CSI:Miami Road Trip #11: We Ain't Comin' Home

Wee! Thanks so much for the reviews.

LOL. I like the memo to Scott. It should be stickied on his fridge or something.

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Hospital, 3 days later

Scott: *buttons up shirt*

Tom: *walks over, knocks on door frame*

Scott: *lifts head*

Tom: Hey.

Scott: *walks over to drawer, grabs watch*

Tom: I need to ask you a few questions.

Scott: Professional or personal?

Tom: I'm on duty.

Scott: Ask away.

Tom: Did Mark Stapleton keep a gun in the building?

Scott: He shouldn't have had one.

Tom: But you kept a gun in the building.

Scott: Yes. I had a 9mm in a locked case out of view and I was the only one with a key. I removed it when I left my position.

Tom: *nods* The gun was unregistered so we'll be looking into it but as his death was determined as a suicide, we're just tying up some loose ends before we close it.

Scott: Right.

Tom: *hands over card* Here's the number for Victim's Services in case you or the other two women who were at the scene need anything or require any kind of counseling.

Scott: I'll be sure to let them know. *grabs card*

Tom: *turns around*

Scott: Hey.

Tom: *looks back*

Scott: Thank you.

Tom: ...For what.

Scott: Helping out.

Tom: Yeah, whatever. Wasn't my first choice. *walks away*

Scott: *stares at door*

Outside, parkinglot

Scott: *walks over*

Lori: Ready to go home?

Scott: Yeah.

Lori: *gets to tippie-toes, kisses Scott*

Scott: *smirks*

Lori: *hugs Scott*

Scott: *wraps arms around Lori*

Lori: *sigh*

Other end of parkinglot

Tom: *opens car door, looks over* ...*sighs*

House, 10am

Lori: *swings Steph onto couch, turns on television*

Scott: *walks over, sits on couch*

Steph: *climbs into Scott's lap*

Lori: You in any pain?

Scott: *shakes head*

Lori: ...You look upset.

Scott: One of my employees killed himself and almost took me with him, sorry if I'm not jumping for joy.

Lori: ...Is there anything I can do?

Scott: No.

Lori: *smirks* Okay but see, I think we've gone over this. Whenever you're upset, I get upset and then wh-

Scott: Excuse me. *places Steph onto couch, walks upstairs*

Lori: *rolls eyes* Ugh, come on.

Bedroom

Lori: *walks in* Scott, you have got to stop holding yourself responsible for every bad thing that happens in this world. Just do what I do -- don't care about people. Just stop giving a shit, because it sure helps me sleep at night. Either that or throw a punch or two.

Scott: *rubs forehead*

Lori: But hey, I've found that drugs temorarily numb the mind faster and more efficiently than anything else.

Scott: Really. You got any? Because I'll try anything to stop feeling guilty, hell from even feeling anything at all for just a few minutes.

Lori: Sorry, you'll have to try doors number 1 and 2.

Scott: *staring at Lori*

Lori: ...

Scott: *starts to laugh*

Lori: *lifts brow*

Scott: *laughing*

Lori: ...I seem to have missed what the hell was so funny.

Scott: *laughing, grabs baseball bat from closet*

Lori: *looks at bat*

Scott: *slams bat into dresser*

Lori: *flinches*

Scott: *lifts bat, swings it into mirror*

Mirror shatters

Lori: *steps back* Scott, maybe you should uh...take some of that trusty valium.

Scott: *steps forward, slams bat into wall*

Lori: *covers head, steps back* Scott, seriously. This isn't funny.

Scott: *swings bat*

Lori: *ducks*

Lamp falls over, smashes into pieces

Lori: *backs into door* This isn't you, Scott.

Scott: Maybe you've just been getting the G-rated version. If only you knew *swings bat*

Lori: *flinches*

Bat rips through door

Scott: HALF the shit that goes through my head on a daily basis.

Lori: I would really, really love to know but you won't tell me anything.

Scott: Right, you want to know what I dream about then? At night? *slams bat into dresser*

Lori: *flinches*

Scott: EVERY night? *slams bat into dresser* BURNING! *swings bat into dresser* STINKING! *slams bat into wall*

Door shakes

Scott: ROTTING! *swings bat into door*

Lori: *covers face*

Scott: BODIES!

Lori: *wipes hair from face*

Scott: I can see their faces and they look back at me, angry, expecting me to do something. *slams bat into floor*

Lori: *jumps*

Scott: But I can't. I'm too fucking scared! *swings bat*

Wall light shatters

Scott: So they start ripping me apart. Burning me. UGH! *slamming bat into dresser*

Dresser collapses; wood flies

Lori: *staring at Scott*

Scott: *ripping wood from dresser*

Blood drips onto wood

Lori: *stands, walks over*

Scott: *slamming fists into wood*

Lori: *places hands on Scott's arm*

Scott: *staring down at dresser*

Lori: *pulls Scott back*

Scott: *collapses, leans against bed*

Lori: *sits*

Scott: *starts to cry* I just want it to stop!

Lori: *wraps arm around Scott*

Scott: *lies head on Lori's chest*

Lori: *sigh* ...Considering your aggressive behaviour lately, something tells me it's not just the dreams you're having a hard time dealing with.

Scott: *wraps arm around Lori's waist*

Lori: *hugs Scott*

Hummerhome

Katie: *jumps up and down* Is it done yet? Is it done yet?

Speed: If you keep jumping, the cake's going to fall and you'll be eating goo for dessert.

Katie: I can deal with that.

Delko: *lifts hand* I get to ice it!

Katie: NO FAIR! I CALLED IT!

Delko: You iced the cake last time.

Katie: It doesn't count. It was my birthday. *narrows eyes* And I really appreciate that y'all were able to stick 85 candles on the cake.

Anni: *smiles* We didn't think you'd count them all.

Katie: Is the cake done yet?

Speed: No. Why don't you go make the icing.

Katie: I don't know how.

Speed: There's a cookbook on the counter.

Katie: Yeah right, you're trusting me to read?

Speed: Would you rather have Eric 'read' and poison us all?

Delko: Hey, I can read. And who decided you were the chef?

Speed: I was put in charge of the cake while Horatio went to the bathroom.

Horatio: *walks out* Okay, I'm back. Who wants to ice the cake?

Delko/Katie: ME!

Horatio: I'm sure you both could.

Katie: *pushes Eric* BACK OFF DELKO!

Delko: *shoves Katie* He said we could both ice it.

Katie: TIM! HE SHOVED ME!

Speed: Good.

Katie: *frowns* HORATIO! TIM'S CONDONING ABUSE OF THE PHYSICAL KIND!

Horatio: Eric, stop shoving people. Speed, stop condoning Eric's behaviour. Katie, stop jumping up and down and the rest of you, put on your aprons.

Colton: I'm not wearing that stupid thing. It has a chicken on it.

Anni: *smiles* A purple chicken. *ties apron around waist*

Colton: Where the hell did we get these?

Horatio: I made them myself.

Speed: *looks at Horatio* You're not actually supposed to take those from the lab.

Horatio: Hush.

Katie: *looks down* My apron has a giagantic sunshine on it.

Speed: Mine has a black blob on it.

Horatio: Oh, oops. I actually left yours on the stove and burned it.

Speed: ...Great.

Horatio: It suits your personality though so no harm done. *throws ingredients onto counter* Okay, let's make some icing. Do you all have your goggles on?

Katie: *slaps on goggles*

Anni: How come mine are black?

Horatio: Oh, oops. Those are mine. *grabs goggles* Okay, we're going to start by pouring in the icing sugar on top of the butter. Katie, I want you to slowly start pouring in the milk as I stir. When I say stop, you stop, okay?

Katie: Sure thing. *grabs milk*

Horatio: *stirring* Okay, go.

Katie: *dumps milk everywhere*

Horatio: ...

Katie: Say when.

Horatio: Anni, take the milk from Katie.

Anni: *walks over, grabs milk*

Horatio: Speed, check that cake.

Speed: *looks into oven* It's...very black and round.

Horatio: I mean check if it's ready.

Speed: Sorry, I wasn't born with your superpowers.

Horatio: Open the oven, take a toothpick and stick it in the middle. If there's nothing left behind on the toothpick, it's ready.

Speed: Seems simple enough. *grabs toothpick, opens oven*

Delko: Can I add the food coloring to the icing now?

Horatio: Yep but I only want a small drop. Which color are you going to pick?

Delko: Green.

Katie: I want yellow.

Delko: I want green.

Colton: Can we put in red? I want the cake to be BLOOD red.

Calleigh: How about purple?

Delko: GREEN.

Calleigh: But green will make it look sick.

Speed: It would be nice to have the color reflect its poison factor for once.

Horatio: My cake is not poisonous.

Speed: My stomach would disagree with you.

Horatio: I followed the instructions to a T.

Speed: Yeah but you also left it unattended for a minute.

Horatio: *looks at Eric* Did you put anything in the batter while I was searching for the bowls?

Delko: ...I'm going to say no.

Horatio: *frowns*

Delko: I added chocolate chips, okay? I didn't commit murder.

Katie: Chocolate chips? YAY! *hugs Eric*

Delko: Hey, I got a hug. *smiles*

Speed: The cake's not ready.

Anni: Did you check the toothpick?

Speed: No, I went on gut instinct.

Anni: *places hands on hips* Check it again.

Speed: Yes dear. *shoves toothpick into cake*

Katie: Do you have any terms of endearment for me?

Speed: Yeah. Slut.

Katie: *frowns, slaps Speed*

Horatio: Food coloring, guys.

Delko: *dumps green*

Katie: ME! *dumps yellow*

Colton: You forgot the red. *dumps red*

Horatio: ...Great. Our icing is a puky brown.

Katie: I GET TO LICK THE SPOON!

Delko: No way, I'm licking the spoon.

Katie: I clearly just called it.

Delko: You got to lick the spoon last time.

Katie: DOESN'T COUNT.

Delko: Why?

Katie: That was then, this is now. *grabs spoon*

Delko: NO. *grabs at spoon*

Katie: *pulls spoon away*

Delko: Give. *reaches for spoon*

Katie: *twirls around*

Delko: *runs after Katie*

Katie: *screams, runs*

Horatio: NO NO! You're getting icing on the carpet! CLUB SODA! CLUB SODA!

Speed: Cake's not done.

Anni: I think it is.

Speed: I think it isn't.

Anni: The toothpick has nothing on it.

Speed: Yes it does. *points* See? Little black dot.

Anni: That's just some inner fluff.

Speed: What the hell is inner fluff?

Anni: The fluff from inside the cake. You know, because it's ready?

Speed: It's not ready. Horatio said it had to be pristine.

Anni: No he didn't, he said it had to be clear of stickies.

Speed: He didn't say that either.

Anni: I was paraphrasing.

Speed: So was I.

Anni: It's done. *grabs at toothpick*

Speed: No it's not. *pulls toothpick away* My eyes are better than yours.

Anni: Then why do you need a microscope to see everything?

Speed: Because I happen to look at small amounts of trace all day. THIS *points to toothpick* has small amounts of trace on it.

Anni: We're not in a crime lab, I think the cake can take it. *turns off oven*

Driver's seat

Katie: ACK! GET OFF!

Delko: GIMME THE SPOON!

Katie: GET YOUR OWN SPOON!

Delko: THAT WAS THE LAST CLEAN ONE!

Katie: TOO BAD! *holds spoon out open window* If you can't have it, no one can. *drops spoon*

Delko: What? That doesn't make any sense.

Katie: Or...WAIT! NO! DAMNIT! *looks out window*

Delko: *looks out window*

Katie: Aw it's full of bugs now.

Delko: ...IT'S MINE! *runs outside*

Katie: NO! *runs*

Anni: *places cake onto counter*

Calleigh: I'll get started on icing it.

Anni: I'll get the plates and forks. *opens cupboard*

Calleigh: Wait, shouldn't we let it cool down first?

Anni: Blow dryer. Cool setting. *walks away*

Calleigh: Good thinking.

Anni: *walks back out, plugs in dryer*

Calleigh: Here, I'll position it better for you.

Anni: *turns on blow dryer*

Speed: *walks over* ...What in the hell are you doing?

Anni: Blowdrying the cake.

Speed: Why don't you just stick it in front of the air conditioner vent?

Anni: *turns off blowdryer*

Calleigh: *looks at Speed*

Anni: YAY! He's becoming immature too! *kisses Speed*

Speed: *smirks*

Outside

Katie: *rolling around in dirt*

Delko: AGH!

Katie: *smacks Eric in the face*

Delko: OW!

Katie: *grabs for spoon*

Delko: *pulls out gun, shoots at spoon*

Katie: *screams* WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR!

Delko: Instinct!

Katie: YOU HIT THE SPOON!

Delko: I missed, OKAY?

Katie: ...*frowns* What were you trying to hit?

Delko: Uh...*laughs* definitely not you.

Katie: *pushes Eric*

TBC......................................

 

Thanks for the reviews.

Yeah, I don't know why they keep allowing Eric to have a gun. Then again, Speed really shouldn't have a gun either... :angel:

And because some more controversial topics are mentioned below...

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed herein belong to the characters and are not necessarily the views of the author.

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Hummerhome, table

Delko: *shoves cake into mouth*

Katie: This reminds me of my wedding day. *shoves cake into Speed's face*

Speed: *blinks*

Horatio: Katie, don't throw food.

Speed: *frowning, wipes cake from face*

Katie: Man...and that was the last time any of us saw Speed in a suit. Guh, it's not fair. How come Lori and Scott never had a proper wedding? I want to see that man in a tuxedo. Mmmmm.

Speed: Please stop transitioning from me to Scott.

Katie: Why?

Speed: Just stop it.

Delko: I still don't know who this 'Scott' guy is that Katie keeps randomly bringing up.

Katie: Oh he's only the most perfect man on the planet.

Speed: He's not perfect.

Katie: Yes he is. Okay, well, he's Republican but we can fix that.

Speed: *frowns*

Katie: And he's Catholic. We can fix that too.

Horatio: Katie...you know the rules.

Katie: Right, no religion or politics at the table. *looks at Speed* Hey how come Lori doesn't have a religion or belong to any political parties?

Speed: What did Horatio just say?

Katie: Geez, you all have such a knee-jerk response to everything controversial.

Speed: *drinks soda*

Katie: I'm so excited to get to Miami, I can't WAIT to convert Scott to my views. And AND! I've got a whole bunch of conspiracy theories he needs to hear.

Speed: They were not demolished.

Katie: YOU WEREN'T THERE.

Speed: Katie, for God's sake don't even open your mouth when you get to Miami.

Katie: Stop protecting him from me, he's not your son.

Speed: Actually, technically speaking, he is.

Katie: IN-LAW.

Speed: SON in-law.

Katie: *narrows eyes* You've never considered any of Lori's husbands your 'son in-law'.

Speed: *lifts brow* She's only ever had two and the first one, I thought was a dick.

Katie: That's only because he punched you out.

Speed: Yeah. And Scott's a smart boy. He's polite, he's clean, he treats people with respect and he thinks you're insane. He's a keeper.

Katie: So you agree then. He's perfect.

Speed: I never said he was perfect.

Katie: Name one fault.

Speed: He cries during sad movies.

Katie: That just shows he's sensitive.

Speed: He drives too fast.

Katie: You only live once.

Speed: He knocked up Lori.

Katie: HEY. That kid is very cute, you can't deny that. Besides, they were trying to have a family, it's not like Lori was being a slut and he was being a man whore. Unlike some people I know.

Speed: *eats cake*

Katie: Pfft.

Delko: ...Who else feels really uncomfortable right now?

Heather: *lifts hand*

Ryan: How come no one invited me to help bake the cake?

Delko: Because knowing you, you'd finish it and tell Horatio how much of an awesomesauce you are and leave the rest of us in the dust.

Ryan: I only did that once.

Delko: Yeah well I've hated you ever since.

Horatio: *looks at watch* If we make good time, we should be back in Miami in 5 hours. I've already set up the orange-picking schedule with the facility. Now before we get there, I want to set up a few ground rules. I don't want to see any running around, spitting, getting citrus in people's eyes, tackling, throwing or shooting. And considering Katie, Speed and Anni will be indisposed at another location, I expect the rest of you to behave like I know you can without the influences of those 3.

Katie: Wait, so you're saying I'm a trouble-maker?

Anni: And since when was I a bad influence? Okay, maybe when we first started this trip but I've totally matured.

Speed: And I don't remember the last time something I did got us all into trouble.

Katie: Africa.

Speed: That only got me into trouble.

Ryan: Who's driving the Hummerhome?

Horatio: I have it on auto-pilot.

Everyone: ...

Horatio: Don't worry, I know the difference between auto-pilot and cruise control.

Miami, house, 4pm

Lori: *swings Steph into arms, runs into kitchen* Scott! *stirs sauce* Could you please come in here!

Scott: *walks over, leans against wall*

Lori: I know you're feeling super groovy right now with the nice happy medicine but could you please let me know if this sauce is okay so far?

Scott: *walks over, grabs spoon, tastes sauce*

Lori: Well?

Scott: Needs some sugar.

Lori: ...Sugar.

Scott: Gets rid of the bitter taste of the tomatoes.

Lori: ...That would explain why Stephanie made a scrunchy face when I made her taste it.

Scott: When did you say your parents were getting here?

Lori: *looks at watch* 5:30. Oh and you don't mind if all 3 of them stay the night, do you? Knowing the way my mother drinks and depending on how long our get-together is, I doubt my father will want to drag her back to the Hummerhome until morning.

Scott: It's fine by me.

Steph: MAMA! HOT!

Lori: Oh, whoops. *steps back* Guess I shouldn't stand so close to the stove.

Steph: *wipes face with sleeve*

Lori: Ugh, your little mouth is full of sticky fruit punch. *grabs cloth, wipes Steph's face*

Steph: *frowns, turns head away*

Lori: Too bad, little miss sticky face.

Scott: Why don't I get her cleaned up, you have a pot to watch. *takes Steph* Let me guess though, no pigtails this time?

Lori: *shrugs* If it makes her look extra cute to the 'grandparents', go for it. *smiles*

Scott: *smiles, walks away*

Lori: *looks down at sauce* Okay, I'm nice to you, you be nice to me. Don't taste like crud when I'm finished. *winces* ...Man I'm lame.

Foyer, 6pm

Lori: *holding Steph, runs to door, opens it*

Katie: HI!

Lori: *smiles* Mother.

Katie: OH LOOK HOW CUTE SHE GOT! *pinches Steph's cheeks*

Steph: *pulls head away, wraps arms around Lori's neck*

Lori: Hey, it's okay.

Steph: *hides head*

Katie: Aw did I scare her?

Lori: You scare a lot of people, Mother.

Katie: *shrugs*

Lori: So where's the rest of the group?

Katie: Parking the car and having an argument.

Lori: What about?

Katie: Anni wanted to drive but she didn't know the directions so we were telling her where to turn and she missed the turn and then we ended up in a parkinglot in a shady neighborhood so we had to turn around and ugh, that's why we're a half hour late.

Lori: Well that's okay, I was busy chasing this rugrat around and I over-cooked the pasta so I had to start it over.

Katie: Where's Scott? *walks in*

Lori: He's finishing the pasta for me.

Katie: Here, I'll take Steph into the dining room and sit her down.

Lori: Thanks. *hands over Steph*

Steph: MAMA! *reaches out*

Speed: *walks over*

Anni: *runs* Sorry we're late!

Lori: It's okay, I was running a bit late myself.

Steph: *makes grabby hands, starts to cry* MAMA!

Speed: *looks at Steph*

Lori: *wipes Steph's cheek* I'll be right back, stop your cryin'.

Steph: *sobbing*

Lori: Oh you're just doin' it to get attention. *tickles Steph*

Steph: *bursts into giggles*

Lori: *smiles*

Katie: I'll go take her into the next room. *walks away*

Anni: She's adorable. *sigh*

Speed: *looks at Lori* Hey.

Lori: *hugs Speed* Hi Dad.

Speed: *lifts brow*

Lori: *lets go* Glad you could come, Anni! *hugs Anni*

Anni: *blinks*

Lori: Would you mind hiding the wine bottle from my mother until I get in there?

Anni: *laughs* No problem. *walks away*

Speed: *looks around, closes door*

Lori: I was hopin' to talk to you alone for a minute.

Speed: Sure.

Lori: I know it's not really your responsibility to keep Mother from acting like a jackass but...Scott's having some personal issues and I would appreciate it if she didn't get too far out of line with him. He's running on a bit of a short fuse.

Speed: You mind if I ask why?

Lori: It's not really for me to discuss.

Speed: *nods* And how are you doing?

Lori: I've been great. *smiles* Stephanie keeps me busy.

Speed: Yeah, she looks healthy.

Lori: *smile fades* ...Of course she's healthy.

Speed: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *crosses arms, shakes head* I should have expected you to say something like that.

Speed: You mind if I talk to Scott?

Lori: Go ahead.

Speed: *walks away*

Lori: *frowns*

Dining room

Lori: *walks over, sits* Dinner should be out soon.

Anni: Something wrong?

Lori: No. *pours water*

Katie: *places Steph on lap, bounces knee* BOUNCY BOUNCY BOUNCY!

Steph: *giggles, claps*

Katie: Can I bring her home with me?

Anni: No way, I want to bring her home.

Katie: You can buy a kitten.

Anni: I don't want a kitten.

Lori: *sips water*

Katie: What are you pouting about?

Lori: I'm not pouting.

Katie: *sigh* What did your father say to you now?

Lori: Nothing, we have a love/hate relationship. Right now I'm hating him.

Katie: Just ignore him, that's what I do.

Anni: You never ignore him.

Kitchen

Speed: *opens fridge, grabs beer*

Scott: *straining pasta*

Speed: How's life?

Scott: *smiles* Fine. *pours olive oil onto pasta, drapes towel over shoulder* How's the road trip been?

Speed: Eventful, to say the least.

Scott: That's great. *pours pasta into bowl*

Speed: What happened to your hand?

Scott: *looks down at hand* Lost a fight with a broken piece of wood.

Speed: *nods* Doing some home repairs?

Scott: *smiles* You could say that.

Speed: Want me to get you a beer?

Scott: Ah, no thanks.

Speed: Yeah, it's probably for the best. You're already slurring your words.

Scott: *looks at Speed*

Speed: *stares at Scott*

Scott: I'm not intoxicated.

Speed: They call it something else now?

Scott: *looks down at pasta* I'm uh...I'm slightly medicated. I apologize if I'm not 100% myself this evening.

Speed: It's alright.

Scott: You're free to have a seat in the dining room, I'll be right out.

Speed: Sure. *walks away*

Scott: *staring down at pasta, sighs*

Dining room

Speed: *pulls out chair, sits*

Steph: MAMA! *holds up spoon*

Lori: *grabs spoon, places it on table* Hush up.

Steph: *screeches*

Lori: *looks at Steph, frowns*

Steph: *stares at Lori*

Lori: *frowning*

Steph: *looks at plate, crosses arms*

Katie: Impatient little thing. I wonder where she gets it from.

Lori: Ha. Ha.

Katie: Aw but look at those big blue eyes, she's so cute.

Anni: *looks at Speed, smiles*

Speed: No.

Anni: Come on, Tim. You need a child to soften you up.

Speed: I disagree.

Lori: Here. *stands* Steph can sit beside Grandpa here. *plunks Steph into seat* And I'll sit over here. *sits*

Speed: *looks at Steph*

Steph: *looks at Speed*

Speed: *frowning*

Steph: *lifts spoon, smiles*

Speed: Lori, switch back.

Lori: No, I think you need it.

Speed: *angry sigh*

Steph: *lowers spoon into lap, looks down*

Anni: Awww Tim, you made her sad.

Speed: I didn't make her anything. Small children don't understand anything.

Katie: Yes they do. They're a lot more receptive than adults most of the time. Geez, you're so out of practice.

Speed: You realize the only small child I've actually ever interacted for any length of time was Holly.

Katie: Oh yeah. She was such a sweet girl too. So well-behaved. Not like L-

Lori: *lifts head*

Katie: -...eonard.

Lori: *frowns* Who's Leonard?

Katie: Nevermind. Who's got a foot I can stick in my mouth?

Lori: I've got a foot I can shove up your ass, if you'd like.

Steph: AZ!

Lori: *looks at Steph* Oh shit. No, no no.

Steph: SIT!

Lori: Damnit. NO! DON'T!

Steph: DAMIT!

Lori: *sinks into seat, covers eyes*

Katie: Wow, she sure picks things up fast from Mama.

Speed: If you can call her that.

Lori: *looks at Speed*

Speed: *drinks water*

Scott: *walks in* Who's ready to eat?

Katie: ME!

Scott: *places bowl on table, places pot onto table*

Anni: This smells wonderful.

Scott: Well, the credit should go to Lori. She made most of it. *grabs chair, sits*

Speed: Here's to hoping we don't get food poisoning.

Anni: *elbows Speed* I'm sure it'll be just fine.

Lori: *dumps pasta onto Steph's plate*

Steph: *reaches up*

Lori: *grabs Steph's hand* Just a minute. *picks up knife and fork, cuts pasta*

Steph: *sneaks noodle from plate, chews it*

Lori: *pours sauce onto plate*

Steph: *grabs at noodles*

Lori: *places plastic fork in Steph's hand*

Steph: *shovels pasta into mouth, chews*

Katie: So Scott, I heard you got promoted to Vice President.

Anni: ...Of the United States?

Scott: *laughs* Not quite. The company I work for.

Anni: Oh, congratulations.

Scott: Thanks.

Speed: Has Lori found a job yet?

Lori: *picks up fork* I'm staying here with Stephanie until she's old enough to go into preschool.

Speed: What kind of job will you be applying for when you get out of the house?

Lori: I'm not sure. I've been thinking about starting my own business.

Speed: What kind of business?

Lori: I don't know yet.

Speed: You could always sell your babies instead of aborting them.

Scott: *looks at Lori*

Anni: Tim.

Lori: *staring at plate*

Katie: Okay, change of subject. Scott! I have a conspiracy theory for you.

Anni: No conspiracy theories.

Katie: It's all on YouTube! Check it out for yourself!

Scott: *staring at Lori*

Lori: *eats pasta*

Katie: Um...um...LOOK HOW CUTE STEPH IS!

Steph: *digging hands into pasta, slurping noodles*

Anni: Lori, this pasta sauce is really excellent. Did you use a recipe or did you put your own spin on it?

Lori: I followed the instructions on the back of the tomato sauce can.

Anni: Well it tastes heavenly. I also noticed you have some new furniture in the living room, who picked it out?

Scott: Lori did. *smiles* That's the most comfortable couch in Dade County.

Speed: Yeah well Lori likes sitting on her ass.

Scott: *smile fades*

Katie: So Scott, you're Republican, right?

Scott: Yeah.

Katie: That's unfortunate.

Scott: *blinks*

Anni: *mumbles* I feel like I'm sitting at a trainwreck.

Steph: MAMA!

Lori: *picks up water pitcher, grabs Steph's cup*

Steph: *claps*

Lori: *brings cup to Steph's mouth* Two hands.

Steph: *wraps hands around cup, sips water*

Water dribbles onto Steph's dress

Lori: *grabs napkin, wipes Steph*

Steph: *reaches up to table*

Lori: *takes cup, places it on table*

Steph: *picks up fork*

Lori: *wipes Steph's hand*

Katie: Is she potty trained yet?

Lori: I'm hoping to start tryin' that out with her soon. *smirks* She seems to catch onto things pretty quick so we'll see how it goes.

Speed: She probably doesn't get that from you.

Lori: *frowns* I don't know, I learned pretty quick how to spread my legs and collect cash.

Speed: *stares at Lori*

Lori: I was what, 8? Be proud, Father. Be proud.

Anni: ...Who wants wine! *lifts wine bottle*

TBC...................................

 

Thanks so much for the reviews!

This one's short, but hopefully sweet. I'll be back tomorrow with more of the RT gang!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miami, house, table, 8pm

Steph: *head droops*

Anni: Aw someone looks tired.

Katie: Gah, she's even cute when she's doing nothing.

Scott: I'll take her upstairs. Hey Tim, you mind helping me bring the dishes into the kitchen?

Speed: Sure. *stands, grabs dishes*

Scott: *picks up Steph, walks away*

Speed: *walks away*

Katie: He's going to kill him.

Anni: Which one?

Katie: Depends who's faster.

Anni: Lori, we want you to know that we don't think any less of you for wh-

Lori: Don't bother.

Katie: Come on Lori. Up until a couple years ago, your career was sleeping with random men, it's not surprising you've had a f-

Lori: Drop it.

Katie: *nods* Well I don't care what Speed says, you're a great mother.

Anni: Yeah and little Stephanie sure seems to love you. And she's so smart, I'm sure she'll be a fine young woman.

Lori: Thanks for the vote of confidence but that's still never going to be good enough for him.

Katie: Stop trying to please him, he's always going to have something to nitpick about.

Lori: *runs finger around rim of glass*

Kitchen

Scott: *walks over*

Speed: *throws plates into sink*

Scott: You have no idea how hard she's worked to get where she is. How long it took her to build enough confidence just to hold her own child in her arms, to connect with her. No, she's not perfect and she doesn't have it all down but neither do I. How dare you talk to her like that.

Speed: *crosses arms*

Scott: Be happy she doesn't just drop off Steph in an alley somewhere or watch her fall down the stairs without doing anything or let her go days without eating. Lori makes sure she has plenty to eat, she cleans her up, she plays with her, reads to her, hell she even sings to her. Did you know that whenever Steph bumps her knee or scratches her arm, Lori comforts her and fixes her up? She takes her to the park, the museum, even the grocery store. That child is healthy and happy in every way.

Speed: *stares at Scott*

Scott: I'm personally offended at the statements you made and I don't think you realize how heavily it weighs on Lori. She's not a mindless automaton crackhead, she's your daughter and she has feelings. I think at this stage of her life, she would appreciate any wisdom you could share about parenthood, not smartass remarks. She respects you greatly and right now you're making her feel absolutely horrible about herself and her skills as a mother, which in my opinion are above par.

Speed: You finished?

Scott: No, I'm not finished. You're going to apologize to her and you're going to do it in front of everyone because at the very least, she deserves that much.

Speed: And what exactly gives you the right to talk to me like this?

Scott: Don't ever cross that line again with my wife or next time I'll be using more than words.

Speed: You're threatening me.

Scott: *steps closer* And while we're at it, if I ever see so much as a mark on either Katie or Anni...you had better hope to God I don't find you.

Speed: *stares at Scott*

Scott: *walks away*

Speed: *stares blankly*

Dining room

Scott: *grabs chair, sits*

Speed: *walks over*

Everyone: *looks at Speed*

Speed: Lori.

Lori: *lifts head*

Speed: Obviously I was...mistaken about you. From what Scott tells me, it seems as though you're an excellent mother and I haven't seen any less this evening. It's been...difficult learning to trust you again and I hope for the sake of our relationship, I can be more open-minded in the future like I had previously promised to you. And I'm sorry for violating your personal privacy, it was absolutely wrong of me.

Lori: *leans back in chair, crosses arms*

Speed: I guess I sometimes forget about your...feelings. I'm trying to work on that.

Anni: *lifts hand* It's true, he is.

Lori: *nods*

Speed: *pulls out chair, sits*

Katie: Well now that we're all a happy family again, where will we all be sleeping?

Lori: Dad and Anni will be in the guest room. You'll be on the couch down here.

Katie: Why do I get stuck with the couch?

Lori: Because I really don't want you anywhere near my bedroom.

Katie: Damn.

TBC..........................

 

I know I promised RT gang but...Katie and Anni count, right? :lol:

Thanks so much for the reviews. *hugs*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miami, house, 7am

Lori: *rubs eye, walks down hallway*

Speed: *walks out, closes door*

Lori: *bumps into Speed*

Speed: Whoa. *grabs Lori's arm*

Lori: Oh, sorry.

Speed: Where are you off to this early in the morning?

Lori: I always snort a few grams of cocaine in the morning. Keeps me sharp.

Speed: *stares at Lori*

Lori: Stephanie's up.

Speed: How do you know?

Lori: *opens door*

Steph: *climbing out of toddler bed*

Lori: *walks in*

Speed: *lifts brow*

Lori: *swings Steph into arms*

Steph: *wraps arms around Lori's neck*

Lori: *turns around, walks away*

Speed: *looks back*

Kitchen

Lori: *opens fridge*

Steph: MAMA!

Lori: Shhhh.

Steph: Oop. *covers mouth*

Speed: *saunters downstairs, walks over*

Lori: *places milk on counter, opens cupboard*

Speed: *opens pantry*

Lori: *places bowl onto counter*

Speed: It's...very organized in here.

Lori: I try. *dumps oatmeal into bowl*

Speed: *nods*

Lori: How'd you sleep?

Speed: Fine. *closes pantry*

Lori: *opens microwave*

Speed: Can I ask you something personal?

Lori: Okay. *presses buttons*

Speed: Do you believe in any sort of...god?

Lori: *looks at Speed*

Speed: Your mother and I were discussing it yesterday and I was curious.

Lori: *looks down at counter, opens milk* I don't know. *pops open microwave, grabs bowl*

Speed: You don't know.

Lori: Trust me, Scott and I have had this discussion and I haven't yet come up with a definitive answer.

Speed: *nods*

Lori: *stirs oatmeal, walks over to table*

Speed: *looks back, leans against counter*

Lori: *places bowl on table, kisses top of Steph's head*

Steph: *grabs spoon*

Lori: *sits*

Steph: *shovels oatmeal into mouth*

Lori: *wipes hair from Steph's face*

Speed: *stares at Lori*

Lori: You know, you seem to have this habit of not being around your own kids for very long.

Speed: What do you mean?

Lori: I bumped into Riley a few days ago.

Speed: *lifts brow*

Lori: Didn't take me long to figure out who she was. She was in Miami for a fashion show or something.

Speed: She's a model?

Lori: She owns her own fashion company and line of clothing. *slides juice box over, beats straw on table* She even went to UCLA and everything and has a whole bunch of shiny degrees.

Speed: *walks over, sits*

Lori: I didn't have the guts to tell her we were related.

Steph: *cups hands around juice box, drinks*

Lori: Anyway, just thought you'd like to know at least one of your kids is successful.

Speed: Success is relative.

Lori: Pity comfort, that's nice. What the hell did Scott say to you last night anyway?

Speed: He was...upset with what I said to you. He's a good man.

Lori: He's a lot of things. *wipes Steph's face with napkin*

Steph: *pushes Lori's hand away*

Lori: *grabs Steph's hand, wipes her face*

Steph: *screeches*

Lori: SHH!

Steph: *frowns* NO!

Lori: Kay, breakfast is over. *stands, grabs bowl, throws it into sink*

Steph: *screeches, slams hands onto table*

Scott: *walks downstairs*

Steph: *screeching*

Scott: *walks over*

Lori: *looks at Scott*

Steph: *slamming hands on table, screeching*

Scott: *sits at table*

Steph: *looks at Scott* ...

Scott: *picks up napkin, wipes Steph's face*

Steph: *staring at Scott*

Scott: *throws napkin into garbage*

Lori: *walks over to table, sits*

Steph: *swings legs*

Speed: Interesting technique.

Lori: *staring at Steph* When Mommy gets frustrated, Daddy's not happy. And Steph doesn't like it when Daddy's not happy.

Steph: *wipes nose*

Lori: He has a much louder voice than Mommy.

Scott: Would you like me to make you some tea?

Lori: Sure.

Scott: *stands, walks over to counter* Oh, could you pass me the pancake mix from the pantry?

Lori: You're making breakfast too? *stands, walks over to pantry*

Scott: Hosting 101. Always make your guests breakfast.

Lori: *smiles* Hey just like when I stayed over at your place in New York when Bailey was tryin' to get you to ask me out but you were backpeddling.

Scott: *clears throat* Yeah, that's right. *grabs mix*

Lori: It's okay, I would have waited as long as it took.

Scott: I appreciate that.

Lori: Need any help?

Scott: I think I got it.

Lori: *gets to tippie-toes, kisses Scott's cheek*

Scott: *smiles*

Lori: You may as well make extra for the munchkin.

Scott: Sure thing.

Lori: I'll be upstairs getting dressed. *walks away*

Scott: *looks back*

Speed: Boy, you're whipped.

Scott: *looks at Speed*

Speed: *stares at Scott*

Scott: *smiles* I should hope so.

Speed: *rolls eyes* Jesus.

Upstairs, bedroom

Lori: *zips up jacket, walks in, pulls drapes*

Katie: *squints*

Lori: *smiles* Rise n' shine! *spins around* Breakfast is on the stove!

Katie: *looks at watch* It's 8.

Lori: It's as good a time as any to start the day.

Katie: *sits up* Did you get laid or something?

Lori: *laughs* Get out of bed. OH! Guess what we're going to do!

Katie: ...Find me my daughter and return the crazy lady to the funny farm?

Lori: I was thinkin', you know how you love kids and you're always wantin' to spend more time with Dad?

Katie: Uh...I guess.

Lori: I think y'all should babysit Stephanie today. Just take her all over town.

Katie: That sounds great except we're supposed to be back with the team by noon.

Lori: No you aren't. I called up Horatio, he said you could stay the day. He thinks it's a good idea to spend time with family. AND it would be good for Dad to spend time with Steph.

Katie: You're actually trusting her with me?

Lori: I'm trusting her with you and Dad. *smiles* Try not to mail her to Colombia.

Katie: *stares at Lori*

Lori: Anni and I are goin' shoppin'.

Katie: ...You're spending time with Anni.

Lori: Mhm.

Katie: How come I don't get to spend time with you? *jumps out of bed*

Lori: We spend lots of time together.

Katie: I always spend time with grumpy Lori. I want to spend time with happy Lori.

Lori: Then come along with Anni and I. Dad can watch Steph by himself.

Katie: *laughs* Watch? Yes. Do anything if she sticks her hand in an electrical socket? No.

Lori: He keeps your fingers out of electrical sockets, right?

Katie: Funny.

Lori: Okay! I'm gonna go get Anni out of bed! *runs*

Katie: That girl is on drugs. I swear.

Downstairs, kitchen

Scott: *flips pancake*

Steph: *grabs crayon, scribbles on paper*

Speed: Here, have a black crayon. It's the best in the box. *hands over crayon*

Steph: *looks at crayon* Noop. *pushes crayon, picks up yellow*

Speed: How about gray? *hands over crayon*

Steph: *angry sigh*

Speed: *lifts brows* Sorry.

Scott: What do you want in your cakes?

Speed: Me? I'm not hungry.

Scott: Nope, see I've already got your batter ready so you're going to have to pick something.

Speed: *frowns*

Scott: You can have chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas or plain.

Speed: Plain's fine.

Scott: *tilts head* Your choice.

Lori: *runs downstairs* Mom and Anni are up! *runs over*

Scott: *places pan onto table*

Lori: Scott, I need to see you upstairs for a minute.

Scott: Just let me turn off the st-

Lori: *grabs Scott by the collar*

Scott: Okay.

Upstairs, bedroom

Scott: What is it?

Lori: *shuts door, leans on it* Slight change in plans today. I'm hangin' out with Anni and my mother and my dad's hangin' out with Steph.

Scott: Okay.

Lori: And you know how I haven't exactly been takin' my medication consistently?

Scott: Yes.

Lori: Right, well *grabs Scott by the hair* I need to blow off some steam.

Scott: *stares at Lori* ...Not quite sure what that means.

Lori: *kisses Scott's neck, grabs at his jeans*

Scott: Okay, getting clearer.

Downstairs, 20 minutes later

Katie: No, use the green crayon.

Speed: She doesn't want the green crayon.

Katie: It'll perfect her rainbow.

Speed: It doesn't match.

Katie: As if black matched any better.

Anni: Can y'all just let little Stephanie draw her own picture? The poor dear looks horridly confused.

Steph: *holding head, staring down at paper*

Lori: *runs over* Whew, sorry. Got tied up.

Scott: *walks over*

Speed: *looks at Scott*

Scott: *runs hand through hair, leans against wall*

Speed: *frowns*

Lori: Was breakfast good?

Katie: Yeah. You want some?

Lori: No, I already got some.

Everyone: *stares at Lori*

Lori: Breakfast! I already got some breakfast.

Speed: When.

Lori: *scratches head* I don't eat breakfast.

Katie: Go Scott.

Everyone: *looks at Katie*

Katie: ...For making breakfast.

Anni: Damn, he can give me breakfast any day.

Katie: I KNOW, right? Hot piece of cakes.

Anni: Mmm.

Speed: Okay, uncomfortable. *stands, walks away*

Everyone: *looks at Scott*

Scott: I'll clear the plates. *walks over, grabs plates*

Katie: You can clear my plate any day.

Anni: *giggles*

Scott: *walks over to sink*

Anni/Katie: *tilt heads*

Lori: *frowns, clears throat*

Katie: *whispers* If we can't touch, we get to stare.

Lori: *whispers* Stare at Dad.

Katie: You stare at him.

Lori: UGH! *slaps Katie*

Katie: OW! What? He's a fine male specimen.

Lori: Mother, stop talking.

Scott: *walks over, grabs plate*

Katie: So you and Lori did the southern do-si-do upstairs, huh?

Scott: *drops plate*

Plate shatters

Katie: HA! I WIN!

Lori: Aaaand time for Stephanie to stop being exposed to innuendo. *picks up Steph* Want to watch cartoons?

Steph: *smiles* YA! TOONS!

Lori: *smiles* Great. *walks away*

Scott: *turns around* AH!

Anni: *smiling* Hi.

Scott: ...Hi.

Anni: Do you like homemade videos?

Scott: TIM! *runs away*

Anni: That boy sure can run.

TBC...................................