Title: Goodbye
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRM
Disclaimer: I think we all know I don't own them and the reasons why. They are owned by various executives, producers, writers and studios that have more lawyers than I want to mess with. I'm not making any money just borrowing them for a bit and promise to return them.
Summary: Speed tells his ex goodbye when he starts a new relationship.
Beta: Kay (Joe)
Genre: Slash
Author's Note: Song used in story - Goodbye to You by Breaking Point
100 Challenges: 100 Fanfic – Eric/Speed
Prompt: #76 - Who
Word Count: 1352

Speed knew the whole lab was gossiping about him. He wasn’t surprised considering he walked into work with an actual smile on his face. And when Valera caught him humming it sent her scurrying away to the other lab rats to discuss where the Pod was.

He was still humming when he walked into the break room. He grabbed a cup of coffee and turned to lean against the counter. He paused the whole room was staring at him.

“What?” Speed asked before sipping his coffee.

“You’re humming.”

“You’re smiling.”

“You’re drinking coffee.”

“Did we mention the smiling and humming?”

He shook his head at the two women. He grinned and decided to go in for the kill. “I have a date.”

He swore he heard crickets.

Calleigh squealed and jumped up hugging him. Speed barely got the coffee cup out of the way before it spilled on him. “I’m deaf now.”

“With whom, where, and what are you wearing?” She smiled brightly.

“More importantly.” Alexx eyed her boy. “Who is he?”

“I’m not telling.” Speed set his coffee down. He leaned over and kissed mom on the cheek. “I will give you a full report tomorrow.” He grinned. “If I’m in.”

“Timothy Speedle, don’t you dare tease your mother.” She slapped him lightly on the arm. Alexx became very serious. “It’s not Eric is it?”

Speed stepped back, a pang of hurt going through him. “No. I’m moving on.”

“Good!” Calleigh humphed as she sat down. “He treated you like shit. I know you still care, but Tim…”

“I know.” Speed’s voice was soft. “I need to move on and this time I think I found the right one. Just let’s get through this date…”

“Date?” Eric asked from the doorway. He smiled. “Who's got a date?”

Calleigh smirked. “Speed does.”

The Cuban Russian frowned. “With who?” his voice getting a hard edge to it.

“None of your business really.” Speed smiled at the girls. “I’m going to go change then head out.”

“Lunch, details, tomorrow.” Alexx eyed him. “No arguing with your mother.”

“I promise.” Speed headed out towards the locker room.

Both women turned to Eric. “If you screw this up you will suffer my wrath.” Alexx glared at the younger man.

He blinked at her. “Shouldn’t you be concerned he’s just going out…”

“Not at all.” Calleigh leaned over the table. “I hope this guy woos him, then takes him home and fucks him through the mattress.” She grinned at Eric’s squirming. “You lost your chance when you decided it was too difficult to be in a gay relationship.”

“What did you expect? For him to wait around for you.” Alexx asked as she stood up. “Wait until you decided he’s worth your attention? My boy deserves better.”

The two woman walked out leave a shell shocked Eric behind. He frowned then moved quickly towards the locker room.

~ Locker Room ~

There's so much I want to say now
But it's too late I know
There's no way to heal these wounds now
And my heart bleeds for you

Eric stopped in his tracks. He had never seen Speed look so…so hot. Speed turned and frowned when he saw Eric standing by the lockers.

“What do you want?” he asked. “I have to leave soon.”

“Who is this guy?” Eric demanded.

“None of your business,” Speed snapped.

“It is…”

The older man turned and slammed his locker closed. “The fuck it is… You’re the one who left me because you couldn’t handle being in a same sex relationship. So, guess what, Eric? You get no say in who I see or decide to fuck.”

“I still care…” Eric stopped. “I…”

“I’m not going to wait around while you make up your mind.” Speed’s voice softened. “I’ve always been there for you, waiting, but it's time I let you go.”

So I wanted you to know
That I finally let you go
After all I've held on to
This is my goodbye to you
I was always there for you
But you never saw the truth
And the reason that I know
Is I’ve finally let you go

“I’m not ready to let you go,” Eric admitted.

“You let me go that night,” he said as he picked up his jacket. “When you denied what we were to your friends.”

“My family is Catholic…” Eric started pacing. “I can’t just bring home a boyfriend.”

“And I can’t be hidden away.” Speed walked up to him. “You will always be my friend, but, Eric, I’m moving on and finding a new lover.”

Yesterday you were my best friend
But tomorrow took you away
There's not much for me to say now
Just goodbye, farewell

“Is he good for you?” Eric demanded. “Cause if he’s not I’m going to let Alexx kill him.”

Speed smirked. “He is.” He glanced down at his watch. “I gotta go. Talk with you tomorrow.”

“I lost the best thing I ever had, didn’t I?” Eric asked as Speed headed for the door.

“No, you didn’t.” Speed turned back towards him. “If I was the best thing, you wouldn’t have walked away.”

And every time I close my eyes
My heart is bleeding deep inside
But now my eyes are open
And I’m never gonna be the one for you
The one for you

~*~

Speed parked his bike in the restaurant's parking lot. He slid off the helmet, locking it to the bike. Looking at the tucked away cozy place, he smiled as he walked up to the front doors.

The hostess took him back to the patio where his date waited for him. He turned and smiled brightly and Speed paused, his heart hammering in his chest, as he stepped out onto the patio, moving forward with his life.

His date smiled. “You look handsome all cleaned up.”

“I do know how to shave,” Speed teased as he sat down. “And I have to air out the suit every once in a while.”

The laughter soothed Speed’s soul. “Any problems leaving work?”

“Giggling girls demanding details and Eric…” Speed swallowed. “He finally gets it.”

“Do you?”

Speed looked up and smiled. “Yes. I’ve let him go and I'm here with you, Horatio.”

Horatio smiled and held up his glass of wine. “Toast.”

Speed held up his. “To what?”

“Our future.”

I finally let you go
Let you go
Let you go so this is my goodbye to you.