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Runaway Bestman	By : solokid Category: 1 through F > CSI: Miami Views: 2690 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI: Miami, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Runaway Bestman
- 1
Title: Runaway
Best Man
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRAO
Disclaimer: I
think we all know I don't own them and the reasons why. They are owned by various executives,
producers, writers and studios that have more lawyers than I want to mess
with. I'm not making any money just
borrowing them for a bit and promise to return them.
Summary: Speed's
heart is broken when Eric decides to get married; can Horatio heal him?
Beta: Kay
Author's Note: Do
I need to even mention that episode doesn't exist in my world? I got this idea from Runaway Bride � by Dixie
Chicks. It started off cute and fluffy with Eric and Speed� then just took a
right turn and decided that a) Horatio couldn't be left out and b) the more
angst the better.
Warning: Slash �
Really people by now you should know � if you don't like it don�t
read it.

~*~

"I'm getting married."

With those three words Timothy Speedle's world crashed
around him. He looked at his best
friend with a shocked expression. "Excuse me?"

Eric smiled brightly, "I'm getting married."

"I didn't know you were dating someone long term,"
Alexx got up and hugged the young Cuban Russian.

"We've know each other since we were kids," he
shrugged. "Lost touch with her after high school. We recently met up and just clicked."

Speed plastered a smile on his face, "So the lab's
playboy goes down." Speed shook his head. "Think of all the
heartbroken women you're leaving behind."

Eric gave a small glare Speed's way, "So then you
wouldn't mind?"

"No," Speed groaned. "Don't you have brothers
or something?"

Eric laughed. "Come on, buddy. I need you as my best
man."

He had no idea how he was going to stand there and watch the
man he loved marry someone else. "Does this mean I have to throw you a
bachelor party?"

"And wear a tux," Eric grinned.

"Not helping your cause there," Speed grimaced.

"Please, I don't want to do this without you,"
Eric asked sincerely.

Speed felt his heart shatter. "Fine, I'll be your best
man."

"Damn," Calleigh shook her head. "You're
getting married."

"I know," Eric laughed.

"Congrats, Eric," Horatio's stood at the break
room door. "Sorry to intrude, but�"

"Miami never closes?" Speed stood up and headed
for the door. He needed to get a way from a grinning Eric.

"Unfortunately, Speed you head out with Alexx," Horatio
instructed. "Calleigh do you have that report for me?"

"I do," she got up and headed for the door.

"Eric," Horatio looked over at the young man.
"Can you pull back the evidence to the Williams' case, seems his attorney
is going for the contaminated evidence approach."

Eric rolled his eyes, "Right on it."

~*~

"How are you doing?" Alexx asked looking up at
Speed.

Speed snapped a few pictures of the victim's purse.
"What do you mean?" he asked, knowing that she wouldn�t be fooled for
a second.

"Tim," Alexx's eyebrow rose.

"It sucks okay," Speed lowered the camera and
looked at her. "What's worse it's my own fault."

"Timmy�" She felt his pain.

"I never said anything," Speed pulled the camera
up. "I never told him."

"What are you going to do?" Alexx asked quietly.

"I don't know," he answered honestly.

~*~
The next day he had made his decision. The future Mrs. Delko had come by the lab to
meet his co-workers and friends. Speed
gave her a small smile and talked a bit with her and came to the painful
conclusion she was good for Eric. She
held her own against his teasing, she was beautiful, and had a good heart to go
with it, can't go wrong with a wife as a pediatrician. To top it off she
really loved Eric.

~*~

A couple of weeks later, Speed had his bags packed and was
ready to head out to Vegas. Once he had
made his decision he had contacted Warrick about a possible job out in
Vegas. The next day Grissom had called
and offered him a position. He had no
idea that his skills and reputation were that high. Before he left the lab he laid his letter of
resignation, badge, and gun on H's desk while he was in a meeting.

He had gone down to the morgue to say goodbye to Alexx. She held him tight demanding she contact him
when he got settled. He held her close,
kissed her cheek, and promised he would call. After all, she was mom.

He had his bags packed and by the door. He would fly out and get settled, then come
back for the final move overseeing what would be shipped to Vegas. He checked the clock,
he should be heading out to the airport in an hour.

He was startled slightly at the knock at his door. He hoped it was Alexx; he didn't want to
explain the packed bags, for that matter house, to Calleigh or Eric. He opened the door and froze.

"Horatio," Speed was a bit surprised to see
him. "I thought you were in
meetings till late this evening."

"I can see that," Horatio stepped into the house,
his eyes taking in the boxes. "You
were just going to sneak out of town."

Speed closed the door, turning towards Horatio. "You
wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Horatio tilted his head slightly hands
on his hips. "I was surprised as hell when I got a call from Gil
Grissom. He was calling to thank me for
letting you come earlier than anticipated."

Speed cringed, "I'm sorry."

"Why Tim? Why are you
leaving?" Horatio's voice dropped. "What is driving you away from
your home?"

"Personal," Speed glanced up at the clock. "I got to go H�"

"How long have you been in love with him?" Horatio
asked, his eyes boring into Speed's.

Speed closed his eyes head dropping. "Does it
matter?"

"Speed," Horatio stepped forward.

"I can't stay here," Speed looked up then shrugged
and looked back down. "It hurts too much.
I have no one to blame but myself, I just never�Does, it really matter?
I mean, I'm leaving yes, but my heart is staying here."

"But your taking mine with you," Horatio decided
it was time to be honest.

Speed looked up shocked, "H?"

Horatio cupped Speed's cheek in his hand, "Stay. Don't leave me."

Speed stared in shock; he could feel the tears at the corner
of his eyes. Blinking he stepped back,
"God, we're a fine pair."

Horatio smiled and responded, "Yes, we are."

"You want me, despite the fact I love someone
else?" Speed questioned.

"Give me a chance," Horatio pleaded. "Let me try and win your heart."

Speed shook his head, "I should go. This can't�"

Horatio moved quickly.
He pulled Speed into his arms taking his lips in a bruising kiss. Speed's hand clutched at his suit coat,
holding on as his mouth was devoured.
Opening up, he moaned as the kiss deepened. Pulling back for air, he looked into
Horatio's eyes. He saw it there, all the
love and emotion Horatio had for him.
This was a turning point. He could turn and walk out the door, start a
new life and try and forget Eric. Or he
could stay here and let Horatio help him forget.

"Are you sure?" Speed asked eyes pleading.
"What if I can't love you back? I
don't want to hurt you."

Horatio wiped the tear that had slipped down Speed's cheek. "Give us a chance, that's all I'm
asking."

Speed wrapped his arms around Horatio's neck and buried his
face into his shoulder. Horatio held
onto him tightly. Speed pulled back
slightly, not fully leaving Horatio's arms. "I need to call Grissom�"

"Oh, let me," Horatio grabbed his phone, dialed
Grissom's number. "Grissom, its Horatio� Fine now, thank you. I'm just
calling to inform you that I'm keeping my trace expert�I gave him a better
incentive to stay." Horatio clicked
the phone shut. "Now let's get you
unpacked."

Speed eyed his packed living room, "God, I hate
moving."

"Good thing you're not," Horatio slipped his arms
around Speed, pulling him back into his arms. "We'll just take one day at
a time."

Speed settled into Horatio's arms. It felt good to be held, but at the same time
he felt guilty. He pulled back stepping
away from Horatio. He cringed at the
flash of hurt in Horatio's eyes.
"H. God, I'm already screwing this up."

"No," Horatio sighed running a hand through his
hair. "I meant it Speed, let me win you over. Court you."

Speed smirked, "Court me? As in flowers, dates, and
trying to get to first base?"

Horatio laughed, "How about dinner and a game?"

Speed gave him a small smile, "Sounds good." He
looked around the room at the multitude of boxes, "How are you at
organizing books?"

Horatio looked at the pile of boxes, "These are all
books?"

"No," Speed shook his head. "This just
miscellaneous stuff, you know kitchen, bathroom, office, stuff like that. The books are in the office."

Horatio slipped off his jacket. "Should I take kitchen
or living room?"

"Living room," Speed grabbed his bags and headed
for the back bedroom. "I like my
kitchen a certain way, no offense, but I just can't have someone else in my
kitchen."

Horatio took a deep breath, releasing all the tension in his
body. He was only an hour away from
losing Speed. If Grissom had not called
he wouldn't have know about Speed leaving until it was too late. Horatio closed his eyes and thanked God that
he had this one chance. Now all he had
to do was win his heart.

~*~

Alexx looked a bit shocked to see Speed walk up to the crime
scene, "Speedy?"

"Hey Alexx," he smiled at her. "There was a
change in plans."

She smiled brightly, "I'm glad."

"Plans?" Eric walked up
to the two. "You had plans and didn't inform me?"

"This is coming from the guy who sprung a marriage on
us?" Speed smiled at Alexx.

Alexx eyed Speed. She
had every intention of figuring out what changed Speed's mind. She glanced down at the victim. "You
were too young for this."

"Alexx," Horatio looked down at the young woman.
"What do you have?"

"Broken neck," She looked up and noticed he was
looking beyond them. She followed his line of sight. She grinned, so it wasn't a
what that changed Speed's mind, but a who. "There are some markings around her neck, I'll have to get her into the lab to get a closer
look."

"Page me," Horatio nodded.

"Thank you," Alexx stated simply.

"For?" Horatio asked
curiously.

"For convincing him to stay," Alexx glanced
towards Speed. "Take good care of him."

Horatio nodded, he should have known nothing got past Alexx.
"I plan on it."

~*~

"When you said you read a lot," Horatio looked at
the spare bedroom full of bookshelves overflowing with books. It had taken them a few days, okay over a
week, but they finally got everything unpacked and put away. "You weren't
kidding."

"No," Speed grinned. "I wasn't."

"So, ready to go?" Horatio asked. Tonight was their first official date and
like he promised he was taking Speed to dinner and a game.

Speed nodded. "Where are we eating?"

"I thought we could stop off at Tommy's or we can eat
at the park?" Horatio suggested as they headed down the hallway.

"Can I get Cracker Jacks?" Speed asked.

Horatio stopped to look at him, "Anything you
want." Horatio's heart began beating faster at the smile Speed graced him
with.

~*~

"So is this a metaphor or just random?" Speed eyed
the first base from his seat then back at Horatio.

Horatio just gave him a cocky smile, "I have season
tickets and these are my two seats."

Speed paused as he snacked on his Cracker Jacks. "You
have season tickets?"

Horatio nodded, "I like to relax while watching the
game."

"I didn't know that, I mean�you seem so
dedicated." Speed stammered. "I just didn't see you having activities
outside the lab." He blushed.

"It's okay," Horatio grinned at him. "Only a
few people know about my baseball habit."

"Thank you," Speed smiled, "For bringing me
here."

"I want to spend time with you Speed," Horatio
looked at him. "Get to know you. So
besides books, what else do you do outside work?"

Speed laughed, "Go to bookstores." Horatio rolled
his eyes. "I've been going to chef school."

Horatio paused, "Really?"

"Yeah," Speed blushed. "I remember cooking
with my dad; they are some of my fondest memories. I was tired of staying home and doing nothing
so I signed up."

"How does that work?" Horatio asked.

"I have a variety of classes in different styles of
cooking," Speed explained. "Right now I'm learning Thai." Speed
glanced up at the game. "Are we winning?"

Horatio checked the score, "No."

"Maybe I can cook for you," Speed hesitated.

"I would love that," Horatio couldn't keep the
smile off his face. He didn't even care
that they lost six to one.

~*~

Speed walked into work with a small smile on his face. He had never been courted before and Horatio
was making it clear he wanted him. Him � Timothy Speedle, all around cynical asshole. A man who loves someone
else. His smile vanished. His emotions were conflicting. He'd loved Eric since they met. At first it was lust. Who wouldn't want Eric? Over time he really
got to know him and fell for him. He
never told hi;, he didn't want to ruin their
friendship. Eric was straight, Catholic,
Russian, and Cuban. No chance for
Speed. Deep down he knew the day would
come when Eric would find a nice Catholic girl and settle down, but he hadn't
thought it would hurt so much.

He enjoyed being with Horatio. The kiss was toe curling. Then why did he feel guilty? He wasn't
cheating; Eric wasn't his to cheat on.

"That sigh sounds like the weight of the world's
problems are on your shoulders," Alexx rubbed Speed's back.

"No, just mine," Speed looked over at her.

"Want to talk?" Alexx smiled at him.

"Am I being fair to Horatio?" Speed asked.

"Are you?" Alexx responded back. "Are you
giving him a true chance?"

Speed looked up at Horatio's office then back at Alexx.
"I don't know. I mean I want this
to work, but why do I feel guilty?"

"Oh, honey," Alexx rubbed his back reassuringly. "You have to
let go of Eric."

"I know that," Speed stepped away. "It's just
not that easy. I just can't turn off my feelings."

Alexx pulled him into a hug, "Let Horatio love you."

"I am," Speed took comfort in mom's arms. "But how do I stop
loving Eric?"

She just held him soothing him. "I don't know
baby."

~*~

Horatio looked at the small spread on the table, "It
smells wonderful."

Speed sat down across from him, "Hopefully it turned
out alright. I tried a new recipe, wasn't sure how much spice to add."

Horatio took a bite. He swallowed looked up at Speed.
"This is excellent."

A smile broke out, "You like?"

"Tell me you won't leave the lab for a job as a
chef?" Horatio asked. Speed
laughed. "I'm serious."

"I have a reason to stay now," Speed answered
honestly.

The two talked throughout dinner, learning new things about
each other. They sat with coffee and
desert in the living room just talking.
Horatio grinned when he heard the soft waltz playing in the
background. He stood up from his chair
and held out his hand.

"Dance with me?" Horatio asked.

Speed blinked at him. "Dance?
Me?"

"I'll lead," Horatio motioned with his hand.

Speed set his coffee down, "When you court you go all
out."

"You're worth it," Horatio took Speed's hand and
pulled him into his arms. He positioned
Speed's hand on his arm and took the other and began leading him in a simple
waltz. "You're going to need to
know this anyways."

Speed paused ending up stepping on Horatio's foot.
"Sorry, why?" He asked.

"The best man is supposed to dance with the maid of
honor." Horatio explained.

Speed groaned his head falling on Horatio's shoulder.
"I don't dance."

"Really?" Horatio moved
him across the room.

Speed chuckled, "Only with you."

Horatio paused and looked at him. "Can I kiss
you?"

Speed looked into soft blue eyes, "Yes."

Horatio cupped Speed's face and kissed him gently, just a
slow exploration of lips. Speed's arms
snaked around Horatio's waist pulling him closer opening his mouth in
invitation. Horatio deepened the kiss
his tongue sweeping into the hot cavern dueling with Speed's tongue.

He pulled back panting slightly. "I should go."
Speed opened his mouth to protest. Horatio placed a finger or his swollen lips.
"You are not ready and you know it."

Speed nodded he walked Horatio to the door. "I was going to go book hunting
Saturday�want to come?"

"Love to." He kissed Speed quickly then turned and
left the apartment.

~ Two Months before
the wedding ~

"When I get back from the tux fitting we can go to the
game," Speed stated, as he got ready to leave. He paused, the phone up to his ear a smile on
his face. "No offense to your team or anything, but they suck."

'Yeah, well, the point
of going is to just go. Besides, I let
you get Cracker Jacks,' Horatio answered.

"Yes, you do." Speed chuckled. "I'll call you
later."

'Are you going to be
okay?' Horatio asked concerned.

Speed stopped his head down, "Yes, I'll be fine."

'I love you,'
Horatio's voice full of emotion.

Speed hesitated, "I know."

'I won't push you,
know that,' Horatio informed him.

"Thank you," Speed closed his eyes. "I'll see
you tonight."

'Take care,' he said
before hanging up.

~ Tux Shop ~

"I hate you," Speed growled fiddling with the tie.

Eric laughed, "Looks good on you. Especially with the scruffy look, makes you
look like a rugged James Bond."

Speed snorted, "So how are the plans going?"

"Going," Eric shrugged. "I just show up where
I'm supposed to. By the way�"

"Shave for the wedding?" Speed smirked at Eric.
"I got five lectures already from Alexx, Calleigh, your mother, your
future wife, and Horatio."

Eric laughed, "Just passing the message along."

"Mr. Speedle, you're finished, you can change,"
The attendant smiled at him.

"Oh, Thank God," He quickly took off to
change. Hanging up the tux on the peg
his mind drifted to Horatio. He smiled,
thinking back over the few months. He
hadn't pressured him; just let Speed set the pace.

"One would think you were the groom," The
attendant smirked.

Speed jerked, "What?"

"The sappy look on your face," she grinned.
"It says you're in love." She took the tux and walked away.

Speed stood there stunned, he had been thinking about
Horatio. Actually, now that he thought
about it, he hadn't thought of Eric in a while.
He looked out into the main room at Eric. His heart didn't hurt as it had once
before. He leaned against the wall,
tears in his eyes. He needed to get
home. Home to Horatio.

Speed walked out of the changing booths. "Eric, I'm out
of here."

"I thought we were going to lunch?" Eric turned
and looked at him.

"Got plans," Speed waved and headed out. "Sorry."

He started up his bike and sped out of the parking lot. It took him thirty minutes to get to
Horatio's. He parked the bike and ran up
the walkway. Horatio stood at the front
door a confused expression on his face.

Speed pulled him into his arms and kissed him hard and
passionately. His hands slipped into the
red hair, holding him in place as he devoured his mouth. Horatio moaned and opened up for the assault,
his own hands finding their way under Speed's shirt.

Horatio pulled back, "Speed?"

"I love you," Speed looked him in the eyes.
"I want to be with you."

Horatio looked him in the eyes and saw love shining back. He
pulled Speed into the house, slamming the door shut. His mouth latched onto Speed's in
seconds. He wasn't sure how, but they
managed to get up the stairs and into Horatio's bedroom. Horatio pulled off Speed's shirt his mouth
going for the erect nipples, tasting them and then nipping them slightly. Speed arched into the touch, moaning deep in
his throat.

By the time they hit the bed they were naked, hard, and
panting. Horatio pushed Speed onto the
bed then laid his body on top of him.
They groaned at the skin on skin contact. Speed spread his legs letting Horatio settle
between them. Speed rested his lips next
to Horatio's ear, "I want you in me."

"How long has it been?" Horatio lifted up on his
elbows.

Speed closed his eyes, then opened
them. "Since Andrew."

"That's over ten years ago," Horatio lifted up a
bit more.

Speed wrapped his legs around Horatio causing their cocks to
rub together. Speed moaned, his head thrown back in pleasure, "Please
Horatio."

"We'll take this slow," Horatio reached for the
lube in the drawer, as he grabbed the condom Speed's hand held his.

"I'm clean," Speed whispered. "I want to feel
you."

Horatio kissed him slow and long. His lips began a path down Speed's neck, onto
his chest, paying special attention to each nipple, moved down, dipping his tongue into the navel. Speed's legs spread wider
as Horatio began kissing the inside of his thighs. Speed moaned and squirmed in pleasure under
Horatio's touch. He tensed slightly at
Horatio's probe at his entrance, but quickly opened up to him.

"Damn it, H," Speed cried out in frustration. Horatio had been playing his body like a
finely tuned instrument. He was hard,
leaking, frustrated, and wanted to cum with Horatio inside of him.

"I won't hurt you," Horatio slid three fingers
inside stretching him.

"You won't, please I need you, now." Speed
whimpered.

Horatio lifted Speed's legs onto his shoulders. He looked into Speed's dark passion filled
eyes and slid into him, slowly. Speed
tried to thrust forward but Horatio held him still. When he was sheathed all the way in, he
looked down at Speed. "I love
you," Horatio kissed him softly.

"I love you, too." Speed shifted slightly.
"Please Horatio."

Horatio set a slow easy pace. Sliding in and out, caressing Speed's
prostate, tearing delicious noises from Speed. As their climaxes built, Horatio sped up
thrusting in harder and deeper each time.
Speed met each thrust, urging Horatio faster. Horatio reached between them and stroked
Speed's hard cock, matching his thrusts.
Speed groaned as Horatio's thumb caressed the head, he stilled,
tightened, and came all over Horatio's hand.
Feeling Speed's muscles clench around him sent him over the edge; buried
deep inside him, he spilled his seed.

Horatio eased out of his lover, checking for damage before
getting up to get a washcloth. He
cleaned them up tossed the towel into the hamper then climbed into bed. Speed curled into his arms a smile on his
face.

"What brought this on? Not that I'm not happy with the
results." Horatio caressed Speed's back.

"I had just finished with the fitting, when the
attendant came up and said the way I look I should have been the groom. She said I looked like I was in love."
Speed sat up and looked at Horatio. "I was thinking about you. I glanced over at Eric, it didn't hurt as
much. I wanted to come home and be with
you. I wanted to be in your arms. I
wanted to wake up in the morning and see you. I love you Horatio Caine."

Horatio pulled Speed down and kissed him deeply. "I
love you, God I love you so much."

Speed curled into Horatio's arms. "Do we have to
leave?"

"No," Horatio held him close.

"Good," Speed's eyes drifted shut, content with
his life.

~ Month before the
wedding ~

"You look happy," Alexx smiled over the table at
him.

"I am," Speed grinned.

"Can I ask you something?" Alexx set her fork
down. They were having their monthly
brunch. "I don't want you to be upset with me."

"You can never upset me," Speed reached over and
took her hand.

"Do you still love Eric?" She squeezed his hand.

Speed sat back his hand slipping out of Alexx's. He looked down at his plate,
"Yes." He looked at her.
"I love Horatio, Alexx. I do. He's everything to me. So how can I still love Eric?"

"You have a big heart," Alexx assured him.
"Have you talked to Horatio about this?"

"Does it matter?" Speed shrugged. "I'm with
him. I want to be with him. Eric is getting married in a month."

"Tim," Alexx gave him the mom look.

"I'll tell him," Speed sunk back in his chair
appetite gone.

~*~

"H?" Speed stepped into the house.

"In the kitchen," Horatio called out.

"You better not be using my
pans," Speed half joked.

"I'm not stupid," Horatio grinned as he turned
from stove.

"Are you making cookies?" Speed smirked.

"I got in a mood," Horatio blushed.

"Oh this is good," Speed leaned up against the
counter. "I learn something new each day."

Horatio leaned over and kissed him, "How was brunch
with Alexx?" Horatio looked at Speed's expression. "You two didn�t
get into a fight?"

"No," Speed shook his head. "No one fights
with Alexx, they never win."

"What's wrong?" Horatio cupped his cheek forcing
Speed to look at him.

"I love you," Speed stopped Horatio from
interrupting. "I want to spend my life with you. But, I still love Eric." Speed pulled
away pacing the small dining room. "How can I love you with everything
that I am, yet still have feelings for Eric? I�"

Horatio shut him up by kissing the breath out of him. Speed looked at him a bit dazed. "I know
you love Eric. You have a big heart,
you've loved three people in your life and I'm privileged to be one of
them. I would never expect you to stop
loving Eric or Andrew. It's those
experiences that brought you to me and made you the man you are."

Speed held him tight, "Thank you."

~ Week of the wedding
~

Horatio knelt down next to the couch, "Speed?" His voice soft.

"Remind me never to do that ever again," Speed
groaned and buried his head further into the pillows.

"I take the bachelor party was a success?" Horatio
held a glass of water and some aspirins.

"I think so," Speed sat up and took the offered items.

"Do you remember anything?" Horatio teased.

"A mechanical bull was involved," Speed fell back
into the couch. "And I think I rode
it."

Horatio's eyebrow went up, "I need to find
pictures."

"No evidence," Speed grumbled. "We need a new
couch."

Horatio paused, "Speed�"

Speed looked up at him, "I just slipped, didn't
I?"

Horatio smiled at him, "Move in with me."

Speed gave him a bright smile, "Can we get a new couch?
Yours sucks too."

"We can get a new couch," Horatio leaned over and
kissed his forehead. "I've got to go in and do some paperwork. You
rest."

"I think I'll just die here," Speed moaned and
fell back onto the couch.

"Love you," Horatio grabbed his keys and badge.

"Love you too," Speed muttered before falling
asleep.

~ Night before the
Wedding ~

"I wish you were here," Speed ran a hand through
his hair as he looked out the patio door.

'I do too,' Horatio answered. 'I'll be by your room in
the morning to help you get dressed.'

"How about undressed?"
Speed smirked.

'After the wedding,' Horatio laughed. 'Now be a good best
man and get some sleep so you can make sure Eric doesn't faint tomorrow.'

"I love you," Speed closed his eyes a smile on his
face as an image of Horatio filled his mind.

'I love you, too.' Horatio's voice was full of emotion.
'How about we go away?'

Speed smiled, "I would like that."

'I'll arrange it.
Now get some sleep.' Speed smiled into the phone. Horatio had pulled his
I'm the boss and I know what's best tone.

"Goodnight," Speed answered.

'Night,' Horatio hung up the phone.

Speed turned off his cell phone, and tossed it onto the
desk. The suite was nice. Eric's fianc�'s parents went all out. The full wedding party was staying at the
hotel each with their own suite. Speed
started to unbutton his shirt and head into the bedroom when there was a knock
at the door.

He looked through the peephole and stepped back in
surprise. He opened the door,
"Eric?"

"Hi," Eric walked into the room. He looked agitated and nervous.

"What's wrong?" Speed closed the door and turned
towards Eric.

Eric paced a few feet then stopped and looked at Speed,
"I need to know something and I need the truth."

"What?" he asked, dread filling his stomach.

"Was there ever a chance for us?" Eric asked.

"What?" Speed swallowed his hand going through his
hair. "Eric, you're getting married in twelve hours."

Eric stepped closer, "I need to know. Was there a
chance for us?"

"Damn YOU!" Speed moved away from him moving
towards the patio doors. Turning back
towards Eric tears in his eyes, "Six months, Eric! Six months it took me
to get over you. And you stand here the
night before you wedding asking if we ever had a chance. Fuck you! Get
out." Speed yelled at him.

"Tim," Eric took a deep breath. "I� damn it.
I've wanted and loved you for so long. But my own fears and up-bringing stopped
me�"

"You're getting married tomorrow," Speed reminded
him. "Forget this conversation ever happened and go be with your future
bride."

"I can't," Eric looked at him. "The wedding
has been called off."

Speed stared at him, "Fuck." He turned away and
looked out the patio door. "What do
you want Eric?"

"A chance," Eric walked up behind him.
"Angela and I had a long talk. We
both realized we love each other, but aren't in love with each other. Yeah, we would have a good marriage but over
time we would resent each other or always wonder what if."

"I can't give you that chance," Speed didn't turn
around.

"Please," Eric laid a hand on Speed shoulder.
"She's the one that told me to come here.
To try and get the one I do love.
She knew. Saw it in your eyes
when she met you."

Speed turned and looked up at Eric, "Don't do this to
me."

"I have to know," Eric whispered before taking
Speed's lips in a soft passionate kiss.

Speed whimpered into the kiss. Tears streaked down his face as he opened up
and let Eric in. Eric pulled back
caressing Speed's cheek wiping away the tears.
Speed's hand clutched at Eric's shirt, his emotions all over the
map.

"Tell me?" Eric whispered. "The
truth."

"I love you," Speed's voice was harsh and pained.
"God help me. I love you."

Eric's lips brushed over Speed's, "I love
you." He deepened the kiss tasting
Speed. His hands slipped under Speed's
shirt caressing soft skin. Speed moaned
and arched into the touch.

Thoughts of Horatio went through Speed's head. He pulled
back disentangling from Eric. "I can't."

"Speed," Eric panted his eyes dark staring at him.

"I'm with someone," Speed moved away from Eric.
"Please, just go."

"I can't," Eric grabbed his arm pulling Speed
back. "I will fight for you."

"Don't," Speed muttered.

"You're worth it," Eric whispered into his ear.

"No, I'm not," Speed suddenly felt drained his
body, mind and soul weary. He fell back
into Eric's arms

Eric held him close taking Speed's weight. He maneuvered them into the bedroom, laying
Speed out on the bed. Pulling off
Speed's shirt and pants he got him under the covers. Quickly stripping down himself, he crawled in
and curled up next to him. Tomorrow
would be difficult. Between the
cancelled wedding and a jittery Speed he had his work cut out for him, but he
knew Speed was worth it.

~*~

Speed woke up disoriented.
He shifted feeling a warm body behind him. With a smile he turned to face Horatio,
wondering how he had got into the room.
His smile faded when he saw Eric.
Everything came back. He eased
out of the bed, grabbing his pants and shirt and left the bedroom. He leaned up against the wall, breathing
heavily. He had just betrayed Horatio,
the man that loved him with everything that he was. He looked back at the bedroom, he hated the
fact that there was a part of him that wanted to go back in there and curl up
next to Eric, while the other part of him wanted to run to Horatio and cling to
the other man.

He slid down the wall to the floor. He didn't know what to do. He was with Horatio, loved him, wanted him,
but now Eric. One of them was going to
get hurt. He was going to hurt
them. There was really only one option.

~ Next morning ~

Eric reached out over the bed, startled when he felt cold
sheets he sat up and looked around. "Speed?" He
pulled on his pants and wandered out of the bedroom.

He tossed his cell phone on the couch, after leaving a
message on Speed's phone. He jumped
slightly when the door opened. He smiled
expecting to see Speed, but was shocked to see Horatio walk into the room. Horatio paused at the doorway looking at
Eric. "Eric?"

"H," Eric greeted back. "Is Speed with
you?"

"No," Horatio hung up the bag he had in his hands
in the closet. "He's supposed to be here, getting ready for your
wedding."

"Yeah, well about that." Eric sighed, slumping
into the couch. "It's been called off."

Horatio suddenly got a bad feeling. "Eric?"

Eric looked up with a sad smile on his face, "We
realized that we were getting married for the wrong reasons."

Horatio looked at Eric's rumbled clothes. He closed his eyes not wanting to know,
"What are you doing in Speed's room?"

"I�" Eric leaned forward head in his hands.
"I had to know�" Then Speed's voice echoed in his mind. 'I'm with
someone.' He stood up and looked at
Horatio. "You're the one he's with."

"What the hell have you done?" Horatio growled.

"Told him the truth," Eric held his ground.

"Where is he?" Horatio demanded, holding his anger
in check.

"I don't know," Eric answered honestly. "I
woke up and he was gone."

"Shit," Horatio turned and headed out the door.
Horatio glared, at the elevator willing it to move faster.

Eric grabbed his shirt, ran down the hall catching up to
Horatio. "H?"

The elevator door opened. Horatio grabbed Eric and slammed
him into the car. "He's mine. You threw him away when you decided to get
married. Just because you've changed
your mind, doesn't give you the right to lay claim."

"Don't you think that�s Speed's decision?" Eric
swallowed, a bit frightened by Horatio's actions, but determined not to give up
Speed.

"He's confused, Eric," Horatio let him go. "He's loved you for so long. Now that he's moved on, you suddenly show up
and want him."

Eric leaned against the elevator wall. "You love
him."

"More than life," Horatio answered. "And he
also loves me."

"So we both love him and he loves both of us."
Eric looked at Horatio. "Now what?"

"First, we have to find him," Horatio slipped on
his glasses as he stepped out of the elevator.
"And for your sake you better hope he's at the apartment."

~ Speed's Apartment ~

Horatio slammed the Hummer into park. Quickly turning off
the engine he got out of the vehicle and up the stairs to the apartment. Unlocking the door he stepped inside, Eric a
few steps behind him. "Speed?"

Horatio looked around the small apartment then headed back
towards the bedroom. "Speed?" He stopped in
the doorway. The room was in shambles, clothes
on the bed and floor as if someone was in a hurry.

"Horatio�" Eric called out.

Horatio walked back down the hallway towards him. Eric handed him a piece of paper. He saw Speed's gun and badge on the breakfast
bar.

'Horatio, I'm sorry. I don't know what else to do, but to
leave. I don't want to hurt either of
you, yet I know I am. Face it, you're
both better off without me in your lives, complicating them even more. Tell Eric� tell him the truth. I love him.
I love you. And I'm sorry. Speed'

Eric slumped against the
breakfast bar, "Now what?"

"We find our runaway
best man," Horatio pulled out his phone. "Hey� I need a favor."
He paced the small living room, memories of the two of them filling his mind.
"I need you to search for any tickets purchased with the name Timothy
Speedle." He looked over to see Eric looking around the apartment. "What?" He grabbed a pen and paper
wrote some things down nodding. "Thanks." He hung up the phone.

"What did you find
out?" Eric asked.

"He caught a three am
flight out of Miami International on Air France to Paris," Horatio ran a
hand through his hair.

"So let's go," Eric moved towards the door.

"Eric," Eric
turned and looked at him. "What exactly do you plan on doing?"

"Get Speed
home," Eric answered.

"And
what about your family, friends, fianc�e?" Horatio pointed out.

"I already explained
the fianc�e part," Eric countered. "I told my family the wedding was
off before I went to see Speed. It would
be best if I didn't see them for a while."

"And when we find
Speed?" Horatio asked. "I'm not giving him up."

Eric leaned up against the
door, "I don't know. I mean�I love him, H, I do. I know you love him and he loves you I can
see it in the photos." He pointed to the small set of photos on the
fridge. "I� I want him, but I don't
want to hurt him or make him choose." He paused, a shocked expression on
his face. "Can't we both love him?"

"What are you
suggesting?" Horatio eyes narrowed.

"Love him," Eric
whispered. "Both of us. He deserves it."

"You realize what
you're suggesting?" Horatio clarified. "It's not you and him and him
and me. It�s the three of us."

Eric moved away from the
door and kissed Horatio. He pulled back
and looked at him, "I won't lie and say I love you. But being with you
won't be a hardship."

Horatio looked into the
expressive brown eyes, so different from Speed's and so full of emotion. He
pulled Eric into his arms kissing him deeply.
Eric's mouth opened up pulling Horatio's tongue inside, sliding his own
across it. Horatio pulled back, "It
will be hell to convince him."

Eric smiled, which turned
quickly to a frown, "We'll have to find him first."

"We need to pack some
bags. I'll drop you off at your place." Horatio moved towards the door.
"Meet me at the airport in two hours.
I'll get us a flight to Paris."

"Is this a normal
response for him?" Eric asked.

"Yes," Horatio
sighed. "It's ingrained. He ran when he lost Andrew, and then he ran when
you announced your marriage plans," Horatio slipped on his glasses.
"I caught him literally with only an hour to spare."

"Thank you,"
Eric breathed. His mind remembering
Alexx's shocked expression at seeing Speed and the mention of mysterious
plans.

"I did it for
me," Horatio moved towards the Hummer.

~ Air France ~

"Pardon,"
Speed startled at the soft touch on his hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to
startle you." Speed looked over at
his neighbor. She was an older woman,
probably mid fifties. Her dark hair
going slightly grey cut short and styled nicely. Her hazel eyes were a soft golden brown and
full of joy and life.

"It's
okay," Speed gave her a slight smile. "I'm just a bit tired."

"Well,
I wasn't going to say anything," she grinned.

Speed
sighed, "Can I help you?"

"I
was wondering do you speak or read French?" She
smiled at him.

"Actually,
I do," Speed nodded. "Is there something I can help you with?"

She
clapped her hands in joy, "Yes, actually." She pulled a bag from
under the seat in front of her. "I've been wanting
to go on this trip for years. It's like
a life long dream. My husband and I had
wanted to go for our honeymoon, but financially we couldn't afford it
then. Add the kids, college, and now two
grandkids, we never got a chance." She pulled a notebook out and held it
up as she went through it. "Charles, my husband," She sighed.
"He died last year, cancer." She started through the book again. "I decided that I was going to go, no
matter what. So I booked it." She
turned towards Speed. "Problem the directions to the hotel are in
French." She held up the printed piece of paper. "I can get by speaking just a little,
but this�" She looked at the paper again then looked up horrified.
"I'm so sorry, I'm Clara." She held out her hand.

"Tim,
my friends call me Speed," he shook it.

"Let
me guess," She eyed him. "You have a bike?"

"Yes,
ma'am, I do." Speed tried to be patient.

"So
obvious, reminds me of my second oldest boy," Clara handed him the paper.
"Can you explain in English where I'm supposed to go?"

Speed
took the directions and looked them over. "You're staying at the George V Hotel?"

"Yes," Clara's smile faded. "Is it a good place?"

Speed
eyebrows rose, "You do realize it's the Four Seasons? Believe me it's a
good hotel."

"Good,
good, so how do I get there?" Clara questioned.

Speed
read through the notes. "It would best to take a taxi or shuttle. Just
tell them where you're going and it shouldn't be too much trouble."

"Thank
you," Clara put the paper back into the notebook and shoved it into her
bag. "What brings you to Paris?"

"Needed
to get away," Speed shrugged.

Clara
turned and looked at him. "Have you been to France before?"

"About
ten years ago," he answered quietly.

"No one with you?" She asked curiously.

"No,
no one." Speed's voice dropped.

"I'm
sorry," she shifted in her seat. "I didn't mean to pry."

Speed
frowned, "I� it's just that."

"You
lost someone?" Clara laid a hand on his.

"I
did ten years ago," he closed his eyes. "This time I � I ran."

"Why?"
She pulled her bag up and grabbed a tissue and handed it to him.

"It
was a no win situation." Speed took the tissue annoyed that he had tears
in his eyes. "No matter what I decided someone would get hurt."

"So
you left," Clara finished, Speed nodded. "What happens when you have
to go home?"

"I
don't know," Speed shrugged, desperately trying to keep the tears at bay.
"I � "

"Tim,"
Clara cupped his cheek and made sure he was looking at her. "Love is
precious. You only get it for a short
time. When you have it, grab hold of it and don�t ever let go."

"I
couldn't choose," he whispered. "I would end up hurting one of them
and I couldn't do that."

She
smiled sadly, "Running never solved anything."

"It's
ingrained," he leaned his head back.

"This
is what we're going to do," she patted his arm.

"We?" Speed asked.

"Yes,
we� you can't just go to the city of Love and mope." Clara pulled out her
guidebook. "Since you speak French, and I don't, you can show me around,
while I mother you and convince you to go home to your men."

Speed's
mouth dropped, "By any chance are you related to Alexx Woods?"

Clara
looked over at him, "No, why?"

"It
was scary how much you sounded like her," Speed eyed her with a bit of
fear in his eyes.

"Sounds
like a smart woman." She flipped through the book. "I want to see the
Palace of Versailles, tour the art museums, eat pastries and drink
coffee."

"Wait?
Men?" Clara was full of surprises.

She rolled her eyes, "My dear, four kids, one happily married with a new
baby, a second just had his commitment ceremony with his lover, third raising a
three year old on her own, and the fourth in college. I know the wording when I hear it." She
smiled up at him. "Now you get some rest, we've got lots to do when we get
to Paris. Besides I want to hear all about these two men of yours."

~ Miami International
Airport ~

Eric
dropped his bag next to Horatio's, then dropped
himself into the seat. Horatio looked
over at him, paused, reached out and cupped his chin. "What
happened?"

"Irate
older brother," Eric winced at the contact. "Not happy I hurt his little sister."

"Ouch,"
Horatio dropped his hand. "Looks painful."

"Well,"
Eric smirked. "He's got a matching one.
Angela walloped him for hitting me."

"What
happened?" Horatio asked curiously.

"I
was just leaving when Angela pulled up," Eric explained. "She wanted
to know how things were going. She was the one that had sent me to Speed."

"Why?"
Horatio questioned. "Why would she send you to Speed?"

"Because
she was the one who realized I was in love with him and he returned the
feelings," Eric looked down. "She said it was in his eyes when they
met. She saw the love he had for me; she
also said she saw him bury it. When we
talked, she told me not to let the opportunity go by."

"Sounds
like a good woman," Horatio said.

"She
is," Eric agreed. "One day she'll make a fine wife and mother."

"Just
not yours," Horatio grinned.
"So then her brother showed up?"

Eric
snorted, "And let me have it, yelled about dishonoring the family
name�blah blah."

"Eric�"

"It's
okay my dad about gave me the same speech," Eric shrugged. "Angela
just let him have it saying she called off the wedding, and that it wasn't any
of his damn business." Eric grinned at Horatio. "I really do love
her�just not in that way."

"Sounds
like a good friend," Horatio caressed the bruised cheek.

"She
is," Eric leaned into the caress. "And she told me to tell you to
take care of us or else." Eric looked down blushing.

Horatio
laughed, "I got the same speech from Alexx."

"You
told Alexx?" Eric asked shocked.

"She
showed up at my door as I was packing, demanding to know where the groom and
best man was," Horatio explained. "You don't lie to Alexx and besides
she knows Speed's feelings; I think better than he does."

"And?" Eric asked concerned. "I mean � Speed is her baby
and I�"

Horatio
laid a finger on Eric's mouth, "She told me to take care of the two of
you, gave me a kiss on the cheek, told me to bring her boy home so she can
smack him. Oh yeah, and pick up some coffee and chocolate while I'm at
it."

"Flight
1342 to Paris now ready to board. We
will be seating our first class passengers first."

Horatio
grabbed his bag and stood up, "Let's go."

"First class?" Eric followed him eyes
wide. "But� that had to set you
back."

"Someone
owed me," Horatio smiled. "Besides technically it's your honeymoon."

Eric
blushed as everyone turned and looked at him. He ducked his head and followed
Horatio down the gangplank, muttering about Lieutenants who think they're
funny. Though he had to admit a laughing
Horatio was a sight to behold.

~ Paris ~

"It's
beautiful," Clara grinned over at Speed.

"It's
the airport," Speed eyed her.

She
smacked him; "I was talking about the mural on the wall."

"It's
colorful," Speed agreed.

"Hotel,
dinner, and a walk along the river," She dragged Speed out of the airport.

"You're
assuming I don't have hotel arrangements," Speed commented as he put her
luggage into the taxi. She looked at him
hands on her hips. "Which would mean that you were
right."

The
ride to the hotel was quiet except for the occasional oohs
and ahs from Clara as they drove. Speed
unloaded the taxi, paid the guy and carried the luggage into the hotel. Part of him had no idea why he hadn't just
walked away. He set the luggage down and
slumped into one of the chairs. He was tired, beyond tired. He hadn't slept since he walked out of the
hotel room. He laid his head back and
closed his eyes, only to jerk up when the image of Horatio looking hurt and
disappointed popped into his mind.

He
sighed and rubbed his now two-day-old beard. "Let's go, our room is
ready."

"Our room?" Speed looked up at Clara. "Actually it would
probably be�"

"Don't
even finish that sentence," she glared down at him her hands back on her
hips.

Speed
wisely shut his mouth, stood up, grabbed the luggage, and followed her to the
elevator. He paused at the doorway of
the hotel room. It was lovely. "This is a suite." Speed pointed
out.

"Yes,"
she smiled at him. "It is. I upgraded.
Figure I can keep an eye on you."

"Afraid
I'll take off?" Speed set the luggage down.

"Actually,
yes," Clara answered honestly.

Speed
moved towards the windows. "I would have been gone by now."

"I
figured as much," she picked up her bag and carried into the bedroom.
"The couch folds out. It's probably not�"

"Its fine," Speed said, without turning around. "Better than a
park bench or whatever I would have come up with."

"I'm
going to freshen up, you get some rest." She closed the bedroom door.

Speed
stared out of the window. He wondered
what happened after he left. Did Eric get married anyway? Did Horatio hate him?
He grabbed his bag and pulled out his cell phone. He opened it, turning it on. It beeped at him telling him he had messages.

Sitting
down on the couch he stared at the phone.
His hands shook as he hit the button to access his voicemail. He paused
he had twelve messages.

'Speed just to let you know I'll be at the hotel around nine. I hope
you're getting a good rest. Love you,' Speed sobbed as he pulled the phone away and shut it
off.

He
felt warm caring hands pull him into an embrace. "It's okay, let
it out." Speed held on and
cried. He hadn't let go since that time
at Alexx's when he had first started working at the lab. He had never mourned Andrew and one day it
just hit him. Alexx held him while he cried, rocking him just like Clara was doing now.

He
sat up and wiped his face, "I'm sorry�"

"Don't
even apologize," Clara patted his knee. "Go wash up, we'll go get
something quick to eat."

"Won't
be good company," Speed stood up feeling drained.

"At
least I'll have company," She smiled at him. "Just a light dinner then we can come
back and relax. Then tomorrow," she
grinned. "I've got plans."

Speed
smiled a true smile, "Thank you."

Clara
shooed him, "Go wash up." She watched as Speed grabbed his bag and
headed into the bedroom, toward the bathroom. She turned and eyed the phone.
Waiting till she heard the shower going, she grabbed it and searched the
phonebook. She quickly wrote down the
number next to the entry Alexx (mom). She sat the phone back down and tucked
the piece of paper into her purse. While
Speed rested she was going to make a phone call.

~ Le Meurice ~

Eric
dropped his bag next to the bed and collapsed.
He had been running on pure adrenaline since, actually he had no idea
what time or day it was. He rolled over
onto his back then sat up. The room was
nice, a large room with a king size bed.
Horatio was slumped onto one of the couches his suit winkled, a day's
growth beard. He looked tired. Eric sighed, he was
the cause of this. He fell back onto the bed.

"Don't
even think about it," Horatio stated from the couch.

Eric
turned his head. "Think?"

"That
this is your fault," Horatio looked at him.

"Isn't
it?" Eric sat up.

"You
didn't tell Speed to run," Horatio pointed out.

"But
I pushed him into running," Eric ran a hand through his hair. "He
told me he was with someone, he asked me not to do this and I pushed."

Horatio
got up off the couch and moved towards Eric. "And he could have stayed or
come to me."

"I�"
Eric looked down suddenly tired. "I don't know what to do? Where do we
look? I'm not sure what to do when I see him. I'm debating between smacking him
or kiss him or fuck him senseless."

"All
three," Horatio grinned. He cupped
Eric's face. "Things happen for a reason." He kissed him lightly. He knew if they were to convince Speed, he
would have to believe they wanted each other.
"Let's get cleaned up, get some room service and a hotel
directory."

"Do
you think he's still in Paris?" Eric leaned into Horatio's touch. He was surprised how easily it was to take
comfort from the redhead.

"He's
only twelve hours ahead of us," Horatio stepped back and headed for the
bathroom. "I've got his credit
cards being watched, but so far he hasn't used any of them to check in to a
hotel."

"You
think he's hiking it?" Eric followed leaning up against the bathroom door
watching Horatio.

Horatio
slipped off his shirt and turned on the water. He turned to see Eric watching
him, lust in his eyes. "I don't know.
He could be paying cash.
According to his records he did stop by and withdraw a large
amount."

"So,
call all the hotels?" Eric sighed. "Should we call his cell phone
again?"

"Until
he answers it or we find him," Horatio looked at Eric, a decision made.
"Join me?"

"Is
this�" Eric motioned between them.

"Eric,
if we are going to have any chance to convince Speed to be in a relationship
with both of us. We have to be in one ourselves. He will hesitate if he feels or senses that
we aren't there for each other."
Horatio held out his hand.

"Are
we insane?" Eric asked as he pulled off his shirt. "I went from getting married to flying
across the world to convince a man I love to enter a triad?"

Horatio
laughed, "We probably are, but in the end�"

Eric
took his hand, "It's worth it.

~ Next Morning � Paris
~

Clara
grabbed her own cell phone, left a note for Speed and went down-stairs to the
small bakery they found the day before.
Yesterday they had spent the whole day touring; okay she dragged the boy
around making him translate. She could
see him gripping the phone all day, like he was debating on calling or
listening to the messages. She tried to
get him to relax a bit, but the closest she had gotten him to relax was when
they were in Tuilleries Gardens and he had sat quietly basking in the sun.

She
still hadn't gotten names out of him, but she had got the gest
of the tale. Unrequited love suddenly
getting married. A secret admirer steps
out from the shadows and woos him. Soon
he finds himself in love with both men, but realizes his admirer is the one
he'll spend his life with. Then the
unthinkable happens, the unrequited love shows up and it's not so
unrequited. Confusion prevails and he
runs not knowing what to do.

Fate
intervenes and lands him next to her.
Clara dialed the number.

'Woods residence,' a tired voice answered.

Clara
looked at her watch and cringed, it was three in the morning in Miami,
"I'm so sorry to call you so early.
Is this Alexx Woods?"

'Yes,' the voice became more alert. 'May I ask whose calling?'

"You
don�t know me, but we have someone in common," Clara explained.

'Speed?' Alexx asked fully awake.

"I
found him lost on an airplane," Clara explained.

'Is he okay?' Alexx questioned.

"He's
hurting, scared, confused, depressed," Clara admitted. "He's asleep
right now."

'Horatio and Eric should be in Paris,' Alexx informed her.

"The
elusive names," Clara smiled into the phone.

'Did he tell you what happened?' Alexx sighed.

"Yes,
but without the names. Let's see if I get this right; Horatio is the secret
admirer and Eric the unrequited groom?"

'Yep,' was the other's response. 'Got a pen
and paper?'

Clara
dug through her purse puling out her notebook and a pen, "Yeah."

Alexx gave her Horatio's cell number; Clara nodded as she wrote it
down. 'Take care of him.'

"Oh,
honey I will," Clara grinned. "He so easy to
mother."

'I know,' Alexx agreed. 'And he needs it.'

"When
I get to Miami we should have lunch," Clara had her write down her number.

'Great keep me informed.' Alexx said her goodbyes and hung up.

~ Louvre ~

Eric
sat down next to Horatio, "How the hell are we going to find him?"

Horatio
leaned forward his elbows resting on his knees, "I don't know. I tried
calling again, but it's turned off."

"Are
we sure he has it?" Eric asked frustrated.

"It
wasn't in his apartment," Horatio stood up turning toward Eric. "If
you were Speed where would you be?"

"Knowing
Speed," Eric sighed looking around. "Old bookstores, walking around
people watching�"

"He
probably got adopted by some old French lady," Horatio added snickering.

Eric
laughed right along with him, "Should we put out an ad. Seeking lost
American stray, scruffy, but likes to be cuddled."

Horatio
smiled brightly, "I've got a list of hotels. Let's start there."

Eric
stood up, slipped on his glasses, "That's a long list."

"Then
we should get started," Horatio pulled out the map and looked at the first
hotel on the list. "Let's go."

~ George V Hotel ~

Speed
looked out over the city. Night had
fallen, and the lights made the city seem like a new world. He picked up his phone and looked at the
display. He had now sixteen unheard
messages. He dialed his voicemail and
put the phone up to his ear.

'Timothy? Do you know where Eric is? This is his mother. He's got this notion that he's doesn't want to
marry Angela. Can you talk to him?'
Speed and almost clicked off the phone, but held on and listened to the rest.

'Hey.' He tensed even more at Eric's voice. 'Where are you? I got up
and you were gone.'

'Speedy? What's going on? I'm standing here with Calleigh and there's a
sign saying the wedding is off. Call me.' Alexx's voice soothed him a bit.

'Tim, where's Eric? What's going on? Call me.' Calleigh sounded
worried.

'Speed, baby. I'm not mad, please just call me.' Speed
gripped the phone tight hearing Horatio's voice sounding hurt.

'Honey,' Alexx's voice was soft. 'Call Horatio he's worried.'

'Speed man, I� God I screwed up didn't I? Just call please.' Tears began to fall at
Eric's sad voice.

'You bastard! How dare you ruin my son's life. I hope you rot in hell!' Speed slid to the
ground tears falling at the hateful words from Eric's mother.

'What is going on? Tim? Where are you? Look I don�t know what's going
on but Eric and Horatio are really upset and looking for you.' He could hear
Calleigh sigh. 'Please at least call me. I promise I wont' tell them where you
are if you don�t want me to. I'm worried. Call me.'

'Speed. I know you're in Paris. Please just call me. Running isn't the
answer.' Horatio pleaded with him. 'We're coming. Yes, Speed both of us. Call
me or even Alexx let us know you're okay.'

'Speedy, baby, you need to come home,' Alexx voice was calm. 'I know
you're scared but this isn't the way.'

'Speed, look I'm sorry. I should've listened or maybe I should have
held on more securely while we slept.' Eric laughed lightly. 'I'm with Horatio,
we're in Paris. Call us. Please honey,
look... we love you. Please.' Speed
wiped away the tears, head cocked as he listened to Eric.

'I know Eric just called, but God I just wanted to hear your voice in
the recording. I'm worried, I'm supposed to take care of you and I failed, I'm
sorry for that.' Speed closed his eyes and let his head lean against the wall.
'Just call or come to the Le Meurice that�s where we are at.'

'Timothy Speedle, you will call me. I am your mother!
Don't make me come out to Paris!' Speed grinned, he
just knew Alexx would do it.

'Mister Speedle, your books are ready for pick up,' Speed laughed in
all this emotional drama he would have a message for his book order he had been
waiting months for, it was a present for Horatio.

'Hi, Tim, it's Angela. Probably
the last one you want to hear from, but I had to call you. I'm sorry� you're probably wondering why,
because �because he was yours. Though I
don't think he knew it. I saw it you
know�that day. I saw it in your eyes how
much you loved him. How
much pain you were in. I tried to
ignore it, do the right thing, get married have kids� you know the normal
Catholic girl thing. But, as I stood
there that night practicing my vows I realized I would be lying, not just to
me, to Eric, but to God and I couldn�t do that�I told him to go to you. I didn't know about Horatio. God, I tried to
help and made things worse� Please just call Eric or Horatio - hell if you want
call me. Horatio isn't mad, and Eric � Just call please. Bye.'

Speed
clicked off the phone and let the tears come.
He didn't deserve them, but he wanted them. He needed to think. He left his phone in the hotel and went for a
walk to clear his head.

~
Le Meurice ~

There
was a knock on the door, both men jumped up and rushed to the door. Wondering
hoping that Speed had come to them. They
were a bit surprised to see an older woman.

She
smiled at them, "Going to invite me in?"

Eric
just looked at her, while Horatio grinned. "You adopted him?"

"Yes,
I did." She entered the room and moved towards the living room. "He
sat next to me on the plane."

Eric
closed the door grinning, "Should have gone with the ad in the
paper."

"Ma'am?" Horatio looked at her hands on his hips.

"You
must be Horatio and that makes you Eric," She held out her hand.
"Clara Wilson."

Horatio
shook her hand, "If you don�t mind�"

"Speed
doesn't know I'm here," She explained. "I got Alexx's number out of
his phone and she told me where you two were."

Eric
looked at Horatio then back to Clara, "Are you by any chance related to
her? That is something she would do."

"I
doubt it, though I feel a sort of kinship with her, after all we share a common
interest." Clara sat down on one of the chairs. "Speed's
happiness and well being."

"Which
is our goal," Horatio moved and sat down across from her. "How is
he?"

"Not
good," she answered honestly. "I have to blackmail to get him to
eat. He's depressed, miserable,
confused. He doesn't know what to
do."

"Please
tell us where is he?" Eric sat next to Horatio. "We just want to talk
�"

"He's
with me," Clara smiled. "It was fate that put him next to me. Before I tell you where he is, I have a few
questions."

"Sure,"
Horatio leaned back, liking this woman.
Wondering how Speed attracted such strong, motherly women, who would go
to hell and back to take care of him.
Let alone attack anyone who dare hurt him.

"What
are your intentions?" She looked squarely at both men. "If you intend
to hurt him in any way, you'll never see him."

'Damn,' Horatio thought, 'I'm not sure who's worse.'

Eric's
stammered, then looked at her. "Are you sure
you're not related to Alexx?"

Clara
smirked slightly. "Positive, though we have lunch plans when I get back to
Miami. So what are your intentions?"

"To
love him," Eric answered. "Never let him out of our sight."

"Both
of you?" her eyebrow rose.

"It
will be difficult and take time to adjust but yes, both of us." Horatio
leaned forward looking at her directly.

She
looked between the two men, leaned back. "We're at the George V Hotel.
He's resting, so he should be there when we get back."

Eric
sighed in relief, "Thank you."

~ George V Hotel ~

Speed
had been walking for hours. He knew he
was near the Louvre, but not sure exactly where. He looked up and chuckled dryly the, Pont des Arts � lover's bridge. Fitting in an ironic sort
of way.

He walked along the side
of it, stopping in the middle and leaning against the old stone looking out
towards the river. His head jerked up
when he thought he had heard Horatio's voice.
He snorted at the odds of finding Eric and Horatio out on a walk. He had a decision to make; subconsciously he
knew he had already made it. The Le
Meurice wasn't far from here.

"Speed," The voice was soft, caring, and
full of emotion.

Speed whipped around and stared in shock.
Horatio stood before him. He was
rumpled, tired, and in Speed's opinion the best thing he had ever seen. Speed choked back a sob and threw himself
into his lover's arms. Not caring about
anyone around them. Not caring about his
dignity or pride. He just hoped Horatio
would take him back.

Horatio tightened his grip around the young man's
waist. He felt the sobs wracking the
smaller frame. He just held him close,
whispering in his ear.

Speed pulled back, tears streamed down his cheeks, "I'm sorry... I'm so
sorry."

"Shh�baby,"
Horatio pulled him back into his arms. "I've got you now. It's okay."

"I� Eric�" Speed sagged against Horatio.
"I love you."

"I love you, too." Horatio breathed his
lover's scent in. He turned his head to
see Eric standing near-by with a sad smile.
Horatio motioned with his head, as he held out his hand.
Speed felt the movement and looked up to see Eric
walking towards them. He looked up at
Horatio, who gave him a small smile and kissed his forehead, "Trust me.
Trust us. Trust your heart."

Speed looked between the two men, then at Clara who
was wiping away tears of happiness. She shooed at him with a smile. Speed let go of Horatio and fell into Eric's
arms. Eric pulled him close. He thought he would never feel this again.
Never feel Speed in his arms.

"I'm sorry�" Eric whispered into his
hair.

"I� shouldn't have�" Speed just held onto
him.

"I love you," Eric kissed his temple.

Speed snuggled closer he could actually feel his
heart heal. "I love you, too."

Horatio smiled and pulled both men into his
arms. Kissing Eric's
temple and the top of Speed's head. "Let's go back to the hotel. I
think we have a lot of talking to do."

"I trust you," Speed pulled back and
looked at Horatio then Eric. "I'm not sure what's going on, but�"

"Promise you won't leave?" Eric voice
cracked. "You really scared me."

"I promise," Speed looked down in shame.

Horatio lifted his head up, "No more apologies."
He turned to Clara. "Mrs. Wilson�"

"Clara," she stepped forward. "You
two take care of him." She cupped Speed's cheek. "You let them."

Speed leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "I
will. I promise I'll take you the Palace of Versailles and translate."

"I'll hold you to it," Clara stepped back
and smiled at the three men. "But I don�t want to see you for the next few
days." She winked and headed back towards her hotel.

"How do you do it?" Eric asked, his arm
around Speed's waist holding him not letting go.

"Do what?" Speed asked, confused.

Horatio snickered, "Let's go." He led the three of them towards the
hotel.

"Do what?" Speed demanded.

The two men just laughed.

~ Le Meurice � Morning ~

Speed woke up content and warm. His head was laying
on Horatio's shoulder, the familiar heartbeat under his ear. He felt Eric shift slightly as he moved
closer to Speed, his arm draped across Speed's waist, landing on Horatio's
stomach. Speed shifted a bit, turning to
look at Eric. He really wasn't sure what
was going on, but right now he had never felt so loved.

They hadn't really talked the night before. By the time they had gotten him back up to
their room, Speed had practically collapsed from exhaustion. Horatio stripped him and got him into
bed. Speed whimpered when he had pulled
away. In the end both men just curled up
with him and fell asleep, letting their own exhausted bodies sleep.

Eric opened his eyes and smiled at Speed. "Hey," he whispered.

Speed shifted a bit, settling into Eric's arms,
"Hey."

"You still look tired," Eric smoothed
back the unruly black hair.

"It's been a long couple of days," Speed
buried his face into Eric's shoulder. "What happens now?"

"How about a shower, food, and then we
talk?" Horatio kissed the back of Speed's neck.

Speed turned back towards Horatio. "I�"

"Shush�not now." Horatio kissed him
softly. He got out of the bed and pulled
Speed with him. He pushed the young man
towards the bathroom swatting his bare backside. "Go get cleaned up. I'll set
some clothes and toiletries in there for you."

"You have my things?" Speed asked as he
walked towards the bathroom strutting slightly.

"Clara dropped them off," Horatio shook
his head at Speed's strutting.

"I should call her," Speed sighed.

"Shower," Horatio's tone wasn't one to
mess with.

"Fine," Speed closed the bathroom door.

"Eric, can you get his stuff and put it in the
bathroom?" Horatio asked as he called room service.

"To be honest, H," Eric got out of the
bed and pulled on his jeans. "If I go in there I'll be joining him."

Horatio looked over at the Cuban and smiled,
"Go join him."

Eric eyed him, "Alone?"

"Get him ready for me, maybe talking is over
rated," Horatio turned back to the phone, a slight blush on his face as
the room service attendant was snickering.

Eric laughed lightly as he entered the bathroom. He leaned up against the wall and watched
Speed. Speed had braced himself against
the shower wall letting the hot water cascade over his back. Eric quickly stripped and slipped into the
large walk-in shower.

Speed startled when he felt a pair of hands
caressing down his back. He didn't
recognize the touch so he knew it had to be Eric. He arched up and into Eric's touch, moaning
softly. Eric's hands rubbed the tense
muscles enjoying the feel of soft skin under his hands. Grinning he cupped Speed's ass and gave both
cheeks a squeeze. Speed yelped and
turned around, eyeing the grinning Cuban.

Eric turned serious and pulled Speed into his arms,
taking his mouth passionately. Speed
gripped his arms and opened up under the assault, dueling with Eric's
tongue. Eric slowly made a path down his
neck, taking in all the noises and responses Speed was making, cataloging them
away for future reference.

Speed eyes widened when he saw Eric drop down to
his knees. He moaned deep in his throat
when Eric took his hard cock into his mouth.
One of his hands slipped into the dark locks caressing as Eric licked
and sucked on the head. His other hand
gripped at the shower wall trying to get a grip. His knees buckled slightly when Eric took him
down his throat, a strong pair of arms held him up. He whimpered as his head fell back onto
Horatio's shoulder.

Horatio ran his hands up Speed's chest tweaking the
nipples. He bent down nibbling on his
neck. Speed turned his head and took Horatio's lips in a sensual kiss. Horatio found the soap, carefully breaching
Speed's tight hole. Speed pushed back on
the digit pulling deeper into his body. "H, please�" Speed moaned as
he felt two fingers begin to stretch him.

Speed was lost in sensation. His hard cock was enveloped in Eric's hot
mouth, his tongue doing things to him that were
turning his body to mush. Horatio's
fingers were teasing him, rubbing that one spot inside him. He was sobbing with need, wanting release,
but neither man giving it to him.

Speed cried out as Horatio entered him in one full
thrust. He was totally at their mercy;
Horatio fucked him while Eric was sucking on him like he was a tasty
lollipop. He was babbling in what
language he didn't know, all he knew he didn't want them to stop. He moaned deep in his throat, coming hard and
fast when Eric took him all the way down his throat. He felt Horatio thrust deep inside him,
stilling and groaning his name as he came.
The only thing holding him up was Eric's strong hands on his hips. The Cuban stood up and pulled the smaller man
against him, kissing him deeply. Speed
hands began to travel down Eric's chiseled chest and flat stomach, reaching for
Eric's member. A strong hand caught his.

"Already taken care of," Eric kissed the
fingertips. "Just seeing Horatio
taking you had me coming hard."

Speed looked at him, a small blush on his face,
"Wow."

"Okay, everyone cleanup and out of the shower
the waters getting cold," Horatio leaned over and kissed Eric softly. He gave Speed a quick kiss before pulling him
back under the water and washing him down.
Speed just let him rinse him off and get him out of the shower. He enjoyed it when Horatio took care of
him. He laughed when the two of them
towel dried him, he hadn't felt this good in a long time. The three quickly got dressed and headed into
the sitting area. Speed sat down on the
couch and looked at the two men he loved more than life itself. He would never tell him how dark his thoughts
had been; Clara probably saved his life.

Horatio knelt down in front of Speed, taking his
hands in his own. "Speed," he kissed the tips of the fingers. "Do you understand what's going
on?"

Speed nodded slightly, "The three of us?"
Eric sat down next to him slipping his arm around his waist, pulling him
close. Speed's head rested on Eric's
shoulder. "Why?"

"We love you," Eric kissed the top of his
head.

"You shouldn't," Speed closed his eyes,
his doubts and insecurities coming back. "I'm nothing but trouble."

"Don't say that," Horatio squeezed his
hands. "You're worth more to me than life."

Speed looked at him, "I don't know what to do?
I want this," he gestured to both men. "But�what happens if someone
finds out? Or if�"

"If what?" Eric asked.

"One of you decides they don't want to deal
with it anymore," Speed tried to pull away but both men held on to
him. "You can't tell me the two of
you are okay with this?"

"We are," Eric began.

"How?"
Speed struggled pulling out of their grasps. He turned and looked at Horatio,
"You're okay with bring Eric into our
relationship? That's what it comes down to.
I mean�God, as much as I love you Eric�" Speed choked.
"Horatio was there for me. He
fought for me, and how do I repay that�" Speed leaned against the
wall. "Eric, when you came to me
that night I wanted you, I wanted nothing more to crawl back into that
bed. At the same time I wanted to run to
Horatio. I'm so confused�I don't want to hurt either of you or worse end up
completely alone."

Horatio stood up and walked over to him, "I
won't lie and tell you I'm in love with Eric and this will all work out
perfectly. There will be some
adjustments, things we have to work out, but I'm willing to try. He loves you, I love you, and I know you,
Speed, your heart screams out to both of us." He pulled Speed into his
arms. "Remember that day I told you never to apologize for the fact you
loved Eric or that part of you still loved Andrew. You have a big heart, you hide it under that
scruffy no care attitude, but its there."

"He's right," Eric walked up, his hand
slipping into Speed's hair. "As unbelievable as this
sounds, I feel no jealousy towards Horatio. I know he loves you with everything he is,
and you love him. Like, I know I love you with everything I am; and you love
me. You love us differently, like we
love you differently." He looked at Horatio. "I care about H, and
I've always valued his friendship. A
relationship with him isn't a hardship, besides he's sexy as hell."

Speed chuckled into Horatio's shoulder, he looked
up, "That's true."

"Face it, Speed, we aren't giving you
up," Horatio leaned forward and kissed him. "We've got a few more
days before we have to get back to Miami.
Let's take these days and get to know each other."

"I have to take Clara to the Palace of
Versailles," Speed wiped the tears away.

"Hell we all owe her," Eric smiled
ruffling Speed's hair. "Only you would find someone to mother you on an
airplane heading to France."

"I'm cute and adorable," he batted his
eyelashes.

"Damn," Eric looked at Horatio.
"Does that work?"

Horatio groaned, "Yeah and he knows it."

~ Miami � A week later ~

Speed walked up the steps to the lab a smile on his
face. The last few days in Paris had
been wonderful; they had really opened up and talked. He knew they were going to run into problems,
but for the first time ever, he really felt secure. He had no reason to run. He looked up to see Clara talking with Alexx;
then again maybe he did.

"That is just wrong," Speed looked
between the two women.

"Speed," Alexx walked down the steps and
kissed him on the cheek. "How are things?"

"Good," He eyes Clara. "So you two
have met?"

"We've been chatting on the phone for a
while," Clara smiled at him, giving him another kiss.

"Is there a sign above my head that says
'Needs Mothering'?" Speed asked, shaking his head.

Alexx rolled her eyes as she fixed his collar,
"Don't be silly."

"You're our boy," Clara finished
smoothing down his hair.

"I'm doomed," Speed groaned.

"Speedle," Stetler walked up with a
sneer. "It's good to see you back after your sudden disappearing
act."

"Stetler," Speed narrowed his eyes at
him. "Personal business�"

"Excuse me," Clara smiled brightly at
Rick. Alexx and Speed just stared at
her. "Who are you?"

Speed smirked, "I'm sorry Clara this is Rick
Stetler, and he's IAB."

She held out her hand, "I'm Clara Wilson. Did
you know my husband Judge Charles Wilson?
He was a District Judge before he died last year. My son, bless his soul
is following daddy's footsteps and is a District Attorney, Simon Wilson? Have
you met him?"

Speed stared at Clara mouth dropped. "Simon,
he's your son? Nice guy."

"Thanks," She smiled coldly at Stetler,
"And my Samantha, her husband Captain Gregory Thompson, he's in law enforcement
also. It runs in the family. Andrea, my youngest girl is moving up the
ranks in her law firm, Stanly and Rogers."

Alexx beamed, "My husband works for Stanly and
Rogers, what section is she in?"

"Civil suits, specializes in harassment
cases," Clara beamed at Speed. "You will have to come over for a
Saturday barbeque, bring your friends."
She turned back to Stetler. "It was nice meeting you Mr. Stetler,
Alexx I'll talk with you later. Bye." Clara walked down the steps to her
car. She waved as she got into her car.

Stetler growled and stalked off.

Speed watched Clara drive away, "I think I
love her." Alexx smacked him. "Ow! I love
you too."

She beamed at him, "Now tell me all about
Paris." The two walked arm in arm
into the building.

"It was great," Speed sighed. "For
the first time in my life Alexx, I'm really happy."

"I can tell, honey," She smiled at him.

~ The End ~
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