The press was outside PD, waiting for Horatio as he left. News travelled fast and he was glad he had the foresight to ask Yelina to leave before he did. Horatio placed his shades firmly on his face then took a breath before pushing past the reporters and into his car without uttering a word. He wasn't sure how long the reporters would keep this up, but he hoped it wouldn't interfere with work or affect his family.
Horatio drove around for an hour, hoping the reporters who might have staked out his house would have given up waiting for him to get home. When he pulled up to his driveway, it was quiet, much to his relief. He exited the car and entered his residence. His two sons were at the door to greet him.
"Hey guys." Horatio smiled warming at them, giving each a hug.
I hope no one bothered you all at home." Horatio said, looking at Yelina.
"No." Yelina said. "I saw the reporters at PD. They wanted me to answer some of their questions, but I gave them the slip."
"Good for you." Horatio smiled.
"We need to talk honey." Yelina said, walking up to him.
"Maybe later?" Horatio said, nodding towards the boys.
Yelina nodded. "I'll heat up dinner for you."
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Yelina waited for Horatio to put the boys to bed, then finish his shower before he came to bed. He emerged from the bathroom, in his boxers, looking tired from the day's events.
"I heard what happened." Yelina said. rising from the bed to meet him.
Horatio nodded, shifting his weight between his feet.
"You didn't have to," Yelina started, her voice reflected anger. "I should have taken my share of the blame as well."
"None of us should have." Horatio tilted his head to look at her. "It's just that they needed someone to take the fall..."
"And you took it for me." Yelina rolled her eyes. "I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself, especially when it comes to work." Yelina rested her hands on her hips.
"Sweetheart, that's not possible."
"Before this happened, there were already people talking that I got special treatment cos I'm your wife. Now word of this goes round..." Yelina sighed.
"I know how hard you work, nobody doubts that... but what kind of man would stand by and let his wife take the heat for a mistake she didn't make?"
"So it's all about your pride now?" Yelina shook her head.
"It's not." Horatio bowed his head, disappointed that she thought that way of him.
Yelina's tone softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I know you did what you did cos you care."
"Because I love you." Horatio said pulling her into his arms for a hug.
Yelina burried her face in his neck. She spoke and her breath warmed his skin. "But it cost you so much."
"I didn't get suspended, so it's no big deal." Horatio's hand caressed her hair.
She lifted her head to look at him. "It cost you your promotion. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I just decided. I was going to tell you, but this happened before I got the chance." Horatio smiled at her. "It's no big deal, I'll wait a couple of years, when this dies down, I'll try for Captain again."
"You sacrificed your career for me." Yelina said, touching his face wih her hand. Her eyes moistened.
"No worries." Horatio cupped her face in his hands and brought her lips to his for a kiss. "We didn't do anything wrong, don't let anyone make you believe you did."
"I know. I just wish there was a better way to resolve this."
"We're tracking the shooters down, things should get better once we have them arrested."
Yelina nodded, running a hand through his hair. She kissed him again, and he pulled her tightly to him. She could feel his arousal as their kiss deepened.
Whatver was about to happen next was interupted by a loud crash from downstairs.
They broke apart. Horatio reached for his gun which he kept locked in a drawer. Yelina's hand was already on their doorknob.
"Go check on the boys, I'll go see what that noise was."
I say we round up the sports equiptment/weapons and go after him. 
