Title: I Walk the Line
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.
Cast: Horatio Caine, Timothy Speedle
Special Warnings: Slash - if it's not your cup of tea - don't read
Timeline: My universe where Speed is alive
Summary: Speed face's his past .
Beta: Big thank you to Calypso
Author's Note: Someone suggested a sequel for 'Run Away' with Speed facing his fears… Gypsy gave me the song… I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
Archive: Just let me know where

***

Speed woke up in a cold sweat.  He eased out of Horatio's arms making sure not to wake him.  He got out of bed, grabbed his jogging pants, slipping them on as he headed out the bedroom door.  He walked down the hallway towards the kitchen, the dream replaying over and over again in his mind.
 
He moved into Horatio's place officially a few weeks ago, though he had been practically living there for months.  Speed opened the fridge looking for something to snack on.  He learned early on in his life that once he woke up from a nightmare there was no going back to sleep.  He fixed some cheese and crackers, grabbed a beer and headed outside onto the back porch. 
 
Having Horatio in his life was a gift.  Every day he was amazed at the love Horatio showed him.  Each time he had come home from a therapy appointment looking haggard and rung out, Horatio would hand him a cup of tea and sit with him on the couch. 
 
Horatio had taken to reading to him, to calm him down, get his mind off the session.  They were up to Prisoner of Azkaban. Speed smiled, who knew Horatio was a closet Harry Potter fan? He had made Horatio promise that once they finished Harry Potter that he would read Lord of the Rings next.  Speed enjoyed listening to the deep timbres of Horatio's voice as he read aloud.  Many times he had been lolled asleep by that voice.
 
The three days they had spent in Savannah had become some of Speed's most precious memories.  The bed and breakfast was beautiful, and the owner didn't even blink an eye when Horatio had kissed Speed on the porch.  They spent the three days, learning each others bodies and souls.  Speed closed his eyes remembering in vivid color the first time Horatio had entered him.  He felt desired, wanted, loved and truly alive. 
 
Opening up to Horatio had been difficult.  Old wounds and walls just didn't break down over night.  Horatio's patience was legendary, hell if it had been Speed he would have left himself long ago. 
 
Speed took a sip of his beer analyzing how far he had come these past months.  He could think of Keith and his past without the surge of guilt and pain.  He was beginning to remember the good things, the moments of their lives together he cherished.  He began sharing some of his fondest memories with Horatio, laughing at the idiotic things the two of them would do - they were so young.
 
He let go of the guilt surrounding Keith's accident, realizing that's exactly what it was, an accident.  His therapist suggested he look at it from a CSI perspective, with Horatio's help he had and was able to review everything without guilt overlaying the events.  There was nothing he could have done differently.  The deer had jumped in front of them without warning.  It was instinct to swerve away before they collided with the deer.  A slick patch of snow, and the snowmobiles moment in the turn caused it to skid and flip - an accident, a terrible tragedy - but still an accident.
 
Speed's main fear was his new family would reject him because he was with Horatio.  He wouldn't have been able to stand it, if he lost Eric, Calleigh, or Alexx's friendship because of who he was in a relationship with.  Horatio assured him time and time again, they wouldn't do that.  But the harsh words of his parents, the two people in the world that are supposed to support and love you, still echoed in his ears. 
 
Horatio finally convinced him to tell them. Horatio had invited the team over, including the newest member Ryan, over for dinner.  It was half way through dinner when Calleigh commented on Horatio's cooking.  Horatio smiled at her and explained that Speed was the one who cooked.  Calleigh looked over at Speed; he had been looking down at his plate, shoulders tense waiting for the contempt and hatred. 

Horatio had leaned over and tipped Speed's chin up, and gave him an encouraging smile.  Calleigh had smirked and demanded her twenty bucks; Eric cursed under his breath and pulled out his wallet.  Speed looked at the two of them eyes questioning. 
 
"Calleigh bet twenty bucks you were seeing Horatio," Eric took a bite of his chicken. "I thought you were hitting up on Ryan."
 
"Ryan?" Speed looked over at the new CSI.
 
"ME?" Ryan glanced over at Speed. "He's good looking and all but I already have a boyfriend."
 
Eric looked over at him, "Really who?"
 
Ryan shrugged, "He lives in Vegas."
 
"Long distance romance?" Horatio entered the conversation, "A bit difficult."
 
"We make it work," Ryan poked at his rice. "Can we go back to Speed's love life?"
 
"No," Speed shook his head.
 
"Why did you think he was hitting up on Ryan?" Horatio asked Eric.
 
"He's always hanging out with him," Eric pointed out.
 
"I'm training him," Speed responded. "Remember, Horatio assigned him to work with me."
 
Calleigh just grinned, "I told you. I mean come on, Eric they went to Georgia together on a vacation!"
 
Speed looked down at his plate a small smile on his face, "Speedy?" Alexx leaned over whispering quietly. "Have faith in your family."
 
He moved in with Horatio the next weekend, and Ryan flew out to Vegas to see his boyfriend courtesy of Speed. 
 
He leaned against the porch railing his eyes on the moonlight sky.  This was the fourth time in the past week he had been woken up by the same nightmare.  Speed shivered in the cold, tears streaming down his face.  He pulled his knees up to his chest resting his head on them.  He felt something warm cover his shoulders, felt comforting arms go around him.  He leaned into the warm embrace. 
 
"You want to talk about it?" Horatio rubbed his back. "You've been up four times this week, and you don't come back to bed. You're not getting much sleep."
 
"Nightmares," Speed took a deep breath, "The same one each time."
 
"Tell me about it," Horatio pushed knowing Speed had to get this out.
 
"I'm in New York," Speed wiped away the tears. "I'm standing over Keith's grave talking with him, telling him about Miami and you.  You're there in the background supporting me." Speed shivered in Horatio's arm. "Then it turns into hell.  My father shows up and starts yelling at me.  Telling me I'm no good, and a disgrace to the Speedle name.  As I turn to get away from him, I run into Keith's parents.  They stand there and accuse me of killing Keith, how I should have died since I was useless.  I look back for you," Speed choked his eyes shutting as he tried to get control. "Instead I see your grave stone.  I walk up to Alexx and she turns her back to me.  Then Eric and Calleigh accuse me of your death."
 
Horatio held Speed closer to him, rubbing soothing circles on his back rocking him slightly.  He could feel the tense emotion running through Speed.  "Have you talked to your therapist?"
 
"Thinks I should go to New York and confront my past," Speed leaned farther into the embrace. "He thinks the dream is the last wall, my last fears holding on."
 
"Afraid if you go home, you'll lose me?" Horatio kissed Speed's temple. Speed nodded, "You won't lose me."
 
"I'm terrified," Speed whispered.

"I'll be there each step of the way," Horatio stood up then pulled Speed up with him. "Let's go to bed."
 
The two walked back into the house, "Wait." Speed hesitated in the living room. He walked over to the stereo. "I found this song," he blushed a bit. "It's been getting me through these months." He looked over at Horatio, "Can I play it for you?"
 
Horatio smiled as he sat on the couch, "Sure."
 
"It's performed by the same group that does our getaway song," Speed grinned over at him, "but it's originally by Johnny Cash."
 
"I like Cash, he was a talented artist." Horatio leaned back in the couch waiting for Speed to join him, "Which song?"
 
"I Walk the Line," Speed curled up next to him and hit play on the CD.
 
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
Horatio closed his eyes pulling Speed into his embrace, letting the words wash over him. Once Speed's therapist had learned Horatio had gotten Speed to open up by using music, he applied the technique.  Speed was able to associate some of his deeper emotions with music, getting them out into the open.  Horatio could walk into the room and listen to what was being played to know Speed's mood. 
 
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
He realized what the song represented to Speed.  Through his relationship with Horatio he has been able to face the darkness within him.  Walk the line between letting go completely and moving on with his life. 
 
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
Horatio's arms tightened around Speed, feeling the emotion behind the song.  Speed turned in his arms taking Horatio's lips in a passionate kiss. Horatio ran his hands up Speeds back into his hair cradling his head, deepening the kiss.
 
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
Speed moaned into Horatio's mouth as he ground down rubbing their hard erections together.  Horatio pulled back on Speed's head, taking deep breaths looking into black lust filled eyes.  Speed pulled Horatio off the couch and down the hall into their bedroom. 

Horatio touched, caressed, licked, and kissed every inch of Speed's body.  As he slowly entered the quivering body, Speed whispered words of love.  Speed arched upwards causing Horatio to slip further into his willing body.  Moaning as the hot, tight flesh pulled him in; he buried his head into Speed's shoulders.  Speed moaned in pleasure urging Horatio on, hard, faster.  It didn't take long for either of them to find completion. 
 
Horatio held Speed close watching the young man sleep peacefully.  In the morning he would make arrangements for them to go to New York.
 
~*~
 
"Are you sure about this?" Speed asked sitting in the Miami International Airport terminal.
 
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Horatio laid a hand on Speed's bouncing knee.
 
"I'm not sure at all," Speed stopped bouncing his knee and began fidgeting with his ticket. "I haven't been home in twelve years."
 
"I'll be with you the whole time," Horatio pulled the ticket out of Speed's hand.
 
Speed sighed, resting his hands in his lap his knee bouncing once again. "I can't do this." Speed stood up, Horatio pulled him back down. "I mean it H, I'm terrified."
 
"What's there that can hurt you?" Horatio forced him to look at him.
 
"My mother," Speed whispered.
 
Horatio closed his eyes, wanting nothing more than to go up to New York find all the people that hurt Speed, and beat the crap out of them, man or woman. "She can't hurt you."
 
Speed nodded listening trying to rationalize, "I have to do this, don't I? If we are to have a future I have to put this behind me."
 
Horatio looked around, then took his hand, "Afterwards, let's head down to Manhattan.  I can stop by and see Mac, and you can meet Danny.  Maybe go out to a show, dinner, ride through Central Park."
 
Speed sighed, "That sounds nice."
 
Horatio looked up over to the gateway, "They're calling our plane."
 
"We…" Speed looked longingly down the terminal.
 
"Speed," Horatio's voice lowered a small warning.
 
"I'm coming," Speed picked up his back pack and headed for the gate.
 
"Not yet," Horatio responded his voice husky and thick. Speed didn't turn around instead flipped him off. Horatio laughed, "When we get to New York." He could hear Speed's laughter as he walked up to the gate.
 
~*~
 
Speed stared out the rental car's window, watching familiar and unfamiliar scenery go by.  He hadn't really said anything since they landed in Syracuse.  Horatio ushered him through the terminal, to the car rental place, and was now driving to their hotel.  The plans were to rest tonight, and then go to the cemetery in the morning.  He had no idea what he would do when he got there, but it was the step in the right direction.
 
Horatio pulled up to the hotel, parked and turned off the engine.  He glanced over at Speed, "We're here."
 
Speed nodded and got out of the car. He followed Horatio into the hotel, noticing it was one of the nicer ones in Syracuse.  Speed looked around the lobby as Horatio checked them into their room.
 
"I'm sorry sir, there's been a small mistake," The older woman apologized.
 
"What?" Horatio asked split between focusing on checking in and watching Speed. 
 
Speed walked up to the counter, "problem?"

"It seems they booked you in a room with a king size bed, instead of two doubles," She smiled at them apologizing.
 
Speed looked away from the overly pleasant hotel employee as Horatio took care of the situation, "No mistake we ordered a king size bed."
 
Speed turned back and watched as the smiled turned into a small frown, "Oh."
 
"Is there a problem?" Horatio asked pleasantly. "Or should I talk with your manager."
 
"No sir," She finished checking them in and handed them their keys. "Enjoy your stay in Syracuse."
 
Horatio gave her a bright smile, "Thank you." He took Speed's hand and walked towards the elevator.  Speed resisted the temptation to be overly campy but couldn't resist leaning into Horatio.  The two got into the elevator both trying not to laugh, failed miserably as the doors closed.
 
"Fitting in a weird way," Speed threw his bags down on the small couch. "I mean think about it," he fell onto the bed sprawling his arms out. "We're here for me to deal with my homophobic parents, and move on from my dead lover's accident. And we get huffed at in the lobby."
 
Horatio slipped off his suit coat, "She at least didn't make any comments.  I'm not sure if she was embarrassed by the assumption or shocked at the truth."
 
"Anyway," Speed sat up on his elbows. "You know she's wondering what we're doing right now."
 
Horatio grinned at him, "I think I promised you something when we got to New York."
 
"Yes, you did," Speed sat up his hands unbuckling Horatio's belt. "Make me, for this night, forget why we are here."
 
Horatio slipped his hands into Speed's hair tipping his head back kissing him deeply. "I don't plan on letting you out of this bed till morning."  Speed shivered in anticipation.
 
~*~


Speed stood at the front of the car staring at the path that led up to the cemetery.  He was shaking, he closed his eyes, wanting nothing more than to get back in the car and go back to the hotel and slip into Horatio's arms.  Horatio was going to be pissed when he woke up. 
 
The two had made love repeatedly into the early morning hours.  Horatio had fallen asleep curled around him, but Speed couldn't sleep.  After lying there for hours watching the clock tick by, he eased out of Horatio's embrace.  Took a quick shower, got dressed, and checked to make sure Horatio was truly asleep before taking the keys and sneaking out the door.
 
He was surprised to see the old coffee shop he had hung out at as a teenager was still standing.  He ordered a cup of coffee and muffin.  He sipped his coffee, read the paper while he waited for the cemetery to open at seven. 
 
He looked down at his feet willing them to move forward.  He clutched the small bouquet of flowers he picked up at the shop on the corner.  He walked up the stairs and down the small pathway towards Keith's grave.
 
He stood there studying the marker.
 
Keith Morrison
July 15, 1973
June 1, 1993
Beloved Son and Brother
 
He placed the flowers at the foot of the marker, and then stepped back to the foot of the grave. "God Keith I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have stayed away so long." Speed fell to his knees as tears began to stream down his face. "I was in so much pain after you died.  I had no one, no reason to live, to do anything." He wiped the tears off his cheek. "I loved you so much, and you were gone.  Your family hated me, my family hated me - so I ran." He shifted sitting now Indian style.  "I ended up in Miami, your uncle John took me in, the only one who was still speaking to me.  I was such a mess," Speed picked at the grass. "He introduced me to this wonderful lady, Megan."
 
Speed grinned, "It was nothing like that; she was a sister to me.  Anyway she introduced me to forensics. I finished school and got a job as a CSI.  I'm a level three now, detective.  I get to play in the lab and act cool, carry a badge."  He smiled he could almost hear Keith laughing. "I have to carry a gun, hate it, never liked them - of course you would have thought it was cool."  Speed voice dropped, "I got shot last year. Almost died, wanted to, but you see Horatio wouldn't let me.  He hadn't given up on me just yet.  He ordered me to live, he's got the most expressive blue eyes and I couldn't disappoint him." 
 
He looked around the quiet cemetery. "I love him.  I never thought I would love anyone after you, but he just…he just snuck in and stole my heart, not that I mind.  He's got red; I mean red hair, blue eyes, alluring voice that makes you melt.  He would be interrogating suspects and I would have to control myself from not swooning." Speed smiled at the memory. "He's been with me every step of the way, helping me face my fears, the depression…I know your saying about time.  I left him back at the hotel room; I needed to see you by myself.  To tell you that I still love you, always will.  And that…" Speed took a deep calming breath. "I know you never blamed me but I did…and well I finally faced it and forgave myself…"
 
"Well isn't that nice," A hard cold voice came from behind Speed.
 
Speed jumped up from his seat coming face to face with Keith's mother, "Mrs. Morrison."
 
"You sit there, after twelve years and tell him you forgave yourself for killing him." She slapped him across the face. "It's your fault he died, you don't deserve forgiveness."
 
Speed touched his cheek, "It was an accident. I didn't want or mean for any of it to happen."
 
"Keith had a future, and you ruined it." She spat at him. "He had a family that loved him and wanted him, no one wanted you - you were expendable."
 
Speed's eyes narrowed, "No life is expendable." Speed voice wavered a moment. "I loved Keith with everything I had.  If I could have I would have taken his place, but I couldn't.  But instead of us pulling together to be there for him you shoved me out the door. I had to sneak in to see him."
 
"He didn't love you," She yelled at him. "Not in that way, my son wasn't gay."
 
The laughter bubbled out, "Really. So the fact I lost my virginity in all aspects to him was him not being gay."
 
The second slapped echoed through the cemetery, "No wonder your family threw you out."
 
Speed rubbed his cheek, shook his head and sighed. "I'm sorry you have this much anger and hatred still inside of you.  I didn't come here to ask for your forgiveness I don't need it.  I came here to talk with Keith, to my best friend and first lover." Speed looked over her shoulder to see Horatio standing near by. "You can blame me; hate me all you want I don't care. I've made my peace, and am moving on with my future.  Happy to have known Keith for the years I did, and blessed that he loved me for a few of those years."
 
Speed turned away from her, kissed the top of the marker, "I love you, and I miss you.  You will always be in my heart - you helped me become the man I am today.  Be at peace, and stop tormenting those angels." He turned and walked down the path straight into Horatio's arms.
 
Horatio held Speed close to him feeling the weariness in his body.  He looked over Speed's shoulder towards Mrs. Morrison who stepped towards them.  Horatio narrowed his eyes at her, stopping her mid-step, he wouldn't not put up with her accusations.
 
"Let's go," Horatio slipped his arm around Speed's shoulder and began walking down the path. "I'm upset with you."
 
"I had to do it alone," Speed leaned his head on Horatio's shoulder.
 
"I understand," Horatio kissed the top of head. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it, I walked up in time to see her slap you."
 
"First or second time," Speed snickered.
 
"She slapped you twice?" Horatio stopped and made Speed look at him.
 
"Yeah," Speed shrugged.
 
"I'm proud of you," Horatio smiled at him. "You didn't back down and stood up to her and your own fears."
 
Speed smiled, "I feel good."
 
"Food?" Horatio headed for the car.
 
"There's this great dinner we used to hang out," Speed smiled at him. "Then I'll take you over to some of my old hangouts."
 
"The library?" Horatio teased as they got into the car.
 
"Of course," Speed grinned at him. "Thank you."
 
"It's nothing Speed," Horatio cupped his cheek kissing him softly.
 
~*~
 
"Are you sure about this?" Horatio asked for the third time in the past hour.
 
Speed nodded, as he stared at the single story house, "I have to do this or I will never move on."
 
"What ever happens," Horatio took his hand.
 
"I know," Speed squeezed it before letting go.  He got out of the car and up the walkway to the front door.  He looked back at Horatio still in the car; Horatio gave him an encouraging smile.  Speed turned and knocked on the front door.
 
The door opened, an older woman with silver streaked black hair stood in the doorway, "Yes."
 
Speed took in his mother's appearance, "Hi mom."
 
Her eyes narrowed at the Speed, "Timothy?"
 
"Can I come in?" Speed asked.
 
"What are you doing here?" She crossed her arms in front of her.
 
"To talk," Speed answered. "Please can I come in?"
 
She looked past him, "Who's in the car."
 
"Is me getting in the house dependent on that answer?" Speed looked back at Horatio then at his mom.
 
"You brought your gay lover to my house," She glared at Horatio then Speed.
 
"No, I brought him with me to Syracuse," Speed closed his eyes. "Look mom can we just talk for a few minutes or are you just hell bent at making this difficult."
 
"You're the one who disgraced this family," She spat out at him.
 
"I came her to talk, maybe I don't know, put the past behind us," Speed looked at her. "Can we at least talk? Are you even interested in hearing me out?"
 
"No," She stepped back into the house. "As far as I'm concerned I have only one son." She slammed the door in his face.
 
Speed stared at the door for a few seconds, dropped his head as he turned and walked back down the path.  He got back into the car, "Let's go."
 
"I'm sorry," Horatio stroked his cheek.
 
"Don't be," Speed answered. "I made the effort, I can't do anything more. If she wants to talk she'll have to come to me."
 
"How about a hot bath, room service and some wild sex," Horatio grinned as he backed the car up. "Then drive down to New York and see the sights."
 
Speed smiled at him, "Sound's like a plan."
 
~*~
 
Speed grinned as Horatio moaned when he got up out of the bed, "Sore?"
 
Horatio glared at him as he walked into the bathroom, "You would know."
 
Speed snickered, "You suggested the wild sex."
 
"Not before, during, and after dinner," Horatio mumbled with a smile. "You're driving to New York."

"Take a hot shower," Speed suggested. "While I finish packing so we can get out of this town and never come back."
 
"Sounds good to me," Horatio answered from behind the closed bathroom door.
 
Speed looked up from his packing, hearing someone knocking on the door.  He opened the door, "yes."
 
"Timothy Speedle?" The young man asked.
 
"Yes," Speed looked at the young man, familiarity but not sure from where. "How may I help you?"
 
The young man smiled, "Tim, its Josh."
 
Speed's mouth dropped in shock, "Josh I didn't recognize you. Come in," Speed backed up from the door.
 
"I'm not surprised you didn't recognize me," Josh walked into the room. "I was six when dad kicked you out."
 
"What brings you here?" Speed asked moving the bags from the couch. "How did you know where I was?"
 
"I was in the house when you showed up," Josh sat down. "I had just finished my finals and had come home for the summer."
 
"What school are you attending?" Speed asked a bit surprised to see his younger brother.
 
"Columbia," Josh smiled at him, "pre-med."
 
Speed sat down on the bed, "Mom must be proud."
 
"She wanted me to take over the restaurant," Josh shrugged. "Get a business degree."
 
"It's still open?" Speed was curious to what happened to dad's restaurant.  He had fond memories of the place, where he learned to cook.
 
"Yeah," Josh leaned back in his seat. "Uncle Tom is running it now, until I can take over." Josh rolled his eyes. "Neither of them gets the point that the moment I get that degree I'm out of here."
 
"So why are you here?" Speed got straight to the point.

"I heard the argument at the door, and wanted to come see you." Josh shrugged then turned serious. "Look one of my best friends is gay, so I have no issue with you and your boyfriend.  It wasn't until I got old enough to understand what dad did, and I hated him for it. I had lost my big brother, one I looked up to."
 
Speed blushed and smiled, "Thanks."
 
"Speed?" Horatio stood in the hallway dressed in jeans and a soft blue button down shirt.
 
"Horatio," Speed stood up, "This is Josh my younger brother. Josh this is my lover Horatio."
 
Horatio smiled brightly at the introduction and reached out to shake Josh's hand, "Pleasure to meet you. What brings you here?"
 
"He was at the house when mom and I had are little talk on the front stoop," Speed explained.
 
"Mom and I argued afterwards," Josh shook Horatio's hand and sat back down. "I told her flat out she was being stupid and pig headed just like dad, and she wasn't stopping me from seeing my brother, and then I called around to every hotel until I found this one."
 
"I'm very glad you did," Horatio sighed happy to see the smile on Speed's face.  "How about we have breakfast before we head out."
 
"You're leaving already?" Josh asked a bit disappointed.
 
"There's really nothing left for me here," Speed grabbed his bag. "My home is in Miami now."
 
Josh followed them out of the room, "Then we'll just have to exchange numbers, and email. Wait, Miami? Well looks like I know where I'm going for spring break."
 
Speed just looked at him, "Just to warn you. Horatio and I are CSI, basically cops."
 
Josh grinned, "And your point?"
 
"I see the smart ass attitude runs in the family," Horatio remarked as they entered the elevator.  He laughed when Speed and Josh just rolled their eyes and kept talking.
 
~*~
 
Horatio watched Speed through hooded eyes; he was listing to the radio, a smile on his face as he drove down the road towards New York.  Breakfast had ended up being three hours, but it was worth their late start.  The two brothers had made arrangements for Josh to come visit them over the summer.
 
The dark lines under Speed's eyes were gone.  The soulful brown eyes were bright and filled with happiness.  Speed was happy.  Horatio couldn't keep the smile off his face. This trip worked out beautifully.  Speed was able to face his past, come out on top, and even re-unite with his brother.
 
Speed leaned over and turned up the radio, he grinned over at Horatio.
 
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
"Fitting don't you think," Speed glanced over towards Horatio then back to the road. "I've been walking that fine line for so long, and now."
 
Horatio nodded in understanding. "I love you Speed and I'm proud of you. You dragged yourself out of that hole and started living your life."
 
"You helped," Speed glanced over at him.
 
"I held your hand, but you did it all by yourself," Horatio laid his hand on Speed's knee.
 
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
"You held on and wouldn't let go," Speed placed his hand over Horatio's. "And for that I can't thank you enough."

"I got what I wanted," Horatio's hand drifted upwards.
 
Speed eyebrows rose, "And what was that."
 
"You," Horatio slid his fingers along Speed's upper thigh, and then removed his hand placing it back in his own lap.
 
"No return policy," Speed smirked at him.
 
"Don't plan on returning or letting you go," Horatio settled back in the chair. "Wake me when we get there, I'm a bit worn out."
 
Speed reached over and caressed Horatio's cheek, "I love you too." Horatio just smiled.
 
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
 
~*~
 
"I Walk the Line" - Johnny Cash
 
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line

***