Title: Secret Admirer
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRM
Disclaimer: I don’t own them. Various Executives, Producers and CBS own them. I’m not making any money, just borrowing them and will return them back to the lab in short order.
Summary: Speed as a secret admirer.
Beta: Calypso
Author's Note: PEJA set out a challenge for Valentines, it started as a sweet innocent little story between Horatio and Speed – then Sam corrupted it blame her…
Genre: Slash/Threesome
Challenge: 100 Situations Horatio/Speed/Eric
Prompt: #5 - Day
Word Count: 8012

~February 8th ~

Speed couldn't help but stare at the red rose; after all it was on his desk. He had every intention to get through the stack of case files on his desk that needed to be signed and closed, but the item on his desk had him completely distracted. A crystal cut vase holding a single perfect red rose. For the past five minutes he had done nothing but stare at it, and was still staring at it when Alexx walked into the lab looking for him. He cocked his head to get a better look at it, willing it to tell him its secrets, like who left it there, and was completely oblivious to Alexx's presence.

"What you got there, sugar?" Alexx asked curiously. She couldn't help but grin at Speed's utter amazement at the single rose.

"Someone's sick idea of a joke," Speed pushed at it with a pencil. "I don't do flowers."

Alexx tried not to laugh, "Speed it's a rose, not some disgusting piece of evidence."

"What's not a disgusting piece of evidence?" Calleigh asked the two as she walked up. She gasped, "Someone's got an admirer."

"Shut up Calleigh," Speed picked up the vase carefully.

"They leave a note?" Calleigh asked sitting on his desk.

"No," Speed looked down at his desk, then back at the rose.

"Ohh, a secret admirer," Calleigh winked over at Alexx. "You know Valentines Day is only a week away."

Speed growled, "Probably someone just made a mistake, got the wrong desk."

Alexx looked around the room, "Speed, honey, yours is the only desk in here."

"Then the wrong lab," Speed set the vase back down onto the desk. "It was probably meant for Calleigh."

Calleigh looked over at him, "Tim you can't mistake the Trace lab for the Ballistics lab."

"It's not for me," Speed stood up and headed back into the lab. "Why would someone send me a rose?"

"Maybe, just maybe, as shocking as this may sound," Calleigh commented as she followed him. "Someone might actually like you. Seeing past the whole gruff, don't mess with me because I'm a real bastard."

"Don't hold back for my sake," Speed shot back over his shoulder.

"I think it's sweet," Alexx smiled at Speed, who rolled is eyes. "Here's the report on your drowning victim, except she didn't drown." Alexx handed him the folder then headed back down to the morgue.

Speed looked over the folder, "Want to take a ride with me?"

"Where to?" Calleigh asked as they headed out of the lab.

"I think I know where our victim was killed," Speed smiled at her.

~*~

"Wait; let me get this straight, the ex-girlfriend's mother killed the new girlfriend, so her daughter could get back together with her ex?" Eric clarified, as they walked out to the parking lot, heading home for the day.

Speed nodded, "The daughter is in shock. She was the one who dumped the guy."

"That's just amazing," Eric shook his head. "Half the time my mom wants to kill me for my ex's."

"Well that's not hard to figure out why," Speed stopped and looked at his bike. "You've got to be kidding me."

"What?" Eric looked over at the bike. There was a heart shaped box sitting on the seat, "Ohhh, a present."

Speed tried hard not to roll his eyes. The box was covered with red velvet, and had a red bow accent in the middle of the heart. He picked it up, gave it a quick shake before opening it. "Wow," Speed was impressed, dark chocolate truffles from Switzerland.

"What?" Eric looked over Speed's shoulder, "Sweet, chocolate." He snagged a piece.

"Hey," Speed bucked back, pushing Eric away, "my chocolate." Not many people knew about his addiction to dark chocolate.

Eric grinned, as he popped the piece into his mouth, "So who got you the chocolate?"

"Eat with your mouth closed," Speed glared at Eric. He shut the lid over the chocolates storing it away in his backpack.

Eric leaned up against his truck, "So…."

"So…what?" Speed mounted his bike.

"Who got you the chocolate?" Eric shook his head, it was like pulling teeth. He would really hate to actually question Speed in an investigation. The man could talk you in circles and never actually answering a question.

"No note," Speed clicked on the ignition.

"Secret Admirer," Eric grinned. "I bet it's that cute receptionist that keeps smiling at you."

Speed looked at him eyebrows raised, "Tina? Who's married with two kids?"

"She's married?" Eric asked stunned.

Speed shook his head, as he took off out of the parking lot leaving a confused Eric behind.

~February 9th~

Speed dropped onto the bench in front of his locker, tired and in dire need of some coffee. He pulled off his jacket and opened his locker door. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, blinked again, but the card hadn't disappeared. He picked up the red rose that was lying on top; smelled its simple fragrance and set it on the bench, with a slight smile on his face. Reaching back in, he picked up the card and read the calligraphy words.

Is istigh ionatsa atá mo chroí
Is leatsa atá mo bhaile

Is tusa an ceol i mo chroí, atá á chanadh ag míle aingeal.
Is tusa an anáil i mo scamhóga, atá dom' choinneáil beo.

Go dtuga an ghaoth mo chroí léi go dtí do chroíse go dtí go bhfilleann tú ar ais chugam.


"What do you have there?" Speed jumped at the voice, "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

Speed looked over at the grinning redhead, "H, what are you doing in here?"

"Trying to get your attention for the past five minutes," Horatio looked across the locker room then back at Speed. "What can have you so thoroughly enthralled that you're this preoccupied?"

"Nothing," Speed set the card back into the locker.

Horatio leaned up against the lockers, "I've never seen you smile like that."

Speed blushed slightly and looked down, "Someone left a rose and card in my locker."

"Oh really," Horatio peered into the locker, "Secret admirer?"

"Looks like it," Speed shrugged.

"Can I see it?" Horatio asked. Speed handed him the card. Horatio eyebrows furrowed, "What language is this?"

"Gaelic," Speed informed him as he finished putting away his stuff and pulled out his lab coat.

"You can read this?" Horatio looked at him, thoroughly impressed.

"My grandmother taught it to me," Speed took the card out of Horatio's hand.

"What does it say?" Horatio asked eyes dancing with humor.

Speed sighed, "You're going to bug me until I tell you aren't you?" Speed accused.

"No," Horatio shrugged. "I'll just tell Alexx."

Speed cocked his head and glared at the grinning redhead, "Fine. It translates roughly to:

My heart is in you.
My home is with you.

You are the song in my heart, sung by a thousand angels.
You are the breath in my lungs, that which keeps me alive.

May the wind carry my heart to yours until you return to me."

"It's beautiful," Horatio smiled, "Sounds serious, any idea who it's from?"

"No idea," Speed put the card away and closed his locker door.

"Sounds like a mystery," Horatio stood away from the lockers. "And speaking of mysteries, we got a DB downtown slumped over their coffee."

~*~

"I don't know what's worse," Speed slumped into the break room couch, "Finding out the victim was murdered or just stupid."

"What happened?" Eric asked from the table.

"Our victim, kept the rat poison next to the creamer," Speed grinned as Calleigh double-checked the creamer before pouring it into her coffee. "He poisoned himself."

"Darwin award," Eric muttered before taking a bite of his sandwich. "By the way, a package came for you." Eric threw a FedEx envelope at him, "you're secret admirer strikes again."

Calleigh grinned, "Gifts two days in a row. Someone really likes you."

Speed glared at her as he opened up the package, a sheet of paper slipped out and into his hands. He knew he was turning bright red, but his eyes were glued to the words on the page.

"I've never seen him that red before," Calleigh looked over at Eric.

"What does it say?" Eric asked enjoying Speed's blushing.

"It's indecent for mixed company," Speed stood up and head for the door.

"Oh no you don't," Calleigh jumped up, cutting off his retreat. She grabbed the piece of paper and quickly hid behind Eric. She grinned then looked down at the paper, "oh God, that's graphic."

"Can I have it back now?" Speed held out his hand.

"No," Calleigh kept reading. "Do you really have a tattoo?"

"None of your business," Speed glared at her.

"What? Oh come on tell me," Eric pleaded with Calleigh.

"And I quote, 'I want to taste your essence. I want to wrap my mouth around your hard weeping cock. I want to hear you moan in pleasure with your head thrown back in passion, your back arched as I swallow you whole. I want to wrap my legs around your waist as you thrust into me. I want to see your eyes darken with lust as you lose yourself plundering my body. I want you to mark me as yours…." Calleigh stopped suddenly looking over at the open door, "Hi Alexx."

"What the hell are you reading?" She asked staring at the occupants of the room.

Eric coughed slightly, shifting in his chair, "Speed got a love letter."

Alexx glanced over at an extremely embarrassed Speed, "Love letter?"

"Well it was a letter," Speed grabbed the note out of Calleigh's hand and stormed out of the break room.

"Excuse me," Calleigh headed for the door, "I need a cold shower."

"Tell me about it," Eric muttered downing the rest of his coke willing his body to calm down.

~February 10th~

Speed wasn't sure if he wanted to go into work, he was afraid of what he might find. He snuck into the building through the back door, childish and paranoid yes, he knew. Hours had gone by, before he realized there was a small package sitting at the edge of the lab table. He looked around the lab but no one was in sight. Had he been that preoccupied that he didn't hear anyone come in or was it there when he got into work and just didn't see it.

He stalked around the small package looking at it from every angle. He slipped some gloves on, and then picked it up carefully examining it. Sighing he set it back down a few minutes later, no fingerprints. He pulled off the gloves and threw them away. He left the package on the corner.

"Another one?" Alexx whistled, "Some one is really wooing you."

Speed glanced over at her, "I hate surprises."

"What's this one?" Alexx picked up the package, "You haven't opened it."

"No, I haven't," Speed looked down through the microscope. "I actually do have cases to work on."

"Can I open it for you?" Alexx asked as she picked at the corners of the wrapping.

Speed chuckled, "You sure you want to after the 'love letter'?"

"It can't be that bad," Alexx eyed the package in her hands. "Can it?"

Speed straightened up and looked over at her, "Let's find out."

Alexx grinned handing him the package, "Any ideas who it is?"

"No," Speed answered as he un-wrapped the gift. He grabbed a knife from his tool kit and sliced through the tape. He found a bottle of eucalyptus oil with sage and a small note.

Alexx grabbed the bottle of oil eyeing it appreciatively, "This is expensive stuff. What does the note say?"

"I watch you bend over the microscope every day, let me help you unwind with a back massage this Valentines Day," Speed read the note allowed.

Alexx handed him the bottle back, "Definitely someone from the lab."

"Could be anyone," Speed looked around the lab wondering who it was. He looked up to see Horatio watching them from his office. Speed glanced around the Trace lab then back up to Horatio's office – it couldn't be.

~*~

Speed was lost in thought most of the afternoon, trying to put the pieces together of who was sending him the gifts. They were so diverse – sensual and romantic. As he checked in the last of the ordered supplies, he reached down to grab the clipboard when his hand hit a small package. He looked down; he really needed to start paying attention to his surroundings.

"Looks like I showed up just in time," Calleigh grabbed the package out of Speed's hand. "Small, hopefully it's not another note."

"You're the one that read it out loud." Speed grinned at her. He sure as hell wasn't going to tell her about his night with that note, how he had jacked off over the descriptive words.

She blushed slightly, "Well it was very uh, how should I, put it…"

"Erotic?" Speed finished for her.

"I was going to say descriptive," She tossed the paper off to the side. "Shall we?"

"Go ahead," Speed leaned against the table he had been sorting supplies on.

Calleigh smiled as she opened the small box, and then blushed. She looked up at Speed, "So, is there something you want to tell me?"

"What?" Speed leaned forward curious.

She held up a small ring up for him to see, "So which nipple is pierced?"

Speed's mouth dropped, he reached for the delicate ring, "Who says I have one pierced?"

"Why else would someone send you a nipple ring?" Calleigh asked hands on her hips. "Your admirer is very forward."

"You have no idea," Speed fingered the piece of jewelry. This didn't fit with the massage oil, or the rose. He looked up at Calleigh, "What if it's not the same person?"

"What?" Calleigh asked shocked.

"You saw the first gift; this doesn't fit along those lines." He held up the ring to emphasize his point. "I get a love poem in my locker and a sex offer later in the day – it doesn't fit. Besides only a few people know about this…"

"So you do have one pierced, which one?" She grinned at him.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Speed smirked at her. He looked down at the ring, only a few knew about the ring – one in particular. This was becoming too surreal, Eric and Horatio?

~February 11th~

Speed walked into the break room to a grinning Alexx and Calleigh. He followed their line of sight to see a cupcake sitting in the middle of the table with a small card with his name on it, "Well at least it's edible."

"I think it's sweet," Alexx cooed. "Someone is really working hard on this, a rose, massage oils, love notes and now a cupcake."

Eric walked into the break room pulled in by all the commotion, "What's up?"

Calleigh grinned at Speed, "Speed got another gift. This time it's a homemade cupcake."

Eric stared at the cupcake – a white cake covered in pink frosting topped off with a candy heart that said 'be my valentine'. He glared at the offending piece of dessert – he didn't send it. And if he didn't send it, who did? He wasn't thrilled with the idea of competition. He had worked hard to set up the gifts; coming up with new and unique ways of getting Speed worked up.

He narrowed his eyes at the pink atrocity willing it to give up its' secrets, when Horatio walked into the break room, "Another gift?" He smiled over at Speed. "That's what, one a day?"

Speed grumbled, looking at the cupcake, "Now if I can just figure out who."

"You're a CSI, I'm sure you can figure it out," Alexx patted him on the shoulder as she walked out.

"The problem is that the gifts are diverse," Speed leaned back in his chair, "It's almost as if there are two different people, one romantic and the other more daring."

"Throwing you off the scent?" Calleigh suggested a smile on her face. "They know you're an investigator."

"True, if it's someone in the lab they will try to make it more difficult," Speed nodded. He picked up the cupcake, and popped the candy heart into his mouth; then slowly licked off the frosting enjoying each lick. He finished the rest of it off in two bites. He licked each finger making sure to get all of the frosting. He glanced over at Calleigh as he stood up and washed his hands in the sink. "Speaking of investigations, you got my ballistics report?"

"Course I do," Calleigh jumped up from her chair, following Speed out the door.

Eric and Horatio stood across the room from each other, still stunned over Speed's display with the cupcake.

Eric looked over at Horatio; "I had no idea you could bake," Eric crossed his arms in front of him.

Horatio raised an eyebrow, then shrugged, "That was the only one that looked half way decent. Nipple ring?"

Eric grinned, "Have you seen his?"

"No," Horatio frowned, "but I have seen the tattoo."

Eric leaned back against the counter, "now what?'

A sly grin crept onto Horatio's face, "team up?"

Eric smirked, "Oh this just got interesting."

~*~

Speed walked into the locker room with Calleigh in tow, "Wonder what Eric has in store for today?" Speed opened his locker door to grab his lab coat when a small package dropped onto the floor, "Looks like we're going to find out."

Calleigh sat down on the bench grinning, "Are you going to let them know that you know?"

"And ruin the fun?" Speed smirked at her, "No way." A small piece of black silk fell into his hands as he opened the package.

"What the…" Speed unfolded the material, blushing softly.

"Silk boxers," Calleigh whistled, "Oh wait, silk see-through boxers."

"Indecent as hell," Speed grinned.

"Aren't you worried you will have to choose?" Calleigh asked; a bit concerned that someone could end up hurt at the end.

Speed shook his head no as he put the boxers back into his locker, "They're smart boys," Speed smiled at her encouragingly. "They'll figure out they're competing with each other, and if I know Horatio's twisted mind...They'll team up." Speed winked at her.

Calleigh gasped and blushed, "Oh that's so not fair." She paused, looked around then leaned forward, "I want details later."

"I don't kiss and tell," Speed whispered back. "And if this works I'll be too worn out to say anything."

Calleigh stepped back swatting Speed on the shoulder, "Who thought you would be so...."

"Devious?" Speed answered as they walked back to their respective labs.

"Sex starved," Calleigh mouthed back. "It's not fair all the hot guys are getting it on and I'm getting nothing..."

"If you're good..." Speed smirked as he entered the trace lab, leaving her behind in the hallway gaping at him.

~February 12th~

Speed had actually looked forward to coming into work, two more days left to Valentines Day. He had a few plans of his own to set into motion. If it all worked out, the weekend would be one hell of a weekend. Hopefully it will lead to more than just a weekend.

When he had first started working at the lab he had fallen in lust over Horatio Caine in about five minutes. It had taken him that same five minutes to figure out he was way out of his league. So over the years he worked at maintaining a decent friendship with the man. It wasn't until recently he realized he had fallen in love with him. He never made a move nor would he ever, Horatio's friendship was too important.

Eric had surprised him. When Horatio had introduced him, he got lost in the dark brown eyes. He couldn't figure out how, he off all people, Mister Detached, fell in love with two people – two very distinct people. Eric was just Eric – loving, caring, full of youth and hope. Something Speed wondered if he ever had. The two of them had hit it off, finding an easy banter and routine between them.

Once he had come to terms with his own emotions, he buried them deep down and just enjoyed having them in his life. He never would have guessed or expected these turn of events. Hopefully no one would get hurt through all this, he wouldn't want to see either of them hurt or rejected. He knew he would walk away from Miami to keep that from happening. The thought alone made his heart ache.

Calleigh couldn't stop grinning or blushing at him. The two were working a car accident off the turnpike. He shook his head as he set his kit down; he pulled up his flashlight shining it up under the car.

"Looks like we got some serious damage on the axel," Speed called out. "They must have hit something hard."

"I got blood," Calleigh called out from her side of the vehicle.

"Hit and run?" Speed asked as he opened his kit. "Hit someone then…."

Calleigh looked up realizing Speed had trailed off and didn't finish his sentence, "Tim?" She walked around the car to see if he was all right, "Tim?"

He looked up at her, holding up two silk scarves that were blood red in one hand, and a dark black velvet blindfold in the other.

"Not your standard equipment for a forensic kit," Calleigh commented swallowing. "I guess you were right about one thing."

"What?" Speed wrapped up the delicate material back into the box they were in.

"They teamed up," Calleigh grinned at him. "I think you're in big trouble."

"Oh yeah," Speed smiled.

~February 13th~

Calleigh walked into the Ballistics lab a bit shocked to see Speed sitting by her desk holding a package in his hands. She hesitated, a step, "Do I want to be here for this?"

Speed looked up over at her, "Probably not, but I don't want to be alone when I open it."

"Why?" She asked as she sat on top of her desk eyeing the package.

"I found it outside my front door," Speed looked at the package, "and it's heavy." He held it out to Calleigh.

She took it out of his hands weighing it, "Familiar weight."

"That's what scares me," Speed took it back from her.

Calleigh looked around the room, "Want me to open it?"

"Do you really want to?" Speed smirked at her.

"Ah no," She blushed. "It's bad enough I can barely look at those two without blushing."

Speed untied the bow and lifted the lid off the box. His mouth dropped at the items inside the box. Speed held up a pair of handcuffs, "Wonder if they're department issued."

Calleigh leaned over to get a peak into the box. Her hand covered her mouth, eyes wide, "Oh God is that what I think it is?"

Speed set the handcuffs down on her desk and picked up the gold ring, "If you're thinking it doesn't go on my finger, then yeah."

Calleigh turned bright red, "I don't want to know what happens this weekend." She jumped off the desk, "I'm going to the locker room."

Speed grinned at her, "Why?"

She glared at him, "I'm never going to be able to look at Horatio again with out thinking about…" She waved towards the ring Speed was holding, "that." Calleigh ran out of the lab mumbling to herself about psychotic CSI's.

"Calleigh are you okay?" Horatio asked as he stepped up to her.

Calleigh looked down; she knew her face was going red. "I'm fine," she mumbled.

Horatio cocked his head to the side, "Have you seen Speed?"

Calleigh looked back at the lab, and then made the mistake of looking up at Horatio. She blushed harder, "He was opening his latest gift in the lab." She was amazed at how calm she sounded, not one squeak.

"Really," Horatio smiled. "What did he get this time?

Calleigh closed her eyes, willing the images to go away, "A ring." There was that squeak, "I gotta go." She took off down the hallway.

Horatio watched her leave, he turned to see Speed walking out of the Ballistics lab, "Speed, you got a minute."

"Sure H," Speed stopped and turned towards him. "What do you need?"

"Discuss the Reynolds case with you," Horatio explained as the two walked down the hall.

"My gut is telling me the brother did it. I'm just having a hard time finding the proof." Speed informed him, easily falling into the routine of the job.

~*~

Horatio looked up at the knock at his office door, "Come in." Alexx walked into the office a smile on her face. "Hey Alexx, what can I do for you?"

"You two got a minute?" She asked as she closed the door.

"Eric and I were just going over the evidence for the Campbell murder before the trial next week," Horatio looked down at the folder on his desk.

"I'm glad you're both here," Alexx looked between the two men, "Because I'm only going to say this once."

"Alexx?" Eric asked shocked, a bit taken back at her tone.

"If you hurt him, I'll take you both down." Alexx's tone indicated she wasn't kidding and to take the threat seriously. "I mean it. If this is a game to you two, back off now. But if you're serious and want to make this work – you have my blessing. He needs all the love he can get."

"We're serious," Horatio looked her in the eyes indicating his sincerity. "We talked, we're both in love with him, and his happiness is the main goal."

"We're just hoping he wants us," Eric added his voice showing his insecurity.

"That I have no doubt of," Alexx looked between the two men. "Though I think you two have completely mortified Calleigh. She can't even look at you two without blushing."

"Is that why she ran off?" Horatio asked trying not to laugh.

"She saw you're latest gift," Alexx shook her head. "By the way, he knows it’s the two of you."

"We figured he would," Eric leaned back in his chair. "Not many people knew about his nipple ring."

"Basically you and me," Alexx shook her head.

"How did you two find out?" Horatio asked curious.

"After the club fire, I saw him change out of his dress shirt," Eric explained. "He had been wearing a stud at that time. When I asked him about it, he told me he had gotten it as a dare."

Alexx smiled, "truth and dare. And that's all you're getting out of me." She headed for the door. "Take care of him."

Horatio smiled at her, "We will."

~February 14th – Valentines Day~

Speed opened the door and stared at the delivery man, "You've got to be kidding."

The delivery man looked at his clipboard then back at Speed, "Timothy Speedle?"

"Yeah," Speed looked at the large bouquet of red roses.

"Then these are for you," he handed them to Speed and headed back down the walkway.

Speed closed the door behind him as he walked back into his living room. He set the flowers down on the coffee table eyeing them carefully. He opened the card curious to what it will say.

Pack a small bag, a limo will pick you up at six. H & E

"Well at least they're not hiding it." Speed looked down at the card, "Six that gives me some time to get ready."

Another knock startled him; Speed turned and looked at the door, "Now what?" He walked over to the door opening it, "Yes."

"Timothy Speedle?" Another delivery man asked.

"Yeah," Speed answered a bit hesitantly.

"This is for you," The young man handed him a large rectangle box. "Sign here please."

Speed set the box down on the floor and signed the form, "Thanks."

"Happy Valentines Day," the delivery man smiled at him.

Speed grabbed the box and shut the door, "okay, should I open you?" He eyed the box carefully. He carried it into the dining room setting it on the table. He untied the bow and lifted the lid, then whistled. "Nice threads."

He fingered the suit, admiring the texture and feel of the fabric, "Definitely H." There was a small note on top of the suit. "Wear me," Speed smiled, "Gee H, I've already got an outfit for tonight. Can't let you to dictate everything now, can I?"

~ 6pm ~

Speed sat in the back of the limo watching the scenery go by. He knew that whatever happened tonight would change everything. He would either by lying between them content with life or on a flight out of Miami with a broken heart. He had taken the afternoon and relaxed, trying not to get nervous or let the anxiety set in. When the limo arrived he closed the door and didn't look back, afraid he would bolt and lock himself in the bathroom.

He looked down at his attire, once he figured who was sending him the gifts he had gone out and found the perfect outfit. He might look scruffy at work, but it didn't mean he had no clue about clothes. He just preferred to be comfortable while working a crime scene or in the lab.

He figured they had a romantic dinner planned; they wouldn't risk the three of them being out in public, especially on a Saturday night, on Valentines Day. He looked down at his outfit a small smile on his face; he figured they would like it.

The limo stopped at a secluded beach house. The door opened and Speed stepped out, the driver handed him his bags. Speed walked up to the front door, barely noticing the limo leaving. He set the bags down by the front door, and followed the lit path to the back. There was a table set for three, candles were lit and scattered throughout the back porch. Tikki torch lamps lined a second path from the house to the beach, illuminating the beach in a soft glow.

He stepped up onto the porch listening for movement. The sliding glass door was open; soft jazz music began to filter out to the porch. He leaned up against the door-jam just watching. Horatio was in the kitchen preparing last minute items for dinner. Eric was at the stereo selecting music for the evening. They had no idea he was there, there was little traffic; the driver had made good time.

Eric turned his eyes catching Speed leaning in the doorway; he dropped the stack of CD's that was in his hands.

Speed smiled, eyes boring into Eric's, "Problem?" he asked, smirking.

Horatio stepped out from the kitchen, "We weren't expecting you for another…" He stopped taking in Speed's attire.

Speed grinned; he could tell by their reactions the outfit was perfect. He was wearing soft black leather pants that molded to his body - leaving nothing to the imagination, accented by a purple silk shirt that clung to his chest and stomach. He had black leather cuffs on his wrists, and no shoes. He purposely didn't shave, giving him a slight un-kept scruffy look, and had run his hands through his hair to give it that 'I've just been fucked look'. "Do I pass inspection?"

"Shit, Speed," Eric moaned eyes taking in everything. "If I knew you had that in your closet I would have done this a whole lot sooner."

"It's something I normally don't wear to crime scenes," Speed smirked at him.

"That's a good thing," Horatio breathed. "Scenes wouldn't get processed."

"So I take it you like," Speed stepped into the room arms spread out, pulling the shirt open to reveal the nipple ring.

Horatio got to him first, pulling him into his arms groaning has he claimed Speed's lips in a fierce kiss. Speed opened his mouth to the onslaught encouraging him with small whines and pants. Speed's head dropped back when he felt a second set of hands caress his leather covered hips, which then moved up under his shirt. Eric nuzzled his neck nipping and kissing along the collar bone. Speed turned his head; Eric kissed him passionately tasting Horatio on Speed's lips. Horatio stepped back as Eric pulled Speed closer to him, his hand cupping Speed's ass.

"I could stand here and watch you two all night, but I cooked and expect the food to be eaten," Horatio smiled at the two young men.

Speed pulled away from Eric, his lips swollen, "I didn't know you could cook."

"I can cook one thing," Horatio informed him as he walked back into the kitchen. "And that's what you're getting."

Speed followed him into the kitchen, Eric holding him from behind, "How did you know I spoke Gaelic?"

"You speak Gaelic?" Eric shifted as he looked at Speed.

"Not fluently, well not as much as I would like." Speed smiled at him. "My grandmother was from Ireland and taught me when I was a child."

"You muttered it in your sleep," Horatio pulled the lamb roast out of the oven.

Speed blushed looking down at the floor, "What did I say?"

"You said my name, the rest was in Gaelic," Horatio smiled at him. "I don't know what you said, but recognized a few words. I found the poem and this great webpage that translates English to Gaelic."

"Say something in Gaelic," Eric asked nuzzling Speed's neck.

Speed smiled, "Lá Fhéile Vailintín Sona Duit." Eric's eyes darkened as Speed spoke.

"Happy Valentines Day," Horatio translated. He shrugged at Speed's surprised look, "I've been learning."

"Táim i ngrá leat," Speed whispered, his head down. "Both of you." (I'm in love with you – Gaelic)

Speed felt Eric's arm tighten around his waist. Horatio lifted his chin up blue eyes met brown. "Táim i ngrá leat." He took Speed's lip in a soft caress.

"Я нахожусь в влюбленности с вами," Eric whispered into Speed's ear. (I'm in love with you – Russian)

Speed groaned into Horatio's kiss, his body grinding against Eric. Speed's hand slipped into Horatio's hair pulling the man closer, deepening the kiss. He felt Eric's hand travel between both men, touching and inflaming their bodies. Horatio's hand slid under Speed's shirt, his mouth following a path down Speed's jaw line to his neck. Eric took advantage and claimed Speed's lips, his tongue seeking entrance. Speed's knees buckled, it took Eric and Horatio to hold him up.

Horatio pulled back a smile on his face, "Have you eaten?" Speed shook his head no, not trusting himself to speak. "Let's have dinner and talk."

Eric led Speed back out to the porch, "Any other surprises?" Eric asked him as the two sat down.

"You're the ones full of surprises," Speed smiled at him.

Eric grinned at him, "Well that's true." He got up and grabbed the bottle of champagne that was chilling near by, "I mean any…well actually," he sat down not quite sure what he was asking. "I just want to know more about you."

Speed gave him a lopsided grin, "I speak Russian."

Eric paused, "What?"

"When I found out you were half Russian and spoke it – I learned it." Speed looked away from Eric's dark eyes instead focused on the lit path to the beach.

"Wow," Eric shook his head. "Will you teach me Gaelic?"

Speed turned and looked at him, "I would be honored."

Horatio walked out onto the porch setting the last of the dishes down on the table. He sat down across from Eric, Speed sitting between them. "I hope it turned out okay, I haven't cooked this in years."

"What spices did you use?" Speed asked as he filled his plate.

Horatio looked at him, "The packaged kind."

Speed looked down, a grin on his face, "Oh. I have a recipe at home if you want to borrow it."

"Is this going to be one of those things that's probably going to shock us? Eric asked laughing.

Speed took a bite of the lamb, "This is good Horatio."

"Speed?" Horatio stared at him using his fork to emphasize the question.

"My dad owns a chain of restaurants. I grew up in the back kitchen," Speed shrugged. "Besides, I learned early in my life it was either…" He stopped suddenly sighing.

"Learned?" Eric questioned.

"It's nothing," Speed sipped his champagne. "I learned early to fend for myself. My dad ran the restaurants while my mom worked for social services. Then when Jonathan came I was basically on my own."

"Your younger brother?" Horatio asked appetite not quiet what it was.

"By twelve years," Speed shrugged. "Look it's really no big deal. I have great memories of my dad and me in the kitchen -- he taught me how to cook." He picked up his fork. "Can we get back to a pleasant evening?"

Horatio smiled, "I did slave away."

"With your packaged spices," Speed smirked at him.

"Fine," Horatio smiled at him. "From now on, you can cook."

Eric laughed picking up his fork, "I see lots of exercise in my future."

Speed eyes narrowed at Eric his tone dropping an octave, getting huskier, "You have no idea."

Eric caught Speed's eyes – swallowing, he set down his fork and picked up his glass of champagne taking a few sips. "When did you figure it was us?" Eric asked changing the subject ignoring Horatio's chuckle.

"The third day," Speed smiled winking at Eric. "I caught Horatio watching me as I opened the massage oil; the note indicated that someone had been watching me. I realized he had a great view of the Trace lab," he glanced over at Horatio. "The nipple ring was a dead give away. Only you and Alexx knew about it, and Alexx isn't the type to buy me one."

"So the cupcake display?" Horatio leaned back in his chair.

"Couldn't let you two have all the fun," Speed grabbed a roll off the table. "Besides I thought Calleigh was going to blow a gasket, between the letter the day before and the nipple ring."

"Could be the reason she wouldn't look me in the face," Horatio sipped his champagne.

Speed downed the rest of his drink; then looked at the two men, "Why?"

Horatio leaned forward taking Speed's hand; "We love and want you."

"But why?" Speed asked again his eyes dropping down his insecurity showing. "What's so special about me that someone like you want me?"

Eric pushed his chair back and knelt in front of Speed. His hand resting on Speed's knee, "You have a beautiful soul."

"I'm cynical, depressive, nasty tempered…" Speed looked down at Eric.

"You’re dedicated, caring, sacrificing," Eric interrupted him. He stood up and slipped into Speed's lap. "Everything about you draws me to you. You're beautiful inside and out." Eric caressed Speed's cheek softly.

Speed leaned away from Eric's caress, he looked over at Horatio, "I just don't understand how both of you can love me…"

Horatio stood up and moved behind Speed, his hand caressing Speed's shoulder. "Why is it hard for you to believe?"

Speed laid his head back letting it fall against Horatio's chest, "You're both smart, beautiful, could get anyone you want," He glanced at Eric, "and have. Why me? I mean I've loved you, both of you, for so long it's just hard for me to comprehend that you would want me…"

Eric stopped Speed's rambling by pulling him in and kissing him deeply. Speed opened his mouth to the onslaught; their tongues dueled – tasting exploring. Horatio's hand slipped down Speed's chest enjoying the feel of silk between his fingers. Eric pulled back, nipping at Speed's lips. Speed's eyes pleaded with him, "Please…"

"You're safe with us," Horatio whispered in his ear. Eric stood up and held out his hand, Speed looked between the two men, and took Eric's hand - giving them his heart, his body, and his soul.

"I trust you," Speed pulled Eric's hand to his chest, his other reached out towards Horatio

Horatio took Speed's hand bring it up to his lips kissing each finger, "Let us love you."

Eric wrapped his arms around Speed's waist, "We promise to protect and love you."

"Hold me," Speed leaned back against Eric. "Love me," he whispered as he pulled Horatio closer to him. "Make me scream," He demanded as he sealed their lips together.

~ February 15th – The Day After~

Speed woke up surrounded by warmth. He sighed and curled into the warm body. He was using Horatio as a pillow, and Eric seemed to be his blanket. Speed smiled, the night had turned into a sensual mind blowing experience. He had never felt so loved, cherished, and wanted – it had brought tears to his eyes more than once during the night.

They had led him into the bedroom, slowly enticing him. Eric had held him as Horatio slowly stripped him. He took his time unbuttoning the silk shirt, caressing as he went. Eric's hands following Horatio's, giving Speed a double sensation. As soon as his shirt was off, Horatio stepped back and admired the view. Eric played with the nipple ring, causing Speed to moan in pleasure, grounding back into Eric feeling him and enticing him.

Horatio caressed Speed's chest, teasing as his hands drifted over his stomach, coming to rest on Speed's hard member, cupping it through the soft leather. Speed pulled Horatio to him, kissing and teasing him, as his own hands slipped under Horatio's shirt, touching and caressing the soft skin.

Eric nibbled on Speed's shoulder kissing and licking along the neck and collar bone. He slipped his hands down Speed's sides to his waist. Grinding against Speed's firm ass he unsnapped the leather pants slowly, peeling away the fabric to release Speed's hard cock.

He grinned into Speed's neck, moaning in delight as he felt Speed's hot hard flesh instead of silk. "Commando," Eric whispered into his ears, "Do you always go commando?" Speed answered by thrusting into Eric's hands. He turned his head and took Eric's mouth into a searing kiss.

Horatio grinned as he dropped to his knees pulling the pants slowly down. He couldn't resist a small taste and licked the head, Speed groaned into Eric's mouth leaning heavily on the Cuban. In a few short moments Speed was naked, his body being worshiped and cherished.

Speed's breath was harsh and jagged as he stepped away from the two men, "Aren't you two a little over dressed." He motioned between them. Horatio's jacket was gone, along with the tie, his shirt open, but Eric was fully dressed, his erection pressing against the soft black fabric of his pants.

Eric grinned, "Want to help with that?"

Speed reached for him, ripping the shirt open with a smirk. Speed glanced over at Horatio, who snuck behind Eric pulling him into his arms. Horatio nipped Eric's shoulder, kissing and tasting. His hands unbuttoning the soft fabric, letting the pants drop to the ground.

"This is about all of us, not just me." Speed's tongue slowly explored Eric's mouth, drawing out moans and whines. He pulled back, looking into dark lust filled eyes. He leaned over Eric's shoulder, taking Horatio's lips into a passionate kiss, setting a sensual rhythm between the three of them – his lovers.

Speed sighed, letting the memories wash over him. He felt Horatio kiss the top of his head, while his hand caressed up and down his back. Eric's legs were curled around Speed's, his arm draped across his waist. Speed shifted a bit looking up into blue eyes.

"Hi," Speed whispered.

"Hi back," Horatio kissed his lips softly, "Breakfast?"

"I can fix it," Speed suggested as he rested his chin on Horatio's chest.

"Sounds good to me," Eric muttered next to them. "If you can make waffles I'll marry you on the spot."

"With or without strawberry topping?" Speed turned and looked at him.

"Oh God," Eric moaned rolling on to his back.

~*~

They sat outside on the porch enjoying the morning while eating their breakfast. The three sat and talked, and just enjoyed each others company. Speed sipped his coffee, watching Horatio tease Eric - he smiled with content.

"What made you decided to actually do this?" Speed asked setting his cup down.

"We both loved you and neither was willing to give you up," Horatio explained. "When we figured out that we were competing I suggested we team up."

"That night," Eric smiled at Horatio. "We talked, got things out in the open between us. For this to work there could be no jealousy between us. We had to trust that you loved us both, individually and different, but not any less than the other."

"But what about you two?" Speed motioned between them.

Horatio took a deep breath, "Eric knows I don't love him like I do you, but I do care for him as he cares for me. In truth I don't think any of us would be truly happy without the other two…"

"We love you, and that's why we are here," Eric looked over at Speed then turned towards Horatio. "But in time I know I could easily fall in love with Horatio."

Horatio smiled bright, "It's the same for me."

"Good," Speed sipped his coffee. "I don't want to be the center. I want to be a part of the whole."

"Now what?" Eric looked between his lovers liking the sound of that – his lovers.

"We live and love," Horatio lifted his glass of orange juice.

"And embarrass the hell out of Calleigh," Speed finished, sending the three of them into laughter. Speed looked at his lovers he was happy for the first time in a long time.

~February 16th – Back to Work~

"Nothing changes at the lab," Horatio looked at the two men his sunglasses firmly in place.

"Sure thing, H," Eric opened the door as they all headed inside.

"We know the difference between work and home," Speed assured him.

The three men walked into the break room talking amongst themselves. Speed walked over to the coffee pot to fix himself a cup, while Eric nibbled on a muffin at the table. Horatio looked through the newspaper before he headed to his office and a stack of paperwork.

Calleigh walked in, stopping at the door. She looked at Horatio, then Eric, finally landing on Speed. Noticing his smirk and dancing brown eyes she huffed.

"It's not fair," Calleigh crossed her arms in front of her. A slow grin began to emerge, worrying the occupants of the room. "Can I watch?"

Speed laughed out loud, almost dropping his coffee cup. Eric chocked on his muffin looking at Calleigh in horror. Horatio stared at her, wondering who the hell she was and where she came from.

Speed set his coffee cup down still chuckling more over his two lover's expressions. He kissed Calleigh on the cheek then opened the break room door, "If you're good…" Calleigh laughed as she followed him out.

"He was kidding right?" Eric asked a bit concerned.

"I'm really not sure," Horatio looked over at Eric. "He's going to be a handful."

Eric smiled, "Yeah he is."