Title: Starlight Dreamer
By: alucardskitten
Pairing: Horatio/Speed
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Spoilers: Lost Son
Authors Notes: Dedicated to Jilly. Very strange denial fic.
Summary: Horatio never took too much stock in children's stories... but his wish comes true...

***

Starlight, star bright, the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might... Horatio thought to himself, but he couldn't remember the rest of the rhyme. But he decided he would make a wish anyways. He sighed and thought hard about his wish. He turned from the sky, towards his house, and he sought out the brandy. he poured himself a finger of brandy and sank into the armchair in front of his television. He closed his eyes. You're really foolish if you think wishing on a stupid ball of light thousands of miles away is going to bring Tim back... He chided himself as he massaged the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. After several hours had passed and it was almost midnight, Horatio decided to head for bed... he never did finish his brandy. He dumped the remainder in the sink and sank into his bed, still fully clothed. A sudden bout of weariness took over his body and made him fall asleep instantly.

* * *

When Horatio awoke the next morning, something was definitely different. For one thing, he wasn't in his clothes... the bed had different sheets, and everything seemed different. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, wondering if he was still dreaming. However, when the bedroom door opened, Horatio definitely knew he was dreaming. Timothy Speedle walked in with breakfast in his hand. He gave Horatio a rarely seen smile.

"Good morning. Have some breakfast." Tim said, his voice sounding like it always did. Horatio knew he was dreaming so he pinched himself. To no avail, Tim was still there, his smile fading by the second, breakfast still in his hands. Horatio took the plate, never wanting to see Tim sad again... especially not if he was the cause of it. Moments of silence passed as Horatio ate, contemplating what so say.

"How... is this... possible...?" He finally asked. Tim gave him a sad smile.

"Don't take time trying to figure it out, we've only got one day." Tim said softly. Horatio was very confused now. Tim let him finish his breakfast, in silence. When he was done, Tim grabbed the plate and set it in the sink. He hopped up on the counter. Horatio followed him after putting on some pants and a shirt. Tim was sitting on the sink, smiling a little wider. Horatio wanted to ask, wanted to know everything, but before he could even say a word, Tim jumped down and led him out the house.

The day went by too fast, they did everything Horatio ever would have wanted to do with Tim. As the day turned to night, Tim looked more and more worried. He and Horatio were having dinner... that's when it started. Tim suddenly faded out, before coming back. He grimaced and gave Horatio a weak smile. Horatio wanted to question, but Tim silenced him and they finished their meal. It was almost midnight when Horatio and Tim went out on the balcony. Tim swallowed.

"I wanted to tell you that I loved you." Tim stated bluntly, causing Horatio to look pleasantly surprised, but he looked hurt too... because he'd never be able to experience life with Tim. Suddenly though, Tim had pulled him into a tight hug.

"I've always loved you... but, I made a mistake." Tim said softly. He ran a hand through Horatio's hair. "I wish I had told you sooner... or altered my decision to confront that guy in the jewelry shop. I'm so sorry, Horatio. But I had to tell you that I love you... and that I'm sorry..." Before Horatio could react... or even respond... Tim was gone... disappeared as though he had never been there.

* * *

Horatio woke up with a gasp of surprise. In the same clothes. He cursed his subconscious making him dream something like that. He sighed and stood up, glancing at the clock and seeing that it was time to start getting ready for work. He walked into the kitchen and saw a plate of half eaten breakfast on the counter... next to it, there was a note.

If you had wished differently... I might still be around. But all you wished for was one more day... I'm sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you even more. Just remember I love you and always will. Tim Speedle

***