Title: The Building Blocks of Love
By: Daisyangel
Pairing: Horatio/Speed/Eirc & Adel Sevilla/Frank Tripp
Rating: NC-17
Summary: My entry for nanowrimo 09 Horatio, Speed and Eric are together.

Eric stared longingly at Horatio and Tim who were wrapped up in a warm embrace in the doorway to H's office. Shift had just ended and the two men were seeking comfort in each other after the little girl they'd been searching for had been found dead on the side of the highway with her murderer hovering over the girls naked body clearly having just had sex with the little girl. The awfulness of the case had stuck with him as well. Who could ever hurt a child especially in such a brutal way? He could feel the familiar tug in his heart when he saw Speed place a tender kiss on the corner of the redhead's mouth. He wanted to be a part of that. He wanted to be loved completely and totally by the two men standing in the office at the top of the stairs he was standing in front of. What he'd had drilled into his head for as long as he could remember about loving another man being wrong was playing havoc with his heart which said go for it. In his head he could hear his mother quoting scriptures about how loving a man was wrong but he'd decided long ago that not everything he'd learned from his parents was always the be all end all they implied it to be.

"When are you going to stop staring at them and tell them you want to be in a relationship with them?" Calleigh questioned coming up next to him.

"Jeez! Make some noise next time, will ya, Cal?" he cried clapping his hand to his rapidly racing heart.

"Sorry, but you never answered my question," she added.

"What makes you think they want to be in a relationship with me in the first place? They look pretty happy on their own," Eric commented.

"Well for one thing the looks they give you when you're not looking."

"What kind of looks do you mean?" Eric wondered.

"The kind that say they want you in their bed naked and screaming out their names as they have their wicked way with you," she explained. Eric stared at Calleigh wide-eyed.

"Cal?" he gulped his mouth suddenly going dry. He could feel heat flooding his face and another part of his body was becoming hard at the thoughts his friend had just put in his mind. A cross between a moan and a whimper escaped Eric's lips before he could stop it. Calleigh smirked at the look on her friends face and the desire she could see smoldering in his eyes.

"What?" she asked impishly.

"Where do you come up with these things?"

"I have a vivid imagination and I read erotic stories, but that's beside the point. They want you, not only do I know because of the looks they give you, but also because I heard them talking about it the other day. They want to have a relationship with you but they don't know how to approach you. They're afraid you'd reject them," she told him.

"I do want to be in a relationship with H and Speed, but everything I was taught as a kid tells me it's wrong," Eric explained.

"Do you feel it's wrong in your heart?" Calleigh asked.

"No, I don't," Eric admitted. "I love them," Eric said softly. His eyes dropped and he intently studied his shoes. Reaching out a hand Calleigh tilted his chin so he was looking into her eyes.

"What's wrong Eric?" she asked softly.

"I've known I've loved them and wanted to be in a relationship with them for a long time but today is the first time I've actually said I love them out loud. I don't know what to do," Eric said desperately. Calleigh could see the conflict in her friend's eyes and she wanted desperately to help him. All she ever wanted was to see her friends happy.

"Then take the next step," she said confidently.

"What would that be?" he asked clearly confused and conflicted. Calleigh was about to respond when she caught sight of Horatio and Speed descending the stairs and moving towards them.

"You come home with us and we talk about this," Horatio answered softly as he placed an arm around Eric's shoulders. Eric who was still unsure turned doubt filled eyes to the two men.

"But why do you want me? I don't understand what's so good about me?" he asked doubtfully. Recognizing that this was a moment for just the three men Calleigh quietly made her exit after giving them a small wave. Moving so he was facing the Cuban-Russian CSI, Tim gently took Eric's face in his hands.

"We want you, make no mistake about it," he said softly.

"The balls in your court. We'll go home and talk this all out and whatever you want to do we'll accept," Horatio reassured him.

"If you want a relationship with us we'll accept that, but if you just want to remain friends we'll accept that to, no hard feelings," Speed assured him.

"Okay," Eric agreed as he turned and followed the other two men out of CSI.

"See you at the house," Speed said pulling Eric in for a kiss which Eric hesitantly but eagerly returned.

"MMM, you sure know how to kiss," Speed said with a satisfied smirk on his face as they pulled apart.

"I'll have to find out for myself in a little while," Horatio whispered in Eric's ear as he gently nipped the lobe. Eric whimpered at the contact and couldn't stop the happy sigh from escaping his lips. The other two men smiled at each other as they headed for Horatio's hummer. Just before Horatio pulled away he pulled Speed in for a kiss that left him reeling. Eric groaned from his spot next to his car. Here goes nothing, Eric thought as he climbed into his car and headed for Horatio and Speed's house. I just hope I don't fuck this up, Eric thought. This was something he wanted heart, body, and soul and he didn't want to do anything to screw up his chances.

"We may get what we've been wanting after all," Horatio commented as they made their way to their house.

"Yeah assuming Eric doesn't run," Speed added worriedly.

"I'm sure he's scared and probably conflicted but the looks he's been giving us say he wants us and he wants us bad," Horatio argued back.

"Your right, but I hope he realizes that even though we want him more than anything else in this world that we'll accept it if he just wants to be friends," Speed said.

"I think he does and if he doesn't we'll make sure he knows that," Horatio assured his lover just as they pulled up to the house. They smiled as they saw Eric sitting in his car his hands gripping the wheel and taking deep breaths.

"Looks like we're not the only nervous ones," Speed commented.

"It does, doesn't it," Horatio agreed as he stepped out of the hummer and made his way gracefully to the front door of the house Tim, he, and hopefully soon Eric shared.

***

"Why don't the two of you go into the living room while I cook dinner?" Speed suggested.

"That's a great idea," Horatio agreed. Eric looked confused at the two men.

"We'll talk after dinner," Horatio said as he took Eric's hand and guided him to the living room and tugged on his hand until he sat on the couch. Smiling Horatio sat down beside him.

"Speed's got the chance to kiss you, now it's my turn," Horatio said huskily as he pulled the younger man in for a deep kiss. Humming in contentment Eric returned the kiss pulling Horatio closer. Threading his fingers through the silky red hair at the nape of Horatio's neck Eric let his tongue glide against Horatio's before moving it to the roof of Horatio's mouth and running it across it. The low purr that came from the older man clearly indicated how much he was enjoying it.

"MMM, Eric, yes, you taste so good," Horatio whispered against the other man's lips. They reluctantly broke the kiss when oxygen became a necessity.

"Tim's right you sure do know how to kiss," Horatio murmured against Eric's mouth.

"You're not too bad yourself," Eric responded as he pulled Horatio in for another kiss. A moan from the kitchen doorway broke the two men on the couch apart. Speed was standing there his eyes were dark with desire.

"As hot as it is to watch you two dinner's ready," Speed said. Nodding Eric and Horatio got off the couch and made there way into the kitchen.

"MMM, smells good, what are we having?" Eric wondered.

"Chicken Linguini with Broccoli and carrots," Speed answered. Taking places at the table they quickly dug in.

Once dinner had been eaten and Horatio and Eric had cleaned up much to Speed's chagrin they settled on the couch with Eric in the middle.

"So where do we start?" Eric questioned.

"We lay all our cards on the table then you tell us what you're thinking how does that sound?" Speed asked.

"Sounds good to me," Eric replied.

"We want to have a committed relationship with you. We don't take that lightly. We're exclusive, just Tim and I, but we want to bring you into that," Horatio told him.

"We've wanted to for a long time, but to be honest we weren't sure you were interested at first," Speed said.

"What made you realize that I was interested in being with you?" Eric questioned.

"The looks of longing and desire you were giving us when you thought we weren't looking," Speed replied. Eric's eyes widened at the realization that he'd been caught.

"You saw those?" he exclaimed.

"Yeah, but only because we recognized them as the same ones we give each other and the ones we gave you. Plus Calleigh approached us one day and gave us the if your interested in having him in a relationship with you ask him but you hurt him and I'll shoot you and no one will find the body speech," Horatio added. Eric smiled he could see Calleigh confronting them and threatening their lives. A laugh escaped his lips at the image.

"Speaking of Cal, how'd she find out?" Speed asked.

"She saw me looking at you one day and point blank asked me if I liked both of you. Reflexively I denied it at first, but eventually she wore me down and I told her the truth. I said yes but that I wasn't sure what to do. I figured you guys didn't have any interest in me," he admitted.

"She's very persistent when she's looking for answers," Horatio said with a chuckle.

"MMM, yeah, she told me to go for it, but doubt stopped me. I was interested in you but you two looked so good together that I didn't think you wanted to even think about including me in your relationship," Eric said.

"Well, we do," Speed said as he fluttered his lashes as he leaned in for a kiss which Eric happily granted. As he'd done to Horatio earlier that evening Eric ran his tongue across Speed's before moving to the roof of Speed's mouth and running it across their. The moan and the lust that flashed in Speed's eyes made Eric smile.

"MMM, yes, Eric," Speed moaned.

"You like that?" Eric whispered.

"Y-yes," Speed stammered.

"Did he do that thing with his tongue where he drags it across the roof of your mouth?" Horatio asked. Speed nodded. "MMM, I liked that to," the redhead agreed.

"So what stopped you from approaching us besides the thought that we weren't interested in being with you?" Speed prompted getting them back to the original subject.

"It's complicated I want to be with the two of you, but everything I was taught as a child tells me it's wrong. It's hard to have my mind and heart working against each other. My heart wants to be with you, but my head keeps telling me that I was taught it's wrong. I don't feel that in my heart but I don't know what to do. My beliefs are important to me but my beliefs are changing and that scares me," Eric explained.

"We don't want you to change your beliefs just to make us happy," Horatio whispered as he leaned in and placed a kiss on Eric's lips.

"I know and I've done a lot of soul searching and I've come to a decision," Eric informed the two men on either side of him.

"What's that?" Horatio asked.

"I want to be happy and being with you will make me happy," Eric concluded.

"Well then that makes us happy to because we want to be with you as well," Horatio said as he began kissing the back of Eric's neck. Smiling Speed attacked his lips. Eagerly Eric returned the kiss while tilting his head to give Horatio better access. Both Tim and Horatio smiled when Horatio reached the spot just below Eric's chin and Horatio nipped at it and Eric groaned low in his throat. It sounded a lot like a purr.

"Were you a cat in a former life?" Speed asked cheekily.

"Huh?" Eric asked in confusion. His mind was clouded with lust and arousal.

"When Horatio licked that spot you purred like a cat," Tim explained. Leaning in Horatio licked the aforementioned spot eliciting another purr from Eric.

"Yeah that sound," he breathed against the younger man's neck.

"MMM, Horatio," Eric hummed in contentment. The older mans teeth scraping along his neck was very arousing.

"Do you like it when I lick and nibble at that spot?" Horatio whispered as he laved the spot he'd just bitten with his tongue.

"Y-y-yes," Eric whimpered as he bucked up so he could feel more of Horatio's mouth on his neck. The shift of position made Speed who was leaning over the Cuban-Russian CSI groan as his cock brushed against Eric's. Eric's eyes widened at the sensation.

"Speed..." he whimpered.

"What do you want, Eric?" Speed crooned.

"You," Eric ground out as he pulled Speed down on top of him. Both men moaned as they ground their erections together. Mutual sounds of pleasure came from the two CSI's on the couch as the friction provided encouragement for their erections to get harder. They were moving at a frantic pace needing more. Horatio took his attention from the spot on Eric's neck long enough to see what had caused the simultaneous moan. A moan escaped his parted lips at what he saw. Suddenly his pants were very constricting. Unbuttoning and unzipping them he pulled out his already semi-erect cock. Slowly he began stroking it as he watched his two lovers grind frantically against each other. A needy gasp came from his mouth as he reached the head and swirled his finger in the slit. The gasp drew his lover's attention and they both smiled as they saw the affect they were having on their older lover.

"See something you like?" Eric asked suggestively waggling his eyebrows.

"Yes, very much so," Horatio crooned as he stared hungrily at the two men on the couch. "Correction actually, I see two something's I like," he said as he leaned in and traded passionate kisses with both men reaching down and squeezing their cocks as he did so.

"Horatio!" Speed cried out.

"Oh yes!" Eric exclaimed as he felt Horatio's hand on his cock. A throaty moan came from the redhead's mouth. His cock was painfully hard and needed some serious attention soon. Tim could see the command in Horatio's eyes.

"What do you want us to do, H?" he asked.

"Strip." It was only one word but that one word spoke volumes. As quickly as they could both men stripped. Speed confidently but Eric with some hesitation. Unconsciously Eric wrapped his arms around himself trying to cover up. Both Horatio and Eric had seen him without a shirt on but completely naked was another thing.

"Don't cover yourself up. Let us see you. Let us see how incredible you are," Horatio coaxed. Their words slowly penetrated because Eric uncovered his arms and turned so his two lovers could see him. Horatio's strokes sped up on his cock and Speed let out a little growl as he pounced on Eric crushing their mouths together as he ground himself against the other man.

"You're so beautiful," Speed crooned as his hands traveled down Eric's toned body.

"MMM, Tim's right, you look good enough to eat," Horatio added as he stood up and moved behind Eric and trailed his tongue from the bottom of his spine to his shoulders. Eric tingled from the sensation. Horatios ministrations caused Eric to thrust against Speed causing the two men to harden even more. Reluctantly Horatio moved back to the couch to issue his next request.

"I want you to make each other come," Horatio instructed through half-lidded eyes.

"But... I've never..." Eric broke off uncertainly. He looked down in shame. Reaching out a finger Tim tilted Eric's chin up so he was looking into the other man's eyes.

"Look at me, Eric," he commanded softly. Slowly Eric did what he was told.

"You've masturbated, correct?" Speed questioned. Eric nodded in response.

"Good, then just do what you like. Don't worry you'll be able to tell if Speed likes what your doing. Pay attention to his body and how he reacts and you'll be fine," Horatio reassured his new lover.

"Okay," Eric said tentatively.

"Let's move back to the couch," Speed suggested moving them so they were in their original positions. Once Eric was settled between them once more Horatio couldn't resist leaning over and licking one of Eric's nipples.

"H!" Eric shouted at the sensation. His nipples were already kind of hard due to the coolness of the room but Horatio's tongue and teeth were quickly making them harder and adding to his mounting desire.

"MMM, I want a taste," Speed said as he leaned in and licked the other nipple. Eric whimpered as he arched into their touch. Horatio gave Tim a look and Tim moved back leaving Horatio to enjoy Eric's nipples all to himself. While Horatio was tending to his nipples and neck Eric placed a hand on Speed's cock and began stroking it up and down turning slightly as he reached the head then dragging his fingernails across it.

"Fuck! For someone who's never jerked someone off besides yourself you're damn talented," Speed declared through pants as Eric's hands worked feverishly on his throbbing cock.

"Speed," Horatio called to his lover.

"Huh?" Speed replied. Horatio jerked his head towards Eric with a meaningful look at his cock. Nodding his understanding Speed took Eric's hard and throbbing cock into his hands and began to stroke it. The pace that was set was a fast one. None of them would last long but that was alright. "T-t-Tim, oh fuck yes, don't stop," Eric ground out. He could feel the heat building at the base of his spine.

"MMM, do you have any idea how hot you two look jacking each other off?" Horatio asked huskily. It was as if both Eric and Speed realized that Horatio was having to masturbate all on his own they each reached out their free hands and slapped his hand away.

"This is ours to play with, not yours," Speed informed him.

"And what a n-n-nice toy it is," Eric crooned as he drug his finger across the slit.

"Fuck Eric!" Horatio shouted bucking into Eric's hand. A wicked smile spread across Eric's face, but the response he was about to make was cut off by Speed twisting his hand as he reached the head of Eric's cock causing him to moan with pleasure. Horatio could tell he was close to coming and by the looks on his lover's faces they were as well. Catching Speed's eye he silently communicated that they wanted Eric to come first.

"How close are you?" Speed whispered.

"V-v-very close," Eric stammered as he sped up his strokes on both Speed's and Horatio's cock. Both men groaned in unison. "I c-c-can't hold back much longer," he stuttered.

"Come for us," Horatio whispered against Eric's ear. Eric began to shake as the first wave of his orgasm began to crash over him.

"Speed! Horatio!" he shouted as his body jerked and cum covered both his and Speed's stomach. At the sight of Eric coming the other two men fell over the edge, screaming each others and Eric's name.

Once he was able to Move again Horatio slowly climbed off the couch and held out a hand for Eric and Speed to take.

"C'mon, let's go to bed," he coaxed. The other two nodded in agreement.

"Just because we're going to bed doesn't mean we have to sleep just yet, does it?" Speed asked impishly

"No of course not," Horatio replied as he pulled Speed flush against him for a kiss. Quickly mouths and hands were roaming all over heated skin. Eric could feel himself harden again and was only slightly surprised. The two men standing in front of him were two of the hottest if not the hottest men on earth and they were actively searching for each others tonsils. Letting his hand travel down his body he began stroking his newly aroused cock. As good as that felt he wanted something more. He wanted them to make love to him but he wasn't sure if that was moving too fast or not. He let out a part growl/moan that had the other two men pulling apart and staring expectantly at Eric. Satisfied smiles came to their faces when they saw Eric stroking his cock a bit of precum leaking from the tip.

"What do you want?" Speed questioned.

"I want you guys to love me," Eric answered simply. Lust shot through the two New York natives as they processed Eric's request.

"Are you sure?" Horatio asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," Eric responded.

"Okay, then," Horatio said tugging on Eric's hand guiding him to their bedroom. The three of them ended up a tangle of limbs on the bed. They were involved in a three-way kiss with everyone fighting for dominance. Speed won and proceeded to do the same thorough search for Eric's tonsils that he'd done for Horatio's just moments before. While Speed was doing that, Horatio let his hands travel across Eric's dark skin cataloging every spot. Ones that made him squirm and ones that made him moan.

"I think I already know the answer, but you've never been with a man, right?" Horatio asked. Eric nodded as he stared at the redhead with lust filled eyes.

"Ly on your side," Speed instructed kissing Eric's cheek. Eric did what he was told and stared at Speed's face.

"This is going to hurt some, but there's nothing we can do about it. Just remember to breathe and relax as much as you can," Speed advised the young man spooned against his chest.

"Okay," Eric replied.

"If at anytime it's too much tell us and we'll stop," Horatio told the Miami native.

"I'll tell you if I need to stop," Eric promised as he gave both men a smile. "Now can we get on with the good stuff?" he asked with a cheeky smile. Both men laughed at Eric's antics but were relieved to see him so happy and relaxed.

"Here, Speed," Horatio said handing him a condom and a bottle of lube.

"Thanks, H," Speed replied leaning in and kissing him deeply before turning back to Eric.

"I'm going to prepare you now; you remember what I said to do?" Speed prompted.

"Breathe and relax," Eric recited.

"Very good, okay here comes the first finger. Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Focus on H's face not the pain," Speed soothed as he slowly slid his finger passed the tight ring of muscle. Horatio who had slid into bed on the other side of Eric locked on to the younger man's eyes. He could see the tension in Eric's face.

"Just breathe, Eric, it'll all be okay," Horatio said softly. Eric whimpered and squeezed his eyes shut trying to relax. A tear slid down Eric's cheek.

"Shh, Eric, look at me," Horatio requested touching Eric's cheek. Slowly Eric's eyes cracked open and he focused on Horatio's face. "That's it; now just listen to my voice. Breathe in; now let it out slowly... Again..." Horatio instructed. He could see that Eric was beginning to relax. Once he was sure Eric was relaxed enough to take a bit more stretching Speed added a generous amount of lube to another finger and teased it around Eric's puckered entrance before sliding it in.

"Just keep breathing, baby," Speed crooned as he eased the second finger into Eric's awaiting body. A whimper escaped Eric's lips as he thrust back on Speed's fingers.

"You like this?" Speed whispered in Eric's ear before blowing in it.

"Y-yes, more please..." Eric ground out.

"Mmm, I think I can do that," Speed replied as he scissored his fingers so Eric could be stretched even more. Curling his fingers he searched for that bundle of nerves. A smile came to his face when he found it.

"Fuck!" Eric shouted jerking off the bed. Speed hit that spot a couple more times delighting in the affect he was having on Eric. Reluctantly he pulled his fingers out and prepared to add a third and final finger.

"Tim..." Eric protested at the loss of Tim's fingers.

"Shh, it's okay," Tim whispered as he inserted all three fingers and stretched Eric as far as he felt Eric could safely tolerate. In order to help him relax Horatio had begun to stroke Eric's cock. Eric was whimpering and moaning as he thrust back and forth. He couldn't decide if he should arch into Horatio's hand or back on to Speed's fingers.

"I think it's time," Horatio called to Speed.

"I think your right. Okay, Eric, I've prepared you as much as I can. This is still going to hurt, though. Just keep focusing on what H is doing and most of all just breathe. The pain will ease up soon enough and the pleasure will take over," Speed promised as he slid the condom on his achingly hard cock and after lubing up began to slide into Eric's hot tight channel. Horatio captured Eric's lips in a passionate kiss as his fingers teased the tip of Eric's cock. Eric could feel the burn as Speed entered him but he had to admit that it was less painful with Horatio's tongue down his throat and his hands on his cock. Once Speed was all the way in he paused to let Eric adjust to him. After a moment Eric thrust back on Speed's cock.

"Move, Speed!" he demanded. Chuckling at Eric's bossiness Speed did what he was told and set a slow rhythm moving almost all the way out then sliding slowly back in. This slow pace was driving Eric to distraction.

"Faster, harder," he begged.

"Okay, if that's what you want, that's what you get," Speed said as he sped up his thrusts. On his next thrust he angled so he'd hit Eric's prostate.

"Oh fuck! Fuck! Eric shouted as his cock got even harder and he whimpered with need.

"You feel so fuckin good. You're so fuckin hot and tight," Speed ground out as he slammed into his lover again hitting that spot. Eric was trembling with desire and need. He needed to come and knew if he didn't do it soon he'd explode. Speed gave him a devilish smile as he pulled almost all the way out before pushing back in just as he bit down on Eric's neck. His teeth marked the skin just as he hit Eric's prostate again. At this point Eric was whimpering and crying out nonsense syllables. He reached his hand forward to take his cock that Horatio had released into his hands. Horatio who was licking and gently biting Eric's nipples slapped his hand away.

"Mine," he growled as he wrapped his hand around the throbbing member. Speed hit that spot again. His thrusts were becoming erratic.

"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! Speed, please!" Eric shouted.

"Please what, baby?" Speed teased dragging his teeth across Eric's flushed skin.

"Stop teasin' I n-n-need to come!" Eric cried desperately.

"MMM," Speed murmured as he met Horatio's eyes and a smile past between them. Shifting so his face was right above Eric's cock Horatio blew on the head. Eric whimpered as he fisted the sheets in both hands. Leaning in Horatio ran his tongue up and down the underside of Eric's cock.

"H, Speed, please," Eric whimpered. Taking pity on their lover Speed pulled all the way out before slamming back in. He hit Eric's prostate just as Horatio deep throated his cock.

"Come for me, tell me who it's for," Speed demanded.

"It's for you, it's all for you. Oh fuck I'm coming. Oh fuck, I can't hold it back anymore. Fuck!" Eric shouted as his orgasm ripped through him temporarily causing him to black out.

"Fuck... Fuck... Fuck yes, Eric!" Speed shouted as he shot his load into his lover.

"Oh fuck yes!" Horatio shouted as he came without even touching himself. Gently pulling out of his lover Speed got a warm wet cloth to clean them up.

"Someone's back," Horatio called softly as he saw Eric's lashes flutter.

"Hey, welcome back to the land of the living," Speed teased. Eric smiled a half smile as he tried to bring his thoughts back into focus.

"MMM, what happened?" he asked in confusion.

"Sometimes an orgasm is so intense that you black out for a bit because of it," Speed explained.

"Oh, okay," Eric said.

"Don't worry, it's normal," Horatio assured him. Eric nodded he knew Horatio wouldn't say it if it weren't true.

"D-d-did you come without even touching yourself?" he asked Horatio as he tried to regain his senses.

"Yes I did, the two of you were so hot. How could I not come just by watching Speed making love to you and watching your expressive face? All I could see was the love shining in your eyes, it was amazing," Horatio admitted softly. Eric who had shifted so he was lying on his right side ducked his head to try and hide the tears in his eyes. Feeling something wet hit his chest Speed looked down to see tears falling from Eric's eyes.

"Hey, what's the matter? Did I hurt you?" Speed asked anxiously. The thought that he had hurt Eric made him physically sick. Eric shook his head.

"Then what's with the tears?" Speed questioned.

"Nothing," Eric replied. Lifting Eric's chin Speed repeated his question.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm just not used to someone loving me like you both do. The only ones who love me unconditionally are my family," Eric explained.

"Well, the team does, and so do we," Horatio reassured him.

"Okay, I love you," Eric said as he yawned. The other two yawned as well.

"Well I guess it's time for bed now," Horatio commented.

"MMM-hmm," Speed agreed as he wrapped his arms around Eric's front and held him tight. Once he'd made sure everything was locked up, Horatio climbed into bed behind his two lovers' and placed an arm around both of them. Mumbled goodnights were exchanged before the three of them drifted off to sleep.

***

Alexx eyed the three men as they walked into the building. Calleigh had called her when she'd gotten home to tell her that the three of them had finally gotten their act together and were trying to start a relationship. She could see the love shining in all of their eyes.

"Morning, Alexx," Horatio greeted as he caught sight of the M.E.

"Morning, sugar, how was your evening?" she asked with a wink.

"It was very good, thank you," he replied easily. She didn't miss the small smile that flashed between Eric and Speed.

"How's the Johnston case going?" Horatio asked slipping into professional mode.

"I just finished the post a few minutes ago. The gunshot was what killed her but I found some bruising that appeared to be para-mortem."

"Maybe she had an abusive boyfriend?" Speed theorized.

"It's possible; Frank said that the cops were called out to her house for a number of domestic disputes. She would refuse to press charges but the neighbors would always call it in," Calleigh interjected as she walked up to the group in the break room.

"Okay, lets do some digging and see if we can find out who this boyfriend is and bring him in," Horatio told his team.

"Franks working on it. I'm running the bullet through IBIS to see if I get a hit," Calleigh informed him.

"Very good, lets get back to processing the evidence I'll call you if we get another case," Horatio said as he turned and headed for his office to work through some of the mountain of paperwork on his desk. Reaching out Calleigh caught Eric's arm before he could walk away.

"So...?" she asked.

"So what?" he replied.

"So are yall together?" she prompted.

"Yeah," Eric responded, blushing at the memories from the night before. Calleigh smiled when she caught sight of the blush staining Eric's cheeks.

"So was I right, did they want you in their bed as they had their wicked way with you until you screamed out their names?" Calleigh whispered conspiratorially.

"Cal..." Eric complained as he avoided her knowing eyes. The fact that he avoided her eyes was answer enough.

"I told you so," she teased as she winked at him.

"You have an insatiable imagination," Eric commented as he turned and walked away Calleigh's laughter ringing in his ears.

"You care to tell me how you got those scratches on your face, Mr. Wilkinson?" Horatio asked the boyfriend of Katie Johnston.

"My cat," the suspect answered annoyed.

"I don't think so," Horatio said.

"Mr. Wilkinson you own a gun correct?" Eric asked as he stood next to Horatio and Frank.

"Yeah, what's that got to do with anything?" he questioned.

"It has a lot to do with everything. Could I see your hands, please?" Horatio requested. The suspect grumbled but held out his hands. Eric sprayed them checking for GSR.

"It's positive, H," he informed the lieutenant. Just then Calleigh knocked on the door and opened it.

"I have that report you asked for, Horatio."

"Thank you, ma'am." Horatio took the report and quickly read it.

"Here's what I think happened, you got in a fight with Katie and instead of just letting you use her as a punching bag like she'd done before she fought back this time, didn't she?" Horatio said.

"The bitch deserved what she got," argued Mitch Wilkinson.

"So she deserved to be beaten then shot and killed?" Eric asked incredulously.

"Yes," Mitch snarled.

"Get him out of here," Horatio instructed the officers. Quickly they escorted a cuffed Mitch Wilkinson out of the room and down the hall to be booked. Speed and Calleigh who were watching from the observation room came into the hall just as Horatio and Eric were walking out of the interrogation room.

"Nice job, everyone," Horatio complimented his team. Everyone accepted the compliment and breathed a sigh of relief. Another killer was behind bars because of the work of their team.

***

A few months had gone by since the three men had started their relationship. It was now November and the caseload had been ridiculously heavy as of late. On top of that the flu was systematically making its way through the lab taking each member out one-by-one. Calleigh had been hit but was now healthy and back at work. Eric grumbled as the sun shown through the window in their bedroom. He rolled towards the middle of the bed wanting to snuggle with his two lovers a bit longer before he had to get up. He stretched out his arm and smiled as he came in contact with Horatio's warm body. He frowned when he reached across Horatio where Tim should be and found cool sheets. A series of painful coughs caught his attention. Carefully so as not to wake his still sleeping lover he followed the sound of the coughing. He frowned when he reached the living room and saw Speed curled up on the couch with a blanket tucked around him.

"Tim?" he called softly. A groan and a whimper was all he got. Kneeling beside the couch Eric reached out a hand and touched Tim's cheek. He frowned when he felt the heat radiating off his lover. Spotting the thermometer on the coffee table, Eric picked it up.

"Let's take your temperature," he said as he placed the tip of the thermometer against Speed's lips. Speed shook his head.

"Don't wanna," he rasped.

"C'mon, Tim," Eric requested.

"No, I don...," Speed broke off midsentence as Eric placed the thermometer in his mouth.

"Keep it under your tongue and no talking," Eric instructed. Speed glared at his lover.

"It's for your own good," Eric told him. Tim held up his middle finger.

"Not right now, you're sick," Eric said cheekily. Tim's glare just intensified making Eric laugh and Speed scowl. The thermometer beeped, indicating it was done. Eric took it out and read the display. Eric let out a whistle at what the display said. Just then Speed was hit with another series of painful coughs that brought tears to the trace expert's eyes and made him curl in on himself. Quickly Eric climbed on to the couch and gathered the other man in his arms, rubbing his back trying to soothe him.

"What's going on?" Horatio mumbled sleepily as he walked into the room.

"Speed's sick," Eric explained.

"Am not," Speed protested weakly.

"The thermometer says differently," Eric argued holding it up so Horatio could read the display.

"Wow, 102.7? That's pretty high, looks like your staying home today, Tim," Horatio told his lover as he crossed the room and placed a kiss on Tim's forehead.

"No, I'm f-f-fine," Tim argued as he began to cough. Eric who was still sitting beside him wrapped his arms around Tim and rubbed his back trying to ease the pain of the coughs. Horatio took his place next to Tim and tried to soothe him as well.

"You're staying home and that's an order from your lieutenant," Horatio said firmly. Speed nodded reluctantly he knew that Horatio rarely used his rank in the lab and especially out of it and most especially with either him or Eric.

"When's the last time you took medicine?" Eric wondered.

"I took some Tylenol around 2:30 when I woke up coughing and my head was killing me along with the rest of me. I moved out here so I didn't wake you two," Tim explained.

"You didn't have to do that. We're in this together, in sickness and in health, remember?" Horatio reminded him gently.

"I know," Speed answered.

"Well I'll get you some medicine for the coughing and some Tylenol," Eric said as he got up and headed into the bathroom then returned a couple minutes later with a glass of water and some pills. Horatio had taken his place and was soothing Tim through another round of coughing.

"Here, babe, take these," Eric whispered mindful of Speed's headache. Nodding gratefully Speed took the water and pills and swallowed them grimacing as he swallowed.

"Why don't you go back to bed?" Horatio suggested. Tim nodded in agreement and stood up. He wobbled as he tried to make his way to their bedroom. Rushing forward Eric and Horatio each took an arm and helped their lover back to bed amidst his protests that he was perfectly able to walk. Twenty five minutes later both Eric and Horatio were ready for work. Walking over to the bed Eric and Horatio placed kisses on Speed's forehead and made him promise to call them if he needed anything before grabbing their badges, guns, keys, and cell phones and heading for CSI.

"Where's Speed?" Calleigh asked as she saw Horatio and Eric walk into the break room.

"He's at home sick," Eric answered.

"Poor baby, coughing, fever, body aches and a headache?" she questioned.

"Yeah," Horatio answered.

"How high's the fever?" asked the blonde.

"It's 102.7," Horatio told her. Calleigh let out a whistle.

"Wow, mine was never that high, thankfully," she commented.

"Who has a fever of 102.7?" Alexx wondered entering the room.

"Speed," the three CSI's answered in unison.

"Timmy's sick?" Alexx asked.

"Yeah he woke up at 2:30 feeling miserable and moved to the couch so his coughing didn't wake up Horatio or I," Eric explained.

"He's at home resting," Horatio added.

"He's the sick one he should be in bed. I can't believe he slept on the couch," Alexx admonished.

"I know we told him that this morning when we found him," Horatio told her. Remembering that Calleigh had said her fever never got as high as Speed's was, Eric asked,

"How high did your fever get when you had the flu, Cal?"

"I think the highest it got was around 101," she answered. Eric's brow wrinkled in worry. Speed's was almost two degrees higher than Calleigh's had ever been while she was sick.

"Some people get higher fevers when they're sick than others," Alexx assured the group. She could see the worry on Eric's face. It was becoming noticeable on Horatio's as well.

"I hope so," Eric said quietly.

"Me, to," Horatio agreed.

Speed was unhappy that he woke up feeling just as miserable if not more so. Deciding he was kind of hungry he reluctantly drug himself out of bed and to the kitchen. He was glad that Horatio had made some homemade chicken noodle soup a couple of days before because he really didn't feel like making anything and to be honest he wasn't sure if he could. Five minutes later he was seated at the kitchen table with a bowl of soup. He had a hard time eating, though because he was shaking because he was cold. He'd managed to eat about half of the bowl when his stomach revolted. The nausea hit so fast that he barely made it to the bathroom in time. He reached the toilet with just enough time to drop to his knees and be violently sick. The vomiting seemed to go on forever but finally stopped leaving a spent trace expert in its wake.

***

Painfully slowly he half walked half stumbled to the bedroom and fell on to the bed where he fell into a fitful sleep. He hated being sick and just wanted it all to be over so he could be back at work with his lovers.

"Did he answer when you called to check on him?" Eric asked as he walked into Horatio's office during lunch.

"No, but he's probably sleeping," Horatio answered reassuringly.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Eric agreed.

"Knowing Speed he'll be begging to come back to work tomorrow," Horatio commented. Eric rolled his eyes. Tim was very stubborn. And hard headed.

"Yeah and it'll be like pulling teeth to get him to stay home," Eric added. Glancing at his watch he noticed that lunch was almost over.

"Well I'd better get back to work. I love you, H," Eric told his lover as he placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I love you to, Eric," Horatio replied returning the kiss. Eric flashed him a smile before heading out the door and down the stairs, Speed foremost on both their minds.

A rather intense bout of coughing woke Tim from his fitful sleep. Sitting up he tried breathing through his nose like he'd been taught as a kid, but it wasn't working. He curled in on himself due to the pain but he had to admit that it felt better when either Horatio or Eric were holding him and trying to ease the pain. Panic began to set in when he couldn't draw in a breath. Logically he knew part of the problem was that he was panicking but he couldn't seem to get his lungs to cooperate. Reaching across to the nightstand his fingers scrabbled until he took hold of his cell phone. Pressing the first button his finger came in contact with he held it until it beeped and pressed it to his ear. He just prayed someone would answer and get him help and soon. He could feel the darkness approaching.

Calleigh was analyzing some tool marks from her current case trying to figure out what could have caused them. Sighing she pushed her hair out of her face as she stretched. Just then her phone rang.

"Duquesne," she answered.

"...Cal?" Tim choked out.

"Speed?" Calleigh asked in alarm.

"Can't b-b-breathe, really c-c-cold and sleepy," Speed choked out through harsh drawn out coughs. As if his body knew help would arrive soon because he'd reached Calleigh the darkness closed in completely and Speed blissfully succumbed to it. The sound of the phone falling to the ground and the deafening silence that followed greatly worried Calleigh.

"Tim, I'm calling an ambulance then I'm getting Alexx and the guys. We'll be there as fast as we can, you hear me?" she called into the phone. While she was talking to Tim she grabbed her office phone and called 911. Giving them the pertinent information the dispatcher assured the blonde that EMS was on its way to the guy's house. The instant she was told EMS were on the way she tore out of the lab at warp speed. She was still trying to get Speed to respond but to no avail. Doing a double take as Calleigh came flying around the corner Eric opened his mouth to ask a question.

"What's up, Calleigh?" Reaching out Calleigh grabbed his wrist in her left hand and began pulling him down the hall.

"Come with me," she said in a clipped tone. Eric was totally confused but the look on Calleigh's face made it clear he had better not argue and just do what he was told. Horatio who was walking out of the fingerprint lab had a bemused expression on his face when he saw his ballistics expert dragging his lover down the hall.

"Calleigh, Eric?" he asked with a chuckle. Repeating her actions from a few minutes ago Calleigh grabbed Horatio's wrist in her other hand and began dragging him as well. The lieutenant studied his ballistics expert. She looked anxious and her hair was coming out of the bun she'd put it in that morning. He wondered what was going on. Horatio shared a puzzled look with Eric.

"Any idea what's going on?" he whispered.

"Not a clue, she just came flying out of the ballistics lab like a bat out of hell and told me to come with her," Eric explained. Calleigh had never been so relieved to see Alexx standing by the elevator her medical bag in hand. She must have just gotten back from a case.

"Calleigh, what's going on, sugar?" she asked softly. She could see the panic in the other woman's eyes.

"Hummer now!" Calleigh ordered the M.E. Nodding Alexx fell into step beside her friend and continued heading for the parking lot. Alexx recognized that something must be seriously wrong because it wasn't like Calleigh to order people around. She threw a quizzical look at Horatio and Eric but both of them just shrugged indicating they were just as baffled as she was. Everyone was out of breath when they reached the hummer. Hurrying to the drivers seat Calleigh climbed in and barely waiting for the others to get in, and buckled she took off burning rubber. Turning back to the phone clutched in her hand Calleigh spoke into it.

"C'mon talk to me," she pleaded. Eric who just noticed the phone was curious who she'd be talking to that would cause such a frightening reaction.

"Who you talkin' to, cal?" Eric asked. Calleigh hesitated before answering.

"Speed, he called me in respiratory distress coughing and complaining he couldn't breathe then he blacked out. I don't think he knew he'd called me. I got the impression he hit the first button his fingers found," she answered as she took the next corner sharply. The horror stricken looks she saw on Eric and Horatio's faces broke her heart.

"Did you call for an ambulance?" Alexx questioned doing her best to stay calm. She was worried about Speed but she knew someone needed to stay calm. Calleigh nodded as she focused intently on the road.

"What did he say when he called?" Horatio wanted to know.

"He said he couldn't breathe and that he was really cold and sleepy," Calleigh answered.

"Anything else?" Eric wondered.

"No, he didn't say anything else. He sounded scared and confused, though."

"That's a normal reaction when you can't breathe," Alexx replied. Finally they'd reached the house. After Calleigh parked haphazardly in the driveway everyone climbed out and rushed to where the door was kicked open by the EMTS.

"Speed?" Horatio called as he entered the house.

"Timmy?" Alexx interjected.

"We're in the bedroom," came the voice of one of the EMTS. Quickly the group ran for the bedroom. Eric and Calleigh reached it first. A distressed cry escaped Eric's lips when he saw his lover lying motionless on the bed.

"We need to move now. His o2 sats are 80," the dark haired EMT informed the group.

"On my count," said the other EMT. "One... Two... Three," he counted as they lifted Speed from the bed to their stretcher while placing an oxygen mask over his face.

"I don't like his sats, I'm afraid we'll need to intibate before we get to the hospital," the blonde EMT said grimly.

"What's his fever?" Alexx asked.

Frowning one of the EMTS read off what had been written down and reported it.

"It's 104.3, ma'am." Tears filled Calleigh's eyes at the news. She knew Tim was sick but she had no idea it was this serious. She just prayed he'd be okay.

Taking charge, Calleigh said, "Horatio you and Eric ride with Speed, Alexx and I will follow you."

"Okay," Eric answered automatically as he moved back so they could carry the stretcher with his lover's unconscious body on it out of the bedroom.

"You're going to Dade Memorial, correct?" Alexx confirmed. The EMTS nodded in response.

"Okay, we'll see you at the hospital," Alexx said touching first Eric then Horatio on the arm as they followed the stretcher out the door. Calleigh and Alexx were right behind them and jumped in the hummer, taking off for the hospital immediately.

***

The team waited anxiously in the waiting room for news.

"What do you think is wrong with him, Alexx?" Eric asked the M.E.

"I'm not sure, but if I had to guess, I'd say Pneumonia," the M.E answered.

"Does Pneumonia usually progress this fast?" Calleigh wondered.

"It can depending on the severity," she explained.

"Family of Tim Speedle?" greeted the doctor as he walked into the room.

"We're his partners, how is he doctor?" Horatio questioned rising to his feet and shaking the doctor's outstretched hand. The doctor glanced at him and Eric before turning to Calleigh and Alexx.

"Perhaps we can talk somewhere private?" he suggested.

"No, Calleigh and Alexx are family, they have every right to hear how he's doing," Eric defended.

"Very well then, Mr. Speedle is a very sick man."

"Speed," Calleigh corrected.

"Excuse me?" the doctor replied.

"He goes by Speed," Calleigh informed him.

"Oh, I see, well Speed is a very sick man. We've diagnosed him with double Pneumonia. He's on a ventilator to help him breathe and he is currently unconscious. His fever is still 104.3. We're doing our best to try and bring it down but with no success. It doesn't look good to be honest with you," the doctor told them.

"What do you mean it doesn't look good?" Eric questioned.

"I mean the next 48-72 hours are critical. If he survives that his chances for survival go up dramatically," the doctor said grimly. Eric could feel tears gathering in his eyes and one slid down his cheek. Horatio who had tears in his eyes as well took his boyfriend's hand and gave it a squeeze. Calleigh moved to Eric's other side and took his other hand for support. Alexx was on Horatio's other side and she touched his shoulder for support. He gave her a small thankful smile.

"What are the odds he'll make it that long?" Alexx asked.

"Honestly? They aren't very good. Speed has a 10-20 percent chance of making it that long. If he does, however, his chances for survival go up to 80-90 percent," the doctor explained.

"Can we see him?" Horatio asked quietly.

"Yes, but due to the ICU rules and the nature of his illness you must wear a mask at all times when you're in his room," the doctor said. Everyone nodded in understanding they knew it was to protect Tim from getting any germs they might bring into the room.

***

Slowly they made there way to Tim's room. Alexx and Calleigh stopped outside the door.

"You two go in first, we'll see him in a little while," Calleigh offered.

"Thanks," Horatio replied as he and Eric put on masks and used some of the alcohol disinfectant to clean their hands before opening the door and walking into the room. The beeping and hissing of the various machines surrounding the bed assaulted their senses the moment they stepped into the room momentarily stopping them in their tracks before they moved farther into the room.

"He looks so small," Eric whispered.

"I know I think it's a requirement for hospital beds to make people look smaller than they really are," Horatio said. Neither of them could help but stare at all the machines surrounding Speed. All of these machines were essentially keeping him alive right now. Walking over to the bed they settled into the two chairs provided and each took one of Speed's hands.

"Hey, Speed, you've gotta get better man, I can't lose you, we can't lose you. I love you," Eric said shakily. Leaning over he placed a kiss on Speed's flushed cheek.

"Eric's right, we can't lose you and we love you. Calleigh and Alexx are in the hall. They want to see you," Horatio told him leaning over and giving him a kiss of his own. Silence fell between them only broken by the sound of the ventilator breathing for Speed. A soft knock on the door made both men jump. It opened to reveal a nurse with a kind smile.

"Hi, my name's Sam and I'm here to check his vitals," she introduced herself as she made her way to the bed and began checking Speed's vitals.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Eric and this is Horatio," Eric said.

"It's time to change those cooling packs," Sam explained as she proceeded to do just that.

"It doesn't seem like they're bringing his fever down, though," Eric commented. Reaching out with her hand the nurse frowned.

"I think your right, let's take it and see what it is," she replied sliding the thermometer in Tim's ear. After a few seconds it beeped. Pulling it out she read the display. The expression on her face as well as her raised eyebrow worried the two men sitting in the chairs.

"Um, if you'll excuse me, I need to talk to the doctor, I'll be right back," she said excusing herself.

"That's not a good sign," Eric mumbled. Horatio nodded in agreement.

"No, it's not, Eric, no it's not." A couple minutes later Sam was back with the doctor.

"What's going on doctor?" Horatio asked immediately. Calleigh and Alexx had followed the two of them into the room when they caught sight of their worried expressions.

"It seems your boyfriends fever is doing the opposite of what it should be doing. It's jumped up to 104.5. This concerns me because he's getting dangerously close to where it could cause brain damage or death," the doctor said somberly. A heavy silence fell on the group.

"Are you going to place him in a bath to try and get the fever down?" Alexx wondered.

"At the moment we can't because of the vent, but I am going to have everyone take turns cooling him down with wet cloths. This needs to be done on a constant basis until the fever shows signs of dropping and staying down," the doctor explained.

"One of us will be here with him at all times," Calleigh assured him.

"Very good then, I'll have Sam do the first time so all of you can see how to do it. Be mindful of the tubes but try and reach every part of his body you can get," he told them. The team nodded in understanding as Sam came forward with a basin of water and a wash cloth and began running it over the trace experts overheated skin.

***

The cool cloths seem to be having a bit of affect on his fever. It's down to 104.3 again," Sam said as she checked Tim's temperature a few hours later.

"That's what it was when they brought him in," Calleigh said. She was sitting by her friend's bedside. Alexx had convinced Horatio and Eric to get something to eat and to make sure they did she went with them to the cafeteria.

"Yeah I know but at least it's gone down some. Any little bit will help at this point. He's very sick and the high fever doesn't help," the young nurse responded.

"Any idea when he'll regain consciousness?" Calleigh questioned.

"It's hard to know, but even when he does the doctor may choose to sedate him to keep him from fighting the vent until he's more aware and lucid," the nurse answered.

"Oh, I see," Calleigh commented. Just then one of the various machines surrounding Tim began beeping.

"What does that mean?" Calleigh asked anxiously.

"It's just the antibiotics more needs to be added. I'll be right back with it," she said exiting the room. She returned a moment later and added more of the antibiotic before pushing a few buttons and the beeping stopped. She looked at the IV drip that was giving Tim nutrients and nodded.

"His IV looks good for now. Your friend seems to be very stubborn I know most people who are as sick as he is don't even make it this long," Sam said encouragingly.

"Speed's definitely very hard headed," Calleigh agreed.

"Well if you've got the sponging under control I'll leave you to it and check on him later," Sam told the other woman.

"I'm fine, see you later," Calleigh said as she continued to run the wet cloth over her unconscious and very sick friend.

"Hey there, Speed, it's me Cal. Everyone's really worried about you. You've got to be okay. I'm not sure what Eric and Horatio will do if they lose you. I'm not sure what any of us will do if we lose you. You're very important to all of us. We love you and life won't be the same without you so you have to get better, you hear me? There aren't any other options," she said sternly.

"I'm sure he's hearing everything you say," Eric said as he walked into the room. Calleigh jumped she hadn't heard him come in.

"You scared me," she exclaimed.

"Sorry, didn't mean to," Eric apologized.

"Where are the others?" she asked noticing that he was by himself.

"H's checking in at the lab and Alexx is finishing lunch."

"You and Horatio ate, didn't you?" Calleigh asked.

"Yeah, Alexx made sure of that," Eric replied.

"That's good, you won't do any good to Tim if you're worn out and starving," she added.

"I wonder what's going on at the lab?" Calleigh wondered.

"Yeah, me to. Unfortunately we're probably going to have to go back to work at some point. Stetler won't grant us the time off and you can't handle the entire caseload on your own," Eric said.

"As much as I'd like to so you two can stay here with him at all times I can't," Calleigh agreed regretfully. Eric was about to respond when Alexx and Horatio entered the room.

"I brought you back a sandwich and some coffee, Calleigh," Alexx said handing it to the blonde.

"Thanks Alexx, I didn't realize how hungry I was," Calleigh replied.

"So how's the lab, H?" Eric asked.

"Things are okay for now. Rick wasn't happy about our sudden departure but he'll get over it. Unfortunately he won't grant us the time off. We'll have to stay with him when we can but he says we still have to come into work. If we want time off it comes out of our vacation time," he explained.

"I'm willing to give up all my vacation time to be with him," Eric argued.

"So am I," Calleigh agreed. Alexx nodded as well.

"I know so am I, but what would Tim want us to do?" Horatio asked.

"He'd want us to work and not worry about him," Eric answered reluctantly.

"Exactly," Horatio said.

"We'll stay through the night and hopefully his fever will go down so it'll be easier when we have to leave for work in the morning," Horatio told his lover.

"You two can go home whenever you need to. Alexx I know you have your kids to take care of," he said turning to the two women.

"Peter's got the kids taken care of. I'm staying right here and helping you take care of Timmy," she said firmly.

"I am to," Calleigh added.

"Thank you," Horatio said softly.

"There's no need to thank us we're family and family helps family," Calleigh answered. Just then Speed began thrashing about. Eric and Calleigh who were sitting on either side of him placed a hand on his arm to calm him.

"Take it easy, Speed, your safe it's okay," Horatio soothed as he stood next to Eric. At the sound of his lover's voice Tim seemed to relax and stopped thrashing about.

"What was that?" Eric asked in bewilderment.

"Sometimes high fevers can cause nightmares and other delirious behavior," Alexx explained.

"Do you think he can hear us even though he's unconscious?" Calleigh wondered.

"Some people believe that patients who are unconscious can hear their loved ones voice. I believe they can. It's important that we keep talking to him and letting him know he's not alone," Alexx answered.

"Okay," Horatio said as he yawned. It had been a long day and the end didn't appear to be anywhere in sight.

***

"How's Speed doing?" Valera asked as Horatio walked into the DNA lab after she'd paged him.

"About the same, his fevers dropped down to 103.5 which while that's not good is at least a step in the right direction," the lieutenant informed her.

"That's good to hear. I'll try and come see him later today if I can," she promised.

"I'm sure he'd like that. You have results for me?" Horatio prompted. Turning to grab the sheet that had just printed Valera nodded.

"The blood found on the knife came from two people. One was our victim, but the other was unknown. They weren't in the system," she explained handing him the print out.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Your welcome," Valera answered. Sighing Horatio walked into the hall hoping they'd catch a break soon so he could take a quick trip to the hospital to check on Speed.

"What'd Valera have to say?" Calleigh asked as she walked up to him.

"The blood on the knife was from two donors. One was our vic, but the other one is unknown," he told her.

"Well it was the stab wound to the heart that killed him, according to Alexx. The other stab wounds were shallow as if the killer was just teasing the victim before killing him," Calleigh hypothesized.

"Hmm, that's interesting. How's the processing of the evidence we collected at the scene going?" he asked.

"Slow I haven't found anything yet. Eric's just gotten back from his scene and is in layout room two working on the evidence from his case," Calleigh informed her boss.

"Okay, keep working on the evidence I'm going to call Frank and see if he's gotten anything from witness statements."

"You got it, handsome," Calleigh said flashing him a bright smile as she headed back to the room she was working in.

Lunch time had snuck up on the inhabitants of the Miami Dade Crime lab. It wasn't until his stomach grumbled; demanding food that Eric looked at his watch and realized it was already 12:00. Pushing back from the table where he was looking at crime scene photos he pulled out his phone and dialed Calleigh.

"Duquesne," came her sweet voice.

"Hey, you wanna get some lunch?"

"Sure, meet in five?" she replied.

"

Sounds good to me, see you then."

"Bye," Calleigh said hanging up.

"Any idea where H is? I haven't seen him in a while," Calleigh wondered as she and Eric walked into the diner just down the street from the lab.

"Last time I saw him he was heading out to go talk to a possible witness with Tripp," Eric replied.

Maybe they stopped by the hospital," Calleigh mused.

"Yeah maybe," Eric agreed. They ordered their lunch and were sitting in a companionable silence when Eric's phone rang.

"Delko," he answered.

"Hey Eric, it's me. Frank and I are at the hospital and it looks like Speed's temp is down to 103 even," Horatio said in a monotone voice.

"That's good that his fever's down to 103 but what's wrong, H?" he questioned.

"They only had him on 80% oxygen on the vent he was still able to breathe somewhat on his own. Now he's on 100% oxygen," Horatio explained his voice cracking. Eric's face crumbled and tears filled his eyes. Reaching out Calleigh placed her smaller hand on top of his.

"What's the matter, Eric?"

"Speed's gone from 80% oxygen with the vent and 20% being able to produce his own to being totally dependant on the vent," Eric explained shakily. Calleigh pointed to the phone and Eric nodded in understanding.

"Cal wants to talk to you," he said into the phone.

"Okay," Horatio responded.

"So what does this mean, Horatio? What caused this?"

"They said that his lungs are just working to hard and they can't handle it. The high fever makes it worse. Hopefully they'll be able to ease back on the amount of oxygen he's getting from the vent sooner rather than later. After a while the ventilator can do more harm than good according to the nurse," Horatio explained.

"I see, are you staying with him?" Calleigh wanted to know.

"As much as I want to I need to get back to work. Eric and I will sit with him tonight, though," the redhead answered.

"I thought so; well Eric and I are eating at the diner. What sandwich do you want me to bring back to the lab for you?" asked the blonde.

"Thanks, but I'm not hungry, cal," he answered.

"I didn't ask if you were hungry I asked what sandwich you want me to bring you back to eat?" she repeated firmly. Horatio sighed he knew it was pointless to argue with his ballistics expert when she had her mind set on something.

"A ham and cheese sandwich with mustard, please."

"I'll be happy to get it for you," Calleigh said cheerfully glad she'd won the argument.

"Thank you," Horatio replied.

"Your welcome, well I need to let you go so I can order your food but we'll be back to the lab soon, see you there," she said hanging up the phone and handing it back to Eric. Five minutes later they were on their way back to the lab a bag with a sandwich, chips an apple and a coffee for the lieutenant firmly in Calleigh's hands. Eric had been silent since the phone call from Horatio.

"Tim will be okay, he's to stubborn not to be," Calleigh said softly. Eric chuckled slightly as he nodded.

"Yeah, you're right," he agreed holding open the door to the lab for her.

"Thank you," she said sweetly as she walked through it.

"Your welcome, you want me to take that to H?" Eric asked pointing to the food and drink from the diner.

"Sure if you don't mind I want to go talk to Alexx for a minute," Calleigh answered.

"No not at all," Eric said relieving her of her burden and heading for his boss/lovers office.

***

The hours drug on slowly and painfully. While Tim's fever had gone down to 103 it was staying there.

"I think we're going to try the cooling packs again," said the new nurse named Cindy who walked into the room. Eric and Horatio looked up and nodded.

"Do you think it will help?" Horatio wondered.

"We hope so," Cindy answered.

"We do to," Eric commented. The two of them kept their vigil by their lover's bedside through the night and into the next day. Until they had to go to work then repeated the routine the next night. Finally the next day had arrived and Tim still hadn't regained consciousness and Horatio and Eric were starting to worry that he may never wake up even though they tried to stay positive. The sun streaming through the window woke Horatio from his fitful sleep. Glancing over to his left he saw that Eric was still sleeping. He frowned trying to figure out what had woken him up besides the sun. Listening carefully he heard it again. Someone was moving slightly in the bed. His eyes widened and he shook Eric's arm.

"Eric, wake up," he called urgently. Eric's eyes shot open in confusion as he stared at Horatio.

"'smatter?" he mumbled.

"Speed's awake," Horatio called as he turned and met the frightened brown eyes of his lover. Placing a calming hand on Speed's arm he spoke.

"Relax, Speed, your in the hospital you have Pneumonia," Horatio explained soothingly. Speed moved his hands towards his throat.

"No, leave it there, that's helping you breathe. They had to intibate you," Eric explained. Horatio smiled he noticed that Speed's skin was much cooler to the touch than it had been when he drifted off to sleep.

"I think his temps gone down significantly," he commented to Eric as he pressed the nurse's call button. Sam who was their favorite nurse by far came bustling into the room.

"What can I do for you gentlemen?" she questioned.

"Speed's awake," Eric explained. Sam's smile lit up her face as she turned and noticed that her patient was awake and looking kind of confused.

"Good morning, Speed, my name's Sam. I've been one of the nurses taking care of you. I'm going to check your vitals, okay? Just nod if you understand me. Speed nodded his head frowning because he couldn't speak. Stepping forward Sam began taking his vitals.

"I'm happy to report that his temp is down to 100 that's much better than it's been. I'm going to go talk to the doctor about getting him of the vent and putting an oxygen mask on him instead," she said as she smiled at the three men before hurrying out of the room. Speed stared at his lovers with wide eyes. Just then Calleigh walked in for her morning visit.

"Good morning bo-," she broke off when she saw Tim's eyes were open.

"You're awake!" she cried as she rushed forward and gathered him into a tender but fierce hug. Speed gave her a half smile but still looked confused. He made as if he were writing. Nodding in understanding Calleigh rummaged on the table before she found a notepad and a pencil. Smiling she handed them to Speed.

"What happened, how'd I get here? I think I called Cal, but don't remember?" he wrote.

"What's the last thing you remember?" Eric asked.

"Going to bed after I threw up the soup I'd eaten. Then I woke up and couldn't breathe. That's the last thing I can clearly remember. Where's Alexx? I thought I heard her voice?" Horatio read out loud so the others would know what Tim was asking.

"I'm right here, baby," came Alexx's voice as she reached the door. Everyone else jumped they hadn't heard her come up.

"Hey guys thought I'd come buy and see how Timmy was doing before work. I can see he's awake," she said happily as she to gave him a hug.

"You called me saying that you couldn't breathe. I told you that I was calling an ambulance and that the guys and I would be there as soon as we could. You didn't respond, though, because you'd blacked out. We got their and the EMTs were about to take you to the hospital. Alex and I followed in the hummer Eric and Horatio rode with you. The doctors diagnosed you with Double Pneumonia," Calleigh explained.

"Your temp spiked to 104.5 but we worked and worked and finally got it down to 100," Horatio added.

"You scared the hell out of us," Eric interjected. Just then there was a knock on the door and the doctor stuck his head around it.

"I hear that there's a patient in this room who wants that tube out of their throat?" he asked with a smile. Speed nodded emphatically.

"Hi, it's nice to finally meet you, Speed. My name is Dr. Sanders and I've been taking care of you. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to pull on the tube. Let it slide out it won't be very comfortable I'm going to be honest with you. Once it is out cough a few times for me, okay?" Speed nodded in understanding. Eric and Horatio each took one of Speed's hands and squeezed.

"Okay, take in a deep breath; now blow it out as hard as you can. That's good here it comes," the doctor said as he eased the tube from Tim's mouth. Once it was free Tim began coughing and gagging. Horatio rubbed his back until the coughs subsided. Alexx caught the doctor's eye before jerking her head towards the pitcher of water on the table.

"Sure go ahead," the doctor answered. Nodding Alexx walked over and filled a glass with water before slipping a straw in it and holding it to Speed's lips.

"Drink, baby," she instructed. Speed did what he was told and smiled as the cool liquid soothed his dry and abused throat. The doctor was studying the o2 monitor and had a frown on his face.

"I'm not comfortable leaving you without any supplemental oxygen right now. I'm going to put an oxygen mask on you. If I see that your O2 sats improve I'll consider switching to a nasal canula but at the moment it's got to be the mask," the doctor explained. As he was speaking Sam was assembling the tubing to the oxygen mask and adjusting the straps. Gently Eric lifted Speed's head so the nurse could ease the mask over his face.

"C-can I still talk?" Speed rasped out.

"Yes, but I wouldn't advise it for a little while. Your throat will be sore and raw for a while yet," the doctor cautioned.

"When do you think you'll move him from the ICU?" Eric asked.

"If he shows signs of improving maybe sometime tomorrow. I want at least one day of the nurse's watching him," the doctor told the group. Glancing at his watch he said, "I have to check on other patients but I'll be back to check on you later, Speed."

"Bye," Speed called. Looking at his watch Horatio frowned.

Noticing the frown, Speed asked, What's wrong?"

"We have to go to work as well," he answered dejectedly.

"I'll be fine," he rasped out.

"You sure, sugar?" Alexx asked in concern. Speed nodded it hurt too much to talk. Eric and Horatio leaned over and placed kisses on Speed's forehead.

"We love you and we'll get back as soon as shift is over tonight if a case doesn't keep us," Eric promised softly.

"I know, now go before your late," Speed whispered through the mask. The others laughed at the interplay. They were just grateful that Speed was back with them and appeared to be doing okay so far.

Next part of The Building Blocks of Love.