Title: Crossroads

Author: Bj Jones

Rating: R
Disclaimer: Various executives, producers and CBS own them. If I did – do you think Speed would be dead? I'm not making any money – and will return them back to the lab when I'm finished.
Pairings: Horatio/Speed (AU)
Summary: Two meet at a crossroad.

Series: Alternate Paths

Beta: The wonderful Calypso looked over this series for me.

Challenge: [info]au100 - CSI: Miami

Prompt: # 8 – Weeks

Word Count: 5251

 
~*~

Horatio stared at the invitation with hatred. "No matter how much you glare at, it's not going to go away." Horatio looked up from his desk to see Megan Donner standing at his office door.

He sighed, controlling his initial response – which was to throw accusations at her, every time he saw her. It had been six weeks since meeting Tim, and not a day; a minute went by when he didn't think about the young man. He would look around the lab and wonder what it could have -- should have been like. Imagined him wearing casual clothes wearing a lab coat working on cases with Eric, Calleigh or Ryan. Wondering what field he would be good at, yet knowing deep down Tim's specialty would have been Trace, a little bit of everything. Each day he looked at Megan, and wondered if she even cared that she had destroyed a man's career and future because she couldn't see past her husband's infidelity.

"You okay?" Megan asked concern on her face. "You seem distant. Actually, you've been quiet for the past few weeks. What's going on with you?"

"Nothing," Horatio gave her a tight smile.

"Horatio, I know you." She smiled at him walking farther into his office. "Tell me what's going on?"

Horatio looked up at her, "Something personal."

"You can talk to me," Megan smiled at him encouraging him to confide in her.

"No, I can't." Horatio looked back down at the invitation. "Do I have to go?" He held up the invitation in disgust. "I hate these things."

"Yes, you have to go." Megan informed him, a small frown on her face. "And what do you mean you can't?"

Horatio looked at her. "It means, I can't. Drop it, Megan." Horatio stood up from behind his desk. "If you excuse me I need to find Ryan."

"Horatio…" Megan laid a hand on his arm.

Horatio pulled his arm back, "Megan…just leave it."

"What did I do to piss you off?" She demanded stepping in front of him.

"Megan," Megan turned to see her husband walking up with their two-year-old in his arms.

"Shawn," She smiled at him, taking the little girl from his arms.

Horatio nodded at the happy couple, "Excuse me."

Megan watched Horatio walk down the hallway. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she noticed a shift in his attitude these past weeks. She admitted it had been difficult after she had come back from an extended maternity leave, to have Horatio as the boss, but over time they worked it out. Lately, he had been distant from her, and she didn't understand why.

"What's his problem?" Shawn asked a look of disgust on his face. He never really gotten along with Horatio, but lately the man was down right cold to him.

"Not sure," Megan shrugged; then turned to her daughter. "How's my little girl?"

~*~

"Tim," The voice was soothing and soft. "Why do you keep seeing him?"

"Because, he pays good money and asks for me specifically," Tim answered easing himself into the bathtub.

"And each time he's gets rougher and rougher - hurting you." Tim looked up at the older woman a small smile on his face; she took good care of him.

She was one of his clients that he enjoyed being with. She had lost her husband a few years ago, and a friend suggested an escort to take away those lonely nights. Tim had been the one who had showed up at her front door. She had no idea what to expect or what to do with him. He had explained that he was there for her and would do what ever she wanted. They ended up having coffee and cake as she told him stories of her late husband. Never once had he taken her to bed, all she wanted was companionship.

"Stella," Tim sighed then winced when he moved too suddenly.

"Tim," Stella's tone indicated he shouldn’t be arguing with her. She handed him some aspirins and water. "Take these, they will help with the pain."

"It's not that often," Tim muttered as he swallowed down the pills.

"How many times this year?" She demanded as she sat on the edge of the bathtub. She poured some bath oils into the water to sooth his aching muscles.

"Six," He looked away from her accusing blue eyes - blue eyes that reminded him of someone else.

"And its July," Stella pointed out as she lit relaxing aromatherapy candles around the tub. "You see him once a month, Tim. And each time it's gotten worse. He tore you this time, you should report him."

"To who?" Tim looked at her, exasperated. "I can't call the cops – I'm being paid to spread them."

"You can't tell me Robert is fine with one of his clients injuring his staff?" She demanded. Tim looked down away from Stella's gaze, "You did tell Robert, didn't you?"

"He pays good money," Tim looked at her, eyes pleading. "I'll be able to retire sooner."

"Damn it! Speed, he hurt you bad this time!" Stella stood up and paced around the bathroom.

Tim looked at her a slight smile in his eyes. "Okay, now I know you're pissed at me. You called me Speed."

She sat back down and glared at him, "I'm calling Robert!" Then stood back up and went into the bedroom.

Tim leaned back, wincing in pain as his back settled against the bathtub wall. He knew there was no stopping her; she was like a bulldog. She had been paying him for his services once a week for the past three years, he had told her she hadn't needed to pay. That she was a close friend and he enjoyed her company. She had shaken her head, telling him that she would pay; it was her way of getting him to retire sooner.

He had once secretly entered her courtroom to watch her on the bench, and decided he never wanted to cross her. She was a powerful woman to reckon with, one with clout and prestige. He always worried if someone were to find out about him, even though their relationship was innocent – voters wouldn't see it that way. Once again she had smacked him and told him to concentrate on retiring.

He made it a habit, when he had to deal with difficult clients or the ones he least liked, he would arrange to have tea or lunch with her afterwards. She had away of making him feel human again, not so dirty or cheap.

He leaned his head back, grimacing at the pain once again. She was right, Paul had hurt him bad this time. Paul was a fairly new client that preferred things a bit rough. Lately he had gotten rougher, and Tim had been leaving with bruises. The first time Stella had seen the bruise she went ballistic, the second time her eyes just narrowed. He should have realized showing up torn and battered wouldn't sit well with her. Paul had done a number on him; he was going to have rescheduled with some of his clients so he could take time to heal.

He closed his eyes and let the warm water soothing his aching muscles. His thoughts drifted back to six weeks ago. He sighed, his heart aching for a man that had stolen his heart in three hours. A man that had broke through his walls, and planted himself in Tim's heart and wasn't letting go. Many times he had been tempted to contact him, but Horatio didn't need him as a complication. Tim sighed deeply; the rate things were going he could retire in a year – maybe then.

"Robert’s pissed at you," Stella smoothed the unruly bangs out of his face. "He wants to know why you didn't tell him after the first time."

"I didn't think about it," Tim kept his eyes closed. "It wasn’t the first time a client had gotten rough."

"But the second, third, and fourth?" Stella demanded.

Tim just took a deep breath, "I'll call Robert tomorrow. Right now I'm just going to relax and enjoy your company."

"Can you go out?" She asked as she soothed back his hair.

Tim opened his eyes, "Why?"

"There's this function tonight," She rolled her eyes, "Some stupid city, police force task thing. I would like you to go with me."

"You do realize you're not my only client that works in law enforcement." Tim informed her. "What if someone recognized me and realized you had a paid escort with you?"

"But if they recognized you, they would know what you are, which means they would have to explain how they know what you are and that would be to embarrassing for them." She explained. "And it would give all those fuddy duddys something to talk about. How I landed such a handsome man."

Tim rolled his eyes and smiled, "I should be fine for tonight."

"Good, I have a tux already picked out." She grinned at him. "Now you relax in this tub, and after, get some rest. I'll wake you when it's time to get ready."

Tim nodded, his eyes closing as he settled into the water. He could hear her fixing up the bathroom and closing the door slightly as she left him alone. His thoughts once again drifted to a blue-eyed redhead as a stray thought skirted across his mind – he could be there. Tim's eyes jerked open; this was not a good idea.

~*~

"I don't want to go," Horatio glared at the blonde woman standing in front of him.

"Horatio, you have to go. We all have to go, so stop whining!" Calleigh fixed his bow tie. "How come you didn't ask Yelina to go with you?"

Horatio looked down at her, "She's going with Rick."

"Stetler?" Calleigh stepped back in shock. "IAB? You're okay with this?"

Horatio grinned, "I set them up."

Calleigh laughed, "So explain to me how the two of you are friends?"

"I saved his ass," Horatio smirked at her, and then turned and looked at the ballroom. "I show up, say hello, and leave."

"Horatio Caine," Alexx stepped up to the two CSI's. "You will do no such thing."

"I really don't want to go," Horatio knew he was acting like a five-year-old but he really didn't want to go to his shindig.

"To bad," Alexx smirked at him as she took his arm. "Calleigh grab his other arm or he'll bolt before we hit the ballroom doors."

Horatio rolled his eyes at the two women, "Where's Peter?" He asked Alexx, and then turned to Calleigh, "And Eric?"

"Parking the cars," Both women stated at the same time.

Horatio bowed his head; he knew when he was outnumbered. "Fine, let's go. I'll be honored to escort two beautiful ladies."

"Hey, hands off my wife," Peter walked up smiling. "Good to see you Horatio."

"Peter," Horatio handed Alexx over to Peter, looking around for the tall Cuban. "Now where's Eric?"

"Hey, no getting rid of me," Calleigh smirked up at him.

Horatio smiled at her, a laugh on his lips. His smile faded as he turned and looked around the lobby, he had felt someone staring at him. He blinked; dark brown eyes stared back at him from across the room. Horatio stood in shock as he watched Tim turn and take an older woman's hand. She beamed up at him, and led him towards the ballroom. Horatio’s eyes followed the two across the lobby into the ballroom.

"Who's he?" Calleigh asked pulling Horatio out of his trance.

"What?" Horatio looked down at her, confusion on his face.

"Who's he? You were staring at him for a few minutes." Calleigh glanced towards the ballroom. "And what's he doing with Judge Withers?"

"I don't know," Horatio gave her a weak smile. "Excuse me." He dropped her arm and headed for the restrooms. He needed to get himself together, seeing Tim had just turned his evening upside down. He really didn't need to be reminded of what Tim did for a living. He knew exactly what Tim was doing with Judge Withers; she was paying him to be there. And that was information he really didn’t need to know.

Horatio leaned against the wall, his breath harsh to his ears. He took a few deep breaths; got his emotions into check and headed into the ballroom, maybe if he was lucky he wouldn't see him for the rest of the night. Who was he kidding – if he was lucky Tim would back him into a corner and kiss him senseless. If he was really lucky he would get a coat closet where he could fuck Tim senseless.

~*~

Tim kissed Stella on the cheek and headed straight for the bar. Seeing Horatio was bad enough, seeing him with a beautiful woman hurt – badly. He ordered a white wine for Stella and a club soda for himself. He would just piss off Stella if he got plastered. She was one of the few that new of his past addictions with alcohol and drugs.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Tim cringed at the voice from his past.

"Mrs. Donner," Tim turned and leaned against the bar. This was just topping off his day. "How's your husband? Heard you have a little girl now."

She frowned at him, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here as a guest," Tim turned and took the two drinks. "So if you will excuse me."

Megan growled as he walked by her, "Does your date know what you were?"

Tim couldn't help but grin back at her, "And some."

Tim set the drink down at the table, smiling softly at Stella. She glanced at him a worried look on her face, "Tim?"

"Dance?" He held his hand out to her. "But, it will cost you extra."

She laughed as she took his hand, "I don't know why you don't like to dance you're very good at it."

Tim shrugged as he lead her out to the dance floor, "I don't like people watching me."

Stella looked at him carefully as she was pulled into his arms, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," He guided her around the dance floor.

"Tell me," she pushed. "You haven't been the same these past few weeks. Something has been on your mind."

"It's just…" He looked up to see Horatio watching him from one of the tables. He shifted guiding Stella farther away from those piercing blue eyes. "I'm tired."

"Who is he?" Stella asked softly. She always knew that if someone stole Tim's heart it would be a man. She just wondered who had finally done it.

"What?" Tim was startled by her question.

"You met someone," She smiled at him. "I know you, Tim. Who is he?"

"Someone I can't have," He gave her a sad smile. He looked across the room his heart contracting as he watched Horatio chat with the beautiful blonde.

~*~

"Horatio Caine if you don't tell me who he is, I'll march right over there and ask." Calleigh demanded her tone indicating that she would just go and do that.

Horatio turned back towards her, "It's nothing. Leave it alone Callie."

She cocked her head, her look indicating she didn't believe him, and wouldn't just leave it. "You've been pining here all night."

"I'm not pining," Horatio shot back at her. The whole table looked at him, "Not a word!"

"What is with this guy?" Ryan demanded, the table turned and looked at him. "If it isn't Horatio pining over him, Megan is shooting daggers at him."

Horatio turned his head to see Megan glaring towards Tim, "Excuse me." Horatio stood up and headed for the bar. He stepped up to the bar and asked for a scotch on the rocks. He turned back around just in time to see Judge Withers walking towards him. He plastered a smile on his face and tried hard not to think of ways to hide the body.

"Lieutenant Caine," She smiled up at him. "It's always pleasant to talk with you."

"Judge Withers," He smiled at her as he leaned against the bar. "Enjoying your evening?"

"It's Stella. How many times do I have to tell you?" She laid a hand on his arm. He tried not to shake it off, knowing the same hand had touched Tim.

"Stella," Horatio grinned at her. "Who’s your guest?"

She smirked a bit; he could see the hidden joke inside her eyes, "son of a close friend. Figured, I would have a bit fun bring a younger man." She laughed slightly.

"You two seemed to be enjoying yourself on the dance floor," Horatio held his tongue in check. Last thing he needed was to piss off a judge.

Stella looked at him carefully, "He's a great dancer, though he hates doing it."

Horatio heard a commotion; he looked over to see Megan arguing with Tim. Stella's eyes narrowed a bit, he was surprised at her reaction. "Excuse me."

Horatio watched as Stella marched gracefully over to the table. She inserted herself between Tim and Megan, her body language obvious to everyone around her that she was one pissed off judge. Horatio smiled slightly it seemed someone was territorial and protective of their escort. He watched in humor as Megan paled, turned and stormed off.

~*~

“Tim?” Stella sat down next to him; she placed her hand on his.

“I’m sorry,” Tim looked up a smile on his face. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene.”

“Old girlfriend?” She grinned trying to get him to smile. She frowned at his paled expression.

“Before my time with Robert I worked the streets,” His voice was quiet, reflective.

Stella laid a hand on his cheek, “She knew you then?”

“No, I knew her husband.” He smirked a bit, though his eyes held no humor.

Stella nodded in understanding, “If she bothers you let me know I’m friends with her boss, Lieutenant Caine.”

It took every inch of his composure not to respond to that name. He took a deep breath, so he had told his torrid tale to Donner’s boss – supervisor of the crime lab. “Now don’t go calling favors in for me, I’m not worth it. Besides I’ve had worse things said to me.”

“You’re worth more than you think,” Stella gave him a bright smile. “If only you would see that. Now tell me, who stole your heart?”

Tim looked down, not trusting himself to look up and not focus on Horatio, giving it away to Stella. “Nothing you can do about it, so don’t worry on it.” Tim’s phone rang startling him slightly. “Sorry.”

“No problem, I understand.” She took a deep breath. She wanted to chuck the phone out the window, and tell Robert to go screw himself – Tim was not available.

Tim snapped his phone shut irritated. He turned towards Stella a frown on his face, “Stella…”

Stella closed her eyes; she took a deep breath and looked back up at him, “You’re not in any shape to be meeting…” She looked around making sure she wasn’t overheard.

“They asked for me specifically, the meeting is here in the hotel.” Tim sat down across from her. “I have to go; besides I have ways of pleasing…”

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” Stella whispered harshly. “I want you retired! You’re to good of a man for this.”

Tim smiled at her, “Thank you.”

“Lunch tomorrow?” She laid a hand on his arm.

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Tim gave her a warm smile and left the ballroom. Stella watched him leave a frown on her face. She sighed and glanced around the room, she noticed another watching Tim leave. A sudden smile interrupted on her face; maybe retirement for Tim might come sooner than she thought.

~*~

Tim's back was to the penthouse door, when he heard the door open and close. He turned slowly, putting on his most dazzling smile. He stopped mid turn in shock, he was the last person he had expected to see, "Either your friend really wants you to get laid or you're truly playing coy with me."

Horatio paused as he looked over at Tim, "I don't play."

Horatio closed the distance between the two men. He looked into Tim's eyes and only saw passion and lust. A nod from Tim had Horatio pulling him into his arms kissing Tim deeply. Tim moaned into the kiss, opening his mouth under the assault. His hand reached into Horatio's hair gripping at the short strands as the two battled over dominance. It was like the six weeks had never happened. Two souls came together as if they were meant to be one.

Tim pulled back taking in deep breaths of air, "What are you doing here?"

"Someone slipped a key into my pocket," Horatio buried his head into Tim's neck. "I decided to check it out. You?"

"I was given a time and place," Tim stepped out of Horatio's embrace. "You do realize that someone is paying me to be here?"

Horatio head dropped as he nodded, and then looked up at Tim. "What about Judge Withers?" Horatio asked his eyes bearing into Tim's eyes.

"She's a friend," Tim answered honestly, turning away from Horatio to look back out the patio door.

"How good of a friend?" Horatio asked as he stepped closer to him.

"As good as the blonde," Tim responded back, a challenge in his voice.

"Calleigh is a friend; she works at the lab with me." Horatio smiled at him. "There's nothing between us, her boyfriend would be very upset if there was."

Tim looked down, a sense of relief washed over him. "Stella loves her late husband. I take her shopping, have lunch, and make her day a bit more special."

Horatio nodded understanding the two's relationship, "She's one of your clients that only wants companionship."

"She's a friend, a close friend." Tim turned around and looked at Horatio. "Why didn't you tell me you knew who Megan was?"

"I didn't feel it was appropriate," Horatio hand caressed his cheek.

Tim stepped back, "Not appropriate! I told you my life story and you didn't think it was appropriate to inform me – you were her boss."

Horatio took a deep breath, "In truth I had a hard time believing she would do that, but before you interrupt." Horatio cocked his head a bit locking eyes with Tim. "I also knew there was no reason for you to lie. You had no idea I worked for the crime lab. And then you were gone."

Tim looked down, "That was one of the hardest things I had ever done."

Horatio pulled Tim into his arms, taking the delicious mouth into a slow gentle exploring kiss. He felt Tim pull him towards the suite's bedroom. He knew he shouldn't do this, Tim was still being paid to be there, but he couldn't resist, not this time. Agile hands slid off his tuxedo coat, the bow tie and vest went next. By the time they reached the bed, Tim had him down to his shirt and pants. Tim looked up a sly smile on his face. Horatio groaned and dived in for another kiss. He was becoming addicted to Tim's mouth.

Tim stepped back away from Horatio, his eyes serious, "You know someone's paying me to be here?"

Horatio nodded once again, "Yes, I know."

"I'm being paid to have sex with you," Tim slipped off his coat while he spoke, his tie and vest following quickly.

"I can't walk away this time," Horatio answered him honestly. "You've haunted my days and nights these past six weeks."

Tim grinned, "At least I wasn't the only one." He slipped off his shirt revealing a toned chest to Horatio.

Horatio moaned deeply his hands reaching out to touch, to caress the exposed chest. "God, you're beautiful." Horatio pushed Tim back onto the bed, a sly grin on his face. It turned quickly to concern when he saw a grimace of pain across Tim's face. "What's wrong?"

Tim tensed slightly, and then gave Horatio a bright smile, "Nothing just landed a bit wrong." He smirked up at the redhead. "Now come here, I'm dying to know how much red hair you have."

Horatio laughed as he climbed onto the bed his mouth finding and claiming one of Tim's nipples. He licked and tasted each equally enjoying the sounds coming out of Tim's mouth. "Tim…"

"Speed," Tim breathed.

Horatio looked up with a confused expression, "Speed?"

"It's who I am," his eyes were bright and open. "A nickname my friends and people close to me, call me. My clients call me Tim."

Horatio understood the significance of the name, "Speed." He tried it out on his tongue. "It fits you. One day you will have to tell me where you got it."

"Right now, I have more important things to do with my mouth than talk," Speed smirked at him. His hands working on Horatio's shirt trying to get the offending material off – he finally gave up and ripped the damn thing. He just smirked at a bemused Horatio. "Add it to my expense account." He muttered claiming Horatio's lips, his fingers trailing along the now exposed chest.

Horatio laughed into the kiss, enjoying the sensations Speed was creating. He ground his hips down into Speed's, eliciting a strangled moan from the man's throat. Horatio's hand rested on Speed's hip pulling it up, rocking their groins together. Horatio pulled back, this time detecting the tense muscles and small moan of pain.

"Speed?" Horatio eyes bore into dark brown eyes.

"It's nothing," Speed took a deep breath willing his muscles to cooperate. Damn it, he wasn't going to let this ruin his chance with Horatio. He locked his leg around Horatio's thigh pulling their groins tight against each other, a gasp of pleasure echoed between the two of them.

Horatio unhooked Speed's leg from his thigh, his eyes never leaving Speed's face. His hands laid small points of pressure along Speed's hips. Speed couldn’t hide his discomfort. "Let it go, please Horatio. I want this. I want you."

Horatio sat back on his calves, "I'm not going to hurt you. Lift up," Horatio unhooked Speed's pants; he slowly slid the pants and silk boxers off of Speed's hips and down his legs. Horatio smiled at the silk boxers, Speed just shrugged. Horatio's hands caressed back up his legs a fleeting touch over thighs and groin. The small bruises on the hips caught his eyes, a frown formed on his face. He looked up to Speed's face. Speed lowered his eyes and looked away. "Turn over."

"Horatio," Speed voice quivered slightly.

"Now, Speed." Horatio's tone made sure there would be argument.

Speed turned over wincing slightly at the discomfort on his lower back and hips. He buried his head into the pillows. Horatio closed his eyes, dark bruises were forming – a perfect pattern of a hand and fingerprints where they had dug into smooth skin.

"Speed?" Horatio's voice was soft full of emotion.

Speed looked back at the redhead, "One of my clients – he…likes it a bit rough."

Horatio looked at him, "Rough! Speed this is practically rape!"

"I'm fine," Speed shifted back around to face Horatio. "Can't we just, for this night, forget what I do for a living?"

"I won't hurt you," Horatio stated his hands on his hips.

Speed smirked as he sat up. "As much as I want you to deep inside me," Speed purred into Horatio ear. "There are other ways we can blow our minds."

Horatio moaned deeply as Speed's hands dipped into his pants. He sucked gently on the juncture of Speed's shoulder and neck, leaving a light mark. "Mark me," Speed whispered causing Horatio's already hard member to jump into Speed's hand and grow harder. "I'm yours - have been since that night." Horatio growled deep in his throat as he bit down marking Speed as his.

Speed got rid of Horatio's last piece of clothing. He pulled the redhead down onto him, skin-to-skin, chest-to-chest, and groin-to-groin. The two set a slow sensual rhythm losing themselves into each other, claiming each other's heart and soul.

~*~

Horatio rolled over to an empty space in the bed, where Speed should have been. His eyes snapped open quickly scanning the darkened room. Speed was dressing near by, his back to Horatio. "I thought you weren't going to treat me like a client?"

Speed stiffened, he turned slowly around. "I'm not."

"Then why sneak out in the middle of the night," Horatio sat up in the bed motioning towards the door.

"If I stay, I won't want to leave in the morning," Speed admitted.

"Why do you keep doing this?" Horatio asked quietly.

Speed slipped on his coat his back once again towards Horatio. "This can't work." He motioned between the two of them. "You're a cop and I'm a high priced whore."

"Then quit," Horatio stood up from the bed, grabbing his pants and slipping them on.

"And what?" Speed demanded eyes flashing. "Be your kept man?"

"No," Horatio ran his hand through his hair. "There's got to be something you want to do with your life."

Speed looked down to the ground, "I've got plans. In a year I can retire from this…" He gestured his hands around the hotel room.

"A year isn't a long time," Horatio stepped up to Speed.

Speed looked up sharply, "You would wait for me to retire?"

"I would rather take you home, and throw away your little black book." Horatio smiled at him. "But if I have to, I'll wait."

"I can't ask that of you," Speed shook his head stepping away from Horatio.

Horatio grabbed him and pulled him back into his arms. "You told me we were on alternate paths, we are now at a crossroad, but one day the two will merge. When you walked out that hotel room, you took my heart with you."

"And when your colleagues find out what I was?" He asked. "When Megan sees us together?"

"I'll deal with Megan and my colleagues." Horatio's hand cupped Speed's face. "We were meant to be together – even when an alternate path was taken we still found each other. I won't give you up."

Speed kissed him passionately. "I have to go, before I chuck everything and become your kept man." He laughed slightly as he walked towards the front door.

Horatio grabbed his arm, slipping a business card into his hand, "Anything. I mean anything, call me."

Speed nodded slipping the card into his pocket. "You weren't the only one who lost their heart that night." Speed's hand stilled on Horatio's cheek, "I left mine behind."

Horatio stood in the hallway watching Speed leave his life once again. He took a deep labored breath holding back all the pain and emotion he felt as the elevator doors closed.