He lies in bed, awaiting her return but he knows where she goes to on restless nights like this. She heads to the living room and flips on the television, letting the latest Frontline special drown out her thoughts. Other times, she heads to the kitchen and puts on her glasses so she can read her briefing books while sipping from a mug of peppermint tea.

Sometimes, she crawls into bed two hours before the alarm is set to go off and tries to let the exhaustion take over her body.

And she will do it tonight.

The fight earlier had been awful. No more worse than any other fight they had had in recent months but this rattled them both. It had been full of the intense and bitter words they were known to spew at each other when tensions ran high. This time, she confronted him after a meeting with his lawyer.

"Visit from your lawyer, Sam?" There was no mistaking the anger rolling off of her.

"Yeah," he answered, trying not to flinch.

She leaned heavily against the door, tacitly declaring her intention not to move. "Want to tell me what for?"

He paused before answering, knowing his answer would piss her off further. "No, not really."

"Would this have anything to do with - ?" A menacing growl emanated from her with each word.

"No," he replied quickly. "We have - meetings and this was the only time he could fit me into his schedule."

"And you couldn't tell me that from the beginning because - ?"

"Because you always overreact. This wasn't something you needed to be in the loop about!"

Her face drained until a pasty imitation remained. "You know what? Don't tell me anything. You harp at me about coming to you and telling you things but when I ask you something...Just forget it."

"You don't tell me everything." His voice had gone uncharacteristically cold.

"What are you talking about?" CJ hissed.

"About last night when you stayed up half the night reading briefing books."

"So what?" What does that prove? I traditionally read briefing books. Did I have to wake you up to do that too?"

"It's -" Suddenly, Sam looked weary. "Nothing. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"But you did."

"You aren't sleeping, CJ. Not for two weeks at least."

"Yes, I am," she returned firmly.

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not."

And their argument ended just as suddenly as it had started. A short time later, he knocked on her office door, files and laptop in hand. He said nothing but arranged himself comfortably on her couch. Her eyebrows rose in question but she remained silent. Soon, the air was filled with soft breathing and the clacking of keys. CJ propped her feet on the desk as she read over her notes. Her eyes drooped but the stillness of the afternoon was broken when Josh broke in.

He entered, mirth evident as much in his eyes as in his voice. "Sleeping on the job, CJ? Tsk, tsk, I may have to tell this to the boss man."

Sam turned on his best friend, furious that he had interrupted the small bit of peace that she had had in weeks. "Get out and let her rest."

CJ sat up, suddenly awake. "Sam. He didn't..."

"I don't care. You need your rest. It's no laughing matter."

CJ turned back to the door, intending to apologize to Josh and explain but he was gone. "Why did you do that, Sam?" she asked irritably.

"He interrupted you."

"So what? This isn't a daycare. You're not my mother. You don't get to tell me when I sleep and who I can see."

He stood up. "Is that what you think I was doing?"

"Yes, I do," she said, standing as well.

"Sorry if I was just trying to make sure you didn't collapse from exhaustion but I thought it was in your best interest."

"Do I look as if I'm going to collapse, Sam? I am not tired. Go play Nursemaid with someone else!"

They glared at each other, neither one wanting to back down. Finally, Sam took a step backward. "I'm going back to my office. I'll be there if you want me." He picked up all of his things and left.

And she did come to him. Late at night, after the bustle of the day had subsided and so had her anger, she came to his office. He was sitting behind his desk, all lights out but his lamp.

CJ crossed her arms and leaned against the side of the door. "You're going to go blind if you try to work with only that lamp."

He didn't bother to look up. "Who told you that?"

"My mother."

"Yeah, my mother had some interesting anecdotes too."

"Yeah, well mine panned out. Too many late night study sessions with only a lamp. Strained eyes." Pause. "Are you ready to go?"

"Are you?"

"Got my coat and everything. Wanna get something to eat first or do you want me to make something at home?"

Sam stood up and started to stuff files into his briefcase. "Do you cook?"

"Ha ha, wise guy. I'm sure making spaghetti couldn't be that hard."

And this was all that needed to be said. Apologies weren't necessary. Not yet. For now, they relished the company of each other.