hand to hold.  Horatio smiled at him.

"It's fine, Horatio. He's an adorable scamp who is very wise to protect his sister from strangers," the priest from New York offered gently. "You can never be too certain in this world."

"'Sactly," Eric agreed, giving him a serious look.  Marisol smiled at him and he took her cap when it came off, holding it for her.  He remembered Lizzy going through this.  He looked around then up at Daddy.  He got a soft smile and he knew it was okay his other daddy wasn't up there.

Horatio lifted him up, whispering, "it's because of his leg, Eric," in his ear.  Eric nodded and relaxed at that.  Eric started to open his mouth to ask a question.  "Later."  Eric leaned against the comfortable shoulder and watched as the baptism was finished.  Then he handed back her hat, making Auntie Marisol smile at him.  They went back to his seat and he got to hold her again since he was between Eric and Horatio now.

"Very good, son.  Thank you for not interrupting," Xander said, smiling at him.  Eric beamed and cuddled his sister.  Toddy shifted closer.  "Gently," he whispered.  Toddy went back to stroking her head and singing quietly to her.  Xander paid more attention to his daughter than the rest of the service, handing Eric the diaper bag at the first pushing face.  That got a grimace but he did get up to change her.  Tia cried the whole way out but he managed to change her with some help from Di.  At the end of the service, he smiled at the boys.  "Very good to help keep her calm, and to stay quiet today, boys.  I'm very proud."

"As am I," Ryan agreed as he came up to them.  He repossessed his son.  "Meet you at home?"

"Sure.  If you get there first, start the grill."  Ryan smiled and nodded, taking his son off.

"Eric, priests are people you can trust," Mrs. Delko assured him.  "You really can."

He shrugged.  "He a stranger.  Not know him.  Go with sister.  She not allowed near strangers alone."

"I was there, son," Horatio reminded him.

"Eric 'tect you and sister, just like do doggy."  He took his Auntie's hand and smiled at her. "You pretty."

"Thank you, Eric.  Your mother made this for me.  Come on, let's go home to lunch."  He nodded, dragging her out.  "Slow down."

"Smells funny."

"I know.  It's the incense."  She smiled at the family priest, then shook the other one's hand.  "Thank you, Father."

"You're welcome, child, and it's clear this one is a very big protector."

"He is.  He protects his sister against everything, including lack of cookies."  Eric giggled at that.  "I found him trying to get her to suck a chocolate chip off his fingers this morning."

"Was her third," Eric assured her. "She like it."  He smiled at the priest.  Then he hugged him.  "You 'tect sister very well too."  He drug his auntie off.  "Have ribs today?"

"We'll see what's in the freezer, dear," she promised, smiling back at them.

Horatio walked out without Xander, knowing it'd cause a stink if they were together.  "Thank you, Father," he told his family priest.

"It's clear to me he does a lot with those children."

"He does. He has the more flexible schedule.  He does very well with them."

"Be honest, son.  Xander's the only one that has the energy to keep up with Eric and Todd," Mr. Delko noted dryly. "We spend a lot of time taking the kids back from him. They snuck down to see him today too."

"He does a good job explaining things to them," Mrs. Delko agreed. "I'm sorry about the boy though."

"It's a brother's job to protect his sister, especially when he doesn't know the people very well.  With what his father went through recently, I'm not surprised," their priest pointed out.  He smiled at Xander.  "Thank you, son.  You have the touch with her and them."

Xander smiled.  "It's practice.  I steal them all the time."  The priest smiled at that.  "I do.  Eric's moms had to move closer so they got him more often."  The priest laughed and clapped him gently on the shoulder, making him wince.  Horatio gave him a worried look. "I'm okay.  Just jarred 'em.  Thank you, Father.  You as well, Father," he said, shaking his hand.  "We're having lunch with the family if either of you wanted to come?"

"No, that's fine, son.  We've got some cleaning here to do," the one from New York said, smiling politely at him.  Then he looked at Horatio.  "I'm leaving tomorrow if you wanted to come talk."

"I'll do my best."  He shook his hand again.  "Thank you."   He smiled at his mate.  "Come on, we'll let you go get comfortable."

"Please.  My leg itches."  He smiled at the small redheaded girl jogging over. "Mary Eileen."  He held up a hand and got a hug around the neck, whispering in her ear.  She nodded at that.  "Thank you.  Were you here?"

"I was.  Not like Ethan would come on his own."  She smiled and nodded at the Delkos.  "Come on, let's get you home and back into shorts and a t-shirt.  Those ribs of yours have got to be aching again."

"Oh, yeah," he moaned, letting her wheel him down the ramp.  "Where were you?"

"Back with Willow.  Trying to keep Lizzy out of it.  She was trying to sing."

"I heard.  Then again, Lizzy's favorite verse will be 'make a joyous noise unto the Lord' some day."  She laughed at that and helped him into the car with Horatio.  He looked back at the kids, who were trying to do themselves up.  "Get them?"  She nodded, climbing into the back to get the kids in right.  "Thanks."  He snuck a kiss to Horatio's cheek, getting a gentle smile.  "I kept it down."

"I know you did.  I'm very proud of you.  What did you say at first?"

"That I knew it was loud and bright but she'd be okay.  We loved her.  The usual stuff.  Even though the paranoid grandmother thought I'd be casting something."

"I knew you wouldn't."  He smoothed down his hair, then checked the kids before closing the door.  "Are you coming over, Mary?"

"Nope, but Ethan wants to know if they can do the healing spell this afternoon or should it be tomorrow when most of the family clears out?"

"Please, Goddess, let him do my ribs today?" Xander pleaded.  "Just those?"

"Bring him over tonight, we'll do it after the blessing," Horatio promised.  She smiled at that and nodded, bouncing off.  "Need a ride?"

"No, I'm hitching with Auntie Willow.  Thanks anyway, Horatio."  She waved and bounced over to their car to get in.

Horatio smiled and waved at the rest of the family then got in.  "I have nothing against you doing a healing spell, dear. You obviously need one."  Xander nodded at that.  "Will it heal them all?"

"At the most probably take me back down to two and remove the bruise."

"That's something at least," he offered, reaching over to hold his hand once he had the car in drive.  They had decided to take Xander's car instead of the hummer.  Fortunately he had sent all the other cars off to storage the afternoon before.  By the time they got back there, the house was full and he nearly had to park on the lawn.  He got out and let Eric out, letting him run inside.  Ryan came out to take Tia, making him smile.  "Ethan's coming over later."

"I heard.  I've got nothing against healing spells.  Hell, I'll help.  He's miserable this way."  Xander nodded as he slid out and braced on the car.  "You can wait."

"No I can't. I've got to go to the bathroom."  Horatio came over to help him, he was in enough pain that his bladder control had slipped twice now.  He got him into the bathroom then went to get him some sweat shorts and a t-shirt.  Xander came out dressed and leaning on the crutches he had put in there earlier.  He winced as he hopped out, going to sit on the porch with a sigh of relief and watch the kids.  Don looked at him.  "What?" he asked.

"We saw her being comfy with you."

"It was loud, unfamiliar, bright, and the incense made her cough," Xander told him.  "All I did was whisper in her ear and let the boys spoil her with some tactile attention."  That got a smile from Marisol.  "Are you staying for tonight's?"  She nodded. "Okay."  He looked up as Mac put a juice and a pill in front of him. "Must I?"

"Yup, you're in too much pain."  Xander sighed but took the pill. "Thank you."  He patted him on the head.  "Boys, let's get you changed," he called. Toddy and Eric got out of the dirt and let him and their mothers help them change.  Then Mac changed into something more casual as well.

Don smiled at Marisol, letting her sit in his lap.  "Hi, pumpkin."

"Hi, Don."  She smiled at him.  "Thank you."

"Not an issue.  It was important to you."  He stroked her back.  "Besides, what makes you happy makes me happy most of the time.  The rest you'll know."  She giggled and swatted him.  "Hey, Xan."  He looked over at him, already looking fuzzy headed.  "Who was the redhead girl who bounced up?"

"Mary Eileen."

"That's the current slayer?"  He nodded at that. "She's young."

"That's why Ethan stole her."  He grinned.  "She's turning into a fine chaos warrior at the moment."  They laughed.  "She'll be over later for the other blessing.  We're doing something on my ribs, even if I have to owe Ethan for life."

"Good," Willow agreed as she came out of the house with Toddy, who curled up in his uncle's lap.  "Comfy, son?" she asked dryly.

"He need help taking nap.  Like Lizzie does."  He snuggled in, letting Xander hold him as a teddy bear.  He was a good one for him.  Xander started to snore so he wiggled down and went to play with his buddy.

Horatio came out of the kitchen and picked Xander up, carrying him back to bed.  He tucked him in with a kiss and went back to cooking.  Mrs. Delko smiled at that.  "We're going to try a healing spell on his ribs later to ease some of the pain.  I've never seen anyone in this much pain before."

"He's got six broken ribs, dear, of course he's in pain."

"This is more than that," he assured her.  "They think one of the hits by the hunters may have hit him just wrong on the back and may have temporarily pinched a nerve. That it may be staying overactive at the moment.  Normally he'd never be in that much pain."

"I fed him one of his pain killers," Mac noted as he came in to help.

"Thank you.  He didn't take any before we went this morning.  If he had, Tia probably would've cried.  Speaking of, is she up?"

"Up in her crib and Don's got the baby monitor in front of him and Marisol."  He kissed Mrs. Delko on the cheek.  "The boys were very good with her today."

"They were, but Eric didn't need to follow."

"With witnessing someone attacking his father, I'd be surprised if he let either of them out of his sight," he said wisely.  She gasped.  "He was outside with Xander and the dog when Xander got hit by the neighbor."

"The dog protected him beautifully," Horatio agreed. Mac smiled at that. "Please tell me they're getting a dog?"

"They are.  They're getting a mini-grayhound.  They've got a few at the pound right now from a raid on a breeder and Eric adores them.  He can run them ragged."  Horatio smiled at that.  "She'll need to know where to go to do the obedience lessons."

"I'll write down the name for her. When are they going to pick them up?"

"This afternoon.  One's black, one's gray with spots of white."  He looked around.  "Where's Percy?"

"Hiding again.  I'm starting to think he's sick.  We're going to the vet's in the morning."  The doorbell rang so he went to answer it, smiling at Calleigh and Speed. "Couldn't get up?"

"She wouldn't wake up for anything," Speed admitted, walking her in.  "Where's my boy?"

"On the bed.  Mac fed him a pain pill."  Speed nodded, heading that way.  "Calleigh, everyone else is outside."

"Okay."  She went that way, going to take Xander's chair and Toddy to nap as well.  He grinned and let her cuddle, then squirmed away once she was asleep.

Ryan smiled and took a picture while his son was trying to get down.  "Horatio, grill's ready," he called.  Horatio smiled at Calleigh as he brought out food.  "I got a good one of her using Toddy as a teddy bear."

"He is very good for that."

"I know.  I use him for naps too."  He clapped him on the back and went to start dishes.

"Hey, Willow, how did you and Ryan get into the habit of aiding and abetting his OCD?" Don asked.

She blushed.  "When he threw his back, I cleaned around him.  He kept going 'you missed a spot' until I finally snapped and took him on the couch, then left him laying there weak, sweaty, and messy.  Then I smiled and said of course I did, but he was bigger than a spot."  She grinned.  "Then I went to get some chocolate and watch him nap. He's so cute when he sleeps."

Danny grinned at that, shaking his head.  "He ever take back the kitchen?"

"Yup, started preterm labor with Lizzy."

"I told the chief you had started off due to cleaning the kitchen," Horatio offered. "His answer was 'sex, yes, I did that with my first son'."  She blushed but giggled at that.  "Did you ever find out why you had the false positive?"  She nodded, pointing toward the bedroom.  "My husband did what?"

"The jerky.  The new, weaker recipe."  He moaned at that.  "Better that false positive than his original one.  Even if Ryan did tease me about being so potent for three days of not being able to sit."  They all laughed at that.  Xander hopped out and pouted at Calleigh, but took a corner bench to curl up on instead. "Can't sleep?"

"Neighbors are home."  He let Horatio cover him with a sheet and gave him a sleepy smile.  "Fanks."  He tried to shift and hissed, going the other direction.

"It sucks especially hard when the rib is on the side you sleep on," Danny agreed.  "Can I help with the healing stuff tonight, Willow?"

"You can if you want."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "You would've been good for him if that lie had been reality but Horatio's better for him."

"He's a lot more permissive than I'd have been," Danny noted dryly.

"At least then Stella could sit," Don teased.  Marisol swatted him.  "She can't."

"That just means it was good," she assured him, giving him a look.  He grinned at that and she blushed.  "Pervert," she said fondly.

"Only now and then."  He gave her a squeeze.  "So, I'm coming down on the switching thing in a month. That means six months of me being around and working.  Think you can handle it?"  She smiled and nodded.  "Good.  I'm sure Frank and Yelina know all sorts of nice places we can go to cuddle in public and make people go 'aww, aren't they cute' again."  Her father laughed.  "They do."  His phone rang and he looked at it.  "Ah, my lieutenant."  He opened it.  "Flack."  He smiled. "Hey, boss.  No, the christening was just finished.  We're having the cookout now.  Well, no.  Actually."  He looked at Xander then back at Horatio.  "I'm still on for the switching thing, right?"  He smiled at Marisol.  "Because my girl is down here.  Plus my nephew has six broken ribs and a pinned leg.  No, hunters.  Yeah, that case Danny sent back."  He gave her a gentle smile and a kiss.  "From my boss, sweetheart."

"I like your lieutenant.  She's a very nice woman," Marisol assured her.

Flack smiled at that.  "Yeah, I'm dating Marisol.  No, but this way we don't have to give up either city yet.  No one's parents will pout."  He chuckled at that.  "Of course. We come back late tonight, will be in first thing tomorrow.  Thanks, boss.  Of course. I'll even bring pictures of the cuteness.  Of course.  Do we have power again?"  He snickered.  "Mac, Sheldon got told he had to be more productive.  He went off on the mayor.  Your quiet, nice, polite CSI, the one that everyone knows is the calm guy of the unit, went ...off."  He laughed and handed over the phone.  He looked at Horatio.  "Sheldon apparently went so ghetto in his rant that the mayor needed a translator."

Danny smirked.  "That's our boy," he said proudly.  "Did Monroe back him up?"

"She looked at the mayor and said that it was no wonder we had techs who kept running away.  Then she led Sheldon off to calm him down.  He did apologize but it took nearly an hour of doing an autopsy and letting Sid be a wall."

Danny smirked. "Hey, Stella, Sheldon went off on the mayor," he called.

"Why?" she called back, coming out of the house.  "What happened?"

"The mayor said he needed to be more productive.  Sheldon told him exactly why he wasn't then he went Danny on him," Mac told her, letting her have the phone.  He shook his head and kissed Danny on the cheek.  "You're a bad influence," he teased.

"I know," he taunted back, smirking.  "So, can we all move down here?"

"They're promising you guys will have power within the week."  He looked at Marisol. "Speaking of weeks.  You wanna come up with me?"  She blushed and nodded. "Cool.  I'm spoiling us since we're going overnight."  He gave her another cuddle.  "You'll have to pack."

"Of course."  She snuck a kiss.  "I've already done that. I was hoping you'd ask."  He grinned at that.  "I can go see your mother?"

"Sure.  We both can go see Ma tomorrow night."  He stroked her back.  "Hey, Mac, anything on that last will since we all know now?"

"Will?" Mrs. Delko asked.

"The insane family from the Middle East had another son succumb to the curse of Xander.  They're considering it a curse on the family for liking male strippers.  He killed himself when he realized he was buying materials for a kidnaping plot."  Horatio moaned at that.

"The last I heard they were done debating and I should have paperwork within the next few days.  We're not sure what's going on with that yet.  I've already lodged a protest that Xander didn't want anything from the family.  That they scared him really.  The judge agreed it was in bad taste but with the curse on the family it should be all cleared that way.  I have no idea.  They've stricken him from the family.  Oh, the daughter's wedding was this weekend.  I noted I was coming down here for Xander's daughter's baptism and they hoped that she grew up happy and well loved, and that she found a nice husband to protect her."

"I can only hope the same, that she'll be happy.  Send back our gracious tidings for their daughter's wedding," Horatio offered.  Mac smiled and nodded.  "What did it look like?"

"A headache," he admitted.  "Did you want a horse?"  Horatio moaned and shook his head.  "I didn't think so.  Percy?" he called.  The dog peeked out then came out to get petted.  "What's wrong, boy?"

"He's lonely with Eric being up the street and Xander being sick," bigger Eric offered. "He's giving the boys pitiful looks."  Horatio moaned at that.  "I know, he'll be back up and playing soon, but you've got a bored dog, Horatio."

"I was taking him to the vets tomorrow."

"Do it anyway, just in case," Taylor offered as she came out with meat.  The dog barked and sat, wagging his tail.  "When we eat, mooch."  Percy barked and went to play with the boys, getting chased around.  "See, he's not lacking energy.  He's depressed because his boy is sick."  She nudged him with an elbow. "Where did he go for obedience training?"

"I'll write down the name and address," he promised, kissing her on the cheek.  "Two dogs?"

"That way they keep each other amused."  He groaned.  "It might help and they had a beautiful blue and gray colored auzzie sheppard, Horatio."

"We'll see."  Xander yawned and tried to shift, then yelped and moaned, holding his ribs.  "You all right?"  Xander shook his head.  Horatio released his hold on the tongs and came over to let Xander nap on him.  Xander whispered a quiet 'thank you' and went back to sleep while Horatio petted him.  Percy came up to sniff, then licked them both before going back to playing.   He watched as Percy sniffed the new dogs when Di brought them over, then he sat and howled.  "Fine," he called.  Percy came up to sit and stare at him. "Did you want a puppy of your own?"  Percy's tail started to go.  "We'll go pick out a second dog," he sighed.  The dog bounced to lick him. "Easy!  Down!"  He sat and Horatio petted him as well. "Good boy."  Eric squealed.  "Go help corral the boys."  He went to help the new dogs, sniffing tails then barking happily and licking Toddy until he fell down giggling.  The other dogs got into it and soon the boys were smothered in attention.

Willow came out of the house and moaned.  "We're never going to unfur him."

"Boys are allowed to have dog fur," Ryan reminded him.  He looked at Speed when he came out.  "I am not some pistol packing judge."  He hit him on the arm.  "That was mean."

"You are so."  He rubbed his arm.  "You pulled one when someone took your bailiff's."

"It's the training."

"Yeah, and you're still carrying."  He smirked as he carried the phone over to Horatio.  "Rebecca."

He took it. "Hello."  He listened. "That's fine, Rebecca.  We were wondering about those.  Of course.  No, we had Tia baptized today and we're doing her blessing tonight. Most of the family is here.  You can come over anytime.  Of course. I'm sure the treasury will be very sorry about the mixup."  He smiled. "Gladly.  See you then."  He hung up.  "Go pull out the two necklaces that came in the box with the note.  Take out the note," he ordered quietly.  Speed nodded, going to do that.

"Shoot, I was coveting those," Stella pouted.

Horatio looked at her.  "Mac, your girlfriend needs spanked."

"I've noticed she's gotten pouty and spoiled."  He gave her a look and she shrugged, blushing some.  "Xander's only allowed to spoil Horatio, Stella."

"Does that mean that you won't take the battle axe he's giving you for handling this will?" Danny asked with a smirk.

"That's payment," he said firmly.  He stared at him. "Speaking of spoiled."

"Just because I had half the beach hitting on me the other day?  Nah, I'm not spoiled, just cute," he shot back with a wicked grin.  He could hear the growl. "Not like I took 'em up on it, Mac."

"Don?" Mac asked.

"Ray Jr. was amazed at his drawing ability," Don said dryly, shrugging. "Can't see it myself.  This one here is more than enough to make me drool.  I have no idea why they'd want the skinny New Yorker with the odd hair."

"Lay off the hair!" Danny complained.

Mac smiled at Horatio.  "We'll be right back."  He drug his lovers inside to the guest room to make sure they knew who they belonged to.

Buffy came in and shook her head at the noise.  "Wow, someone get's spoiled a lot."  She walked out and smiled at the cute picture of Horatio and Xander.  "Awww."  She took a picture.  "That's so adorable!" she squealed, hugging Horatio.  "You will be good to my Xander buddy or else I will rip you apart at the seams.  Slayer strength or not," she said firmly, then went to talk to Willow and Ryan.  She liked Ryan, he was a nice guy.  Even if he was nine years older than Willow.

Horatio smirked at the knowing looks.  "Buffy's like that."

***

Xander woke up alone, which wasn't nice, but he could move easier this morning.  The healing spell hadn't healed most of his ribs, he was back down to three, but he didn't feel the overwhelming pain anymore.  He got up and hopped into the bathroom then came out and looked at the beast on the foot of his bed.  "Who are you, doggy?"  He let it sniff his hand then petted it.  He hopped back into the bathroom, thinking hard.  He didn't remember anything after the blessing ceremony. The healing had worn him out.  He hopped into the kitchen, finding a note on the table.  "Di has all the kids.  Please rescue if possible. Yes, he's Percy's dog."  He smiled. "Okay."  He hopped into the kitchen to get some juice and call.  "I'm up.  What's going on?"  He listened to Diana babble about it being Tuesday. "Can't be," he said as he sipped.  He shrugged.  "Okay, if they said it was the healing spell I can agree with that.  Not as much pain.  Whatever funny thing in my back quit making it hurt so much. I'm back to normal pain levels.  Yeah, lighter pain killers would be fine.  No, three, I can feel them in great detail."

He looked down his t-shirt.  "No bruise."  He finished his juice and poured more, then smiled.  "Sure.  I wouldn't mind at all."  He hung up and got a snack, turning to find both dogs staring at him.  "Hi, guys.  Do you have a name?"  He searched his collar, finding 'Lancelot' inscribed on the metal plate.  "Was daddy having a knight day?" he teased.  "Hi, Lancelot."  He petted him. "Hi, Percy."  Percy barked and wagged his tail.  "The babies are coming."  He checked the bowl, licked clean.  He poured some food into each of the bowls, then got them some clean water, making sure he cleaned the water bowl since it had a film on it.  The dogs barked and dug in, then ran to play with the boys when they trooped in with Taylor.  Xander finished nibbling on his toast, waving. "It's really Tuesday?"  She nodded. "Sorry."

"It's not a problem, Xander.  If anyone deserved a nap it was you."  She kissed him on the cheek and handed over something.  "From Horatio in case you got up today."  Xander hesitated.  "It's not like it's something bad," she pointed out.

He opened it and read the letter, smiling at it.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome. The boys are playing quietly today.  The greyhounds wore them out.  I'm so happy we decided on them!"  She hugged him gently and went back to work.

Xander called Horatio. "I'm up."  He smiled at the quiet words. "Three, no bruise, and my leg's fine I think.  Of course I can handle the boys.  When did we get Lancelot?"  He grinned at the story of him following Di and Taylor home from the pound.  "That's kinda cool.  No, they're being quiet. Taylor said the greyhounds wore them out."  He ate another bite of toast.  "Of course I will."  He smiled.  "Thank you, Horatio.  No, the boys and I are going to see the doctor about getting my cast off and my pain killers reduced. You come home whenever you can."  He blew a kiss.  "Be safe and remember I love you."  He blushed at the returned sentiment.  "Thanks."  He hung up and got some more juice, taking it out there.  He found his cellphone on the table and called his doctor.  "Hi, Glenda, it's Xander.  No, I'm feeling much better.  Can I come in for new x-rays and have him remove the pins?"  He grinned.  "Well, I do heal fast.  Please?  Thank you."  He nodded while she talked to the doctor.  "I can do that.  Thanks, guys."

He hung up and looked at the boys.  "We are going to do stuff today."  They both stared at him in awe. "Yes, I'm awake again, boys."  He grinned.  "You two are going to be my big helpers today so I need you two right next to me all day, okay?"  They nodded.  A dog nudged his hand.  "Hi, Lancelot."  He petted him and Percy demanded equal attention by jumping into his lap.  Lancelot hauled himself up. "Guys, still sore," he complained but he did pet the dogs.  He finally had to get them off him and smiled.  "Go play.  Or go nap."  They ran off to do that in the bedroom.  They liked the gel mattress apparently.  He looked at the boys.  "Let daddy go get dressed.  Then we're going to the hospital to get my leg and ribs' pictures taken again.  Then we'll go shopping, okay?"  They beamed and nodded.  "Good boys."  He got up with his crutches and headed into the bedroom to put on some sweats.  He came out and found the boys conspiring.  "No running away from me," he ordered.  They sighed and nodded, letting him gather them and their necessary bag to take out to the car.

***

Horatio came home at lunch and found the dogs alone. "He left, didn't he?"  The door opened and Xander let the boys troop in.  "Where did you go?"

"X-rays."  He smiled and kissed him.  "He's thinking about pulling the pins. It's mostly healed.  Not fully but mostly. I might be able to go back to the aircast."  He wrapped his arms around Horatio's neck and kissed him for real, earning a smile.  "I love you."

"I love you too, Xander."  He settled his hands on the mobile hips, earning a giggle from the boys. "I can love him."

"Daddy loves boys differently, less cute," Eric assured him, grinning at his buddy.  "Love you." He hugged him.  Toddy got free and scowled.  Eric pouted.  Toddy sighed and hugged him back.  "Fank you."  He punched him on the arm.  "You're it!"  He ran off, looking for the dogs.  Toddy followed, a very determined toddler.  The look on his face was the same one his daddy had when he was chasing a running suspect.

Ryan walked in and caught his son on his pass through the living room.  "You're very focused today, son."

"Eric love me.  He tag me."

"Ah."  He nodded, grabbing the diaper bag.  "Come on, Eric.  I've got the afternoon off."  He winked at Xander.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Oh, he's ready to start potty training."

"We'll work on that this afternoon with Eric's help," he agreed, smiling at his son.  "You are very special and good."  He kissed him on the cheek. "Come on, Eric."

"Dogs?"

"No, the dogs live here.  You're coming to play with Lizzy and Tia."

"I can handle them," Xander protested.  Ryan gave him a look and a small smirk.  He blushed at that and Ryan led the kids out.  "I guess he thinks I woke up horny."

"I can feel that you did," Horatio teased, cuddling him.  "I also have the afternoon off."

"You don't have to, Horatio."

"We lost power. That large tree by the transformer went down last night.  The whole station is down so we're all on-call."  He snuck a kiss and got a smile.  "Let's call the doctor, see what he says."  Xander nodded, calling once he was settled in his lap.  The dogs came out for their dose of adoration and it was all good. Even when Horatio did get called back once the power came back on.

***

Horatio came back to a wonderful smelling house.  It had been cleaned and someone had cooked.  He stopped in the kitchen, seeing the bags from one of their favorite restaurants.  There was a plate with his name on it.  He took it toward the back porch but saw both dogs out on their lead line.  He glanced into the bedroom, taking a bite when he saw a naked, castless mate lying on his stomach, his still-injured leg propped up on a pillow.  That left him open to inspection.  Horatio took another bite, knowing he'd need the strength for that.  He still had to claim his mate, make sure he was all right.  He finished quickly and put the plate on the nearest level surface, heading into the bedroom.  He found Xander napping, which was so cute, and in a cock ring, which was making him sweat.  He took off his clothes silently, staring at the back.  The horrible bruise was gone but he knew he still had some broken ribs.  His leg was still fractured but about eighty percent healed.  He leaned down to lick across the warm skin, finding it freshly showered.  He settled himself against Xander's back, stroking and laving what he wanted, staying gentle.  Xander moaned and pressed back into his hands.  "For me?"

"For you. You have to make sure I'm all right."

"I do."  He moved further down, finding him ready for him.  Not stretched.  Xander never presumed to stretch himself.  He knew that if Horatio wanted a softer ride he'd do it for him as part of the foreplay.  If not.... his mind shied away from that thought. He was still too injured for that thought.  He would be for a few more weeks.   He teased and played with the back.  "Comfortable?"

"Very.  My leg's good enough and my ribs are cushioned."

Horatio smiled at that, snuggling against his back as he sild into his husband's body, running his hands carefully over him.  He pulled out and sniffled him, gently turning him over to check his stomach, then his mouth.  He repropped up the injured leg and took him that way, staring down into his eyes.  "Tell me if I hurt you."

"I will.  No stomach crunches."  Horatio smiled and sped up some, his mate wasn't doing more than making whimpering and begging noises.  Nothing but pleasure noises, so he sped up a bit more.  He saw the wince and eased off some but his mate wrapped his good leg around his back, pulling him closer.  "You can."  Horatio nodded, taking a kiss and speeding up again.  Xander moaned and arched up, letting him have everything he wanted and needed. Horatio bit down on his neck and Xander shivered, wrapping his arms around him.

"Never get this injured again," he warned, then he licked his bite and came.  He panted, pulling back.  Xander was still in his ring, still so hard and dripping it looked like he hurt.  He stroked a finger up the underside of it, making him arch up and making another noise.  He undid it and gently stroked him.  "Promise me, Xander."

"Not like I wanted to this time," he complained.

"I know, it wasn't your fault.  Promise me anyway.  To at least try."

"I'll do my best to never get that injured again," he promised.  Horatio let him come and it was nice.  He relaxed, panting hard.  "I'm sorry."

"It's all right, Xander."  He took a kiss.  "You're almost all better now."  He laid down on his good side, letting Xander curl up around him, smiling when he propped his injured leg between his and licked his throat. "Someone has energy."

"I had a long nap then got the stupid cast off," he reminded him, then he grinned. "Then I had another nap after cleaning myself out and working myself off for your pleasure.  It took me two tries before I remembered to put the ring on."  Horatio smiled at that.  "We've got to feed the dogs but they've been good all day."

"Good."  He stole a kiss, smiling at him.  "Did you eat?"

"When I was setting everything up."  He stroked his chest.  "I'm sorry he hurt me so much."

"There wasn't much you could do."

"Maybe if I hadn't fought back... acted like the typical victim."

"He would have known and done it anyway, maybe even killed you himself."  He cuddled his mate, secure that he was better.  "Air cast?"  Xander grimaced and nodded. "How long?"

"Until it's fully healed.  Plus, no stomach crunches or anything until my ribs are healed.  Definitely no jogging or diving until they're healed."  He looked up at him.  "Do you think I should train this year?"

"You're already a month and a half into training time, Xander."  He stroked over his back.  "Where are the World Games?"  Xander blushed.  "I think you could make it if you got serious about your training.  Even if you didn't win."  Xander snuggled in.  "Do we know where they are?"

"Japan."

"Hmm.  Pretty country."  Xander looked at him.  "I'd have to go with you.  You know you're faster when I'm there, especially if we've had great sex the night before."  Xander bushed and nodded.  "So...."

Xander kissed him.  "You really think so?"

"I do, if you wanted it. If not, definitely next year since it's going to be most of a month before you can get back to your training."  He stroked his back and rear, making sure he stayed all right.  "But that also means you'd have to cut some of those luncheons out."

"Not an issue.  The Library, the Children's Hospital, and the Pound, plus the one coming up for the foster care system.  I was going to see if Stella wanted to do that one."

"If you want," he promised. "Plus polo matches?"

Xander smiled. "I'm so still doing polo.  Plus our riding lessons?"

"Of course."  He snuck a kiss.  "Did you think you wanted to learn to play?"

"Nope.  Maybe the hunting and jumping stuff. That looks more fun."  Horatio smiled at that.  "It does."  He stroked over the warm chest.  "Did they get the power back on?"

"They did.  Fortunately the backup generators held the morgue in place."  He heard the bark.  "Let me get the puppies inside."  Xander nodded and slowly let him go.  "I'll be right back."

"You had better. Neither of us are allowed to get hurt ever again."  Horatio smiled at that, putting on his pants so he could let the dogs in and feed them.  Then he laid down.  Percy got his back, like normal, and Lancelot got Xander's back.  Xander smiled at that.  "The doggy me has you and the doggy you has me."

"It is cute.  Especially since the hyper dogs got our son and Toddy."  That got a laugh.  "Rest, my mate.  We need to sleep."

"We do."  Xander yawned.  "Don't know why I'm so tired.  Had naps."

"It's part of healing."  He soothed down his back and let Xander rest against him.  Percy barked. "Let him sleep."  The dog sniffed his back and settled in to nap too.  Horatio watched him sleep for a while then let himself drift off too.  At least he wouldn't be too tired to work tomorrow.

Family.

Mac looked up as Xander hopped into his office.  "You didn't have to come up."

"Yes I did.  I had to repossess my daughter."  He sat down and grinned.  "So, what did you manage to make them take back?"

"Absolutely nothing."  Xander moaned and gave him a hurt look.  "Sorry, Xander."  He slid the forms over.  "They've went from repairing their honor to paying the demon to stay away."

"I'll gladly stay away without this."

"I told them that.  They weren't sure."  He shrugged.  "I tried, a lot."  Xander sighed and took the forms, looking them over.  He let out a whimper.  "Want me to email that to Horatio?"

"Please and warn him it's going to make him flinch in public."

"Done."  He turned to his computer and did that.  "Okay.  Cheline's already seen that.  She and I signed papers.  She agreed, she didn't think you needed some of those things."  He swallowed.  "Though, that one set of bracelets...  Would you mind terribly if we bought them off you?"

Xander looked at him. "Have them, Mac.  Don't worry about buying shit."  Mac smiled at that. "About time.  At least I won't have to kick your ass for treating them wrong."  He went back to the list. "This ring?  Is it big, heavy, or gaudy?"

"No, and Don said you can't give that to him."

"I was thinking about giving dad a pointed hint with it."

"He's got one, she's refusing," Stella said from behind him.  She gave him a hug.  "That bad?"  He nodded, letting her read over his shoulder.  She moaned.  "Is it going into the foundation?"

"Unless Horatio wants this house down in Miami."

"That was bought specifically for you by him," Mac told him.  "I have no idea from who.  You would definitely have enough room for the kids in the backyard."  Xander looked at him.  "Cheline is waiting on that one, the bracelets, and the one band."  He grimaced.  "She remembered Horatio liked to mark you."

He flipped until he came to it, then looked at him. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Basically a daily wear jeweled cock ring," he agreed.  He shrugged. "She didn't think it'll sell."  Xander moaned.  Mac's email beeped.  He turned to look at it and laughed.  "Horatio did flinch.  Speed wrote back to say he's taking a nap."  He typed in about the current discussion.  He got back a 'call us' demand.  He dialed it and put it on the speaker.  "It's us."

"Wonderful.  Who was this asshole?"

"The other guy in that family," Xander said bitterly.  "Dad, I'm going to go insane.  At least Mac is letting me spoil him out of the stuff."  He shifted and looked up at Stella, patting her on the hand.  "We've got a dinner in two months for the foster care system.  Would you like to go with us?"

"I..."  She blinked.  "How did you know?"

He grinned. "I always imagined it was like the book _Cheaper By The Dozen_.  Not the movies, but the original book."  She smiled at that and shrugged.  "You're more than welcome if you want."

"I'll consider it."  She kissed him on the head. "Don't be too long.  We need Mac to be mean."

"Sure."  She walked out.  He looked at Mac.  "Is it?"

"Something like that in group homes," he agreed.  "The good ones anyway."  He leaned back.  "All right.  There's a few things Cheline wanted to know about.  Horatio, he gave him a bonding ring."

"Which would be?" Speed asked.

"A jeweled cock ring for everyday wear," Xander told him.  Speed moaned.  "Sorry."

"I'm going to take the nap while Horatio deals with this."

"What else, Xander?" Horatio called.  "Nap in the break room, Speed."

"Greedy."

"That one's a better place to nap anyway," Xander reminded him.

"Good point."   He left and they heard the door close.

Horatio came closer.  "What else was there that wasn't going to sell."

"Xander said our commission this time was something that I've been thinking about," Mac admitted.

"Mac, you know we don't care if you take half," Horatio said blandly.  "What are the other problem things?"

"He has three hummers for the crime lab and he bought Xander a house down there to house him. It was part of his kidnaping plot. The hummers were a bribe to get you to ignore it."  Mac looked at Xander, who was back to reading the list.  "It's not on there, Xander."  He handed over that paper.  "Most of the kidnaping plot stuff couldn't have sold she thinks.  The estate might locally, but it's secure and nice."

"I like our house," Xander assured him. "I bought that one."

"You did," Horatio agreed.  "Where, Mac?"

"She wouldn't tell me. She'll tell Xander and you, but she won't tell me.  Something about security?"

"You'd be allowed there anyway," Xander pointed out.

"It's apparently an instruction in the will, Xander."  Mac looked at him.  "It's in the envelope taped to the back."  Xander found it and opened it.  "So, you'll have a few things to decide about.  Did you want the race horse?"

"No," Xander said quietly.  "Horses are pretty but not cuddleable pets."

"We like to ride but horses are also expensive pets," Horatio agreed.  Xander squeaked. "Where, Xander?"

"You know that really pretty house Eric and I joked about me buying and keeping you like a harem slave?"  Horatio moaned. "The blue one next to it."  He looked at the note.  "Plus, he pulled some strings. That's where all those cars went."  Horatio moaned again. "Getting a good backrub?"

"I wish."  He sighed.  "Which blue one?"

"The one on the right.  The one with the private four feet of beach and the dock.  The one with all the hedges, Horatio."

You could hear something hard hit another hard object through the phone.  "It's a beautiful estate, but it's a bit big.  We'd need a gardener."

"Which would cut down on my running around naked time," Xander quipped.  He heard the cough and looked back.  "Come on in, lieutenant.  Horatio, Don's boss is here.  Sorry, Mac was keeping me from jumping off somewhere very high due to a new will naming me."

"I've heard you've had a few of those.  Don ranted about one of them the other day.  Are you all right?"

"I'm a pretty quick healer.  I'm down to a few broken ribs and a healing leg."  He smiled at her.  "Thank you for asking.  Is Don in trouble?"

"No, not in the least.  Though I do have his stepdaughter for some reason."  Xander gave her a look.  "He pushed her into my arms and headed out on a call. I'm not sure why he had her at the office."

"I'll come get her within a few minutes."

"Thank you, Harris.  Caine, you all right?"

"I seem to have a headache," he admitted dryly.  "Mac, was everything in his name?"

"No, some was in yours.  Cheline needs to have you sign things as well, Horatio."

"Fax?"

"In person this time.  Too much money, they said it had to be in person."

Horatio moaned again.  "I'll be up this weekend.  Anything else I should know before I take a nap?"

"Yeah, have you done anything with those hummers?"

"Hidden them from sight. They're being repainted and gifted next month."

"I said I'd take care of it," Xander reminded him.

"It has to come out of my accounts, Xander."

"Nothing said you have to refit them."

"I'm not.  Just repainting them is bad enough. We're also doing three of the other cars since they're police worthy."  That got a smile.  "The other two are sports cars. I'm tempted to sell them along with his houses."

"Whatever you want," Xander reminded him.

"Thank you.  I'll see you in a few days."  He hung up.

Xander looked at him.  "I'm being a big boy.  I'm not even insanely jealous that he gave them to Horatio."  He stood up.  "Thanks, Mac.  I'll stop in on her tomorrow."  That got a nod and he hugged him. "They're yours and pick something cute for her."  He hopped out behind the lieutenant. "We're hoping for this to be the last one."

"I hope you're successful in that."  She walked him into the squad room, finding the guys staring at her office. "You guys couldn't pick her up?" she demanded, heading to get the  screaming baby.

Xander grinned.  "Hi, guys."  They all stared at him. "I'm Don's nephew Xander."  That got some wise nods.  "I'm picking up Tia for him."  He smiled at the baby.  "Awww, who's the precious one?" he cooed.  She quit sniffling.  "Did the meanies let you cry?"  He put her against his shoulder, leaning against a desk. "Did he have a carrier or the backpack?"

"He had a stomach carrier thingy."  She went to get it and the diaper bag.  "You sure you can handle her with crutches?"

"Yeah, I do it around the house with her, my other kid, and our two dogs."  He handed her back long enough to put on the carrier, then slid her inside, making her comfortable.  "There you go, Tia.  We'll go nap and get a long bath."  She cooed at him. "Such a pretty and good girl."  He stroked down her hair before clipping the last strap down.  "Okay, I'm off to the hotel.  Tell Don I have her when he gets back. Any idea what happened?"

"He got a phone call," one guy offered.  "I heard that she's yours, not his."

"Marisol is her mother.  She had Tia for myself and my husband."  He smiled softly down at his daughter.  "She started dating Don while she was pregnant."  He grabbed his crutches.  "Okay, princess, bouncy ride."  She cooed at that and he slung the diaper bag onto his back, then headed out with her.  "We'll go nap. It's time for daddy to have a nap too."

"Sir, what are you doing with Detective Flack's daughter?" one of the guys outside demanded.

"I'm his nephew, Xander.  I'm taking her back to my hotel room.  Any idea why he took off?"  That got a head shake and a heated look. "Was Marisol with him?"

"No, sir, he said she was shopping."

"Hmm."  He called.  "I've got the baby.  Why?"  He listened.  Then he blinked.  "You haven't called anyone why?" he demanded. "What do they want?  Don, auction stuff.  What do they want?"  He nodded.  "Okay.  Get it together with Mac.  Now, Don.  I'm going to come help otherwise."  He hung up. Then he called Mac. "Incoming from Don.  She got taken."  He hung up and headed off.  He'd tell Eric and Horatio later, when they wouldn't have to worry.  He caught a cab.  "Marriot please?"  That got a nod and he handed over a ten.

"Probably be twelve."

"We'll see.  I'll pay the rest when we get there."  That got a nod and he took off.  Xander wiggled his wallet out and checked Tia, finding her sleeping. "Did all the excitement wear you out, daughter?"  He unclipped a strap to stroke her cheek.  He straightened her up and she sighed, clutching his finger. The cabbie pulled up and he checked the meter then paid the other three bucks plus a two dollar tip.  He reclipped the carrier and got out with his crutches.  He hopped inside, nodding at the desk girl.  "Hey. My niece," he said at her curious look.  He let her see.  "Any messages for 456?"  She shook her head after checking.  "Can I get a playpen sent up?"

"Of course, sir. She's adorable. How old?"

"Just a few weeks.  Her mommy's off shopping and daddy's searching for her."  That got a smile.  "Thanks."  He headed for the elevator, going up to his room.  He gently laid her on the bed and put the carrier aside.  He got her diaper changed and found a bottle for her, making her a happy, sleepy, content baby.  "We'll bathe after you nap, princess."  She yawned and grabbed his finger while she sucked.  "Good girl, Tia."  He laid down next to her, getting comfortable.  Someone tapped.  "Who is it?"

"It's me," Frank called.

Xander got up and opened the door, frowning at him.  "What are you doing in New York?"

"Being your bodyguard," he snorted, walking inside.  "You just got a death threat this morning, kid."

"And they couldn't call?"

"We tried.  Don didn't answer."

"He was probably looking for Marisol."  He opened the door at the second knock.  "Put it beside the bed please."  That got a nod and the playpen was set up for him. "Thank you."  He tipped the guy two bucks and he left.  Xander came back to set it up and put Tia down into it, getting a sniffle. "I know, it's not your crib at the house, but we're not at home.  You can have the crib at home soon."  He soothed her back into a nap.  He looked at the curious detective.  "Marisol may have been kidnaped.  Don's working on that.  He apparently got a call and handed her to his boss before taking off again."

"Interesting.  You know, this keeps up, they won't let you back in the city."

"That last will is being debated."

"Goodie.  Anything for you this time?"

"The guy in the Middle East.  Who threatened me?"

"One of the hunters that didn't take a deal."  He sat down in the chair, watching her sleep then looked at him.  "Horatio said you're vulnerable since you're hopping around."

"Not really."  He shrugged. "Okay.  I was going to get lunch sent up.  Want something?"

"Nope, I'm good. I got something to nibble on the plane.  You talked to your boy?"

"Made him have a headache."

"Pity.  The Chief is hinting about those three ungodly colored hummers."

"Horatio could donate them in those colors," he agreed dryly.

"It might take them months to paint those monstrosities," he joked.  "I can just see everyone going 'no, you drive the ugly hummer'."

"The guys going after Eric and making him drive the purple one?"

Frank laughed.  "One of them trying to hand Calleigh the keys for the pink one."

"See, set them so that night shift gets them," Xander said, giving him an innocent look.  Frank burst out in giggles. "I should suggest that."

"You should but if he's got a headache it's not a good day.  He's got budget meetings this afternoon."

"Poor baby."  He sat down and found the menu, calling down to room service.  "Hi, this is 456.  Can I get the two cheeseburger plate and a small carton of milk, two percent, plus a coke?  Thanks."  He smiled.  "It's already on register.  Thank you."   He hung up.  "That way I don't have to worry about something for her in a while since I only found the one bottle."

"You're a good dad, Harris.  I had no idea you'd be this good when I first met you," Frank offered.  Xander blushed and grinned at that.  "Even if your son is evil."

"He is not."

"He is so.  That reporter came up to your son and Ryan this morning in the park, while he was taking the three of them for a walk.  Toddy called her a bitch, learned from his mommy.  Tugged on his daddy's hand and asked 'isn't that the bitch mommy's mad at'."  Xander cackled at that.  "Your son nodded and told him 'Auntie Willow say she is. She naughty and bad'."  He smirked sweetly.  "He mooned her, then pissed on her on purpose, Harris."  Xander doubled out in laughter, making him laugh.  "Ryan was floundering but he got Toddy stopped and made small talk while she huffed and panted.  He did apologize for it, saying he missed his daddies.  She stomped off and told the society reporter that his son was an evil bastard.  Ryan kindly refuted that by saying it was *your* son and he was having a bad moment since his daddy was out of town.  That's why they were walking together.  She still told him his son was a heathen brat who needed paddled."

Xander called Horatio on his cell.  "My son did what?"  Horatio's groan prompted Eric to take the phone.  "My son did what to Sykes?"  Eric told him the same story and how Ryan had made Eric apologize, even though he had told her she was an evil woman who liked to hurt his daddies.  Xander cackled and handed the phone to Frank.

"I told him the partial story. What else happened?"  He shook his head. "No, I'm not one of his stalkers, Delko.  Caine sent me to guard his boy up here, and now your niece since Marisol and Don are out at the moment.  What happened?"  He started to laugh, ending up howling in laughs.  "I knew that boy was evil. Thanks, man.   Yeah, tell him I'm here. Tia's napping.  Thanks.  I needed that."  He hung up and tossed it back.

***

Eric looked at Horatio as he hung up his phone.  "You sent Frank to guard Xander?"

"With that threat this morning?  Of course I did."  He smiled.  "I'm torn.  Am I ashamed of our son or proud?"

"Be ashamed in public but proud in private, man.  It's a strong son you've got."  Horatio laughed at that.  "Why did he have Tia?"

"Marisol is probably off shopping.  He had to stop in to see Mac this morning.  Hence my headache."  He took his phone back.  "Do we have anything new on that case?"

"Not yet. You want some tylenol?"

"Please."  Eric went to get him some and some more water.

The Chief walked in and looked at him. "Lounging?"

"Headache.  Xander got given an estate locally."

"Yeah, the Henner one."  Horatio looked at him and shook his head.  "No?  I thought it was that one."

"No, one closer to downtown but still a real estate.   That Middle Eastern family got him again."  He took the tylenol and the water. "Thank you, Eric.  Anything new?"

"Not really.  Phone records are being searched but I can't find two of the numbers, not even in the cellphone directory.  They lead back to dead ends."

"Like secured lines?" the chief offered.

"It's a society brat that disappeared," Eric told him.

"The same one that Fornell and Willow thought something was odd about, Eric.  He could be right."  Eric nodded, going to do that.  He looked at his boss as he sat up.  "What's happened now?"

"Isabel is ranting about your nephew?"

"He and her daughter had a small tiff.  They've made up now."

"Oh.  That was yesterday.  Anything good?"  He shook his head.  "Your nephew's playboy ways?"

"No, he wanted to study instead of go out.  She wanted to go party in the clubs and Ray Jr. was being responsible."  He smiled.  "My nephew is a very good man in the making."

"Good.  You sure about the Henner estate?"

"As far as I know.  Who did you hear that from?"

"Isabel."

Horatio got up and went to find his social directory and call her.  "Isabel, what estate was given to him? I thought it was one out on Polo Row."  He listened.  "Who did that?  No, we're firmly married, Isabel. I don't care what she offers him, he's mine.  Isabel, I am more possessive than anyone ever seen in the social crowd.  No one touches my mate."  He smiled. "Feel free to, or give me something so I can arrest her on?"  He chuckled.  "I had to try, Isabel.  Please.  Thank you.  They did make up?"  He nodded.  "I heard.  Thank you."  He hung up and looked at the Chief.  "It's that stupid heiress who wants him to hide me behind a marriage to her."

"How stupid is this girl?"

"Very."  He smirked.  "Next month I'm handing over some of the ill-gotten gains from one of those idiots who gave us things."

"I heard about some oddly colored hummers."

"Yes, and I'm tempted to make the department paint the pink, blue, and lavender hummers while giving them to night shift."  He moaned at that.  Horatio smirked at him.  "They are very baby colors."

"You do that and they'll skin you alive, Caine. You know that."

"I'm having them repainted.  You'll have to outfit them."

"Fine.  Reducing the tax debt?"  Horatio nodded. "How much does he pay?"

"Too much.  Thankfully his most major assets are off-shore.  Also, I'll be in New York this weekend.  I've got to brief the new tech coming in on switch and there was a bit of that last will that left something to me that I've got to sign papers to get rid of."

"You're off?"  Horatio nodded.  "That's fine then. Where is your daughter?"

"With Xander apparently."

"Interesting.  Did he take her again?"

"No, he said something about Marisol shopping and Don being out."

"So the kidnaping rumors I heard were false?"  Horatio looked at him. "About her. I heard the death threat this morning got Tripp sent up after your spouse."

"He is still hopping around with a cracked leg and three cracked ribs."

"Point.  Tell him to bring Yelina back something pretty.  She was sniffling at her desk."

"I'll talk with her in a while.  Anything else, sir?"

"Do you want my job some year?"

"I'd rather slit my wrists and walk into the demon bars to let the nighttime population drain me dry while raping me repeatedly."

"Good answer. I like that answer.  Much more enjoyable than Henderson's 'I'd jump off somewhere high from the paperwork'."  He smirked as he walked out.

"Ask Hopkins," he called after him. "She's earned it and most department's respect."  That got a hand wave.  He shuddered at the mere thought of being Chief of Police.  He called Xander.  "He offered me his job," he said quietly.  "Make it stop?"  He smiled at the soft words.  "Thank you, Xander.  Kidnaped?"  He nodded. "That's fine then.  Thank you."  He hung up. "Eric, your sister is fine," he offered, seeing him standing in the door.

"So, Xander wasn't the one taken?" Horatio shook his head.  "Why was my sister taken?"

"To get money from Don."

Eric moaned and sighed.  "What did the Chief want?"

"Confirmation of rumors.  To see if I wanted him nominated to take his spot when he retires."

"Please don't."

"I'm not.  I'd rather walk into Tentacles with open wrists and let them attack me."  Eric smiled at that.  "I would."  Eric giggled.  "So, Xander has Tia and Frank has Xander."

"So as long as the hotel isn't attacked, we're all good?"  His phone rang and he looked at it.  "Don," he answered. "Where is my sister?"  He smiled.  "Good!  I like that.  Did you get them for me?"  He laughed.  "Even better.  They yours, ours, or otherwise?"  He raised an eyebrow.  "Horatio, Don said the guys who took Marisol claims they were hired by Margaret Brundt. To turn him straight.  That Mari was clearly a cover."  He listened and nodded.  "One's begging for the hole in his cock to be repaired.  Don apparently missed a stomach shot by a few inches."

"Wind resistence can be bad," Horatio agreed blandly.  "Tell him Frank's got Xander and Xander has Tia at the hotel.  Also that I'll be up there this weekend."  Eric nodded, saying that as he walked off.  Horatio shook his head but got back to work on his present case. It was going to drive him insane with Xander in New York.  He decided to let it settle back into his head and thoughts while he went to check on Yelina, who was having mood swings a bit early.  She and Calleigh were sharing a candy bar so it was all right.

***

Xander came out of the pool behind Di's house and toweled off, feeling the burn. He looked at his coach, who was grimacing.  "That bad?"

"Yup. You've got some work to do, Xander."  He kicked out a chair and Xander came back to sit down, rubbing his leg.  "Still hurt?"

"Some weather ache.  We're getting a bad storm tonight."  He looked at him.  "I have how many months before the first meet?"

"Five before the YMCA meet."  Xander moaned at that.  "You can do it.  You made up the same amount before."  Xander looked at him.  "You did.  When you first started."

"So I've got to make up two years of training?"

"Your body already knows it, it's just got to get back there.  It'll be faster this time. How many miles are you up to in jogging?"

"Two.  Any more than that and my leg aches like hell."

"Okay.  Have you seen your doctor?"  Xander nodded. "And?"

"He said it's normal and to work back up slowly.  It's been four weeks since he took me off my crutches."

"Yeah, but it's been two since you quit using them," Eric reminded him.  "Remember, you fell and twisted your knee."  Xander nodded at that.  "We'll work slowly back up to it."

"Sure.  What did the coaches say?"

"He asked how your times were.  I told him you couldn't train for nearly two months.  He demanded to know why so I showed him the picture of you on your crutches.  He winced. I told him broken ribs, broken leg, fractured hand, and a lot of bruises.  He said to start you slowly and rebuild to distance.  Starting with sprints would be easiest since they were your better events."

"I want to get back to the point where I can do any dive," Xander said miserably. He rubbed his leg again and looked up.  "We should head inside."  They gathered up everything and headed for his house.  They made it inside a few minutes before the rain.  He looked at him.  "Okay, where do I start?"

"Some weight training to get you back up to running and get your muscle tone back. I can tell you're back to your starting point, the situps and pushups."

Xander looked at his abs.  "Horatio made me gain weight while I was on my crutches."  He grabbed them some juice and sat down with him.  "I'm trying to get back to my stripper- licious body."  Eric smiled at that.  "I don't mind being a little less defined, but I can't stand no definition."

"I can understand that."  He sipped his juice.  "Remember, every week you spend on your ass takes nearly three to get rid of.  You were incredibly active but it's still going to take some time."  He patted him on the arm.  "Are you cramping?"  Xander nodded. "Have Horatio work on those when he gets home."

"If."

"Why if?"

"Hurricane off the coast.  They're planning the shelter or run strategies for this year and what parts need to evacuate."

"What's this neighborhood on?"

"Flee in terror."  He sighed and put his feet up.  "You've seen the other house, right?"  He nodded, they had all driven by there.  "It's safer.  It's sheltered by a cove.  It's out of the normal path of the debris trail.  Usually they hit above it and go inland if they're going to hit Miami itself."

"The bad points are?"

"We'd be moving across the city from Di and Taylor.  We'd have automated security instead of guards.  There's community guards but nothing like here."

"Okay," Eric agreed.  "The other bad points?"

"It's too far away from everything.  Dad lives on this side of town.  You live on this side of town.  Your family lives on this side of town.  We'd be a half hour or more from everyone else."

"The good points are?"

"I'd have an olympic sized pool out there. It's already got a bunker, the guy put one in when he bought it to kidnap me. It's huge.  Horatio could have a real office and a lab."  Eric smiled at that.  "Really.  I'd have bigger closets to maintain and Horatio could have the laundry center of his dreams.  Including the private dry cleaner out there that only works for the residents."  He sipped his juice.  "Horatio hates the house. I hate the house.  Just what it stands for."

"Then sell it and find something closer," he advised.  "Something with the pool and all the amenities.  Remember, just on the other side of Speed is Country Club Row."  Xander nodded at that.  "Even though you don't play golf."

"I like this house. It's a home and it's comfy and just the right size.  If I had to go bigger, I'd wander around all day trying to clean it."

"Isabel's neighbor is moving."

"Then we'd see repeated takes of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliette thanks to the kids."

"Point," he agreed with a small grin.  "Have you looked at the other ones?"  Xander nodded, looking miserable.  "Found one you like?"  He nodded.  "How much more is it?"

"My shopping account for the year plus the safety deposit box."  He finished his juice and put his feet down to face him again.  "It has everything that the other house has but it's closer. It's one of those odd downtown oasis in the middle of the city estates.  It's ten minutes from your present place. It's thirty from Dad and Calleigh.  It's twenty to your parents and ten from here.  It's got an olympic sized pool and enough room to put in a diving board.  It's got privacy fences and security.  It's got a reasonable sized house.  The only problem is that I couldn't move the bunker."

"Anywhere that you could move it?"

"The estate I already have that neither of us want."  Horatio walked in.  "Are we evacuating the neighborhood?"

"Including you.  You can put the precious things down into the bunker and go with the people."  He took a kiss. "What were we discussing?"

"The estate."  Horatio grimaced.  "I don't want to move out there if this place gets damaged but the condo is hidden for a good reason."

"It is," he agreed.  "It should stay that way, I agreed to that already.  It doesn't mean I want to move out there."

"Neither do I.  It's too far away."  Horatio nodded at that.  "But if something happens I'll need to find somewhere closer and the only one I found that I liked I couldn't move the bunker."

"Then move the bunker out there until you sell it," Eric suggested.

"The whole point of having the bunker with the house is in case something happens."

"Then you bring the stuff in the study, Xander.  Leave the artillery there."  Xander sighed and nodded.  "Either that or start encouraging others to move that way."

"There's no way Dad and Calleigh would move into those townhouses.  Dad said he likes Ryan most of the time but he couldn't stand being neighbors."  That got a small smirk from Horatio, who gave him a hug.  "I'm back at where I was when I started."

"At least you didn't lose anything," he advised.  Xander nodded, that was true, he could've gotten worse. "Move the important things down there, Xander.  Then be prepared to move the weapons if necessary."  Xander nodded at that.  "Pack.  Today.  It'll start making us evacuate in three days."

"Yes, dear. Should we plan on going north?"

"If you want."  He stroked his cheek.  "We'll have to stay here."  Xander nodded at that, getting up to make a list of what needed to be moved. "We'll talk about the housing switch if it's necessary."

"Yes, dear."  He looked up. "If something happens to the house, which way are we moving?"

"If we must, we'll move out there for a few days."  Xander nodded. "What sort were you looking at?"

"Has a pool and at least four bedrooms.  Preferably with beach access."

"I reminded him Isabel's neighbor's moving but he said Ray Jr. would cause problems with the sneaking over.  I thought about Country Club row."  Horatio shuddered.  "I know.  He found one in the Oasis estates that're becoming popular."

"Please no," he begged.  "Those are like pretending to live in a jungle."  He shook his head. "Let me look, Xander?"  Xander nodded, smiling at him.  "Thank you.  Get everything ready.  We've got to lock down the station.  Eric, we'll need you back."  Eric nodded and finished his juice, putting the glass into the kitchen.  He gave Xander a pat on the way out.  Horatio looked at him once they were in the hummer.  "Why was he thinking that?"

"He found out this development was in the way of Andrew and two others since then."  Horatio moaned. "Plus having a pool there would mean more training."

"It would," he agreed.  "Do we think he has a shot?"

"He's got five months before the YMCA match.  He *has* to place high enough in that one or the other two after it to get into All-City, therefore State.  His body remembers, but it's going to be an uphill battle with the injury.  Especially since he's got a weather ache now."

"It's not fully finished healing. I'm not surprised."  He headed out of the estates and to the station. They had things they needed to get done. He could let Xander worry about the family.  He would have to let Xander worry about their things and family while he worried about the station.

***

Xander finished sealing the hurricane shelter and turned to find Taylor behind him. "More stuff?"

"I thought that was our emergency shelter."

"It is, but we're going to be mandatory evacuated. We're in the path of this one."

"The houses?"

"You know all the boards and stuff?  The metal shutters?"  She nodded.  "Do it now.  Di did hers last year."  She nodded, going to tell her that.

"We're in the path?" she called.

"Yup.  Horatio said so."  He came up the stairs and looked at her.  "Horatio said we're getting evacuated two days from now.  All the important things, like pictures, forms, those things, are in the shelter.  They'll survive even if nothing else does."  She nodded at that.  "Also, all the weapons were moved."  She grimaced at that.  "Necessary.  If the bunker's exposed, I can't have those exposed too."  She nodded at that.  "So, let's work on the windows."

"We've got those shutters that you lock in."

"Us to. You guys need help, call us."  He went to get his own house ready.  Including the new screens that could go overtop of the shutters to keep things from blowing into them and breaking the windows underneath them.  He did a last turn through the house.  "Guys?" he called.  The dogs barked from the nursery.  He sighed at that, going to take a lot of pictures and pack them onto his laptop.  It'd be going with him. The news report came on and he winced. It was a category five hurricane.  "Love you too, God."  He got back to work.  He'd have to pack the car pretty full to give them what they'd need for a week without power and things.  He called Mac.  "Can you have Don make sure the house out in Seagate is ready in case we decide to fly instead?  No, it just got upgraded to a category five.  I'm hoping not, but..."  He let it trail off, listening to someone pounding on the door.  "Gotta go."  He hung up.  "What!"

"Mr. Harris, sir!"  Xander went to answer the door, looking at the guards.  "Sir, there's three houses that don't have storage."

"The one on this side isn't full.  The other side is.  It's gotta be small stuff.  Also, warn them there's a chest freezer down there.  Even if we empty it and the power goes off it'll still defrost onto the floor.  There's a drain but not that great."

"Okay."  He went to tell the others.  Xander looked at the quantity of stuff, then at them.  "Too much?"

"Yeah, they'd be safer putting that into a u-haul and heading out today. Or the guy with the camper, stuff that and go."  That got a nod from his neighbors.  "Mine's not that big, guys.  I wish it was.  Um, hell."  He looked at him.  "Go get a large u-haul."

"With the price of gas?" one of them demanded.

Xander looked at him.  "Then you rent a storage space, Kurt."  His face lit up.  "Park the u-haul inside it and it'll at least give you double protection of metal.  Even if the storage area blows and the u-haul blows too, it'll probably be protected.  Until then, I've got a small area.  Like living room sized."

"We can fit that in there," one of the women assured him.

He nodded, bringing her down.  "Taylor, make sure the code over there is locked?  I'm opening it from this side."  He hung up and waited until the lights said it was ready, then input the general code and let them inside.  They piled things in and someone moved to make sure the chest freezer would only get the stuff like grandma's prized rocking chair and not pictures. He got his dogs out of the way, putting them back in the nursery with Tia.  He went to check the emergency packs, sighing in frustration.  He would rather stay with the weapons but he couldn't.  They were back in military-worthy storage at least.  His swords and handguns were in a different location, packed in the estate's bunker.  It hadn't been big enough to hold the artillery plus the guns and swords.  A few last things were brought in and he let them back out.  He checked Tia and the dogs before locking it.  He tapped the code for the guard.  "That's the general code. It gets them into that side."

"That's fine, sir.  We're evacuating this neighborhood tomorrow morning."

"And I'm going last.  That's my favorite position.  I've got Tia and the dogs."  They nodded, going to tell the others and arrange for them to go.  He sighed and checked the kitchen.  Then the bags again.  He loaded his last handgun and put the safety on, then put it into the bag, and then into the car.  He made sure he had things for each of them, including Eric and Willow's kids if he ended up with them.  They did and he got the bags of dog food and rolls of trash bags, plus the bottles of water for the cooler.  He checked on Tia, she was still cooing at the wall mural. "I hope like hell it's here when you get back, princess."  Horatio walked in.  "I need you to pack a small bag and the rest of the clothes are going to the estate.  I left the daily use stuff here."

"Why not the others?"

"It's in the path too. I'm not taking that chance."  Horatio nodded, going to do that, then putting the rest into a foot locker.  Xander came in and handed over his two trunks.  "You've got the hummer."

"I don't have the gate code."  Xander handed it and the keys to him.  "Do we have everything else?"

"All our stuff is in the weapon's area, all Di and Taylor's stuff is in the sitting area.  We have three neighbors using ours on this side."  Horatio nodded at that. "It's packed on both sides.  The only thing left in the houses are the non-special bigger pieces of furniture."

"Okay."  He got help dragging those down to the hummer, then putting them into the back.  He looked at him. "Did you want to head to New York?"

"No.  Not really.  I'm not sure I want to stay in the area however."

"I understand.  We're going to be in lockdown at the station. I want you and the kids to be at least in Atlanta."

"Horatio, we'll still get hit with rain.  I'd fly us out tonight but I've packed some weapons."

"I can get you clearance through Fornell."  He kissed him. "Let me handle this, gather the kids, head to New York."  Xander nodded, taking another one.  "Be safe."

"You too.  Love you."  He ran inside to gather Tia and the dogs, then to tell Di and Taylor to give him Eric.  They did without question.  He took the other two dogs too.  They would fit in the car, barely.  He heard his cellphone ring.  "Eric, get that for daddy."  He got it handed over.  "Harris."  He sighed in relief.  "No, I'm chartering and leaving.  Of course I do.  New York.  We've got hidden areas up there.  Please.  Handguns.  Packed.  Loaded and packed.  I can do that once we're there.  Thank you, Fornell."  He hung up.  Then he called Ryan.  "I'm heading with the kids to New York.  If I'm taking yours, bring them to me at the airport.  Now."  He hung up and headed that way.  He called the company he and Don chartered through.  "Hi, this is Xander Harris.  We need a flight to New York for me, my kids, and the dogs."  He listened.  "I don't care what size, dear.  I don't care how expensive.  I'll take something out of date, but we're going now.  We have FBI clearance for the handguns with us."  He smiled. "That would be great.  We've got two kids, possibly up to four, me, four dogs, possibly up to two or three other adults, two pregnant.  I'm doing that now.  Thank you."  He hung up.  He called Ray Jr., who was with his mother and Calleigh.  "Am I bringing you or them?"  He nodded.  "Going to the airport now.  Get to the charter side."  He hung up and drove a bit faster, waving at one of the officers he knew.  He got a nod back.  "Okay, guys, here's the drill.  We're going to see Uncle Don while the big, huge storm comes through.  All right?"  That got a nod from Eric.  "Check Tia?"

"She fine.  She coo at my doggies."

"Okay.  We're getting on the plane.  Auntie Yelina or Calleigh may be with us.  Ray Jr. may be with us.  You are to listen to me, son.  You will not run wild while we're on the plane or up there.  Do you understand?  Daddy Horatio has to stay to handle the people who can't get out."

"Yes, daddy."

"Good boy.  Calm down Lancelot."  Eric cooed and petted him, getting him calm.  Lancelot hated car trips.  He pulled into the terminal and up to the guard desk, they usually knew where you were going.  "Harris?"

"Hanger 33, sir, and your car can park next to it."

"Thanks.  Evacuating the kids and some friend's kids, plus the pets."  He got a smile and headed that way.  He parked and two assistants came out.  He signed what he needed to and added names.  "Any of those or possibly all of those," he reported.  "I don't care if we're cramped."

"It's an older jet and it should be fine."  She smiled at the others cars pulling up. "Looks like you were right, sir.  We've got room for up to three others.  Now, we were told handguns were coming?"

"I've got to unload them, they're in three of the bags."  She nodded.  "Ryan, help get the kids on while I unload the guns."  He nodded, coming to do that and add his and Willow's names.  Calleigh came over to help him and gave him a hug.  "It's all right.  New York is nice."

"I remember.  There's also some great hospitals."  She finished the last one, using a hand- held scanner to pick up anything else. "Okay, got 'em all."  She put the scanner away and helped heft and tote the bags but Ryan put her in a seat and buckled her in then went to help.

Xander went back to get the dogs, finding Ray Sr.  "You're coming?"

"I am.  Jr's staying.  Isabel and Candace are staying at their estate in the bunker."  He grabbed the two wiggly miniature greyhounds and carried them up.  Xander got his two dogs.  Sr. came back to check the car, then handed over the keys.  "We'll be back in a few days."

"Of course, sir.  Is your name on here?"  He added his and smiled at her, then headed on.  She signaled the pilot, who came to check everyone was buckled in, then got them moving.  She parked the car off to the side and called the number on the form for emergencies.  "Captain, I'm calling to report a great deal of your family is just now flying out.  Yes, sir, he was with them.  Thank you, sir."  She hung up and went to arrange the next one.  Hurricane season was busier for them with sudden flights than vacation season.

***

They landed and Xander looked at the kids.  "We're here.  You will not run. You will stay with the group.  Understood?"  They nodded.  "Good.  Willow, Ryan, in charge of the babies.  Ray, do the two toddlers.  I'll do the dogs.  Calleigh, Yelina, I want you two to sit in the car.  Period."  He looked at Calleigh.  "Dad?"

"Is at the station.  It'll hold, it did during Andrew."

He nodded. "It had better."  She nodded at that. They parked and the captain came back to let down the stairs.  "Thanks."  He walked down to find the limo he had ordered waiting on him.  "Get the kids and the dogs in first with the women.  I'll help with the luggage," he ordered.  That got a nod from the driver and they got everyone inside.  Xander had to grab some keys from one of his bags and then put it into the back.  He did a last check, picking up the dog dish and the last few wrappers.  The captain smiled at that.  "I'm surprised Ryan didn't."  He headed down the stairs, nearly sliding.  "I hate doing that."  Ryan gave him a look, holding open the trash bag.  He tossed out the wrappers and he put the dishes in the back.  He checked his hand.  "Keys!  I lost the keys!"

"I'll look," Willow called, going to do that.  The captain handed them over, along with another set.  "Thank you."  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  "Be safe."  She went back to the limo, handing him his set and Ryan his.  Then she got back in. It was a squeeze.  Xander got into the front.  "Xander, where are we heading?"

"You, Yelina, Calleigh, Sr., and Ryan are heading out to Seagate.  The kids and I are heading to our hiding spot in town."  That got a nod and he wrote out addresses for the driver, getting nods. "There may or may not be furniture, Ryan.  If not, call me and I'll arrange with a rental spot."

"Okay. Is it near a hospital?"

"Seven blocks.  It's out near Coney Island."  That got a nod.  "It's an older neighborhood.  Tell my neighbors I'm letting you borrow it to shelter from the hurricanes due to the pregnancies."  The limo took off and he looked out.  He tapped the driver and got out.  "Get in the car, Percy.  Lancelot!"  They ran over and jumped into the back when Sr. got the door open.  "Thanks.  We have the other two?"

"Yeah, Tack and Sew are back here.  Sorry, Xander."

The driver laughed.  "Next time, you'll know how to plan ahead," he offered.

"Yeah, the last time we stayed. Go ahead and hit Seagate first.  Just in case."  That got a nod and they headed that way. "Willow, did you remember to pack for you and the kids?" he called back.  She moaned. "Ryan?"

"I've had one done since the start of hurricane season. I do every year."  His wife hugged him. "It's all right, maybe in another few years you'll be used to hurricane season."

"Last year wasn't so bad."

"This year has a bad prediction," Ray offered.  Ryan nodded at that.  "They think four or five are coming in this year."  She moaned.  "You survive and move on.  That's the price you pay for living in Miami."

"What's a 'cane?" Toddy asked his father.

"A hurricane is a really big, bad storm that comes off the ocean," he told him. "It brings a lot of really bad wind and a lot of really bad rain."  Toddy nodded, taking his hand. "You know how we hid with Uncle Xander in his basement last year?"  Both boys nodded. "It's that sort of storm but this time it's too bad for us to stay.  So we're going to stay at someone else's house for a few days, then we'll go back down.  Okay?"  He nodded at that.  "Good."  He patted him gently.  He looked at Tia and Lizzy, seeing the happy babies.  "They weren't hurt by the plane.  Toddy and Eric used to hate flying."

"Now they're old enough to move around," Calleigh assured him.  She had spent most of the flight with the kids' heads in her lap humming to her son.  She called Speed. "We're in New York, heading out to Seagate.  Xander said so and that there's a hospital seven blocks away.  Xander, do they have an OB department?"

"Yup.  I included our copy of everyone's medical records into one of the bags."

"Oh, good.  Yeah, he's got my records, Speed.  No, I'll have Yelina, Ray Sr., Ryan, Willow, and their kids with us.  I promise, we'll be fine. You be safe.  You and everyone else.  Good."  She hung up.  "They're doing the shutters today, Xander.  Horatio said he's staying in his office, but don't worry and don't call every hour.  They expect phone lines to go down an hour before the main storm hits from the edges of the winds."

"Of course not.  If I have to, I'll do it with scrying," he said dryly.  Willow giggled at that. Not that he was kidding....

***

Xander got him and all the kids settled into the hidden condo, then flopped down on the couch, all the dogs laying around him. "Thanks, guys."  He patted each one.  "Eric, come tip out some dog food?" he called.

"Coming, daddy.  Tia sniffly."  They switched places and he carried both girls out so they could sit on the floor and watch the news with him.  The boys played herd wrangler on the dogs and the girls.  Lizzy was just starting to crawl and Tia thought it was hilarious to watch the dogs try to stop her.  Someone pounded on the door.  "What!" Eric called.

Xander laughed.  "Thanks, son."  He got up to look then opened the door to Don and Mac.  "Hidden?"

"Someone's gotta know," he muttered, coming in. "Where's the others?"

"Seagate.  Yelina and Calleigh are both pregnant. They're out there with Sr., Ryan, and Willow.  Everyone else may still be in Miami.  Di and Taylor may be heading for her folks, not sure. The station's already started lockdown.  Calleigh promised it went through Andrew okay."

"It'll be fine. It's withstood plenty of them," Mac reminded him, coming in to play with the kids.  "Who's going back in the first wave?"

"Ryan and I probably.  He'll have to go back for the looting cases and I'll probably end up helping the clean up charities and with the work.  That'll leave the girls with the kids and the dogs.  They'll come back last, as long as Calleigh can fly.  If not, we'll figure it out."

"Marisol said she could help," Don assured him.

"Good. You want the kids or the dogs when I leave?"

"The kids.  The dogs would go insane in my place."  He patted the black mini-greyhound.  "Hey, Sew.  You liking New York?"  The dog barked at the door.  "Who's there?"

"Delivery, sir."

Xander got up to get it, tipping him and paying the bill.  "Thank you."  That got a nod.  "We'll be fine."

"Of course, sir."  He smiled and left them alone, going to pay the delivery man.

Xander put the boxes down in the kitchen then went to hug the kids.  "Okay.  We've got to decide on beds.  I brought the portable playpens with me.  They're in the bedrooms.  Toddy, can you get those?"  He nodded, going to do that.  He looked at his son.  "You guys can share a room, right?"  He nodded, hugging him.  "Thanks, Eric."

"You'll help Daddy 'Oro and not worry him," he reminded him, going to pick up Lizzy.  "Not eat the puppy dog!"

Mac laughed.  "Kids chew on things, Eric.  You used to chew on me."  He patted him on the back. "Don't you start school this fall?"  He nodded.  "Have we decided where?"

"Yup, and I'm hating it," Xander noted.  "I got outvoted, again."

"Catholic school?"

"Yup," Xander sighed.  "They say it's a good school. I thought the kids in uniforms looked like a baby army of depressed folk. It was the only school I've ever seen total quiet in."  Don shuddered at that.  "Horatio said to try it.  Ray Jr. liked it."  He grimaced. "I'm not happy with it in the least.  Not only are there uniforms, but there's rules for the first day.  I can understand the food allergy thing, not an issue.  Eric has a few himself.  I can't understand all the kids having to bring in their medical records, full records, not shot records, and the nurse to see them that first day.  Don't they do that beforehand?"

"They do," Mac agreed.  "Then again, it could be a lice check."

"Eww!"

"Point, but it does happen in schools."

"Still eww."  He flopped down again.  "We've still got to order dinner if you guys want to eat with us."

"Sure," Don agreed, calling Marisol.  "Xander and the kids made it up.  Everyone else is out in Seagate."  He smiled.  "Sure."  He looked at him.  "Do you want us to take Tia back?"

"Depends, do you want to go to work tomorrow?  She's teething."

Don shuddered.  "She's teething, honey.  That means she won't sleep."  He smiled.  "That's fine.  I'll tell Ma so she can come spoil 'em rotten tomorrow.  Love you too."  He hung up.  He looked at Xander.  "I'm to take Tia if you're doing magic."

"Only to reinforce the station since they're all supposed to be in there."

"She said no magic."

"You know what, she needs to lighten up."  He smiled sweetly.  "Tia, lovey, come to daddy!"  She looked back at him and floated up an inch.  He brother caught her.  He looked at Don again.  "Found her doing it two days ago."

"That's probably why she was freaking then," Don admitted.  "It natural?"

"Yeah, I've got a dampener being made for her.  Eric always wears his and so does Lizzy."  He grinned.  "So you can tell her her mother's going to be disappointed.  It's natural in some kids and some lines.  Including hers."

"I'll tell her but she's going to get cranky."

"Then play video games all night.  They're going to nap and I'm going to work on the shield."

"Sure."  He patted him on the head.  "We'll see what she says. Will doing it around them make it more prevalent?"

"Nope."

"Good.  That's probably her main worry."

"No, she like her mommy, want all the kids to be Catholic.  Even my son.  Who isn't.  We're about to have another religious fit in Miami with the Delkos."

"Remember to state your case rationally," Mac reminded him.

"The kids are pod people.  The first time they try to drug my kid, I'm suing and removing him and if she screams at me I'm going to snap.  There's no rational in that."

"Fine, Xander. Just try."

"I will."  He looked at the kids.  "We need food."

"We do," Eric agreed happily.  "Eat moo?"

"No, no steak.  That takes cooking."  Eric shuddered and Toddy hugged his sister, making the other adults laugh.  Someone tapped gently on the door.   "What?"

"It's me," Marisol said.  Don got up to let her in.  She smiled at him.  "My daughter learned to do what?"

"Float.  I've got a dampener being made. It'll be a few more days."

"Will whatever you're going to do hurt her?"

"Shouldn't, unless I snap and have to start draining things around me."

"Then you go do that in my place and we'll watch the kids here," Don told him.  Xander nodded at that.  "Then tomorrow, Grandma and Grandpa can come see 'em and spoil 'em again."  He smiled at Marisol.  "What did you want us to order for dinner?"

"I'm perfectly able to cook."

"No food in the house."

She sighed and walked out shaking her head.  Men!

Xander moved everything over to Don's apartment, coming back for a few more things, then went to set up and start the visualization.  This would give him extra time to make sure it was anchored.

***

Speed looked up as the magic started, frowning.  "Someone's anchoring the building down."

"That's very nice of them," Frank offered, eating his chinese food.  "We all in?"

"All but Jessup and Sikes," Speed offered.  "Horatio's back in his office watching the storm come in before they do his shutters."  He ate a bite and looked around. "Someone turn on some noise!"  He called Ryan's phone.  "Did you go?"  He smiled. "That's fine.  We'll expect you guys back within a few days then.  No, but do bop my son upside the head the next time you see him, okay?"  The last two officers came in and the doors were locked.  "No, we're on clean up so we're not helping herd.  We've got National Guard doing that with two patrol units per sector.  The rest are in lock down already."  He ate another bite.  "Where are you guys?  Address."  He smiled.  "That's a nice area.  Sure, not a problem.  You can hold her hand if she goes into labor.  You can even do impersonations of me, just remember, because of the stitches they said it had to be done c-section."  He grinned.  "Thanks, man.  Yeah, we're good.  Horatio's coming this way.  H, I've got Ryan."  He handed it over.

"What is my husband doing?"

"Tying down the building."  He ate another bite.  "He wants to make sure none of us blow away."  Horatio walked off muttering with the phone, listening to Willow babble about how it was just like a shield, like those screens you put in front of windows.  Speed looked at Frank.  "Your wife?"

"Headed for her mother's yesterday. It's not much inland but usually it's enough and it means I don't have to visit her this time."  He put his box down and looked at the officers counting heads.  "We missing people?"

"No, sir, doing a count for blankets."

"We've got enough down in the cells.  They were even washed once the prisoners were evacuated."  That got some laughs.  "They were. We'll take shifts."  That got some nods.  He was senior officer in the building. "You guys set up a fair rotation of who's sitting on the doors.  Just in case we get stragglers or someone stranded."

"Or, God forbid, someone decides to drop their kid off again this year," Speed muttered.  Frank nodded at that.

"That happened?" Sikes asked.  Speed nodded.  "When?"

"My rookie year in the lab.  During the second hurricane.  She left the baby on the doorstep.  Right before the big tree fell.  It was near the end of the storm but if the tree hadn't fallen the kid would've died or been blown away and died."   A few faces tightened at that.  "That's why we set watches on the main doors.  Someone else gets the cameras.  Because some people lose what little sense they had and do stupid shit that they'd never consider during a hurricane."

"I still like the guy who decided to surf it," Tripp offered.

Speed snickered. "Yeah, I heard."  He looked at the officers.  "Set up a watch.  Someone on each main entrance, someone watching the cameras.  Also make sure all the cars are out of the parking lot.  We don't want one slamming into the station.  Horatio will be hellishly pissed if that should happen and damages the lab."  They walked off smiling.

"The year that happened, he was taking time off in bomb squad.  He still called up Megan and was hellishly pissed," Tripp remembered fondly.

"Um-huh.  I remember."  Alexx came up to where they were waiting. "I thought you left."

"Peter and the kids left.  Somehow I pulled the staying spot."  She sat down and took Speed's food to eat some for him.  "Yours?"

"New York.  Xander's got the tots, Ryan and Willow have the pregnant people."

"Um, Speed, we've got a young girl here asking for Xander?" someone called.

"Send her up!" he called.  He stood up when he saw her. "What the hell are you still doing here, Mary Eileen?"

"My job."  She stared at him. "Where's Xander?"

"New York with the kids."  She moaned. "Don't tell me."  She looked at him and nodded. "Major issue?"

"They're using the hurricane to cover the start of a civil war that Wolfram and Hart started on the West Coast; they're going to use the suffering for power raising."  He groaned. "I've got to have help to stop the issue here before it gets out of hand."

"You're twelve," he said quietly.

"It's my job," she retorted.  "I know I can't do it on my own."

"Try at all. You walked into a lockdown facility."  She looked horrified.  "You can't get out.  For that matter, both Willow and Xander are up there."  He walked her off to call Ethan to see how they could stop this easiest without getting her killed.

"Is that who followed Buffy?" Alexx asked.

Frank nodded.  "Yup, which was why that Ethan guy brought her down here.  So that Xander and Willow could have her back."

"She's a tiny thing."

"She's twelve," Frank told her.  She gave him a glare that usually made him back away.  "Not like I put her in the position.  Those who did are gone.  We're working on keeping her alive."

"She's staying here."

"If possible. She might have to."

"She can't survive...."

Horatio walked back with the hung up phone. "Where's Speed?"

"With Mary Eileen," Frank told him.  "Something about a civil war starting soon."  He moaned and went to find him.

"He'll make sure she's safe."

"If at all possible," Frank agreed.  "Sometimes though, you gotta do what you gotta do."

Speed came back.  "In this case, Angel's gotta do what he's gotta do," he said smugly.

"Isn't that someone Horatio wanted to *talk* to about Xander?"  Speed nodded.  "Should we duck or make snacks?"

"Personally, I'd make snacks.  Others might duck.  Depends on how many sore spots Horatio hits.  He might just walk off and brood some more."

"So he's like you?" Alexx teased.

"No, uh-uh. I took lessons from this guy and only got to the first lesson.  He's got centuries of experience on me in brooding and evil."   He shuddered.  "I'm still wondering how someone like that draws someone like Buffy."

"The same way you drew someone like Calleigh?" Frank suggested.

"No magnitudes of difference.  Buffy and Calleigh are alike in a few ways, but Buffy's a lot more airhead most of the time.  A lot of the time. She'll go from 'oh, it's my job', which wasn't too bad, to 'oooh, shoes'."  Alexx laughed at that.  "Seriously.  I overheard her asking Willow if her shoes would go with the demon blood of the night and she wasn't kidding."  He took his food back and ate a bite.  "Don't you usually nag me to eat?"

"You boys didn't get me any."

"Last order's going out at ten tonight," Frank called.  "Make sure you get everything you want for the next two days, boys and girls.  Make a list."

Someone scrambled to do that. That way they wouldn't have to hear as much whining.

***

Xander looked up as someone knocked on the connecting door, nodding at Don.  "They down?"

"Yup.  Can you stop and eat?"

"I shouldn't.  I've got to keep my concentration on the station to make sure it doesn't get too damaged and injure everyone inside since they're in lock down."

"I'm so glad we don't have hurricanes up here."  He got some bottles of juice and a few straws, bringing them in to sit beside him. "When will it hit?"

"Four, five, somewhere around there."  He looked back into the scrying dish.  "It's well constructed but there's still too many points it could be damaged."

"Okay.  Let me know if I can help."  He turned and found Eric there.  "What's up?  Can't sleep?"

"Can I help?"

"Not this time, son.  It takes a lot of concentration.  When you're old enough we'll start working on the simple things so you've got control."  His son smiled and hugged him then left.  Xander soaked in the extra energy. "Put his bracelet back on him, he's leaking. It was nice but he still is."

"Sure."  He patted him on the head and went to do that, closing the door so they couldn't accidentally distract him.  He went to put Eric's bracelet back on him, getting a pout. "Your daddy needs absolute concentration for this.  Okay?"  He got a nod. "He's helping protect Daddy Horatio and all them."

"'Kay.  We'll be good."  He pointed at Tia.  "She's not shielded."

"The bedroom is," he assured him.  Xander had told him so earlier.  "She'll be fine."  Eric nodded and snuggled back in, letting his uncle pet him into sleep.  Don walked out, closing the door behind him.  He heard Lizzy sniffle. "Go to sleep."  She quit.  He walked back out to the living room. "He's got to keep it up.  He thinks it'll hit near four or five in the morning."

"If he loses it?"

"He's probably got to start all over."  He sat down beside Marisol. "She's got a bracelet coming but your mom needs to quit removing them."

"She thinks they're ungodly."

"They may be, but better that than a baby tantrum that starts flinging stuff around," he pointed out. "Speaking of, Catholic school?"

"It's a good school," she defended.  "I went there."

"He said it's the only place he's seen where the kids were all silent. He called them pod people."

She sighed.  "We'll let him go look at it this summer. It's a very good school, even for being Catholic.  I know he hates the religious overtones...."

"That's just one thing he didn't like," Mac told her.  "That and the fact that all children have to bring in full medical records the first day?"  She nodded. "Why?"

"Didn't you?"

"No, we had ta have a physical before we went and the school board had ta have our shot records," he told her.  She sighed at that.  "There's no reason for a nurse to see the non- sick kids.  Also, Mac, we've got to get Eric a medic alert for his food allergies."

"Sure.  What about the chip that Xander has?"

"They don't allow them.  The Headmaster said they're not dogs to be chipped."

"It leads back to their medical records and who to contact," Don complained.

"He thinks it's marking them like pets."  She shrugged.  "Its policy.  The same as even those children's cellphones aren't allowed on campus."

"Then how do those kids who don't have parents who stay home all day call?"

"I'm not sure," she admitted.  "I'd assume a payphone.  They should have parents who pick them up at that age."

"Yeah, but by sixth grade most kids don't," he reminded her.

"I hadn't thought of that.  Momma said she would if Xander couldn't."

"Does Di know?" Mac asked.  She nodded. "Did she like this idea?"  She grimaced and shook her head.  "Do we think there might be a reason?"

"There probably is.  I do know that they're not going to be allowed to wear any jewelry in school."

"They can't prevent a medic alert.  It's a medical necessity," Don told her.  She shrugged.  "I'm hating this school, Mari.  If we have kids, they're going somewhere else."

"Fine," she sighed.  "Momma likes it and they talked Horatio into it.  He ended up making Xander take it."

"Then you better hope this doesn't hurt the kids or else it'll hurt them too."  She pouted at that. "I'm sorry, but from what I'm hearing, I'd never let any kid go there.  It sounds like one of those places that make all kids go on drugs."

"Most schools do demand hyper children...."

"Whoa," he said, holding up a hand. "Hyper and child are synonyms.  Or don't you remember running around the house and the yard or the park yelling?"  She nodded.  "That's what kids are supposed to be.  Not little drug zombies."

"We'll work it out."

"We will and I'm firmly standing on the kids' side in this."  She nodded, accepting that.  She even took his hand to hold.  He looked at Mac.  "Where do you get Medic Alerts?"

"Pharmacy probably," he offered.  His phone rang and he grabbed it. "Taylor."  He smiled.  "No, we're hiding with Xander and watching the kids while he does something arcane to help the station down there.  No, the others are at Seagate.  Why?"  He smiled.  "That's fine, Danny.  If you wanted to.  I'll see you later."  He hung up.  "He wanted to ask Calleigh a technical question."

"She's due in a week.  It might take her mind off it."  Don looked toward his place.  "Let's just hope he doesn't pass out from this and it snaps and hurts someone."

"It won't.  He said it's like putting a net around the station," Mac offered quietly.  He went to check on the kids, making sure they were all asleep.  He retied Lizzy and Eric's yarn bracelets that the dampeners had been put into.  Then he went back out, closing the door behind him.

***

Speed woke up as the screaming of the magic around him picked up.  Sounded like the storm was about to hit.  He went to take watch on the doors.  They had clear shutters on them.  It was awesome and horrible, watching the water and air spin around them.  He felt the magic slip and leaned against the wall to help anchor it.  It came back stronger and he smiled at the thought of his kid and whoever was helping him.  The storm destroyed everything around the station - the trees, the parking lot, the stairs off to the side.  It kept going on and on, seeming to never end.  Then a moment of silence.  He felt the gathered breath and the magic relaxed for a moment then picked back up suddenly.  The storm came back and it was worse, battering around them.  He concentrated, making sure the building would hold.  The doors and windows would hold.  The shutters would hold.  He heard glass break and someone scream but he kept going.  Finally they were down to wind trails and rain.  He felt it dissipate and then go blank.  He called up there.  "Is he all right?" he asked, wincing at the static.  "Thanks. Tell him thanks."  He hung up and went to help.  One of the bigger windows had caved under the pressure.  There were a few officers with glass cuts.  Alexx was helping even though she had some. He dug in to help her, finding Horatio doing the same.  "He's fine."

"He had better be."  He got Alexx out of the way as the set of paramedics stationed with them came to help.  He got her cleaned up and let her go back to helping.  "People, within the hour, we are coming out of lock down!" he announced.  "We are to go out there, looking for people exposed and victims.  Find out from dispatch where we're routing people to.  I want all survivors who are injured there, even if they protest!  Am I understood?"  That got mass nods.  "Good.  Someone go check on the cars.  Someone else call dispatch to brief of where we're taking them."  A few officers ran off and he looked at Speed.  "Remember, we'll have bodies."

"I know.  I'll wake Eric up, we'll start with fingerprints and IDs if possible."  That got a nod.  "We'll leave out the clearly shot and the clearly fell ones from the others so the MEs don't have as much work."  He went to do that when his last person was bandaged.  He found Eric staring in the lab.  "Any damage?"

"No, thankfully not."  He looked at him. "Xander did what?"

"It was like a net over the building."

"Thank him for me.  Alexx, I'm going to start prepping the staging area for bodies," he called, getting a wave.  He and Speed headed that way. "How long will the generator hold?"

"Hours more.  Probably not through the day.  We're one of the first after the hospitals to get power back."  That got a nod and they got all the things they'd need to start identifying bodies and tagging them.  They were a good judge of the more obvious means of death.  Jessup came down.  "What?"

"We just got the first one.  Wind blew a body into the back of the building.  Young girl, maybe ten.  We can't get out yet."

Speed called up there.  "Make him release it, Don.  Now.  We're trapped now and we need out."  He smiled. "Thank him for us.  Only a window."  He hung up.  "Give it ten."  That got a nod and he went back to trying to get out.  Speed called his parts back into him and heard the building groan.  He looked up.  "We're not going to like this."

"Why?"

"That was the steel beams."  Eric looked up. Speed wrapped some magic back into it, feeling an unfamiliar and hesitant strand.  "Go tell H to stop it."  Eric ran off.  Speed gently tied it off and hurried off.  "We need out.  Now."

"Doors are still sealed."

"Undo the decontam setting," he called.  Someone went to do that and he heard the first thing fall.  "Evacuate.  Now!"  They grabbed what they needed and ran out.  Speed grabbed Horatio to drag him and Eric, letting Eric go so he could get Frank and Alexx, plus Mary Eileen. They got outside and watched as the second floor's roof went in.  "Crap."

"It held when we needed it to," Horatio said quietly.  "Everyone accounted for?"

"Six missing, Captain."

"I'm leading a team," Eric called, heading back toward the building.  A few of the guys went with him. "You and you, head to the external garage exit."  They headed off at a run through the mud.  He tested the door and the wall behind it caved. "Horatio, we may need rescue!"

Horatio looked and concentrated.  "They're on this end, Eric," he called, nodding and waving.  Eric nodded, going to find a way in.  "Try the archives."  Eric smiled and tried that door, getting inside and going in. Horatio looked at Speed, who was pale.  "What?"

"I nearly died again."

"Yup, you did," he agreed, patting him on the back.  Eric came out with a few of them and went back in to get someone else.  The officers from the garage came out with two more and most of the cruisers.  "Go get the cars.  Now," he ordered.  They nodded and ran that way, heading to get everything.  Including him.  They could rebuild the lab.  They had in the past.  He heard the ceiling give and stopped his group.  A chunk fell and they went around it, getting the cars out of there as fast as they could.  He saw Speed behind him and winced as a chunk of concrete hit the hood.  Then the roof.  He sped up and turned the corner to give the cruisers more room, plus to make sure.  Speed got out and gate collapsed back down.  They got out to attach ropes to the back of the hummers and pull the gate, then let the others out. Two were still in there, one car running.  Horatio looked at the roof then went back inside.

"Horatio!"  Eric stopped him.  "We've...."

"We can't.  Let him."  Horatio got the one officer's car moving, with him injured in it.  The other he shoved him over and took control, getting them out of there.  "Frozen?"

"Injured.  Alexx!"  She came running.  He checked for other cruisers.  One of the hummers was still in there.  "Horatio, we've still got a hummer."

"It's blocked in, Speed."

"It's a hummer!"

"No!  That is an order!"  He moved out of the way as more chunks of the ceiling fell.  He looked over.  "Speed!"

"He's just inside the dust," Eric called, reaching in and swatted at him until he pulled him out.  "Go over and help."  He gave him a nudge and went to get Horatio.  "How many missing!" he called.

"Three," someone yelled.

Eric looked at the building.  He called Dispatch.  "We have three officers missing at the CSI station and it's caving in.  Put out an order ASAP to go into the underground tunnels if possible. There's another way out through there. Yes, there.  In the back of the suicide cells is an old escape hatch.  They can get out.  Put it general call if you have to."  He hung up and looked at Horatio, looking for injuries.  "You'll be okay."

"We need that other hummer."

"We can dig it out."  He pulled him away from the building. "Back up before it caves," he called.  They backed up.

"Those of you not injured, go help with the cleanup!" Frank bellowed.  Most of them moved.  A few stared. "We survived.  Pray then go," he ordered them.  They nodded and did that then went.  One was gripping his head.  "Horatio?"

He came over to look at him. Then he smiled.  "Trying to help with the net?"

"Yes, sir.  He was failing when it got stronger."  He held his head.  "Is your spouse all right?"

"He should be.  Can you feel them?"

"Two are inside.  One's in the garage still."  He gave him a horrified look. "They can get out, right?"

"There's an escape hatch through the old building," Frank assured him.  That got a nod. "Can you drive?"

"Yes, sir.  Let me do that."

"I'm going with you," Mary Eileen ordered. "I'm stronger than I look and you'll need me."

"You're a little girl."

"I'm the slayer."

He gave her a look, then looked at Horatio, who nodded.  "They called someone that young?"

"That's why she's down here.  So Xander and Willow can mentor her."

"Okay."  He nodded and she followed him to his car.

Horatio and Frank looked inside as the sound of rumbling came back.  One wall went out and the badly damaged hummer came out.  "That's why we have hummers, Frank."  He went over to get the officer.  Eric went to move the hummer.  He led a few of the remaining officers down to get the trapped ones, and then out to get them checked by Alexx.  He and Horatio shared a look.  "Good work."

"Thanks.  Want me to go?"  Horatio nodded.  "You take one, I take one.  Frank?  Who do you want?"

"I'll go with you.  You're lucky today."  He followed him. "Horatio, sit down and call your boy."

"I can feel him."  He called him anyway. "Put the phone next to his ear, Don."  He waited.  "Xander.  Let go.  We're all out and safe.  I promise."  He whispered something and Horatio looked around.  "I've got it.  You can let go.  Everyone made it out all right.  We're all safe."  The building finished collapsing.  "Thank you.  Be safe and rest today. Let Don handle the kids.  Love you."  He hung up and jogged for the small park off to the side.  He found a flipped car and a kid in there.  The driver was gone.  He pulled the child out carefully.  Once he had her, he called it in.  "Alexx, in the park.  I've got a dead driver and an injured child."  He smiled at the wailing child.  "Shh, you're safe.  I've got you now," he promised, soothing her like he would their children.  She came running and took the baby to look over.  "She's scared."

"I'd be scared too!"  She looked in the car.  "What were they thinking?"

"Probably tried to..."  He looked at the driver.  "She's pregnant."  He forced the front door open, cutting the seat belt with his pocket knife.  "Alexx, her stomach's moving."

"Hell."  She came over to start the c-section.  "No wonder you were out, baby.  It's all right.  We'll do our best to save this one too."  She looked in the car. "I hear a meow."  Horatio went to look, finding the cat in a carrier.  Alexx got the baby out and handed him over.  "Here, get him breathing better."  She did what could to get him free.  Then she took him back to work on him.  The baby wailed and the other one joined in. "You're driving," she ordered.

"Of course.  What about her?"

Alexx looked.  "Cover her, Horatio.  She was dead when you found her."  He nodded, doing that with a tarp from the back of his hummer.  His was the injured one but it still ran.  She patted it. "This is why we love the hummers."  She buckled them both in and he got them moving. Once there she ran inside.  "I'm ME Woods.  I've got two children.  One was in a crash, their mother died with the other still inside her.  He's breathing on his own."  The nurse came out to help her.  "Horatio extracted the older one from her carseat."

"That's fine.  We usually encourage you take the seat as well but I'm not going to complain," she promised.  They got the kids inside and Alexx marked them both with the same mark on their foot.  Just in case they got separated.  She and the nurse made notes on the charts and they went where needed.

Horatio went back to patrolling the streets.  This was where he was needed.

***

Xander woke up and blinked at Mac.  He gurgled and Mac smirked, letting him have some juice.  "Thanks," he said weakly. "Everyone's still okay?"

"Some concussions and a few broken bones, some glass cuts.  Nothing too traumatic."   He pulled Xander up. "Go clean up."  That got a nod and he went that way at a slow trudge.  Mac went to make some coffee and call Don.  His parents had the kids with the adults at Coney Island. "He's awake.  Trudged to the bathroom.  That was his first question."  He smiled as Xander leaned out of the bathroom. "They're at Coney Island."

"I'll be out there as soon as I clean up so we can ride the rides."  He ducked back inside then came back out.  "Horatio called?"

"He did.  Willow wants to know if you have backlash?"

"Actually I feel like I'm full of energy."  He went back to his shower and came back out frowning.  "Why would I?"

"You nearly lost it for a few minutes and Don had to help.  Go bathe. You stink."  Xander nodded, going to do that.  Mac smiled at the chatter.  "Soon.  Probably within an hour.  Thanks, guys."  He hung up and finished making him food.  Xander came out and grabbed the phone, taking it back into the bathroom with him.  He smiled at that, shaking his head.

***

Xander walked over to where the family was.  "I called Eric since Horatio's phone is dead and there's no electricity.  Speed had a close call.  Everyone's truly fine."  Calleigh and Yelina relaxed at that.  "Most everyone got evacuated but we had one person crash in that small park.  She was in labor and trying to make it to the hospital.  Alexx removed the child from the mother's body and the kid in the backseat with her kitten is all right."  Yelina nodded at that.  "They're saying they should get power within the day.  Eric said the building was trashed.  The second floor caved in. That cute curving staircase everyone took smoke breaks on was ripped off and it left a weak point to start the caving, which brought down the rest eventually."  Calleigh moaned. "Sorry."

"No, it's okay.  They all made it out."  She hugged him. "Thank you."

"I wasn't the only one. There were a few guys there doing the same thing."  He hugged them all.  "So, who's going to ride rides with Daddy?"  The boys squealed and followed him.

Willow stopped Ryan.  "That was major magic."

"I'm sure he had help," he promised, giving her a kiss on the cheek.  "I'll make sure," he promised when she stared at him.  She smiled and went to help Yelina eat some cotton candy and a hotdog.  He shook his head, following the happy family.  He watched Xander, then coughed.  "What about Ethan and all them?"

"He was helping. You can tell her to quit twitting."

"She's worried.  Remember, she is the roadsign for the wrong path," he said quietly.

"I know.  It'll be fine.  I prepared for this.  Ethan and I went over it.  He was helping too."  Ryan smiled at that. "Plus there were people at the station helping.  Toddy, get back here," he called.  "You too, Lizzy."  They came back.  He was pushing his sister. He looked around. "Eric!"  He came running back with an ice cream cone.  "Did you steal that?" he demanded.  He shook his head.  "You sure?"

"Pretty woman buy it for me."

"We do not take things from strangers," Don reminded him patiently.  "Remember, strangers can be bad guys."  Eric handed him the ice cream.  He tasted it.  "It's clean, Xander."

"Why did she buy you ice cream?"

"She think I'm lost."  He took it back and went back to eating it, sharing it with the other kids when they whined.

"Point her out to me, son," Don Sr. ordered.  Eric led him back there.  He smiled at the woman. "Thank you for trying to keep my grandson here," he said.  She smiled at him.  "Can I pay you back for the ice cream?"

"No, that's all right. He's a charming young man."  She pinched him on the cheek and walked off.

Xander coughed and she looked at him.  "Thank you for watching out for my son."

"Heard of shields?"

"I'm exhausted after last night."

"Fine. Try them. They're nice.  The same as I am."

"Thank you."  She nodded and left.  He concentrated and his magic quit being quite so bright. He looked at his son. "She's like Auntie Willow used to be."  He led him back to the group.  "Come on, guys, Daddy Xander needs rides."  They sighed and took him on the rides, the kids had wanted to go again anyway.

***

Horatio smiled as the plane landed, stepping forward. An ambulance nearly ran him over.  He followed. "What happened?" he called.

"Calleigh's in labor," Xander called.  They got her down and loaded, him taking Percy out of the ambulance.  He waved. "We'll call Dad."

Don patted him. "Already on it.  Speed, they just took Calleigh, she went into labor in the plane.  Thanks."  He hung up. "He's heading, Horatio.  Good thing you've got me and Stella."

"Always a pleasure to have you both, even though we don't have a lab."  He kissed Xander, getting a smile.  "Welcome home."

"Thanks."  He got everyone herded toward the cars.  "We seem to have mislaid Sr."

"It happens.  He'll return," he promised quietly.  He leaned against the side of the hummer.  "Unfortunately, our house is damaged.  Don, the hidden apartments are gone.  The building was destroyed in the hurricane.  The other condo may have some damage.  Most of that block did."  He moaned at that and nodded.  "If not, we do have the estate none of us like."  He looked at Xander.  "We can get our stuff out of the shelter later."  Xander nodded at that.  "Good.  Let's go.  I'll drop you off there."

"I'm here to babysit," Don assured him.  "I can take the tots and dogs there."  Horatio looked at him.  "Ryan and he both have to go do good things."

"That's fine."  He handed over the keys and the gate code.  "Go there.  You know the address?"  Don nodded.  "Good.  See you tonight.  Stella, we're doing excavations."

"I figured you were."  She followed him to the hummer while everyone else got into the cars, Don taking the one Xander had left. "Xander, where are you going?"

"To the pound first, and then to wherever they're holding the lost kids."

"You're prepared for the heart-rending emotion?"  Xander nodded.  "Okay."  She patted him on the back. "You're a stronger being than I am."  He smiled at that and Horatio drove them in, dropping Xander off first, then taking her back to the remains of the station. "The pictures were weak," she said in awe.  "Everyone got out?"

"We practiced for this sort of thing."  He let her get out and headed over to the work crews.  He found Alexx scowling. "Calleigh went into labor on the flight back.  He went to find her."

"That's fine.  I hope he can."  She sighed and looked around. "The other labs are doing all right."

"Good," Horatio agreed.  "Let's keep it that way. I want the ability to get back to work as soon as possible."  He nodded at Stella, earning a smile and a hug from Alexx.  "Where are we?"

"Interestingly enough, ballistics."   They went to help the salvage crews get what they could.  Then they'd get back to work tomorrow.

***

Xander slowly limped in the last night of his first week back, flopping down on the first soft surface and falling asleep there.  Like he had every other night this last week.  Horatio came out to see if it was him, smiling at his tired, dirty body.  He picked him up and carried him back to their bedroom and the bathroom in there.  Xander mumbled once when the water hit him but that was it.  He was out.  By the time Horatio got him cleaned up and in bed, Xander was down so deep he didn't have a clue he was being held.  All he knew was that he was comfortable and loved.  In the morning, he snapped awake, gasping.  Horatio patted him on the back.  "What time is it?"  He ran a hand through his hair. "How did I get clean?"

"I got you into the shower when you came back," Horatio promised. "It's nearly eight. You will eat before you head out."  Xander moaned but got up slowly to head to the closet to find jeans and a t-shirt for the day.  Horatio called Don, who stopped Xander on his way out and steered him to the kitchen for food. Horatio got up to take his own shower and get dressed, coming out for breakfast.  He wasn't due in until ten. He looked at Xander.  "Where were you heading?"

"The children's internment camp."  Stella gave him a dirty look. "It is. It's six hundred kids in a school gym, Stella.  They're looking for parents or relatives.  We're getting more as they're released from the hospitals.  We spent yesterday shifting some of the overflow to other centers."  He finished his juice and stood up, kissing Horatio.  "You be safe today."  That got a nod and Xander hurried off.  He had to come back to find his keys, finding them in Don's hand. "Thanks."  He headed back out, going back to the old school.  He walked in. "Sorry, no alarm."

"That's all right.  We're having a meeting in a few minutes to see what we can do," the director offered.  Xander signed in and followed her.  "Okay, people, let's have some order," she called to start it.  "How can we find out who these children are?"

"Consult the database?" Xander suggested.  Everyone stared at him.  "The kidnaping kits that you fingerprint and do DNA for?  Isn't there a database?"

"There is for the fingerprints," one of the others offered.  "I didn't know they were going to put the DNA into one."

"I don't see why not. There's a database for everything else."

"You watch too much tv," someone said, talking down to him.

"No, actually I'm married to a CSI."  They stared at him. "I'm married into the lab that went whoosh but I'm married to a CSI.  There's a database for *everything*."  He called Ryan, the only one he was sure wasn't working.  "It's me.  What databases can we consult to find out who the misplaced kids are?  I was hoping the kidnaping kits had some."  He took some notes.  "What would I need to do that?"  He grimaced.  "Would anyone have those passwords?"  He smiled.  "That could work.  What would we need to do it?" He nodded.  "I can see that we can get that.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "There is a fingerprints database and a partial DNA one.  It only got started last year within the state.  Can you poach these things?" he asked, sliding it down.  She looked then slowly nodded. "I can get another chemistry student down here to help me.  She's got a few kids too.  She's married to the CSI I just called."

"That would help.  I'll do what I can from the PD."

"If you can't, let me know," Xander told her.  He looked around.  "We'll end up taking fingerprints.  Possibly DNA as well.  Hopefully not. That would take a lot of work.  As of right now, we need to get them fed don't we?"  Everyone nodded. "Any hope of it?  Before anyone asks, I'm poisonous in the kitchen."

The director smiled at him.  "We have food coming but it's not going to be much.  Without working refrigeration...."

Xander nodded.  "Okay, what's wrong with the fridge?"

"It's broken. There's no electricity," one of them reminded him.

"When are they getting that on?"

"Two days.  If we're lucky.  We're not a priority site, even having the children here, Xander."

Xander nodded once.  "So, generators?"  They got a nod.  "Let me make some calls.  You get those things if you can."  He got up and headed outside to make some calls.  "Ethan, me. I need you and Mary Eileen to send Willow my way with a list of stuff.  Generators and gas. Stuff to do fingerprints.  We may need one of our laptops to run something."  He raised an eyebrow.  "You do?"  He looked inside then sighed.  "Ethan, I'm working with the main kids' refugee site.  No, not the pound.  That's tonight. Thank you. That would be fine. Thanks."  He hung up and walked inside.  "Good news. I know someone who's got a spare generator.  We can do that and get gas."  That got some smiles.  "Plus, Willow Wolfe will be coming down to help us with the materials."  He looked around then up the street.  "Did they actually get a McDonald's open already?"  Everyone groaned and nodded.  Xander looked in his wallet, then nodded, handing over two fifties.  "At the very least, go get them juice and whatever you can to eat."  She smiled and went to do that.  He went inside.  "Okay, where am I now?"

"Go get the toddlers up."  He nodded, going to do that.  "How many do you have?"

"Two.  Four and a few months."  He walked into that classroom, smiling at the kids.  "Hi, guys.  It's Xander, again."  That got a few boos and some laughs. "I know, I'm not Mr. Rogers."  He came in to get everyone up.  He found one girl huddled down and stroked her hair, getting a screaming cry.  "Shhh, it's all right."  He looked up as one of them ran in.  He nodded her over.  "I was petting her hair to wake her up."

"Come on now, dear.  Let's get up," she said firmly.  The girl shied away from her. "What's wrong with you?"

"She's scared," Xander told her.  He glared and she huffed off.  He looked at her.  "Hi.  Were you here yesterday?"  She nodded.  "I'm Xander.  Remember me?  I did the blocks.  Stay in here," he ordered, shooting a look at the two sneaky ones.  "Now."  They came back in and he went to get his stragglers.  He heard someone complaining and swung the kids up into his arms.  "Sorry, we had some escapees.  I've got one kid scared to death of being touched.  She ordered her to get up.  Inside," he called without having to look.  He heard the giggles and looked, and they all ran back inside, all but the one girl.  "Come here.  We won't hurt you."  She padded his way, hugging his leg.  "Sweetie, do you know how old you are?"  She held up three fingers. "Three?"  She nodded.  "Just three or more than three, like three and a half?"

"Free," she said through her thumb. "Go mommy."

"We're trying, princess.  Come on, let's go get you dressed."  She shook her head and clutched his leg.  "Why not?"

"Bad."

He handed off the two in his arms and knelt beside her.  "Did you have an accident?  Because that happens.  Even to big people sometimes.  That's why you see those ads for Depends," he offered, making her frown when he poked her stomach.  "What's wrong?"

"Want mommy."

"Of course you do. I'm doing everything I can to find her, but for now we've got to get you dressed."  She shook her head.  "Why not?"

"Messy.  Bad."  She looked down.  He looked down and moved her clothes.  He groaned.  The other social worker gasped.  "See, bad."

"It's not your bad," he promised her, giving her a hug.  "I promise you it's not your bad thing."  She snuggled into his arms.  He looked at the older women.

"I'll get an officer down here but they're stretched pretty thin."

"Call Caine.  He'll come.  If not, he'll send someone who has some sense."

"You really married into the lab?"

He nodded, picking her up.  "To Horatio Caine," he said quietly, walking her back there.  "Okay.  Until someone comes to see you, we're going to have to let you sit in that, okay?"  She nodded, clinging to him.  "But we're hoping to feed you guys something."  The person he sent came back.  "Juices?"

"We do.  How many do you have?"

"Yesterday we had twenty-three.  Today we've probably got a few more."  That got a nod and she did a quick head count once he got the others up and out of hiding and back from the older kids.  Horatio walked in.  "I wouldn't have called if it wasn't important."

"I know that.  What happened?"  He came over, patting the girl's hair.  "My name's Horatio and I'm a police officer.  Can you tell me what happened?"  She hid her face.  Xander pulled him closer and moved her nightgown.  Horatio growled at that.  "Thank you, Xander.  How about I take you to see someone?"  She clung to Xander.

"Shh, princess.  Horatio is the father of my kids."  She looked at him.  "Really.  Remember, I told you about Eric and Tia?"  She nodded. "He's their daddy.  He'll take very good care of you and he'll bring you right back to me if he can't find your mommy while you're with him.  All right?"  She nodded and let him take her.  "Thank you."  He snuck a kiss to his cheek.  Expect a request for fingerprinting stuff."

"It's in the back of the hummer.  Since we were coming anyway."  He looked at the director, getting a smile and a handshake.  "This one appears to be bleeding."

"We were told.  Thank you for the help with the fingerprinting loan."

"It's not a problem.  Xander can help with that and so can Willow when she gets here with the generator.  So can Ryan when he gets here.  He may be a judge now but he's still one of us."  She nodded at that.  "Try not to let my husband work himself into a coma?"

"I'll try."  He nodded.  "We have two others.  One I'm not sure that she didn't *start* but could you please take them in?"

"Of course.  Will the other need a seat?  I've only got the one."

"Probably not.  He's borderline."

"That's fine. Meet me at the hummer."  She nodded.  "Xander, dinner?"

"When I get in.  I'm going to the pound after here."

"That's fine."  He took another kiss, making the kids giggle and then he walked off with the precious burden in his arms.

Xander looked at his room. "I had a broken leg recently.  He worries I'm going to get more booboos."  They settled in to drink their juice while they got the fingerprinting system set up and going.  Willow showed up with Ryan and he sat down to run it while she got to work putting the generator up.  When they had a working fridge they went to get some food.  She came to help.  "Guys, this is Willow.  She's a very good friend and I watch her kids all the time.  Remember how I talked about Toddy?  Toddy is hers."  They waved.  "Help me get them dressed?"

"Sure!  I'm a champion at it."  She smiled and got sucked into the little kids.

Ryan made it to their room a few hours later.  "Hey, guys, can I come in to do the fingerprints?"

"Sure," Xander agreed.  "Guys, this is Ryan.  He's married to Willow.  He's the daddy of her son Toddy."  They smiled at him.  "He's going take pictures of your hand so we can see if your mommies and daddies have put you into the system.  Okay?"  They came to crowd around Ryan when he brought in the notebook style computer and got to work on them one by one.  They giggled at the light flashing around their hands.  "Tell him your names if you know them."

One girl hugged him. "I Stephie.  My mommy is blonde, like you."

Ryan smiled at that.  "I can put that with the pictures of your hands and it'll help us find her faster, Stephie. That's very good.  Do you know your last name?"  She shook her head. "What does your mommy call you when you're being naughty and trying to color on the walls?" he asked.

"Stehphie Marie Doshwald."

He typed that in.  "What does your daddy call your mommy?"

"Stweetie."

He grinned. "Any other names?"

"Baby.  Honey."

He nodded, checking that box.  "Do you know your daddy's name?"

"Dumbass."  He cracked up at that.  "Mommy call him that."

"I'm sure my wife Willow has called me that too."  He patted her on the head and handed over a lollipop from the bag in his jacket pocket.  "You've been very helpful."  She smiled and went to have her treat.  He smiled at the next in line.  "Hi. You're very shy.  Willow was like that when I met her too."  He took her hand.  "Put it on the hand drawing."  She did that then smiled at him. "Good girl.  What's your name?"

"Tissy."

"Tissy?  Is that Sissy or is it Tissy?"

"Tissy."  She beamed at the light when it went across her hand.  "Oooh, like ship!  Like 'Prise!"

"Yup, just like the Enterprise," Ryan agreed, making her smile and Xander grin too.  "When do you get off here?"

"Four and then I'm helping with night walking and feedings at the pound. They've got an extra three hundred animals at the moment."  He got another one straightened out and gave her a nudge.  She climbed back into his lap and clung.  "What?  Ryan's a very nice guy.  He even puts up with my bad jokes."  She shook her head and clung to him. Another boy did the same. "Would you guys rather I did this?"  They nodded. "Okay.  We can see if Ryan will let me take pictures of your hands."  Ryan nodded.  He shifted closer, letting the next kid in line come up to help him take pictures of her hands and fingerprints.  "See, it doesn't hurt," he told the girl in his lap.  She watched and then snuck over to watch closer.  Ryan smiled at her and offered her a lollipop early, getting her next.  She giggled at the light.  Xander looked at the other kid.  "He won't hurt you. Ryan is a good guy.  He's a judge.  He was a police officer for a long time."

"My daddy's one," he said quietly.

Ryan looked at him. "Where does he serve?  Do you know what number he works in?"  He held two fingers.  "The second?"  The boy nodded.  "Do you know his name?"

"Baldy."

"Big guy, rides a bike?"  The boy smiled and nodded. "I think I know him.  I worked with him a few times."  He called over there.  "This is CSI Wolfe.  I think I may have found a boy that belongs to an officer in the second.  He said his daddy's name was Baldy?  He rides a bike, he said so.  Please."  He waited, taking that one's hand print with a wink and making notes. "Hi, this is CSI Wolfe.  I've got what may be an officer's child here at Lost Children.  Baldy."  He got called over.  "Hi, it's Ryan Wolfe. You rode with me my rookie year?"  He smiled.  "I'm good, but do you have a son named Terror?  Did your daddy name you that?"  He giggled and nodded.  He listened to the officer.  "Yeah, that's him.  Lost Children.  Toddler's room. He's in Xander's room. Yup, that one.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Your Uncle Baldy will be right down.  He's been looking and worried about you."  The boy grinned and went back to hiding behind Xander. "Okay, did I miss anyone?"  A few kids came forward and he saw the telltale lollipop marks.  "I think I got you.  You have lollipop stains."  He tweaked one's ear and looked behind him, counting smudged faces and those still sucking on their treats.  "I see one.  Willow, will you please herd your little clone there over?"  She nodded and brought her over, sitting in front of him to help him with her.  "How old are you?"  She stared at him. "Not very talkative?"

"She's very shy and very quiet," Xander told him.  "Get back here, Terror.  You can wait in here.  Bring Harley and Janice back too."  He walked them back in.  "Thank you, good boy!"  He smiled as his name was bellowed. "I'm back here!" he called.  A big, bald officer walked in.  "Hi." He pointed at Terror, who was squealing and jumping.  "He said you were his daddy?"

"His uncle.  His mommy dated a dirtbag."  He picked the kid up.  "I've been so worried about you; you don't sneak off like that ever again," he said quietly.  "What do I have to do to claim him?"

"Take him to the desk, fill out the forms. They're social workers out there."

"Thank you, Harris."

"It's a pleasure to help get these ones back to mommy and/or daddy."  That got a smile and he walked out.  "Hold on, you've got a shadow."  He got up and moaned, wincing as he put pressure on his leg.  He grabbed the kid, picking him up.  "Did Ryan get you yet?"  He went to hand him to Willow, letting her do it.  "We need a baby gate."

"We do," Willow agreed.  "Plus some more baby leggos."

"Toddy would kill you if you took his leggos.  You can donate some tomorrow."  She smiled at that.  He kissed her, making the kids giggle.

"Kiss Xander!" one of them shouted.

Ryan looked at him.  "I would but his husband growls at me."  She giggled and hugged him.  He patted her on the head.  "After I'm done with the other two rooms, I'll come back and play.  How about that?"  They all squealed and he got up, going to do the other two rooms.

"The accidents we'd have to deal with if I brought in Percy," Xander offered.

"Check first, Xander."  She got up and went to talk to the social workers. "How many inquiries are we getting?"

"We're getting about thirty a day.  We tell them to bring in pictures and fingerprints if we have them.  You're..."

"Willow Wolfe, Ryan's wife."  She smiled and shook her hand. "Childhood friend of Xander's.  He wanted to know about bringing his dog in tomorrow."  They gave her a horrified look. "He's trained.  Also toddler trained.  His son chases him around all the time."

"I wouldn't care but I'll check."  She smiled. "Thank you for the generator."

"Not a problem.  I know the old owner and he's a softy if you catch him at the right time of day."  She looked at the kids sneaking out. "Goodness, is it a potty break?"  They nodded. "Then let's go do that."  She led the way and checked the bathroom before letting them in there.

Xander grinned at her.  "Now you know why I called Willow."  They got some smiles.  "How many more am I losing today?"

"We're hoping for another ten or twelve."

"I've got thirty-four."

"Some may not have parents anymore," one of the social workers admitted.

"Then there would be a report on that."

"There were.  We're correlating them now."  She smiled at one child who was peering at her. "Someone fed you a sucker."

"Ryan did.  It's a good way to see who he had gotten and who he hadn't."

She laughed at that.  "You really are an experienced parent."

Xander pulled out pictures of the extended family, getting smiles.  "The dark haired evil one is my son," he said proudly.  He went to take the rest of the kids into the bathroom for potty breaks and diaper changes.  Then they herded the kids back and went back to playing.  A few of the older kids came to help and he smiled at them.  Ray Jr. came in.  "Hey, pull up a kid and read."

"Story!" one of them yelled, pouncing Ray.

"I need a book.  Get me a book."  She ran to the stack of books and he sat down in her spot, letting the kids gather around him.  "Uncle H sent me to make sure you eat lunch."

"I'm fine.  They could probably use fed.  They had juice for breakfast."  Ray gave him a long stare.  "No refrigeration until Willow got here."

"I've got your back there," he promised, making a call while he did a head count.  "Mommy, can you bring me lunch for thirty-two toddlers?"  Xander looked around, counting.  "More?"

"We're missing one," Willow said, going to find that one.  He was in the nursery cooing to a baby. "Is that one yours?"  He shook his head.  "Do you have a baby brother or sister?"  He nodded.  "Is that baby brother or sister in here?"

"Sisser," he said, pointing at one empty cradle.  "Sisser?"

"We'll see."  She took him to the person over the nursery. "He said he's got a sister.  He thinks she was in the empty cradle in the room across from the toddlers."

"No, that one's been empty."  She took the boy to hold.  "Is your sister still alive?"  He sniffled and shook his head.  "Hmm.  When did she die?"

"Last week."

"Oh, sweetie," Willow cooed, hugging him.  "That gives us something to search on."  The other woman nodded.  "We're getting food for our room through a friend."

"That's much appreciated. We managed to get juice for breakfast."  Willow nodded, taking the young guy back to hold him.  "We'll do everything we can to find your parents, young man."

"Toddy," he said quietly, looking at Willow.

"Is your name Toddy too?"  He nodded.  "That's a nice name.  That's why I named my son after you."  He smiled and she carried him back. "Found him.  He recently lost his baby sister."

"Poor little guy," Ray sighed, patting him on the head. "If we can, we'll find your parents."  He nodded at that, taking his hand to hold.  "Come on, let's read."  A new book was gotten for him. His mother came in nearly an hour later with boxes of pizza.  "Bites?"

"Cut into small strips," she promised, putting them down.   A few of them patted her tummy and she smiled.  "Yes, I'm having another child.  I'm Ray's mommy."  They smiled at Ray for that.  She tossed over some baby wipes, getting a grin from Xander.

"Let's wipe hands and faces so we can eat," he called.  They lined up to let the adults help them.  Ryan came back and stole a small piece of pizza, getting a squeal.  The other kids dug in and nibbled.  One had a problem but Ryan took care of that and got her to someone who had some allergy medicine.  That was another identifier that could help them locate a family.

***

Xander trudged in later that night, not even making it to the couch before he fell down.  Don found him sobbing and came to get him.  "Shh, they'll find them homes."  Xander shook his head.  "They will."

"They won't!"  Horatio came out to get him and take him into the bedroom.  "It's so hopeless!"

"It's not, Xander.  I promise it's not.  We're doing everything we can to find their parents and the owners of the animals."

"Two of them said their parents left them when they left," he said, staring at him. "How can you leave your child!"

"Shh, I know.  Some parents don't deserve their children.  Did you make note of that?"  He nodded, sniffling. "Then maybe the social workers will be able to deal with them.  We can only hope."

"God, Horatio, two of them are just like me.  One got hit in the head with a book and he didn't even flinch.  The other was scared of everyone."

"Shhhh.  Let it out.  Parents like that are found and stopped down here.  We make notes on them and the social workers will look them over."  He soothed him until he was down from the edge.  "Come on, let's take a shower then you can check on our kids."  Xander got up and went to check on them.  Horatio followed more slowly, knowing Xander needed this.  He found him hugging Eric and a sleeping Tia.  "Let them rest, Xander."  Xander nodded, putting Tia back but hugging Eric.  "He'll never be that hurt."

"No, he won't."  He cuddled him, rocking him gently.

Stella walked in.  "What happened?"

"Two of the kids are bringing back bad memories."  She nodded, understanding that.  She gave him a hug and went back to the living room.

Xander finally let Eric go and tucked him back in then looked at Horatio.  "I'm sorry."

"I'm not. That is the hardest job," he assured him, giving him a kiss. "Now, let's get you bathed. You smell like wet dog."  Xander nodded, letting himself be led back to the bedroom.  "Did you eat lunch?  I know Ray called Yelina to bring some."

"No, they didn't get more than juice for breakfast. There wasn't any refrigeration. I can go without but they can't."  He sniffled.  "I feel helpless and stupid."

"You're neither.  You've done great with those kids, Xander.  Even Yelina said you were handling the thirty-three toddlers great."  He got him into the shower and got him cleaned off.  "You should eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"You still have to eat.  Or else you'll collapse on top of the kids tomorrow."  He called Speed.  "What's on the stove?  It was a long day."   By the time they got out, Speed had brought a bowl of chicken and stars. Xander sat down to listlessly eat, while Horatio worked on his shoulders.  "How was the pound?"

"People are starting to come back and try to claim their animals.  Most of them had to abandon them because the city didn't have a way to move them with their owners when they were evacuated," he said quietly.  "They're finding more and more corpses."  He ate another bite then handed it off and got into bed.  "I'm bringing Percy in tomorrow."

"I'm sure he'd love that."  He put the soup in front of him. "You need to finish that."

"I'm full."

"You're not full. You're exhausted."  Xander nodded. "Finish it and I'll give you a good backrub so you can fall asleep."  Xander finished it and put the bowl down beside the bed, then rolled onto his stomach.  Horatio kissed the back of his neck but did what he had promised.  Xander was asleep before even a few minutes.  He kept going though, he needed to make sure he was all right.

***

Xander walked Percy in the next morning, smiling as he signed in.  "This is Percy. He's been fully obedience and toddler trained. Mine chased after him for months on end."  He smiled at his dog.  Then at the worker.  "Any more get claimed?"

"You're down to twenty."

"Did you halve my room?"

"No, only nine got claimed.  The others are sleeping with the older children. I think they were having nightmares."  She smiled at him.  "I'm sure they'll go nuts over Percy, Xander."  He nodded, clipping on his badge.  "Now, they should be up.  The nighttime person got them ready a bit early today since we're doing a real breakfast."

"Good.  As in real food?"

"Oatmeal."

"With toddlers that's known as hair paint."  She laughed. "I'll do what I can.  Are we eating together?"

"No, in the rooms.  We're letting the older kids come to see if their siblings are in here."  Xander nodded.  "Are you all right?"

He looked at her.  "Did you see how many notes I ended up making yesterday?" he asked quietly.  She nodded.  "Nope."

"It happens."

"I know.  So was mine."  He walked Percy back there.  The toddlers gave him an awed look.  "This is Percy.  He's my dog.  He's part doberman, part boxer, and part austrailian sheppard.  Eric has chased him around so much that he's probably run a marathon a month."  The nighttime worker laughed at that. "Seriously.  My son's a bit hyper.  Percy is very gentle and very playful.  Plus he licks."  He let him go.  "Go play."  Percy went to pounce one kid with oatmeal on his face and lick it off for him, getting a laugh.  He moved onto the next one. Only one girl cried and he got her petting him so it was all right.  Xander looked at the other worker.  "Can you gather my others?"  She nodded, going to do that.  He sat in front of the door so no one escaped today.  "Okay, we will have Percy all day," he announced.  "As long as you guys don't hurt him.  You guys can pet the Percy, run and chase the Percy, or cry on the Percy.  He's used to it.  He's held me when I had a broken leg and let me cry on him."  The dog sniffed him and barked. "These are kids we're babysitting, Percy.  You're going to play with them today.  Let Lancelot play with Eric and Toddy."  Percy licked him then went to play with the kids, diving in and picking one up to carry off.  The other squealed to get their friend.  Then it was their turn.

The senior social worker and the director leaned in.  "My, he's hyper."

"My son ran a marathon at least once a month chasing him around," Xander said, looking back up at them.  "He's toddler and obedience trained."

"Excellent. As long as there's no more than bumps and bruises."  Percy grabbed another kid, carrying him off.  The kids squealed and pounced him. He barked and nudged one. "Get off his leg," she called.  The kids on his legs got off them. "Thank you."  She looked at Xander.  "He is very good therapy for them.  In a while we're going to release the teenagers to see if they can find their siblings."  Xander looked up and nodded.  "Are you all right?"

He pointed at one kid in the corner.  "That was me twenty years ago," he said quietly.  "Harley, come here."  He gave him a scared look. "You're a good boy.  I promise."  He came over and stood in front of him.  "Harley, would you like to play with Percy?"

"Dogs bad," he said quietly. "Daddy shoot dogs."  Xander hugged him and he stiffened and started to cry so Xander let him go.  "No touch me!"  He ran off, back to his corner.  Percy walked over and sat in front of him, tipping his head to the side. Then he licked him and barked, lowering his front and wagging his tail.  "Doggys are bad for Harley."

"Percy, he's not used to dogs.  Go play with the others.  You're being a good boy."  The dog barked.  "No, go play with the others. You can play with him later."  Percy went to do that, diving back into the pile of kids to grab one and drag off, earning a squeal of delight.  "Harley?"  He shook his head.

The senior social worker came in to talk to him, walking him off to see what she could do for him.  The director patted him on the head.  "Sometimes the hardest thing is watching them find themselves," she advised.  "You're doing an excellent job."  She went to warn the others that a dog was in the building and playing with the toddlers.  She saw one escaping and the dog trotted out, picking him up by the pants beltline and carrying him back.  She laughed.  "He certainly is toddler trained."

***

Xander walked into the meeting later that day, finding a disgruntled teenager herder.  "Necking?"

"And then some," she said bitterly.

"So let them help."  She looked stunned.  "The pound needs help.  There's some minor work in one of the parks, let them do it if they want to. They've got to be bored shitless."

"They are.  That is an idea."  She smiled at him. "Do you know who to talk to at the pound?"  He wrote down the number. "You volunteer there?"

"When they need me to.  After I leave here I go help with nighttime feeding and walking."  He sat down with a flop, Percy beside him.  He looked at the dog. "Played out, Percy?"  He got a tired woof.  "Me too.  I'll drop you at home before I go to the pound tonight."  He stroked him gently, not realizing he was falling asleep.

When the director came in she smiled at her. "They're both exhausted."

"I'm not surprised.  They had three positive matches and five false alarms."

"I've heard of some problems."

"Xander suggested some of our teenagers could volunteer if they wanted to," she offered.  "He suggested the pound or one of the parks that only needs minor work.  Maybe some candystriping or something?"

"I wouldn't mind that in the least.  Plus, with some schools needing volunteer or community service credits, it could help them.  We can easily give them statements that they've done it."  She smiled as Willow came in. "Good news from the fingerprints?"

"Ten more positive matches," she said, handing down files.  "Plus two bad ones to former parents," she offered, passing those down separately.  She looked at Xander then handed down the last stack.  "We think we've matched these kids but we're still working on it."

That got a smile and post it notes were put onto each pile.  "At least we know."  Willow sat down.  "Would you like some nightshift duties?"

"I can hack it.  I'll take the toddlers if you want.  I'm rather used to them."  That got a laugh.  She looked at the dog, who was staring. "Hi, Percy. Did they wear you and your daddy out?"  He barked and put his head back down.  "I would've thought he'd have brought in the two mini-greyhounds his son's mother has but they're not as well trained as Percy."

"Percy fetched runaways," the director offered with a smile.

"That's because Xander's son Eric is a bit of a wanderer at night. A number of times."  That got some knowing nods.  "How are we doing on the practical things?"

"We managed to feed everyone today," she offered. "Not the most nutritious stuff but it was food."

"That's handy.  I can call his husband to pick him up and do a grocery run if you need stuff."

"We're pretty much living out of a donation bin," she admitted.  "Anything is good."

"Okay.  I'll call Horatio and tell him Xander's napping."  Xander grunted.  "And that he's in pain.  He had broken ribs and a broken leg recently."  She called Horatio.  "Hey, it's me. Are you going to have a long, late night?"  She smiled. "Your husband is very cute when he naps.  Plus could you pick up some groceries and stuff for the kids?"  She beamed. "Thanks, Horatio."  She hung up.  "He's got to go back for later meetings but he said if he couldn't one of the others would.  He really goes from here to the pound?"  They all nodded.  "Wow."

"I doubt he's getting home before ten and he gets here at eight," one of the others offered.  "How many sibling matches did we make?"

"Not a lot.  Then again, we do have two other centers for lost children."  She grimaced. "This one seems to be the best run so far."  Willow nodded at that.  "You went to help at one of the others?"

"Yeah, and I agree with his first impression, child internment camps."  They all glared.  "I was in the one down by the main park. It was.  The kids were expected to sit in silence, even the toddlers."

"We'll be consolidating once we've got some of them weeded out."

"Good.  Because Miss Mary and I almost got into a fist fight over making toddlers behave by screaming at them to shut up.  Twice."  They all nodded at that, those who needed to taking notes.  "Not to diss the helpers, but sorry.  I'm a mother.  I've had killed a daycare worker who did that to my kids."

"Oh, me too," the director agreed.  "How are yours?"

"Doing good.  We've got a few friends who aren't doing much right now and they're babysitting."  Speed walked in looking really rough.  "Long day?"  He nodded.  "Need help?"

"Please.  Horatio said to go grocery shopping.  I stayed with the simple stuff like soup and biscuit tubes."  That got some smiles.  "Plus some canned veggies.  I wasn't sure of the refrigeration levels."

"That's fine.  Let us come help you...."

"Detective Speedle.  Xander's my adopted kid."  Percy nudged his hand.  "Hey, Percy.  We'll go home in a minute.  Let us get the groceries out.  Guard the daddy."  He went to help carry stuff inside.  "I went to the cheap place because they're more than willing to sell it by the case."

"They'll eat it," the director assured him, helping by taking a case of canned corn.  A few of the older kids came out to help as well, making her smile. Maybe Xander's idea had some merit.  When they were done, she let him take Xander and Percy with him.  They were such a happy family and at least one had gotten free of the bad life.  It would give her hope for others getting out.

***

Speed looked over as Xander woke up and moaned.  "You okay?"  Xander looked at him and shook his head. "Yeah, me either."

Xander leaned over to hug him. "I have one kid who screams and flinches whenever anyone tries to hug him."

Speed hugged him.  "You got out, there's hope for him," he soothed.  "Someone knows now.  Even bad hurricanes blow some good."  He went back to staring at the park.  "I nearly died," he said quietly.  Xander gave him a squeeze.   "I know, but I can't get off that thought."

"You're still here.  You got saved."  He sat up.  "I'd miss you if you were gone."  Speed broke at that and Xander let him cry on him. "Shh, I've got you."

"You shouldn't have to."

"We're all human and I'm an adult now too.  Hell, Horatio had to hold me while I cried last night."  He looked in the backseat.  "Where's Percy?"

"I dropped him off at the house and told them I was taking you for a drive since you were still asleep."  He slowly let go and pulled back. "Thanks, kid."

"Welcome, dad.  Remember, you got me out of there and we brought you back."  Speed nodded at that.  "Nothing says you have to go back for a while."

Speed looked at him.  "I was following my instincts.  The garage started to cave in over my head.  It was a matter of inches."

Xander nodded.  "I remember."  Speed gave him a hug.  "It's all right.  You're still here. Nothing else would be acceptable to me.  You die over my dead body."  Speed laughed at that.  "Seriously."

Speed smiled at that.  "Thanks, kiddo.  It's just that I've suddenly started to doubt why I came back to the lab and all that stuff."

"Because you can't get SSI for being formerly dead and you'd make a horrible burger flipper."  Speed smiled at that.  "You would.  Then again, nothing says you have to go into the field.  We all flinched when you went back into the field. Even mom.  She thought it was going to be a rerun of last time."  He patted him on the cheek.  "Could you stand being in the lab?"

"I'd go nuts doing nothing but doing samples all day," he admitted.

"Then use your brains, daddy.  Someone's got to follow Alexx."  He gave him a shocked look. "It would give you all you wanted, including some field time.  You wouldn't be running samples all day.  You'd still be on call for the lab like Ryan is."  He nodded, smiling at that.  "Besides, you could make as much of a difference."

"I could," he agreed.  "So far I felt like I was rerunning my old life."

"If you leave the lab they'll all fall apart again but becoming their ME wouldn't upset the balance too much. Plus it'd help on those days that you ached."

"I've noticed the grimacing. How's your leg?"

"It aches like a bitch, dad.  I'm not so sure I didn't rebreak it," he admitted quietly. "But they need me.  I'm hoping it's just shin splints or something."

"We need to get that checked out."

"If you do that, Horatio will make me stop and those kids *need* me.  Willow went to one of the other ones and it was like a baby version of those old Alcatraz movies. Plus the pound needs me too."

"Yeah, but we need you too," Speed reminded him. "This is the third day in a row you've collapsed and this time you weren't even at home."

"I'm fine. It's just seeing the kid who might as well be me."  He gave him a hopeless look.  "It's knowing that the system has less than a fifty percent chance of saving him, even at the age of four."

Speed hugged him again.  "Kids like you find guys like me all the time, son."

"Not all of us.  How many of us end up on the wrong side of the table in a room with you guys."

"Point."  He stroked his side gently.  "It'll be okay but you've got to eat.  You've got to rest.  I sent Don to help at the pound tonight.  We're going to get your leg checked out quietly and then we're going to head home.  Got me here?"  Xander nodded, snuggling in.  "Good.  I can't drive like this."

"I'd rather hug."

"Hugging is nice."  He let him hug for a few more minutes then gently disentangled him from the sleeping body.  He smiled and called Xander's doctor.  "His leg's hurting him again," he said quietly.  "Yeah, this is.  No, he's wearing himself out helping with the lost children. Please.  He's thinking it's shin splints."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  Please don't tell Horatio.  He's found a few kids like him and they need him."  He smiled.  "Thanks, man."  He hung up and took him to the nearest ER.  They got him in for x-rays without too much fuss since he knew what was going on.  They came back and it wasn't a good thing.  A small fracture.  Speed took Xander home and handed him back to Horatio, weathering the look.  "He's exhausted and he's getting shin splints from the break.  He needs to go back into an air cast or a brace."

"He's got a brace he never wears."   He went to find it and brought it back, finding Speed had his son in bed. "Is he all right?"

"A few of the kids there are kicking his ass," he admitted.

"I noticed Percy came home and used Eric as a pillow," he offered dryly.

"That too."  Speed led him outside onto the side porch.  That was one benefit of this estate, he had a lot of privacy.  "One of the kids is a mini-Xander, aged four, Horatio.  He screamed when someone tried to hug him earlier."  Horatio moaned.  "He's having a bad case of 'but for the Grace of the Goddess and Speed, there goes me'.  He's in emotional shock and that's why he's exhausted.  Which isn't helping his leg heal any."

"Should I try to keep him in tomorrow?"

"He didn't want to tell you about the leg pains because you'd keep him here, Horatio.  He's hoping to pull off the same miracle I did with him."  Horatio nodded, understanding that. "They need more PD support really.  I heard Willow.  She called one of the other places a baby Alcatraz, and Xander agreed with her. By the way, her phone's not hanging up very well."  Horatio smiled slightly at that.  "They're going to need us to pull a miracle out of our asses to finish finding the parents.  You've got teenagers who're worried sick because their parents don't answer their cells or anything else.  He's got twenty-two terrified toddlers who think they've been abandoned.  They're going to have to consolidate soon and it's only going to get worse."

"What would you suggest?"

"A full out 'who's your parents' team going in.  Get some of the injured officers to go find parents if they're back.  Get someone to take the notes Ryan got off the younger kids to turn them into searches. Willow's found ten matches today and two more dead parents. Looking through the school's databases might help match some of them faster too."

"We're still working body recovery."

"While that's wonderful, they don't need five full CSI doing that.  Hell, H, Stella came home crying after a day of fingerprinting at the other centers."

"I'll see what I can do.  Would media attention help?"

"Definitely.  The law says they can't put their pictures on tv, but nothing says they can't do a story on the lost kids shelters."  Horatio smiled at that.  "Use the evil bitch."

Don came out to join them.  "I just got off the phone with Izzy, Horatio."  He moaned.  "No one has any idea if Xander and you lived or not.  Or what he's doing.  I told her the truth, you made him evacuate the kids and fragile members of the families to New York and then he came back and is working his ass to a nib in the lost kid's shelters and the pound.  No one's aware that there *are* shelters of lost kids."

"I'm going to take care of some of that."  He looked at Speed.  "Come on.  We should talk anyway."  Speed groaned and followed.  Horatio patted Don on the back. "Listen for Xander to wake up and see if he'll eat.  He probably hasn't all day."  He walked Speed into the office, finding his mate's phone book.  He sat down at a desk to call one of the top people in the city.  "Bess, Horatio Caine, can I ask you for a small favor?  No, probably twitching a few contacts."  He smiled.  "No, since Xander's gotten back from New York...   I made him evacuate since we had the kids and a few pregnant family members.  I sent him to Don, who came back with Stella actually.  No, he's been wearing himself out at the Lost Children's shelters.  Exactly, that's the problem they're having.  No one knows we've had to set up three of them.  That they're critically understaffed.  That the kids are starting to feel abandoned.  He's been doing a full day with the toddlers at one of them and then going to help with the extra animals that've been picked up because of the hurricane.

"I'm worried about him.  He's getting there at eight and he's making it home at ten at night so exhausted he isn't eating.  It's interrupting the healing on his leg injury because he's been working so much and eating so little.  There's been a few times when the family has donated food to his toddlers' room so they had a meal.  They're living on donations.  No, I don't think a drive would help.  Not really.  Mostly because I don't think a lot of the society wives and husbands could stand to sit there and look at kids and know that they might not have family anymore.  Or in some cases that they're kids that the system's already failed and this was the only way we caught it.  Xander's got a few of those in the toddlers, and that's what's kicking his emotions all over the chart.  Mainly what I want is some press coverage.  They probably can't show the kids' faces on tv because of the law, but that doesn't mean they can't cover that they exist and where they are, and how to contact them.  I'd also like some pressure on the chief to assign some CSI down there to help find the kids and maybe some injured or nearing retirement officers to help find families that may be without phone service right now.  I can only hope it helps."

Speed leaned closer.  "We've had some officers down there fingerprinting and it's helped some but not every kid has been fingerprinted through the schools, and if they have, we haven't been able to search them," he noted quietly.

"Tim Speedle's told me that we've been fingerprinting but we don't have access to search through the school system's database and not all kids are fingerprinted, especially at the younger ages. Xander started out with thirty-four toddlers, Bess. He's working on one of the three centers.  They wore our dog Percy out today, the one that Eric used to chase around. Xander fell asleep in a meeting earlier today because of this emotional stress.  They're starting to believe they've been abandoned and there's probably at least a hundred kids at each shelter.  I know the one he's working at has over three hundred.  It's the larger one and the only one taking in babies.   My whole precinct is on bodies at the moment with our lab destroyed."  He listened.

"Please.  That's all I want.  The suggestion put into the right ears so we can get what we need down there.  We have everything we need in the hummers.  We've been using them for body identification for the morgue.  We need access to the school's databases and we need some press coverage, plus we need injured or otherwise unsuitable officers to go find parents that are probably worried sick.  Until Xander told me, *I* didn't know we had them.  I'm a Captain.  The desk people certainly don't."  He smiled.  "Thank you, Bess.  He's in bed.  He's so exhausted he's too tired to eat.  I know, but this is Xander.  He goes there for a full day and then goes to help out at the pound."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  That would be helpful.  Of course, whatever you need, Bess."  He smiled.  "Thank you."  He hung up and wrote a note in Xander's book about the favor.  Then he shut it and put it back into the desk.  "She'll tweak some strings and lean on the Chief and the Mayor."

"Good.  We could use it on body detail too.  We're only identifying half by fingerprints."  He stood up.  "For that matter, we could use more techs and a lab."

"We could, but small steps, Speed."  He looked at him.  "Are you still in shock?"

"He helped me break it."

"I thought he might have.  Do you want to talk?"

Speed shook his head.  "No.  He gave me an idea I'm thinking about.  Before then I was getting deja vu about my life." Horatio nodded at that.  "Now, maybe, he suggested I look at a different position within the lab."

"Straight tech?"

"No," he said with a shudder.  "I'd go insane and we both know that."  Horatio smiled at that. "He suggested someone's got to follow Alexx and I almost did become a doctor."

"I would be honored to have you on my shift as the ME, Tim.  Remember, you can talk to me as well.  I'm not just your boss, I'm your friend."

"Then can you please set Eric up?"

"I've tried a few times," he said dryly.  Speed sighed.  "Go upstairs and sleep next to her.  You need your girl."

"She's mad at me."

"It's a mood swing, Speed.  Go sleep next to her.  Don't try anything but nap and cuddle."  He nodded, going to do that.  Horatio considered it.  Then he called Grissom.  "How is your shift?  No, but I could use a good freelancer to help Xander.  He's working in the Lost Children's shelter and they're just now starting the fingerprints and searching."  He smiled.  "I know he and Greg are friends.  It is emotionally wearing, Gil.  Xander's come home too tired to eat and too sore to do more than sleep.  There's hundreds of children."  He nodded.  "Thank you.  Whenever you can spare him.  I wish he had been able to come for longer before.  Thanks."  He hung up and made a note for Xander, putting it beside his side of the bed.  Then he stripped down and got in, letting his mate cuddle if he wanted.  Xander was so tired he didn't even shift when he crawled in. He checked his pulse, then again.  "Speed!"  He came running in.  "Check the other side of his neck."

He checked it.  "He's not doing well.  Let's flip him. He could be suffocating himself in the pillows."  They got him onto his back and it steadied his breathing and pulse.  He nudged Xander awake, getting a glare.  "You nearly suffocated yourself.  Roll onto Horatio to sleep."  Xander nodded, doing that.  That way Horatio would know if something happened to him.  He and Horatio shared a look, then he carefully put his cellphone on a pillow behind Xander's head.  He walked off to tell the others. "Guys, Xander's so tired he nearly suffocated himself.  His breathing was so off it was affecting his pulse."

"I'm going with him tomorrow," Don promised.  He looked at Ray Jr. "You?"

"I've been there and I went home to cry," he admitted. "There's one kid there who'd a miniature Xander.  All the same mannerisms, the hiding, the 'no, you do its', all of it."  He looked at Speed, then at Don.  "I can but I'm going to end up crying."

"So did he, kiddo," Don reminded him.  "Speed, Calleigh was looking for you."

"I'm heading up that way now.  Thanks, guys."  He went up to cuddle his girl.  She gave him a glare.  "Xander's so tired he nearly suffocated himself."  She gave him a horrified look.  "Ray said it best, there's a miniature Xander there."

"I heard he broke down last night."  She let him cuddle. "Are you all right?"

"No," he said honestly, snuggling in. "Have you ever felt like you're in a rerun of your own life?"  She nodded. "I'm there now."

"Then the cure is to add a new episode."  She stroked his back gently.  "How did you want to do that?"

He looked at her.  "The son had a suggestion.  You know I was studying to go into medicine."  She nodded slowly.  "Would you mind if I followed Alexx into the morgue some year?  One or two classes at a time?"

She considered it.  "As long as you didn't come home smelling like decomp and clammy."  He snorted at that.  "Then I don't have a problem since you don't do it now."  She kissed him.  "Whatever you need, Timmy."

"You know, I nearly died. It was within inches," he admitted quietly.  She snuggled down into his chest.  "Again.  Only this time I was doing the right thing and it nearly killed me."

"It nearly killed a lot of people. It took Xander until one to wake up."  She stroked his stomach.  He tensed it and moved her hand.  She put it back and went back to it. "I don't think I'd mind you being Doctor Timmy.  Even if you decided to go into another field, like the ER.  Though I would have to complain about the hours."  He moved her hand again.  "I like your stomach."

"I know you do but you're messing up the hair and it's making it itch."

She kissed him on the cheek.  "Don't ever change."  He smiled at that.  "Now, you have left me all alone with our son for the last few days."

"We won't have a day off for weeks," he complained. "Or else you'd never see him."

"After the way he cried all day, that's not such a bad selling point."

"I'll try to call off sick tomorrow to help you."

"Thank you.  I can't believe he canceled all paternity leave."

"I'm surprised he didn't try maternity leave."

"I'm not.  We'd have killed him."  He smiled at that.  "We would have.  Pregnant women with guns?  Oh, yeah, he'd have been a dead boss."  She went back to playing with his stomach.  He sighed and flipped her over to lay on her shoulder, that way she couldn't do it again. She giggled and poked him on the side.

"It's moods like this that make siblings ten months apart," he warned.  She blushed at that. "Up to you."

"I'm not bleeding," she offered. "I stopped yesterday.  I went back on the pill."  He smiled at that. "You're still using a condom because next time I will hack you to bits."  He laughed and found one, going to please his woman's necessary desires. You didn't make a woman like Calleigh beg, she got mean and evil.

***

Xander answered his phone. "Xander's House of Toddlers."  He smiled.  "Greggy!"  He beamed.  "You are?  Ooooh!  I love you!  Even if Horatio did have to blackmail your boss, I love you, man!  No, Willow's doing it.  Please!  No, I'm surrounded by twenty-five toddlers.  Please!"  He grinned.  "I so love you.  Sure.  When you get in.  To the Pereguine School.  I'm here.  Thank you!"  He hung up and smiled at the kids.  "More people are coming in to help find mommies and daddies."  They cheered at that and went back to the treat he had gotten for them.  They were probably the only toddlers who ever saw salad as a treat, but it was good for them.  Xander leaned backward out the door. "Helga!"  She popped out of her room.  "One of the CSI from Las Vegas is headed in to help with the fingerprinting and ID stuff.  His name is Greg Sanders.  He's young, hip, blond, and cool.  He'll be looking for me. I told him to come here."

"Okay. When does he get in?"

"He used one of the airline phones and he's due to land in about an hour."  She smiled at that.  "It's good to have help."

"I heard we're getting press attention."

"Finally!" he said happily, sitting up again. "You guys eat all that and if you're good tonight I'll bring you guys brownies tomorrow."  They squealed and dug in again.

The director leaned in.  "They're eating what?"

"A salad."

"You are an extraordinary father, Xander."  She walked on. "We are getting a reporter in tonight at four," she called.  "Try to have your rooms presentable."

"Hmm, guess that means we'll have to put the toys back where they belong, on the floor," Xander said happily, upending the leggos once the salad was gone.  The kids cheered and went to building their own little worlds.  A few fights broke out but they were easily solved.  He added more to the stack, especially the human shaped leggos.  Plus a few more animal shaped ones.

***

Greg walked in and smiled at the woman behind the desk. "Hi, I'm Greg Sanders, I'm from Las Vegas and I was sent to help with the child identification project?"  He presented his CSI lab credentials.  "I was told Mr. Harris was in here playing with toddlers?"

"Mr. Harris is.  Follow the squealing noises.  He ran out during naptime and bought lollipops."  Greg smiled at that.  "Here, you have to wear this at all times," she said, handing him a pass.  "Also, please sign in."  He did that. "Did you need to see the director?"

"If she's got the identification files, of course.  But if she's busy I can help play with the kids until she's done."   She smiled at that. "Playing is important."  She nodded.  "Which way?"  She pointed.  "Thanks."  He strolled that way, weathering the looks for his hair and clothes.  "Yes, I come from Vegas, kids.  I come to help find parents."  He walked into the nursery and backed out.  Kids scared him.  He heard a familiar laugh and headed that way, finding Xander playing with thirty kids that scared him.  He swallowed.  "Wow.  You're a God, Xander." Xander beamed at him.  "I'm scared to death of them."  He sat down in the doorway.  "What am I doing here?"

"You're taking the fingerprint files, plus any possible DNA files and using them to find mommies and daddies."

"Okay.  Sounds simple enough.  How many of these kids know their names?"

"Mostly first ones.  Ryan Wolfe did all the fingerprinting."  Greg nodded at that, leaning on his shoulder. "You can come in, they only cuddle. They're too old to bite."  Greg shifted in, staying against the walls. The kids stared at him.  "Guys, this is Greg.  He's here to help find mommies and daddies."

"He take pictures of hands?" one boy asked.

"No, I'm going to take the pictures we already have and make them tell me who your parents are."  They cheered at that.  "Then I'm going to make some police officers to chase them down and give them the good news that you're all okay so they can come cuddle."  That got a bigger cheer.  Someone coughed.  He looked up. "Gee, if I knew there was a camera coming, I'd have dressed up."  He stood up. "Greg Sanders, Las Vegas CSI.  I got called out to help with the identification."  The director helped him straighten up.  "It's been a lack of manpower and certain database access from what I've heard.  Correct?"  She nodded. "Then I'm your man.  Xander can even put me up."  He grinned and patted Xander on the head.  "We're buddies from a few conventions."

"Greg, I'm not the dog."

"No, you're not a Percy," one girl assured him.  "Can we have Percy back?"

"I'll see if I can bring him tomorrow," Xander agreed happily.  He looked back at the director.  "Can I bring back the dog?"

"You may, Xander.  He was delightful and helpful the day he was here."  She smiled at the reporter.  "As you can see, we've got the toddlers by themselves.  They have to have some very careful monitoring.  Fortunately Xander's taught his dog how to retrieve wayward toddlers.  Speaking of, Xander?"

He looked around then leaned back out the door.  "Harley, we be art thou?"

"Potty!"

"Okay.  Tell me next time.  Do you need help?"

"Please!"

The director smiled. "Let me, Xander."  She walked into the bathroom.  "Harley, can I help or are you going to get upset with me?"

"Please help?  It's nasty."

"Of course."  She got him cleaned up, staring at the blood.  "Xander!"  He came walking in.  "Would you...."  She waved a hand.  He looked turned then slammed a fist into a wall before making the all important call. "Harley, who hurt you?"  He whispered in her ear.  "The cookie monster?"

Xander turned to look at him. "The big hairy guy wearing blue?"  He nodded.  "Then I'm so there and Horatio will make him scream and beg for mercy.  All right?"  He nodded, giving him a trusting look.  "Come on, we'll go wait for Horatio outside."  He finished cleaning him up and carried him back. "Guys, be good to Greg.  I'll be right back.  Do not make me pout."  They smiled and nodded, then he carried the boy out.  Horatio pulled up as he got outside.  He pulled him closer to whisper in his ear, getting a nod.  "Yes, I helped clean him up.  Like your birthday."

"Okay."  He smiled at the boy, patting him on the head. "This is Harley?"  Xander nodded.  "Then we'll take very good care of him for you, Xander.  Harley, will you come with me?  My name's Horatio.  I'm a police officer."

"Police occifers bad," he said, looking very serious.

Xander made him look at him. "Horatio has saved my life, Harley.  He rescued me.  You can trust him."

"You're sure?"

"I'm very sure.  He's going to take you to someone who can make it quit hurting and he's going to make the man who hurt you scream and beg for mercy.  Okay? And, if you're *really* lucky, he might even have *Eric* come help you."

"Your boy Eric?"

"No, not my son, Eric, but he's got pictures of him.  Bigger Eric is his *favorite* uncle and he's got some *amazing* stories about diving in the harbor.  Okay?"  He nodded, letting Horatio take him.  "Good boy, Harley.  The next time you see me, I'll probably have the dog."  He grinned and leaned against the hummer while two officers pulled up. Horatio walked over to talk to them and they nodded, heading inside.  Xander smiled and waved.  "You be good for Horatio.  Okay?"  He nodded and Xander smiled and went back to the others.  "Handled," he told the director.  He watched as the cops drug someone out by his arms.  He grinned at her.  "Going back to save the Greggy."  He went back to his room, finding the kids crawling all over him.  "Aww, is he playing King of the Greg?"  They nodded and went back to climbing all over him.  "I'm so proud of you guys!"  They laughed and went back to playing.

The director looked at the reporter.  "Please don't mention that horrible man?"

"I won't.  People like that get past background checks."   She looked at Xander.  "He looks familiar."

"That's the husband of Horatio Caine."  She looked stunned. The director smiled and nodded. "He's a godsend.  He has toddlers of his own.  He's got the connections to get us the people we need to help us.  He's the one who got CSI Wolfe in here to take fingerprints on his day off."

"Judge Ryan Wolfe?"

"He said he was a CSI," she said with a frown.

"He was until he became a judge.  He's still doing one day a week in the labs."  She made more notes.  "Is his wife here?"

"She's been darling.  She took night shift in Xander's room. She got us a generator when we needed one so we could use the refrigerators.  They've been a godsend, truly."  Xander grinned at her. "Then he goes to help the pound.  He's fallen asleep with the kids most days."

Xander grinned. "It's hard working with them.  Trying to keep up their spirits and to make sure that they've got some hope of finding their families.  But they're mostly great kids who need their families back.  We'd love nothing more than to get all the kids back to their families, and to find those who need one to have the best possible surrogate."

"Thank you, Mr. Harris.  I know your grandfather gifted the crime lab with a grant to update it when he died.  Are you going to help the rebuild?"

"We're still seeing what the city comes up with.  If they need to hear from myself and Don, they'll let Horatio know and he'll come to the board."  He pulled one girl off Greg.  "Tell her about the hand pictures."

"It took pictures like on 'Prise!" she said happily. "He give us lollipop."

"I'm so happy that you got the handprints that way, princess. It's a great thing to have them taken that way," the reporter agreed, smiling at her.  She patted her on the head.  "I'll do my best to make sure all the daddies and mommies in the city know about you guys.  That way yours can call."  She smiled at Greg. "They're borrowing you?"

"The local PD is so overworked doing the clean up and finding all the...remains, that they don't have the manpower to go knocking on doors or to search the databases. Even the CSI are overloaded."  She nodded at that.  "A lot of us are filling in when we can."

"I'll remember that.  Thank you."  She walked out, going to send in her report from the laptop in her car.  She sent it to her editor, who sent back a 'huh'.  She wrote an email explaining it and then added on another two paragraphs.  He took it that way and promised it'd run in tonight's edition.  She smiled.  By the morning, it would be picked up by all the news stations and hopefully the children would all find their way home.  She went back to the office, feeling pretty good about herself.  She had seen Caine in action with his husband.  The rumors are true, the Wrath of Caine was still legendry.  Being married hadn't made him any more mellow on crime.

***

Xander walked in the next morning with Percy, blinking at all the stares in his direction.  "What?  I'm dressed, right?"  He looked at himself then at them.  "What?"

"You're here?" one of them asked.

"Yeah, I'm supposed to be here.  Remember, I've been helping the toddlers."

"Yeah and then you got us press."

"No, I didn't.  Horatio did."  He shrugged. "I'm not the glory hog in the family.  But thank you anyway."  He took his pass and headed back to the room.  "Come, Percival."  His dog trotted behind him. "Go gather my kids."  He barked and went to look in the teenager's gym first.  He came out carrying two of them and a few kids carried another couple back to him.  He grinned.  "Thanks, guys.  That all of them?"  That got a nod.  He walked into his room and his heard nearly broke, he was down to ten kids.  "Did we split my room or did parents show up?"

"A lot of parents showed up last night," one of the older ones said with a smile. "Thank you."

"It was my husband's idea."

They smiled and went to write thank you notes.  Xander woke up his kids and got them ready for the day, feeding them when breakfast came around.  Percy sat and whimpered.  He looked at his dog. "You know you don't beg."  A few of the kids snuck Percy treats.  "No, you guys eat.  You guys can feed Percy treats later on. I've got some in the car."  They cheered and dug into their cereal and toast, then went to have their potty break.  They were really getting into the routine now.  Xander smiled as everyone trooped back inside, including the one Percy was carrying.  "Okay.  Percy, guard.  Let me go get stuff from the car.  'Kay?"  They all nodded.  "You guys stay in here and behave for five whole minutes."  He closed the door and jogged out to his car, coming back with a bag.  He also ran into the back of someone shouting about wanting his child. "Excuse me.  How old is your child?"

"Ten, why?" he sneered.

"Do you have pictures of the child?"  He shook his head.  "Hmm.  See, most parents carry a picture with them of their kids.  At least one.  I've got at least seven of my older one and five of my younger. Do you have a birth certificate?"

"It was destroyed," he said hotly.

"Okay, then the proper course of action is to take the paper she's trying to give you to the PD.  They're running a DNA clinic.  It'll take about a day to match you to your child's DNA.  Once they have that match, then Social Services takes the paper and they file it where it needs to go.  Then you get your child back.  If you're not stubborn about getting your cheek swabbed, it'll take under a day. I know the DNA tech doing it and he's quick, accurate, and generally nice and cheerful."

"Who are you?"

"Married to a cop."  He looked at him.  "Taking care of the little kids to make sure they're not hurt."  The man sneered.  He lunged and Xander grabbed him by the throat, squeezing.  "If it's your child, you shouldn't be scared of a cheek swab.  Unless you're wanted for something or it's not your child," he noted blandly.  The man gurgled. "Good.  Officer!"  The one stationed outside ran in.  "He was threatening the social worker.  He claims one of the kids is his and refused to prove it.  He tried to lunge at me."  He handed him off and smiled. "Prestons.  I didn't realize it was you."

"It is. Why are you here?"

"I'm watching the toddlers."  He grinned. "My dog's in there.  I've got to go save him."  He headed that way, tapping on the door.  When he opened it, all the kids were back on the cushions and Percy was sitting.  He smiled and tossed him a treat, getting a happy dog.  "Have we been good kids?"  They all smiled at him.  "Of course not!"  They giggled and pounced him.  "Hold on.  Let me check the bag."  He got free and checked the bag.  "Oooh,  Horatio got a bit paranoid.  Hey, Prestons?"  He stomped up the hall and Xander handed him the gun. "Horatio stuffed it in my bag this morning.  Can you drop it back into my car under the seat or in the glove box?  Please?"

"Gladly.  You're probably more deadly."

"Actually, I am a marksman," he offered sweetly.  "Guys, this is Officer Prestons.  He's here to make sure the daddies and mommies don't run over each other."  They waved.  "Thank you."

He stomped off again shaking his head.  He dropped the gun into the guy's car and closed the door again, then locked it.  Better to be safe than sorry.  He walked back inside.  The one supposed parent had been taken away.  It was peaceful.  Only panicking and crying people.  Just as it should be when your child mysteriously went missing.  He got called to one of the other centers to take a shift there and he wanted to hurt someone.  After lunch he got back to where Harris was working and it was like they were normal, happy kids.  He looked at Xander as he walked out, giving him a raised eyebrow.

"We've been waiting for this set of parents.  If I get violet, duck."

Prestons looked at the guy coming out of the pickup truck.  Looked like a normal guy to him.  Looked like someone he knew.  Xander looked at the parents.  The parents looked at him. "Here to pick up?" he asked, trying for polite.  Something seriously wrong was going on here.

"Our son Harley is supposed to be here," the mother told him. "Is he?"

"Harley's in police custody," Xander said quietly.  "Unfortunately we had one person get past the security clearances.  We found out the next morning he had been trying to hurt your son.  Your son was treated and he's spent the last few days with an officer's family."  The mother looked horrified.  "He came in as a janitor.  He was removed as soon as your son told us."

"My son complained," the father snorted.  "That's like him."

"How badly hurt was he?"

"A small tear.  He didn't use more than his fingers.  It's a relief in that much and I'm assured his last few moments of life in the cells are going to be quite unpleasant because the cops did tell the others on him."  She looked relieved at that.  "Until then, the social workers wanted to talk to you.  You need to speak to Hannah inside."

"Why?" the father sneered.

"Hmm.  Because your son screamed every time someone got near enough to pat him on the head."  He stared him down. "Because your son flinched at normal human contact with other children."  He knew Prestons was staring at him.  "Because he had horrible nightmares about a riding crop and a share cropper's whip."  The father laughed.  "Your choice is to go inside or be arrested," Xander said coldly. "It is your choice.  If you go inside you might be able to talk your way out of it."

"What are you talking about?" the mother asked.

"Have you not noticed that Harley has whip marks on his back?"

"That's punishment for being loud, noisy, and messy," she said firmly.

"He's a toddler, they're all loud, noisy, and messy. I speak as a parent who has two and are helping some friends who have two more."  She gave him a disgusted look. "Officer, please escort them inside to Hannah's office? It's the one in the back."

"Which kid was this?"

"Harley, the one Horatio Caine removed yesterday."

Prestons growled. He had seen that kid. "Gladly. This way, please."  The father sneered and bulked himself up. "Sir, don't make me use force."

Xander patted him on the back. "You don't have to.  Parents like that lead to their children being sold to people who kill them for fun," he said coldly. "If not worse."  The mother shrieked and went for him with her nails.  He caught her hand and stared her down.  "Yes, my mother was like you.  Pity."  He pushed her toward the officer.  The father was uncoiling a whip.  "It won't do you any good.  Really.  Your son is with a very nice officer's family.  They love him enough for ten kids."  The man sneered and pulled his arm back.  "Go ahead if it makes you feel like a man."  The man snapped it and Xander caught it, then yanked.  "You know, you have shitty form."  He snatched it and snapped it at him, making him scream.  "Feel better now?"  He dropped it and stepped over it.  "I am the person who watched over your son while he was here.  Yes, something did happen to him when I wasn't.  That's not my fault.  It's your fault that he was so afraid of people and police officers that he almost didn't get help.  It could have killed him."

"Then he's weak."

Prestons pulled out his cuffs.  "Yeah, my daddy thought that too and look at me.  After spinal meningitis.  You're under arrest for suspicious of child abuse and neglect, plus assault."  He carted them both off and came back to get the whip. "How in the hell?" he demanded.

Xander turned and lifted up the back of his shirt, then lowered it and turned around.  "I know damn well people like that sell their kids. It's a good thing Willow came for me."

"It's always the quiet ones."

"Yeah, we learn to be quiet.  It hides us in plain sight."  He shrugged. "You can taunt them the officers are Italian and Cuban if you want," he offered with a grin.

"Sure."  He went back to do that. It did feel good.  By the time he got where Caine was waiting, they were all but foaming.  He got out and looked at him.  "I salute you, sir.  You put up with him."

"It's an act of love. Speed made him as normal as he is."

"Then I doubly salute him.  He put up with both of 'em."

"And Buffy. Speaking of, have you met Miss Summers?"

"No, sir.  Who is she?"

"The blonde who went after him his first summer down here."

"I heard about that.  Spunky."  He smirked. "She better now?"

"Much, and she could use someone nice.  I think you have potential."  That got a laugh.  "Let's have them.  I've been waiting for this for a few days."

"Gladly, sir.  By the way, your husband caught the whip."  Horatio moaned and shook his head.  "Snapped him with it too.  Nice work."  He let the mother out first and handed her over, then hauled the father out.  He smiled. "You have a nice day, sir, and I must say the job your husband is doing is fantastic.  I was at the other spot.  I feel sorry for them."  He got back into his car and went back to the better spot.  He hoped someone got the kids from the other spots set up better too.

***

Xander walked Percy in that night, smiling and happy.  "I'm off to the pound."

Stella hugged him.  "Most of them went home?"

"Most of them did.  A lot of the parents didn't know where to go since most of the cops didn't.  We got ninety percent home today.  All my toddlers."  She squealed and hugged him.  Horatio walked in and tapped him. He smiled and hugged him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome but Bess said you owe her a joke and something evil to do to someone."  He stole a kiss. "Headed to the pound?"

"Yup.  A lot of people are coming but they're still at over three hundred animals, mostly cats."

"Could I convince you to bribe Stella to go in your place?" Horatio asked.

"Hell, I'll go anyway," Stella promised, taking Xander's car keys and heading out.  The dog came with her.  "We're going to the pound, Percy.  You can't have another dog."  He went to find his buddy and pounce him to play.  She hopped out, going to take Don back there.

Horatio pulled his mate's back against his chest.  "How are you feeling?"

"My leg is throbbing."

"Would that be because you fractured it again?"

"It would be.  Sorry.  I'm going back to the other places to make sure they don't need me."

"All the toddlers are gone, Xander.  You're not needed anymore.  The social workers have it."

"But there's still babies..."

"Only ten are left.  Only eighteen older children.  They sent a letter of praise to me for your help."  He stroked over his stomach. "You have done an excellent job and you need a reward.  Of course, you also ignored your leg and taunted the bad parents."

"I didn't ignore it."

"Okay, you did get it x-rayed but you're not wearing any sort of cast or brace."

"I've got my brace on."  He pulled up his pantsleg up to show him.  "See?"

"You do.  I'm very proud of you."  He made him let his pants go.  "You still taunted."

"I did. It felt good."  He started to turn around but Horatio kept him in place.  "Dear."

"You are getting whatever I want tonight. You do deserve a reward."

"Is that a reward for me or for you?"

"For me," he admitted.  "You'll enjoy it just as much as I will."  He pulled him closer.  "Bedroom."

"Which one?"

"Ours."

"Which would be?"

Horatio led him that way.  "You haven't quite made it in here on your own yet," he noted.  "I've carried you the last few nights."

"Sorry about that."

"I'm not."  He closed the bedroom door.  "In the morning, we will talk."

"About?"

"Many things."  He gave him a sideways look.  "Including this overbearing house."  He looked around then at him. "I do not like the decorating scheme."

"Not like I picked it.  I did not put the cupids all over the bedrooms.  Did Greg like it?"

"He mentioned needing a heart-shaped bed."  He looked at his mate.  "Strip."  Xander slowly took his shirt off and dropped it beside the bed.  "Put it up."

"Why?"

"Because you only get away with that when you're stripping for real."  He moved closer.  "Though I did notice the room with the pole and the safety gear?"

"Again, not my decorating scheme."

"Point."  He looked over his chest, reaching out to touch a mark.  "A thumb sucker?"

"She couldn't sleep. She had some horrible nightmares."

"I'm sure napping with you helped her."  He moved closer.  "Did you eat?" Xander blushed.  "Should we play with food tonight?"

"It depends, do you want to make sure I never eat again?"

"Not particularly."  He touched an old scar, looking into his eyes.  "You're still dressed."  Xander undid his button flies and wiggled twice, stepping out of them and kicking them away.  "Closer.  You're still wearing clothes."  He ran a finger underneath the waistband of the boxers.  "Aren't those mine?"

"Yeah," he said sheepishly. "I couldn't find mine."

Horatio smirked.  "I don't mind."  He lowered them and pulled Xander closer so he could step out of them.  "There, better."  Someone knocked. "Busy."

"I'm leaving food outside the door so you don't have to travel naked," Eric called.  "Did you know there was a security system?"

"No," he complained.  "Turn it off."

"I did.  Calleigh was flipping through it. It's even got sound."   He walked off.  "The kids are down," his voice trailed as he walked off.

"We are not living here," Horatio said firmly, staring at his mate. "I do not like this place."

"I like the pool and the privacy."

"Those I can agree with.  Even though the house is too large for our family, even the extended family.  Speaking of, Aiden is back."  He took a kiss.  "You should be off your leg."

"I'm fine."  He took a kiss and undid Horatio's buttons. "It's not fair that I'm naked and you're not."

"It is."  He pushed him onto the bed and moved closer, surveying his acreage.

"Have you ever noticed we make all the important decisions in bed?" Xander asked, suddenly nervous.

"I hadn't.   I know I make most of them with you in my lap or cuddled next to me."  He finished undoing his shirt and slid out of his coat, leaving his shirt hanging open.  He did step out of his shoes and put them aside.  He went back to looking.  "What about this makes you nervous?"

Xander licked his lips. "That you could walk out."

"I think I'm too deeply involved for that."  He laid down beside him, running a hand down the tense stomach.  "Have I made mention of leaving?"  He shook his head.  "Do you think it's likely?"

"No but sometimes I worry," he admitted quietly.

"As do I.  Mostly that you'll go for someone more like you.  Someone with less demands on his soul."  He took a gentle kiss. "Then I realize you have just as many I do.  Simply for different reasons."  He licked over the dry lips.  "You need to drink."  He got up and went to get the food, bringing it back after he had locked the door again.  Someone knocked.  It could only be one of the kids. "What?"

"Eric get cuddles too," he complained.

"Soon, son.  You'll have us both tomorrow."

"All day?  We swim?"

"Yes, we can swim.  Go cuddle up to your grandmother."  Eric ran off.  He smiled and sat the food beside the bed, then climbed back in.  He sipped some of the cool juice, then took another mouthful and fed it to Xander, making him splutter a bit but swallow it.  Horatio did it again, this time he was ready and it went down smoothly.  "Good."  He let him have the glass. "Finish it."  Xander looked at him as he drank it.  He handed him the banana. "Eat that, and no being naughty."

Xander looked at it, then at him, smirking before he mashed it into his husband's chest and licked it off.  "What's naughty?"

"You."  He patted him on the ass, getting a shifting move away. "Sorry."

"No, you didn't hurt me."

Horatio suddenly pulled him up to face him, using his hands to hold the butt in place.  "I would never spank you in punishment, Xander. You know that.  I would never hurt you."

"It doesn't mean it won't remind me of when it wasn't."

Horatio sighed, then suddenly spanked him.  Xander yelped.  "Did that hurt?"  He nodded. "Truly?  Did I remind you of someone who would hurt you?"

"You could."

"I would never do it for that reason and I would never lose control.  Not that way.  In you yes, like that, no."  He spanked him again and Xander shifted back.  "Again, did it remind you of...."  Xander nodded quickly, getting off him.  Horatio pinned him under him. "Who hurt you that way?"

"I can't tell you."

"You can and you will so I can hurt them back."  He stroked his cheek.  "I would never hurt you," he reminded him.  Xander nodded, wrapping his arms around his neck.  "Thank you."  He gave him a kiss, working to get him back into that relaxed space. "I'll never do it again."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome.  If you had told me it had been that sort as well...."  Xander got up and walked into the bathroom.  Horatio got up and finished stripping, then went to start a shower.  He pulled Xander in with him, letting him feel it was him. "I'm sorry."  He nuzzled his neck.  "I wish I hadn't..."

"Please don't say it."

"Okay.  I won't.  Even though the sentiment is there.  Someday you will trust me enough to tell me and I will kill them."  He turned his mate around, making him look at him.  "You are more than worthy of that."  He kissed him.  "I'm not like anyone else you've ever had before, Xander.  Remember that."

"You'd think I would after three years."

"Some lessons take longer to learn.  I've had that feeling as well.  Mine wasn't a matter of trust, it was a matter of faith.  Mostly faith in those around me."  He took a gentle kiss.  He paused when he heard something adjust. "I will kill them both."  Xander rested against his chest.  "Come on.  We're going to have a night alone even if Eric does throw fits."  He got them out and dried off, dressed casually.  He grabbed enough money for the night and headed for one of the higher class hotels.  He got them checked in and up to the room.  Once up there he got him stripped down and back into the shower, letting him relax again. "There, all alone."  He kissed him.   "Do you still trust me?" Xander nodded quickly.  "Even with earlier, you still trust me?" he pressed.  Xander leaned against him and nodded.  "Thank you."

"Welcome."  He settled in to be held, feeling the hands running all over his back and down onto his thighs.  "You can touch me."

"I am.  Sometimes it's the smaller touches that mean the most."  He kept going, relaxing his mate.   He knew he had had his one chance now.  There wasn't room for any more trial and error.  "I do wish you would tell me some things."

"I don't."

"I know you don't but you never tell me anything and at times it makes it harder for me to not push a secret button that would make you freeze up."  He stroked over his cheeks.  "This one I knew about.  I'm sorry I pushed it.  I have no idea it was that sort of thing."

"Not exactly sexual but close enough."  He looked at him.  "I can't put these things into words, Horatio.  I may babble but I'm not good with words."

"Is there anything you absolutely won't try with me?"

"Do you want me to pull out my book?"

"Not if you don't want to."

"I like our level of kinkiness, what we've done and talked about."  Horatio nodded at that, nuzzling him gently.  "I'm not really adventurous."

"That's fine.  I didn't expect you to be, Xander."  He soothed over the firm globes again.   "Are you sure we're good?"

"We're fine.  Why wouldn't we be?"

"Because you're tensing up whenever I touch you there."  He kept his hands there, kissing him slowly, getting him used to it again. Xander quit tensing and he got them out of the shower, then onto the bed once they were dried off.  He stared down at his acreage, smiling slightly.  He would have to remind Xander that he trusted him fully.  He moved down to slowly work his way over the body beside him.  It was like it was his first time with him again.  Xander was mewling and making begging noises.  "Can I?" he asked before he moved to touch his cock.

"Please.  Don't ask."

"I'm going to ask. I need to ask. I scared you earlier and it was wrong of me."  Xander pounced him, pushing him onto his back.  Horatio put them back in the earlier position and Xander paused, then kissed him.  "Is it good again?"

"Of course.  You're mine."  Horatio let him play for a few minutes, then flipped him onto his stomach and played with his back and ass.  Xander tensed once but Horatio stayed to play with the sore spot in his back.  The massage was nearly as good as the rest of the touching.  He moaned into it and arched back into the hands.  "Thank you."

"You've spent the last few days bent over and in pain.  I should've done this sooner."  He felt him finish unknotting and went back to his touching.  He spent a long time touching his butt cheeks but Xander didn't react.  He moved to kiss him and Xander pulled away. "You know I don't care."

"I do.  Only when I'm clean, especially when I'm going through the fits my stomach's had today."

"That's because you've been too tired to eat."

"I haven't called you this in a while but you're sounding like my mom, Horatio, and that's icky in bed."

Horatio laughed. "It is.  I won't nag but I am feeding you tomorrow."

"I'll eat with the family."

"Good.  Eric would enjoy that."  He went back to his playing, then made Xander gape when he shifted him over and laid beside him. "Your turn."

"Horatio?"

"Your turn.  Get me ready, Xander."

Xander shook his head.  "No, not tonight."  Horatio pulled him back on top of him.  "I can't, not tonight. I need to be the one held."

"That's fine.  Are you sure?"  Xander nodded.  "Absolutely certain?"

"I don't have the energy to do it, babe.  Please."

"That's fine, Xander.  It was an offer.   You know you're welcome to me anytime, the same way I am you."  He took a kiss.  "Are you too tired to keep going?"  Xander shook his head but yawned, then smiled.  "Had to get it out?"

"Yeah."  He put his head down.  "I'm tired and I don't know why.  I wasn't this tired a minute ago."  His head raised and he looked at his mate, who groaned and they got up to get dressed and gather their things.  Xander checked the hall. "Smoke, Horatio."  He nodded, calling the desk from the room phone, then hitting the alarm.  Others came out and headed out too.  Xander went toward the door but Horatio stopped him.  "We need to check!"

"The fire department is coming," he reminded him. They got everyone off their floor and he drug Xander down.  "We didn't get the room with the smoke," he told the firemen.  "Fifth floor."  They rushed up to check that one.  Horatio looked down at Xander.  "You could've caused more problems.  Fires are like that. Opening a door is dangerous."  Xander leaned against his chest.

"Captain?"  Horatio let out a quiet moan.  He looked at the officer coming over.  "What are you doing here?"

"Too many people in our house," Xander told him.  "Who just found the security system."

The officer looked confused.  "Our house was damaged, we're staying in an estate that one his stalkers gave him."

"Ah, and it has stalker security.  Gotcha.  What floor?"

"We saw smoke out of 512," Xander told him.  "We were up the hall."

"Thank you, Xander.  By the way, good job with the kids, sir.  That could've gotten really messy and even Prestons said you did a good job in the center you were working in."  Xander smiled at that.  "Where else were you going?"

"The pound."

"That's understandable.  They're always overloaded after hurricanes."  He looked at the hotel.  "No idea what happened?  No explosions or anything?"  Xander shook his head, yawning, and Horatio gave him a squeeze.  "Need a ride home, sir?"

"I drove his car," Horatio admitted.  "We can take him home."  That got a smile and a nod.  Two of the firemen came out and one looked at him, motioning him closer.  "Watch him."  He walked over there.  "What?"

"Torch job, lit the mattress on fire, Captain.  Two remains, about size six or seven," he said quietly.

"I'll get night shift here," he promised, getting a nod.  Horatio pulled out his phone and called the nightshift supervisor.  "It's Caine.  I'm at the hotel fire.  No, too many people at the house right now if you want the truth.  Two bodies.  The firemen said it's a torch job.  He said they were young."  He nodded. "That works.  Thank you."  He hung up, looking at the fire chief when he came.  "Sevara is coming herself within ten minutes.  She's up at the second."  That got a nod.  He went back to find Xander asleep against the officer. "It's been a long few days.  Thank you."

"Not a problem, sir. Not often I'd get a hottie like him to even look at me, much less nap on my arm.  You're a lucky man."  He let him have Xander back.  "You'll probably have to stay for a while as the first reporter."  Horatio nodded.  "Go lean against the cruiser, sir.  That way we can find you easier and if you have to you can put him in the back to nap."  Horatio woke Xander enough to walk him that way.  He went to talk to the fire chief.  "Caine reported it.  He said he didn't hear any explosions or anything.  I told him to rest against my cruiser since his husband is out on his feet."

"That's fine.  Sevara's coming."  That got a smile.  He went to talk to Horatio.  "How far up the hall were you?"

"They were in 512, we were four rooms up on the same side.  There's too many at our house."

"I understand fully.  I've got my family, my oldest daughter's family, and her mother-in- law right now," he noted dryly.  "I heard your neighborhood was hit pretty hard."

"It was but Xander had a stalker who left him a local estate."  That got a laugh.  "They found the security system tonight."  That got another laugh.  "We're fine, he's just tired."

"I figure he was.  I wanted to ask you something."  Horatio nodded.  "Why don't we get any of the cherries you guys hand out to the PD?  We could probably use a few hummers, one as an ambulance for some of the backwoods of the county."

"I have three that need to be repainted," Horatio admitted. "I was going to give them to the PD but if you need them more."

"We'd kill for them and repaint them if they're that ugly."

"You'd need to.  They're lipstick pink, baby blue, and lavender."  The man gave him a horrified look.  "The last real stalker of his left all his things to me because I was stronger."

"To the winner go the spoils, eh?"  Horatio nodded at that.  The Fire Chief smiled.  "We could definitely repaint."

"I was going to repaint anyway.  I know Marines who won't drive those."

The Fire Chief laughed.  "I can see why.  Please, I know you guys rely on your hummers, but we could use 'em."  He patted him on the arm.  "Any other SUV's?"

"No, but some of the recent cruiser styles."  That got another smile.  "I'll make sure you get the SUVs of the group, Chief."

"Thanks, Caine.  That's nice of you.  Any of them the bigger ones for ambulances?"

"They're all H2's," he admitted.

"Pity.  But we could still use 'em.  Thanks."  He walked off, intercepting a reporter.

Horatio looked at Xander, who was still slightly awake. "You can nap."

"The board has to talk about the lab since you guys were a special request and project of Patrick's."

"You don't have to."

"We do.  The Mayor's dragging his feet."  He looked up.  "Otherwise it might be years."

"You told them that City Council would come to me and then the board would talk.  Let's leave it that way.  Otherwise they'll expect you to bounce in every time there's a problem."  Xander nodded at that wisdom.  "You'll call in tomorrow?"

"I thought you said they didn't need me."

"They don't but I know you, you're still going to call in."  Xander nodded.  "Call in at the pound too.  People are starting to claim their pets and they're going down as well."

"They were still overloaded before the hurricane."

"They can hold an adoption drive.  You can help at it."  He stroked his back.  "Want to sneak home?"

"Only if we can find the security system and turn it off.  I heard the camera in the bathroom."  He looked up from his sightly leaning position.  "I can agree to getting rid of it, but if we have to move from Bayshore I'm going to insist on having a pool I can practice in.  There's been too many days when I'm too sore to make it to the gym or the school."

"That would mean we'd have a large house, Xander."

"I know.  I'm sorry, but I need this if I'm going on and Eric could use it too."

Horatio considered it.  "I can agree as long as it's still a smaller house.  We don't need anything with six bedrooms."

"Actually, we could use the bedrooms for visiting family and things, but not the other rooms."

Horatio nodded.  "I can see that.  I'll talk to a real estate agent I know, see if she can point us in the right direction. I don't mind living on Polo Pony row but I refuse to live by the country clubs."

"Polo Pony row is too far away from everyone.  That's why I was unbending enough to look at those ones downtown."

"Absolutely not."  He looked at him.  "They're very artificial."  He went back to stroking his back.  "We'll make a list tomorrow and start the hunt."  Xander nodded, yawning.  He nodded at Sevara when she came over.  "They said they found two."

"So I got told.  Why are you here?"

"Too many people at the house."

"Why?"

"Calleigh had a boy just after we got back," Xander said sleepily.  "So we've got most of the lab.  Plus the condo was wrecked slightly."

"So you've got a full house of techs," she said wisely.  Horatio nodded.  "Where are you guys staying?"

"One of his stalkers left him an estate."

"Ah.  Okay.  Did he have anything at the condo?"

"No, I ended up moving the things at the hidden location out to the estate when it looked bad," Horatio told her.

"Even better.  Thank you.  You two can probably head home."  Horatio nodded, going to check them out and head home with his boy.

***

Xander woke up, barely, when a cold, wet nose touched his face.  He petted.  Short hair.  "Morning, Percy.  Wake the other daddy."  He yawned and flipped onto his side. Another nose got into his face.  Slightly softer short hair. "Morning, Lancelot, go wake the other daddy."  They barked.

"He's already up, kiddo," Speed offered as he came in.  "Off the bed, boys."  They jumped off the bed and he shook Xander until he woke up.  "Good afternoon."

"It's afternoon?" he asked, looking hurt.

"Ten."  He handed over the phone. "Push send."

Xander pushed send and made himself sit up, smiling at the cheerful voice.  "It's Xander.  Did you guys need me really a whole lot today?  My husband and kids are feeling ignored."  He smiled. "Okay, I'll be back tomorrow.  Really?  Even Rebecca?"  He smiled.  "I understand.  You guys need me, you call."  He grinned.  "Thanks.  Good luck."  He hung up and called the pound.  "This is Harris.  I've got to stay home tonight...."  He smiled.  "I know he sent someone in my place when I collapsed and napped that night.  Thank you.  Of course.  Should I bring anything when I come in tomorrow?"  His face fell. "Must we?"  He sighed.  "I'll donate the food and stuff, that's not a problem. You guys arrange an adoption fair for the dogs we already had.  Yes, I can do the food and that stuff.  Give me a list or I'll bring in a gift card for the pet store.  Either way."  He smiled.  "Because it'd be unfair for them to come home and find the pet that they prayed to the Goddess to keep safe died because they didn't get home soon enough.  Sure, fax me a list.... what's the fax number, dad?"  He wrote it out.  Xander smiled. "555-5877.  Sure.  Thanks."  He hung up and looked at him. "It's ten?"

"You were exhausted."  He smoothed over his hair.  "We're sorry about the security system thing.  That was Aiden."

"For some reason that doesn't surprise me."

"She said you two had a fight?"

"He pushed a boundary I didn't want to cross and we've already settled it. He's apologized and we've worked it out.  We were halfway there when we heard the camera in the bathroom go off."  Speed nodded at that.  "Really, I'm okay."

"I'm supposed to worry.  Besides, Calleigh said I had to worry over you instead of her."  He stood up and helped Xander up.  "Are you keeping this one?"

"Horatio doesn't like it and I really hate the decorating scheme he did it in."

"I agree with Greg, it looks like a cheesy Vegas wedding hotel."  He helped him into his bathrobe, not ignoring the winces.  "Sore?"

"My shoulders and my leg."  He walked out with him, finding the family out by the pool.  "If we have to move from Bayshore, I'm bringing the pool but we're not keeping this house."

"Thank God.  It'd cost more to redecorate and pull out the security system."  He glared at Aiden.

"What? I was only trying it out," she defended.  "Morning, baby."  He gave her a hug.  "Did you finally get some rest?"  He nodded. "Where are your furry guardians?"

"Boys!" he called.  They came running.  With the mini-greyhounds.  "There."  He petted them. "You guys are good alarm clocks."  They barked and went to swim in the pool.

Eric gave them a pitiful look.  "Are they enough of a swimming helper?"

"No," bigger Eric told him.  "They're not human or adults.  They're dogs."  He smiled at him.  Then at Horatio.  "What are you looking for?"

"This pool, less rooms, and a smaller lawn," Horatio told him.  That got some laughs.  "I can't imagine mowing this.  You could almost play polo on the side lawn."

"The Reeds were swearing up and down that they're moving," Speed offered from his seat.  Xander flopped down beside Horatio, getting the coffee and food shoved his way.  Xander dug in, eating heartily for once.  "Thank you."

"Not like I was going to take food from the kids' mouths.  I got them to eat a salad by calling it a treat."

"He did," Horatio agreed.  "The workers were very impressed with that.  Especially since he brought in the salad."

"They'd only had soup and a PB&J for lunch, Horatio.  They needed more."

"I know they did, Xander."  He stroked his back.  "Eat. You need it."  Xander nodded, digging back in.  "If we have to move, we don't want to move this far out.  I agree with him, this is too far from the family."

"Tia Escalante is dying," Eric said quietly.  They all looked at him.  "She's got a brain tumor.  It was rumored for the last year but she does.  Her children are selling the house and putting the money to charity in her name."

Xander looked at him.  "Wouldn't the Cuban community complain that white gay men took over her house when she was such a powerful figure among them?"

"Possibly. I'll ask my uncle, he worked with her."  Marisol smiled at him.  "Any word on the Foundation's condo?"

"Building's trashed," Don admitted.  "Speaking of, Xander, we've got to file insurance claims on the hidden ones."

"We have insurance on them?"

"It's paid out of our building fees."

"Oh.  Okay.  Do you have the forms?"  Don nodded. "I'll work on them later. I didn't have much in mine."  That got another nod.  "Do we have the paperwork on the board's condo?"

"We do and I filled it out.  They said since it was in the board's name and I'm one of the two heads of the board, I could do that.  All you've got to do is the one for your emergency condo, the houses on Bayshore since Di hadn't fully bought hers yet, and anything else you had out there."

"It was the only one."  He ate another bite of muffin and leaned back, sipping his coffee.  "We can give Di the check from the insurance.  Did she want to rebuild?"  He looked around.  "They're still in St. Louis?"  Horatio nodded.  "A problem?"

"No, they're waiting."  He stroked over his head.  "Her shop was damaged but not destroyed.  She's already doing that paperwork."  Xander nodded at that.  "Is the house on Bayshore in both our names?"

"Nope."  He shrugged.  "Sorry.  I kept meaning to do that."

"That's fine, Xander."  He stroked over the back of his head.  "Eat some more."

"I don't need to gain weight."

"No but you need to eat.  You haven't eaten in days."  Xander sighed and dug in to get seconds.  "Eric, how did your parents pull through?"

"They did fine, the house is pretty solid."  That got a smile from his sister. "Half the family's squeezed in so I'm staying with you since my apartment's in matchsticks."

"That's fine," Horatio agreed.  "Speed, Calleigh?"

"Ours was shielded but I wanted to keep Calleigh here for a few more days."

"Also fine.  We enjoy our brother."  Calleigh grinned at that.  "Where is he?"

"Napping with Tia."  She lifted up the baby monitor.  "He adores Tia. They're going to be the trouble buddies that Toddy and Eric are."  She looked down at those kids.  "Where are their parents?"

"Willow's cleaning up their place now that they're allowed back in.  Ryan doesn't want the kids near that, claiming mold and things," Xander admitted. "Whoever's been babysitting, thank you."

"Welcome," Calleigh said with a smile.

"I want to look at this school," Don said casually.  Marisol sighed and rolled her eyes.  "I'm sorry but I don't want Eric to be hurt or badgered there.  Especially with both his parents being pagan."

"Oh, it's much worse than that.  The first time they suggest he go on drugs he's leaving," Xander assured him.  "I refuse to drug a normal child for being a child.  Even the doctor says he's a normal child."

"He is," Horatio agreed.  "Children are loud and noisy."  He smiled as Lancelot came over. "I know, so are you, but you're a good boy."  The dog barked.  "What?"  He barked again and lifted a paw.  "Shake or begging?"

Xander looked.  "That's his pitiful begging face."  He tossed over a piece of bacon, getting a happy dog.  Percy rushed out of the pool and over.  He got tossed a piece of leftover sausage.  The dogs went off, back to their swimming.  "When is Di coming back?"

"No ETA yet," Speed offered. "Don, when do you start shift?"

"Next week.  Tuesday."  He kissed the back of Marisol's hand and stood up.  "We're going for a walk around the house since it's like a park."  Horatio snickered at that.  "It is."

"It is," Xander sighed. He looked around.  "I could make one hell of a water park in here."  Horatio shook his head.  "It'd be fun."

"No, Xander."  He gave him another pat and a kiss, getting a smile.  "Sell it to another family that has too much money."

"Speaking of, Mac's down," Stella offered from her seat basking in the sun.  "About the auction."  Xander moaned.  "Yup, you missed it but she understood why with what you were doing.  Mac was good enough.  He's got the paperwork and the checks.  The jeweled cock ring never sold."

"I can take that down to one of the sex clubs and sell it so someone's favorite pet," Xander assured him. "Anything else?"

"He's napping on the back porch, watching the water."  She paged him and he came over.  "Xander's finally up."

"I'd be tired too.  Thirty-four toddlers is enough to give me a migraine just from the thought."

"You've had a lot of those," Stella said wisely.  "You should get checked."  Mac groaned.  "In case it's something serious, Mac."

"My yearly physical is next year."  He looked at Xander and sighed.  "Most of it sold."

"Great.  What didn't?"

"The estate in New York."  Horatio and Xander both moaned.  "The cock ring.  A few other pieces of jewelry."  Xander thumped his head on the table. "At least the horses did."  Horatio nodded at that.  He handed over the papers.  "The estate is in your name, Horatio.  It was part of the bribery price.  The jewelry was his."

"Where?" Xander asked quietly.  It was handed over.  Xander went into the house to find his phone and phone book.  "Mrs. Yearns, it's Xander Harris.  Can I bend your ear tomorrow?  Please?  Yes, about that stuff," he sighed.  "We don't want it and frankly the one we're staying at came from one and I'd rather not have to stay here any longer either. We're not sure.  If we have to move, I need a pool.  I need practice space."  He straightened up.  "You're sure she is?"  He nodded.  "Hell, I'd trade her but she'd probably hate the way my stalker painted this place.  No, cheap Vegas wedding hotel was mentioned a few times.  Cupids and hearts and things all over."  She shuddered, he could hear it. "Exactly but it does have an excellent security system.  Oh, we've got the estate in New York.  Can you have her visit us later this afternoon?  Please?  I'll sell it to her or straight trade.  Whatever works for her.  Thank you, Mrs. Yearns.  Know anyone who wants this one?"  He smiled.  "Please.  No, she would be perfect.  Thank you so much."  He hung up and ran outside, pouncing Horatio to stare at him.  "Lisa Corthbert is moving back North."  He frowned.  "The restaurant maven."  He nodded at that.

"She's fairly famous.  If she likes your cooking, you're on the top of the list, even if you're a diner," Speed told them.  "She's moving back to New York?"

Horatio smirked.  "I'll gladly sell her ours."  Xander beamed at that. "That was your plan?"

"That or straight trade it for hers.  She's already got an olympic pool.  We'd have to change the diving board because she's got a springboard.   It's that place we went to the charity tea for the doll museum."

"I remember that.  It was a beautiful house.  It didn't have a lot of lawn.  It's relatively close to everyone compared to here."  Xander beamed at him.  "All right.  If she'll relent.  Mac, do you have pictures?"

"Full tape if she wants it.  It's on DVD so she can take a virtual tour."

"If not, maybe she'll just sell it to us," Xander offered.  "I'm sure there's got to be *someone* up there who can use the house out on the Island."

Horatio nodded. "Usually."  He stroked his back. "Finish your coffee."  Xander grinned and did that, sipping his juice.  "When is she coming?"

"She'll call first."  He tried to summon the phone and got a sudden, sharp headache.  "Ow.  No magic."  Don handed over the phone.  "Thanks."  He rubbed his forehead.  "Guess I do have backlash after all."  Everyone nodded at that.  "Thanks, guys."

"Welcome," Stella said with a smile.

"And thank you for helping hold the station together long enough," Eric told him, grinning at him.  "Doesn't get you out of practice though."

"He refractured his leg, Eric," Speed told him.  Eric moaned and slumped down.  "He can probably swim but work up slowly."

"Okay, I will.  When it's been an hour.  For now, let's put Eric into the pool."  Eric cheered and took off his shirt and ran for the pool to jump in.  He followed, going to catch him.  He was a fast little kid.

"You're good, baby," Aiden called, going to sit on the edge.  Eric pulled her in, making her shriek.  "Eric!"  She splashed at him.

"Then go put on a bathing suit," he said, smirking at her before going back to helping the boy swim.  Toddy snuck over to watch.  "Let me get him with another adult and we'll teach you too, Toddy. You're old enough."  He beamed at that.  "Have someone change you into some pullups and a pair of shorts."  He ran to get his Uncle Xander to do that for him.  Don took him instead, making him pout.

"Sorry, kiddo, but he's got to change too.  Besides, I'm just as good as a Xander any day."   He smiled at the car coming up the driveway.  "She's early," he called, opening the door.  "Mrs.  Corthbert," he said, shaking her hand.  "We're out on the side lawn by the pool if you wanted to join us.  I'm getting him changed.  Please ignore Xander's jammies, we finally got him up this morning."

"I heard he was helping at the pound again."  She smiled and patted Toddy on the head.  "Let's see, you are Judge Wolfe's son, Toddy, correct?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Is he here too?"

"He work," Toddy told her. "Lots of bad guys from storms."

"That can happen," she agreed, smiling at him.  "Which way, Don?"  He pointed.  "Thank you, dear."  She walked that way, finding the whole family gathered around.  "I can see why I was warned about the decorating scheme in this one," she teased as she spotted Xander and Horatio.

"One of his stalkers created it as a love nest," Horatio said grimly.  "We wouldn't normally be here but our house is pretty much gone."

"I understand."  She smiled at the sleepy boy.  "Is he going to nap?"

Horatio looked down and nudged Xander, making him wake up and grab his head.  "Probably not.  Xander."  He looked up and smiled, waving weakly.  "Sorry, exhaustion."

"I can understand.  The pound is usually overloaded."

Xander pushed out a chair with his foot.  "It was more the thirty-four toddlers at the Lost Children's shelter," he admitted.  "Hi, Lisa."

"Hello, Xander.  Who gave you what this time?"

"Remember the first Middle Eastern guy you guys all laughed about?"  She nodded. "His nephew.  They're considering me a family curse now."  She giggled at that.  "Seriously.  Mac's handled that one for me.  He left me an estate in New York.  I would be more than happy to either trade you for yours down here or buy yours from you.  Either way."

She looked over the DVD he had up and running.  "I know this place," she admitted. "My friends from school used to live here."  She continued through it.  "They've done a marvelous job of reconstruction.  The last I knew there had been a fire years ago."  She took the appraisal sheet from him.  "Hmm, the full estate.  No one sold off any of the grounds?"

"On one side a large grove of trees were sold to the neighbor so he had a miniature woods," Mac told her.  "That was noted in the original sale notes."

"That's fine."  She looked it over.  "It is the most charming place and easily gotten to from the city."  She considered the appraisal and her current place.  "You've been to my house, correct, Xander?"

He nodded.  "Definitely.  I was there for the doll museum's tea."

She smiled at that.  "It's a whimsical choice but I'm a doll collector."  He nodded at that.  "Actually, my estate's just a bit more expensive than yours, by about another million."

Xander looked at her. "I'll throw in this one and you can do whatever you want, plus the remaining jewelry that didn't sell."  She looked stunned. "Not like I want to look at it and I can only spoil the ladies in my life so much before they get greedy."  Stella snorted. "That one's in Horatio's name," he offered. "That would make up for the extra million and give you a place down here to either rip down and rebuild with taste or to sell off at a later date.  The family thinks it should be a park."

"I can see it being one."  She smiled at him.  "Which, by donating, would decrease the tax debt from the exchange.  The jewelry?"  Mac handed over the pictures.  "Oh, my. I can see why they didn't sell.  They're gaudy and ostentatious."

"Most of the time I break those up for ready cash," Xander admitted.  "Or I sell off the strands to a major jewelry store so they can make good jewelry from it."  She smiled at that.  "Seriously.  I got given a jeweled belt.  Emeralds and diamonds.  Would've fitted around my waist.  Rope chains of diamonds and dangling emeralds.  Like a tennis bracelet with dangles."  She gaped.  He nodded.  "I sold it to Harry Winston so they could make it into something better.  Last I heard they got about fifty necklaces out of it and some bracelets probably too."

"Well."  She looked at the pictures again.  "Where are they from?"

"One was a dated Tiffany's piece," Mac offered, tapping that section. "The other was made in Paris by a private designer."  He sat up.  "The ornate design is why they didn't sell."

"I can see why.  No one would wear them and they're too much for most collectors."  She considered it.  "You'd live in my house?"

"All the time.  I'd use your pool for training for this year's meets," Xander said honestly.  "My weapons hobby would go into your basement."  She smiled at that. "Besides, I could give the kids a great place to play safely.  You've got one of the best security systems around, Lisa."

"True."  She considered it then nodded.  "I'll do it."  She looked around. "This would make a beautiful park."  They all nodded at that and she smiled at Don and Marisol.  "Is that Marisol?  I know Don had been changing Judge Wolfe's son a moment ago."

"Yup, that's my Uncle Don too.  Don!" he called, waving him over.  He walked Marisol over once he had caught her and kissed her.  "Don, Mari, you know Lisa Corthbert, right?"

"I have met both of you but I had no idea you were such a charming couple," she said, shaking their hands.  "You two look very happy together.  Don, are you going to take up some of Xander's slack in New York?"

"If I must," he sighed. "I'm still worried it'll affect work and things."

She nodded. "I can see why.  Especially since you work in Homicide."  She smiled at Marisol then at him.  "Do the charity circuit, Don.  It's fitting with the foundation as well."  He nodded. "Plus, we have soccer up there instead of polo."  He grinned at that.  "I'll see you two more often?"

"We're staying with the switching cities thing right now so neither of our parents have to complain."

"Understandable plus free trips to see the injured one," she said, waving a hand at Xander.  He nodded at that.  "That's fine then.  Are you down here right now?"

"I am. I start Tuesday.  I've been helping with the wellness checks and finding families part."

"That's wonderful."  She smiled at the young man coming out.  "My, he's adorable."

"He's our friend Greg, from the Las Vegas crime lab," Don said. "Sanders."  He detoured and came over.  "Greg Sanders, this is Lisa Corthbert.  She's one of the more important women in society because we *all* go to her for restaurant suggestions.  If it's good food, she knows it."

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am.  If you're ever out in Vegas and need some help, feel free to come to me."  He smiled and she patted him on the cheek.  "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to help with the kids."  He went to jump in and swim over to help Eric learn how to swim better while bigger Eric worked with Toddy.

Xander grinned.  "Our family loves our kids, thankfully."  She giggled at that.  "Would you like some tea or something? I should go change for practice anyway."

"If you've got some made, dear."

"Lemonade and sweet tea both," Aiden called.

"Lemonade then," she praised.  Xander grinned and went to do that.  She looked at Horatio.  "I know you're native to up there.  Are you sure you don't want it?"

"He's got a small house out in Seagate that I like.  It's just the right size for the family and it's in a quiet neighborhood."  She smiled at that. "You know I'd never live the life most of the time but Xander does need the pool and your house was the one he was measuring the others by."  She blushed at that.  "It was. It had everything he wanted, but the platform diving board.  He was going to switch that out."

"I understand.  Candace said he's becoming a very good diver."  Xander came out and handed her a glass of lemonade. "Thank you, dear."  He grinned and went to dive in.  "He's letting you handle it?"

"Mostly," Mac agreed.  "Xander handles his own money but things like this give him a bigger headache.  That's why he pays me to deal with the auctions at Christies."  She smiled at that.  "It's stressing him out."

"We had to sedate him a few times because of his stalkers," Stella agreed.  She looked at Mac.  "Did the wedding go off all right?"

"It did and they think she may already be pregnant."  She grinned at that.  "The family that considers him a family curse has a daughter I've watched over while she went to school.  That way she wouldn't come into contact with Xander and start off her own curse."

She looked at Xander as he swam with the kids.  "I can see why others would want him, but I would never want to interfere with Horatio's claim."  He smiled at that.  "You're certain?"

"Definitely.  We can draw up the paperwork today and deliver it to you.  That way we don't have to stay here for very long."

"I can understand why.  Did all his stalkers have that bad of taste?"  He nodded. She smiled.  "Is that just because they came after Xander?" she teased.  He nodded and smirked.  She laughed.  "I can understand that."  She sipped her lemonade and grimaced. "Koolaid?"

"Sorry," Aiden called.  "My fault.  I made it for the kids."

"No, dear, every child should drink koolaid at least once," she agreed.  Horatio pushed over a clean coffee cup and the pot, making her smile and nod.  "Thank you, Horatio.  Are  the rumors I heard true? That you may be taking over for our Chief of Police some day?"

"Only if he wants me to beat him to death first," he offered dryly.   She giggled at that.  "I'm as high as I want to go. I love my current position and I'm going to be quite resistant to anyone trying to move me from my current office.  Even if I could use a new office at the moment."

"I heard they're meeting on that today."

"I hadn't.  I'll have to call down there and check," he offered.  "Thank you."  She smiled at that.  "Would you like a tour of the grounds?"

"Oh, no, dear.  I'm afraid all the lovey-dovey things would infect me and I'd have to take husband number six from these adorable men around you."  She kissed him on the cheek. "Let me have them drawn up with my attorney and I'll bring them by tomorrow."

"Call me," he ordered, handing over his card.  "I've got to be on shift tomorrow so I'll be somewhere."  She nodded, tucking that into her purse.  "Thank you."

"Xander is a charming young man and we all adore him.  Even the picky husbands adore him since they can't complain that he might hit on their wives.  Besides, he's cute."  She winked and walked off, heading back to her car.  She really was getting the better end of the deal.  Her house was too small to do much entertaining.  Then again, Xander didn't really entertain all that much yet.  He had only thrown family related events.  Someone would have to talk to him about that someday soon.  She made a note to call her friend Mrs. Yearns and remind her that the boy's education should be finished soon since he'll have a proper residence.

***

Horatio walked into the City Council meeting.  He blatantly sat down and looked at his boss.

"Yes, we're going to discuss the lab.  You were going to make a donation?"

"I've got three cars in the current cruiser styles and I've got three hummers that the Fire Chief asked for last night."  The Mayor smiled at that.  "I'm sure Rescue could use them."

"That's a charming offer, Horatio, thank you," the Mayor offered.   "How did your house hold up?"

"Didn't. Ours or Di's.  We're buying the Corthbert estate and trading her for the one I got given in New York as a bribe to give Xander up."  They laughed at that. "Seriously.   That's how I got the three atrociously painted hummers."  He looked at his boss. "She heard an interesting rumor."

"I know your feelings on the subject and I've taken them into account.  It's not you. It's the one you yelled after me."

"She'll do an excellent job, sir."

"I hope so.  She's a bit uptight."

"Yes, but we all know that about her."  That got some smiles.  "Besides, she's got a soft spot for the harder departments."

"She does," he agreed.  "All right, let's get this meeting started."  He banged the gavel.  "First, anything leftover from last meeting?"  The council members shook their heads.  "Good.  Any new business before we get into the crime lab?"

"I have one."  She tapped her pen a few times.  "We've got to better fund the pound.  They're struggling even with help from people like Xander.  He's the one paying for this month's food and medicine bills."  She looked at Horatio.  "I've seen you talking to him."

"Xander's my husband.  Both our dogs and his son's mothers' dogs came from the pound.  He's still wearing himself out at the pound."

"Wonderful."  She smiled.  He smiled back.  She looked at the higher ups.  "Can we look at increasing their funds?"

"We can," the Mayor agreed.  "We need a few more shelters in the area really.  Do you have the ASPCA budget with you?"

"I can get it.  I was going to ask for a spot for the next meeting."

"Definitely.  Write her in."  The Chief of Police did that since their secretary was out.  "Any other things of that nature?"

"We need to talk about the roads," one of them noted.  "We had two washed out and the potholes in certain sections are getting worse again.  That's going to need a separate meeting all by itself."

"Put that down for the reconstruction meeting."  He did that.  "Anything else?"  No one said anything.  "All right, then we're here mostly to talk about the police department's rebuilding.  Plus one fire station from what I'm told."  He scratched his head.  "Horatio, how much did you warehouse before the hurricane?"

"Most of the moveable things. All the evidence, all the machines that could be moved.  Our exemplar cabinet for ballistics.  The bigger, or built-in computers had to be left.  As well as all the furniture and things of that sort.  We're very lucky the building held as long as it did and we were able to clear the garage."

"We are.  The hummers alone would cost nearly as much as a rebuild."  The Mayor leaned back.  "We need a new building.  Any problems with the old plans?"

"Many of us didn't like the glass walls.  They can be a bit dangerous.  As shown in Las Vegas during a lab explosion.  There were a few things that needed tweaked as well.  Small matters, mostly things like storage areas not being big enough."

"All right," the mayor agreed.  "What changes needed to be made?"  He pushed down a list.   "You came prepared."

"I did it while Xander practiced."

"Is he going to compete this year?" the Chief of Police asked.  "He did very good last year."

"He's going to try but with his recent injuries he's lost some of his conditioning.  Plus he's also managed to fracture his leg again with the stresses and strains of the last few days. He's not casting it because it's not that bad, only cracked a third of the way through, but he is slower and limping."

The mayor nodded.  "It was a good thing that one of our native boys made it to Nationals."  He handed over the list.  "Even prioritized.  I'm impressed."

"It's what I do."

"Good point."  He looked at his chief.  "How much did the Federal redo cost?"

"Them? About ten million. Us?  Some leave time being burnt."

"So, we're looking at a hefty budget for the rebuild?" he asked.

"We can get grants for some of it," Horatio reminded him.  "Using the same plans will save us some.  Plus, some of the lab equipment was still on contract.  They'll have to replace it."  That got some knowing looks.  "I'm well aware a few of my labs were worth more than a million dollars each.  Redoing the labs is going to cost more than rebuilding the building.  I'm honest about that, but there are grants and we may be able to work out deals with some of the equipment manufacturers.  We had testing agreements before.  Plus it would allow us to upgrade so we wouldn't have to for the next five years."

"Averaging the cost out over those five years is less wince-worthy but still wince-worthy, Horatio."  The Mayor looked at him. "How much can we reasonably ask for in grants?"

"Depends on a few being open.  The Federal Lab Grants that got us updated the last time was two million.  There's a few others.  Plus FEMA funds."  That got a nod.  "We can go begging to some manufacturers and get them to donate some hopefully.  I hope the city of Miami doesn't have to pay more than half the cost."

"Interesting.  Do you have a list of contacts you can ask?"

"I can get them.  The people over the labs don't like us, but oh well."  That got a small smirk. "One of them hates me, to be very blunt.  I could care less about his opinion and the last time he was in he snapped at Xander for being in my office to help Detective Messer identify some people who were talking about drug shipments at a social event."  That got a knowing look from the Chief.  "He went in to get a magazine. He's spent a few days on my couch from injuries that I wasn't able to leave him home with.  He's very good about not going into the labs."  The Mayor smiled at that. "He is.  He's also been a great help to the department finding serial killers and helping us with some minor profiling duties, even though his education is on partial hold."

"None of us mind your husband.  We mind the chaos that follows him," the Mayor noted.  "How many officers pouted because he came in wearing a suit that time?"

"About half but I know they won't take Xander and they'd definitely watch out for him if something happened.  When he was so injured the last time, I got multiple phone calls when he moved from the couch to visit the restroom.  Our lab is like a family.  The station is the extended family."

"Very well.  How much are we looking for?"

"Fifty if we're lucky."  The mayor winced.  "Before grants."

"That's still a lot."  He considered it.  "Can we stretch the upgrade further?"

"Depending on if we can arrange testing agreements again."

"Good.  That would be good."  He looked at the Chief.  "How is your budget looking?"

"We budgeted for the overtime necessary.  We do every year.  We shouldn't go over."  That got some nods.  "I have no idea how we'd do it though. That's a lot, Caine."

"I know.  Then again, you had more than one lab together and the morgue."  That got some nods.  "Plus, I do hate to mention it, we can raise some of the money through charity events."

"We can," the Mayor agreed.  "Plenty of the community would love to go to charity events.  A dinner you think?"

"Seems to be the best way," Horatio agreed.  "I'd leave that to those who have those skills."

"Would your spouse help?" the pound councilor asked.

"If asked.  He's never done more than family events."

"Agreed.  We'd never make him do it all, Horatio," the Mayor promised. "My wife usually does those.  I can get her to ask him."  He made a note of that.  "Are those all the changes you need?"

"A few of the techs wanted a better break room and another shot at the park outside to sit in during lunches and breaks."

"I can see that.  Most everything is in place.  It only needs some sculpting."  He looked at the update list, noting a better break room.  "Anything else?"

"Bathrooms close to the labs.  Our only ones on my floor were the break room and with my office upstairs....  Actually, you know what?  Our old design was a better floor plan.  Use that floor plan and use the architectural ones from the new one.  All but the glass. That would solve everything but the breakroom."  That got a smile and a note was made.  "Just make it bulletproof glass or otherwise safe glass.  We don't need an accident that ends up destroying a few labs and sending techs through walls like Vegas had."

"What happened?"

"A faulty hot plate with a sample on top of it was left under a fume hood.  It exploded in their DNA and Chemistry labs."  They all shuddered.  "Their DNA tech had second degree burns and is still scabbed on some of them.  He's the one who came down to help Xander with the children."

"That was an excellent job," the Chief praised.  "Thank you for getting the higher contacts onto that. I hadn't even thought of it."

"Not a problem.  I knew you were overloaded.  A bit of press attention fixed what needed to and Social Services netted a few more children that they needed to know about."

"I heard your husband took one on," the Chief admitted.

"They were a lot like his own," he said quietly.  That got a nod. "Besides, the father pulled a whip on him."  The mayor moaned.  "Exactly.  Xander is fierce in his protection."  His phone beeped and he looked at the message.  He put it back.  "Not an emergency just an FYI."  He looked at the Mayor.  "If we can revive the contracts and if the government gets off its rearend, we could have the new lab back up and running within six months."

"True.  What about until then?"

"We've been subbing with the other labs and I've got a few people out on medical leave.  By the way, I did put Speed back on paternity leave."  His boss nodded at that. "Their son is doing quite well.  He loves to nap beside Tia."  That got some smiles, Tia was a darling child. He looked at them.  "When has Xander had the time to bring her out and show her off?"

"The last polo match," the mayor offered with a grin. "She is adorable. Don and Marisol brought her around."  Horatio smiled at that.  "Are they...."

"We're hoping so.  He seems serious about her."

"Excellent."  He smiled.  "They are terribly cute."  Horatio nodded at that. "The same as you and Xander are."  Horatio grinned. "All right, anything else that we can do to help the crime lab?"

"No.  That should do it and cost the least we can."

"At least you're trying to save us and being reasonable.  Can you work out anything on the contracts?"

"I don't handle those.  The County does."

"Okay, I can get the accounting office to do that then.  We'll see what we can do, Horatio.  Give us a few weeks to pull all the figures and estimates together.  Then we'll meet again?"

"I'm at your disposal as long as I'm not on a scene," he agreed, standing up with a smile. "That one fire station?  Up the street from them is a building that's sitting empty and could probably be renovated.  The two stations that need repairs were ones on the rebuild list as well."

"Thank you," the chief said happily. "I had forgotten about that.  We did have some of that budgeted."  Horatio nodded and slipped into his sunglasses before walking out.  "He could've just saved us tons of money."

"If the grants come through, it'll cost us a lot less to rebuild him," one of the council members noted.  "How soon would that be?"

"It'd probably be a paying back situation," the Mayor admitted. "The government is slow.  Plus we could go to the state for it.  We do have the number one lab in the country.  It's a point of pride."  Everyone nodded at that.  "Get me those plans so we can have them merged.  Also I'll need figures.  I'm briefing the governor tomorrow."  They nodded.  "Dismissed."  They went to do that.  He leaned back to consider it.  Caine had been reasonable considering most of the time the grants had a 'bend us over and take us' mentality about giving him things.  He called his wife.  "Start generally planning a fundraiser for the PD's new lab," he ordered.  "That one.  You can even ask Xander to help since he's married to the lab head."  He smiled. "Yes, they are cute.  No, Horatio wanted about what he had.  We can use some of the old plans and things like that to save us money. Plus it is only right that his husband help you with that sort of thing since he's married into the lab.  See if Wolfe's wife will help as well since he's one of them."  He smiled.  "That would and they're both hyper children.  They would save you some energy, dear.  No, I hadn't heard that they're buying Lisa's place.  It is a great small estate.  Plus it has that pool so he can practice."  He smiled.  "Excellent news.  I know Horatio gets frustrated at some of them. Thank you, dear."  He hung up and went to see his secretary to see what she had for him.

***

Xander looked around Lisa's pool with Eric.  They were going to switch out next week and he needed the people to know what to do. "Is it deep enough?"

"Not for your board.  Or mine."  He walked around the edges.  "It's four foot, which is pretty standard for laps."  He looked around.  "How about we take out the old diving board and have them dig a square section here," he offered, pointing at a spot.  "Put the boards there?  One and five meters?"

Xander nodded.  "I can see that but that would butt up against the bushes."  He considered it.  "It's got some cracks that need filled in."  He walked off to the side, looking over the hedges.  "We have neighbors on that side.  They might complain about it."  He went to look on the other side.  "Hmm."  He wished the house was oriented the other way.  But oh well.  "How about we remove that one and put one in over here?" he suggested.  "We can train ivy over the diving platform's support so no one can complain it's ugly.  That way we could have a playset there.  It'd be easier to watch the kids playing there than here.  It'd also give us a small area for barbecues and things."  Eric looked then shrugged.  "Four lanes?  Five maybe?"

"Five would be good.  More than enough room to practice and play.  Put the diving part at the end. It'd also be shady so you wouldn't burn all day."  He smiled at Lisa as she came out.  "Why did you put the pool there if you don't mind me asking."

"The gas lines are about where Xander's standing."  Xander moaned.  "Not big enough?"

"Diving too," Eric told her.

"He does?"  Eric nodded.  "Well, the neighbors on that side will complain. They're a bit paranoid. Really, I'd have put it on the other side but that doesn't leave much room for entertaining."

"I don't really entertain," Xander reminded her.   She smiled at that.  "I thought you had a bigger yard."

"I do but I use the bushes to give myself a boundary line so I can't entertain a lot."

Xander nodded. "Where is it really?"

"At the green fence."  Xander looked and smirked, nodding at that.  "What were you thinking?"

"Most of the time it's family and it's a cookout.  I'm moving the porch off the kitchen since Horatio likes to eat outside and watch the water."  She nodded at that.  "I'm moving the bushes back and moving the pool. They can shift the gas lines somehow.  I'll put ivy over the board so the neighbors can't complain as much.  Also, this'll mean less burns while I'm practicing."  She smiled at that.  "It's something to consider."  He considered it.  "I'll turn the bush line into an arch and plant the bushes back against the fence.  That way if it's just family we've got enough room and if I have to entertain we can set seats out there."  She nodded at that. "Well away from the pool, which will have alarms."  She giggled.  "I've got to think about that with the kids."  The estate was tooth shaped, with the roots of the tooth being the water view.  Moving the porch that way would give them that lawn.  Putting up the arches would give them a distinct area.  Or maybe he'd just push it back to give himself some room and put up temporary arches. Now all he had to do was find a contractor since Eric's father was so busy.  "Who are the neighbors?" he asked.

"Ephinany and her spouse."  Xander snorted. "I know and they're terribly loud but her mother bought it for her as a wedding present."

Xander looked at her.  "You're kidding?"  She shook her head.  "How did they get their estate back after the drug seizure?"  They had spent four months complaining that they couldn't get their house back because of a supposed guest who had been using drugs and they had gotten turned in.

"Someone bought it and gave it back to them."

Xander smirked.  "Eric, do you smell meth?"

"Yeah, but I have for the last twenty minutes.  Why?"

"Ephinany's husband is Armando de la Cruis."  He smirked back. "I don't want that around the kids.  You?"

"I'll call the drug taskforce myself."  He smiled sweetly. "Who are the other neighbors?"

"Hmm.  On the other side is Harriet and George.  A charming British couple who snowbird.  They've complained a lot about those two.  Across the street is empty the last time I knew."

Xander nodded.  "That'll be easy enough to access once they're gone and it goes to drug seizure," Xander decided.  "We rip their house, put the pool that way. Expand the porch down toward the water."  Eric smiled at that, making the call.  "Any other problems on the street?"

"Yes, Mr. Patrick up on the end.  He's a registered sex offender.  We do worry about him."

"For?" Eric asked.

"Little girls."

"We'll watch for it," Xander promised her.  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  "People don't get to hurt kids around me.  I tend to get upset."  She giggled and went back inside, bringing them out some lemonade.  He took his with a smile and a nod. "So, do you think permanent arches or temporary ones to section off the space?"

"I like the idea of a temporary one with a gate for events."  He nodded, walking her around to talk to her about what he wanted.  She giggled at some of it, like expanding the garage so the hummer could fit inside.  It was a good plan.

Eric hung up and sipped his lemonade, listening to the sirens.  They really had smelled meth and it was bothering him but he had been sure Xander was going to stop that before moving in.  He heard the shouts and climbed on the diving board to watch, smiling and waving at a few of the officers when they looked.  "Caine's moving over here," he called.  Some of the Vice guys cackled at that.  The bust was easily made and they carted out guns that would make Xander and Calleigh sniffle since they'd have to be destroyed.

***

Xander sidled up to the mayor and whispered in his ear, getting a smile and a nod.  "Thank you.  I've got to move the pool so I have room for a diving board."  They laughed and he went back to his rounds.  He found his mate and kissed him gently, earning a smile.  "You know how sexy you look in that tux?" he teased, playing with his lapel.

"What minorly evil thing did you do?" he asked fondly.

"I'm going to help with the fundraiser for the lab.  Also, I'm buying a few feet of the neighbor's place so I can push the fence back more.  That way I can move the pool a bit further away from the house.  The contractor doing the deck will be done in two weeks, when you get back from DC."  He teased his stomach.  "And I'll be on the bed when you walk in."  Horatio smiled at that.  He took a kiss.  "It'll all be done by the time you get back, including your closet."

"Thank you.  Should I worry about this minorly evil plan?"

"No. The neighbor's estate is being broken up since Eric and I had them busted for their meth production."

"I heard.  What about the person at the end of the circle?"

"He's going down if I catch him near the kids.  We've got the only kids in the neighborhood."  Horatio nodded at that, smiling slightly.  "It'll be *fine*.  I promise."

"As long as you promise I won't come home to a decorating crew."

"No.  No decorating crew."  He kissed him again, earning a smile and a polite cough from someone.  Xander looked at her.  "What?  He's going to DC for two weeks."  He took another kiss.  "Slip out now, dear."  He nodded and gave him a hug before leaving.  Xander sighed as he watched his leave.  He called Eric.  "He's going now.  He might stop by the house.  Then let it start."  He hung up and looked at the young lady who had coughed.  "Yes, I'm married to Horatio."

"Why?"

"Because he understands me.  He loves me no matter how many bad thoughts I get sometimes."  He sipped his champagne and nodded at Don and Marisol. "Horatio just snuck off."

"Good.  That means he'll catch his flight.  Did you pack his things?"  Xander nodded and smiled.  "Good.  When is Eric starting on the house?"

"As soon as his plane leaves.  We're paying extra for the extra hours this first week and they agreed it would be okay."  He looked at the young lady.  "This is my Uncle Don and Marisol, his girlfriend."

"I still don't understand why you would marry a man."

"Because I love him."

"It's not socially acceptable."

He looked around. "How many of them care that Horatio and I are cute together?"

"My mother would."  He shrugged.  "Others would," she said insistently.

Xander walked her off to Bess's table. "Bess, dear.  This young one has a question about the socially acceptable nature of my marriage."

"My mother would not approve."

Bess looks at her.  "Xander is one of the stronger members of society, Trisha.  He's done a lot of good work for this community and his husband runs our top Crime Lab.  Dear, didn't I see Horatio?"

"He had to leave to go to DC for the grant meetings."  He gave her a small shrug. "He'll be back in two weeks and I'll have things like the porch and the pool done by then."  Bess gave him a knowing look.  "That as well.  Though I am worried about that one man.  I'm watching him very closely."

"Good.  I'd expect no less."  She stood up.  "Come, Trisha, let's go talk to your mother to make sure she realizes that we do have gay people in polite society."   She looked at Xander. "You're helping with the fundraiser?"

"Willow and I both, ma'am."  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  He went to find Ryan and lean on him.  Ryan gave him a fond look as he pushed him off. "Sorry, got to hang out with someone and Marisol's cooing at Don's tie."  Ryan snickered at that.  He nodded at the other judges.  "Ryan, when is Willow coming over tomorrow to talk about the lab's fundraiser?"

"I think early afternoon since we'll finally have our apartment cleaned up. That way she can take our kids back.  Thank you for watching them."

"It was a joint event."  He clapped him on the back.  "Thank you for helping the lost kids."  He walked off, going to talk to someone else.

Ryan watched his back for a minute.  "Horatio's coming home to a surprise in the remodeling," he noted dryly, cracking the others up.  "Xander and my wife were best friends for most of their life," he explained.  "That look almost always means we won't like something but they're making themselves happy."  He looked at his fellow judges.  "Since Horatio's going out of town and Xander's doing the remodeling, I should probably pop around to warn him."  He sipped his champagne at the laughs. "It's the respectful thing since I like Horatio."  He shook his head.  "Anyway, you wouldn't *believe* the case I had yesterday.  A guy drug in his prostitute of choice, claiming she had taken his money and not performed the balloon sex he wanted."  They laughed at that.  "Seriously. I had to point out to him he was admitting he had committed a crime himself.  Settled it, she gave his money back and I had the bailiff arrest him."

"I saw him in magistrate's court," one of the others admitted.  "He was sulking.  It went back to the fine."  Ryan grinned at that.  "Are you still carrying your gun?"

"As long as I have my shield, I'm required to," Ryan reminded him.  "Even if I retire I might keep doing it just because of some of the stupid gang members I run into now and then in magistrate's court who remember me."  That got some knowing looks.

***

Ryan stopped by a week later, looking around the house.  Then he moaned. "He's going to kill you, Xander."

"No he won't. I'm doing all of what he wanted and the pool."

"And the small estate you've annexed?"

"Well...."  He came out of the study.  "I'm going to sell it within the family probably.  Maybe Di.  Maybe Don.  Or maybe I'll sell it to the Foundation for the meetings since the condo had to be demolished."

Ryan patted him on the back.  "Look really cute and alluring when he gets home.  What still needs to be done?"

"Filling in the old pool, landscaping there and training the ivy up the new diving tower.  Plus the finishing touches on the porch and the kitchen."  He led him that way.  Ryan looked around and moaned.  "Think he'll like it?"

"He will. I do.  What about the kids' rooms?"  Xander beamed and led them upstairs, finding them exactly as they had been.  "Wow.  Nice work."

"Thank you."  He preened.  "Tia's sleeping peacefully in hers whenever we have her.  Eric loves his room.  He's hunting Calleigh down for a story right now.  She and Thomas are having a day out in the sun watching the guys get sweaty."  He laughed and Xander led him to the master suite, which had a lot of the same look as their old one. "I stole the plans from the old bathroom and had them make everything the same.  The last day they're going to move the stuff from both the other houses and bring them here while I do the weapons late that night."  Ryan looked at him.  "Yes, my bunker guy came in.  It's already set up."  He grinned brightly.  "Ooh, come see the office."  He led him in there, letting him see Horatio's office, and his smaller secretarial corner.  "Think he'll think it's too much?"

"Yup.  Because that desk had to take at least four old growth trees."

"Well, yeah, but I found it at auction and no one else wanted to rescue the old dear."  He ran a hand over it.   "I'm pretty certain some old guy had his mistress on it at least twice."  Ryan chuckled.  "Anyway, we're nearly done."

"You're not.  You've got days of work left."

Xander shook his head.  "By the time they go home tonight, they'll have the porch done.  The dog runs will be done tomorrow.  The kitchen will be finished by tonight.  Mostly it's moving stuff and buying half a house of furniture for the spare bedrooms."  He shrugged. "Can I bum Willow since Di's still in St. Louis?"

"Sure.  Who's going to babysit?"

"Umm....  We'll take them with us?"

"If you're sure."  Xander nodded.  "Okay."

"Uncle Ry!" Eric yelled, coming in to pounce him.  "Look, even got reading couch," he said, pointing at the soft black couch in the corner.  "When is Daddy 'Oro coming home?"

"A few days," Xander said patiently.  "The day after cartoons."

"Okay.  We be done by then?"

"Everything should be done by then, except maybe the pool."  He beamed and nodded, leading Ryan off to make sure he had seen his room.  Xander skipped off to check on the workmen and Calleigh.  He hadn't done much internal fixing.  Beyond the bathroom and the porch, plus moving the pool, it was nothing really unusual.  Then the workmen would go tear down the house next door, putting up the new fence first, and make it into a spot for the board.  Mac and the others had already agreed to buy that house off him for that purpose.  Xander skipped to the door when it rang, squealing and hugging his trouble buddy.  "You're back!"

"We are, what happened to our house?" Taylor demanded.

"Hurricanes blow big, huge winds as Eric said," Xander said happily.  "Eric, the mommies are here!" he called.  Eric's squeal echoed as he ran toward them.  "No running on the stairs."  He slowed down to jog down them then pounced his mothers.  He babbled at them as he walked them outside to watch the workmen and find his dogs.

Ryan came down the stairs.  "He missed them."

"He did."  He smirked.  "Now.  Do you think he'll like it?"

"I think he'll sigh at the size and then realize it's comfortable and very you, Xander."  Xander preened at that.  "You're making sure that all the costs are covered, right?  I know most of your money's offshore."

Xander nodded.   "I paid it out of the safety deposit box."

"Good.  He'll be really happy at that."  He patted him on the back. "You still want to borrow Willow?"

"I don't know.  We'll talk over breakfast and then call."

"That's fine."  He smiled at Taylor and Di.  "Ladies."  He hugged them both.  "Have a good vacation?"

"I did," Di agreed. "Didn't get a thing done." Taylor laughed.  "I didn't and it was your fault, woman.  Where are we staying tonight?"

"Hmm.  Depends.  I've got the check for your insurance claim."  They both nodded.  "Since we hadn't signed final paperwork, I had to fill it out.  It came early last week.  The shop is liveable.  It's a bit damp.  The whole bottom floor flooded.  But it's habitable.  I had someone go in to gather up the damp cloth and take it to be dry cleaned.  It's all up in the kid's room and that'll leave you clear to clean it.  Or you could stay at a hotel, or we're going to have to furniture shop because the only bedrooms that're done are ours."  He shrugged.

"My room's the same," Eric said proudly.

"It is, I worked very hard to make it the same," Xander agreed, smiling and patting him on the head. "He's been a great helper."

"I'm sure he has."  Di looked at her son, then Taylor.  "Up to you."

"I can't live above the shop, Di.  Not after the attack," she said quietly.

"Okay.  Hotel or furniture shopping or camping on Eric's floor?"

She smiled.  "Camping on his floor.  We'll go house looking tomorrow.  Where's the check?"

"Office."  He led them that way, handing it over.  Taylor blinked then looked at him. "Too much?"  He looked.  "No, that's the value."   He shrugged and went to talk to Ryan again.  "You're sure he'll like it?"

"I'm certain, Xander.  It's very comfortable feeling.  It feels like a family home that got expanded, a lot."  He patted him on the shoulder.  "Call tomorrow if you need to borrow Willow."  He nodded and Ryan smiled at the ladies.  "I'm going to leave him in your hands.  Have fun."  He grinned at Eric.  "You, young man, will come visit me this weekend.  Toddy's bored with just Lizzy around."  He beamed and nodded. "Cool."  He left, going home.  He worked a lot less hours as a judge, it was kinda nice.

Xander looked at them.  "The only one who's seen any of this is Calleigh and Eric.  His place was trashed and he's been my other evil helper.  Calleigh had Thomas starting on the plane home.  She's out watching the workmen get sweaty."

"We saw.  What is going up off to the side of the house?" Taylor asked.

"Pool.  Diving board."  He gave her an evil grin and bounced over to hug her. "Should I make you come with me or Willow to go furniture shopping for the other four rooms?"

"I'll start the house hunting, you take her," Di decided.  "That way you get a mix of yours and Horatio's styles."  Xander beamed and nodded. "He's coming back when?"

"Sunday.  It'll all be done by Friday and then they're working on the other spot for the board."  He led them back into the office to show them the plans.  They were going to be hidden from his boy.  The phone rang.  "Harris."  He smiled. "Hi, honey.  Di and Taylor just showed up."  He waved at them. "He said hi.  Why does it sound like you're in an airport?  ER.  Why?"  He groaned.  "That's okay.  We've got a ground floor master suite.  Yes we do.  I promise you we do and even if you need a wheelchair for the broken ankle it'll be okay.  Yes, when you get back Sunday, it'll all be finished.  Our room already is.  All I've got to do is find the rest of our stuff and have it moved here. The porch is ongoing and so is the kitchen.  Sure."  He handed the phone to Di, who gave him a look.  He pleaded.

She rolled her eyes.  "Hi, Horatio."  She smiled. "No, it's not a wreck.  It looks like they've got a few days worth of work left.  Yeah, they should be done by the time you get back."

"The new fence might take an extra day," Xander offered.  He leaned back in the sinful desk chair and beamed at Taylor.   "You like?"

"I do. It's magnificent, Xander.  It feels very homey."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Let's go look at the kids' rooms and then the empty one."  She winked and led their son out to do that.

Di sighed.  "No, but he's got an extra bedroom to decorate or so," she admitted.  "It's mostly done. He said it'll be done by Friday, Horatio.  I'm going to trust your boy on this.  He's very bouncy.  Ryan was just here too.  Sure.  No, but the pool's still being worked on.  It looked like they were putting up the diving platform."  She smiled. "I know, he spoiled himself horribly.  Of course. You be more careful and call us if you need us.  He gave us the check and I'm not sure it's not for both houses."  She blinked.  "We weren't going to pay half that."  She sighed.  "Of course he did.  That's fine, Horatio.  Love you too.  Come home safely.  No, he admitted Calleigh and Eric have been here. Calleigh and her son are watching the porch get finished.  I'm not sure.  I haven't heard a dog.  Guys, where's the dogs?"

"In the playroom," Eric called back.  He leaned in.  "Is that H?"  She nodded.  He came in to take the phone.  "Do not worry.  Calleigh and I stopped the grand plan before it got too evil.  Of course.  Then our work crew is going to work on the board's residence next door.  It should be.  Yeah, they're projected to have finished it and then we're moving all the stuff Saturday.  Thanks, Horatio.  Are... why are you in a hospital?"  He groaned.  "Your room is on the ground floor.  It'll be fine."  He smiled. "Sure.  I think I heard squeals from upstairs.  Yup.  The pool's the last thing to get finished, then the moving, then the fence, then the board's place next door on an empty lot."  He looked that way.  "Drug seizure actually.  Sure."  He hung up.  "Xander, have Mac call him about the other spot?"

"Okay."  He called Mac.  "Horatio wants you to call him about the board's residence.  I don't know. He told Eric that."  He beamed. "Nearly done."  He snickered.  "You'll love it.  I promise."  He hung up and went back to bouncing with his son. "Plus, we put in a playroom."

"Oh, you saint," she praised, hugging him.  They'd be able to corral the kids somewhere if needed.  "Now all you need is a housekeeper and a nanny," she teased.

"We've got a cleaning service that'll come in once a week to clean. It's run by a legalized immigrant. That way she can build a great business and Horatio doesn't get into trouble.  It's her and her two nieces. Bonded and everything.  They've already been out and I've already told her she's not allowed near the weapons and where they'll be.  I warned her about the thing he has with the laundry and all that.  She's agreed and it's nice.  As for nanny, there's a reputable, very well recommended, dial-a-nanny service for the occasional needs.  We'll be using them Saturday while we move in the stuff from the other place."  He moved closer.  "Are you worried about the school?"

"I am.  Di's judging it on academic testing and I'm sorry but there's more to a good school than grades on tests."  He nodded. "It'll be okay.  The first day they fuck up he's out of there."  He beamed at that.  She looked around.  "We can start furniture looking with Willow tomorrow, sweetie.  Will everything be ready?"

"Yup. He'll come home to a home that's all done and all that."

"Okay. If you say so."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Let's see the rest of this mansion."

He blushed.  "It's not really.  But I did put in a room with the safety equipment and a pole I can set up," he admitted with a blush, making her burst out in giggles.  He led her down to look at the rest of the help with their son's help.

***

Xander looked up Friday afternoon, smiling at his contractor.  "What's up?  We done?"

"All but a few last pieces of trim on the porch that were running late."  He walked inside.  "We have to talk, Xander."  He looked at him.  "You underpaid us by about two grand."

"I did?  How?"

"We went over."

"Oh.  Okay.  Let me head to the bank."  That got a smile.  "I've got to get money out for groceries and things anyway."

"Okay.  Mind if I come along?"

"Not a problem."  He looked in the top desk drawer and grabbed something, then shut and locked it, heading out with him. "Going to the bank!" he called.

"The kids are with their moms," Eric called back.  "Behave."

"Of course."  He led him out to his car and slid in, letting him get in the passenger's side.  "How did we go over?"

"That extra worker we needed."

"Oh, okay."  He started the engine and headed downtown, going to his safety deposit box.  He smiled at the secretary in his way.  "I need into my box.  I underpaid the contractors," he sighed. "Plus we need shopping money."  She smiled and let him sign in once he had shown her his key.  She checked and nodded, then let him back.  His phone rang.  "Hi, Don."  He grinned.  "No, at the bank.  The contractor said we underpaid him by two grand.  An extra worker.  Here, you talk to him," he said, handing back the phone.  He got into his box with the assistant manager's help, making him smile. "Thank you.  Contractor got underpaid and Horatio's suits were *ruined*."  That got a knowing nod.  He looked in the box and pulled out a wrapped bundle of cash.  Then he hesitated over something else, pulling it out as well.  He winked and they put the box back. "Thank you."  He took it up to the teller.  "Can I have this in larger things?"  She nodded, taking it and unwrapping it so she could run it through the counter.  Twice.  She came back and changed it out of her drawer.  "Two thousand needs to be in hundreds.  The rest in fifties?"  She nodded, doing that for him.  He gathered it together and put all but the two grand into his wallet.  He signed the slip and put his box number, getting a smile.  He walked back to where he was waiting.  "Don wanted what?"

"The paperwork to look over.  That's reasonable."

"It is.  I can take you back there and let him do that while I go replace some things that got wet.  The newer old bunker's drainage system backed up."  He led him out to the car and back to the house, walking him back inside.  He handed Don the money and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to hit the grocery store so we don't have to order tonight and then the suit shop since the dry cleaners said that Horatio's suits were hopeless in most cases.  Can you think of anything else we absolutely have to have before tomorrow?"

"No, I think we're okay once you've replaced the clothes."  Xander nodded, giving him a hug.  "Take Mari shopping."

"Yes, dear.  And Eric too if I have to."  He switched out keys on the board and took one of the soon-to-be-donated hummers that had just been repainted.  "Going grocery shopping.  I was ordered to take both Delkos with me?"  Eric came out of the living room, giving him a look.  "Don said so."

"Fine.  What're we taking?"  Xander held up the keys.  "One of the going-byebye hummers?"

"Yup."

"Okay."  He went to find Marisol, pulling her up and away from Calleigh.  "Don's in the office, we're going grocery shopping."

"Can you get some tampons?" she asked.

"Sure," he agreed, smirking at her as he drug his sister off.  "Come on.  Keys."  Xander huffed but handed them over. "Thanks. I doubt you can park the hummer."  He got his sister into the back.  "What is Don doing?" he asked as he slid in.

"Talking with the contractor.  He claims we underpaid him.  He said we got an extra worker and that raised it by two grand."

"He should've adjusted the estimate."   Eric backed out of the garage.   He had to beep to get the dogs to head back inside, but that was okay.  "They need to be on their line."

"It snapped.  We need to put up a new one in one section.  They're brilliant though, they all managed to make it onto the section that snapped."  Eric laughed at that, turning around and heading for their favorite market.  "I need to hit the suit shop too."

"That's fine," Eric agreed.  "It might be open again."

"Hopefully."  They stopped there first and he hurried inside, finding his usual fitter in there smiling.  "Horatio's suits got ruined in storage."  That got a gasp.  "Everything but his tux and one of the tan ones, his blue pinstripe, and his navy one."  That got a nod.  Xander put down a good portion of the money.  "Fix it."  He put down an address card.  "It goes here.  He comes in Sunday but he's got a broken foot so he's not working Monday."

"I'll do my best, Xander.  We have your file on hand."  He patted him.  "What about you?"

"I'm going to make him bring me in since mine were right with his.  Most of my clothes were," he noted dryly.  That got a laugh.  "Just please do the goldfish switch for him?"

"Of course.  I'll call when we've got it done."  Xander smiled and hugged him then headed back out.  He looked at the stack of cash, counting it and putting it in an envelope.  He went to get the file and find the suits he'd need to replace. Horatio was very picky about some things.

***

Xander beamed as Horatio hopped up to where he was waiting.  "Bag?"  It got pointed to, it was over his shoulder. "Didn't I pack more?"

"I shipped it back so I didn't have to deal with the suit bag too."   He took a kiss.  "Am I going to come home to a mess?"

"Nope.  It's all done."  He gently steered him outside.  "That's your gas foot, think you can drive?"  Horatio shook his head.  "Okay. I brought your hummer anyway.  It was looking pretty miserable there in the garage."  He smiled at that.  "Calleigh and Thomas went home since dad got the nursery finished, finally.  Don and Mari are in one of the rooms next to Eric's.  They also cooked dinner.  Eric's upstairs as well. He was picking on Don earlier.  The kids are with the moms, so Tia's in her nursery."  He let him into the hummer, watching as he had to hop.  "Now I get to tease you like you did me," he said with a smirk. Horatio stared him down and he winked.  "You did."

"This is divine retribution for that," he promised. "Let's go home."  Xander walked around to climb in.  "What had to be done?"

"The garage had to be expanded. It wouldn't fit your hummer, much less your hummer and my car.  Or the others you've still got to hand over. They're back from being painted. Dad suggested we pull some theatrics," he suggested as he backed out of the parking spot.  He waved at the transit cop, then put it into drive and went forward.  "He suggested that the CSIs drive the new hummers up and hand over the keys symbolically so he can tease a few of them."  Horatio smiled at that.  "The pool is now on the side lawn.  With a diving tower, which is pretty because I had them wrap ivy up it.  Plus strawberries on the south side of it.  The fence was put in late Friday.  But it did get done.  Some of the stuff did get wet, mostly my clothes.  The drainage backed up so you need to make me go shopping again.  Your tux was part of that but the cleaner has it still.  They think they can restore it. It's silk so they're working really hard."  Horatio nodded at that.

"Almost nothing else got wet.  The few things that did were old files.  We had them dried out by someone Eric said the lab goes to.  He said they were quiet if you were worried."  Horatio shook his head, just looking at him.  "Also, I had the porch moved from the backyard to the west side yard, off the kitchen.  That way it faces the water and the dog run.  It's all set out for a cookout whenever you want one.  The kitchen got some new knobs and a better stove.  Hers was great but I went with an electric one and had the gas one taken out.  The only gas appliance in the house is now the grill.  Which worked well with having to move the gas line for the pool.  Don suggested a gazebo near the pool, but in the back yard, where the pool used to be.  All that landscaping was done and it was filled in completely.

"We put a small play area out there as well.  It attaches to the porch.  I had them plant a few trees in some gaps in the line.  Taylor, Willow, and I decorated the two spare bedrooms.  Basically I let them each take a room.  Eric calls Willow's the race car room and Taylor's mommy's bedroom."  That got a gentle laugh.  "There's an open room up at the top of the house, a long, not very tall one.  We've left it alone so far. I figure one of the kids might want it when they're older and married for their room when they come home.  Either that or Ray Jr. when he comes to visit from college.  Both nurseries were completed and look *exactly* like the old one," he said proudly.  "Tia still loves hers and Marisol finally quit fussing about it."

"That's good. Where are the ladies?"

"Their new place.  They found a place down by the Delkos since Grandma pouted. A lot."  He took a turn to get off the interstate.  "Are we being tailed by a cruiser?"  Horatio looked and nodded, humming a bit.  "I guess they're wondering why I'm driving.  Oh, the office is also completely finished.  Before you say a *word* I found everything at auction.  It wasn't going to be sold and it might've been chopped up for firewood.  Your desk now locks.  The computer is on it.  It is massive and wood.  It's also ancient.  I've got a small corner desk for myself when I need one or to play naughty secretary.  I joked because I'm sure the former owners probably had his secretary or mistress on it at least twice."  Horatio laughed at that.  He turned toward their neighborhood and the lights came on.  He pulled over and rolled down the window.  "Hi, Prestons.  Do they make you follow us now?"

He gave him a dirty look for even thinking that.  "Harris.  Why are you driving a PD vehicle?"

"I've got a broken ankle," Horatio offered.  "He knew I'd miss the hummer with two weeks in DC.  How was the city while I was gone?"

"Pretty calm. The murders are just now starting to trickle in again."  He looked at him.  "I could arrest you for that."

"I'm being his secretary," he said with a small grin.  "He needs one with a broken ankle."

Prestons held up a hand.  "I don't want to know."  He shook his head.  "Someone said they saw you moving weapons from your old neighborhood?"  Xander nodded.  "Half the PD knows."

"Half the PD knew before," Xander assured him.  "I started with a small collection that was given to me by the mentor guy I had in Sunnydale and then I started to translate stuff out here for someone.  People give him things.  I got a WWII flamethrower."  He moaned at that.  "I've also got a really pretty sword collection.  You should come by and see it sometime."

"No thanks.  You scare me."

Xander beamed.  "You say the sweetest things."

"Don't make me arrest you.  Quit smirking please, sir.  Your husband is disturbed."

"It's him being gone for two weeks."  He dug out a card and handed it over. "We live there now, permanently. If we have to move again I'm bombing someone."  That got a laugh. "Seriously."  That got a smirk.  "We're planning a cookout next weekend.  Would you like to come?  I have a friend who I think you'd like.  She's pretty and thinking about police service.  I think it'd do her good to meet you and she's pretty so you probably won't mind."

"I'll consider it and let you know."  He walked off, going back to his car.  He called dispatch to let them know that Caine had a broken ankle and an assistant right now.  Plus the new address.

Xander pulled back into traffic, doing up the window.  "I think he and Buffy would get along very well and she'd help calm him down."

Horatio reached over to check for a fever.  "Maybe I should drive?"

"I'm fine."  He kissed the hand and smiled at him.  He pulled up to the gate and input the code.  "My birthday."

"At least most of us know when it is now," he said.  He looked at the house.  "I thought it was smaller."

"Nope.  Most of the third floor is the attic and that one room.  Mostly storage."  He pressed the remote for the garage door and drove in, parking it quietly.  He looked at him, then winked.  "Want to tour the house or go to bed?"

"Bed.  My foot hurts.  Not exactly the homecoming you had planned, sorry."

"Actually I did plan for you to go right to bed."  He slid out and slammed the door them came around to help him inside.  He grabbed the bag.  "Since the house is so large, I hired a once-a-week house cleaner.  I told her about your thing with the laundry as well.  She's leaving that to us.  Everything else is fair game, especially the bathrooms.  One of the other ladies turned me onto a babysitting service and they do meet my standards. They watched the boys yesterday while we moved the stuff from the bunkers."  He led him up the two steps into the kitchen, smiling at his happy look.  "Like I said, I replaced the stove and updated the knobs."

"I like this," he assured him, running a hand over the redish oak wood.  Xander helped him up the hall and into their suite. He stared. "It's bigger but the same."

"It is."  He grinned at him. "Including the bathroom."  Horatio went to peek and smiled, then let Xander put him down onto the bed and undress him.  He winced at the pantsleg going over his cast.  "Shh.  You've got shorts for tomorrow.  Not even Di shorts, but Horatio shorts."  He gave him a kiss.  "Would you like some dinner?  We left you some."

"Please."  He pulled him back and kissed him again.  "The kitchen was excellent considering it had been black lacquer."  Xander smirked and went to get him some food and something to drink.  He wiggled his way up to leaning on the headboard.  "Where are the dogs?"

"On the run."  He opened a door, Horatio could feel the breeze, and whistled.  He unclipped their dogs and let them inside.  "Go see the daddy.  Go see the daddy!"  The dogs ran in and pounced him, licking and bouncing around him.

"Good boys.  Sit."  They sat, Percy beside him, Lancelot on his lap.  "Good boys.  Did you help the other daddy?"  He petted them both. "I missed you two.  You two are nearly as good as the Xander to sleep with.  The hotel was too cold."  Xander came in with a tray, letting him smile at the fullness.  It was put onto his bedside table, overtop of the book he had been reading before he left. He went back to petting the dogs, and they adored it.  Then he shooed them off so they could nibble.  "You're spoiling me.  What did you do?"

Xander blushed.  "I had the board agree to buy the rest of the estate next door since it was a drug seizure and I got part of the yard. Their place goes up next week. It's prefab and Mac designed it with Danny and Don.  Stella's decorating."  He fed him a bite of food. "Try that.  He said it's spicy."

Horatio ate it and had to drink too.  "It is.  He must want me up and around sooner."

"Of course we do.  Tomorrow you can call everyone and hop to the office. I'm yours all week. I have no commitments other than my training and the kids."

"Good.  I like that."  He took a kiss. "How did you do the pound?"

"I talked with the mayor and a few council members at that event you snuck away from.  They agreed I could go to the pet warehouse we like and set up a line of credit, even though they weren't the usual supplier of food.  I made sure that they could get everything they needed there, including the normal flea and tick meds and that stuff.  I brought the pound director there and set up the account for them, prepaid it with this year's shopping fund, and left it with them. All they'll have to do is sign an invoice and bring it in.  That way they can keep track for the budget people and all that."

"That sounds reasonable.  Now, what was the minorly evil scheme?"

"Just some spoiling because you deserve it.  You won't mind."  He snuggled in and fed him a piece of breaded cheese, making him give him a look.  "I promise you won't."

"We'll see."  He nibbled another bite from the fingers, sucking on them afterward.  "What's the spoiling for real?"

"Your office."

"I can accept that."  He kissed him.  "I missed you."

"I missed you too.  I wanted to suck you so bad a few days back.  I woke up thinking it was in my mouth and everything," he shared, shifting closer.  Horatio moaned at that.  Xander put the food aside again and moved to kiss him.  He moved from the kisses directly to what he needed. He even ignored the phone.

Horatio petted his hair when he answered it.  "Caine.  What?"  He listened. "Ray, I'm busy at the moment. I just got back from DC.  That's fine.  No, we had to move.  Get into town and I'll tell you," he promised, hissing a bit.  "Xander," he moaned.  "Told you I was busy."  He hung up and arched up into the warm, wet mouth, letting him have whatever he wanted.  He filled his mate's mouth and smiled when it got shared.  "Good boy."

"Not yet I'm not."  Got into the drawer and pulled out some lube, looking at his property.  He moved to suck a mark on Horatio's shoulder, moving down to tease and taste him, make sure the rest of him was fine.  He got down to where he had been and flipped Horatio over, padding his casted foot with a pillow.  Then he moved back up to make sure his back was fine.  Horatio was groaning and arching up into his mouth. He slicked up a finger and inserted it.  Horatio tried to get up to his knees. "No, don't," he whispered in his ear.  "I like you in this position.  Pull that leg up a bit."  Horatio did as ordered.  Xander moved to two fingers.  His control snapped while he was doing it. He slicked himself up and carefully slid inside him, making him grip the pillow under his head.  "Let it go, Horatio. You're mine now."   He pulled out and slammed back in harder.  It was going to be a long, hard claiming this time.  Horatio hadn't been here for two weeks.  Two weeks without having sex.  Two weeks without the touches.  Two weeks of missing his tongue, his cock, and his fingers.  He sped up, leaning across his back to pant dirty things in his ear, making him tense up.  He finally came and went limp across his back, cuddling him.

Horatio pulled his boy around, wincing a bit as he pulled out. He pulled Xander against his chest and found the lube by feel.  Xander didn't get much preparation but he was inside him, going just as hard, just as claiming.  Even though they were on their sides now, that was all he needed.  He finally came in him and nipped the back of his neck.  "I'm home now."

"You are."  He wiggled back into the arms, stroking himself so Horatio could rest his chin on his shoulder and watch him.  He moaned and groaned, getting louder and stronger.  Until he finally shot off when Horatio's hand covered his.  He went limp and snuggled back.  "Pinch me if I hurt your foot."

"I will."  He rested it on top of Xander's top leg, getting a smile.  He let himself drift off that way.  Xander followed quickly.

The dogs looked at the food then the daddies.  They carefully snuck closer and lapped the plate clean, then went to sleep on the couch in the office.  The alpha daddy was home and he had his bitch well in paw.  They didn't need to see more of it.

***

Horatio hopped out onto the porch the next morning, moaning at the view in front of him. "This is perfect, Xander."  Xander beamed and got the dogs onto the line.  The tieout lines looked like a drop ceiling, letting the dogs roam wherever they wanted in the side yard, but the lines were mostly above ten feet except for on the corner of the porch.  He sat down and was fully spoiled by Speed's muffins and omelettes.  Calleigh added some fruit salad to his plate.  He smiled at them when Eric put down some french toast in front of him with some warm syrup.  "I'm feeling very spoiled."

"Wait until you see your office later," Speed teased. "You'll need the energy."  Calleigh hit him on the arm, making him smile.  "I would."

"You will anyway."  She checked the baby in the built-in playpen area.  "Aww, he's finally napping.  Thank you, God."  She looked up and said a firm, silent prayer.

"We all felt that way," Xander assured her.  He pointed behind him.  "There's the new playset and I see our son found a friend to sleepover last night."  He waved at the boys.  "Does your father know you're here, Toddy?"  He shook his head and beamed.  "I'll call him later."  He looked at Horatio. "I turned the smaller parlor into a playroom as well.  That way they have a room to get really messy on the rainy days."

Horatio watched the kids play then dug into his breakfast.  "That is a good idea.  The pool?"

"Has a motion alarm," Eric assured him. "It wakes the neighbors and the dogs have a collar attachment that means it won't go off if it's just them.  It goes off until someone hits the off button from the house."

"Excellent," Horatio agreed, smiling at him. "How is the training going?"

"Decent enough.  You can sit in the living room and watch him but not your office, he said that way you can get things done," Eric offered with a grin.  Don and Marisol joined them.  "Morning, sleepy."

"I'm allowed to sleep in, I start working again tomorrow."  He kissed Marisol on the cheek then sat her down.  "So, Horatio, how spoiled do you feel?"

"Very.  So far everything's the same or nearly so."  He ate another bite and looked at his boy.  "Eat."  Xander beamed and dug in.  Horatio went back to watching the water that was three hundred feet away from them, there was a small inlet up from the beach.  The dogs were splashing in it and drinking then heading back up the lawn.  He heard a twang and Don sighed, getting up to fix that one spot.

"Make that one diagonal, Don.  That seems to be how they want to go," Speed offered.  That got a nod and the dogs bounced around him, but he got them back onto the broken line and put it where it should go.  He picked up a ball and tossed it, making them both run over that line.  It would hold.  He came back up to the porch.  "Nice job.  So, what happened with the contractor?"

"He was padding the extra guy for an extra three hundred."  Xander looked at him. Don sighed.  "I know what you said and I did give it to him since they did such an incredible rush job, but I also warned Mac."  Xander nodded at that.  "How's the fundraiser coming?"

"Okay enough.  We've got everything set up for the dinner cruise.  I was thinking we could do a fun auction for things during it but the mayor's wife didn't like that idea and Willow got glared into agreeing with her.  So we're doing a dinner cruise with a donations bin.  The next day we're doing a 'celebrate the PD' picnic for everyone in the city with a donation bin.  We're presenting the hummers to Fire/Rescue during it, and then we're going to cream them at softball.  Buffy will be in town for that," he announced. "I'm setting her up with Prestons."  Speed and Eric both gave him odd looks.

Calleigh burst out laughing.  "Tell me you're kidding?" she laughed.

"No, he's her type.  Slightly dangerous, big, dark hair if he'd let it grow.  I think they'd get along okay."

"Didn't he quit the clan to join the academy?" Eric asked Speed.

Who nodded. "Yeah.  NRA card carrying member Prestons?  Big muscles, likes to gay bash, him?"  Xander nodded. "With *Buffy*?"

"It'll be good for them," Xander told him.

"Are you insane?" Speed demanded. "Horatio, check him for a fever."

"I did that last night when we were stopped for Xander driving my hummer and he mentioned her to him."  He had mentioned but he hadn't thought it would get this far.

"Underneath the big, bad boy of the block is a guy who does care a lot," Xander pointed out.  "He went after some of the parents the social workers had arrested.  He took great joy in arresting Harley's parents when they went off.  Any bad personality habits she'd probably wear out of him.  Or screw out of him maybe.  Buffy made Angel barely tolerable while they were dating and before he lost his soul."  Speed thumped his head on the table.

"Have another muffin," Eric said, pushing some closer.  Speed looked at him like he was a creature.  "My mother used to say muffins cured things."

"She did," Marisol agreed, taking one for herself.  "They're more fun to make than aspirin too."  She buttered it and nibbled.  "These are great, Speed. Thank you."

"Welcome," he said, deciding to ignore the prior conversation and have a muffin.  One of those strategies would remove his headache.  If not, Calleigh wouldn't let him suffer.  Much.  He looked at the kids.  "Boys!"  They popped out of the kitchen with sodas.  "I hope those are yours and not your father's?"

They nodded, letting him open them.  "Fank you," Toddy said happily, going back to the castle part of the playset.

Horatio smiled at them and went back to eating.  He had to unearth the other spoiling his mate had done.  That way he could figure what deserved a reward and what deserved an interrupted blow job that left him hanging for hours.

***

Horatio limped up to where Frank was waiting for him.  "You have to see the new house."

"Why?  Did he paint it lavender on you?"

"No.  It's a lot like our last house, only bigger.  He had the bathroom remodeled so it's like our last one.  The bedroom is bigger but it's almost exactly the same.  I walked into my study yesterday morning and nearly swooned.  He found this huge antique desk.  I have a study instead of an office."

"I remember your desk.  I helped him get it in there after the auction.  I had to go with him to keep him in check," he noted, smirking at him.  "He found both desks there, they used to belong to an accounting firm."  He clapped him on the back.  "How did you like the pool?"

"I like watching him dive," he admitted.  "He's very good and there's a couch angled so I can sit and watch him from the air conditioning."

"So, what happened to your foot, hop along?"

"Believe it or not I was trying to get out of the way of a charging suspect and he tripped over me.  Because I'm so very unnoticeable."  He got a laugh.  "Seriously.  The local PD up there was very apologetic but that's what happened.  I was coming out of the FBI building after meeting with Fornell."  He moved closer.  "I know there's something else with the way he's acting.  What?"

"Not a clue, Horatio.  We each only knew a little bit.  Except for Calleigh and Delko."

"I haven't seen Eric all day.  They said he could go back to his apartment yesterday so he moved home."  He called him.  "What else was the spoiling?"  He listened to the laughter.  "Eric?"  The answer of 'be observant' didn't make him happy.  "About what?"  He hung up on the continued laughing.  "He said to be observant."

"I was going to ask who did your suit this time.  It looks a lot fresher than mine."

Horatio shrugged.  "The normal guy.  They've worked wonders on me so far."  Frank grumbled at that.  "Sorry, Frank."

"Not your fault.  I need to switch dry cleaners."  He clapped him on the arm. "Can you drive?"

"No but Calleigh's not allowed to do anything strenuous yet.  She's driving me around."  Frank smirked at that.  "She is.  We nearly got busted for Xander driving me home from the airport."  Frank laughed.  "Prestons stopped us."

"I've run into that guy everywhere recently.  Oh, who was he asking about?  He asked Jessup and Sikes who Xander was going to set him up with."

"Buffy."

Frank stared, just gaped.  Then he let out a small whimper.  He walked off shaking his head. "Never mind, joke's on me," he called eventually.

"I wish," Horatio muttered.  He heard the cough and looked at the boss and Prestons.  "Remember his friend Buffy?"

"Heard her mentioned a few times.  Her?"  Horatio nodded. "Is she nice?"

"Yes, but she's a bit like a cross between Ryan Wolfe's wife and Calleigh.  She's cheery and sunny most of the time, but every now and then that streak of danger comes out."

"Interesting," he offered with a smirk.  "When is she coming up?"

"The picnic."

"I'm pitching.  I'll be there."  He nodded at the boss. "He said to drive him, Captain."

"That's fine, Prestons.  What's wrong, Chief?"

"What happened to your foot?"

"A fleeing suspect tripped over me," he admitted.  "Outside the FBI's building."  Prestons laughed at that.  "Truth.  Fornell laughed too."  He shrugged and looked at his boss.  "Did you get my reports?"

"I did, including the ones with the crayon drawings on them.  Sent it home?"

"I had, and Xander found them to send them on. Sorry about that.  My son wanted you to be happy as well."

"Your son is the future cause of many father's ulcers, Caine.  Your nephew pegged it, he'll be worse than he was before he found his lady."  Horatio glared at that.  The Chief smirked.  "In fact he's already causing ulcers.  During their meeting at your place, your son snuggled up to the mayor's wife and asked if he could nap on her since she was as snuggly as you are."  Horatio moaned at that.  "She wasn't quite offended, but...."

"Xander never mentioned that."

"He made Eric explain what he meant. She was slightly mollified when he said she was comfortable and soothing to nap on, plus she was prettier than you were."  He walked off laughing.  "I suppose you could move to New York."

Horatio watched him go and muttered something, and the Chief tripped on his next step.  "Oh, sir, let me help you up," he offered, limping over slowly to help him out of the mud.  "You should watch the mud, it is slick around here."

"All the lawyers over the years," Prestons offered.  The chief glared at him.  "Probably was, sir."  He stomped off.  Prestons smirked at Horatio. "I don't know how you did it," he said quietly.  "But thank you, Captain."

"Not a problem.  I'm not in the mood for him today."  He sighed and walked off. "You should follow if you're on guard detail."

"Yes, sir."  He headed off slowly.  He smiled as he walked past Speedle.  "Pretty day, huh?"

"Did Buffy already get here?"

"No, sir, the Chief just fell in the mud," he shared. He went to get his car door open for him.  "There you go, Chief.  Where to next, sir?"

"The office.  I've got to change before the luncheon."

"Of course."  He followed in his cruiser, knowing he'd be bored.  He saw Harris and the mayor's wife and mentally grimaced. She was uglier than any dog he'd ever seen.  Harris' son must be blind.  He nodded at him.  "Sir."

"Prestons."  He pulled out a picture and handed it over.  "That's me, Willow, Ryan Wolfe's wife, and Buffy right before graduation.  She's the same age as Willow."

He looked. "She's pretty. Young but pretty. Is that a bruise?"

"Yeah, she kicked someone's hind end the night before."  He took it back with a smile.  "She'll be down for the picnic."  That got a grin.  "You'll like her.  She's a bit lost right now but thinking about joining a PD."

"Sure.  We'll see."  He looked at the boy beside him.  "Brought the heathen?"

"Of course.  He wanted to see Isabel."  He smiled at the mayor's wife.  "He really does love Candace and Isabel."

"She's a very sweet woman," she agreed, smiling at Eric.  "You are a charmer, you even tried it with me."

"You are snuggly," he assured her, smiling.  "Plus you smell nice."  She giggled at that and petted him on the head.

Xander kept her from moving.  "I saw someone tampering with the cooling rod under the jell-o salad earlier," he said quietly.  "I'm thinking someone may have made it want to go boom and splatter the pretty clothes."  She nodded, going to check on that.  He looked at Prestons.  "Stay away from the jell-o," he muttered.  "I saw someone tampering."

"Sure."  He went that way, watching his boss since he was loading up on it.  Suddenly it did explode and coated him, barely missing a few others and minorly splattering a few younger girls up the table.  Prestons looked.  Two were in direct line of splatter and hadn't been hit but ones out of the direct line had.....  That was something to ask a CSI.  "Sir," he offered, coming to draw him away. "Let me help you to the bathroom, sir."  He growled and glared at Xander.  "He warned us that he saw someone tampering with it, sir.  I'm sure it'll be taken care of."  He walked him off, taking him to the bathroom so he could clean up.  And he could laugh in peace in the halls. Because he did look odd with the green and orange jell-o chunks plus miniature marshmallows covering him.  This was like the Wrath of Caine being telekinetic or something.  Xander gave him a napkin and nodded at his nametag.  He looked down and cleaned up the mess the boss had transferred, then nodded his thanks.

"Not a problem. You don't disgrace the uniform with jell-o and marshmallows."  He punched him on the arm and went back to discuss the odd occurrence.

***

The chief stomped up to where Calleigh was having lunch. "You will find out what makes jell-o explode," he demanded.

"I've seen it conduct electricity," she offered, eating a bite. She chewed.  "Could it have been a static discharge?  The air is pretty humid today."  She stood up and spit on her napkin, wiping some marshmallow out of his hair. "Sorry, boss, but I am a mom now.  It's instinct."  She sat back down and went back to eating.

Eric came out to join her. "Hey, Chief, how was the luncheon?"  He growled and stomped off.  "Not good?"

"He wanted to know what would make jell-o explode," she admitted, eating another bite of her sandwich.

"Hmm.  Pissing Horatio and Xander off?  Like how he slipped in the mud?"

"Maybe," she agreed, finishing it.  She looked at him. "He did?"

"Yeah, they were in front of the old station, watching the clean up.  He stomped off after saying something to Horatio and slipped in some mud."

"I didn't know we had mud out there," she admitted.  She shrugged.  It happened she guessed.  She was in a good mood.

"Thomas sleep through the night?"

"Yup, sure did," she agreed happily.  "Even if we did check on him fifteen times to make sure he was still breathing, he slept through the night."

He patted her on the back.  "Tonight you'll crash and if he wakes up you won't hear it.  He'll go back to sleep this time."

"Oh, good.  You're sure it'll keep going?"

"Most of the time," he promised.  "No matter that Eric does like to get up and wander all night."

"Still?"

"Chased Lancelot the other night. Didn't you hear him?"

"No.  I was trying to sleep and Speed was cuddlesome."

"That is how many children are only ten months apart," he said wisely.

"Oh, no.  I'm fixed.  Ain't no more babies coming from this body.  I had my tubes clipped, thank you very much."

"Good.  My niece said that children are a horrible punishment for forgetting your birth control."

"She's right.  I love my son but there are moments."  She stole one of his chips to nibble.  He handed that bag over and pulled out another one, making her smile. "Thanks."

"I didn't figure he's letting you eat junk food yet."

"Nope."  She ate another chip.  "I missed these."  She nibbled the next one.  "They should sell Sun Chips with a roll of wet wipes."  He giggled at that. "Seriously!  Every single time."  Horatio sat down with a moan.  "Foot hurt?"

"Definitely."  He handed her over the hostess cake from his lunch.  "He knew you'd need some."

"I was telling Eric that Sun Chips should be sold with a roll of wet wipes."

"That's why Xander doesn't eat them after the one time I tried," he said wisely. He looked in there and sighed, handing it all over.  Eric produced another bag. "You made me lunch?"

"No, he sent it because he realized you only had her treat pack."  Calleigh smiled as she dug into the treats.  "You should keep them here."

"I should."  She dug in.  "Oh well."  She devoured all the treats and felt a bit sick but it was a sweet feeling.

***

Horatio got up the next morning and started to put keys in his pockets, then remembered to switch the keys around.  That left one had a hole.  He listened to the change move as he shifted it to his right side, no hole. He checked.  No hole, no obvious fixes since his dry cleaner always top stitched.  He looked at the sleeping man on the bed, then checked another suit he knew had a hole.  No hole.  He stepped back and looked.  He had two copies of the same suit.  He hadn't realized he had packed that one.  He smirked and limped over, kissing him awake. "Thank you for replacing the ones that got damaged."  Xander gave him a sleepy smile and pulled him down for another kiss.  "You do spoil me all too often."

"Suck it up or get it worse," he murmured, taking another kiss. "Are you sure you want to wear that to the meeting?  Wear the new green one."  He yawned and flipped back over.  "I wanna see your butt in it."

Horatio went to change, finding that one in the back of his closet.  "You didn't have to."

"Did so.  Makes you look hot.  Either that or a leprechaun."  Horatio laughed and sat down to put that one on.  He checked himself out, letting Xander see.  "Change the jacket."  Horatio nodded, changing it for his black jacket.  "Nice.  Nice pants."  He stroked a hand over them, making his mate shiver.  "You be a good boy today and I've got a surprise for you tonight."

Horatio moaned. "No more spoiling."

"Not."  He smirked.  "Go be a demanding boss and make the Chief beg and whimper to service you and build you a new lab."

"I'll settle for the new lab."  He stole another kiss and walked out, finding Eric waiting on him.  "You're driving me over?"

"We're all going to be there.  Speed's back in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt but he's on leave with Thomas.  He's there with us by the way."  He slid in to drive and Horatio hopped in.  "That's a new suit."

"Old jacket, new pants.  Well, new jacket to replace the old one."

Eric looked at his watch.  Then at him. "It took you three days to notice that?"  He started the hummer and pulled out, heading to City Hall.  He followed him inside, nodding at the others.  Horatio took his seat like he owned it, getting a few moans from the others.

The Mayor smiled at him.  "Have I mentioned that Eric is very sweet?"

"You have and he is," he agreed, smiling at him.  "My son still insists that your wife is very snuggly and pretty, plus she smells nice."

"She does.  I like that perfume as well."  He smiled at the group layered behind Horatio.  "I feel like I'm about to ask the Godfather for a favor on his daughter's wedding day."  Horatio cracked a smile at that. "New suit?"

"Half.  New pants.  The jacket made me look a bit... like a leprechaun according to Xander."  That got a laugh.  "His choice, he said he wasn't sure. It'll find its way into his closet instead since we wear the same size."

The mayor smiled and nodded.  "While you were gone, he did wear one that looked almost exactly like your favorite tan one."

"No, that was in DC with me.  So apparently it was his."  He smiled at the others as they came in, standing since two were women.  "Ladies, gentlemen.  Boss."  His boss gave him a look.  "Did anyone ever find out what happened to the jell-o?"

"No, they didn't.  CSI Duquesne thought it might be a static discharge of some sort."

"Interesting.  I'll have to experiment to see."  The chief glared at him.  "So, you've seen what the various agencies can do for us.  How short does that leave us?"

"About thirty million," the mayor sighed.  "What about the contracts?"

"Perhaps. I've talked to the ones I had the numbers for at home.  I've talked to a few others. They all want to see the lab built first. Then we would get testing agreements."

"Which could potentially leave us short at the worst moment if they decide to yank the trial version from us," Speed offered.  That got a sigh.  "It's not a bad thing and we had three labs before that were test labs. The rest had the other things."

"Okay, so that could ease it some?"  Horatio nodded.  "How much?"

"A few million. In a few cases there's no new version of some programs or machines.  There's no new mass spectrometer for instance."  That got some sighs, that was one expensive machine that did a lot of work.  They had gotten a look at the budget for outfitting the lab the last time.  "I wish I could drum up more."

"All right, right now, we need about ten million to just do the building.  Should we be able to raise that amount, the lab would come easier.  Correct?"  Horatio nodded.  "Is there any way we can get the lab built for less?"

"Only if we cut dangerous corners."  A messenger came in and handed him something, making him sign a slip.  He nodded and the man disappeared.  He opened it.  Then he smirked.  "The Benis Foundation.  The board members got together with Don, without Xander or telling Xander, and decided that since Patrick had such respect for the lab and had included it in his will that a small grant could be shifted over.  They had planned it for the next lab upgrade."

"Which will leave us short when?" the Chief asked.

"Eight years.  Expect to need another three million."  He passed down the check and the note to the mayor.  "It's a start."

Speed coughed and pulled something out.  "Don Flack sends this," he offered, handing it to the boss.  Horatio looked at it then at him. "He knows.  Mac told him.  You know we're his family, Horatio.  He said we are not to put a plaque anywhere to him. Just keep it quiet and let it go."

Horatio smiled at the check and passed it down.  "Nearly halfway there."

"Six more is needed.  What about your husband?"

"My husband...."  He called him.  "Xander."  He listened to him chatter.  "No, about the labs, not about Eric.  Though, if he's that sick, put him back to bed."  He told him why and he grimaced.  "Remind him that's why the dogs don't eat grasshoppers, no matter what he saw on the food network."  Speed snickered at that.  He looked back at him. "Keep it up, watch him vomit grasshopper for the next three days."  He listened to him.  "Don and the board have just come forward with donations to the lab...."  He listened, stunned.  "Xander?"  He listened to his reasons why he wasn't donating to the building and his heart grew.  "Thank you, baby."  He hung up and looked at the Mayor.  "Xander is going to personally outfit one of the labs, ballistics."  Calleigh squealed at that.  "Plus part of trace."  They smiled at that.  "Providing we get a building."

"How much will that save us later one?" one of the female members asked.

"Approximately three million," Calleigh told them.  "He keeps all his off-shore anymore.  It was a surprise to all of us."

Speed looked at her.  "He's been talking to Mac about it."

"Ah.  He'd know."  She hugged his arm and took their son.  "My turn."  He gave her a dirty look then went back to sleep. "Sorry, son.  Just be like your daddy."

Speed smirked.  "Of course he is."  He looked at them.  "When do we break ground?  I'm sure among the social connections this room has we can raise the other six and probably half the cost of the lab."

Xander leaned in and looked at him.  "Did we know the IRS hates me suddenly?"

"Yeah, it's because of that senator.  Did they freeze you again?"

"No, but one of them suggested I move off-shore with the money.  Called to say that."  He handed over a cashier's check.  "I had it cut three weeks ago, just in case.  That'll be good even if they do freeze my funds.  That is *only* to go to the labs once they're built."  That got a quick nod.  "Again, if you put my name anywhere in the lab, I'll throw a hissy fit and deny it, while making everyone's wives pout."  That got some laughs.

"They do dote on him," the mayor assured them.  "No son?"

"Grandma."  He smirked.  And he presented another envelope.  "From someone the Vegas team knows.  Greg sent it down by courier two days ago."  He bowed.  "Plus another from a snowbird in New York through Lisa."

He opened them and smiled, then relaxed. "You have a building, Horatio.  Beatrice Holdern donated forty million and wants something named after her."  He handed it down.

He made notes of the names.  "We'll do thank you notes tonight, sir."  He stood up and smiled.  "Is there anything else?"  They shook their heads.  "When can we break ground?"

"Clean up ends in a week.  Look at the layouts," he said, handing down a CD.   "Let me know."  He took the laptop from Eric to look it over.  "You're efficient."

"We've learned from him," Eric joked with a grin.  He looked at Xander.  "My mother?"  Xander nodded.  "She came over?"

"Yup, called it a whorehouse in the making too."  He patted him on the back. "Your mommy needs drugs.  Again."  Eric moaned.  "Because if my very pagan son starts to call her Jesus again, I'm going to throw a fit."  He kissed him on the cheek.  "But we love you and Marisol and your dad anyway."  He smiled sweetly.

"I'll talk to her," he promised.  He looked at Horatio.  "We good?"

"Break room could be a bit bigger," Horatio offered. "It's also an alternate meeting area and occasionally a nap spot."  He looked up.  "Add some benches along the non-windowed wall.  Plan for at least three more machines if possible."  He handed it back. "Otherwise, it's perfect."  That got some smiles.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  We'll take bids today, Horatio."

"Keep me informed, sir.  Do you want my people on leave or filling in?"

"Leave, please," the Chief complained. "You're the only non-working department with overtime."

"Miami never closes," Xander reminded him. "They think up many interesting ways of keeping them up and frustrated."  That got a small smirk from the mayor.  "Thank you, sir.  You have a wonderful day."

"The hummers, Horatio?"

"During the picnic, sir."  He looked at Xander, who nodded.  "Theatrical?"

"You, either Dad or Eric, and Calleigh.  To their Chief, one of their top officers, and their top female officer."

"Good."  He smiled.  "Well thought out.  Anything else?"  They shook their heads.  "Then we'll go home for the day.  Call us if you need us."  He waved a hand and let his lab go first, following them with Xander.  "What's wrong with the IRS now?" he asked quietly as they walked.

"The new estate.  It got me tagged in the system.  They're doing an audit."  He looked at him.  "I've got to finish balancing the books for this month and Ray Jr.'s on a cruise for the next two weeks with his high school graduating class. Help?  Please?"

"Of course.  Do we have all the records at home?"

"On the backup CD's and Phil's copies weren't the originals.  The others are in the safety deposit boxes."

"That's fine.  Plus the paperwork from Mac and Christie's?"  Xander nodded.  "Then we should be able to pull it together.  Are they thinking penalty?"

"I don't know, they won't talk to me.  They advised me to get an attorney and to bring in this whole list of stuff."

"We can do that and your tax preparer."  He stroked his back.  "Relax.  It's not that bad.  You could've overpaid."

"Oh, please let it be that, Goddess," he prayed.  "Please.  I can't stand thinking about doing what Cordy's family did and losing everything suddenly."  Horatio looked at him.  "Her father didn't pay taxes in ten years.  They confiscated everything, including the family home."

"You've been paying taxes.  They can't do that," Horatio reminded him. "At most, you possibly took an extra deduction or claimed Eric when you shouldn't have."  Xander sighed and nodded.  "Let's go home and look it over then we'll bring it to Peter."

"I got the certified letter last night and opened it this morning right after you left.  They want us in there tomorrow.  They're playing dirty."

"I know, but we have everything.  Correct?"

"If we don't, I can get it faxed."

"That's fine then."  He sent up his own prayers to all the deities.  His God and Xander's Gods. They'd need the help with the IRS.

***

Xander looked at the guy doing the math across from him.  "You can ask Peter, he went back over the books with us.  Plus that's the statement of all the deductions so far this year."

"I can see that, quiet," he ordered.

"No," he snorted.  "This is my life you're playing with. I have the right to babble."  Horatio squeezed his hand and he looked at him. "I do."

"It's a nervous reaction, Xander.  You're a very honest man most of the time, unless you're trying to be sneaky when you spoil me."  He gave the hand another squeeze.  "Calm down.  I'm here."  Xander relaxed and nodded.

The IRS agent looked at him.  "Why are you here?"

"I'm his spouse."

"It's not legal."

"Nor is me shooting you."  The agent swallowed and he opened his coat to show his badge.  "We are not separated.  We may have to file separate taxes but we are not separated when someone threatens my husband."

"I don't see it as a threat unless he's done something wrong."

"Then you would've given him enough time to prepare normally.  Not rushed it for two days."

"Day and a half, I didn't get the letter until four that day."

"He had missed another meeting with us," he said stiffly.

"Yeah, hurricanes do interrupt the mail," Xander said bitterly, glaring at him.  "Just get back to the math. I know I didn't make an error this time."

"No, you didn't."  He looked at the tax accountant.  "You did.  His son...."

"We have him at least half the time," Horatio agreed.

"He didn't claim him," the IRS agent said bitterly.

"That's so his mother can. I usually get a pretty good number of deductions with all the charity work I do.  She needed him more that way."

"I see."  He looked at the receipts for charity events, including tickets, and then at him.  "What else do you do besides go to events?"

"I'm presently working to go back to Nationals this year in swimming and diving and I'm trying to take six hours of college courses, plus I run our foundation.  Mostly, I play with the kids," he admitted at the disgusted look he was getting.  "Mine, well ours now, a few friend's kids.  I spend a lot of time with them helping their parents."

"You don't have a nanny?"

"No.  Occasionally we use a babysitter."  He shrugged. "I'm a perfectly good parent.  So are their parents.  Every once in a while we have to go to the extended family for emergencies, but not otherwise."

"I see.  Do you claim your college expenses?"

"I only went six hours every other semester this last year.  I thought you had to be full time."

"You do but there is a tax credit for the part timers."  He grimaced, glaring at the tax accountant.

"I'm hampered by him," he pointed out.  "I tell him what to bring in and he brings this huge file and his account books plus statements.  It takes me three days to get through his taxes alone."

"I tried going through you guys but you guys hated me," Xander said with a small pout.

The agent leaned back and rubbed his eyes.  "All right, first of all, whoever set this up, it's a mess."  Xander nodded.  "You know that?"

"Yeah, but I've gotten used to the mess.  Especially since we had so many troubles with people who hated us for being together and did things like file fake warrants with my bank to freeze my accounts.  We even had a judge who upheld it after the fact because he didn't want Horatio and I together."

The agent nodded and sighed.  "All right.  Were I you, I'd simplify the accounts off-shore into two or three, not ten or twelve."

"Fourteen," Xander said.  "Thirteen came and I immediately split another one."

"Why split them?" Horatio asked.

"They're above what would be returned in case of theft," the agent told him. "Do you look over his shoulder?"

"No, my nephew does that with him.  Now and then I look but I'm confused about how it was set up."

"What got him tagged?" Peter asked.

"All the off-shore accounts without a source of income listed," he said dryly.  "They thought he was a drug lord."

"I don't even take pain killers when I need them," Xander said, looking confused.

The agent looked at him.  "Why not?"

"He's tough that way," Horatio told him.  That just got a nod.  "What should he be doing?"

"He should have set it up as a small corporation really."

"I can't, not with the foundation," Xander told him.

"Can you quit the board?"

"No.  My grandfather started it and it was started so Don and I could continue his good works."  He leaned forward.  "Unfortunately my inheritance has been hyped and heaped upon by people who want me."

"I've noticed. Why?"

"I used to be a stripper."

"Did you file taxes that year?"

"Yes.  I came to you guys to do that."

"All right, that was wise.  What did we suggest?"

"Auctions, setting it up in a trust.  That stuff."

Horatio cleared his throat.  "Your trust is still in Miami, right?"  Xander looked at him and nodded. "Then what's off-shore?"

"The proceeds of the auctions."  Horatio blinked.  He sighed and pulled over the index book to let him look at it.  "That's how it's set up.   The tax guy I first went to helped me set up the first one and the bank down there thinks it's too much in each account so they split it off into a secondary one."

Horatio sighed.  "We are going to make an appointment with Rebecca's husband, Xander.  We're going to see what he suggests since he sits on the board of many banks."

"No, you're going to listen to me," the agent told him firmly.  "Does he have any skills that could create a business?"

"No," Xander told him.  "Not unless I start to deal in antique weapons."

That got a head shake.  "Too risky.  Can you copyright your name?  You said you went to Nationals in a sport?"  He nodded.  "Any endorsements?"

"I came in second in a non further game year.  I might not make it this year due to injuries earlier in the year."

"Okay, medical expenses are where?"  Xander pointed at the pile.  He sighed.  "I'm going to get a senior agent.  A guy who's been here fifty billion years. One who they consult with on the new tax laws.  All right?"  Xander nodded.  Horatio went back to reading.  He walked off muttering.

"I tried, Xander."

"I know you did, Peter.  I'm not blaming you.  You did really good.  It doesn't look like I owe anything.  Hopefully," he said, biting his lip.

"No, they're talking you didn't take deductions you should have," Peter assured him.

Horatio looked up from his reading.  "What's this intermediate account?"

Xander looked. "The safety deposit boxes."  He blinked at the stare.  "What?"

"We are sitting down to straighten this out, Xander.  I'm not sure how you know how much you have at any given time."

"Ray Jr. and I worked out a system," he said, pulling those books over to show him.  Horatio moaned when he saw it.  "It works."

"I can see that. At least you remember to write down transfers and balances."  A very old African American agent and the younger guy came in.  He handed back the books.  "They're going on the checkbook system."

"Simplest is always best," the senior agent said, looking at the piles of papers. "How many years is this?"

"I asked for this year's, I figured if I had to I could use it to go backward," the junior agent offered.  He opened the main ledger to let him look at it.  "I'm trying to do the spreadsheet."

"I can see that."  He sat down and looked at Horatio, then at Xander. "Let me guess, you started out okay and then things got too big for safety measures so you split off?"  Xander nodded. "Plus you've got feeder accounts coming from your off-shore ones?"  Xander nodded again. "Plus probably one to transfer out?"

"No.  Most of the off-shore stuff came from people who left me stuff that I didn't want and I auctioned it off through Christies.  That pile is the one with the pink edges."

He flipped through that then looked at him.  "Why?"

"Stripper," Xander said firmly.  "Known locally as Darkness."

"Ah!"  He nodded.  "My daughter saw you once.  She raved for weeks."

"I'm apparently a family curse to one family in the Middle East.  Two of their members have went gay and left me everything after trying to own me.  Horatio's trying really hard to keep me sane about that stuff."

He looked at him. "I hope you can.  Let's see if we can get this year's straightened out.  What are the other piles?"

Peter pointed. "Medical.  Childcare.  Emergency issues like the last hurricane.  Charity events and contributions.  Costs associated with that and to running his own charitable foundation."

"All right.  You are?"

"Peter Blocovich, sir.  His tax accountant.  I've been trying but now and then he gets stubborn.  Like saying his son's mother can have the deduction for him even though he does spend a good amount of time with the boy."

"My son is not a tax deduction," Xander said firmly.  "Besides, his mother needs it more."  He looked at him. "The various account ledgers are leading back to the index one," he said, handing it over.  "The green one is solely my trust. The others are the off-shore and the blue is for the safety deposit boxes and the ready cash I keep on hand."

The man nodded once and got to work on a new spread sheet, starting there.  He eventually sent them out to lunch and took Horatio's phone number to call them when he was done.  Six hours later, he called.  They trooped back in.  "I have never seen a more complicated system," he offered.  "Drug lords would want this system.  Please don't tell anyone how you did it."  Xander nodded at that.  "All right."  He handed over a copy of the spread sheet, making Xander stare in awe.  "This is what you have, this is what you're claiming as deductions.  This is what I can allow you to claim.  Unfortunately your wardrobe is not claimable at this time."  Xander nodded at that.  "For the emergencies, I can see those."  He looked at Horatio.  "You get spoiled a lot?"

"Yes, I do," he admitted, patting Xander on the back. "That is much simpler."

"It is.  I can write the name of the program out for you."  He pointed at the end column.  "This is your tax debt for this year."

"It's, like, millions less than last year," Xander said.

"I realize that.  We'll need everything since you turned eighteen to trace it back."  Xander nodded.  "Do you have that?"

"In the trunk of the car."  He looked at him.  "What do I do now?"

"Now, you let me finish this analysis.  It appears we're going to be sending you money.  I won't argue with you about not claiming your son.  That's a wise decision in this case since you clearly don't need the deduction anyway.  Now, about this real estate trade?"

"I thought it was okay."

"It is, though you can file for capital losses."  Xander looked confused.  "Taken any accounting?"

"One.  That was spring semester.  I'm supposed to take two this upcoming one."

"Good.  Do that.  Go through tax and investment accounting if you can.  It'll help.  Until then."  He handed Horatio another sheet.  "Since it appears you hold him sane and in control."

"I try."

"Very well. I do understand. I do the same in my family.  Do this. It will not interfere in the foundation."  Xander relaxed at that.  "It will, however, move your off-shore accounts somewhere that is a tax haven that businesses like to use.  The same as some very rich people and some drug lords do.  If they ask, tell them you used to be a mistress."  Xander nodded at that.  "That would allow you to move all your accounts into three main ones.  They should feed into two here.  Plus your trust. Whoever set up your trust did a very good job."

"He started the others too."

"Then he wasn't foreseeing them getting this big, son.  Doing it this way means you can easily keep track of it in a spreadsheet, like I did."  Xander nodded at that, looking much happier.  "Now, are you deducting anything else this year?"

"I got given some property and vehicles.  I'm donating the vehicles to the departments here in Miami and the sale of the property is half going to my retirement and half going to charity," Horatio offered.

"Thanks to people who're afraid of wanting you two to do it for them, yours and his are completely separate.  Except for the three accounts in both your names."

"Three?" he asked, looking at his mate.  "I knew about two."

"There's a retirement fund in both your names," the junior agent offered. "You'll be able to drive a new hummer every day for the next eighty years thanks to it."  Horatio moaned.  "He's trying to look out for you."

"I know he is.  What about the safety deposit boxes?"

"I don't mind those," the senior agent admitted.  "It's good for emergencies or ransoms.  I know he dips into it now and then for shopping."  Xander nodded.  "Did you get receipts for anything you did after the hurricane?"

"No.  I bought the kids I was helping some food.  Didn't I put the stuff from the pound in there?"  That got a head shake.   He looked at Peter, who checked his folio.  He shook his head.  "I, um, set up a line of credit for the local pound so they could feed and treat all the extra animals.  It was, if I remember right, 143,000 dollars."  They blinked. "To feed and care for ten animals for a night costs sixty bucks.  I pledged for the whole year and they've got over three hundred right now."

"That's very generous of you."  He checked, finding it under the desk protector.  "Let me figure this in."  He added that in.  "What about the food you said you bought?"

"I was working on one of the lost kids's shelters.  I bought toys, food, and clothes.  Not that much.  I don't think I saved receipts on that.  I'm good with missing out on that."

"That's fine.  At this level it'd only cut off a few dollars."  He printed off the spreadsheet again and let him see it, watching his face light up.  "Now, let's have it for the last five."

"Let me get it, it's in the car," Horatio offered, going to do that.  Xander paid a lot in taxes but he had no idea of his real net worth.  On the way he called Yelina.  "Can I have Ray's accounting project with Xander's money?  Just to look over?  We're simplifying the system."  He smiled.  "Thank you."  He hung up and got into the back of the hummer, glaring one of the guards into helping him carry the three boxes.  He shut it by remote, that was a nice thing Xander had done.  He walked them back upstairs and handed them over.

The dates on the boxes were looked at and he started at the earliest.

By the end of the night, it came out about equal because Xander hadn't claimed some of the tips he got while he was stripping.  They ended up paying Xander thirty-three dollars.

***

Horatio looked over as the financial manager *he* had hired finished with the setup of everything and got everything moved to the new accounts.  Confirmation was faxed over and signed, then faxed back.  Statements were faxed over.  A new set of ledgers were started.  He walked Ray Jr. and Xander through the process of upkeeping it and of how to do it on the computer.  Doing the ledgers was for them.  Doing the spreadsheet was for the IRS. The trust was looked over and that ledger was left alone.  The security boxes were looked over and whimpered at but most of them went into his shopping account or one of the more tax deferred accounts.  It only took two weeks for it to be straightened out.  Horatio looked at Xander.  "Can you do that?"

"I think I can."

"Good.  You're taking accounting classes until you understand every single frustration you gave the IRS."

"Yes, dear."

"Who ended up straightening this gluey pasta mess out?" the manager asked.

"Him," Xander said, pointing at the card.  "I'm to ask for him when I go back to do my taxes this year.   He thinks some of this moving is deductible too."

"It is," he agreed, looking at Horatio. "You look surprised."

"I never kept track of the auctions.  It was my mistake."

"Sorry, Horatio," Xander said quietly.  "There's only one left."  Horatio moaned.  "Half the loose gems, you said so."

"I did," he agreed, "but I believe I said three-quarters."

"I was going to do that locally through one of the jewelry stores."

"Fine, Xander. We've got to keep more receipts."

"Fortunately you've got more filing cabinets," Ray Jr. quipped.  He looked at him.  "Okay, so what do we do with this auction?"

"You have it put into this account," he said, tapping the last one.  Ray Jr. nodded at that.  "Good.  Now, I have seen the orders to electronically lock it without you two authorizing it or without one of you and your nephew?"  They nodded.  "Why?"

"Because he's a cop and I'm paranoid," Xander said honestly.

The manager smiled. "Good idea.  Very good idea.  You never know when someone could be being blackmailed or otherwise forced to get into accounts.  Are we foreseeing more wills?"  Xander moaned.

"We certainly hope not," Horatio told him.

"Good.  Excellent.  This will hold, even if the bank down there goes belly up, their insurance will pay you all of what went missing.  Even if there's a hostile takeover of the world, it'll be paid."  Xander relaxed at that.  "Anything else?"

"I hope not," Xander offered.  He leaned forward to shake his hand.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  Let's hope no one else has any more headaches."  Ray Jr. nodded.  "It's been a pleasure helping you gentlemen."  They smiled and left with the new ledgers and forms.  He signed out and the accounts were locked for them.  Before he even had an ounce of temptation.

***

Ray Jr. looked at his uncle in the garage.  "We need to talk."

"About?"

"Father called me with some interesting news."  He looked at Xander. "When we were up there running from the serial killer, did you touch anyone?"

"No!" he said, looking offended. "I was with Horatio by then."

"I know that but he claims he found a kid who looks just like you."

"How old?" Horatio asked.

"Probably during our running away time. He spotted him at Coney Island and followed him to track his mother.  So if it wasn't him it's either a coincidence...."

"My uncle or father, or the Watchers," Xander said grimly.

"We'll see if she'll do a blood test," Horatio said quietly.

"Dad already did.  She has no idea who the father was.  She claims it was at a party. She and the boy have been tested, he needs some of Xander's."

"Sheldon's got mine on file," Xander offered.  "He and Greg were doing the sweat survey stuff."

"Okay, I'll tell him that."  He called.  "Dirtbag.  He said to talk to CSI Sheldon Hawks.  That he was doing a sweat survey and had his DNA on file he thinks.  Of course.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "He'll call him tonight."  He called up the picture on his phone and showed it to them.

"I looked more like Eric at that age," Xander said quietly.  "I can see what he did.  It's not me though.  Maybe a cousin or a brother."   The phone rang and he answered it. "Junior's phone."  He listened. "That's fine, I can give one.  Horatio can take one for me.  No, I looked almost exactly like Eric according to Willow's pictures.  That would leave three possibilities.  My father was still alive at that time. My uncle was still alive at that time.  Or the Watchers Council."  He nodded.  "Thank you."  He hung up.  "He was with Danny at the labs to get the test results.  Sheldon said his is too old and he never did a full DNA workup."

"I can take one tonight and have it Fed Ex'd," Horatio agreed.  "Let's go home."  He got them into the hummer and got in to drive, thankful that his foot was healed now.  He headed home, much happier now that everything had been straightened out.

Xander's phone rang.  "Hello?"  He smiled.  "Hi, Candace. No, I'm mostly done with him.  They said my finances looked like a mess of spaghetti that had been left in the pot too long without butter.  The IRS wanted to look at it and they got headaches.  We sent me to the guy Horatio hired to straighten it out.  Of course you can.  No, I had more than I thought. We never took into account interest."  He shrugged. "No, it's all done.  I'm done with him for the night if you want him.  Why?"  He looked at Horatio then snorted.  "He'd be really mad if I let that secret slip. Let's just say I have more money than the Foundation and leave it there, okay?"  He smiled.  The phone was taken by one of his other patrons.

"Thanks, dear.  You can tell them that they're nosy for no good reason and to butt out.  No, I'm fiscally fine, Rebecca.  I'm sure I am.  The IRS pinged the off-shore accounts looking for drug lords.  Called it a mess of spaghetti that had been left too long before getting buttered. They fixed it and then Horatio drug me to someone who could simplify it for me.  Nope, he had me move it to a different off-shore place and set it up in three accounts instead of fourteen. He straightened out my ten locally into three as well.  Plus the safety deposit boxes.  Of course."  He smiled.  "No, that's Horatio's doing. He didn't like me having so much money and loose gems sitting around so he's making me deal with it.  Did you like it?  We're headed home.  Well.... I guess I could.  Not a *party* but a tea for friends. You, Isabel, whoever *needs* to come.  Not a party however.  I'm not up to a party. The fundraiser's kicking my ass at the moment.  Please?"

He grinned.  "Thank you, dear.  I'm trying really hard, I am. I'm tired at the moment but I'm trying really hard to train.  Horatio promised if I made to the Worlds he'd come with me and we'd do touristy stuff."  He grinned.  "She likes that idea, honey."  He went back to listening once he saw the smile. "Why?"  He shook his head. "Why would he need a sword?  No, I don't let others have my collection. It's mine.  I'm very possessive of it.  Can he even use one?  No, sweetie, I don't fence. I use things like on Highlander.  For the same reason I had to come remove the big slimy thing on your beach a few weeks back.  Yeah, those sort of things.  I grew up doing it actually.  Sunnydale was like that."  He beamed.  "Thank you.  Yes, I only use heavier swords. Sorry.  Tell him I'm sorry but I don't have a foil.  Maybe someday.  Horatio, is tomorrow okay for an informal tea?"

"I don't mind.  I'll be at the ground breaking and so will you."

"That's right, the groundbreaking is tomorrow, Rebecca.  That's even better.  Sure."  He beamed.  "You too."  He hung up.   "Monday."

"I'll be there but I can hide in the office," Horatio offered. "That way I don't have to listen to anyone nag you about stuff you should be doing."

"They don't usually."  Horatio gave him a look before turning onto their street.  "Whoa!"

Horatio stopped and looked.  There was their dog. He got out.  "Lancelot, in!"  He hopped into the Hummer and Horatio drove on, looking for the others.  They made it to the house and found the gate open.  He drove them up and carefully went to check while they waited in the car.  He came out shaking his head.  "They're gone."  He let the boys out.  "Someone tried to rob us."

"They get Gram's tea set?" Ray asked.

"No.  One of the cups is smashed but no."  He called it in then went to wait by the gate to seal it after them.  Eric came as the CSI.  "I have no idea," he told him, hitching a ride back.

"I do.  Someone called a threat to you earlier."  He handed it over.  "We thought it was a hoax, Horatio.  Sorry."

"These things happen," he sighed, walking back up and inside to find the boys in the living room.  "Where is Eric?"

"With his mother, looking at uniforms. I told her to only get a few, in case," Xander offered.

"It's a good school."

"The kids were drug zombies.  That's not a good school."

"Enough," Ray called tiredly. "Let's deal with the issue at hand.  We need to find whoever broke in and make them fucking sorry, family."

One of the patrol officers looked at him. "Are you a Caine too?" he asked.

"Yeah, he's Horatio's nephew Ray Jr.  His daddy was a cop and his momma's Detective Salas," Eric said with a smirk for him.  The man whimpered.  "So, yeah, we'll be kicking ass.  A lot."

"Um-huh," Xander agreed, looking around.  "Any graffiti or anything?"

"Not that we've seen, sir," the officer offered. "We did clear the house.  Why is there an extra door in the basement?"  Xander hopped up and headed down there, slamming the door in someone's face.  He walked into the bunker carefully, activating the security system.  Someone screamed.  It was a pretty sound.  He walked that way, finding Mac staring at the guy, his hands still cuffed.  "You good?"

"No.  He said he wanted your swords."  He nudged him with a toe.  "So that's why you told me to wear my watch down here."

"That and you tend to lose time.  He the only one?"

"Yes."  Xander heaved him up and drug him off, Mac following.  "The door?"  Xander hit the emergency code from the stairs, sealing it.  "Cute."

"Thanks."  He smiled. "I know I am.  Open the damn door," he called.  It was flung open and Horatio looked at him. "Honey, he wanted my swords."  He dropped him in front of his mate and went to find his keys.  He came back and let Mac out, then looked at Horatio, who was staring at him.  "Know him?"

"Where was he?"

"In the swords.  I didn't let him near the handguns, Horatio," Mac promised.

"Thank you."  He pulled the man up to look at him.  "You wanted what?" he asked the assistant chief of police.  He started to cry.  "You broke into *my* house.  You threatened *my* husband.  You're upsetting *my* family."

"Our," Xander said quickly.  "You promised I could hurt the next one."

"I did."  He handed him over.  "Since he's not in custody yet.  Ray, check for Percy."

"He's in your bathroom, growling.  I didn't want to risk it."

"I'll go," Horatio agreed.  "Watch Xander, make sure he only hurts him a little bit and saves some for me."  The man let out a wail and he looked at him.  "I could feed you his cooking."

"Please!"

Xander whistled as he drug him out back, tossing him away. "You wanted to do what with my swords?"  He went to get his practice blade, showing off a bit.  The man backed away, holding onto his cock for dear life.  "Good idea."  He lunged and the man screamed, backing away.  "Oh, come on, you wanted to play with my swords.  Fine, I'll put it down," he offered dryly, putting it onto the porch.  He turned and waved him on. "You think you want what's mine?  Come get it."  He lunged and Xander kicked his ass ten ways from Sunday, making him whimper and moan, making him bleed and curse, and finally making him beg.  "Aww, that's so pretty."  He patted him on the head. "Good bitch."  He let him go and walked off. "All yours."  He grabbed his sword and went to wipe it down and his face.  He headed into the bathroom, finding Horatio on the floor with his dog. "What's wrong?"

"He's calming down."  Xander came in and laid next to their dog, cuddling him like usual. Percy whimpered and licked his face.  "You're a good boy, Percy. I promise you are.  You're a very good boy," Horatio soothed.  Percy's tail wagged a few times.  "You're a good boy to protect the house.  A very good boy."  The dog perked up at that.

"My Percy is such a good dog," Xander cooed, ruffling his fur.  "Such a good boy.  You protected the house and made Lancelot get us.  Such a good boy."  He gave him ear scratches and the dog's tail picked up speed.  "That's my good boy, Percy.  Yes you are.  Now, let's go play.  Wanna go play?"  The dog barked and got up, Xander following him to play with both of them.

Horatio shook his head.  Sometimes his husband amazed him.  He got up and walked out, finding the officers watching his son and dog.  "He still here?"

"He's going away right now, sir.  We thought Prestons might like him."  Horatio snorted.  "He doesn't like your spouse so he might be the last friendly person he sees for a long time."

"Perhaps."  He picked up the dogs' tennis ball and tossed it for them, watching as they ran after it.

"Your boy is a marvel to watch in action," Mac said, smile evident in his voice.

"Why can't I have a few hits," Ray complained.  "Xander did!  I'm a real Caine."

"You have to go to the academy before I let you hurt someone," Horatio said blandly, looking at his nephew.

"Xander didn't have to."

"Xander has combat experience, you do not," Horatio said plainly.  "So either join the military or the academy."

"I've been taking lessons from him.  Come on, Uncle H!" he whined.  "I'm a real Caine, I should get to have some fun when he breaks into our house!"

"Ray," he said calmly.  "Your mother would throw a fit."

"Like you're going to tell my mom," he said dryly. He turned and laid into the guy then spit on him.  "In case you hadn't heard, the Wrath of Caine is mighty.  His husband is worse, and they're both training me, plus my mother."  He kicked him again.

"Ray," Horatio said patiently.

"Fine.  Spoil my fun," he muttered, going out to play with the dogs and Xander.

Mac looked at Horatio.  "That rumor will never stop."

"Tell me about it," he complained.

Prestons stomped in.  "Do we realize it's my day off?  Who called for me personally?"

"I did," Horatio told him, pointing at the suspect.  "It was thought you'd be the last friendly face he ever saw since he decided to break into Xander's sword collection."

"Swords?" he asked, looking amused.  Horatio motioned him closer and down to the bunker, letting him inside.  He looked around then stared at him in horror.  "You let him do this?"

"With his past, this is fairly delicate for him," he noted dryly.  He looked at him. "You did how much research after you worked with him at the shelter?"

"Enough to know that your boy should've been taken a log time ago.  More than enough to know that your boy is probably dangerous to anyone who hurts your family."  He glanced at the rack of swords.  "That your boy's borderline weird."

Horatio smirked and opened the handgun index cabinet, getting a moan. "Like I said, the swords were a fairly delicate choice."

"Honey," Xander whined as he came down.  "Damn it, leave the artillery alone!  Before I get into trouble and some nosy ass Fed comes in here and I have to have him eaten."

"Again?" Prestons asked.

Xander looked at him. "Not since Sunnydale."

"What is with your former town?"

"Demons. Vampires.  Nasty, slimy things that made doing the laundry really interesting at times."

Prestons sighed.  "You've been down to Tentacles, boy?"

"I'm translating books into demon.  How do you think I get rocket launchers?"  He grinned. "I love the big explosions. That's why I'm with Horatio."

"More than I needed to know," he said, holding up a hand.  "Why call me?"

"Because Xander showed him why he didn't want the swords and the others are in awe," Horatio told him.

He looked at him. "Your friend?"

"Buffy?  Summers?"  He grinned. "That Buffy Summers?"

He moaned.  "Interesting.  Sure, I'll drop the assistant chief off.  Could be interesting."  He went to grab him and read him his rights, then handcuff him. "So, the gay boy did all this to you?" he sneered.

"No, I did some," Ray told him. "Xander stopped when he begged.  He was having a nice day since he only breathed on them and handcuffed Mac."

"He caught me napping on the couch before you ask," Mac offered. "Sapped me on the back of the head."

Prestons nodded.  "You need medical?"

"I had tylenol."

"He works on Xander's principle of no pain meds," Ray told him.  Prestons stared at him. "The day after you got him was the first time he's ever admitted he needed pain killers or medical attention."

"Too much combat will do that to you, kid." He drug their boss off, taking him to the station.  He dropped him in front of his boss.  "Caine called me since I'm not in awe of his husband, him, or this shitbag.  He was like this when I got him.  I read him his rights before I cuffed him."  He saluted then left.

"Who beat him?"

"Ask Caine."

"And he'll help you," someone quipped.

Prestons popped him on the head.  "No Kung Fu references, dipshit."  He went back home to contemplate going on a date with a girl like the slayer.  Could be...interesting.

***

Xander smoothed down his new rental tux's lapels. He walked into the room, nodding at his fellow helpers.  "Good evening."

"Hi," Willow said, coming over to fuss with his hair.  He ducked and frowned.  "Sorry!"  She sighed.  "How much longer before people get here?  Ryan's running late."

"He and Horatio are out on the same case."  He gave her a nudge. "Fix your sleeves."

"They're supposed to look like this."

Xander frowned and straightened them out then clipped two strings and released them.  He scrunched them back up and used a safety pin.  Then he moved to the other side.  Then he looked at her bust and whimpered. "Who are you wearing?"

"Some woman named Eva downtown?"

Xander groaned and sighed, leading her off.  "Going to pull something spectacular," he told Bess.  "Be right back."  He took her into the nearest bathroom and checked, then muttered something, summoning a dress from his closet.  "It was your Yule present.  I figured you'd need it. Tell me you've shaved?"

"Of course!"  She slipped into the stall and came out smoothing down the new dress.  He sent the other one back, then looked at her shoes, changing them to black.  She turned, letting him see.  "Better?"

"Much!" he sighed, pulling her hair down. "Fluff and do something with it."  He walked out, smoothing back out his tux.  "Fixed," he said simply as he walked past the mayor's wife.

"She's a darling designer."

He looked at her. "Willow's much too new to weather that sort of talk," he said quietly, looking pissed. "She's also much too nice for that."  He walked off, going to find Bess.  "I helped Willow.   It was her holiday present from me.  She's very delicate."

She looked. "It's not a perfect match for tonight but she does look much better in it. Willow, dear?"  She walked over, looking hesitant.  "Much better, dear.  Who were you wearing?"

"Her name is Eva, she's downtown.  She's supposed to be up and coming."

"Who suggested her?"

"Um, the mayor's wife?" she suggested hesitantly. "Plus the Chief's wife."

"Hmm, I'll have to have a talk with them.  Now, where are your spouses, children?"

"Case," they said in unison, getting a smile.

"Ah, that answer.  Do call them, dears.  They must be here. Are any other criminalists coming?"

"Dad's coming but he refused to shave," Xander offered. "Possibly Calleigh, depending on availability of a sitter.  Ray Jr. and Candace are coming. Eric may or may not be coming but who's on his arm can be a mystery and a shock at times."  Ryan walked in and Willow squealed, running over to hug him.  He looked over.  "Mine?" he called.

"Somewhere behind me.  People are starting to appear, Bess."

"Then we'll open the ropes and greet everyone with happy smiles, children.  Come along."  Xander smiled and followed her with the others.  She gave the two women in question a long stare, letting them know they'd be talking with her later.

Xander smiled at the first guest coming off.  "Well, and my very first event's very first guests," he said, shaking his hand and kissing her hand.  "Welcome, Peter and Gloria."

"Xander," she said, patting him on the cheek.  "Such a nice boy.  No husband?"

"He's coming in from a case.  He probably had to change."  They smiled and moved on to greet the others.  He smiled and greeted the next ones just as nicely.  When his own husband came in, he rated a real kiss, but he only got a wink and Horatio moved on to thank them for holding this for their lab.  Xander mentally kept a count.  They were more than the amount of tickets.  He looked at Bess, who nodded he was doing fine.  He smiled at the next set then walked them to Bess.  "How many tickets did we plan for?" he whispered  once they were alone.

"We're forty over, I always plan for an extra hundred, just in case, Xander.  Trust me."  Xander nodded, going back to his place, letting Willow move back to hers.  Bess came over to check the pier and the lists.  She sighed at Xander's look.  "How many more?"

"I've seen another car park."  Speed, Eric, and Calleigh walked in. "Late?" he teased.

"Babysitter was late," Speed offered, hugging him.  "Hey, kiddo."

"Hi, dad.  Did you see anyone else?"

"No, are we expecting more?" Calleigh asked.

"We've got more than we expected," Xander admitted dryly.  "But we haven't seen Ray Jr."

"I did," Bess assured him. She signaled the captain and he blew the horn, warning anyone on the dock that they'd be pulling away.  Two more people ran and jumped on and one person pouted.  They let her on and they all came down.  "My.  I've never met you four."

"They're crime lab staff," Eric said, smiling at her and introducing her.  They presented their tickets.

"It's great that you could come help us raise money for the labs, dears.  Go mingle."  They went and she smiled at them. "Your tickets?"  Xander handed over his.  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  "Very good, dear."  She went to take tickets and talk to those who didn't have any.  A few had gotten on the wrong boat.  They were taken to the captain and he arranged to get them over there.  The few who had snuck in were chided and had to donate up front.  She let everyone mingle until she got a nod from the cook.  Then she rang her bell.   "Thank you all for coming.  It is a great honor to come out and support our top crime lab.  Tops in the country."  She smiled at Horatio, motioning him forward.  She tucked his hand under her am.  "Horatio Caine has served this community with so much zest and zeal that many of the regular cops are now afraid of him."  That got a few laughs.

"Not to mention the rumors that scare the bad guys," Eric called.

"Those as well," she agreed. "I believe that our crime lab is why criminals are scared into doing less than they used to.  We are here to not only honor them but also to raise money to rebuild their wonderful lab."

Horatio smiled at her.  "The ground breaking was just the other day and we're nearly at the goal to get us to where we were or higher," he said happily.

"That's an excellent bit of news."  She gave his hand a pat.  "Now, with that wonderful news, let us adjourn to dinner.  Celebrate the lab with us and feel free to ask the lab technicians and CSI among us about what they do."  She smiled up at him.  "Escort me?"  He nodded, walking in with her, Xander following Willow and Ryan. "You have?"

"We got a very generous donation from one of the matrons in New York," he said quietly.  "It'll pay for the building and a few of the labs."

"Excellent."  She patted his hand again.  "You're next to me and Xander is on your other side."  He nodded, holding her seat for her.  She smiled. "Very good manners, Horatio."

"I do try," he agreed.  He smiled at Xander.  "Sorry I was so late."

"It happens."  He saw everyone watching and looked at Bess "The seating index is behind the blue panel," he called.  "In case you don't remember what your tickets said."  He sat down and smiled at the woman on his left.  "Hello."

"Good evening, Xander.  And Horatio."  She smiled at him, shaking his hand behind Xander's back.  "I've seen some very gracious thank you notes from you."

"It's only right that we acknowledge the generous donations we have to fix this tragedy.  I'm happy that we got everyone out."  She smiled at that.  He nodded down at Ryan.  "Have you met Judge Wolfe?   We tragically lost him to the bench this last year."

"I hadn't."  She moved to talk to him, whispering in Willow's ears that her knees were gaping and there wasn't a tablecloth. Then she chatted with them before going back to her seat.  "So, Horatio, what *do* you do all day?"

"It depends on the day."  He shifted so the food could be put down.  "Thank you."  The waiter nodded and moved on. "On the worst days, I'm doing paperwork.   On the semi-bad days, I'm out on a case or in the labs trying to solve one.  On the best days, I'm bored."  She laughed.  "We can only hope that through a lot of hard work and long hours, which means we have very patient spouses, we reduce crime so we have a great many good days."

"I'm sure Xander's a very patient spouse."

"Sometimes, but if he's left alone too long he starts to get naughty thoughts and then I come home to find minor chaos."  He looked at his mate.  "Like I did yesterday."

"I thought it was cute the kids were trying to make their own headdresses after going out the Native American tribe's education center."

"As did I, but it was odd seeing Lancelot and Percy covered in feathers."  He looked at him and Xander looked sheepish.

"At least they hadn't glued them on.  They only let the dogs roll in them."  The ship's bell rang and he looked up.  Then he looked at Horatio.  "Are they still doing the frame on the new building?"

"They've just started it.  They'll do the full frame and then go from there.  Were you going to bring the kids down to watch?"

"The boys and Lizzy definitely.  Tia's not big enough to appreciate that and neither is Thomas."

"Who has the kids tonight?"

"I ceded to pressure and let Grandma Delko have them again."

"What did she do this time?"

He looked at him.  "What did she do last time?"

"Fine.  I still say it's a good school and Eric will do very good there, even though he's not Catholic."

"And I still say he's too young to start having that shoved down his throat by any of the family.  He's too young to understand."

"Mixed religion household?" she asked.  Xander nodded.  "Which of you is Catholic?"

"Him and some honorary uncles, an aunt, and grandparents."  He shifted.  "Have you heard anything about St. Luke's?"

"I hadn't, no.  Their high school.  I heard some things about scandal and chastity rules that the children were getting kicked out for.  Wasn't that Ray Jr.?"

Xander nodded.  "Yup.  Horatio wants to start our son Eric in their elementary school."

"It's a good school, Xander," Horatio said patiently.

"So is the art and science one and you guys didn't like that one."

"We felt Eric could use a little bit of structure."

Xander looked at him.  "No, Grandma Delko got mad because he wasn't saying Grace or prayers at bedtime.  The art and science school is a great school and it's a good school for him. He loved it there. I've talked to them.  He's allowed in as soon as the other school screws up.  Because they didn't like St. Luke's."

"Fine.  If something bad occurs, he'll go there," Horatio agreed.  "It was my second choice."

"Thank you."  He stroked his hand.  "They even had nap time for the kids."

"They did.  They're also very project oriented, which I'm sure our son would adore."

"Plus our future engineer in the family, Toddy."

"You're right, Toddy would go insane at the Art and Science school."  Bess looked at him.  "Ongoing discussion.  He doesn't like where we selected Eric to go."

"I've caught him muttering about drug zombie hordes of children in the past."  Horatio glared at Xander.

"They are.  Plus they don't have recess anymore."  He stared him down.  "Plus, they don't want Eric to be wearing a medic alert bracelet.  Fat chance on that.  Or that I'm handing over his complete medical records to some nurse."

"Agreed.  On both points.  As soon as he's old enough, I'm having a chip put into him like you have."  Xander relaxed at that, nodding.

"You are?" the matron asked.

"It leads back to an ID and my medical records," Xander told her.  "No matter where I end up if I'm kidnaped again, I'll be okay."

"I thought we did that to pets."

"It's a human application of the same technology.  They're fairly new but it's safer for me with how many people have come after me.  There were times when Ryan Wolfe down the table there felt like he was my personal CSI and bodyguard I'd bet."

Ryan looked down at him and nodded.  "Yup."  His wife cracked and giggled.  "It got so my word processing program had his name in the quick correct so it recognized it."  They and Bess giggled at that.  "Seriously.  The stories I could tell about the people who wanted Xander."

Horatio looked at him.  "I'd like to hear those as well, Mr. Wolfe."

"I know you would but he made me promise to only tell you the bad ones.  Oh, Xander, we stopped by the house.  Whose porsche?"  Xander moaned and hung his head, shaking it.

"Again?" Horatio asked.  Xander nodded.  "Who?"

"Guy out in LA."  He looked at him.  "Angel only dissuaded him long enough for him to make more evil plans.  Hold on, porsche?"  Horatio nodded.  "Green?"  He shook his head.  "Huh.  The one he sent me was in the garage."

"Perhaps we should go to LA and talk to this being again," Horatio suggested. "I talked with Angel when he came down."

"Let me guess, he called it a teenage hormone thing?"  Horatio nodded.  "I told you it was point of view."

"Speed was there and he had a few choice things to say to him as well," he noted.  "He said Buffy told him they were doing bad things since they had gotten you out of town and Willow was off visiting family."

"And of course he was trained to listen to his girlfriend. I guess I won't stake him for that then."  He sipped his water.  The ship shifted.  "I didn't think we'd have this much turbulence."

"We probably passed a shipping barge."  He took his hand to squeeze.  "I know boats make you nervous."  Xander nodded, but ate another bite of food.  He blinked and stared, then took another sip of water.  "I noticed that.  Bess?"  He leaned closer to her ear.  "I'm not so sure who cooked this time.  The sauce tastes like Xander did."

"We've all heard he's toxic in the kitchen, Horatio, but I had noticed that. It's a good thing Lisa isn't in here, she'd have stormed the kitchen."  Horatio smiled at that.  "How is your new residence?"

"Xander's made it quite a home for our family.  Any entertaining would have to be done in the yard but you could come over for tea.  Just call first in case he's having an active day with the boys.  He's been doing a lot with Ryan Wolfe's son as well," he offered at her curious look.  "Some days they're like our stepchildren."

Ryan looked at him.  "I noticed my kids hadn't been home since I dropped him off to play a week ago.  Neither has Lizzy."

"Xander," Horatio said patiently.

"Day after tomorrow.  Tomorrow we're going to the arts and crafts festival."

"How do you manage a five-year-old, a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an infant?" the woman next to Xander asked.  "By yourself?"

"They listen to me.  They're used to listening to me.  I'm the favorite babysitter.  Besides, Tia's been with her grandma a lot recently.  So I've only had the boys and Lizzy, plus Thomas, my adopted father's son."  He smiled.  "He's so adorable and brooding already."

Ryan looked down at Speed, who was right in front of him.  "You let him have Thomas for how long?"

Speed looked at Calleigh.  "He's watching Thomas?"  She nodded.  "Did we not have him last night?  I don't remember smelling or hearing him, much less seeing him."

"Nope.  Xander, we'll pick up Thomas on the way home."

"Okay," he agreed, shrugging.  "We're still going to the arts and crafts festival tomorrow."

"I've got tomorrow off.  We can go."  She smiled at Willow.  "How long has it been since Xander took your kids to play with?"

"Ryan dropped them off a week ago.  Di's preparing for a show so he's had all the kids."  She nibbled and shifted her legs closer together again. She crossed them at the ankle and canted them off to the side.  The ship leaned a bit again and the bell rang.  She looked at Ryan, who shrugged.  She noticed a few people looked concerned.  "Bess?"  She looked at her.  "Should we worry?"

"No, dear.  Apparently the Coast Guard is doing a check."  Xander sighed.  "I'm sure it is."

He looked at her.  "Like it was at the Hellen banquet?"

"Point.  At least we do have some officers here."  Ryan nodded and finished up.  "But...."

"I'm still an officer. I still work in the lab as well," he reminded her gently.  He smiled at his wife, then at Bess.  "Would it be appropriate to escort her to the powder room?"

"It would," she agreed quietly.  "Thank you."

He nodded, going that way with her, taking her arm to make it look like they were whispering at each other.  In reality he was reminding her she was not fighting.  She snorted. "Bless you.  Want my jacket, dear?"

"No, I'm fine, honey."  She smiled sweetly.  They walked out and found a few people harassing the staff.  They ducked into the bathroom and she texted Xander.  She got one back.  "Hmm.  Xander came armed tonight."

"Why?"

"I don't know.  It's a good thing because I know you didn't."

"Actually, I did."  He gave her a look.  "I changed in chambers."  He looked at her.  "Ready?"  She tapped in a new message then nodded.  They walked out together.  One of the people with guns glared at them.  "She hates going in a strange place."

"Get back in to your dinner," he sneered, raising his gun.  Ryan moved his coat to show his badge.  "Oooh.  One of you.  Crime lab wimp?"

Willow snorted.  "No one in the crime lab isn't an officer and their spouses tend to be even tougher."  She grabbed his wrist and heaved, slamming him into a wall. "I'm never wearing heels this high again.  They suck and they hurt your ankles. I don't know how Buffy did it."  She went to tell the others while Ryan drug him into the bathroom and handcuffed him. She walked in and nodded then flashed Xander a hunting sign.

"Be right back, dear.  Apparently Ryan's got a bit of a headache."  He wiped his mouth and took another sip of water to clear the taste before going out there.  He smiled at the men getting up.  "Oh, do stay, gentlemen.  I'm going to help Willow find some aspirin for Ryan's head."  That got a nod and they settled in again with smiles.  He walked out and took out the two threatening Ryan.  He looked at her.   "We've got five or six others."

"On it.  Already told Eric and Horatio."  The members of the PD slowly and casually left, claiming calling the babysitter since they were using the same one.  Xander shoved one back into Speed, letting him get him.  He and Speed took point, just like during some hunts.  Willow got the ones that got past them.  Horatio and Calleigh took out a few who tried to run.  Calleigh went to the bridge while Horatio got them cuffed.  Xander finished his last one and stood on his throat, gun pointed down at him.  "Who hired you?"

"Mr. Burg.  I swear, that's his name.  He wanted Caine!"

"For?" Horatio asked.

"Not you!  Your nephew!  He wants to make him work for him!  You'd never hurt your own."

"And Mr. Burg is in what business?" Horatio asked calmly.

The guy tried to swallow. "Drugs," he squeaked.  Xander eased off on his throat so he tried to move.  He heard the gun cock and went back to limp and relaxed.  "You wouldn't let him shoot me, would you?"

"No.  Not yet.  We need more handcuffs."  Willow handed over some plastic tie strips.  "Were you carrying them?"

"Of course.  People try to rob these events now and then, Horatio.  That was the second rule of Sunnydale, be prepared in case you're attacked while you're out having fun."

"At least you listened to that one," Speed said, leaning on the railing and smirking at her.  "Cute dress.  Isn't that your Yule present?"

"It is.  He hated the one I picked out."

"Me too, sweetie," Ryan admitted.  "It looked half finished."  He finished binding that guy. "I doubt we've got a brig."

"No, but we can stuff them in a room and lock the doors," Willow offered.  "Xander, do we have extra rooms?"

"We do.  Or the Coast Guard could come visiting."

"They could," Horatio agreed, calling Calleigh.  "Are they on their way?  That's fine.  We'll drag them to a central location for them.   Where?  That's fine."  He hung up and looked around, pointing.  "That room.  Get the others."  They nodded, going to clean up their mess while he and Xander drug the ones out there with them.  Too bad they had tried to escape.  He nodded at the officers to stand guard.

"I've got it," Eric said dryly.  "Too many of my exes in that room."  That got a knowing look. "There are."

"Thank you," Willow said, kissing him on the cheek.  She looked down and straightened herself out, fluffing out her hair.

Xander dusted himself off and took Horatio's arm.  "Must we really traumatize our son by sending him to a bad school first?"

"Yes, Xander.  We must try that one because Marisol has her heart set on it and Di liked it as well."  He opened the door so Calleigh could go in with Speed, then Ryan and Willow, then them.  He smiled at those he knew.  "Nephew," he said, smiling at him.  "I missed you earlier."  He hugged him and whispered in his ear, getting a shrug.  "That's fine, we'll talk later."  He went back to his seat.  "They're incredibly sorry," he said quietly.  "The Coast Guard is coming to pick them up."

"Thank you, Horatio.  We're used to Xander doing things like that and coming back like nothing's happened."  She sipped her wine.  "Do try the dessert."  He smiled and dug in. It was good. They went back to idle chitchat.

***

Horatio looked at the car in the garage, then his mate.  "Well," he said finally.

"I can't find out where he bought it from."  He took his hand and led him inside.  He listened.  "Either they're all at the Delko's or everything in the house is asleep."  He whistled quietly and Eric came down the stairs.  "You're quiet tonight."

"Granmma sleep in race car room."  He hugged him and smiled. "You look pretty," he told Horatio.

"Thank you, Eric.  Who else is up?"

"Just me." He grinned.  "I'm coloring."

"That's a good boy."  He carried him up the stairs and put him back into his room, noticing both dogs were with him.  "Where are the greyhounds?"

"Outside on the lines.  They wanted to play in the water."

"That's fine.  Did you remember to let those two out after dinner?"

"Yup, and just an hour ago."  He smiled.  "I'm being good."

"You are.  You're being very good," he agreed, stroking his hair.  "Try to sleep sometime tonight.  We've got a long day tomorrow.  Remember, we've got the picnic after the festival."  Eric beamed and nodded.  "Did Buffy come in yet?"

"We pick her up in the morning.  Take her to Auntie Willow's."

"Okay."  He checked on Toddy, who was in Eric's bed instead of him.  "His parents will probably take him home tomorrow."

"He was wondering if his daddy realized he was here."

"He did.  He's been missing him.  You can tell him I said that.  Go to bed sometime soon."  He patted him again then went down to the bedroom, finding Xander doing some alcohol on his knuckles.  "Bruised?"

"Scraped on the hanger."  He shrugged and finished stripping down and putting the tux away.  He looked at his mate, coming over to undo his tie.  "You look wonderful."

"I do.  It's because of you."  He took a kiss.  "We should talk to this person."

"We should. I'm not sure who it is though.  Angel won't tell me."

"We can go to LA for a few days.  Fly back with Buffy if she goes."

"I could visit Joyce again and show off baby pictures," he agreed casually.  "But I don't want you and Angel to get into it again, Horatio."  He gave him an amused look. "I know you threatened him.  It's the way you are."

"I growled at him too," he admitted, undoing a button.  Xander swatted his hands and did it for him.  "I'd call tonight a success."

"It was," he agreed, smiling at him.   "She didn't like our ideas so we probably won't be asked to do more than help with PD related events."  He smoothed the shirt off his shoulders, tossing it into the chair.  He was running a hand over the chest in front of him when the phone rang.  He picked it up and handed it over since someone was shouting.

"What's wrong, Marisol?"  He held his head.  "Is Don all right?  No, Eric went home.  Do we have Tia?"  Xander nodded.  "Are you sure?"

"I put her down before I came.  Tell her her mom's here."

"Your mother's here, Marisol. Eric said she's asleep.  No, the baby."  He took a kiss and went to check on her and Tia. "They're both here," he assured her quietly.  "Do you need help?"  He smiled.  "That's fine. Make sure Don files a report, have him check in with us during the picnic tomorrow."  He nodded a few times as she ranted. "I don't know, Marisol.  Do an inventory, see what's missing.  Have him call it in as well. You'll need a formal report for the insurance company.  I don't know where your father is."  He saw his son peeking out.  "Where's Grandfather Delko?"

"Atlanta.  Some sort of home show this weekend."

"The son said he's in Atlanta, Marisol.  Calm down," he ordered.  "Yes, I'm sure.  I'll call Eric immediately.  All right."  He hung up and called Eric.  "It's me.  Your family's home got broken into. Your mother's here.  Marisol's panicking.  Don's got a headache from the hit to it.  Of course I will."  He hung up and went to wake up Mrs. Delko.  "Hi."  She blinked at him. "Marisol said someone broke in.  They need you at home.  Want driven?"

"No, I can drive," she promised, letting him help her up.  "Is everyone all right?"

"Don's got a headache from being hit. I've called Eric, he's on his way over."  She nodded, going down and out to her car to head home.   Horatio closed the gate behind her and went back to their room.  "Everyone's all right."  He kissed their son on the head.  "Everyone's fine."

"I came down to see how the dinner was."  He beamed.  "Was it good?"

"Everything except for the sauce.  It tasted like I cooked it." Their son giggled and hugged him then went back to his room. "Sleep, son. It'll be a long day tomorrow."

"Night, daddies."

"Night," Horatio called, closing the door.  "I think it tasted worse than you could've done."  He nuzzled him.  "Help me with the rest of it since everyone's all right?"  Xander nodded, undoing his belt and pants.  The phone rang again.  He sighed and answered it.  "Yes?"  He listened.  "Thomas is here?" he asked Xander, who nodded. "Yes, he's here, Speed.  You can pick him up in the morning....."  He groaned. "Fine.  Let yourself in.  I'm not dressed."  He hung up. "He's at the gate."

"I'd walk out there naked but it might make him blush again."  He finished getting his clothes off him and started to place kisses down the firm chest, making his mate smile and   hum in pleasure.

"I'm taking ours home," Ryan called from outside the door. "And yours.  Come get them for the fair.  That way he can spank you for helping."

"Yup, sure he will.  The same time you do Willow," Xander shot back.

"No, I already got her on the way over.  Be safe, guys."  He left, going to finish getting the kids and letting the dogs go out onto the lines.  There was a way for them to slip off it if something happened and if not, they could play all night.  He closed the back door and headed for the front, keying the alarm back on before he left.  The door shut within the thirty seconds and he drove them off.  The gate was relocked and they went home.  He was going to enjoy having his kids home, plus Eric and Tia.  He called Don's phone.  "Hey, Marisol.  I've got Tia with me.  We went to repossess our kids and decided to take them with us since Eric was pouting.  Oh, yeah, she and Lizzy will be fine together tonight.  You okay?  Need us?"  He smiled.  "That's fine.  You have a better night and baby Don.  He could probably use it.  I know, go all Xander on him.  He'll fuss but suck it up."  He laughed and hung up.  "She doesn't think she can fuss as well as Xander does."

"I'm not sure anyone can fuss as well as Xander does.  Then again, I taught Xander how to fuss so he's clearly surpassed the master."

He smiled at her.  "You're not going to jump in again, right?"

"No," she sighed.  "I learned my lesson."

"Thank you.  You're too precious for me to lose you."  He kissed the back of her hand and gave it a squeeze.  "I'll kiss the hand marks later."

"You ever spank me again and I'm going to live with Xander."

"You try to leave me for Xander and you're going to see just how scary I can be," he retorted as he pulled into their parking lot, turning to look at her.  She slumped and sighed, nodding.  He took a kiss.  "Besides, Xander would play mediator and give you back to me.  If you were really serious, you'd go to bigger Eric and have him guard you."

"Yeah, well, that's for severe things, not for spanking games."  She got out and got the kids with Eric's help.  Ryan grinned across the roof at her and got Tia to carry inside.

"Need bigger bed," Toddy complained.  He pouted.

"You can both fit into your bed. You know you let Eric cuddle," he reminded him.  He got both boys tucked in and kissed on the head. "Try to sleep, Eric. Okay?"  He got a nod and a yawn.  "Good boy."  He went to help put the girls down.  They liked to cuddle together too.  Then he took his own cuddlesome one to bed so he could undress her and make her a happy girl.

***

Xander smiled as Buffy joined him, waving Tia's hand at her.  "Say hi, Auntie Buffy," he cooed in her ear.  Tia squealed and bounced.

"Someone's a happy baby to be outside in the sunshine," she teased, tickling her chin.  Tia grabbed her finger to suck.  "She's good."

"She is.  Eric, Toddy?"

"Looking at the scary guys," Eric called back, getting some laughs from the bikers they were staring at.

Xander walked them over.  "Sorry, they're curious little boys."

"That's all right.  They're smart too.  That one wanted to go for a ride," he said with a nod at Toddy.

"His mother would freak," he shared.  "But his daddy might take him someday soon."  He tapped Toddy on the head, getting a smile.  "Go find your dad and tell him."  He ran off with a squeal to find Ryan and talk him into it, Eric waving before following him.  Xander grinned at the bikers.  "Thank you for humoring them."  He waved Tia's hand and walked her off with Buffy to find the rest of the family.  He found Toddy babbling and Willow already shaking her head.  "He can ride.  It's part of the academy training."

"I don't care!  They're dangerous!"

"I'd go around the parking lot," Ryan assured her. "If you're really good, we'll see."  Toddy beamed and nodded, hugging him and bouncing off with Eric.  "With us, son."  They came back.  He waved at Buffy.  "Sit if you want."

"Sure.  Better than a plane any day."  She sat down next to Willow, getting a hug. "Thank you.  He's being Daddy Xander again."

"He so is.  He had our kids for a week," she complained. "It was nice, Lizzy didn't wake us up for a week, but I never see my kids."

"Not like you couldn't go take them back," Ryan reminded her dryly.  "The same as I could've."  He took Tia.  "Come to Uncle Ryan," he said, making her smile.  "And how are you today, beautiful one?"  She cooed and patted him.  "That's a good thing.  Now, where is your uncle, Stupid, and your mommy and stepdaddy?"

"What did Eric do this time?" Xander sighed, grabbing the boys and putting them on either side of him.  "And who has Lizzy?"

"Horatio.  He went to find Stupid," Willow complained.  "Called up at three this morning to see if a case from a year ago had been finished."

"Nightmares can be like that," Ryan reminded her.  "I've had a few of those.  No, the reason I'm calling him stupid was that he nearly ran into his mother's car last night."  Xander moaned.  "We heard about the break-in at three, but still.  He know's his mom's car."  Horatio came back with Eric, Speed, Calleigh, and Thomas, plus Valera, their DNA tech.  "Hi."  He switched daughters with Horatio. "No Marisol and Don?"

"For the baseball game.  Don's helping fix the door," Eric offered, sitting down and taking his niece.  "Hi, Tia.  Uncle Eric hasn't gotten to see you recently because the daddy stole you again."  She giggled and hugged him.  "You're such a good girl."

"And she'll never call at three in the morning and wake herself and Lizzy up," Willow noted.

"Sorry."

"I've had those nightmares too.  We thought it was cute you nearly ran over your mother though," Ryan offered with a grin.

"I was tired!"  Xander grinned at that.  "No, not for *that* reason.  You guys have dirty minds today.  I should take the kids with me."

"Nope." Toddy said, smiling and shaking his head.  "Daddy take me on chopper if I'm good boy."

"I can't see Ryan flying a helicopter."

"Other sort," Xander said.  "He saw the bikers and fell in love."

Eric leaned closer.  "Ask your Uncle Speed.  He rides one."  Speed nodded at Toddy's worshiping look.

"Those things are death traps," Willow said firmly.  Ryan kissed her and she went gooey minded, smiling at him.  "He'll have safety gear?"

"Yup, and only around the parking lot," he promised. He and Speed shared a look.  "If you don't mind, or I can go borrow one."

"I don't mind.  Gotta get the son used to them too."  He smirked at Horatio, who was shaking his head. "Not your husband, the other son.  I know if I put Xander on one you'll end up having sex on it."  Horatio nodded at that and Xander groaned, putting his face down.  He grinned as he patted him on the back of the head.  "Hey, Buffy, how's school?"

"It's okay.  It's school and so therefore has major issues of suckage, but it's okay."  She shrugged.  "I guess.  What's going on today?"

"We are holding a fundraiser to help rebuild the lab and two stations that got destroyed in the last hurricane, plus there's a softball game after this of us against Fire/Rescue.   Oh, and Xander found a semi-questionable hotty to introduce you to."

"Semi-questionable?"

"He's snarly and doesn't like Xander but he's a good officer and we think he's just your type."

Xander got up.  "'Scuse us."  He walked her off.  "Prestons is one of those guys who grew up a bit wrong.  Ignore the tattoo, he's not really racist, but he doesn't like gay guys.  That's why he hates me.  I'm with Horatio.  He respects me now because he's seen me kicking ass.  Personally I think you'd do him really well and I think he'd make you scream and squeal in various keys."  She blushed at that.  He grinned and nudged her. "Think of better versions of what I heard Riley was like, only as an officer.  Plus, you can ask him all the questions you want about joining a PD."

"I'm still thinking."

"So ask.  He's a street-level guy.  He's been on patrol for a number of years."

"Oh.  Okay.  Is he nice underneath?"

"I take him more as 'my woman is my woman' sort and highly protective but I'm sure he can be to what's his."

She nodded.  "Maybe.  We'll chat and see."  She looked at the cops they were walking around, finding a few very hot looking ones. "Why is it Miami got all the hotty cops?" she asked finally.

"The bikini culture.  There's Yelina, Ray Jr.'s momma.  Yelina!"  She came over and smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "The rest of the family is back that way.  You remember Buffy, right?"

"I do."

Buffy smiled and shook her hand, then looked at her stomach then at her.  "Let me guess, Xander's daddy influence is spreading like a disease?"

"There are days we think that," she agreed, kissing her on the cheek. "Don't worry, it's really not contagious.  They make drugs for that."

"Good.  I can't see myself as Mommy Buffy.  Really, really can't."

"That's a choice we must all make.  Where are you going?"

"Prestons.  I said I'd introduce her."  Yelina gave him a look.  "You, go sit down."

"I'm fine, Xander."  She walked him off.  "What did my ex find?"

"A kid that my father had before he died.  So I have a baby half-brother and the mother wants nothing to do with us.  She sent a certified letter that she wanted nothing to do with us.  She hates gay people, we're evil and going to taint her son.  She even filed a restraining order against me coming anywhere near her son. I told the judge I was perfectly fine in leaving him alone if that's what he decided when he was older.  The judge suggested she might be looking for money then.  I told him to bring it on if he did.  He agreed, we didn't need the restraining order."  He shrugged and walked them to a group of officers.  "Damn, do you guys all do steroids together?" he joked.  "It's like someone cloned the muscles and I never got my set."  They all stared at him.  He smirked.  "Hi, guys.  Are you guys sheltering Prestons?"

"We are.  He's over by his car," one admitted, nodding at Yelina.  Then at Buffy.  "Are you one of us?"

"I'm considering it and he wants me to meet this guy."  Buffy shrugged.  "Xander has good taste in men."  They all laughed at that.  She saw the big, bald guy walking her way.  "Wow.  Way more muscles that got cloned than everyone else."

"No, honey, I work for mine," he assured her.  "You, sit," he ordered Yelina since she was stroking her stomach.  "None of us want you to deliver that heathen brat here."  She snorted and glared.  "Seriously.  We'd have to see Harris fuss and turn into a twittering virgin."

"No, I haven't done that since Willow delivered the first time in front of me," Xander admitted.  He gave Buffy a nudge forward.  "Prestons, this is Buffy.  I told you about her.  She's still thinking about joining a PD.  She needs honest answers, not the fun stories."

"Sure, kid.  Now, take your husband's pet detective there and go make her sit down."

"I am.  We're back by the stage since we've got to present the hummers to Fire/Rescue."  He led Yelina off.  "Is he okay?"

"He's fine," she said patiently.  "Just kicking again."  He rubbed her stomach and it stopped. "How do you do that?"

"I'm thinking Horatio thoughts and trying to think like him.  He calms him down too."  He walked her back to their table.  "Prestons tried to get her to sit down."

"I'm not surprised.  He's been kicking all night," Ray Jr. offered from his spot on the grass.  "Buffy?"

"I introduced her to Prestons.  She was quite impressed with the muscles."  They all moaned at that and he smiled.  "I think they'll be fine together.  Chill.  Seriously."  He cuddled Yelina since his son had abandoned him for Ryan.  She shoved him away with a frown.  "Getting mine in early so the baby knows me."

"My son needs a new dose of sanity, Horatio.  Isn't that your job?" Speed asked.

"I tried," he complained.  He looked over as Prestons walked back with Buffy.  "Already?"

"Who made the steroid joke?"  Xander raised a hand. "Only half them. The rest of us work for ours."

"You've got enough naturally occurring steroids for half the guys on the PD," Xander agreed dryly.  Prestons smirked at that.  "You probably know everyone here, right?"

"Yup, including those little creatures."  He backed away from Tia.  "Cute is deadly."

"Isn't it though?  I find I was more deadly when I was cuter," Buffy sighed.  "I miss my cute and deadly days."

Prestons looked at her, then smirked.  "Okay, so maybe you are cool enough."  He walked her off again.

Ryan waited until he was farther away. "No chest pounding.  I'm impressed."  Willow smacked him on the arm.  "Ow, wench!"

"You pull plenty of cavemen acts, Ryan. You've carried me off how many times?"

"Yeah, but mine was usually for sex."

"Who says that wasn't?" Yelina offered dryly. "Does he ride a bike?"

"Nope," Horatio said.  "Drives a modest sports car."

"They're uncomfortable to have sex in," Xander sighed, shaking his head.  Speed popped him on the back of the head.  "Ow!  What?"

"Mind out of the gutter.  There's civilians around."

"Sorry, dad.  I'll quit having smutty thoughts."

"Just for that, we're keeping the kids for the rest of the weekend so Horatio can impart some sanity," Ryan assured him with a smirk.  He leaned back.  "Hey, Todd!" he yelled, waving.  He came jogging over with a biker following him.  "Hey, man.  Glad you guys could make it."

"He said his daddy was Ryan.  I never dreamed you had spawned."

"Yup, this is my son, he who takes apart all electronic devices.  He got the alarm clock this morning," he joked, earning a laugh and a clap on the back.  "Since you didn't know I had cloned myself, this is my wife Willow, and our daughter Lizzy is trying to find the mother lode again."  She blushed and found a bottle for her.  "Sorry."  He grinned at his buddy.  "Come on, Toddy, let's go look at the pretty Harleys."   His son squealed and drug him off with them.  "How've you been, man?  It's been ages since I saw you guys."

"We're okay.  How about you, Your Honor?" he taunted.

"Doing okay.  One day a week back in the lab so I don't get rusty but good."  That got a smirk.  "Willow's all the excitement I need."  He shook hands with the other bikers while his son petted a few of them.  "That's my boy," he said proudly.  They laughed and congratulated him.  "His momma's a bit paranoid but she's relented to a parking lot ride later tonight from Uncle Speedle."

"We've seen his fancy little racing bike," one admitted.

"They don't call him Speed for nothin'," Ryan joked.  Toddy tugged on his hand. "What?"

"Can I have one?"

"We'll see when you're older.  You can't drive one of those until your Ray Jr.'s age.  There's little ones for kids your age," he offered at the hurt and pouting look.  "It's the law, son, and we follow the law."

"Yes, daddy.  I get a kiddie bike?"

"Sure.  We'll go pick you one up today and set it Uncle Xander's.  We'll even make sure Eric can't ride it on you."  He beamed and went back to petting one of the bikes.

"You know Harris?" one of them asked.

"My wife's his best friend.  His husband is my boss," he added as an afterthought.  "Then again, I had to guard him while he stripped a few times too."  They laughed at that.  "Yeah, but someone had to.  Darkness was dangerous!"

They all nodded at that, knowing that one very well by their looks.

***

Buffy squealed as her man finished pitching and came down to congratulate him.  "You're so good."

"I know," he agreed, earning a swat to his chest.  He smirked.  "Come on, Buffy.  Or else they'll think I'm taking you home and tying you down."

"Not really into ropes since I can't break them anymore," she admitted.  He looked at her.  "Kinda lost the powers about a year ago," she admitted quietly.

He considered it then nodded. "Let me guess, you're still hunting?"  She nodded.  "Dumbass."

"It's nec...."  He picked her up to look in her eyes.  "You're really strong," she said weakly, blinking at him.

"Now I know why you got given to me.  It takes a strong man to put up with one of you.  I don't know how Wolfe does it."  He put her back down.  "Come on."  He walked her off again, nodding at Harris.  "I'll drop her off in the morning."

"As long as that's what she wants," Willow said, glaring at him.  "Because I'm the scary one, not Xander."

He looked at her. "That's because your husband doesn't have a firm enough leash on you, woman.  Otherwise he wouldn't let you and Xander out alone together."

"Usually they're okay at it," Horatio offered dryly.  "As long as that's what she wants," he repeated.  Buffy shrugged.  "You have our number?"

"Of course.  On speed dial even."  She waved.  "Don't worry, I can still kick his ass."  He snorted.  She started with a foot sweep and he attacked back.  She laughed and giggled, going against him.  It was good!  He was good!  He got her pinned against a tree and she hesitated in kneeing him.  "Well, are you going to kiss me or not, you big dumbass?"  He smirked and kissed her.  It was just as good as the sparring was. "I think you can hold up just fine."  She walked off, twitching her hips. He followed, picking her up to carry her off, making her laugh.

"Definitely heard a chest thump in there," Speed agreed.  Ryan nodded at that.  Speed looked at Willow.  Xander could lie to him, she couldn't lie at all.  "You two did what?"

"Grocery shopping."

"Uh-huh.  And?" he demanded.  She blushed.

"Willow," Horatio warned.

"No demons.  We went to see Toby to see if he knew anything about Xander's new stalker buddy.  It's the same vampire as before and Angel thinks it's funny.  Spike thinks it's hilarious.  Oh, and he's in town."

"Spike's in town?" Ryan said flatly. "Why?"

"He came to snack or to check on Mary Eileen.  I think Giles paid his airfare to get him out of his hair," Xander admitted.  "She's got feisty redhead syndrome again, honey.   Sorry."

"It's part of her job," he said patiently.  "Was she coming today?"

"Nope.  Ethan took her hunting in a teen club last night.  We have *got* to go teach the girl some moves.  She dances like Ethan from what Toby told us."

"You do that and she might get stalkers," Eric teased.

"Give me back my daughter before you tell her horrible things about me."

"Nope.  Momma said she's coming home tonight."

"Your momma's got some funny ideas," Xander shot back.

"Well, yeah.  I think she's going through the change or something.  She's been strange recently."  He shrugged. "Her momma wants her home tonight.  Besides, we all agreed, you and Horatio deserve the weekend alone.  Especially since he hasn't taken you shopping yet to replace all the clothes you lost."  He looked at Horatio.  "You're going to make him pouty again."

"I won't.  He saved my favorite outfits."  He looked at his husband. He hadn't spoiled him recently...

"You have to at least get him underwear, Horatio. The boy hasn't worn any in a week," Calleigh complained.  "He'll set a bad example for Thomas."  Xander gave her a dirty look.  "You will.  My son cannot go commando until he's old enough to enjoy the benefits of it."

Speed looked at her, testing her forehead.  "You're a bit warm.  Maybe you've had too much sun?"  She hit him on the arm.  "Fine.  We doing anything tomorrow?"

"I thought we were having a cookout tomorrow," Horatio offered.  Everyone nodded.  "Xander, go check in so we can go grocery shopping."  He nodded, heading that way.  "They did a good job."

"We did," Willow agreed happily.  A lot of the community had come out for the food and drinks.  Most had even donated something or put letters of support into the jars.  The three dollar admission price had been just right.  They got about a dollar off each person plus donations.  She went to check in with the mayor and the chief as well, seeing Xander looking unhappy.  "What's wrong?  We have to stay to help with the cleanup?"

"No.  It's been a success.  Everyone liked them taunting fire/rescue about having enough hummers so they could share."  The Mayor looked at Xander.  "However, the mock battle?"

"That was Buffy.  She's kinda like that.  Usually she dates dangerous guys with brooding problems," Willow told him.  "We thought Prestons would be a step up for her.  Seems we were right."

"Fine," he complained.

"I'm sure she wasn't the only one having foreplay in this park today," Xander said dryly.  "Did we make the lab?"

"We did," he admitted.  "Thank you, both of you.  I'm sure my wife would say the same if she could've come out today."

"Tell her I hope she feels better," Willow offered, genuinely looking concerned.  "Tell her I'll see her at the judicial luncheon next week."  She took Xander's arm and grinned at him. "You're not going to be there, right?"

"No reason for me to.  My next one is the library, which is later that day."  She groaned.  "You'll all be there, Willow.  Check with Emily if you're unsure."  She nodded, moving off to do that while he pouted at everyone.  "Are we sure I can't have the kids?"

"We could use a few days off," Horatio noted calmly. "How did we do?"

"We can afford the lab."  That got some smiles and some back claps for him and Willow both.  Horatio stood up and gave him a gentle kiss, earning a brilliant smile.  "Grocery shopping?"

"Grocery shopping," he agreed.  "We'll see you tomorrow."  He walked Xander off, taking him back to his hummer.  He found a note on the windshield.  "Aww, they think we're not working."  He looked around, finding his nighttime counterpart.  "We switch off, but we are working with the other labs.  Isn't your team?"

"We are now and then.  Still, it's a company vehicle."  Xander shook his head.  "Yes it is."

Xander shook his head again.  "No, this one was specifically given for Horatio's use. It's in his name.  He had to sign millions of forms to get the stickers."

She huffed off, going to talk to their boss, who sighed but agreed with him.

Xander looked at his mate once they were inside.  "What groceries did we need?"

"Soda.  Lube."  Xander blushed a bit at that.  "Did you pick up more?"

"Nope.  I didn't think you wanted to go to the porn store with me to pick some up."

"I've been into them before, both for work reasons and not," he reminded him. He drove out that way first. It was a pretty day for a drive.  "Then we'll go look at some new clothes for you."  Xander gave him a look.  "You do need some underwear.  That way more people don't want what I have."  Xander blushed at that.  "They would."

"You're just saying that so I'll give you sex later," he teased.

"No, I know I'll get sex later.  I'm saying it because it's true."  He pulled onto the highway, finding the cruiser behind him.  He slowed down and it went past.   He chuckled.

"Maybe we should go get my car so the crime scene hummers aren't spotted at the porn shop?"

"We'll park out back, Xander.  We're going to the one I like, not the one Speed took you to."  He gave him a shocked look.  "You used your credit card.  Of course I knew which one you went to."  He smirked at him. "I was trying to figure out what you got me for our anniversary."

"Were you surprised?"

"Very."  His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he remembered that day.  Xander coughed and he paid more attention the road, slowing down some.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  I kept everyone up while you were in DC."

"No one told me that."

"I'm shocked.  Calleigh swore up and down she was going to complain to you.  She said you should've found one of those vibrator built onto the panties sets and locked it on me."

"That's an idea," Horatio admitted.  He took the exit for their store, heading out further into the everglades.  He pulled off the main road and went out there, parking behind the shop.   Xander came willingly into his lap.  "Did you play with the toys or just stroke yourself?"

"Both a few times," he admitted.  "The rest I just dreamed really loudly."  Horatio smiled and kissed him.  "Love you too."

"You know I love you."  He nuzzled him.  "Now, we're going to go inside and I'm going to buy some new lube, and maybe, if you're a good boy, I'll get something new for tonight."  Xander shivered and nodded. "Good boy."  He let them out, letting Xander slide off his lap first then Horatio got out.  He closed the door and turned on the alarm before heading in through the back door. The owner gave him a knowing look. "My spouse."

"Brought the company car again?"

"Of course.  It's my hummer."  He walked Xander to the lubes, looking at them. "No stimulant ones," he ordered quietly.  Xander nodded and picked up what he usually got at his place.  Horatio picked out a different brand and they compared them.  Horatio's was a bit slicker from the test model.  Plus it had that retightening agent.  They both liked that.  They picked up a few bottles and Horatio paused at the toys but Xander shook his head and pulled him away.  He got an odd look and Xander pointed at something.  Horatio moaned and nodded, getting a new bardex plug for their bag.  His boy was going to let him play tonight it seemed.  He looked at the restraints.  Nothing unusual there.  Nothing that he wanted to see his mate in. He found a long feather but Xander gave him an odd look.  "For you."

"No tickling unless you want it back."  He picked up something and handed it over.  Corn silk powder.  He grinned.  "I could use a massage."

"You could," he agreed, giving him a sideways look.  Xander just beamed and hugged him then went to look at the oils.  He needed to spoil Xander much more often if a massage got that sort of response.  From the looks he was getting, the others thought so too.  He put back the three fruit smelling ones, sniffing the other two.  He decided on some unscented ones.  "That way nothing gets in the way of your scent," he said quietly.  Xander shivered and nodded, kissing him gently.  "You can get one new fantasy item."  Xander looked around then shook his head.  "Are you sure?"

"I only use them when you're not home."

"Point."  He looked around the store, leading him over to something.  He ran a hand down the silk shirt.  Then he looked at him.  "You would look good in that."

"It's for girls."

"It's not."  He handed it over. "Men have nipples that need to be played with as well."  Xander looked at the cutouts then at him.  "Try it."  Xander nodded and added it to his basket.  Horatio got them checked out then back into the hummer.  "I'm assuming our suit shop is open?"

"Yup."

"Good."  He drove them that way and parked, getting out and walking around to take Xander's hand and walk him inside.  He gave him a nudge forward.  "He never said it wasn't just mine that got ruined by the backing up drain."

The salesman frowned at him. "You spoiled him and not yourself?"

"Of course.  It's not spoiling myself to buy clothes."

He gave Xander a look, then smiled at the indulgent mate.  "What would you like to see him in this time, Horatio?"

"Make him look like the young noble he can be," Horatio ordered.  That got a smile and they led Xander off to look at the suits.  "He needs a new tux as well.  We may have to go to where we got mine if you're not going to have one in stock."

He looked around.  "We really don't.  I wish we did sometimes.  We get a lot of referral business from Xander's new associates."  He pulled down one and Horatio looked.  "It is a classic look."

"Make him look hot enough that the people who wanted Darkness want him more," Horatio ordered. That got a smile and they went to work on Xander's wardrobe.  His measurements were taken.  "He was recently injured.  He's lost some tone."

"That's fine.  We'll make them a little loose so he has the room to regain it with his training."  He and the seamstress got to work marking the suits and fitting them to him.  A few were more quirky choices that Xander liked.  They looked plush.  A few were the cooler cotton ones.  One was silk. Horatio handed over another three silk ones and got a nod.

"I didn't have this many before."

"So?"   He got a blush and Xander nodded, acquiescing easily enough.  "That's why it's called spoiling," he said in his ear.  When they were done, he took Xander to a nicer place to get jeans.  "Di can tailor them to you," he promised.  Xander nodded and let him load up on what he thought he needed.  Xander got to add a few shirts but nothing else.  Then he took him to a fetish shop.  Xander's eyes went wide as he walked him inside.  He looked at the collared girl waiting on them.  "He needs leather pants.  Silk shirts.  Goth him up for clubbing and my lust."  He handed his boy over.  "I have full approval."

"Yes, master."  She led him off and got Xander into the pants.  He pointed at a few styles and she sighed, shaking her head.  "He wants you to be hot for him. Not just minorly warm."  She walked back there, hands behind her back.  "Would you prefer zippers, buttons, or ties?  Do you want him to have an ass-less pair, master?"

"Buttons or ties if they look good enough on him."  He considered his mate.  That would be incredibly naughty.  "Yes, one pair."  She nodded.  "Make them some other color than black and make the leathers black and other colors."

"How many pairs?"

"Until he complains then three more."  She nodded, going back there.  She forced him into the changing room and started to hand back clothes.  "Make sure he's wearing underwear."

"I am," Xander complained.  "Um, this one had moths."

"They're supposed be like that.  I'll be seeing you in those tonight."

"Yes, dear.  They're not very tight in the legs."

"Less chance I have to cut them off you," Horatio noted.  "The others can be fit by Diana, Xander."

"Yes, dear."  He peeked out.  "You know, Greg helped me pick up a few things."

"I saw the bright shirts.  Try on the clothes or else I'm finding you a collar."  Xander ducked back inside.  "Thank you."  He went to look at the jewelry, finding a few pieces he wouldn't mind on his husband.  Xander came out in one set and he looked at him. "Much too loose."

"The others are all looser."  He looked at the salesgirl. "I used to strip."  She giggled.  "I need stripper's leathers."  She nodded, going to get him what he needed from the special collection, taking the others back.  Xander looked at the jewelry.  "I thought you liked the sapphires you put in mine."

Horatio kissed him. "This is for the new one.   Your choice: earring, your other nipple, or your belly button."  Xander shivered.  "Choose while we finish shopping."  Xander nodded and the salesgirl drug him back into the room, giving him a shove.  He smirked at her.  "You're very forceful."

"My master said I was to be that way with people who needed it. I can only pinch, not spank."

He smiled and motioned her closer.  "This one or this one?"  She pointed at the onyx one.  "Are you sure?"

"Yes, sir."  She went back to help Xander when he opened the door, looking at him.  "You're right, you did need tighter."  She looked at Horatio.  "How big is his budget, sir?"

"Whatever."

She nodded, going to break into the special cases.  She brought back a few more pairs, making him whine. "Tough.  Your master said so."

"Technically he's my husband."

She snorted. "Yeah, sure.  If I had a master like that I'd kiss his cock before and after every order."  She got him redressed then presented him for his master's pleasure, earning a happy smirk.  "We've got this in blood red, navy blue, and peach for some reason."

"All those and the others he looks good in."  Xander stared.  "Hush, Xander.   You needed to be spoiled.  I am."  He stroked his cheek.  "Get pretty for me."  Xander swallowed and nodded.  "I know you're my husband, not my submissive."  Xander nodded and went back to play with that assurance.  Horatio looked at the toys, then at the salesgirl, who was waiting for his next order.  "We go riding."

"We have a wonderful line of crops, Master."

"He's not up to that yet.  We're still mastering the basic seats."  He followed her to the 'cowboy clothes' section, smirking at some of them.  "Diana's wear.  She's the mother of his son."  She beamed at him.  "I take it you've seen Eric?"

"Yes, sir, and he thought that would look wonderful on your husband," she said, pointing at a leather catsuit.

Horatio tried to imagine it and shook his head.  "Not this time."  That got a nod and she went to bundle up his things, hearing the whining again when he tried to sort some things out.  She drug him back out and presented him.  "My orders were to give you whatever you looked good in."

"It's too much, Horatio."

"It's not."

"Some of those pants were over two grand."

He stroked his lip with his thumb.  "We have the money.  I'm spoiling you.  All the clothes Di made for you were worth over that amount."  He gaped and Horatio kissed him, earning a smile.  "Now, did you want a toy from in here?"

"I've got enough whips."

"Good boy," he whispered.  He handed over the card, watching as it was run and declined.  He sighed and handed over the special account one.  "I hate that daily draw limit of yours."

"It keeps me from blowing wads on you."

"I noticed.  Wallet."  Xander sighed and handed it over.  He mentally counted and smiled.  "So that's why you keep the safety deposit box."  Xander nodded.  "It's too late to get into there, isn't it?"

"I don't need anything else."

"Yes, you do."  He took the bags and signed the slip.  "Thank you."

"The card is in the bag with the jewelry, sir.  You have a nice day and many happy nights with your husband."

"Oh, I do intend to."  He walked Xander out, putting the bags into the back of the hummer.  Then he drove him on.

"We should be in my car."

"I don't care.  This one is in my name and it's mostly unmarked."  Xander groaned.  "Quit."  Xander nodded, relaxing.  He pulled into the bank's parking lot.  "Keys?"

"Your top desk drawer in the little leather key holder."  He looked at him.  "Honest."  He emptied his pockets and Horatio held up a key.  "That's to the garage."

"Really?"  Xander nodded. "Which garage?  Ours take the house key."

"Willow's workshop garage."

"I see."  He handed them back.  "Let's see, we still need practical things.  Socks and underwear."  He started the engine and backed out, taking him to the place he got his.  He walked Xander inside with a firm hand on his back.  The saleswoman smiled at him. "Good afternoon," he said quietly as they walked past her.

"Let me know if you need anything."

"Of course."  He led them to Xander's size and handed him what he wanted to see him in, getting some blushes. "You buy me some."

"Yeah," he admitted sheepishly.  "I never expected you to."

Horatio looked at him. "From now on you will be wearing what I buy you from head to toe, Xander.  The old clothes are fine but I want you in what I pick out for you. The same as all my clothes have been picked out by you."  Xander nodded, accepting that.  "Thank you."  He handed over a few last pairs then went to the thongs.  He found a few more and handed them over.  "There."

"I wear them more than I do boxers."

"I know.  You have six pairs at home."  He turned him around and got him socks, ones he liked and sports socks.  Then he let the girl check them out.  He took the bag and walked Xander out to the hummer, finding his nighttime counterpart leaning on it.  "What?"

"This isn't exactly regulation duty."

"Almost all my stuff was destroyed by some backed up drainage," Xander defended.  "He got tired of me wearing the same four outfits."  She snorted.  "He did."

"Then explain the fetish gear," she said snidely.

"You obviously haven't seen the underground at the station," Xander countered.  "Horatio likes me in leather, dear.  The same as he appreciates my dedication to my training because it makes me hotter for him and better in the pool."  She got off the side of the hummer.  "Anything else?"  She stomped off.  He glared after her.  "We so need to get her laid," he muttered.

Horatio shuddered. "It's a scary thought that anyone would."  He put those bags into the back as well then drove him to their usual piercer.  "Have you decided?"  Xander swallowed and shook his head.  "Wherever you want, Xander."

"Um..."  They parked and he looked at him.  He squeaked.

"Would you like me to decide?"  Xander nodded quickly at that.  "I could see this as a navel ring."  He found that bag, putting the card back into his wallet.  He held up the small ring.  Then he looked at him.  "Up to you, Xander."

Xander kissed him.  "You're spoiling me," he reminded him.

"I am.  The last time I gave you a marking it was to remind you that I was there to be leaned on."  Xander shivered and rubbed the tattoo on his thigh.  "Yes, that one."  He got out and walked around to let Xander out, taking him inside.  Their usual piercer smiled at him. "This goes into his navel."  He handed it over.  He looked around the walls, then pointed at a small black cat.  "That in blue behind yours?" he asked.  Xander shivered and went tense against his side.  "Up to you."

"It might obscure the art," the piercer offered.  "Where is it?"

"His upper thigh."  He walked Xander back after him, letting him see it.

"It'd obscure the handcuffs unless you wanted to color them. That's pretty, where did you get it done?"

"Manhattan," Horatio told him.  He looked at Xander, who blushed.  "We can leave off the tattoo unless he needs another reminder of me being there for him."

"Great.  Which one of you is getting the ring this time?"

"I'm not sure he'd get one for me," Xander admitted sheepishly.  "He wants something new to play with."

"They are fun to play with," he agreed, coming over to ready his navel area.  "Top or bottom, Horatio?"

"Whichever won't interfere with his clothes."

"Wrong style for that."  He looked at him.  "This is more a nipple, ear, or lip ring.  Maybe a scrotum piercing if you want to go that way.  Most navel rings are dangles so they don't interfere with clothes."  He let Horatio see and he tapped one, getting a nod. "Yes, sir.  Top?  That way it hangs in?"

"Please.  Put the other one wherever Xander wants."  Xander squeaked at that.

The piercing artist laughed. "I think he's feeling a bit overwhelmed, Horatio.  Want me to double ring the nipple?"

"If you can."  He sat down to watch it be done.  His mark was removed and they were slid back in together, making Xander hiss.  "Shh, I'm here," he soothed.  Xander nodded as they were closed.  Then his navel was done and Xander yelped but he got a kiss for it. "Very pretty.  How long before I can play with it?"

"Few hours if you're gentle."  Horatio moved to tongue it and Xander hissed and went rigid, his cock starting to stand up.  "Put some antiseptic on it every few hours," he said, handing it over.  Horatio nodded, handing him a folded bill.  He looked then nodded.  "Thank you, sir."

"Welcome."  He helped Xander get redressed then back out to the hummer.  He found a ticket on it and snorted, putting it aside.  He'd take that up with his boss Monday.  "Now we need groceries, right?"  Xander nodded.  "What's wrong?"

"You don't really want to dominate me, right?"

"No, Xander. I like you how you are."  His mate relaxed at that.  "What's the other problem?"

"Can we go get my car, that way it doesn't cause more problems?"

"If you want."  He took them home to do that then took out Xander's new sports car.  It was very fast.  Very, very fast.  He nearly got them busted for speeding it was so easy to go fast.  "Now I know why you got the two tickets in the porsche."  He pulled into the parking lot and got out, letting Xander get the cart while he shopped.  Horatio coughed to break up an arguing couple, tapping his badge.  The woman glared. He glared back.  She stomped off.  The boyfriend relaxed and nodded.  Horatio handed him a card from his wallet and kept going.  If he didn't need the male abuse shelter, he probably would someday soon if he went back to her.  He paused in front of the meats.  "What's in the freezer?"

"Enough to feed all the Delkos and us for at least a day.  But we need more chicken."  Horatio nodded, adding a few of those to the cart.  "Can you make the pork chop dish tonight?"  Horatio smiled and added the ingredients into the cart for that.   "That's the spoiling I wanted."  He kissed him on the cheek, getting a smile.   "We need soda and milk too. I got more juice mix."

"All right."  He went to get that, making Xander a happy boy because he also got him his favorite ice cream.  They checked out with Xander's money this time and headed for home, finding the Chief waiting on him with two cruisers.  "Yes?"

"You're keeping that hummer from the rest of the labs?"

Horatio opened the garage door and got out the registration, handing it over. "It was donated specifically for my use so my old one could go back to the rest of the labs."

"Oh.  We did paperwork for the PD sign and tags?"  Horatio flipped the papers over, that was the certification of the vehicle as a city vehicle.  "I see."  He looked at him.  "You went where with it?"

"When we first got together, there were bets about whether or not I had to sleep in the hummer," Xander said dryly.  "He goes *everywhere* with the hummer.  I made him trade to the new car I just got given because of the run in with Sevara earlier."  That got a dirty look.  "Sorry, but he likes my ass looking goth."

"We're all surprised he doesn't make you wear the collar when you come see him," one of the officers joked.

Xander glared at him. "I'm not a sub, thank you.  I'm actually quite dominant.  Should I tie you down and whip you to prove it?"

"He's always petting you and saying 'good boy' and things," the other offered when his partner went pale.

"That's because I need reassurance."  Xander moved closer.  "It might have escaped those who don't study people, but my parents were shitbags.  Total shitbags.  Drunken total shitbags if you want me to be honest.  I need the reassurance now and then."  He gave him a horrified look.  "Yes, me."

"But..but..but you're confident and poised and all that."

"Since Speedle adopted me at sixteen and then I took up with Horatio, yes.  Before then I was an outcast with a violent streak."

"Oh," the first officer said.  "He's done good work making you a confident, well adjusted man, sir."

"Him and dad.  Speedle laid the framework over two years.  Horatio built on it."

"I did," he agreed, coming over to hold him.

"My parents were bad enough that Aiden and Timmy nearly killed them.  They left town to get away from Aiden and Timmy.  They saved me from a lot of shit, including myself.  So yes, he does occasionally treat me like the dog or the son, but that's because I need that now and then.  Otherwise I might return to my former self," he said, staring at the chief.  "As some have seen."

"That jell-o incident."

"I didn't put anything in the jell-o, I only laughed."  He raised an eyebrow.  "There's a reason I am as I am."

"Ethan told me."

"What makes you think he knows?  Giles didn't."  He swallowed.  "Ethan knows what we've told him.  Nothing else."  The man backed away.  "By the way, tell your wife to leave Willow alone too.  Quit trying to make her mess up on purpose.  That would get a great many people very upset."

"I'll tell her.  You're going to leave us alone?"

"I don't go near you until you try my family, Chief. You know that."  He nodded at that. "You try my family again because you don't like us being together or whatever your reason of the moment is, and you'll get it back triply."

"Fine.  I'll leave you two alone. Are you going to see the vampire who gave you the cars?"

"We're talking about it but I don't think Angel and Horatio need to be in the same city."

He snorted.  "Why?  Afraid they'll compare notes?"

"Funny, but no.  I was a virgin to men when Horatio took me to bed that first night. Thanks for fantasizing about me and Angel though. I'll make sure he knows you did."   He stomped off and got in his car, heading off.  "Sorry you had to see that," he said more calmly.  "He's been sniping about us being together since he took office."

"Most of the patrol units like you two together, sir.  You make him happier and a happier Caine is more focused and has a better sense of humor.  We like him being happier.  He doesn't torture anyone with that food that made everyone sick."

"How many people did you feed my cooking to?" Xander joked.

"Ten, twelve.  Something like that.  One of the judges made me quit."   He looked at the officers.  "Thank you.  Would you like that ticket back?"  They nodded so he got it and handed it over. "Thank you, officers."

"Welcome, sir.  Are you next in line?"

"I'm never leaving the crime lab," Horatio assured them.  "Especially not for a desk job."  That got some smiles and headed back to work.  Horatio looked at Xander.  "Get the groceries while I get the clothes."  He nodded, going to do that.  Horatio ran into Aiden in the hallway.  He kissed her on the cheek.  "I'm going to be molesting your son for a very long time.  It will be loud."  He walked on, carrying the clothes into the bedroom.

"Was that a hint or a suggestion?"

"Hint, Aiden.  Hint."

"Fine, I'll go bother the pseudo-hubby and his new kid."  She went to help Xander, giving him a hug.  "I love you. You're so good.  Your mate's even gonna molest you.  About time."  He blushed at that.  "Awww.  What did he do?  Spoiled you?"

"New belly button ring and a second ring for my nipple.  Lots and lots of clothes, including some buttless ones.  The girl at the fetish shop and one of the officers thought I was a sub because I get reassurance."

"I know you're not.  See, I can see Horatio collared and beside the bed for you now and then.  The same as I can see him tying you down to make you let it all go now and then."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "You be good to him tonight. Make him sit funny for the cookout tomorrow.  Oh, where is Buffy?"

"I introduced her to someone."

"Sure.  Let me forward the phones to mine."  She went to do that from the office, then headed over to see Speed.  He opened the door and looked at her. "Our boy introduced Buffy to someone?"

"Long story," he agreed, letting her inside.  "They back yet?  Someone pointed out Xander had almost no clothes."

"Yup, Horatio was carrying bags and stuff from a fetish shop too."  He laughed at that, giving her a hug.  "Won't Calleigh mind?"

"Probably.  Calleigh, Aiden's here."

"I heard.  Bring her in here.  We can all sit on the bed."

Aiden walked him that way.  "Aww, there's my sorta-almost stepkid."

"He's being fussy.  Xander's had him for the last few days."

Aiden took him and he quieted down for her.  "He gets it from me," she said proudly.

"You did give him his first parental hug," Speed agreed as he curled up beside Calleigh.  "So, why the visit?"

"Horatio kicked me out and said he'd be molesting Xander for many hours and quite loudly.  Apparently he took him to a fetish shop and someone thought he was a sub."  She smiled and cooed at the baby.  "Some year, your big brother might even talk me into having one of you, kiddo."   The baby fussed.  "Yeah, that's my feeling on the subject too.  We'll resist him.  Yes we will."  Thomas settled back down. "He's a good boy, Timmy."

"He is most of the time," he agreed. "Every now and then he gets this evil look he learned off Xander and he ends up with runs that seem to explode everywhere."

Calleigh nodded.  "Definitely.  I think he learned that one off Toddy personally."  Aiden laughed at that. "Did you decide to come here or up there?"

"Here. My boy needs his momma.  He won't let Alexx or anyone else baby him so I've got to.  Maybe then he'll quit running away on Horatio.  Because that tattoo is very cute."

"Tattoos?" Calleigh squeaked.

"Cursive H with handcuffs hanging off one side," Aiden told them.  "To remind our son that Horatio will take care of him and bring him back in cuffs if he tries to run like that again."

Speed giggled.  "You should've been here that day.  He escaped from the hospital looking like the mummy.  Ten pounds of bandages and casts.  Went to their hidden area down here.  Horatio spent most of the night once he was told and all the next morning looking for him.  He finds him, brings him back to the station.  He told him it was either staying with Cal here or the station and the couch in his office.  Xander rests there to gain strength then sneaks off on a trip to the bathroom, heads to New York and his house up there. Goes to see Don's mom since she was sick.  Don drives him out there.  He ends up giving us hints on purpose so he won't worry so much.  Danny figures out the neighborhood and Horatio takes off after him.  Goes up there and teaches him not to run.  Then apparently you got up there and got in on the end of the spoiling?"

"Yeah, saw where his hacker buddies live too."  She smiled at the baby.  "Hi, precious.  Did you just pee on me."

"Probably," Calleigh agreed.  She took him back and went to change him.  "So, you're doing medical lab work, right?" she called.

"Yup.  A lot less stress on the soul."  She looked at Tim.  "His boy bought him buttless pants, his words."

"Horatio did? I'm surprised he even knew what they are."

"He was carrying bags from a fetish shop.  Xan said the girl thought he was a sub.  I assured him that he wasn't when he defended it.  Told him I could see him being made to let it go now and then but I could also see him collaring Horatio for the same reason now and then."  Calleigh went bright red in the doorway.  "Sorry.   Horatio made Xander buy assless pants.  The salesgirl thought he was a sub."

"I don't need to know that much about anyone's sex life," she said, trying to stay calm.  "I really don't."

"It's kinda cute, Calleigh," Aiden teased.

"Plus you teased Willow how many times about the OCD cleaning versus sex fits?" Speed teased.

"Keep it up and I'm going to stay with them for good."

"Willow likes girls," Aiden assured her. "She keeps saying Ryan needs someone else to fuss over."

Calleigh gave her a look.  "I could never be part of a trio.  I'm not like that. Timmy had better not be either."

"No, I'm not. I can't handle two at once anymore."  He held out a hand and she came to cuddle him.  "He down?"  She nodded, snugging into his chest.

"You two should do one of those couple's retreats things.  There's a really nice one coming up.  Don wanted my opinion on taking Marisol to one."

"The one I wouldn't mind going to is in two weeks," Speed offered, looking at her.  "It'd be a long weekend if you wanted."

"Are there kinky things?"

"Sex outside if you wanted.  It's to relax and connect. They've got a library of tapes if you want to learn about techniques, positions, or other stuff.  It's to promote intimacy and togetherness, plus good sex."

"You're going to make me scared."

"It's not like that. You walk around all day in lounging jammies.  You hold hands, you go for long walks, you swim together.  You do couplish things all weekend that leave you wanting to be together even more.  It's in upper Georgia.  It's a max of ten couples each getaway.  It'll be nice."  He stroked her back. "We can get you some cute lounging jammies, even with cartoons if you wanted, and we'll go walk around the woods and visit the lake.  No switching partners or anything like that."

"You've went to one of those?" she asked, looking embarrassed.

"Yeah. I had an ex who was into the whole swinger and S&M stuff.  That's why Xander took my advice on what handcuffs to get for that anniversary thing he did.  Also how Ray Jr. knows what he wanted."

"You've got a lot more kinky stuff in your past than I do," she said, looking at him.  "My kinkiest thing was probably that one guy who asked me if I'd pee on him and I said no."

"That was never my thing either," he assured her, giving her a squeeze.  "I'd never suggest you go that kinky, Cal.  I know it's not your thing.  You like the lights off way too much for that."  He gave her a gentle kiss. "The kinkiest thing about this weekend is usually the lounging jammies unless you decide to research something and try it."

"When's the one after this?"

"The next one was a swinger's weekend.  You'd end up on someone's lap and either watching or being watched."

"Um, no.  You don't... need that stuff, right?"

"Have I yet?" he asked patiently.  She shook her head quickly. "Have I seemed like I needed something I'm not getting?"

"No," she said carefully.  "But you can hide really well, Speed."

"I know.  I'm not though.  I don't need the kinky stuff. I did it in the past."

"Okay. If you're sure."  He nodded, looking patient.  "Good."

"I know very well if I cross a line that you don't want me to, you'll tell me no, kick my ass, then go hide with Ryan."

"I'd never cheat...."

"I know that and he knows that.  That's why he's safer.  You might get into trouble with Eric.  You'd never make Ryan cheat on his wife."

"I can be naughty."

"You can, but not that naughty."  He smiled at her. "That ex-girlfriend taught me everything I needed to know to be her dom.  You'd never need me that way."

"I don't," she agreed.  "I'm perfectly secure and don't need to let it go that way."

"Until you do, I don't need to drag those memories up."

"Good."  She looked back at Aiden, who was giggling.  "What?  Sometimes you guys seem a lot more worldly."

"That's because New York was the porn and sex capitol of the world for a long time, Calleigh.  He may be from upstate but he went to college in the city and I'm sure he took plenty of trips to the darker side of the city."  He nodded.  "The same as I saw it and traveled there myself.  That's all it is."

"We've got prostitution down here," Calleigh defended.  "Way too much of it.  And sex clubs.  Xander used to get in anywhere he wanted, including those places."

"Calleigh, we have places up there that the sex clubs down here make cute and annoying.  Those are just the theater places, not for those who live the life.  We used to answer at least six deaths a year at some of them for snuff victims."  She went pale at that.  "We've got goth clubs up there that don't do the nice draining into a cup/what was your last test like bloodletting.  We've got guys who bite it and drink it or cut it and drink it out.  New Yorkers are cynical because we work hard and we play harder.  We had clubs where the strippers have sex on stage for your pleasure, and then take a member of the audience.  We've got ones where you can be the creamy filling on stage.  We've got ones that there's no such thing as a safe word."

"I wandered into one of those once.  It's like prison.  I found a protector very quickly thankfully," Speed offered.  "He kept me there all night watching as the others had whatever their owners wanted done to them.  Including one guy that apparently pissed his off because he got branded right behind the balls and then it was pissed on."  She shuddered at that. "Cute place.  Dayglo."

"Yeah, because you can only see the glow of day through the bars," she agreed.  "We answered a homicide there a few years back.  They were doing breath play with blunt objects."  She got up to be sick.  "Sorry."

"We're never going back up there," Calleigh called between heaves.

"I kept you away from those areas on purpose, Calleigh," he assured her, going to get her some water.  He stroked her back. "I did. That night you wanted to go down to that one club, I stopped you for a reason.  You would've ended up on your back on a table as a buffet while I was strapped to a wall and used too.  That's why I didn't let you go."  She nodded, getting sick again.  "I'm sorry."  He went back to stroking her back.  "Shh, it's all right."  She flushed and stood up to rinse her mouth, staring at him. "That's not my thing."

"Thankfully."  She leaned against his chest, letting him hold her.  "Thank you for not letting me go down there."

"Not a problem."  He kissed her temple.  "Brush your teeth, we'll change topics."

"I'll take Tom to see Lizzy.  Let you and your ex-wife talk."

"You know it was never official. It was less than we had.  It was when it got too bad."

She stroked his cheek.  "You two shared a lot of stuff.  Not all marriages are sex.  She's your ex."

"Still."

"No, it's all good.  I need to calm down anyway and listening to Willow babble about the kids will do it. I definitely need the fresh air."

"Want driven?"

"No, I'm good.  I'll call Ryan to make sure it's a good time."  She went to do that, smiling at Aiden. "I'm going to calm down before the blush becomes permanent."

"Sorry, Calleigh."

"Not a problem.  That sort of thing is something I will never understand. Like why people go to Asia to do teenagers, I'll never understand.  I'm happy with my lack of understanding.  Really."  That got her a smile and a hug.  "Take care of your ex until I get back and no sex."  She pinched her.  "Brat."

Aiden laughed.  "I'd never take him from you, girl.  I don't poach."

"Good."  She called Ryan.  "I'm coming over to cool down my blush.  No, Aiden's here and she and Tim were going off on New York sex memories.  Be right there with Tom....  Oh, okay.  Then without Tom.  Sure."  She hung up.  "Lizzy's asleep so I'm going to leave him here."

"Sure.  You be safe."

"Of course."  She went out, heading over there.  She knocked on Ryan's door, making him smirk at her.  "They were talking about this club that's like prison and you got a protector and no safe words and I just couldn't."

"I understand.  I just put Willow down for a nap.  She got a bit heated earlier too. It's apparently the day for sex."

"Aiden said Horatio bought Xander buttless pants."

He smirked. "You should taunt him into wearing them on a road trip with Horatio."

"That's mean."  She hit him on the arm and he laughed, leading her back to the living room.  "So, how's being a judge?  We figured your OCD was getting a bit more stringent with the new environment."

"It can be but she's weathering it beautifully," he admitted with a grin. "How's your place?"

"I live surrounded by demons, including one who can make the bedroom floor freezing no matter what it's like outside.  Personally I think that one's a pro.  She's always got visitors."

He smiled at that.  "Yeah, that building is a bit wild."  She nodded at that.  "Want a beer?"

"Please, God, yes. I need that image out of my head."  He smiled and got her one, getting one for himself too.  They settled in to talk like old friends.

***

Horatio came out of the bedroom once he was done straightening out the closets, again, and found his boy stretching. "Practice time?"

"I should."

"You can tomorrow morning," he said gently, leading him back to their bedroom.  He let Xander see the pants on the bed, then made him look at him.  "Can I do whatever I want tonight?"

"Within reason."

"Within reason," he agreed, smiling at that small correction.  "What's your line of reason tonight?"

"No tickling.  Nothing really and truly kinky?  No cuffs."

"Not in my plans," he admitted.  He slowly stripped his boy off, watching his body pinken as he stared at it.  "You haven't shaved recently."

"I haven't.  Sorry."

"It's slowing you down in the water.  We can do that as well."  He walked him into the bathroom, letting him see what he had set up.  The enema bag was resting in some warm water to stay the right temperature.  The new plug was on the end.  Horatio heard the quiet sigh. "You gave me the new plug."

"I did.  Just one?"

"Clean and rinse."  He kissed the back of his neck. "Are you sore?"

"No."  He turned to look at him.  "Mom said I should collar you now and then to make you let go too," he offered quietly.

"I do let go, Xander.  I let all my stress go by making you insane.  By the morning neither of us are going to have a thought in our heads."  Xander blushed at that. "We won't.  Now, want my lap or the floor? Or the convenient bench you put in?"

"The bench."  Horatio nodded, laying him down and putting a folded towel between his thighs.  He shifted his right leg forward some since it was on top, getting better access to the cavity he wanted.  He slowly inserted the plug and tube.  "Clench down.  Or else I'm inflating it."  Xander shook his head quickly.  "You're sure?"

"No thank you. I can hold it."

"If that's what you want."  He started the feed, hitching the bag up to the plant hook and plant they had right there.  Someone had planned this bench to be used for other things.  "Was the plant your idea?"

"Mr. Delko's."

"Ah.  It's in a good place."  He saw the wince and stared down at him.  "Well?"

"Inflate it."  Horatio inflated the small airball at the end so it couldn't come out and he couldn't leak.  No matter what he did, he couldn't leak.  Xander swallowed.  Horatio got him some water to drink, putting the straw into his mouth.  "I can do this if you wanted to start dinner."

"I can start dinner in a few minutes.  Let me get you through this one and into the first rinse."  Xander nodded, sipping more water.  "Good."  He checked the bag, nearly empty.  "How full are you feeling?"

"Really."  Horatio gave him a look.  "A whole lot, like usual.  Why?"

"It's a slightly bigger bag than the one we had."  He smiled at him.  "Doing fine."  He watched as it finished draining, clamping off the line.  He squatted down to kiss him, making Xander smile at him.  "Let me work it in," he soothed, playing with his stomach to swish the water around.  Xander swallowed at that.  "Breathe."  Xander breathed, controlling the sensation.  "Good."  He got him up and let him evacuate it while he prepared a set of rinse water. He got Xander back onto his spot and started the first rinse.  Xander had better control of it this time, letting him gently knead his stomach to swish it around, even with the ball at the end inflated.  He was more relaxed this time.  When it was done he clamped off the tube and gave him a kiss.  "Let me get the pork chops ready.  I'll be right back while that sits." Xander opened his mouth. "Five minutes."  He left, going to the kitchen to wash his hands and pull out the meat, slicing into the sides so they could be stuffed.  When the five minutes were done he put them into the fridge and washed his hands again, then went back.  Xander was wincing.  "Does it hurt?"

"Few cramps."  Horatio helped him up and to the toilet, starting another bag of rinse water.  Xander moaned. "Must I?"

"Yes."  He looked at him. "You know that.  If you're a good boy, we'll play with the shower nozzle again."  Xander shivered and let more water out.  "Good boy.  Call me when it's all done."  Xander nodded, relaxing into the feeling.  Horatio went to wash his hands again and mix the stuffing, which he always did by hand.  He liked the feeling of the stuffing squishing in his fingers.  He got finished and listened.  "Xander?"

"Still going."

"All right."  He stuffed the first few pork chops before he heard his name called.  He got one last one and put everything back into the refrigerator, washing his hands again, drying them as he came back.  He found Xander back in position with the tube connected correctly.  He inflated the end on him again and kissed him.  "Let me finish dinner?  I'll be right back."  Xander moaned but nodded.  "Get onto all fours if it helps."  He helped him onto his stomach and then onto his hands and knees.  Which gave him many dirty thoughts.  He kissed his boy gently, then slowly ran a hand down to knead his stomach, getting a moan into his mouth.  "Let it go, Xander.  You know how this works."

"I'm still not being trained to get hard at this feeling."

Horatio smirked.  "Really?  Then why are you?" he teased.  That hand ran a finger up him, making him shiver and clamp down on the plug.  Horatio inflated it a bit more, then looked at his mate and did one final squeeze to the airball that inflated the small balloon and kept it inside him.  Xander shifted his legs outward.  Horatio teased the hard cock.  "I'd say you were liking this."

"It's the attention."

"Hmm."  He gave him a nip on the side.  Then he moved up to his ear. "You like it when I play with you, Xander. Admit it to me and maybe, just maybe, I'll let you come soon."

"Water still feels funny.  A bit too warm too.  Why did I buy the bigger bag?"

"Shh.  You know there are bigger ones," he soothed.  Xander moaned at that.  "I've got you."  He moved down to tease the cock again, making him rock back and forth.  "Gently.  Gently move it around."  Xander closed his eyes, trusting him to make sure he got what he needed.  He licked across the tip, making him gasp.  "Do you like that?"

"Feels odd with the water."

"It should."  He gave him a few more strokes then let him go.  "I'll be back after I've finished stuffing the pork chops.  What sort of vegetable did you want?"

"Don't care.  Nothing green?"

"Corn?  Stirfried squash?"

"Like that," he agreed, panting again.  "Horatio!"  Horatio hummed.  "Please!   Need it.  I'll explode if you don't."

"You can usually hold on."

"I'm not usually full of a gallon of water."

"It's not that big of a bag, Xander.  It's only a two-liter."  He did stroke his cock for him, letting him get off.  "There, how's that?"

"I realize now how pregnant woman sex feels."  He looked at him.  "Go, hurry back."  Horatio nodded, going to finish that.  Xander reached back and clamped off the tube and settled in to wait.  He couldn't undo the bulb by himself.  He muttered to himself as he waited, tensing and relaxing his stomach muscles.  If pregnant women felt this full, why did anyone have a second child?  He heard the doorbell and moaned.  "No, not today!" he complained loudly.

Horatio went to answer the door, looking at Don and Eric.  "Not a good time, guys."

"Why not?  We came to pick Xander up to go play in the park with us."

"He's presently full of two-liters of water."

Eric just nodded once.  "More than I needed to know.  Tomorrow what time?"

Eric could take hints.  Good.  "Two, three, somewhere in there."

Eric nodded.  "Okay."  He drug Don back to the car.  "Don't ask, he's playing with enemas.  They're going to have kinky and loud sex."

"Eww.  I hated those things.  How can you like them!"

"It's not being done at the hospital.  Horatio's probably pampering him greatly and rubbing his back to ease the cramps and all that."  He got him into the car and looked the sports car in the driveway, then whimpered and slid in to drive.  "You think he bought it?"

"Xander doesn't spoil himself that way," he said, looking at it.  "Think we could grab the keys?"

"Tomorrow.  I'm not going in there tonight. Sorry."  He sped off, taking him to the park to play and forget that image.  He really needed to forget that image.

"Still, how can that...."

Eric punched him on the arm. "Trying to forget that image.  Talk about having sex with my sister. It's less nasty."

"She'd never let me do that to her."  Eric moaned.  "Sorry.  Um, she's obviously had some practice sucking?"

"Nasty but good for you, man.  I knew she wasn't as good as momma thought."

"No, not by any means.  Speaking of which, is it you who gave her that cherry liquorice colored whip?"

"No, that was one of her girlfriends. They gave it to her to hold Xander off.  Let's forget we even stopped there."

"Sure," Don agreed. "I can get behind that plan."  He nodded quickly.  "Should we warn the others?"

He called Speed. "Don't randomly drop by H's place tonight."  He winced.  "Yeah, we got told that.  Thanks for the warning, Speed."  He hung up. "Horatio told Aiden, who was giggling in the background, that they were going to have noisy sex tonight."

"Apparently.  Do you think Horatio ever takes it?"

Eric hit him again.  "Not a subject I want to think about."

"Sorry.  Want to pick up Aiden and Speed?"

"Okay."  He changed lanes and headed that way, groaning at the lights.  He pulled over and pulled out his ID.  The cop who stopped him gave him an odd look. "We're trying to forget the sight of our boss and sex."

"You're one of Caine's boys, right?"  Eric nodded, hanging his head.  "Not something I'd want to see either.  Go ahead.  Pay more attention to your signals next time, Delko."

"Thanks.  Have you met Detective Flack yet?  He's dating my sister."

"Welcome to Miami, sir."

"Switching program," he admitted, grinning at him.  "She'll have to come to New York too."

"That's fine.  Think you could take Caine's husband?  We haven't had a good, healthy, celebration worthy drug bust in a few months.  They always seem to happen when his boy's out of town."

"Sure," Don agreed.  "We can send him out for a few days to go visit the lab up there."  That got a smile.  "I'll recommend a peace mission to poach people."

"Thanks, sir.  You have a nice night.  Watch out for the muggers down near the canal."  He went back to his car.

Eric put the car in gear and pulled out, using his signals.  "I never realized everyone else wanted to keep Horatio happy by not making him do too much work too."

"It seems to work.  He's happy, Xander's happy, things go smoothly at the upper levels.  Xander doesn't have to hurt anyone, which makes Horatio happy.  It seems to be symbiotic somehow."

"I guess.  I thought it was us keeping him off the worst cases because he never got laid and therefore got very grumpy.  He had this bad habit of feeding people Xander's cooking when he was in a bad mood."  Don snickered at that.  "Seriously. Used to carry some in the hummer even."  He pulled into Speed's parking lot.  "Go get 'em.  I'll call Ryan and whoever."

"Sure.  Babysitter?"

"Ehhh."

"Want Calleigh?"

"Nah, let her and Aiden bond over girl stuff.  We'll do a guy's night."

"Okay."  He went to get Speed and drag him down.

Eric called Ryan. "We're doing a guy's night and you are one, for all that your wife's got you whipped.  Me, you, Don, Speed.  No, Horatio shared *way* too much information about their sex life just now."  He listened to what Calleigh had told him.  "No, more like enemas.  Want a drink?"  He grinned.  "Sure, I'll even make sure I drive."  He hung up as the others came down.  "We're picking up Ryan.  I'm the designated driver."  That got a nod from Speed. "Let me guess, he gave you the bad mental images?"

"Nah, Aiden and I were talking about New York sex clubs earlier.  We've got ones that mimic prisons."

"Ah."  Eric backed out and headed for Ryan's.  "Better than what we got from H."

"Yeah, those two can be a bit kinky now and then.  Aiden suggested Xander should collar him now and then to make him let go of the stress."

Don shifted to look at him.  "The patrol guy who stopped us for him having bad mental images while driving wanted us to send Xander away for a few weeks so they could have a celebration-worthy bust."

"Let him go to Mac to handle that last auction."  That got a smirk.  "Oh, they might be taking off for LA.  The sports car apparently came from that direction."

"We saw the lam.  The lam was pretty," Don assured him.  They paused and Ryan got in and buckled up.  "You have bad mental images too?"

"Yup.  Then again, my wife just put Calleigh into our bed for a nap."

"That's fine.  As long as they don't sleep together in that special way," Speed agreed dryly.

Ryan looked at him.  "No, that would make Willow have that thought of me helping you clean your office again."

Speed shuddered.  "Never mind.  Anything to straighten out her mind.  You gotta try harder, Ryan. Please?"

"I'm trying.  It's not working as well anymore.  I might have to resort to handcuffs and whipped cream.  Or something slightly more kinky since she likes spanked."  He shrugged.  "Who knew."

"I didn't need to," Eric reminded him. "If you die, I'll be a favorite uncle to your kids, I'll set your wife up with all sorts of nice guys when she's ready, but I'm not takin' her in, man."

"Okay," Ryan agreed.  "Speed?"

"Ditto."

Don laughed.  "She's a nice girl but man... maybe she and Buffy...."

"Only if someone else gets my kids," Ryan told him.  "She can hand my kids to Xander and go play with Buffy all she wants if I die.  Because I'm pretty sure we've lost Buffy to Prestons."  Speed nodded at that.  "It's nice, he can match her in a fight."

"He can," he agreed. "He's also got that predatory nature that draws her.  Oh, and point of interest.  All slayers are born infertile."

The whole car cheered.

***

Horatio looked up as Xander came out of dressing himself.  They had played in the shower while the pork chops had cooked.  He had come out to do the squash while Xander dressed himself for him. "Let me see?"  Xander turned to show off his assless pants.  "Very nice."  He pulled him closer for a kiss. Go sit."  Xander looked at the table, there was only one place setting.  "Yes, there.  On the stool."  Xander went to sit on the stool, shivering at the feel of the cold wood against his bare rear.  Horatio finished dinner and made a plate for him, putting it in front of him.  Then he knelt behind Xander and pulled his hips back to get his own treat.  "I'll eat later," he said at the first squeak.  "You eat now. You'll need the energy."  He went back to tonguing Xander's ass, making him shiver, shake, and clutch the table. "Eat."

"Can't," he gasped.  Horatio laughed and he clenched the muscles to keep the tongue in place.  It was withdrawn and he was nipped, then Horatio pulled him back farther and went back to work on him.  Xander closed his eyes and moved, kicking the stool under the table, letting him have whatever he wanted.

Horatio smiled. "I said eat."

"I can't, not while you're doing that."  Horatio nipped him.  "I still can't.  Same as I can't eat when you're sucking on any other part of me."

"That's fine.  It can be good cold."  He went back to it, making Xander howl and tense, shake and clutch, then stumble on opening his zipper.  "No."  Xander moaned.  "Not yet."

"Need to!"

"Not yet."  He went back to it, pulling down on his balls to make sure he didn't come yet. He let it go from there, liking the feeling of the quivers that he got when his boy did come.  He kept going, teasing him since he was so sensitive.  When he quit hearing the pretty begging noises he withdrew and cleaned off his mouth.  He had drooled.  He gave it one last lick, hearing a smaller whimper.  He turned him around to clean him off, noticing most of it had hit the stool.  That was nice of him.  He got them both cleaned up with a warm cloth and some mouthwash, then kissed his husband slowly, mimicking what he had been doing inside him.  Xander clutched at him. "Desperate?"

Xander nodded, swallowing.  "Very."

"Good.  Now we'll eat."  He pulled over a regular chair, sitting down with Xander in his lap to cuddle him.  He cut a bite of dinner then fed it to him.  Xander gave him a look as he chewed. "I told you I'd eat later.  I've got your normal bouncy mood."  He fed him another bite.  Somewhere a phone rang.  "She forgot one."

"That's yours."  He got up and went to find it, bringing it back. He snuggled back into his lap and kissed and nibbled his chin while he talked.

"Caine."  He listened.  "That's fine, Prestons.  As long as she wants that I don't care.  No, he can't talk.  Because he's in my lap and sucking."  He smirked.  "That's why I do that, yes.  Have fun tonight. Be safe."

"All slayers are infertile," Xander whispered.

"Good luck, Prestons.  She's a bit flighty now and then but a good woman the rest."  He hung up and groaned at the instant ringing.  Xander giggled as he moved down his neck.  "Caine," he answered patiently.  "Hi, Bess.  No, you can't.  Aiden's got his forwarded.  No, he's in my lap at the moment.  Well, because he's had all the kids in the family for the last week straight.  Tomorrow at noon would be fine.  Most of the family is coming over in the afternoon but noon is good.  That's fine.  I'll even make something soothing and light.  Of course.  No, Xander can't cook.  He is poisonous to normal mortals."  He smiled.  "Of course you're not.  You have a nice night."  He hung up and turned it off.  "You're serving her tea tomorrow."

"Okay."  He went back to his project.  "I don't really need food."

"You do. You lost weight while you were hopping."  He pulled him off and kissed him. "Eat. Or else I'm going to play size queen tonight."  Xander gulped and turned back around so he could eat.  "Good boy."  He stroked over the bare back.  Then down over his thighs. "Those do look great on you."

"Thank you for spoiling me."

"You needed and deserved it.  If only because you kept Ryan's son from dismantling the house and my cellphone again."  Xander grinned and wiggled while he was fed the next bite.  "Good boy.  You eat it all and there's ice cream for dessert."  He sat up a bit to get to his ear, nipping it.  "I'm wondering if I should put mine in a bowl or not."  Xander shivered and nodded.  "You think I need a bowl?"

"It'd drip off me. I don't have any depressions to eat it out of."  Horatio stroked his thigh. "You can't put ice cream in there.  It's sacrilege."

"Then I won't this time," he promised.  Xander gave him a look.  "This time."  Xander nodded and went back to eating. "Slow down and chew.  I like watching you eat."  Xander did that for him.  "Very nice."  He went back to stroking his back, finishing his nefarious scheme for the night.  Xander didn't need to be able to sit tomorrow. She would understand.  Hopefully.  Someone knocked on the door. "Go away!" he called.

"Delivery, sir."

"How did he get in the gate?"

"I don't know.  Maybe Eric and Don left it open."  He got up and went to answer it. "What?"

"Mr. Harris?"

"Is my husband.  He's indisposed."  The delivery guy shrugged and let him sign for whatever it was.  Then the two large boxes were hefted inside the entry and he left.  Horatio closed the gate after him and input the locking code.  He answered the phone. "Just wanting some privacy, thank you for monitoring that," he told the security company.  They hung up and he went back to his boy's side.  "It's from LA."

"Why?"

"Not a clue.  We'll find out in the morning."  Xander nodded, getting up to let him have his lap again. He fed him a few more bites, then took a deep, pleasing kiss.  "We are going to LA in a few days."

"Yes, dear."  He gave in, knowing he could talk him out of it in the morning.  Right now, he wasn't going to rock the boat.  Someone else tapped.  "No!" he shouted.

"Sorry!" Willow called.  "Needed something of the baby's.  Had to hop the gate."

"Willow, I'm nearly naked and about to plunge down Horatio's throat.  I'm sure you took everything of hers."

"Not her bracelet."

"It was on her when she left."

"Crap.  Thanks."  She ran off, going back to the car.  "He said it was on her.  So maybe Ryan took it off?"

"Maybe."  They headed back to the house, Calleigh more than happy to think of something other than sex.  "He didn't let you in?"

"Um, no, they're busy."

"Ah.  Yeah.  Aiden said they were going to be busy tonight.  And probably most of tomorrow too.  Better them than me right now."

"Too true.  Ryan's like some caveman now and then.   I swear, the last month I've been like his personal sex doll or something.  A closet after the fight at the dinner.  In his office twice now.  It's like he's been cursed."

"Maybe whatever's going on with Horatio and Xander rubbed off."

"I guess, but man!  Even I get sore now and then.  Now I know why Xander couldn't sit on Horatio's birthday."

"No, I think that was a tear."

"Had that recently too. Just now clearing up.  He is not getting up the butt sex again."

Calleigh laughed.  "I told Speed he wasn't going to try it and he's pretty much let me set boundaries."

"Can you whip my puppy into shape?"

"Be firm, Willow.  Set a boundary line.  Tell the boy no."

"Then he pouts."

"That's blackmail."

"Yup.  It works too," she sighed, shaking her head.  They got the kids back inside the house and went to look for the bracelet, finding it still not there.  "Who had her other than us?"

"Mrs. Delko."  Willow moaned. "I'll call."  She dialed. "Mrs. Delko, it's Calleigh.  You know the dampening bracelets the kids wear?  Did you remove Lizzy's?"  She listened. "No, it's to keep them from accidentally floating themselves into the ceiling again.  The magic stuff.  Yeah, that stuff.  Really?  Then I guess you haven't caught Eric sneaking cookies that way, huh?"  She smirked at the shout at her husband.  Who agreed with her.  "Where is it?  No, they're having sex.  Xander told her that they're having sex and he hadn't seen it.  He assumed it was on her.  The same as Tia's is on her hopefully.  Sure, if you want to send it with Marisol, that's fine.  We're at Willow's and the boys are all out having a guy's night.  Thanks."  She hung up.  "She thought it was a family marking.  It's in her purse.  Marisol and Tia are coming over with it."

"Good.  Then we can check Tia's.  Because there's no way that little witch in the making is going Catholic."  That got a grimace.  "They don't really like us."

"Better them than a Southern Baptist who believes in the killing of you guys."

"True."  She got the kids down again and they came out to sit and chat while Marisol came over.

***

Horatio led Xander back to the bedroom and watched him as he moved.  "You're all healed, finally, and so am I.  Do we know what this means?"

"You want to adjourn to the room where I put up the pole?"

"You did what?" Horatio asked.  Xander took him by the hand and led him up the hallway to the small door he thought was a closet next to his office.  It's a good thing he didn't have to look for any paper products in here while half the house was full of people and children.  It was a round room, not very large.  It had one of those chair-and-a-halfs that were popular.  It had a pole at the other side. It was painted midnight purple and the chair was black plush.  Xander closed the door and flipped the switches - the lights went off and the sparkling embedded lights came on.  He pushed a button on the wall, turning on the built- in stereo.  "What did the workmen say?"

"That it was better designed than some rapper's out on Star Island," he said with an impish grin.  He tapped in the CD he wanted and started to dance for him, making his mate stare at his abs with a slight smirk of happiness.  He moved closer, doing a lap dance.  "I never was very good at these in the clubs," he offered with a shy grin.  He kept it up, his hips rocking and swaying with the beat of the music playing, his hands playing with his own chest, tugging gently on his nipple rings.  Horatio suddenly pulled him down into real contact, making them both moan, while his tongue teased the dual rings.  "Horatio," he moaned.

"Shh."  He gave the hips a push and Xander went back to it, rubbing and grinding against him, now stroking his mate's back instead of his own chest.   Horatio was having the time of his life.  He could feel himself getting close and pulled back.  "I'll give you anything you want tonight if you suck me off."

"Customers aren't supposed to get sexual favors," he said with an impish smile.

"I'm not the usual customer."  Xander fell to his knees and crawled over, his hips still working as he undid the zipper and licked over the hard cock.  Horatio spread his thighs wider, thanking the makers of the chair for making it wide enough for a good blowjob by an active mate.  He arched up then pulled the head back down.  Xander had done great at this art since he had taught him during their first day together. He came and Xander sucked it all down then licked him clean, looking up at him.  "Thank you."  His pants were rehitched.  "What's the other door?"

"Safe."  He kissed him.  "Plus all the paper stuff underneath it."  He kissed him again.  Then he moved to open his shirt.  "You are wearing all too many clothes, my boy."  Horatio let him, he had promised.  Xander got up to go back to dancing once Horatio was exposed to him.  "Take them off.  I want to watch what the chair does to you."

Horatio wiggled out of his pants and shirt, tossing them behind him.  The chair's plush fabric was very nice.  It was like a cross between chenille and velvet.  It felt very nice against his back and thighs, not to mention how the nap was teasing his crack.  He spread his legs again and shifted so the fabric could tease a bit deeper.  "Do we have this anywhere else in the house?"

Xander opened a small pull-down drawer, it looked like one of the doors that you threw trash down in an apartment building.  He pulled out a pair of bicep-length gloves in black plush and then chose a small cloth.  He came over to stroke him, letting him feel it was chenille making up the gloves and cloth.  He moaned as he was stroked with featherlight touches, the cloth dragged around his chest and stomach, then finally dropped on top of his cock while Xander stroked a bit harder here and there, then the barely-there touches would hit another area.  The music was still going and he was still dancing some, and it was making him pant.  "Xander," he moaned. "Please?"

"Not yet."  He went back to his teasing then kissed him and turned, stroking his own rear with them.  He stroked, he pulled the cheeks apart, he did his lower back, he did his thighs over the pants.  He knew Horatio was hard and needy.  He never expected the tongue torture to come back and make him scream though.  And scream he did because it was good.  He braced on the chairs arms, panting and gasping for breath, undoing the front of his pants to stroke himself with the gloves, cursing that they were only making it worse.  The cloth was picked up and drug over the damp flesh, then a finger was pushed into him with the cloth over it, making him gasp and tense up then shiver when it went deeper.  Their precum barely made it slick enough to irritate but not hurt.  "Toys," he panted.  "Drawer.  Toys."  Horatio carefully moved him and went to look in the magical drawer of mysteries.  He came back with a slim toy and used it instead of his finger, wrapping the cloth around the end of it so it stroked in and out with the dildo.  Xander was making pleading noises, he knew he was.  "Please!"

"Not yet."  He fastened the cockring he had found and Xander let out a wail but he couldn't come around it.  It was too tight.  "Hmm.  Just in time."  He went back to his playing, the gentle, soft cloth dragging.  He finally gave up on the cloth and went back to his tongue.  Xander was shaking.  He turned him so he was leaning against the back of the chair, letting the fabric stroke him for now.  Xander was humping back and forth, still unable to come, desperately wanting it.  Horatio smirked as he pulled back, turning off the music.  Xander moaned.  "Bed, my mate.  Our bed."  Xander straightened up and handed him his clothes, then walked out.  He made sure the door was sealed behind him. That was a room he didn't want his son in.  He walked Xander back to the bedroom.  "Want water or bed?"

"Water!" he gasped.  Horatio let him have some to drink then led him back into the shower.  The adjustable nozzles were set at the correct height and he was teased and tormented, still unable to come, still begging and pleading as they were adjusted to throb against his skin. Horatio watched, lending a hand here and there, just teasing for now.  Xander was reaching that spot of mindlessness that had gotten him torn last time.  He released the ring for a moment, letting him come.  Then put it back on and adjusted the one against his hole so it pounded harder to take advantage of the after-shocks.  Xander wailed and leaned against the wall.  Horatio smiled as he came over to get a kiss. "Please.  In me?  Now?"

"Once we're on the bed," he promised.  Xander struggled to his feet and kissed him, pulling him so the water would get him too.  "I'm already desperate, Xander. It's been a while since I touched you like I should every night."  He took another kiss, letting the water play with him.  "I've only got one shot left in me.   I'm going to work you until you're ready to pass out, then have you so we both finish and you're not left charged up."  Xander shook his head.  "No?"  He shook his head frantically and pushed him against the wall, kissing him hard.  "Xander, you'll need more."

"No I won't."  He moved down his mate's body, doing whatever he wanted, making him hiss and buck, but Horatio was no longer in control.  He turned off the water but all that got him was flipped around and Xander finding the oil they kept in there.  Horatio hissed as the thumb entered him suddenly, rocking back on it.  "Mine," Xander hissed in his ear.  "Mine. All mine.  Say it."

"Yours," he said, tightening up around the thumb. It was switched for two fingers. "Slower?"  Xander pushed him closer to the wall.  "Xander?"  The fingers were moved faster. "Yours!" he said, and they slowed down, drawing it out.  "All yours."  Xander slid into him, making him wince.  "Yours.  All yours," he soothed.  Xander moved slower and smoother now.  "Bed?"

"Later," Xander growled, going back into it. "Softness later."  He sped up now that he was used to it, making him groan and grind against the wall.  A hand came around to keep Horatio's cock from being hurt by the tiles, but he kept going. The snap of the cock ring was loud in the silent bathroom.  Horatio groaned at that sound.  Xander came with a moan in his ear, making him arch back.  Xander stopped moving and panted, leaning against his back.  He pulled out and kissed the spot he had been sucking on the back of Horatio's neck.  Then he turned and strolled out to the bed.

Horatio watched him go. "That's evil, Xander," he called.  He stormed out, going to pounce his mate.  He found him on his back, gently working some oil into himself.  "Evil, evil bastard."  He flipped him over.  "Hope you have enough in there," he said as he shoved himself into his mate's body.  Xander let out a scream, a good scream but still a scream. He sped up, going as hard and as fast as he needed to.  Xander was rocking back, one arm holding him up, the other touching himself.  Horatio reached down and swatted the hand. "Mine.  If I'm yours, you're mine."  He bit him on the shoulder, getting a yelp.  He moved down to do it again, this time a harder bite since it was harder to pull at the skin over his shoulderblade.  He slammed in and rode him hard, pounding him.  His mate.  His mate had teased him. His mate had made him sore.  His mate was howling and begging beneath him, as it should be.  He knocked the hand away again and went back to pleasing him.  "You won't tease me again?"

"No promises," he panted.  "You usually like it."

"That was evil."  He growled and pulled out, making him try to get him back.  He held the hips still.  "Agree."

"That was evil.  Told you I would get it at the same time you did," he panted. "PLEASE!"  Horatio smirked and blew over the hole, then used a thumb to tease the edge.  "Fine, I won't tease you that way again!  Probably!"

Horatio smirked and drove himself back in, making Xander scream again.  It was a good feeling to be back in control again.  Xander lost it, all he had to do was wait.  Xander was pushing back against him, trying to get it, needing it desperately.  Horatio teased him, pulling out counter-thrust.  Xander changed directions to follow.  He did it again and he moaned and whimpered, putting his head down.  "Mine?"

"Yours," he agreed hoarsely.  "All yours.  My mate."

"Good.  Very good boy."  He went back to slowly riding him, just gently for now.  Xander made begging noises.  "Mine."

"Yours.  Need more.  Please?"  He looked back.  "I won't leave you hanging that way again this month."

Horatio leaned down, pulling Xander up so he was sitting on his lap.  "Ride me.  Take what you need."  He kissed the bite marks and Xander rode and strained.  "You can't get off that way, can you?" he teased, stroking his stomach, then the tattoo he had put on his thigh. "You can't do it on your own."  Xander shook his head.  "What do you want?"

"You.  Please do more?"

"More what?"

"Make love to me?" he asked weakly, leaning his head back against his mate's shoulder.  "I'm yours. I was evil to tease you that way and leave you hanging."

"Yes, you were."  He pulled out and forced him onto his stomach.  He could ignore his hard-on for now.  For at least a few minutes.  The oil was pulled over and he got to work on Xander's back, calming him down, calming himself down.  Making it go back to the place it was earlier before Xander upped the stakes.  He calmed them both down.  They were both still hard, but it wasn't as much NEED now as want.  Xander gave him a gentle whimper when he got to his formerly injured leg.  "Pain?"  Xander nodded.  "When do you go back?"

"Monday."  He spread his legs. "Please?"

Horatio moved back up, slowly taking him, slowly building back up.  Xander moved back to his knees voluntarily.  Horatio growled low in his throat, speeding up.  They moved back up, but it wasn't going to be enough. "Xander, I won't last."

"Want the cockring?"

Horatio considered spanking him but he refused to cross that line again. So he settled for biting him... hard.  Xander moaned and arched back.  "Masochist," he taunted.

"Only for you," he panted, straining.  "Please, just a bit more.  All I need is a bit more."

"Too late," Horatio told him, coming.  He moaned and Xander moaned for a different reason.  He pulled out with a pant and collapsed onto the bed, spreading out. "Do it."  Xander looked at him.  "Xander, in me."  Xander blinked and fell on him like he was rabid, licking, nipping, sucking, sliding in and pulling his hips up.  "Remember I'm not as young as you," he complained, but Xander was in full, desperate need. Again.  He pounded him until Horatio thought a miracle might occur and he might get hard again but Xander snarled and came, pushing in deeper.  Horatio knew he was going to be sore.  Xander panted as he collapsed across his back.  "You okay?"

"Dead."

Horatio smiled.  "No you're not, I can feel the breathing."  Xander swallowed and shook his head.  "Yes, you are."

"No I'm not.  I'm dead.  You're going to kill me."

"Why?"

"I bit you."

"You did and now I know why you like it when I bite you."  He turned his head and Xander kissed him.  "Think you're going to survive?"

"Nope."  He moved with a groan and flopped beside him.  "Are you okay?"

"I'll be sore, the same as you will," he soothed, pulling him closer to cuddle.  Xander snuggled in with a sigh of pleasure.  "Why do we have a safe?"

"It was here."

"Oh, good.  What's in it?"

"The safety deposit boxes."

"Even better."

"And blackmail photos.  Plus the keys to the places in New York."  He kissed the chest over the heart.  "Love you, mine."

"Love you too, Xander. All mine."  He gave him a squeeze and looked at the clock.  "We should have a snack."

"Baby, I feel wide open, like you crawled inside me," Xander said quietly. "I know you're sore because your hole was bright red when I pulled out.  What mythical slave do you see getting us a snack?  Unless you know something about our dogs that I don't?"

Horatio let out a small chuckle.  "Not that I know of.  Not even for ice cream?"  Xander lifted his head, staring at him like he was stupid.  "Never mind."  He took a kiss.  "It can wait."  Xander nodded, putting his head back down.  "Did I wear you out?"

"Yup.  Especially since we've got to do tea for Bess and probably one or two others.  If we're lucky they're not bringing the whole garden club.  I've got practice before then. We're doing a cookout.  At least we don't have to worry about the kids waking us up."  Someone pounded on the door. "I'm going to commit homicide, you mind?"

"Yes."  He started to move but he had to moan and lay back down.  "Your turn."

Xander got out of bed and padded that way slowly, clutching the wall.  He found Aiden looking pissed.  "Is it a world ending emergency?"

"No," she said cautiously.

"Is someone bleeding or in the hospital?"

"Nearly.  Someone tried to shoot Danny on his way home."

He pointed to the right.  "The board's house is next door.  It's almost finished.  Have someone pick him up."  She nodded at that.  "Anything else?"

"Are you sore?"

"Mommy, I love you, but Horatio did things to my ass that are evil and I was mean enough to leave him hanging after making him really sore first.  Do you need more details?"  She blushed and shook her head.  "Are you sure?  Because I will give you some if you really want."  She shook her head.  "We're doing a tea and a cookout tomorrow.  Have him show up mysteriously then or later.  Either one. Do you need *our* help?"  She slowly shook her head and he popped her up side of it.  "That's not yours, quit staring at it."

"But it's a cute tatoo."

He popped her again, then slammed the door in her face.  "Honey, Danny got shot at by some stupid people who want my foot up their asses when I can walk."

"That's fine.  Can you get me some ice cream?"

"I thought I was being spoiled today."

"Bring me some ice cream.  I'll spoil you more."  Xander considered it then got a pint of ice cream and two spoons out, carrying them back.  He handed it over, keeping a spoon. "You won't need that, this is for me."  He pulled him back down and got to work spreading the ice cream on Xander and licking it off.  He even was nice enough to lick it off the hardening cock.  He was even nice enough to use fingers coated in it to bring Xander off again so he could clean him up and then lick it out of him.  "Told you I'd spoil you more."

"Can I have a bite that's not been in my ass?"  Horatio laughed and fed him some, making him a happy boy that shared ice cream flavored kisses.  "You're a great spoiler and I'm sorry you're sore."

"I'll live and so will you."  He took another kiss and then Xander went down to work him over.  "I don't have viagra, Xander."

"You don't need it."  He went back to having him with his mouth and three fingers inside him, making Horatio get as hard as he could and come, even though nothing came out.  "See?"  Horatio nodded and yawned, falling asleep.  Xander got the rest of the ice cream for himself, smiling as he licked off the spoon. "My turn next time."  He ate another bite and yawned, sliding down once he had scraped the carton clean.  He snuggled in. It had been a long day. A great day, he had been horribly spoiled, but still a long day.

***

Horatio opened the door. "Bess, Isabel.  Come in.  Xander's just out of the pool and getting redressed.  Xander, they're here," he called. He led them into the sitting room.   Xander came bouncing in.  "Let me get the food and the tea.  Ladies, tea?"

"Please," Isabel agreed, smiling at him.  He nodded and went to do that.  She smiled at Xander, accepting the kiss to her cheek. "You smell like you haven't showered."

"I didn't have time. I slept in this morning." He sat and winced a bit.  "Sorry."

"That's all right, dear, you're both very young.  Once upon a time I had many days I walked funny like your husband is."  Bess smiled at him.  "How is your swimming?"

"Slowly getting back up to speed.  My leg still aches now and then. I refractured it after the hurricane."

"I'm sorry," Isabel said.  "What happened?  All we knew was that Ray told me that you were horribly injured."

Xander nodded.  "Some rich guys wanted to hunt my cute butt.  Like on a safari hunt me.  He was softening me up first.  Beat the crap out of me."

"Xander," Bess chided.

Horatio came back. "He's right.  He had fractures in his arm and hand, which had been broken by Marisol during labor.  He got a broken leg, three broken ribs, that later turned into six.  He had bruises and cane marks on his back, arms, legs, and chest.  Then my adoring husband decided he refused to be babied so he escaped from the hospital while missing a week of memories so I couldn't take care of him."   Xander nodded at that.  The women stared at Xander.   "He hates being babied.  I ended up chasing him to New York to take care of him."  He served tea and sandwiches.  "Sorry, that's all we have that's not for the cookout later and marinating right now."

"No, this fine," Bess assured him.  "Xander?"

"I can baby others, I can fuss and spoil, but I hate it when I'm sick and someone does it back to me," he admitted.  "He spent two days reminding me that he was my husband and there to spoil and baby me. Then we came home and I got gay bashed in my old neighborhood by one of the cranky old guys who claimed I was ruining his retirement."  The women clucked at that and shook their heads.  "That's how three ribs broken turned into six and a bruise so bad they were worried about internal damage."  Horatio nodded at that.  He looked at the plate, then at him.  "Can I have a soda?"

"You're moving easier than I am."

"Point.  Excuse me for a minute, ladies.  Also, I think Danny's here."  He slowly got up and headed to get a soda, or two, and hand one to Danny when he let him in.  Danny just looked at him.  "You good?"

"Nope."

"You gonna die?"

"Nope."

"Got any care instructions?"

"He shot me on the ass."

"Ah."  Xander patted him on the cheek.  "Aren't those fun?  You can either crash next door or here."

"Mac said I'm yours or Don's faithful shadow until they find the guy.  I'm loving the frequent flier miles.  Room?"  Xander pointed at the stairs. "Please be joking."

"We haven't remade the bed since sex last night.  We've got the only room down here."

"Sex I can stand. It won't be a wet spot anymore.  Hey, everyone," he called, waving as he trudged that way. "You never saw me."

"Danny?" Horatio called.  He came back. "Are you all right?"

"Left glutius maximus gsw on the subway.  You tell me.  He said I can nap on your bed since I can't do stairs."

"Go ahead," Horatio agreed.  "Ignore anything odd."

"Oh, and watch out, I may have lost a spoon last night."  Danny gave him an odd look. "We had ice cream afterward."

"I don't want to know."  He walked that way.

"Aiden's in town."

"Tell her not to fuss or I'm popping her one."  He shooed the dogs out and collapsed, face down, into the soft bed.  Percy sniffed him but Lancelot laid down next to him. He patted him, then gave him a shove.  "Just let me die of embarrassment alone, guys.  Please?  Shoo.  Go bother the daddy."  They ran to find the daddies and sit very attentively.

"Good boys.  Go watch for the kids," Xander ordered.  They ran to the large front window to sit and stare outside. He curled into Horatio's side.  "Sorry, long day yesterday.  We did the arts and crafts fair before the picnic and then came home to some alone time and Horatio replacing the wardrobe I lost due to drain issues at the old bunker."

"I've had to do that a time or two myself," Bess promised.  "Would you show me around?"

"Of course."  He got up with a small open-eyed wince and led them on a tour of the house, letting them look everywhere but the bedroom.

"It's clear you meant this to be a home for your family, not a showpiece," Isabel praised.  "I'm sure the boys love their playroom."

"They love the playset out back more."  He walked them out onto the porch, making them smile. "This is the family's side."  He walked them around the side.  "If I have to throw something I'll do it on the side lawn."

"That's more than enough space for the smaller get-togethers, which is probably what you'd throw anyway," Bess agreed.  She looked at the pool and the diving tower.  "You even tried to camouflage it.  I'm impressed."

"I worried about cranky neighbors, but then they got busted for meth production.  We annexed that estate since it was pretty small.  That let me expand the yard and move the pool that way, plus the condo for the foundation's board was destroyed so they put up a small house over there for their use and have the rest of the estate.  I even let them buy it cheaply from me."  They smiled at that.  "Oh, should you hear about it, yes, I've got another present giving idiot from the west coast."  They nodded at that.  "You heard?"

"We heard rumors about a few sports cars and we know you like speed and excitement but you're not the sort to buy a car like that.  It's not practical."  Xander nodded at that.  "So, may we see?"

He led them back through the house to the garage and showed them the lam and the new porsche.  "Honey, there's a third car in here," he called. "Did you see a blood red jaguar last night?"

"no," drifted out of the house.

Xander groaned.  "We're not even sure how they got in considering we locked the gate."  They patted him on the back.  "Upstairs I managed to get both children's rooms the same then Willow, Taylor, and I each took a guest room to decorate.  By the way, are they going to stop against Willow?"  Isabel nodded at that.  "Thank you.  I'd hate to have to kick their asses for making her cry.  Her husband might get mad that I ruined his fun."  They laughed. "Not kidding."  He looked at them.  "When is the social and polo calendars coming out?" he asked, leading them back inside.  He found their teas refreshed and smiled at the new can of soda for him.  And his mate napping on the couch.  "Sorry."  He led them into the study with their tea and sandwiches, pulling out his appointment book. "I don't have anything past the Richmond's event."  He looked at them.  "Am I being excluded?"

"No, dear.  The guide comes out next week," Isabel assured him.  "You're coming to me to make sure of your events?"  He nodded.  "Is the Foundation throwing one?"

"Fifth year anniversary probably.  Then again that would be a gay rights event."  That got some nods. "Hmm.  Let's see, our fifth anniversary is next winter.  We might throw a small event but that might only be family.  I'm not really sure.  I'm not really into throwing parties for the sake of a party and the foundation doesn't need a fundraiser.  I'll help when asked."

"That's more than acceptable, Xander.  Now, I know you've been wanting to cut down some of your obligations.  I know Horatio's worried about some of the spoiled brats and the like.  Have you picked charities?" Bess asked as she pulled a chair over.  He got up to help her and get one for Isabel, earning a smile.  "This is a grand office."

"Thank you, I found it at auction."  He beamed.  "I think something scandalous must've happened on that big, huge desk of my husband's but he said I'm strange."  They laughed at that.  He leaned back.  "I'd like to stay on the library board.  I'd like to stay on the PD's event roster.  Any of the gay things are a must for me. Um, the Children's Hospital is one we all do because they've benefitted the family in the past."

"Yes, we heard something about another niece from Horatio's brother?"

"He's an asshole who was cheating on his wife.  Madison is a sweetheart and we try to keep it quiet," he said honestly.  "As far as the family's concerned, she is family.  Speaking of, I haven't seen her in two weeks."  He held up a finger and called.  "Suzie, Xander.  I'm *so* sorry.  We've been horrendously busy with everything.  I haven't had the chance to check in or come see Maddy.  We're having a family cookout today.  Want to bring her over to play with the dogs and everyone?"  He smiled. "Yelina will be, and she is pregnant, but you know she loves Madison.  Yeah, most of the family and the extended ones like Eric Delko and them.  Sure.  Please.  Pretty please?" he begged.  He smiled. "No, with the hurricane tearing up the old house and everything things have been *insane*.   I'm just now slowing down and they're working on rebuilding the crime lab so Horatio hasn't known which lab he's in any day he's worked.  Please?"  He frowned. "You can come too.  Otherwise I will come over and haul you out of your apartment and carry you back like some Flintstones person.  Please?"  He smiled.  "Thanks, love.  Two, three, somewhere around there.  It's a family thing.  Get here."  He laughed.  "Yup, our dogs, Eric's dogs probably.  Fank you.  Love you.  12 Sugar Cane Way.  Yup, that's us.  No, I traded up. It's got better security.  No, he won't be here.  He's in New York doing something.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Horatio, Maddy's coming with Suzie to the cookout," he called.  He looked at them.  "Sorry.  Had to do it when I thought of it.  I'm sorely lacking brains today."

Isabel giggled.  "After last night, I'm not surprised."  He blushed at that.  "It was fairly obvious since neither of you can walk, dear.  Anything else?  Library, Children's Hospital, gay events.  Polo probably."  He nodded at that.

"I do think it would be fitting if you went to the Morrison's event," Bess said grimly. "Even though they're bigots."

"Which is why I had a convenient seizure last year so I didn't have to go," he noted dryly.   She nodded, remembering that. "What are they throwing it for?"

"They're fairly popular in the New York scene."

"Then if Don's here I'll send him."  They smiled at that.  "By the way, he and Marisol are together.  They're very adorable.  They say they're even more adorable than Horatio and I."  They giggled at that.  "They are and he loves Tia like his own too."  That got a smile from Isabel.  "Anyone else I should go to that I'd rather punch instead?"

"Roosevelt Society."

"Hell no," he said bluntly.  "They're very anti-gay.  They're working to promote the anti- marriage amendment.  I'm sorry, I can't support that.  I'm sure they're nice but I'd rather stick dynamite up their asses and blow them up.  They stand for *everything* opposite that I am or have ever stood for."

"Agreeable," Bess decided.  "Anything arty that you like?"

"Ehhh.  I'm still wandering cluelessly in art.  I'm doing good to take my accounting classes that I need."  They nodded, understanding that.  "I appreciate art and music. I always have.  I sent a donation last year to the Children's Orchestra in the foundation's name."  They smiled at that.  "The same with the Children's Dance Company program."  They nodded at that.  "I can't stand cheerleaders, but we saw some of them perform."  They all shuddered at that.  "Wish I had more skill in that one but I'm not ready for that yet."

"Of course. You'll find out what you like and support them," she agreed.  She looked at Isabel.  "I know you had a suggestion."

"How is your riding coming?"

"I'm doing moderately well according to the guy teaching us.  I'm learning how to jump because I don't think I could play polo.  I'd rather tailgate at polo."  They laughed at that.  "At least I'm honest."  They nodded.  "Now, I do have to warn you.  We decided horses were non-cuddleable pets so I may not own one," he said, smiling at them.  That got a laugh from Bess.  "That was the decision. It won't cuddle me at night, I can't have it as a pet.  I do support the pound though.  I'm definitely doing the ASPCA event next month."

"There's one tonight," Isabel told him.  Xander shook his head, looking at his book. "You don't have it?"

"Nope.  Honey, why aren't we going to the ASPCA thing tonight?"

"They wanted to honor you and you're hiding," Horatio called back.

"Ah.  I knew there was a reason."  Bess burst out laughing at that.  "It's the truth, I'd rather be quiet about things.  Are there others you two suggest?"

"The Polo Cup is coming up.  They'll have a meet-and-greet," Isabel offered. "That's mostly for the most ardent sponsors. Those who ride and support the teams."

"The real fangirls."  That got a nod and a smile.  "We like to go and talk to people and watch.  I'm not allowed to have a pet that big."

"There's also the Mayor's Cup, which are boat races," Bess offered.

"I'm okay about boats.  Not my favorite thing.  Things like that, send to me or make a note to point it out to me, and we'll talk about going.  Horatio doesn't like me going alone.  There's been too many stalkers."  The gate buzzed and he checked the camera before letting them in.  "They're here."  He looked at them. "Suzie and Madison."  That got a smile.  He called Ray Jr.  "They're here.  Maddy and Suzie.  Of course you can bring Candace.  Tell her her mom's here and wondering if she was still alive."  He giggled and hung up. "She is but she's sunburned.  Ray had to beat someone off with a pool cue."  That got a giggle from her.  "I'm thinking he was serious.  There've been a few bullies down on the beach they like.  Ray probably caught his attack and turned it back on him, like I taught him."

"How about fencing, Xander?" Bess asked.  She pointed at the swords on the wall. "You obviously have an appreciation for the blade."

"I do.  I can see going to a few of those events maybe.  I'll definitely put that on my list of maybe."  She smiled and nodded at that.  "How did Rebecca's son do this year?"

"Fairly well.  About fifth on his team due to his back injury.  They're expecting him to come back to full shape again," Isabel told him.

"I hope he's healing better than I did. I refractured mine working with the kids."  Madison ran in and he hugged her.  "Oooh, I missed you."

"I missed you too."  She smiled at him then at the women. "Hi. I'm Madison. I'm six."

"You certainly are," Horatio agreed from the doorway.

"Horatio, dear, we already heard," Bess assured him.  She smiled at Madison.  "My name is Bess and this is Isabel. It's charming to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Bess and Isabel.  Are you marrying into the family too?"

"No, dear, these are two of the best women who look out for me at social events so I don't end up hitting someone for pinching me on the butt or doing something rude when I feel the need to."  She laughed at that.  "Go play with the dogs and I'll be *right* there."  She nodded, heading out with Horatio.  He looked at them.  "She is so brilliant."  They smiled at that.  "Anything else to put on my maybe list?"

"If you wouldn't mind thinking about it, there's a Historical and Preservation society.  They could probably use some young blood.  It might not be up your alley but your support would cheer them on.  They're mostly a lot of very old women."  Xander nodded. "Mrs. Yearns sits on that one.  I'll have her contact you about it?  And the fencing?"

"Sure. I'll think really hard about both of them," he promised, smiling at them.  They smiled back. "I should probably go avoid the kitchen.  Don't wanna poison the family," he said in sotto voice.  They laughed and gave him cheek kisses, then some to Horatio before leaving.  "Did you see the jaguar?"

"I looked after you called.  It's a nice car."

"It is, but I'm going to kill me a vampire," he assured him, stealing a kiss.  "Let's go play."  He headed back that way, picking up Madison and swinging her around.  "Come on, you can play with the dogs."  He took her out back and put her onto the porch.  "Go play."  She squealed and went to play with the dogs.  They could chase her nearly anywhere in the side yard with the way the run was set up. He smiled as Suzie came out. "Sorry."

"It's not a problem, Xander."  She kissed him on the cheek. "Who were they?"

"Two very nice society matrons who help me when I get stuck or go stupid."  She rolled her eyes.  "I've got to do it for the foundation."  He shrugged. "I'm down to the library board, the Children's Hospital, polo, and a few individual events.  Horatio, they wanted to suggest the Historical Society and fencing."

"Fencing should be up your alley with the swords around here.  The Historical Society are rabid about what they consider theirs.  We've had problems with them from a historical garden that had a crime scene, they didn't want us to touch any of the flowers."

"I said I'd consider it.  Mrs. Yearns is on that one."  He shrugged. "I said to have her contact me with information and I'd see." He snuck a kiss. "Rebecca's son hurt his back."

"Is he all right?"

"Expected to do okay and come back to his gymnastic's team."  He looked at Suzie.  "He's on the college team where I'm going to college.  Accounting 102 and Chem 1 again," he said dryly, saluting her with his soda.  She smiled at that.  "So, how is she?"

"Just fine.  They've cleared her totally now.  She's in full remission."  They both hugged her and Horatio went down to play with her.  "You make him happy."

"I try my best," he assured her quietly, looking at her.  "I bother you by being with him?"  She nodded.  "Sorry.  Tough but sorry."

"No, I understand.  Sometimes love is funny that way.  At least you've let him have Marisol on the side."

"No, that was only so we could have Tia.  She's dating my Uncle Don now."  She blinked at that. "Seriously. They'll be here too."  She shuddered. "It's family, Suzie.  All of us are family.  Even if I do still wanna kick Ray Sr.'s ass now and then."  He took a sip and looked out there, then got pounced form behind. "I didn't hear you come in," he teased, pulling Eric around to hug him. "Hi, Eric."  He beamed and waved at Suzie. "You remember Suzie, right?  Madison's mommy?"  He nodded and hugged her.  "Daddy Horatio is playing with Madison and the dogs."  He ran down there to help play with the dogs, sending his daddy back up to sit.

Eric watched him sit with a wince and gave him a knowing look. "Long night, boss?" he teased, going over to look at the grill.  "What can I do to help."

Xander looked around then at him.  "Who else came with you?"

"Momma and Poppi.  They're in the kitchen."  He looked at him.  "Ryan didn't have enough room in his car."  Xander nodded that could be a problem.  "So, sports cars?"

"And one since we locked the gate yesterday.  Eric, you remember Suzie, right?"

"I do," he agreed, shaking her hand.  "Relax, only my mother bites."  She giggled at that.  "What're you doing now?"

"I'm taking classes at the Junior College.  It's going okay so far."  Horatio smiled at that.

"And this is?" Mr. Delko said as he came out.

"This is Madison's mother, Suzie," Xander introduced.  "We hadn't checked in with her or Maddy in a while so I invited her out."

"Nice to meet you finally, my dear.  All the children and Marisol say wonderful things about your little girl."  She smiled at that.  "Much is said about her politeness and down- to-earth manner."

"Oooh, a new girlfriend?" Mrs. Delko asked.

"Madison's mother Suzie," Xander introduced.  He saw the look and raised an eyebrow. "She is family.  Speaking of, wanted to talk to you."

"Xander," Horatio warned.

"Yay."  He got up and drug her inside to 'talk' about his very pagan son suddenly being forced to say prayers at night.  Loudly.

Eric sighed and looked that way, then at his father.  "Can't you please stop her?  You know very well Eric's going to be like his daddy.  There's no way he's going to be Catholic.  Probably for the same reasons - the answers he'll be given won't suit how he sees the world.   We'll be lucky if Tia is.  They won't like her having two fathers and a mother."

"True.  Let me go stop that before she gets abusive as well."  He went to stop that, hissing in her ear.  She stomped off.  "Son."

"Tough.  Eric had a priest tell him he was evil because of us.  Damn well tough.  My son is not Catholic.  He's not being raised Catholic unless he decides he wants to go to church with Horatio.  Since he's not old enough to understand what church is, lay off."

"Agreed. He's too young for this talk."

"He's also too young for those priests of yours to attack him for having gay parents."

"True.  I'll talk with them myself this upcoming week."  Xander relaxed at that. "You're still hating that school, aren't you?"

"Yup.  I'm not foreseeing him being there over a week before there's problems."  He led him back outside.  "I'm sorry I was rude but Eric got told he was evil by a few priests recently for having us as parents."  He flopped back down and hissed.  "Shouldn't do that."

"Your ribs still hurt?" Eric asked.

"Exhaustive sex last night, Eric.  What you tried to walk in on?"

"Um, yeah, pushed that out of my head.  Thank you for reminding me why."  He went to get a drink.  "Who's in your bedroom?"

"Danny.  He got shot by someone on the subway due to a case."  He looked at Suzie.  "Really sorry. It's an ongoing argument."

"I understand.  A lot of churches wouldn't like you two to be together.  Taking it out on your children is wrong however."  They both nodded at that.   She looked at Horatio. "I wish I dared come to Tia's blessing."

"It's all right, I understood.  Our family is diverse and loud."

She nodded.  "Sometimes very loud."  Madison ran crying up to hug her. "What happened?  Did the dogs pounce you?"

"Mean man!" she cried, pointing.  Xander hopped up and went to stop their neighbor.  Eric and Horatio ran to stop him from killing him.  Fortunately the cops were let in by Ryan and the others showing up. Ryan waded in to help stop Xander.  He and Don got Xander into the kitchen, letting him rant and vent in private.  The others glared until the officers scraped him up and got him into a squad car.  Calleigh sat down with Suzie to ask what had happened and it was enough for one of the officer to think about wrecking his car on the way to the station.  He didn't but he did think about it.  Ryan called in a favor with the magistrate on duty, telling him what had happened and to whose kids.  That was all he needed with his registered sex offender status.  That one would not be getting bail.

Prestons showed up with Buffy in tow.  He nodded at Horatio when he answered the door. "Sir, I thought I should bring her back for the family event."  He looked at him, then at her, then back at him, letting them both inside.  "Are you sure?"

"It appears she likes you and she is one of Xander's friends.  That makes you an in-law of a sort," he assured him.  He walked him out.  "Family."

"Buffy," Willow said, getting up to hug her, seeing the wince.  "Man, and I thought Xander and Horatio both wincing that way was cute."  Buffy blushed bright red.

Prestons looked at her. "I'm sure you've done the same if your husband is in his right mind."

"More than once," Ryan assured him dryly. "Pull up a seat and a soda.  No alcohol around Xander."

"I understand.  I don't usually drink either."  He sat down and put her in his lap since her bruises conformed to that shape anyway.  He nodded at the few he didn't know.  "Ma'ams."

"I'm Aiden, Xander's adopted mom. This is Suzie, she's Madison's mommy.  Madison is the kid that you'd swear is Horatio's and isn't.  But that's okay because we like her and her mommy a hell of a lot more than we like her daddy."  Suzie blushed at that.

"Hear hear," Ray Jr. agreed dryly from his seat.  "Is he still hiding from us in New York?"  Aiden nodded. "Good."  He looked pleased with that. "Did we sort out the kid who looks like Xander issue?"

"Father's a shitbag," Xander noted dryly.  "His mother's anti-gay.  Tried to file a restraining order against me even seeing pictures of my half-brother.  I told the judge I wouldn't care until he was old enough to contact me and ask questions.  I did give her a rundown of the family illnesses just in case however."  That got a smile. "Sometimes it's important."

"Sometimes it is," Don agreed happily.  "Hey, Maddy, come see Tia.  She's Horatio's daughter."  She bounced up and cooed at the baby.  "Isn't she cute?"

"She is very cute."  She kissed him on the cheek and went back to playing with the dogs.

"She's a book girl, not a doll girl," Xander told him.  "We spoiled her with thousands of books while she was in the hospital."  Suzie nodded at that, cracking Ray up.  "He and Dad are just as responsible as I am."

"They are," Suzie agreed happily.  "She's still kept her favorites from the hospital and donated the rest."  They all smiled at that.  "I've got one special little girl."

"You do," Yelina agreed.  "Someday soon they'll have another sister to coo at."  Ray hugged his mother. "Thank you, son."  He grinned at her.  "I know, she'll look just like your uncle."

"Let's hope so."  He looked at his uncle as he came out with meat.  "Need help?"

"We only let Eric and Speed near the grill, Ray.  We know they won't poison us," Horatio said dryly.  "You spend way too much time with Xander to rule out that transferring as well."

"Yes, and you still got busted for feeding suspects my cooking," Xander said happily.  Prestons gaped at him. "A judge called it both cruel and unusual punishment."

"The only one who can eat his cooking is his son Eric," Ryan told him. "I can eat his jerky."  Buffy moaned at that.  "You had some?"

"I nearly had the runs while hunting one night.  Not a happy moment when you're trying to stake something and that bad feeling starts."  They smiled at that.  "Not funny," she pouted.

"They make medicine for that," Prestons reminded her.

"Yes, Bobby, they do, unfortunately I hadn't known I needed any.  Or that I needed batteries, because that's the other side effect of Xander's jerky."  Willow moaned and nodded at that.  "Is that why you have Lizzy?"

"No, anytime I got a food craving Ryan ate the jerky.  I was very tired while I was pregnant with Lizzy."  They all laughed at that.  "Remember, no more baby Willows and Ryans without the intervention of the Goddess," she noted firmly.  "No praying for it either," she said, glaring at Xander.

"There's plenty of babies around for me to spoil," he assured her.  "Give it five years and then we'll see."

Ryan shook his head. "Two is fine.  Really."  Xander sighed.  "Try that with Horatio in five years."

Horatio looked at him.  "It'd have to be within the group here."

"Don't look at me.  I'm infertile and loving it," Buffy assured him. "Calleigh?"

"Clamps.  Thankfully someone intelligent shrunk the potato chip bag clips to do tubes."  Speed nodded at that, shifting the baby to his other side.  "Put him into the playpen.  He's napped in there before."  He handed his son over and she put him into there.  Tia went in there too and she wiggled over to hug him.  "Awww."

"Yeah, say that when they start dating," Don teased.  "They're not related."

"Our child will be a celibate monk," she announced.

Speed looked at her. "I'm still his father.  He's still going for a Nobel prize.  With your luck, he'll be more wild than I *ever* was."   She shook her head.  "Yeah, some of that's got to be genetic."

"If he is, I'm definitely shipping him off to be a monk," she assured him.

"That's what the military school was created for," Prestons offered. "Worked wonders with me."

"He is Xander's little brother," Speed joked.  Prestons' eyes went wide at that.

"Not biologically and nothing you did made him gay," Calleigh assured him, patting him on the back.  Xander glared at her.  "Not meant like that."

"You know, you kid will end up *just* like me for that.  Only more of a flaming queen and he'll become the Goddess of Forensics. Probably with explosives."

"Are we channeling the Powers?" Willow asked.  He shook his head.  She sighed in relief.  "Oh, good.  Calleigh, did you know that these two men of ours last night worked out a plan of who was going to do what if they were killed?"

"No, I hadn't."

"Willow," Xander warned.  He looked up and muttered and the spell stopped.  "Better now."  He called Ethan.  "Was that you?" he asked patiently. "Thank you."  He got up and headed inside, going to grab something out of his desk.  He found Mrs. Delko in there.  "I don't care if you snoop," he told her.  She jumped.  He reached around her and pulled out a small box, finding what he wanted.  Then he went and stuck it in the oven and turned it on.  He went back to his seat, picking up the boys to cuddle. "Did you steal my seat?  Two such law abiding young men stealing seats," he teased, tickling them.  They giggled and ran off again.  "Go play in the castle."  They ran in there, Eric coming down to let the dogs free so they could play with them in there.  Two boys, Madison, and four dogs later it was crowded but fun.

"So, what did my lughead decide I'm to do if he dies?"

"Eric's going to be the favorite uncle, and you're to come hide with us for the next few months until you're ready to move on," Ryan told her.  "The same as I'll be sending Willow to you two if something happens to me.  Eric said you're both too scary for him to be more than a favorite uncle and source of dates."  Both he and Speed got smacked on the arm for that.  "Ow!" Ryan complained. "It's protective, in case something happens.  That way we know you're not alone."

"I'm not the computer, I'm not something you can bequeath."

Xander looked at her.  "Hey, at least you're not something that'll be snuck into my garage."  They all laughed at that.  "Seriously.  Blood red jag since last night."  They all stared.

"Can we take the lam for a drive?" Eric begged. "Please?"

Xander looked at him. "Only if you go to the bathroom first.  Eric does that same dance at times."  Bigger Eric grinned and took the keys from the wall and went to try it with Speed right beside him.

"No tickets," Horatio called.

"No street racing," Calleigh added.

"Where's the fun in that?" Ryan said dryly.  His wife looked at him. "What?"

"Are you high?"

"No, I'm I a good mood."  He grinned.  "I've got three days off next week due to the schedule and the DA strike."  She squealed and hugged him.  "Where are we going?"

"Out of Miami.  Orlando?"

"If you want," he promised, kissing her on the forehead.  "That means we'll have to steal the kids back."

"Well, yeah," she agreed, looking at Xander.  "Want us to steal Eric?"

"Nope.  We're going for New Years."  Horatio looked at him.  "Mom and I are going for New Years.  Dad said he'd try.  Eric said he didn't want to go.  Ryan said he was okay to work that week since he'd probably only have night magistrate duty and it'd be drunks on parade.  Calleigh we hadn't talked to yet.  You wanna come?"

"No.  No Disney.  Please no Disney."

"Okay.  So we're clear if you wanted to come, dear."  He looked at Willow. "Mystery giver is out in LA."

"Wonderful."

"Did dad supervise when Angel came in?"

Willow's eyes went wide. "He did?"  Ryan nodded.  She moaned.  "Let me guess, he called us little jealous kids again?"  Horatio and Ryan both nodded.  "I'm so going to stake him."

"He's doing good work," Buffy said firmly.

"So?  He still let Cordy come out here to torment me," Xander told her. She gave him a look. "Fine, I'll only stake him a little bit if he tries shit this time.  We're heading to LA to talk to my mystery gift giver."  Willow shuddered.  "It could be worse.  We're going to stop in and see Joyce."

"Remember to bring a stake," Aiden reminded him.

"Yes, mom.  And a crossbow if I can get it past airport security."  She smiled at that.  "I'll be a good boy."

"Thank you, baby."  She kissed him on the forehead.

"Is he your natural son, Aiden?" Prestons asked.

"Hell no, I made his parents go for a run for their lives," she said dryly, smirking at him. "Literally."  Buffy nodded quickly at that, so did Willow.  "Speed and I both made them leave town before we made sure they had a very painful death.  Xander kept me from actually stabbing them once."  Buffy nodded at that again.  "By the time I was gonna be done with them, I'd have had bait chunks to feed the local vampire population.  We'd have put little toothpicks in 'em and handed 'em out as free samples."

"She would have too," Buffy assured her new boyfriend.  "Aiden and Timmy adopted Xander and kinda adopted Willow. They were very fierce in the protection of their son.  The night Xander lost his virginity, Speed was there to let him talk about it.  Oh, Xander, fair warning. Faith is out of jail."

"Yay," he said flatly.  "Why me?"

"She won't try to kill you this time," Aiden offered.

"She had better not," Horatio offered, flipping a steak.  "These are starting to get done.  Someone go get plates and get Danny up.  Gently, Aiden, he was shot," he warned when she headed that way.

"Good shot or bad shot?"

Danny came out.  "I smelled food."  He glared at her.  "Bad shot.  I got shot in the ass on the subway by one of Sassone's guys."  She burst out laughing and he patted her on the head.  "I told 'em I'm married to you.  That way they come looking."  Xander handed him a pillow and he sat.  "Thanks, kid."

"Had sore ass syndrome many times," he said wisely.  "Had it this morning."  He patted him on the head.

"We get 'im?" Don asked.

Danny shrugged.  "How should I know?  Stella shoved my butt on a plane as soon as the doc snipped the last stitch.  Won't answer their cells either.  Message said that they're fine and all but working really hard."

"They're doing it to protect you," Horatio reminded him.

"I don't give a crap."

Suzie swatted him. "Do not swear like that in front of the kids!"

"Sorry.  I know Xander trained the kids to mentally beep those out."

"So!  It's still not good for them to hear about such things."

"Yes, ma'am.  You are?"

"Madison's mommy Suzie," Xander told him.

"Oh, yeah.  We saw Madison a few times with the pound thing."  She nodded at that.  He looked at Horatio. "Who's in the office?"

"Eric's mother," Xander told him.

"Di?"

"Other Eric."

Horatio handed Danny his fork and went to talk to her.  Don came over to take grill duties with Ryan since the other cooks in the family weren't back yet.  Calleigh came over to help.  She was a girl who knew her way around a grill.  Horatio also got to get the door when it was knocked on and scowled at the two CSI who were looking very guilty, taking charge of them.  Speeding at those speeds was something they would get lectured about later.

***

Xander walked off the plane and grimaced.  "Ooh, yay, it's night."  He looked at Horatio, smiling some.  "Come on."  He took his hand and walked him off to get his bag.  He found security there and nodded politely.  "Hi."  They found their bag and he lifted it, letting them check the tickets against the tag, then they had a short talk with Horatio.  "It's unstrung.  No chance of it firing," he defended.  "It's a showpiece, I'm bringing it to show an aunt."

"Do you collect weapons, sir?" one of them asked.  Xander dug out his wallet and his pictures of his sword collection.  The fact that he had one got a moan and they left it there.  He put his wallet back and let Horatio get the bag.  Xander smiled sweetly.  "See, told you there wasn't going to be a real problem."  Horatio sighed and followed him out to the taxi stands.  "Where did we park our butts?  I left you in charge of the hotel."

"Raddison.  I liked them best.  Downtown," he told the cabbie.  That got a nod and he took them off once they and their bag were inside.  He looked at his mate.  "What day were we going to see Joyce?"

"Um, day after tomorrow.  I figured tomorrow I'd go break bad on the guy sending me crap and it'll take most of tonight and tomorrow to locate him."

"That would be fine.  She was a very nice woman when she came out for Lizzy's baptism and blessing."  He stroked his cheek, getting a smile.  "We will behave?"

"Of course."  He beamed at him.  "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because your first instinct is to go annoy Angel into eating you."

"It'd mean I'd get to stake him."

"No, Xander.  We promised Buffy we wouldn't stake him this time."

"Fine."

"You guys know Angel?" the cabbie asked.

Xander looked at him.  "Yup, and yes, I realized that you have O Negative for breakfast.  I'm Harris, from Sunnydale."  The cabbie shuddered.  "We're in to conference on a vampire who seems to send me shit for no reason."

"How's Miami, sir?"

"Doing pretty well.  Pretty quiet since Mary Eileen stopped that stupid bit of fighting that Wolfram and Hart started."  He smiled at Horatio, who snuggled in to keep him from staking him.  "So, how've things been locally?"

"Pretty intense.  We had some large demons recently but Angel got them gone.  We're fully into our summer slowdown now.  Most of the smart ones head somewhere colder."

"I'm not surprised.  LA in the summer is like the outer ring of Hell," Xander agreed. They pulled up outside the Hyperion.  "Well, we were going to our hotel first."

"You'll probably want to stop in here first, sir.  There's a small convention at the Raddison this week.  Car salesman.  You'll have a headache."

"Okay.  Thank you."  He tipped him then they got out, grabbing the bag so they could walk inside.  Everyone stared at him, including some faces he didn't know.  "Had to pick up more staff, deadboy?"

"Harris," he moaned.

"Gee, you remember."  He smirked.  "You also can't seem to stop present-sending vampires.  How hard is it to stake him?"

"He's a bit older and tougher than I am."

"Yay.  Where might he be so we can face him down tomorrow?"

"I can arrange the meeting here," he offered dryly.  Xander stared at him.  "No, he's not causing problems for me and you staking him would cause problems.  Tough."

"Hmm.  And what about our problems in Miami?"

"Sell the things."

"You can only sell so many cars before you start being looked at for stealing them.  Oh, and the lam he sent, it was originally stolen.  We found that out."  Angel moaned at that.  "So, his dealer, whoever or whatever that may be since the Jag smells like brimstone, is a bit crooked."

"I'll let him know.  Where are you two staying?"

"Raddison," Horatio offered.  "Angel."

"Caine.  You didn't get to meet most of my team before.  This is Gunn.  Fred.  Wesley, who Xander probably knew."  Xander nodded and shook their hands.  "This is one of my annoyances from Sunnydale."

Xander looked at him.  "Buffy said we can't stake you this time."  Angel backed up. "Good idea," he said with a grin.  "So, Wes, how's the Watchery thing?  They free you when they died?"

"Indeed, just before actually."  He looked at him.  "How is Mary Eileen?"

"Doing pretty good in school.  Ethan's gotten fierce about that.  He's not letting her hunt alone.  Every now and then she calls to go hunting with us.  Willow doesn't go out much with her, just enough to stay in practice.  It's not the same since her powers were transferred over. She and I go out every few weeks to clean out the problems in the demon bars.  She's hunting in the teen clubs right now."

"Why?" Gunn asked.

"Because she's only twelve," Horatio told him.  That got a mass shudder.

"That's why we moved her down with us.  She's too damn young to handle Sunnydale herself and ...."  He looked around.  "What the fuck is that?"

"Xander," Horatio sighed.

"No, sniff.  Chanel.  Someone brought Cordy back?"  They all shook their heads. "We sure?"

"Anyanka's been popping in to annoy us," Wesley told him.

"Ah, my prom date," Xander sighed.  "How is her robotic Xander?"

"Quite well," Fred said happily. "He got taken away from her again because she wanted a vacation with him.  Apparently the higher demons didn't like that."  She grinned.  "So, which one are you?"

"Buffy's tagalong," Angel said dryly.

"With more staking than you had," Xander countered.  "Oh, and didn't I have to kick your ass about twice too?"  Angel went stiff at that.  He stared him down.  "I'm not the tagalong everyone thought, Angel.  Really."  He backed off at that.  "Nor am I now."

"No, now you're gifted like some prostitute," he noted dryly.  Xander lunged and Horatio stopped him.  "Couldn't get that out of him yet, Caine?"

Horatio let Xander go, watching as he attacked Angel.  He looked at Wesley.  "So, I hear you worked with the group a bit.  Speed and Aiden both said you were too new to the field to know what you were doing but you were trying.  Got any funny stories to tell about my mate?"

Wesley smiled. "I can probably pull a few out of thin air," he admitted. "We should stop them before someone gets injured."

"I saw him beat him before," he noted dryly. "Since then he's gained muscle, skill, and flexibility."  He got out of the way of Angel being pushed his way, pushing him back.  "The kids never tell us anything.  They have journals they won't allow us to see, probably for good reason, and Speed only tells us limited things when he thinks we should know.  Aiden never talks about anything but rescuing him and a few other things.  Speed does taunt him about the prom."  He caught Xander and steadied him back on his feet.  "Don't get too injured, Xander."

"Okay," he agreed, heading after him again.

"This is better than a street brawl," Gunn offered, shaking his head. "What's their beef?"

"Oh, Angelus tortured Xander a few times and Angel was terribly jealous of his part in Buffy's life.  Therefore he continuously put the boy down.  The boy stood up to him on a number of occasions and was the reason Angel went to hell that once.  Plus he managed to rescue Giles from Angelus and two other helpers we had from Angel while he was being deluded due to Buffy being deluded," Wesley told them.

"Oh.  Will he really hurt him?" Fred asked.  "We do kinda need him."

"Buffy made us promise we couldn't stake him this trip," Horatio told her. She smiled at that.  "Why is it that no one tells us these things?"

"Either they're trying hard not to dwell or they think it'll make you scared of them."

"I've seen Xander hunt."

"There are some finely honed instincts there.  He's one of the ones I regret not being able to help more.  He would've made a fantastic Watcher if we had gotten to him sooner.  As it was, Speed was very defensive of his son and kept us from trying to recruit him.  I do believe by sending him to you?"

"Possibly, though it wasn't mentioned."  He watched the boy and the vampire spar.  "Enough, boys," he called.  Xander fell back and Angel attacked.  Xander put him onto his back, reaching for a stake.  "Enough!"  Xander sighed and came back, leaning against his side.  "Thank you."   He kissed him on the forehead. "We can assure Buffy we didn't stake him."  He looked at Wesley, then back at his mate.  "Mind if I get stories from him?"

"If you want.  Wes, I've got to stop my fanclub out here.  Can you give me his address or set up a meeting or whatever?"

"Of course. Tomorrow?"

"Please.  The day after we're going to visit Joyce."  That got a smile.  "Oh, Buffy's got a new boyfriend.  Better for her than Angel ever was since he's human.  He's calming her down some and he's coming down from his semi-racist past.  He's an officer, he's talking with her about her choices.  She'll probably be transferring down there, either that or he'll somehow move to Sunnydale."  That got another smile.  "He's big, bald, and strong.  At the end of their first day together, they sparred and it came out a tie.  He kissed her and we got yelled at for letting them have foreplay that way in the park at a police department picnic."  Wesley smiled at that.  "We'll get Willow to send you pictures."

"That would be most charming.  Giles said you had a son now?"

"Yup, and a daughter."  He pulled out the pictures to show him.  "That's my Eric, and our Tia.  That's Willow's Toddy and Liz.  The littlest one is Speed and his girl Calleigh's son Thomas."  He beamed at that.  "Just born a few weeks ago.  All the other kids dote on him already.  I'm the one very hands-on father of the group."

"All the other parents complain that he keeps stealing their children," Horatio agreed dryly, making Fred giggle against Gunn's arm.  "He does.  We'll have Willow's children for a week before they get pushy."  He gave his husband a fond look.  "Now if only you and  Grandma didn't fight so often."

"She's being pushy.  She's been forcing Eric to say prayers at night.  Forcing.  He has no idea what they mean, which makes it disrespecting it.  So no."

"We're working on it, Xander."

"Not fast enough.  She's gonna be smacked if my son gets hurt from this or if she takes the dampening bracelets off the kids again.  She took off Lizzy's and Tia's, Horatio."

"Does Tia need one?"

"Yup, she's got the gift.  I'd rather have it on there so she doesn't get colic and destroy the house.  Plus it'll keep anything that hunts those with magic off her until she's older."

"Then I can agree with that," he assured him. "Can we weave Eric's onto his medic alert?"  Xander nodded.  "Even better.  The school can't protest that one."

"They can and they are.  I pointed out he needed his, they said no jewelry, no exceptions."  They shared a look. "He's going to the Arts and Sciences school."

"Yes, dear. If something happens at school we'll transfer him."

"Good."  He looked at Wesley again.  "Very strong Catholic family that's like extended family for us but she's driving me up the wall."

"Do you take Eric to Solstices?"

"I do to the main ones.  Since I'm not formally Wiccan I watch for the most part.  Last year he had a ball at the Yule Solstice.  All the kids ran around screaming and playing."  That got a smile.  "Willow's husband guarded us from PD interference too.  It was kinda nice.  This year he'll be going to Samhain with me.  Us if Horatio gets it off."

"I'll try."

"It'll be after most people are done for the day, dear.  So just try to come home on time that night."  He smiled.  "Besides, we'll probably be trick-or-treating that night as well."  That got another smile.  "I know, babies on a sugar rush.  But they enjoy the hell out of it."  He beamed at Wesley again.  "Even though Ethan's in town he's not adjusting Halloween for his own ends anymore.  I think he learned the lesson after making me stronger a few years back."  Angel got up with a groan.  "Did you guys send us stuff?  We got two big boxes with your address on them."

"No, that was sent by the law firm.  You probably shouldn't open them."

Horatio called Speed.  "Don't open the boxes from LA.  Who did?"  He grimaced.  "They're from Wolfram and Hart, Speed.  Oh, Wesley says hello.  He's working with Angel."  He smiled.  "He said hi back and he's going to get Willow and Buffy to save Mrs. Delko."

"Sure," Xander agreed.  "Didn't we put those in the closet?"

"She was snooping."

"You'd think she'd have stopped when she found the voodoo dolls I made of certain irritations."

"Yes, I remember pulling one out of the oven," Horatio said, staring him down.

"Then next time he won't be weaving spells on the group to make us lose cohesion.  Will he?" Xander asked sweetly.

"Hopefully he'd have learned that long ago.  He said it was his wife, Xander."

"I don't have any hair or skin from her.  I'll gather some next time," he quipped.  Horatio rolled his eyes.  "We should probably go to the hotel.  The vampire cabbie warned us they're having a car dealer convention."  He snorted.  "So we're off to see pushy, loud people and avoid them."  He smiled at them. "See you guys tomorrow."  He picked up the bag and took Horatio's hand to walk him off.

Gunn waited until he saw a cab pick them up.  "Okay, who was that again?  Because Angel never said the kid had skills."

"He's lucky," Angel said, rubbing his chest.  The brat had broken a few of his ribs.

Wesley looked at him then at Gunn.  "The boy has had skills.  A good many of them. He has no self esteem and Angel aided in that condition.  He's also had a fairly difficult life with his original family.  But he has always had skills.  He manages to hide them now and then.  Angel not seeing them was willful blindness since the boy stood up to him a great number of times."  He stared at Angel until he walked off muttering.

"Jealousy?" Gunn asked.

"Indeed.  Xander could romp and play with Buffy in the sun while he couldn't.  Xander shot back with annoying names like 'deadboy' and others."

"Sometimes what you want isn't what's good for you," Fred sighed.  "Like Cordy and Xander."  Wesley nodded quickly at that.

"She did?" Gunn asked.  Wesley nodded again then shuddered.  "That bad?"

"You've seen those relationships where one minute it's fighting and the next it's snogging?"  Gunn nodded slowly.  "That was them.  Then she'd use every opportunity to cut him down emotionally.   I believe Timothy wanted to tie weights to her feet and drop her in the harbor."

"At least he's okay now.  I don't get the whole older guy thing though."

Angel came back and shook his head.  "Caine can keep up with him.  He gets the predatory nature Xander tries to hide."  He looked at Wesley.  "Spike said he'd make a great vampire."

"I'm sure he would but then a great many others would be turned because Xander is the practical sort. That's why he's so excellent at battle plans."  Angel glared at that.  "They were his plans at graduation, Angel."

"Still wrong," he muttered as he walked off sipping his blood.  "I'm going to my office."

"Sure, you brood in peace," Fred agreed, smiling at his back.  She grinned at Wesley.  "So, is Xander nice? I remember Willow was nice from what Cordy said."

"She is.  Apparently she's settled into the life down there as well."

"It's good that they're happy and things are more secure down there," Gunn agreed. "I can see how they wanted out after three years."

"No, Timothy sent Xander to Miami, to Horatio from what I remember, to mentor him and to get him into college.  The Powers That Be said things would be worse if they didn't. That he'd be dead sometime this year after a severe injury and a few more world-ending emergencies."  Gunn grunted at that.  "He sent the boy down there without telling him why and Xander apparently ran away from them when they came back to save Timothy and Aiden from Buffy when she was being a bit delusional and panicking about her chances getting slimmer.  That's when he started stripping.  Which is why he gets presents.  People still want him, as did Angelus I would hesitate to suggest but it does appear that way, and they've sent him intolerable amounts of assorted pretty, expensive crap."

"Then Cordy got turned and went odd and she did it too," Fred reminded him.

"Exactly.  Plus the boy draws serial killers and stalkers at an alarming rate.  It's a good thing he's married into the police department down there."  Gunn gave him a look.  "Horatio Caine is the head of their crime lab.  Top in the country. They're working on rebuilding it after the hurricane hit it directly."

"Wow.  So his boy's not only really tough and smart, he's strong enough to hold Xander against those who want him?"  Wesley nodded.  "Why do they go after him?"

"We're not sure and Willow said something about an ability to be possessed but we're not sure.  Willow did say her husband was working on the allure of his stripping.  The boy didn't drink, didn't do drugs, didn't fall into the trap of many young strippers and end up...performing in the back rooms.  Yet he made enough money that his trust from his grandfather was nearly tripled."

"Wow," Fred said.  "Who was his grandfather?"

"Patrick Benis.  He and his Uncle Donald, who is from the NYPD, run the Benis Foundation."

"I've heard of them.  They're very strong in gay rights and do scholarships and research grants for gay men."

Gunn looked at her.  "Do they do lesbians?"

Wesley blushed.  "Xander told Willow that Patrick told him there were other organizations who handled those needs for them.  Patrick only supported men so therefore the foundation does."

"I guess that's okay.  Kinda sucks to be women though."

"Oh, we've got our own organizations," Fred assured him.  "One of my college roommates got two or three grants from one of them."  He smiled at her.  "Should we go cheer Angel up now?"

"No, let him sulk," Wesley advised. "He and Xander have never gotten along. Xander was very against his relationship with Miss Summers and that's why he tweaks him about his vampire state."  The door slammed open and he looked. "Spike," he said with a small snarl.  "Angel's in the office, let me get him."

He sniffed. "Boy's already been here then?" he smirked.  Wesley nodded. "Surprised he's still living.  His boy was here too?"

"Indeed," Wesley said calmly. "Angel, your childe is here."  He came out of his office and glared at Spike.  "He asked about Xander."

"I had him following the brats in Miami," he admitted.  "How are things?"

"Good.  Buffy's new boy is a former racist but he's coming down.  She made him cover his swastika today with something prettier.  He had her eight ways from Sunday.  She probably can't wear a swimsuit right now from the bruises on her bum."  He smirked at his sire's growl.  "The whelp introduced 'em.  Heard he knew who she was by reputation and name before.  He nearly bested her in a contest at a picnic from what I heard.  He's making her be a pretty girl instead of a tough one.  S'good for her for a change."

"Wonderful," Wesley said happily.  "Giles had been worried that she was still hunting after she lost her powers.  Speaking of, I should call him."

"Don't bother.  Military blokes have 'em.  Should warn the boy they've got his picture too."

"I can do that," Fred agreed, going to call their hotel and leave a message for them.

"Any other interesting news from Miami?" Wesley asked.

"Yup.  Bint's little girl?  Powerful brat.  So's the whelp's younger one.  His older one's just like him.  Looks just like him, acts just like him.  They said Harris is making all the other kids around him just like him.  Bintette'll be just like her mum."  He smirked at Angel.  "Another generation, only this time raised by Harris."

"So, another generation of people who'll call Angel deadboy?" Gunn teased.  Angel glared at him.  He laughed.  "You are."

"I'm not a boy."

"Poufter there hates him because his other side likes him," Spike said smugly. "Said he'd make a good master vampire."

"Well, with his grandfather's sire gifting him, that is a possibility," Wesley noted dryly.  "We need to set up the meeting."

"I did," Angel admitted.  "Here, ten."  He walked off again.  "Go away, Spike."

"But, Peaches, where's my reward," he called.

"Go away, Spike!"  He slammed his office door.

"That's gratitude.  I go brave the sun for him...."  Fred came out with a crossbow.  "Fine, wench."  He walked off smirking.  He would get to taunt everyone for at least a few more days. Watching the whelp and the bint were one of the most fun assignments he'd ever been given.  It gave him whole new realms of nightmare inducing, drink needing thoughts.

***

Thursday morning, Speed turned on the news in the estate's living room.  "I saw this last night and it's pinging a bad thought."  He turned it up and got out of the way.

Eric, Calleigh, Danny, and Aiden all listened to the reporter talk about a sudden case of mass food poisoning at a small military base in southern California.  One that had been rumored to have worked on some mind control experiments.  They all winced at the bad joke about making them *think* they had it that the newscaster let loose.

Aiden looked at him.  "The Initiative?"  Speed nodded. "You're sure?"

"I called our former boss.  He said it was them. They were looking for magic users.  He thinks he saw Xander in town."

"So, have we checked with their hotel?" Calleigh asked.

"Angel had them checked out and has their things," Speed told them.

"Which means the soon-to-be-dead-again one knew," Aiden said firmly.

"I think so.  Since last night it's went from sixty to over a hundred.  CDC can't get into the base to see why."

"Are the kids in danger?" Danny asked.  Speed and Aiden both nodded.  "Should we watch for Watchers or someone?"

"No, my mother likes to take off their blocking bracelets," Eric admitted dryly.  "Okay, I'm going to make Momma watch this and tell her what we know.  Personally I want her on the menopausal drugs."  He stood up and Speed stopped the recording, handing him the tape.  "Thanks.  Let me know if we're going back."

"See, I got a call at four this morning," Speed admitted.  "Xander's grandfather's sire is still alive.  Hence the blood red jag and the lam.  He swears the porsche wasn't him but he did say he had eaten them.  He got them out.  They're going to visit Jesse's parents in Mexico and then come back some other way to duck under the radar.  I told him to call Fornell."  That got some evil smirks and a cackle from Calleigh.  "Exactly.  So, we need to watch for them to come back.  We also have to watch for them to come for Aiden and I, or the kids."

"On it," Danny agreed.  "I'm a great babysitter."

"Deal," Speed agreed.  "Keeps Eric's mom from doing it until she's back to mental stability on the magic thing."  Eric nodded, going to gather the kids and bring them back to the house while his mother ranted.  "Big question.  Do we tell Willow and Buffy?"

"We'd have to tell Willow something; she was known to have it.  They could try for her even though hers is mostly gone," Aiden suggested.

"Point.  Do we tell her or Ryan?  Because she won't tell Ryan."

"Hmm.  Get them together and tell them?" Calleigh suggested.  "That way she can't duck out of the discussion.  I can find Prestons on shift today and let word slip to him so he can watch over Buffy since she's probably still in his bed.  Did that blond thug watching Xander leave to follow him to LA?"

"Yeah, that's Spike," Speed said dryly.  "Angel's childe."  He looked at Aiden.  "Together?"

"I still say I need to dig their journals out and give them back to the kids."  She looked at her hands, then at him.  "They've told them almost nothing and I can't without them."

"I've let some slip now and then.  Horatio knows it's bad.  He realizes what sort of combat history Xan has."  That got a nod from her.  "If you do, don't give it to her with Ryan present.  Let her make that choice.  He should know.  Before one of them turns Lizzy into her."

"She'll be brilliant but our boy's said repeatedly that they're not going to know more than how to protect themselves.  He's firm on that point.  He also knows Eric can't go to Sunnydale, ever."

"True.  I did tell him that.  Okay.  Dig them out and give it to the kids in private.  Together if you want but private between you two.  I've got Xander's other journal and he's not ready for it back yet."

"Does Horatio know you're keeping stuff from him?" Calleigh asked.

Speed looked at her.  "When Angel lost his soul, Xander faced him down.  Angelus liked Xander, a lot."  She shuddered at that.  "It's where his darker urges were worked out privately.  He's not ready for that yet."  He looked at Aiden again.  "I hate Sunnydale."

"Me too.  You going back this year?"

"I have to."  Someone pounded on the door and he went to get it.  "Buffy?"

"Ghosts."  She ran in and changed the channel.  They were doing a story on how a small town was full of what appeared to be ghosts, but no actual people.

He watched, seeing her mother.  He gave her a hug.  "It'll be okay.  Either they're out of phase or it doesn't look like they suffered."  She looked at him.  "It doesn't look like it.  They're happy and it seems like they don't realize it," he said gently.

"But...."

"Buffy," Aiden said quietly, pulling her down next to her.  "Either way, they're safe and they appear to be happy.  Speed's gotta go back in a few months.  Or else we'll call the dead-one ourselves.  See if he can pierce it for your mom."  She nodded, giving her a helpless look.  "She's not in any danger that we can tell.  We'll call."

Speed turned the tv back, listening to them talk about the sudden and abrupt removal of the CDC from that base that was having the mass case of food poisoning.  They were now listed as missing.  He looked at Buffy.  "The Initiative according to our old boss," he said quietly.

"But...how?"

"They wanted magic users," Speed told her.  "Xander was out there."

"He can't."

"He can," Aiden agreed.  "Not much but he helped hold the station together when it would've killed everyone inside."  Buffy shuddered and curled up against her.  "It'll be okay.  Speed, call the asshole."

He walked into the office, calling out there.  "Angel, Tim Speedle.  Yeah, I heard about the food poisoning.  Where are they?"  He raised an eyebrow. "That works for me.  Send their stuff back here to Miami.  I'll get it and put it up."  He made note of the shipping number and where they were. "Thanks.  Have you been watching this ghostly situation?  MSNBC."  He waited while he turned the tv over and watched it.  "We know Joyce is there, I saw her.  Buffy's in shock.  Either out of phase or dead. Yeah, please.  Call me here at Xander's.  No, I'm off right now. Thanks."  He hung up and walked back out, handing Aiden the information.  "They did make it out.  Xander poisoned them and the CDC walked them out to arrest them. One of them caught sight of the pens.  Horatio's with him."  He looked at Buffy.  "I told him about it, he's sending Wes and Gunn today."  She nodded quickly, hugging Aiden.  "It'll be okay."

"It won't be.  What about Xander?"

"They're in Mexico with Jesse's parents," Aiden told her.  "The Initiative had them and they got free with the food poisoning."

"Yeah, you never want Xander to cook," Calleigh said dryly.  They all snickered.  Eric came back with the kids, watching them head inside.  "Guys, in here."  They trooped in, Eric carrying Lizzy.  "You're so helpful."  He nodded and gave her a 'well' look just like his daddy used.  "You guys know Xander and Horatio are on vacation, right?"  They all nodded.  "It's going to be a few extra days and Danny said he's gonna watch you guys.  So you guys will be good for him?"

"What about daddy?" Toddy asked.

"He'll be here later," she assured him with a smile. "Auntie Aiden is taking them to lunch first."

He beamed at Aiden for that. "Playland?"

"If that's where they wanna go," she agreed, patting him on the head.  "For the day, why don't you guys go play in the playroom inside.  We'll bring the dogs in and you guys play inside since it's so hot."  They nodded and headed that way while Danny got the playpen put up for the two tots.

Eric leaned in.  "Anyone got a good reason why magic should be taught to them instead of ignored and suppressed?"

"You know that big crater in Russia from around the turn of the century?" Speed asked.  Eric moaned and nodded.  "That was a couple of kids who discovered they could do it without training."  Eric nodded once and went to tell that to his mother, who quit ranting and decided training was a good thing when he pointed out that they had at least four of them in the family and they could easily take out the state. Speed looked at Danny.  "I'll be here to help.  Calleigh, you wanna go tell Prestons?"  Buffy gave him an odd look.  "We figured you'd wanna try to call your mom and things."

"No, I'll tell him."  She got up.  "Can I get a ride?"

"Sure, Calleigh agreed.  She checked the clock.  "He's on days this week so he'll probably get lunch in an hour."  She looked her over.  "Scraped your knees?"

"In the driveway."  She went into Xander's room and really huge bathroom to clean them off and take off her pantyhose, then came out looking confused.  "Why do they need a bathroom like that?"

"Xander had Eric's father put one in like that at the last place," Speed offered. "Showering's a great way to beat the humidity."  She just nodded at that and left with her.  "Okay, we got a plan?"  Aiden nodded, going to find Ryan and Willow for lunch.  "We'll leave Don out of the loop for now.  It shouldn't bother him."

"Does Horatio use it since Tia has it or does Marisol?"

Speed looked at him.  "You know, I don't know."  He looked toward the office.  "Eric, is it in your family to use the gifts?"

"No.  Poppi said that he had an aunt once who had second sight but that's it."

"So it's gotta either be a fluke or in Horatio's lines.  Hmm, maybe we should talk to Ray Jr."

"He doesn't believe," Danny assured him.  "He ducks outta the room whenever Xander starts talking about it."

"That's fine."  Speed considered it.  That would explain how Horatio had known Ethan Rayne before Xander came to Miami.  "Okay.  Let's check the grounds.  Eric, go check on the place next door."

"Sure," came from the office.  He came out. "It's disturbing when you figure out your mother is human."  He walked out, going to think while he walked.

Speed nodded.  "I had that realization once."  He looked toward the kids' playroom.  "I said inside," he called.  They trooped back inside after bringing the dogs in.  All four dogs came in.  "Are Di and Taylor out of town?" he asked.

Danny shrugged.  "I only got here Sunday."

"Point."  He went to call them and tell them he had the kids for the next little while.  Taylor asked why so he told her someone was after Xander and he was in Mexico at the moment.  They'd be back soon and it was being fixed today.  She groaned and said she wouldn't tell Di.  To keep the kids safe.  Then she hung up.  "No, they're here.  Working but here."  He went to play with the bigger kids.  He got on better with them.  Danny was more liked for naps on than he was by the non-walking set.

Don walked in and slammed the door.  "Okay, I saw two things on Sunnydale.  What the fuck?" he called.

Danny looked at him.  "The food poisoning was where they had Xander and Horatio.  They're free.  The ghosts we're waiting to hear about."  He shrugged. "Anything from Mac?"

"Not yet.  I tried to call and got their voicemail. I called Sheldon and he said they've both been in the office working on the case."  He gave him a manly shoulder squeeze.  "It's not like they're sending you away to make you go away."

"Feels like it," Danny snorted.  He shifted and winced. "I hate being shot."

"Yeah, it's never fun."  He smiled at the kids. "There's my girl and my girl's cousin," he cooed, teasing the bellies.  They both smiled at him. "Good kids. You guys nap and cuddle.  The big people will be here."  They went back to cooing at each other and eventually went back to sleep.

Danny went into the office to call home.  Still the same voicemail.  He called Sheldon.  "Would you mind telling my lovers I'm feeling abandoned and pissed?" he asked dryly.  "Since they're not taking my calls or anyone else's."  He listened.  "So!  It's not my fault.  This keeps up and I'm moving down here."  He sighed.  "I know but I don't care. I'd be just as safe up there in the labs.  Not like we don't live together."  He groaned.  "Fine.  Thanks, Sheldon."  He hung up and went to sit down and watch the kids with Don and the news now and then to keep track of the situation.

***

Sheldon walked into the lab Mac and Stella were working in, closing the door.  "Lindsey, can we have a moment?"  She nodded, leaving them alone.  Stella looked at him once the door was closed again.  "You've made Danny paranoid and start to think about moving to Miami permanently.  He's feeling abandoned.  He pointed out, quite rightly, that you two could protect him easier up here.  So if you're breaking it off with him, you might want to be more straightforward this time since that's what he's thinking."

"It's not why we did it.  Horatio can protect him better.  We'd be distracted while protecting him."

"Horatio's in Mexico with Xander right now to get away from the Initiative, who had them both, and they're not going to be back in Miami for another few days. Right now they're probably guarding the kids.  And since the lab's closed until it's rebuilt and everyone's on part-time status....."

"They didn't need him to help work," Stella finished.  She sighed.  "We're not sending him away."

"Then I'd talk to your boy.  He thinks you are. Remember, Danny's not that secure in anything like a relationship."  Mac groaned at that.  "You guys have sent him away before to wear him out.  As my mother said, either get off the pot or piss, people.  You're on a last chance by the way he was sounding."

"I'll call him in a few minutes," Mac promised.

"He's at Xander's with most everyone.  By the way, you're still going to voicemail, Mac.  So's Stella."  He walked out, leaving it in their hands.

Mac looked at Stella.  "I know what I want," he said quietly.

"You've known what I want, Mac.  I made it pretty clear and obvious.  Even *she* got the clue this time," she hissed since Lindsey was coming back up the hall.  "I'm going to pull Danny back up here to do what I need to.  I don't care if I can't sit for the next six months."

He nodded. "Then we're agreed.  Make some arrangements?  We'll go pick him up in two days, talk to him tonight?"

"I can't arrange that sort of thing that fast."

"Of course you can. We'll go to Vegas as soon as we pick him up," he ordered quietly.  She nodded, leaving it there.  Lindsey came back in.  "Did you check with DNA?"

"I did, she's got a hit but it's not helping."  She handed it over.  "Is Danny in trouble with his switching time down in Miami?"

"He's not switching, we wanted them to watch him for us.  We forgot the lab down there was destroyed so he's got nothing to do," Stella told her.  "Don's on the switching program."  She got back to work on the analysis she was doing. "I'm running counter to that finding."

"So maybe he had the gun before our shooter," Mac admitted.  It was a lead.  They had been needing a lead.  "Tell him two days?"

"You sure you don't want to?" Stella asked.

"No, he'll take it as an order.  Go talk to him.  Tell him I'll call tonight."  She nodded, heading to his office to call Danny.  "We'll be gone this weekend, Lindsey.  I'll expect daily updates until we come back."

"Sure, Mac.  Where are you going?"

"Down to check on Danny. Give him an update."

"Okay."  She got back to work.  "He's not on the switching program?"

"No, we need him here," Mac told her.  "Unless someone from one of their labs wants to come up, I can't release any of you."

"Oh.  Okay."  She got back to work, thinking about that.  Danny was always down there.  She wasn't sure why he didn't stay with the way Mac and Stella were getting together.

***

Xander walked back into the house, finding Buffy pacing.  "They're out of phase," he told her, letting Horatio inside.  "We've got a letter for Willow.  She around?"  She nodded, pointing toward the kitchen.  "Okay.  They're out of phase.  It is magical.  We're not sure how to fix it, Buffy.   It's like the movie of Brigadoon at the moment."  She slumped.  "They're all fine, they don't realize that something's going on.  Angel had a demon contact that got through to your mom.  She said she's safe, she's happy, and it's all right.  They're all right. Angel's crew is working on it.  Wes is handling the magic."  She slumped and nodded.  He gave her a hug.  "She's safe and all right.  Most of the demons and vamps didn't make the switch," he said more quietly.  "They're safer now."  She nodded.  "He did say the college was only half gone.  You can pull your transcripts so you can transfer."

She nodded. "Thank you."  She went to call her boyfriend from the office.

Xander headed into the kitchen, finding Horatio having given Willow her letter.  "They're fine."

"Sunnydale?"

"Out of phase.  Most of the demons didn't make it over.  Wes talked to a demon who talked to Joyce for him.  They're safe and okay."  She smiled at that.  "Joyce and Giles were caught snuggling too."

"Creepy but okay."  She looked at him.  "What were you making?"

"Mashed potatoes."  He grinned.  "It got the attention to the base and got us out of there.  The others are gone too.  The college is only half gone.  Most of the base went.  The magic users still there should be enough if Giles wants to try something."  She nodded at that. "Anything good happen while we were gone?"

"We still can't fully potty train Toddy.  Eric's mother decided to ignore the magic stuff but she's not touching the bracelets."

"Good.  Anything else good?"

"Yeah, Eric's first day of school is not going to be happy by the auguries."  They shared a look.  "The other one starts when?"

"A week later."  He grinned.  "Is she relenting on that too?"

"Nope.  I don't know why the parents got involved. It should've been you and Horatio, plus Taylor and Di."

"Because she butted in," Ryan reminded her.  "She's an honorary grandmother.  She's getting pushy with that with Toddy too."

"Yes, but our son isn't being forced to pray."

"Eric had better not be again."  He looked at Horatio. "See, I knew I was right."

Horatio sighed.  "Xander."

"Fine.  We'll try."

"Thank you."  He gave him a gentle kiss. "Are we going to have this problem with Tia?"

"No, she'll go wherever Eric is."  Horatio gave him an amused look.  "That way they're together and he can watch out for his little sister. No discussion needed."

"Toddy and Lizzy are going wherever Eric ends up that makes him happy," Willow agreed.  Ryan coughed.  "Surely we won't have that problem."

"I'd like some input."

"The art and science school is a magnet school.  It's more project based.  They have recess, which the other doesn't.  They have naptime, which the other doesn't.  They have good teachers, small classes, and your kid's gotta pass the test.  He'll be able to.  I'll work on the potty training this weekend, Willow.  I had him nearly done and you guys took him home."

"Thanks, much appreciated," Ryan offered. "We've got him down to nights.  He decided pooping into the water was bad and that people would have to drink it like that.  We convinced him it wasn't so and he's better on that part now."

"I was planning on taking him to a water reclamation plant and letting him see how they did it."

"That might've been easier," Willow admitted. "One of them gives tours?"

"The one attached to the Children's Museum does."

"Ah."  Ryan smirked at that.  "He does like that place.  A lot."

"So we've got a Nobel prize winning chemist, a hacking AV tech, action boy field tech, and two princesses.  If we keep going, we'll have one full lab," Xander teased.

"Speed's Nobel winning chemist probably won't work in a lab.  He'll be too wild.  Our little  hacking AV and computer tech with specialties in electronics would probably like bomb squad better.  So maybe ATF instead. Your son, action boy field tech, will be hell on crime and a testament to his stepdaddy's careful training and his mommy's fashion sense.  Our two princesses will probably do something more mundane.  Maybe Lizzy will like DNA."

"Maybe Lizzy will like guns," Willow countered.

"No, that'll be action boy field tech," Ryan assured her with a grin.

Horatio shook his head. "Consider all our children in one lab, then the kids from New York and Vegas's labs joining them.  Probably under Eric by that point in time."  Ryan laughed at that.  "Exactly.  The city wouldn't be able to hold them.  We'd have music wars between any child of Nick's country music habit and Speed's or our son's metal music habit.  We'd have clothing wars within Eric.  A suit versus what his mother and other father wear."

"No, that'll be Toddy. He loves my leathers," Xander said, kissing him on the cheek.  "Hungry?"

"Make me some popcorn," he agreed, smiling at him.

"The really scary thing is that Sheldon's future kids would be the sane ones," Xander said happily.

"Yeah, because he'll never let you sit them," Willow assured him with a grin.  Ryan nudged her.  "What?"

"He won't get to indulge his plans for the trio's kids as often either."

"No, but they'll have Don and Danny.  Together they can make a Xander."  Horatio snickered at that.  "They can!"

"Speaking of, they're in Vegas right now," Ryan told them.  "Danny outright told them they were abandoning him, through Sheldon since they weren't answering their phones, and they came down to drag him off to marry his pitiful butt.  They were going to flip a coin to see who got the legal marriage with Stella."

"Whichever one won't cause the most problems at work?" Horatio suggested.

"Two level threes and a level two?" Ryan countered. Horatio nodded at that.  He took his bowl of popcorn from Xander, giving him a kiss.  "Aww."  He grinned. "Someone asked me if you two were going to renew your vows publically for your fifth anniversary."

"Nope," Xander told him.  "Not until it's fully legal."

Horatio looked at him.  "Did you want to renew them?"

"Not until it's fully legal."

"That's fine."  That had been Horatio's own statement about doing a larger one for the family.  "If you're sure."

"It'd be a social event.  I'm not up to throwing a social event."   He looked at him. "You were right about that.  Our private vows were enough for us and the family.  Next time it'll be legal."

"You guys could go to another country and do it there, where it is legal," Willow reminded them.

"It's still not legal back here," Xander pointed out.  "We could go to Canada and do that.  Or Spain."  He shrugged.  "We'd have to move there for it to be fully legal."

"How about," Horatio offered, pulling him closer so he could whisper in his ear.  "If you make the Olympics team, even as an alternate, we do it during that?" he whispered.  "The family will be there to watch you."

"What if I can't?" he asked, looking at him. "It still won't be legal."

"There are loopholes."  He smiled at him.  "If you can't make it, then we'll see about attending instead.  Maybe we'll go cheer on Eric."  Xander nodded, considering it.  Then he looked at him and nodded.  "You're sure? That's a lot of work."

"I know.  I'm trying right now, I can do that.  I need to get better."

"You could pick one area."

Xander shrugged.  "I'm not sure.  Let me do this year and then we'll see?"  Because that was a big commitment.  He didn't want to disappoint him or Eric that way.  "Please?"

"Of course.  You'll let me know before Nationals this year."  Xander nodded.  "If you go this year."

"I'm trying. I might only make it to State.  FSU's got an incredible butterfly person in my races."

"Then we'll see."  He smiled at him.  "Work on it with Eric, Xander."

"Yes, dear.  Where is he anyway?"

"Napping up in the race car room," Willow told him.

Xander nodded, heading that way to talk to him.  He tapped and walked in, curling up in front of him since he was still on his side.  "Horatio said if I make it to the next Olympics we're doing our vows publically for the family," he said quietly.  Eric hugged him.  "I need work."

"You do. You need a lot of work."  He kissed him on the forehead.  "Go get changed.  We'll see where you are now."

"Aching from my sunburn from Mexico."  He grimaced.  "They're in Baja."

"That's fine.  You can have him put on sunscreen."  Xander nodded and went to find his suit and change.  Eric yawned and got up, heading down to borrow one.  The best way to teach Xander new dives was to show him.  "Where did you put the safety lines?"

"The pole room."

Eric grimaced.  "Where?"  Xander came out of his bedroom and showed him.  Eric blinked at that, then shook his head.  "Go back to shaving, Xander."  He went back to shaving himself.  Eric closed the door firmly then went to clap Horatio on the back.  "You will never be bored."  He walked outside, going to warm up and do a few laps.  Xander jogged out a few minutes later. "Warm up.  Then let's do a lap.  We'll see where you're sitting."  Xander nodded, stretching and working himself up, then he took a spot on the block under the diving tower, jumping in at Eric's 'go!'.  He checked his waterproof stopwatch, shaking his head.  "You're slower."

"Sorry!"  He turned and tried another lap.

"Stop!"  Eric sighed and Xander swam over.  "Let's work on diving.  You're slower.  I don't know why.  You're doing distance race times for a sprint lap."

"So maybe I should go distance?"

"Maybe you should," he agreed.  "Let's work on your diving."  Xander nodded, getting out and heading to the one meter board, his usual one.  Eric watched as he dove, nodding.  "Better," he called when he surfaced.  "Now go up to my board, do an extra two turns and do it again."

Xander nodded, heading up higher to do that.  He calmed himself and did that, making Eric smile.  "Was that okay?  I felt odd."

"That's from the new height."  He swam over.  "You're switching to my board. Or possibly higher."  He patted him on the cheek.  "Concentrate on the diving."  Xander nodded, going to try that one again until it felt perfect to him.  "Do your next one you usually lead with," Eric called, coming out of the pool.  "Add another flip."  Xander nodded, going up to do that.  It did feel good.  He looked over his shoulder as Horatio watched from inside.  "We'll make your kid the swimming star," he offered.  Xander grinned at that.  He concentrated then did something he had seen another diver do.  "Warn me when you do that!" he called.  Xander got out and gave him a sheepish look.  "You rotate the other direction on that one.  It's more difficult so more points."  Xander nodded, going back up to try it that way.  It came out fine.  Eric smirked.  "I'm going to call the coaches to get the tapes. Swim for a few.  See if you can figure out why you're so slow."

"My ribs still twinge and so does my leg."

"Are we sure they're healed?"  Xander nodded.  "Perfectly sure?"

"Yeah, the x-rays before we left said so."

"We'll figure it out then."  Xander did his laps, distance swimming instead of speed laps.  Eric got up to go inside and call the college.  "It's Delko.  Can I borrow the higher diving charts for Harris?  Yeah.  I'm moving him up to five meters.  No, with his injuries earlier this year he's having trouble keeping speed up but his diving is better.  I'm going to focus on that this year.   Yeah.  That'd be fine.  Thanks.  I'll send someone up for it."  He hung up and called Speed since he was out.  "You busy?  A body in the canal and no one called me?"  He pouted. "Meany.  Couldn't you kick him in?  No, never mind."  He hung up and went to talk to Horatio.  "I need someone to pick up the diving charts for Xander from his old coaches."

"I can do that," Ryan agreed, getting up and grabbing the keys to Xander's porsche.  He loved to borrow the thing.  It purred so prettily.  He made it up to the college without a ticket, thankfully because his wife would kill him, and headed into the gym.  He smiled at the coach.  "Eric sent me."

"What happened to Harris this time?"

"He got the hell beaten out of him by someone who wanted to turn him into big game for a hunt.  Multiple broken bones and bruises.  He started out in four casts and ended up at the end with a broken leg, which he refractured right after the hurricane, and six broken ribs."  That got a wince.  "So he's diving but his swimming has been slow and steady."

"Fine."  He handed over the books.  "Those are copies.  I figured he'd want him to go higher."  Ryan grinned at that.  "What does he have where he's practicing?"

"It's in his yard.  He's got a five-lane olympic sized pool and a one and five meter board."  That got a smile.  "He complained about people leering at his speedos."  That got a laugh.  "Thank you for this.  They've got plans if they move on this year or next."  That got a gentle smile.  He left, going home.  He almost got a ticket but his badge and admitting he was borrowing the car from a friend for a spin for some errands only got him a smile and a warning.  He headed home more carefully and parked, bringing them inside.  He closed the gate and checked on the dogs.  They were in the shaded part of the porch watching the daddy dive.  He handed the books to Eric.  "Your copies."

"Thanks."  He whistled and Xander came over, letting him see the books. "Five meters is the big group.  Ten is better and smaller."  He opened that one, seeing the looks of awe.  "You'd need a higher tower."

"It expands."  He walked over and hit the button, which started a small motor and extended it up.  Eric looked impressed.  "I don't think it's quite ten meters."

"You plan ahead very well."  He looked up.  "I think it's nine.  That's fine.  That'll mean you'll definitely hit the pool properly at events."  Xander came back and mimicked the first one on the ground then went up to try it.  He landed on his back.  "Try again."  Xander rubbed the back of his head.  "Injured?"

"No.  Do I rotate clockwise or counter?"

"Counter."  Xander nodded, going up to do that instead.  This time it went better.  He was in the right position but not straight.  Then again, that's why they called it practice.

***

Xander walked into his son's school after the first day.  He smiled at his son since the teacher was busy with another parent.  "You color while we wait."  His son nodded and pulled out his coloring book and crayons. "You called me to come pick my son up instead of getting him from the bus?" he asked politely when she was done.  The teacher glared at him. "What?"

"Your son is hyper, rude, and a commotion."

"First, my son is not rude.  He's actually lauded on his manners in polite society."  She sneered.  "What did he do that you think is rude?"

"He interrupted the class to ask for a bathroom break."

He looked at his son.  "Did you say excuse me?"  He nodded.  He looked at the teacher. "That's not rude, that's polite to ask politely and to excuse yourself."

"We have set breaks."

"How long have you been dealing with children?" he sneered.  She huffed.  He walked to the door and smiled at a nearby teacher.  One he knew.  "Sister Margaret.  Can we please borrow you?"  She nodded, coming into the room.  "I know you've been a teacher now for umpteen billion years.  Eric and Marisol both said you taught them."  She smiled and nodded, apparently remembering them.  "Let this bitch tell you what my son did and please tell me if she's reasonable or not?"

"Of course, Mr. Harris."  She looked at the other teacher.  "Well?"

"He interrupted the class to ask for a bathroom break.  He's loud.  He's disruptive.  He doesn't pay attention.  And what is he doing now?  Who told you to color?" she demanded.

"I did," Xander said sharply.  "That means he's sitting quietly while you and I talk."

"That is not allowed in my classroom!  I make the rules in here."

Xander looked at the nun.  "I'm right and she's got severe control issues, right?"  She nodded.  "That's fine.  I want my son's records.  He's no longer going here."  She gave him a hot glare.  "I didn't want my son here in the first place thanks to your drug zombies and the habits you have of forcing faith down the non-Catholic kids' throats. Now, before I find my lawyer's number."  She stomped off. "How many accidents does she get?"

"Many.  Would you file a complaint?"

"Hell yes!  I refuse to have any kid done like that."  She smiled and brought him and Eric to the office once the little one had his backpack.  He smiled at his kid.  "We're going to the school I liked, kiddo.  You'll like it there.  They encourage coloring."  He smiled and ran back to get his picture, bringing it back to hand to the sister.

"Thank you, young man.  This is very pretty.  Someone obviously taught you very well how to color."

"Thank you.  My name's Eric."

"I'm Sister Margaret.   If you come back for church with your other father, you'll see me in Sunday School."   Eric looked at his father.

"We've decided he's making that decision for himself," Xander told her.  "Since I'm borderline Wiccan and his father's Catholic."

"That's perfectly understandable and the only reasonable solution.  Otherwise you get children who feel forced."  Xander nodded.  "You?"  He nodded again.  "I understand."  She let them into the office.  "Headmistress, Mr. Harris is here."

"Good.  I wanted to ask why you didn't send your son with his full medical records as ordered?"

"My doctor said you only needed that.  There's no way in hell I'm letting anyone be that nosy.  By the way, where is my son's medic alert bracelet?  You know, a medical necessity for a child with allergies to food?"  She gasped.  "Now."  She sighed and went to find it.  He looked at the nun. "You and the gym teacher are the only people in this school I've liked," he shared.  She smiled at that.  "If you feel you want to switch, he's going to the arts and sciences magnet school."

"I heard it's a good place," she agreed happily.  She smiled at Eric.  "You'll have a lot of fun there, Eric."  He beamed at that.  "Now, what did you do today?"

"She didn't like that I knew the answer to the math test while she was writing it.  She also didn't like that I had to go potty before lunch.  I'm still little."

"Most smart kindergarten teachers have a break at ten, then lunch, then mid-afternoon right before naps."

"They don't have naps in her classroom, or recess."

"That was thought to cut down on bullying," the sister told him.

"Doesn't."

"I know but that was a school-wide decision."  The headmistress came back with the files and a complaint form.  She pulled out another one so he could fill it out.  The headmistress looked hurt.  "He has a valid one.  She yelled at him for needing a bathroom break midmorning."

"And for knowing a math answer," Eric told her.  "Daddy, what are drug zombies?"

"You know all those kids in there who can't stay awake?  They're on the wrong medicines and that's the drug zombie look," he said patiently.  "That's why we're not putting you on any for being a normal child."  He finished writing out his report and reread it, then signed it and handed it over.  He looked at the other one.  "That's what *normal* children do," he noted patiently.  "Obviously the books you learned from were written by non-parents and non-experienced educators."  He took the files and looked at his son.  "Come on.  Let's go see Daddy.  The new lab is opening today."  Eric beamed and nodded.  He nodded at them.  "We'll be seeing you the next time his father talks him into coming, Sister Margaret.  I feel sorry for you having to deal with such stupid people who're ruining good kids."  He walked off with his son, taking him out to his car.  He nodded at another mother.   "Kindergarten?"

"Yup. You?"  He nodded.  "Where?"

"Try the office.  They're talking about the verbal spanking I just gave."  He got Eric into his seat then got in to drive, turning on the radio as he drove.  It wasn't that far from the lab so they were there fairly shortly.  He looked at his son.  "Remember to be polite since there's apparently reporters."  He nodded. "Don't mention the school stuff until we're in private."  They got out and he took his son's hand, locking the car with the remote.  He smiled at the guard.  "Back again?" he teased.

"You too?"

"Of course.  Post first day of horrible school."  He signed them in, ran his pass under the reader, getting a red line.  He looked.

"Flip it over, sir.  The bar reader is underneath."

Xander did that and they went upstairs together, smiling when they came out in the press milieu around the elevator.  "Excuse us."  He walked his son around them and toward the labs.  He caught Eric's eye and got a nod up toward the office so he headed that way.  He walked him up there, smiling when he saw Frank up there.  He handed over the complaint.  "I win."  He sat Eric down next to Frank.  "Children are only to have bathroom breaks at lunch," he mimicked.

"She had how many accidents per day in her class?" Frank asked.

"Probably most of them. They're still pretty little."  He looked at Horatio.  "You didn't tell me the teacher had control issues, dear."

"I didn't get to meet her."  He leaned back.  "Fine, he can go to your choice.  You can tell his mother."

He faxed it to Di.  Then he called.  "Get the fax.  He's switching to my choice.  She argues with me and I'm spanking her on the runway this month."  He hung up and looked at his son.  "We've got to call the other school tomorrow."  Eric cheered.  "Plus, they still have recess."  He grinned at Frank.  "Are you coming to the show this year?"

"I might.  Delko going?"  Xander nodded.  "How did she talk you two into it this year?"

"Boredom."  He looked at his mate.  "I thought you'd like to know now instead of being ambushed at home."

"Thank you."  He smiled at him. "Dinner is being ordered tonight?"

"Sure.  Just us or others?"

"Others.  Get something soothing.  It's been a long day."

"That's fine.  Come on, Eric.  We'll go pick up dinner."

"You're not cooking, right?"

"No, son, I won't cook anything," he sighed, taking his son back down to the car.  He saw the reporter leaning against it.  "What?"

"Wanted to know if the food poisoning suddenly out in California was your doing.  I heard they had you."

"No comment on the whole situation.  Would you mind getting off my car?"

"First day of school?"

"Yes, and the teacher's as big of a bitch as you are," Eric told her.  Xander looked down at him and he gave her a sheepish look.  "Sorry but you followed me to school this morning."

"Really?" Xander asked, sounding particularly interested.  She backed away.  "What did we say about leaving the kids alone?"  She backed up further.  "Sykes?"

"It wasn't him I was following. I was following his seatmate."

"Uh-huh. He's switching schools.  Don't try it again."  She nodded and ran off.  She turned her ankle in the parking lot and a cruiser had to stop suddenly to keep from running her over. "I didn't do that," Xander said, looking at his son.  "You?"

"No, daddy. I don't want her dead, just leaving you alone," he said quietly.  "Huh.  Is Auntie Willow here?"

"Yup.  I saw her in the break room."  He sighed.  "Okay.  She good?  She went for a run when I reminded her to leave our son alone."  The officer nodded. "Thanks."  He got Eric into the car and walked around to get in and drive.  He even backed out carefully.  "What do we want for supper?"

"Food."

"I knew that.  Any particular type?" he asked patiently.

"Not a clue.  Are we eating with everyone?"

"Probably."

"The deli?"

"Okay."  He went that way and then stopped at the fish taco spot since his son liked them so much.   He pulled back into the house, finding Ryan waiting on him.  "We didn't make her trip."

"Pity, I wanted to."  He helped them carry in bags.  "Di called me swearing about you."

"Pity."  He put the food up.  "Staying for dinner?"  He nodded. "That's fine.  We figured it'd be most of you guys."  He handed his son a taco and pointed at the stools.  Ryan helped him up onto one and got him some milk.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  I was done for the day anyway."  He smiled at him.  "What happened?"

Xander handed over the complaint.  Ryan moaned.  "Yeah, so not a good thing."

"I'm hoping that's why Di was swearing."

His phone rang.  "Wolfe."  He listened.  "When did I schedule that?  No, that's fine.  I'm at Xander's.  I can be there in twenty."  He hung up and hugged them both.  "Late meeting with lawyers I don't remember scheduling."  He hurried out.

"Sounds like your mom's coming for dinner too," he noted dryly.  Eric laughed.  He pulled down some cocoa mix.  "We should call the other school."  He made them some cocoa and went to start the calling process. "Hi, this is Xander Harris.  My son hates the other place.  Can he still come in?  Eric.  Yup, that's us.  I know, he's got his mother's name.  No, we split it.  No, she liked the place where they refused him the right to go to the bathroom.  Or play.  Or color while we talked.  She threw a fit that I had him coloring while she and I talked.  Yeah, that one."  He sighed.  "That's fine.  I can make sure she does.  Can you fax them to me or do I already have them?  I've signed and she hasn't.  Then please fax me a set for her?  Thank you.  Of course.  Uniforms?  I can't remember."  He nodded. "That works.  Thank you."  He hung up and turned on the fax machine, gathering the forms off.  Di stormed in and he whistled, bringing her his way.  She sneered from the doorway.  "You saw the complaints."

"I did.  It's unreasonable...."

"It's not unreasonable to ask politely to go to the bathroom," he said firmly.  "Nor is it unreasonable to need your medic alert bracelet, Diana."  She shrank at that.  "They did both.  They wanted him on drugs when my doctor and the one you sent him to both said he's perfectly normal and bored."  She slumped some at that. "Now, sign."  He handed them over and put a pen on top. "He's going to a school with good test scores and even more importantly that the kids like going to.  That will make him be less bored.  Because the other teacher threw a *fit* when I told him to color quietly while she and I talked."

She sighed.  "This one hasn't been around for very long.  We don't know how it'll help him in college."

"He's in kindergarten!  He's got twelve more years.  Worry about that in high school; if I can afford it, he's going where Jr. went."  She nodded, reading over the forms and signing.  "Thank you."  He faxed them back and got a confirmation and first day instruction pages.  He faxed his medical sheet over then, and a copy of his medic alert number.  That got a 'thank you'.  "There, done."  He stood up and looked at her.  "We need to talk anyway," he said quietly.

"He's my son."

"And you haven't seen him in nearly a month," he noted quietly.  "Transfer primary custody over to us."  She slumped.  "We're doing it anyway.  You know all you have to do is call.  It's the same as it was before.  The only difference is that I'll have to give you the paperwork."  She nodded, grimacing.  "You're back in full swing, Di.  Hell, even your dogs live with us."

"I know.  I'm having troubles paying attention to Taylor, much less him," she admitted quietly, checking the hall.  She gave him a pitiful look.  "Are you sure Horatio won't mind?"

"No.  Why?"  He shrugged. "Whenever you want, Di."  She nodded, going to talk to their son.  He took a deep breath and listened for the crying to start.  He walked out there when it did.  "This means that you'll be here more often.  She'll have you whenever she wants and can handle it, Eric.  The same as now."  Eric looked at him. "It's exactly the same as right now but we're going to have sign paperwork.  That's the only difference."  He nodded, letting him hug him.  "Shh, my boy.  It's the same as it is.  I promise it is."  He nodded, resting against his shoulder.  "Okay?"

"Yup.  If Daddy Horatio won't mind."

"We can call and talk to him," Di promised.

"He'll be home tonight.  We'll talk about it after dinner."  Xander made his son look at him.  "For you it'll be exactly the same, Eric.  Nothing changes for you."

"Really?"

"Really.  I promise."  Eric smiled and nodded.  "Good boy."  He kissed him on the head and put him back onto his stool.  "Finish your snack."

"You'll make him fat."

"He had a long day."  He heard the door slam and looked over at Ryan.  "What?"

"They're trying to use me to take custody away from you."  He looked at him.  "And Di."

"Fat chance."

"The Roosevelt Society has filed a Social Services warrant."

"Let them come.  We're about to switch primary custody."  Di nodded.  "Can you write up the agreement without compromising yourself?"

"I can and Senior's here.  He's a notary."  He went to the office to do that.  He pulled the old forms up to modify them.  He let her sign them, then signed them as a witness.  He called Ray Senior to get him over as well.  Then he called the social worker he had just seen in his office.  "I've talked to Mr. Harris.  He said you're more than welcome to come out to his home any time you want."  He made a note.  "Thank you."  He hung up. "Xander, she's on her way out."

"That's fine.  The house is relatively clean."  He went to tidy up the playroom. He made sure the doorway to the weapons was closed.  When he heard the gate alarm he went to let her in, waiting out there.  Eric came running out.  "Just relax.  She's been sent by stupid people."

"Why?"

"Because they don't like gay people."

"Then they're really stupid."  He smiled at Ray Senior. "Hi.  Why are you here?"

"Ryan wanted me to come."  He walked around him. "Office?"

"Yup.  Thanks."   He smiled at the social worker he had worked with after the hurricane.  "Hi.  What was their problem besides that I'm gay?"

"You're gay."  She shook his hand. "Hello, Eric."

"Hi.  Did the stupid people at the school send you or other stupid people?"

"Eric," Di moaned.  She opened the door. "Come on in, please.  We've just gotten back and we were about to amend the custody agreement to give him primary custody."

"Why?"

"Because I've been very busy with work and haven't had time to spend with my son properly."  Eric nodded at that.  "I'm sorry, Eric.  Pretty soon it'll slow down again."

"Good."  He walked the social worker inside.  "Did you want some tea?"

"No thank you, Eric.  That's very polite of you to ask," she promised, smiling at him.  She looked around.  "My, weapons openly."

"He can't get them down," Xander promised, removing one.  You had to lift it up and then down.  "It's as close as a safety lock as you can get."  He put it back.  It clicked back into place.   "Besides, Eric knows about weapons."

"Eric is not old enough to touch weapons unless someone is breaking in and then I'm to hide somewhere and call one of the daddies or Uncles, or Aunties, and hope nothing comes near me," he recited.  "Daddy Horatio already took me to the range to show me what not to touch on guns."

"That's a very wise thing since he has to have one for work."  She smiled at the dogs.  "Yours?"

"The two mini-greyhounds are ours," Di admitted. "I can't even manage the time to spend with my fiance.  Much less take care of the dogs or our son."

"Then it's a wise decision.  Now, they said they heard you had some hidden rooms that Eric shouldn't ever see?  Including one with a pole?"

"It's locked," Xander said, showing it to her.  He looked at his son.  "Did you sneak in there once?"  He nodded.  "What did you think of it?"

"Dark and it was cute play area. But not for boys.  We have our own play room.  That's for daddy."

"It's also where my safety gear to try new dives is kept," Xander offered, letting her in there.  "As you can see, it locks.  Very well."

"It does."  She backed out and made the boy quit looking.  "Let's see his play room."  She followed him, smiling at the very nice room.  She tested something.

"Toddy helped me stack that," Eric told her. "We needed a slide indoors since it was raining so much."

"We've got a security camera trained in here from the office," Xander offered, unstacking them. "If you had told me, I would've gotten you two a slide."

"Can we have a slide for the pool?"

"We'll see."  That got a smile. "Ask your other father first."  He nodded.  "At dinner," he said when his son reached for the phone.

"He was only doing paperwork."  Xander gave him a look and he sighed.  "Yes, daddy."   The social worker snickered at that.  "What else would you like to see?"

"How about your room?"  He nodded and led her up there.  She smiled at his room and the nursery he showed her.  "They're very well done.  Does the younger one have nightmares?"

"No, she likes to crawl up onto the soft cube and pet the dragon," Xander said happily.  That got a smile and she went to look outside while he and Eric put the dogs onto the run.  "Before you can ask, the pool has alarm sensors.  The dogs and I both wear codes to it.  Eric and the kids do not.  If anything not wearing a code tag goes in, an alarm goes off that's loud enough to wake the neighbors on the next street as we found out last time one of their kids tried to sneak in.  They came to complain."

"I'm not allowed without an adult," Eric told her.

"That's a very wise rule.  Can you swim?"  He nodded.  "How well?" she asked Xander.  "I know you do swim professionally."

"He's good enough to move to intermediate classes," he admitted.  "We taught him when he was three.  Our friend's son Todd was the same way.  He knows the same rules when he's over."

"That's fine.  Where is your room?"  Xander pointed.  "Does that cause problems?"

"Tia's got an alarm if she heads for the stairs.  Plus the dogs like to pick her up and carry her around by the back of the neck of her shirts if she's in trouble.  She's with her mommy in New York at the moment."

"That's fine."  She smiled and looked around.  She saw the remains of a snack.  "Missed lunch?"

"His first day at school and the school was full of stupid people," he admitted, handing over the forms.   She grimaced.  "They have drug zombies."

"I've been there.  They do."  She looked at the new agreement, nodding at it.  "That seems reasonable."  She added her signature as a witness since it needed another one.  "I don't see a problem.  We don't have a problem with gay parents raising their own children.  The legislature was led by horrible folks when they said you couldn't adopt, but he's your own child and I don't see a single violation here."

"I consulted with people before I decorated," Xander admitted.  "Including the playset outside."  He looked at his son, who was giving him a begging look.  "Go."  He went to play outside. "If it starts to do more than drizzle, you come in."

"Yes, daddy."  He grinned at the lady. "Sorry, no play time."  He went to play with the dogs.

"He's a normal little boy," Di agreed.  Xander nodded. "He's done an excellent job with Eric and the other kids of our friends.  That's why he's the favorite babysitter."

"I can see it was done by the people in the Roosevelt Society.  Again.  They've tried this before."

Xander smiled sweetly. "This time they tried the wrong folk.  I'm in society.  They're so getting it tomorrow night."

She patted him on the arm.  "Be gentle, dear."

"Why?  They called you to take away my son for taking it up the ass," he noted dryly.  "That deserves retribution that makes them want to pray in my book.  No one touches my family."  She smiled at that. "Can you tell me which one originally made it?"

"No, just that the complaint stated he was dirty when he was drug by the arm into the police station and then back out."

"You can check the cameras.  I've had to do that once and it was because it was a problem.  Someone had snuck in and tried to drown him on us and patrol cars didn't come.  The guy got away while I was doing CPR."   She nodded, making notes of that.  "Horatio has that form and there's a few officers smarting from losing their badges."

"I'll make a note of that, Xander.  The rest of the security?"

"If and when I turn it on, it's full surrounding now."  She nodded.  "I'm doing that again."  She smiled at that.  "Thank you.  How is Harley with his new family?"

"They're wonderful.  They've got him calmed down and he's smiling and happy.  They're excellent to him."  He beamed at that.  "Thank you for your help with that."  He nodded.  "I'll leave you to plan and plot in peace.  Try to keep it down."

"Of course."  He smirked as he walked her out, finding Horatio pulling in.  "We might want to turn on the alarm, dear.  Someone turned us in to Social Services for having a son."

"I see.  Why?"  She handed over the complaint.  "That day was partially panic," he admitted. "I can have the tapes pulled if you want."

"No, not at this moment. I don't see a problem here."  She smiled.  "Have a nice night, Captain."  She got in and left.

Xander turned on the full alarm.  Eric came back in pouting.  "What?"

"I could use a nap."

"Then go nap."  He kissed him on the head.  "Maybe mommy would like to read to you?"  She nodded, taking him up to his room to do that.  He looked at Horatio. "I'm going to fry them tomorrow night."

"I didn't think you were going tomorrow."

"I am now."  He went to make that call.  "Mrs. Yearns, Xander Harris.  Yes, I just got that visit.  Would you know who I get to turn into mulch?"  He took down names. "Thank you, dear.  Oh, expect me tomorrow, dear.  I'll keep it out of the press and not upset anyone but they're going to be sorry for trying to hurt my son."  He smiled "Thank you, dear.  Of course."  He hung up and called Isabel.  "Fair warning, I'm destroying someone tomorrow.  Yup, them."  He hung up and went to find Horatio in the kitchen with all the forms.  "She agreed after some pouting," he said quietly when he saw what he was reading.

"Did you force it?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"Because the school this morning didn't want to let me bring him because we only had visitation."  He moved closer.  "It's been two months since he's been there, Horatio.  Even her dogs live with us.  I assured her it's the same, only we have the paperwork now."  Horatio looked at him.  "All she has to do is ask."

"As long as it stays that way."  Xander nodded.  Horatio smiled and kissed him.  "The new school?"

"All the forms were done. They came to Ryan to get Eric taken."

"We'll go tomorrow."

"You've got to work."

"No, I have to work tomorrow but I can get free by the time the party starts."  He took another kiss.  "We're going."

"Yes, dear."  He smiled at him.  "I got deli stuff and there's a few fish tacos left if you're hungry."

"Thanks.  I saw the son's snack."

"I figured he had a trying day."  He went to check on the dogs, bringing them back inside since it was starting to rain harder.  Horatio took his snack upstairs to talk to Di and his son.  It wasn't quite forced but she had agreed to it.  He wouldn't say anything since she told him why it was a better idea.

Bigger Eric and the others came in and were mostly smiling.  Eric grinned at Ryan.  "Got free early to suck up dinner?"

"Actually, someone came to me to sign an order to take our nephew from Xander and Horatio for being gay."  All the smiles disappeared.  "The social worker agreed with Xander.  It's petty.  It's all good."

"Who might've done this?" Calleigh asked nicely.

Xander handed over the note.  "We'll be seeing them tomorrow."  He smiled sweetly.  Everyone shuddered.  "Oooh, Eric, I finally got that dive right."

"Good!  About time.  How was school?"   The complaints were handed over.  "Ah.  So he's going to the other place?"

"Starts Monday," Xander agreed happily.  "Di's upstairs with Horatio to read him a story.  He needed a nap."   Most of them went up to kiss him and talk to them.  Maybe Horatio could stop Xander, because otherwise it was going to be a massacre. A very bloody massacre.

***

Xander walked around the small gathering, finding two of his targets together.  He stopped behind one.  "I know what you did.  Did you realize that you're driving a car with stolen parts?  Or that your mistress is technically underage by state standards."  She went pale.  "You might mention those things.  I'm not putting up with attacks on my family.  Ever.  I tend to destroy things that come after my family.  Since I now consider you a *thing*, I'll have fun destroying you."  He moved on, smiling at the judge who was another one.  He smiled sweetly at him.  "So, what's this I hear about a new mare in your stables?" he asked.  The man looked clueless.  "I think she's called Daisy?"  His eyes went wide.  Xander leveled a glare at him.  Then he grinned again.  The man started to sweat.  "I believe you had something to do with a visit I got yesterday for no reason."

"You did drag him in there by the arm."

"Someone had snuck onto our property and to drown him.  Officers never responded.  That was panic on my part."  He shivered and stepped back.  "Remember, things who attack my family? I was trained to fight and eliminate them, now I do it socially," he said quietly.

"I sent them to Ryan."

"Then maybe he'll make me relent in your case.  The others?"  He snorted and sipped his champagne. "Pity."  He walked on, smiling at the hostess, kissing her on the cheek. "That's as naughty as I'll be tonight."  She nodded, relaxing.  He passed her a letter.  "Here, some things that some of the more popular gossip hogs should know."  She leveled a look at him.  "You know a few of them, Mrs. Yearns.   You have one on a leash."

"I do," she agreed.  "I wouldn't call them hogs," she noted quietly.

"They'll eat anything."  They shared a look.  "How about hound then?"

"More polite at least, Xander."

He sighed.  "They attacked my family.  Be thankful I'm not attacking physically.  That's how I was trained."

"I am thankful. A duel would be messy in here."  She looked around her gathering room then at him. "Is Eric all right?"

"Just fine and the social worker was very happy with him and the house.  The incident they were using was when someone snuck onto the grounds to try to kill him.  Which I now believe was one of them.  None of the people after me would want to touch my son.  My son makes me too happy for them to want to."  She nodded at that.  "Oh, I got told earlier they got a hit off one of the databases for who did it."  She looked horrified.  He stared her down.  "Yeah, they told me."  He faced her.  "Were you involved?" he asked quietly.

"Certainly not.  My son was.  He hates you for your lifestyle," she noted quietly.

"Horatio and someone will be here tomorrow.  Him to introduce since it happened to our son.  It's going to get messy.  I would personally suggest you sing and get them away from you so you're not tainted."  He had been given the same advice from her once about his past.  "I do wish you well in that endeavor.  You've been very nice to me but I can't let an attack on my family go.  Especially not one this serious.  He tried to drown my son."  She nodded, understanding that.   "As long as you weren't involved, I have nothing against you, Mrs. Yearns.  I never have."

"Thank you, Xander.  I wouldn't let this alone either.  Especially since he tried to kill your son."  She patted him on the wrist.  "Where is Horatio?"

"Coming in an hour.  He had to work a bit late tonight."

"I'll talk with him when he comes in."

"Thank you.  I find myself with a dreadful headache," he said at regular volume.  "I think I should go home."

"Of course, dear.  Thank you for coming at all.  I do hope you feel better."  He nodded and kissed her on the cheek then left.   She debated calling her son but this was going to be very bad on her.  He had said he was only going to scare him for daring to have a son with his husband.  Then again, she had never seen anything funny from Xander or Horatio, and Horatio was a well-respected member of the community, he always had been.  Her butler announced him but said that he wasn't properly attired.  She nodded, going out to meet with him in her private study.  "Horatio."

"Mrs. Yearns."  He looked at her.  "I know my spouse told you of our findings."

She nodded, sitting down.  "I know who ordered it.  Is there any way we can keep this quiet?"

"I can do the arrest quietly but that would be mostly up to your son and butler."  She flinched.  "The same as the other bigots you've got in the other room."  He sat down.  "I would very much like for them to take deals and go away quietly.  I doubt my family needs any more stress."

She nodded.  "Let me get them.  You can escort them out quietly?"

"If anyone asks, his car was noted by an accident and we need a statement.  We'll also need one of the ADA's you've got here."

"Of course.  ADA Hammra is here and looks quite uncomfortable."

"She's known to be hard on offenders," he warned.  She had always been nice to him and Xander.  He owed her that much.  Her son would still be going away for a long time.

"The only other one is Miss West.  Or the actual District Attorney."  He shrugged.  "He's among those who supported the action so they'd have one in the press as a rallying cry."

"I understand."   He stood up.  "Whichever you want."

"I'll get ADA Hammra."  She went to do that, then she found her son and butler in the kitchen. "Go to my office," she said quietly.  Her son looked at her.  "The police are here and if you embarrass me, I will disown you," she said firmly.  "Make them do this less than quietly and you will never recover."

"Mother...."

"You're lucky.  Xander's first instinct was to attack physically.  Having his son drowned is not acceptable."

"Mother...."

She slapped him.  "My office.  Now."  He walked that way.  She glared at the butler, who nodded and went.  "He has offered a deal."

"Thank you, ma'am.  I have enjoyed serving your family."  He bowed and went to take his rightful punishment.  Even though he knew the son was right in his case.  He lifted his chin as he walked in.

The ADA looked at them.  "First one who talks gets a deal.  I'm in a good mood tonight. Attempted murder of a child, premeditated attempted murder, is a capitol case in this state, gentlemen.  One of you can have twenty.  The rest get their lives if they're lucky."  She looked at the butler.  "You have the most to lose since you did it.  Forensics doesn't lie."

"I have served this family faithfully for nearly forty years," he said quietly. "I have defended it from intruders and gotten rid of them in the past."

Horatio looked at him.  "She asked us to do this quietly.  ADA Hammra, would you like to take this to the station?"

"Please, Captain.  Let's go.  If anyone asks, you were both witnesses to an accident.  She's asked for that much of a favor."  She walked them out to the waiting cars, watching as Horatio got in to head back with them.  She called her boss.  "Did you know about the attack on Caine's son?"  She grimaced.  "No, not that one, but thank you for telling me.  The one where he was nearly drowned."  She smirked. "Never mind, sir. I'll find out from my suspects."  She hung up and hurried up.  She walked in and looked at them.  "This was a conspiracy?"  The son groaned and put his head down.  "You tell me every single person involved and how they were involved and I'll give you ten years.  Your butler ten as well."  He looked at her.  "Full confession.  You went after the son of a police officer and nearly cost a young child his life."  Horatio handed her a tablet of paper and a pen.  "I would take it.  You'll be dead in prison.  This way I can decide to send you to a maximum security facility where the others can't get to you."  He looked at the butler.

"Remember your night in for the DUI your father got you off on?" Horatio asked quietly.  "Think about that for the rest of your life, only being up the hall with the real prisoners.  You're much too pretty to be left alone for long."  The man broke and started to write names.  "Thank you."  He looked at her. "I'll get the CSI more intimately involved in this case back here."  He shook her hand.  "Let me guess, you heard about the social services ploy?"

"I did.  I asked my boss if he had heard about the attack.  He mentioned that one.  What is your husband doing?"

"My husband watches people.  He studies them."  He smirked slightly.  "Plus, he has a lot of contacts in the less great parts of town."  He walked off, going to get Calleigh. "They're here. They're taking deals and writing down names."

She smiled. "Good."  She went that way, smiling and pulling out a picture of her son.  "That's the one who wanted to be like you so he kicked the snot out of me cheering you on."

She smiled at that.  "He is adorable.  What's his name?"

"Thomas.  He's just now rolling onto his stomach," she said proudly.

"Harris probably touches him too," the rich son sneered.

She smirked at him. "Considering Xander nearly went to jail for assaulting the child molester who came after his niece?  I doubt it.  I've known Xander since he was nineteen.  He's never been like that.  You've just unleashed his pent-up rage on the social circles."  The butler swallowed.  "Oh, you heard about his high school years?"  He nodded.  "That's now focused on those who attacked his family.  You'll be safe in jail."

He added a few more names and pushed it over. "The ones I knew about."

"Thank you."  She looked them over, noticing a few coworkers and judges.  "Conspiracy to commit murder of a child is not going to look good on their resumes.  Thank you.  You'll be arraigned in the morning.  We'll do the plea."

"Can we do it more quietly?"

"I could if I could get a judge that's not involved.  Unfortunately the only one off the top of my head is Wolfe.  Who is like a big brother to Harris."  They moaned. "That would give you a reason to appeal."

"Thompson, he's getting ready to retire but he's still on the bench," Calleigh offered.

"That's an excellent idea."  She moved out of the room to call him. "Your Honor, I know you're retiring, but I have need of an impartial judge to take a plea.  No, I'm being lenient," she admitted.  "They entered into a conspiracy to kill or take away the child of Horatio Caine and Xander Harris. Yes, Eric, sir.  It ended up with him nearly being drowned and now social services being called.  Please.  That's where I am.  Can I send a car over for you?  The person who tried and the person who admitted to giving the order to do so.  Ten years each.  They gave me a list of names you might need to see."  She nodded. "I'll send a cruiser over immediately, sir.  Thank you."  She hung up and looked around. "You," she snapped at the nearest officer.  "Go pick up Judge Thompson so he can arraign these two."  She nodded and took the address to go get him.  She moved back to look over the list again, gauging who to pick up tonight and who would still be in the city tomorrow.  She handed it to Calleigh.  "Find me links so I can question them."  A new folder was handed over.  "Who did this come from?"

"Xander.  He used some of his former contacts in the less than pretty side of Miami."

She looked through it, mentally revising her list.  "Have officers waiting to pick up these ones," she said, starring their names on the list.  "My boss as well."  She nodded, going to pass on that order.  "Tell them why.  That way they can't be nice."  Calleigh smirked and did just that once she had addresses.  She looked at them.  "Smartest move you made."  She looked over as the judge came in, nodding at him.  "This one," she said, pointing at the butler, "CSI can prove tried to murder Caine's stepson.  The other one gave the orders and rolled over."

"Do we have proof?"

"I'll confess," he said quietly, staring at the table.  "My mother will be horribly embarrassed because of this stupidity."  He looked up. "He still shouldn't have access to a child, he's *gay*."

"According to the FBI most child molesters are straight," Hammra told him, making him wince.  "Exactly.  Beyond the fact that I'm pretty sure Caine or the others around them would know if something like that was going on.  By the way, Xander's not that sort.  He was physically abused as a child, not sexually.  That's why his first thought was explosives."  He sobbed at that.  "You're bringing down the name of a family that's been great and special for generations.  You'd better be thankful your sister can marry out of hers."  He nodded.   She looked at the judge, handing over the list. "In return for ten years he listed everyone in this conspiracy and the one to send social services after them the other day.  I'm sure Horatio can get a report from her saying it was all clear."

"I checked behind the scenes.  She praised them and how Xander was handling being a father."  He looked at them.  "Ten years?  You're sure?"

"I am. One's old.  The other's too weak.  He'd die at twenty.  Plus, with the names on this list, we'll need him in the new super max so that he won't be approached.  Caine was right.  He's too pretty. He'll need a protector if he's not."

"Fine."  He sat down to fill out the paperwork.  "I'll need a court reporter."

"Let me get you one, sir."  She went to arrange one, finding Horatio had one and the reports.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  I don't like this.  This is why I wanted Xander to cut back his social obligations."

"I understand.  There's going to be some housecleaning in a few places, Horatio.  Especially since my boss in on that list.  The only one I'm not surprised at is West isn't on it."

"She wants the lab, not me personally."  That got a nod and she went back in there with the reporter.

Horatio watched as more came in, staring them down.  A few shuddered.  A few lifted their chins.  A few started to cry.  He watched as one after another led the way back to the originators of the conspiracy.  A few even offered evidence for leniency.  Only one didn't crack and said he'd take life since gays shouldn't have children.  The judge agreed and sentenced him to be held without bail since they had tried to kill said child.  By the time Horatio got home, he was the only one who hadn't taken a deal to keep their families' reputations out of this.  Xander snuggled into his arms, sniffling.  "Shh.  We ended it.  We got the person who tried to hurt Eric and they made deals to name names.  They're all going away," he soothed.  Xander nodded, curling up on his chest.  "I've got you and he's safe."  Xander relaxed and let him handle it.

***

Bess parked in Xander's driveway the next morning, getting out of the back of the car while her driver waited.  She saw someone doing a dive and headed for the pool area.  Xander came out and gave her a curious look.  "Xander...."

"They tried to kill my son.  They tried to have social services take my son as well, Bess.  Be thankful they're alive."  He got out of the pool.  "Horatio was nice enough to keep it quiet."

"He did.  That was very nice of him.  How is Eric?"

"They tried to drown him.  He recovered and we've helped him through the nightmares.  He understands that bigots like that are stupid and scared.  I assured him we'd get the people who hurt him and the lab did."

"They did."  She smiled at him.  "Are you all right?"

"Yes, and I'm not cutting back. I don't care if I am shunned."

"Some will, some won't.  It will be a rough few months.  I know Rebecca was stunned that her husband had been asked to be in on it.  Thankfully he turned it down."  She moved closer to kiss him on the cheek.  "Your son is fine.  The other members of the society are cowering."  Xander nodded. "Are you satisfied?"

"I'd rather see them choked like my son was," he said plainly.  She nodded at that.  "As long as they go to jail I'll be satisfied enough."

"Thank you, Xander.  I'll try to manage some spin."

"Let it lay, Bess.  This is messy and nasty business.  If anyone asks, they tried to kill my son.  Tell them they should be lucky I didn't find their meeting area and blow them the hell up.  Because anyone who comes near my son is toast."

"I agree.  I'll let that be known.  Are you coming later today?"  He shook his head.  "Why not?"

"I've got a meet this afternoon."  She smiled at that.  "I need to be more calm for that really."  She nodded. "I'll be fine.  Thank you for sticking up for me, Bess.  I told Mrs. Yearns her son's stupidity wasn't hers and I knew that."  She relaxed.  "I didn't want to shake up everything."

"I know, Xander.  It'll be fine."  She patted him on the chest.  "You calm down and snog Horatio into a better mood as well."  He nodded, smiling at that advice. "Good boy."  She left, going to get her car.  She found Horatio leaning against it.  "Going to his meet?"

"I am.  I'm looking forward to seeing him at the Worlds this year."  He opened her door.  "Did you upset him?"

"No, I told him I'd let the truth come out fully.  They tried to harm your son.  He had no intention of putting a tenth of us away but in the fight to find who hurt him they came to light as well."  He nodded.  "Thank you, Horatio, and do come to the next polo match."

"If I can. I'm on Saturday."  She smiled and nodded, getting in and heading off.  He went to calm Xander down, watching him walk laps around the pool.  He pulled him in for a kiss, making him relax against his chest.  He could change, Xander was more important. "He's safely at school," he reminded him quietly.  "You need to get back into the proper mindset.  I need you ready to show off and wow people, Xander."  He smiled and nodded, hugging him.  "I've got the family, you do what you need to so we go to Japan this year and Spain next year."  Xander gave him a look. "I've got us.   You do this.  Make me proud and wet watching you dive."  He took a deep kiss.  "Go, show off for me." Xander got up onto his board and did one of the harder ones he was working on perfecting, making Horatio smile.  "Good job!"

"Still a bit off perfect but getting better," he offered.  He climbed out and looked at his mate's watch.  "We should get ready."  He ran inside to get his other suit out and a towel, plus something to wear there and home.  Horatio came in to change his suit.  He even drove them over in the hummer. Xander walked up to the desk. "Harris, Xander.  Diving.  Five and ten meters."  She smiled and signed him in, handing him a number.  "Thank you.  My spouse and cheering section?"  She pointed for Horatio's benefit once she had taken his ticket fee.  "Thank you."  He looked at him and took one last kiss, giving him a cocky smile.  "I'll see you in a few hours."  He walked into the changing area, nodding at those he knew.

"Swimming and diving?" someone called.

"Diving only.  Five and ten meters."  That got a whistle.  "I needed more room and I'm still suffering after the beating late last year."  He got changed and locked his bag into his locker with the lock he carried. He grabbed his towel and went out to stretch.  He nodded at the coaches he knew.  He stopped in front of his old diving coach.  "I won't make it swimming this year and possibly not next with the injuries over the last year.  I am planning on making it diving.  So is Eric.  Can we coopt you if we do?"  That got a smirk and a nod.  "Thank you.  By the way, we make it next year and we're doing our vows for the family in a place where it's legal."  The coach laughed as he walked off.

"That is a goal," he called after him.  "What're you doing?"

"Five and ten.  I needed more room to be magnificent."  He smirked and took his spot.  He went back to stretching.  This year he wasn't cramping but he felt kinda slow and sluggish.  He popped his neck and back, then he dropped into the right mindset.  He was feeling happy and glowy, but he had to drop back into tight and precision mode.  He smiled at Horatio then let himself drop since he was there.  His name was called and he handed in his intended routines.  The judges nodded so he went to the five meter board.  The announcer said 'ten' and he shrugged and went up with a wry grin.  He dropped into the comfy mental spot and dove.

The End.  End Series.

Table of Contents

Hunted And Wanted. 2

Family. 171