Title: CSI: Miami
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRM
Disclaimer: They are owned by various executives, producers and CBS. I'm just borrowing them for a few moments. I'm not making any money and I'll be sending them back to the lab where they belong. Because we all know that if I owned them Speed would be very much alive.
Beta: Calypso I can't thank you enough
Summary: The funeral procession was just too much…
Author's Note: After watching Lost Son again and crying again – I just had to write this up. Yes it's another denial story – like I really write anything else… Oh and you might want to sit down – it's not Horatio/Speed!!
Challenge: 100 Fanfic: Timothy Speedle/Eric Delko
Prompt: #1 Beginnings
Word Count: 3599

~*~

Alexx sat there staring at the TV screen, tears running down her face. The funeral procession was just too much. Calleigh slipped an arm around her handing her a tissue. She gave her a watery smile, trying not to notice the same tear tracks running down Calleigh's face. She looked across the room, Horatio looked a bit pale and Eric contemplative – actually he hadn't shown any emotion since it had begun.

The television clicked off, "I told you the producer hated me." Speed stood there glaring at the screen. "Hell my poor character didn't even make it past the pilot."

"What did you do to piss her off?" Calleigh wiped away the tears.

"She cornered me in the locker room," Speed shrugged as he sat next to Alexx on the couch. "I told her I wasn't interested." He put an arm around Alexx. "It's just a TV show."

"I know baby," Alexx patted his leg. "That was just a little to close to home."

"And I might ask who the hell told her about Dispo Day?" Speed glared at each of them. "Like no one in their right mind wouldn't have learned their lesson."

Horatio stood up from his spot on Speed's recliner, "Well I'm for one glad you did." He shook his head. "That's a funeral I do not want to attend." He gave a pointed glare at Speed. "Do I really take my sunglasses off that much?" Everyone wisely kept their mouths shut. "Fine," Horatio grinned as he slipped on his glasses and headed for the door ignoring the snickering behind him. "See you all at work tomorrow."

Calleigh stood up stretching with a yawn, "I'm not sure if I'll keep watching it." She leaned over giving Speed a kiss on the cheek. "They killed off my favorite character."


Speed blushed a bit, "Though I still haven't figured out if you were sleeping with Hagen or Horatio?"

Calleigh rolled her eyes, "Didn't you know? I really had an affair with Stetler."

"That is just wrong," Speed laughed as he walked her to the door. "See you tomorrow."

Alexx grabbed her purse, "Got to get home to the kids." She gave Speed a kiss on the cheek, "Take care honey."

"You too," Speed closed the door behind them. "You staying for a while?"

"I got to go," Eric headed for the door.

Speed's grin faded when he looked at Eric. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Eric pushed past him and out the door.

Speed stared at the closed door, a frown on his face. He shrugged as he locked the door, turned the lights off, and headed to bed.

~*~

Speed rolled over and looked at the clock on the night stand; it was just past one in the morning. He groaned as he heard the knock a second time. He grumbled as he got out of bed, and padded down the hallway in his boxers and t-shirt. He rubbed a hand over his scratchy beard and through his hair. The knock sounded a third time. Speed growled slightly as he looked through the peephole.

He unlocked the door and opened it, "What are you doing here?"

"I…" Eric stammered, "I need to talk…"

"Get in," Speed opened the door wide. Closing it behind Eric, he relocked it and turned towards his friend. "What is so important that you would be knocking at my door at one in the morning?"

Eric paced a few steps; Speed was barely able to see him in the darkened living room. Speed took a step towards him, when Eric suddenly pushed him against the door and kissed him thoroughly. Speed's arms wrapped around Eric's waist pulling the man closer to him, opening his mouth and letting Eric's tongue dive in. Eric moaned pushing Speed further into the door grinding against him.

As quickly as it started Eric stepped back practically dropping Speed to the floor. Speed gasped in gulps of air, his eyes not leaving Eric who stood a few feet away panting. Speed took a few steps towards him, "Eric?"


"I'm sorry," Eric stepped away from Speed. "I didn't mean… I … I didn't come here…"

"Why did you come here?" Speed asked quietly.

"After seeing that stupid show the thought of you dying was stuck in my head." Eric paced the small living room. "Every time I closed my eyes I kept seeing you lying on that floor."

"Eric," Speed stopped him from pacing. "I'm not dead."

Eric turned angrily, "I know that!" He growled, "Just the thought that you would die for such a stupid reason. It scared the shit out of me."

Speed walked down the hall to his bedroom, Eric stood in the hallway watching him. Speed returned with his gun, "Check it."

"I trust you," Eric shook his head.

"Check it," Speed held it out to him. "You won't get it out of your head if you don't."

Eric took the gun from Speed's hand; he walked over to the kitchen table and set it down. "I trust you." Speed watched Eric figure something out in his head as his fingers ghost over Speed's gun. "The thought that I could have lost you without ever telling you…"

"Tell me what?" Speed asked softly.

Eric turned towards him, "That I love you." He took a step towards Speed. "That I've loved you since I met you – cynical asshole and all."

Speed met Eric in the middle pulling the younger man into his arms, "I love you too." He pulled Eric's head down for a slow passionate kiss. Eric slipped his arms around Speed pulling him closer, his hands slipping under the raggedy t-shirt caressing smooth skin. Speed pulled him down the hallway, towards his bedroom. The passion escalating as they began to touch and explore. Speed's shirt was off of him before he hit the bedroom door, Eric's soon followed.

Speed stepped back and looked at Eric, admiring the firm stomach, tight chest and shoulders, "So the swimming thing really works for you."

Eric grinned as he pushed Speed onto the bed, his hands caressing up Speed's strong thighs slipping into the legs of his boxer shorts, "So the bike thing really works for you."

"I'm really good at riding hard and fast." Speed's eyes were black with lust.

Eric groaned, his hands slipping out of the boxer shorts. He pulled them down and tossed them over his shoulder. Speed moved forward grabbing Eric's belt and pulling him closer. Eric's hand slipped into Speed's hair holding him still as he devoured his mouth. Speed worked Eric's belt, he was having a hard time accomplishing small things such as unbuckling a belt when Eric's was sucking on his tongue. Eric took a step back a grin on his face as he took his belt from Speed's hands. He quickly finished stripping down, Speed scooted towards the headboard, Eric following him a sultry grin on his face.

"So about that ride," Eric pinned Speed to the bed.

"How do you want me?" Speed's voice dropped. He lifted his head his lips, ghosting over Eric's ear. "You want me on my back legs spread wide as you pound me into the mattress? Or on my knees as you fuck me into oblivion? Or you want me to give you the ride of your life?"

Eric groaned the images skirting through his mind, "I won't be doing any of it if you keep talking that way."

Speed sucked on his ear, "We can't have that now can we?"

Eric rolled quickly ending up with Speed straddling him, "Ride me."

~*~

The ringing of the phone woke him up. Speed groggily picked it up, "Speedle."

"So did you like the pilot episode?" A honey filled voice asked.

"You are such a bitch," Speed answered back. "By the way, in your forensics show is there any forensics?"

"You're just upset that the cynical asshole character died," The voice cooed.

"Actually I should thank you," Speed turned over his eyes falling on the sleeping Eric. "Because you decided to shoot the poor bastard I ended up with something wonderful."

"Oh really," The honey voice harden. "And what would that be?"

"The good looking, up and coming CSI in my bed," He hung up the phone and kissed Eric.

"Good looking, up and coming CSI?" Eric asked laughing slightly.

"Well the characters were a bit stereotypical," Speed laughed. "You got the all American fearless leader fighting for truth justice and the American way. The beautiful and smart sassy country girl, and lets not forget the ethnic mom who made a life for her and her kids."

"Our life on television," Eric smiled up at Speed. "And us?


"Two people who found love and comfort with each other," Speed smiled at him. "Who have to get up and go to work."

"You had to remind me," Eric groaned as he rolled out of the bed. "Shower?"

"Quicker if we share," Speed suggested as he climbed out of the bed.

Eric's eyebrow rose, "Are you sure about that?"

"We don't have time for shower sex, besides I'm a little sore from last night." Speed stood up slowly.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" Eric asked concerned.

"No, but three times is a bit much," Speed grinned. "Who knew you would go for D all of the above."

Eric shrugged, "You jump in the shower, I'll fix coffee then we'll switch places. Besides, I have to run out and grab my bag."

Speed nodded as he walked towards the bathroom, "There are some bagels in the bread box."

Eric ran out to the car and grabbed his bag, setting it back in the bedroom. He was considering sending flowers to the producer thanking her for opening his eyes in many ways. He had hated her on sight. She was following the team around asking questions about forensics and what they do. She was making a new television series about CSI's – Speed had wondered who the hell would want to watch DNA being processed.

Eric had noticed her interest in Speed. It had forced him to finally realize and accept his feelings for his best friend. But seeing the character shot had set his resolve. He knew anytime they went out that door something could happen. He wasn't going to let another day go by, so he had gotten dressed and drove over to Speed's.

He smiled as he fixed the coffee and set a bagel into the toaster, remembering the hours of making love. They only got about two hours of sleep, but it was well worth it. He glanced over at the kitchen table – Speed's gun glared at him. He trusted Speed but the image was strong, he picked up the gun and dismantled it checking the barrel. He sighed with relief seeing a well oiled and clean barrel.

"Feel better?" Speed asked.

"I'm sorry," Eric set the gun down.

"Don't be," Speed smiled at him. "I guarantee Calleigh and Horatio will be checking it when I get in."

"I know you're not comfortable with guns," Eric stepped up to him. "But please don't hesitate. I don't think any of us could handle the funeral."

"I promise," Speed kissed him. "Now go take a shower, so we can get to work on time."

~*~

Speed sat on the curb shaking, his mind reeling from what just went down. It started off as a robbery/homicide. The victim had interrupted the thief and had been shot. As they got deeper in the investigation it turned out that the robber had shot the victim because the jewels were fakes. Leading Horatio and Speed to the jewelry store where the jewels had been bought.

"A jewelry store?" Speed asked smirking.

Horatio paused by the Hummer, "I don't like this."

"H," Speed turned and looked at him. "It was a show. Like I told Calleigh this morning when she checked my gun and you when you checked it and Alexx when she handed me the Kevlar vest."

"Still," Horatio looked around the block. "Let's be careful."

"I will, besides I have a date tonight," Speed grinned.

"Oh really," Horatio smiled at him. "You and Eric finally figure things out?"

"Can't get anything past you can we?" Speed laughed as he opened the door.

"Mr. Hanson," Horatio stepped into the store.

"I'm Rudy Hanson," He smiled at Horatio. "How can I help you?"

Speed paused, but kept looking around the store. He stepped towards the back noticing the stash of jewels on a work station. It was an odd place for them to be at, even for a jewelry store.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lee, are they customers of yours?" Horatio watched Speed walk the room. That's when it hit him; it was the same damn store as in the show.

"Ah yes," Hanson answered. "Good customers."

"Speed?" Horatio looked at Speed then back at Rudy.

Speed turned and looked at Horatio, "Mr. Hanson do you just leave jewels lying around on an open work station?"

"We are doing inventory," Hanson shifted between the two men.

Horatio looked around, "Tell me, how do you guarantee your jewels?"

Speed's eyes focused on the work station, he squatted down to get a better look underneath the station, when he noticed movement off to the side. He turned seeing the flash before hearing the report. He dove to the ground and rolled, pulling up his own gun getting a couple of shots off. Horatio pushed Rudy to the ground pulling his own gun taking aim at the second gunman.

Horatio's breathing was harsh in his ears; he turned towards Speed only to see him lying on the ground. "SPEED!" He pulled his phone. "Shot's fired – need assistance." He knelt next to Speed, "Speed!"

"I'm fine," Speed sat up groaning a bit.

Horatio patted him down looking for entry wounds, "You're not shot?"

"No," Speed shook his head. "I was already squatting down when I dove, twisted my knee a bit."

"How bad?" Horatio asked looking over at the knee.

"Not to bad, nothing some ice and levitation won't fix," Speed shifted. "Help me up."

Horatio stood up and helped Speed stand, letting him adjust for his knee, "You okay?"

"Should be fine," Speed limped as he walked out of the store, with Horatio's help he sat on the curb.

"You stay here," Horatio walked up to the cruisers as they pulled up to the store. He motioned inside where the two gunmen were located. Speed looked up from his place as the corner van pulled up.

"Speed?" Alexx ran up to him. "Oh, God I heard officer involved shooting at a jewelry store and…"

She hugged him then slapped him on the shoulder, "Don't do that to me."

"Sorry," Speed smiled at her. "Next time I'll wear the vest."

An EMT walked up, "Lieutenant Caine said you need assistance."

"Twisted my knee," Speed grimaced.

"Let's take a look," The EMT knelt down to examine the knee. "There are two bodies for you to take care of."

She nodded and walked into the store, "Horatio?"

Horatio turned towards her, "I just got it confirmed by Rudy – they filmed here."

Alexx dropped her kit, "That…"

Horatio pulled her to him, "Sh… he's outside."

"I know, only reason I'm still standing," Alexx picked her kit up. "Where are the two men who had the audacity to try and hurt my boys?"

Horatio tried not to grin, "Over there."

Calleigh ran into jewelry store, half expecting to see Speed dead on the floor, "Horatio…" She stopped short. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I wish I was," Horatio handed her his and Speed's gun. "Speed got a few shot's off before I did."

"Were you fired upon first?" Stetler asked as he walked into the store.

"Yes," Horatio nodded. "I was talking to Mr. Hanson; Speed was over by the work station. He knelt down, shots were fired, I pulled my gun a second gunman was aiming towards Speed, I told him to drop it and he turned on me I fired back."

"The first gunman?" Stetler asked.

"You will have to talk to Speed," Horatio pointed outside to where Speed was being looked over by an EMT.

"Was he injured?" Stetler looked over at Speed then back to Horatio.

"Twisted his knee on the way down," Horatio explained. "If you excuse me I need to talk to Mr. Hanson."

Stetler looked over at Speed, "I'm glad to see that life didn't imitate art."

"Me to," Horatio slipped on his glasses and headed outside towards Rudy, who was now being questioned by Yelina.

~*~

Eric slammed the Hummer into park and jumped out of the vehicle. His eyes were focused on Speed being treated by an EMT. He stopped his heart pounding in his chest. He had heard there was a shooting at a jewelry store, that they need assistance. He left the lab and got into the Hummer – just dreading to hear the words 'officer down'. He walked over to Speed, dropping down next to him. Speed turned and smiled at him.

"Keep icing it, and stay off of it for a few days," The EMT packed his kit up. "I don't see a need for a trip to the hospital, but a trip your doctor might be a good idea if the pain is still bad in the morning."

Eric waited till the EMT left, "You scared the shit out of me."

"You," Speed looked over at the store. "I never wanted to pull my gun, and after promising you I would if need be – I had to." He looked over at Eric, "I shot a man today."

"I'm sorry you had to do that," Eric laid his hand discretely on Speed's hand, their bodies hiding the connection. "But I'm not sorry it was him and not you."

"All I kept thinking was about you," Speed began shaking. "Just to get through it alive so I can go home to you. So I can sleep in your arms tonight."

Eric squeezed his hand, "I'm never letting you go."

"Speedle," Stetler walked up to the two men. "Delko, Horatio needs you in the store."

Eric nodded and got up, "Don't go too far."

Speed rolled his eyes, "Dude you’re my ride. I can't ride my bike with this knee."

Eric waved as he headed into the store. He stopped at the entrance his kit slipping out of his fingers, "Shit!"

"I know," Calleigh walked up to him. "They filmed here."

Eric took deep breaths, "Oh God."

Calleigh ran up to him, "Breathe. Come on Eric breathe… in… out…" Calleigh helped him bend over as he took deep breaths.

"He's okay," Horatio walked up to the two CSI's. "Well as good as anyone can be talking with Stetler."

Eric snickered, "Thanks."

Horatio smiled at him, "Calleigh and I will take care of the scene. You take him home, and I don't want to see either of you till Monday."

Eric's eyebrow rose, "Can't get anything past you."

"That's what Speed said," Horatio smiled. "Now go. Save him from Stetler."

Eric nodded as he headed back outside. Calleigh smiled at the sight of the two men, "Damn I missed that pool by a long shot."

"Who did win?" Horatio asked.

"Valera," Calleigh scrunched her nose up. "Of course I think she found out about the plot of the pilot and knew it would freak Eric out."

"Knowing her," Horatio turned towards the scene, "You almost done?"

"Soon," She turned back towards the crime scene, "Just last analyses of Speed's position."

"I'll leave you to it," Horatio slipped on his glasses and walked out into the sun, his red hair shining in the Miami sunlight.

~*~

"I'm fine," Speed muttered as Eric fiddled with the pillows under his knee. "I just won't be riding for a while." Eric looked up at him a grin on his face, "I meant my bike."

"Oh, okay," Eric smirked and settled next to him on the couch. "You comfortable?"

Speed leaned against Eric, "I am now."

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

Speed snuggled closer his eyes drifting closed, "I love you too."

Eric smiled, "Get some sleep I'll be here after the commercial break."

Speed chuckled lightly, slipping into a restful sleep. Eric picked up the remote lowering the volume as he flipped through the channels ,settling on a special about alligators on the discovery channel. His hand absently caressed through Speed's hair as he watched the program. He looked down as Speed shifted closer. He smiled content with where he was, and who he was with. Having a very much alive Speed curled up to his side, was much better than some TV show.