One Way Street

~*~

Horatio sat back into the booth exhausted but content. The grand opening of the restaurant had gone smoothly, with the exception of the small fire in the kitchen. He looked around the restaurant, friends and family were scattered around congratulating Speed on his success. Speed sat at the bar, relaxed. Horatio grinned, Speed had some soot on his cheek, and every time he wiped at it more just accumulated. He looked exhausted, but content. His eyes shined with happiness. Speed turned and searched Horatio out, giving him a bright smile. Horatio couldn't help but smile back. He sipped his drink and thought about the last nine months. It had been fast paced, but worth every frustrating minute.

Shortly after Speed had gotten home from the hospital Horatio moved in with him in the penthouse. They were renting out his condo at the moment, but were thinking of selling both places and buying a house. It wasn't easy in the beginning, between the snide remarks behind their backs, clients constantly popping up, and the trial – they had some rough moments. In the end they fought through each one, and ended up here tonight, at the grand opening of "Speed's Place".

It had a feel of an old style family restaurant with a mixture of modern and classic. The restaurant had two distinct sections. A patron entered through the front door to the waiting hostess. To their right was a door that led to an old style English bar with a spacious lounge. Speed had already booked prospective new bands to play on Friday and Saturday nights. To the left was an open loft style seating area for eating. In the light of day it was a great place for families, work lunches – casual and comfortable. At night the light off the harbor gave it a more romantic feel. Speed had found a perfect location, and with the guests reactions tonight he was out to a good start.

Horatio leaned farther back lost in the memories over the past nine months. He had come close, too close, to losing Speed, the very thought still sent shivers down his spine. The defense attorney had gotten the trial moved in front of a judge that was more lenient on assault charges, Horatio had lost stronger cases in front of Judge Matthews. Speed had panicked when the district attorney had called him and told him he would have to testify. Horatio had been lucky that afternoon. If he hadn't run into DA Williams at the office he would have come home to an empty house.

~Flashback~

Horatio slammed the Hummer into his parking spot. He sighed in relief when he saw Speed's Audi sitting in its usual spot. He had been trying to reach Speed for the past hour, panic and fear had been settling in each minute that had gone by. Williams had just informed him that Speed would be required to testify. He was worried that Townsend's attorney would rip Speed to shreds, and try to take down Horatio down while he was at it.

Horatio slammed his phone shut and dropped it into his suit pocket when he didn't get an answer. He glared at the elevator willing it to go faster, watching the numbers slowly countdown. With a ding the doors opened to reveal Speed standing inside the car with a suitcase in his hands. Horatio froze and stared at him - one minute, just one - and Speed would have been gone.

Horatio responded first. He pushed Speed back into the back of the elevator and hit the button for the penthouse. Speed had refused to look at him, his eyes cast down to the elevator floor. He hadn't even looked up when the doors re-opened. Horatio pulled him out of the elevator, down the hall, and into the penthouse. He forced Speed to sit down on the couch, and then took the suitcase upstairs to their bedroom. The room was in shatters, clothes scattered – showing how much of a panic Speed was in. He came back down stairs and sat down on the coffee table facing a slumped Speed.

"Running doesn't help," Horatio forced Speed to look at him. His voice was calm considering he was shaking with fear on the inside.

"I won't be Townsend's vehicle to ruin your career." Speed tried to look away but Horatio held his jaw firm.

"I'm not letting you go," Horatio's voice dropped into a predatorily growl. "Townsend can go to hell. We will talk to DA Williams tomorrow find out our best course of action and deal with this head on."

Speed wiped the tears from his face, "And what about you? It's bad enough you get snide remarks at work, but to face a judge and jury. They could ruin your reputation, which could hurt other cases."

"You're the victim here, Speed." Horatio slipped beside him on the couch. "Don't let him do this."

"I'm scared," Speed leaned into his arms. "I'm scared you're going to see what I was and realize I'm not worth it."

Horatio closed his eyes, taking calming breaths to control his emotions. "I'm not leaving. I know what you were, hell you showed up at my hotel room in leather pants and a wicked smile."

Speed chuckled softly, "still got those pants."

"Really," Horatio kissed his temple, pulling Speed closer.

"I'm sorry," Speed muttered quietly.

"It's okay; just don't scare me like that again. I'm not going to tell you how many traffic laws I just broke." Speed snuggled farther into Horatio's side. Horatio didn't want to think about that one minute.

~Present~

Horatio smiled as Alexx took a wet rag and cleaned off the soot off Speed's cheek. Eric laughed as Speed tried to pull away, while Alexx cleaned him up. Ryan was still snitching on some of the leftover food smiling. Calleigh was fussing over Speed as much as Alexx. She just couldn't get over the fact a Yankee made better gumbo than her Southern grandmother. He was very proud of his team, he knew there was a reason he picked them. They had easily accepted Speed into their midst.

Eric had fallen into an easy banter with him, taking to him like a brother. The two often had gone out clubbing, Speed helping him pick up girls. Showing him which ones were working and which were just there having a good time. Horatio was never surprised to see Eric at the penthouse watching the game or playing video games. Eric had invited the whole team over to his parents place for a large family barbeque and picnic. Speed's look when he was introduced to Eric's family was priceless. Eric's mom latched on him instantaneously, stating that Speed was too thin, and needed some good quality food. Eric had laughed and told her Speed was a chef, and matter-of-fact brought the potato salad she had been cooing over for the past hour. The two started swapping recipes. A few of them ended up on the menu of the new restaurant. The whole Delko family was in attendance, smile with pride over their boy's accomplishments.

Ryan had been curious about the biology degree, and was upset to find out that Speed had been denied access to any lab within Miami. It had been common practice now to see Ryan discussing new forensic ideas or tools with Speed. He even dragged the poor guy into the lab to help with an experiment. Once Ryan had found out about Speed's fascination with forensics he repeatedly hounded the guy to re-apply. Even with the opening of the restaurant he was still hounding. Horatio actually wondered if Speed would give up just to shut Ryan up, if there was one thing about Ryan, it was that he was persistent.

Calleigh had found a new friend in Speed, one that understood her dark history. She found someone who would listen and not judge, someone that would help her with her father, and someone who could make her laugh at the worst possible moments. He had heard the story through the grapevine. Calleigh had gone to pick up her father at one of the local bars he frequently drowned his sorrows. As she tried to get him to leave he was going on about how pretty she was, and should find a nice man and settled down. The men at the bar began making propositions – she was almost in tears from frustration.

Just as she was prepared to pull her gun and tell them to back off, Speed had walked into the bar. She had called him earlier to see if he could help, he had told her he would be there as soon as he could. He had walked, in time to hear them take their propositions up a notch, so with his best sexy and husky voice he told the men that if they were looking for a good time, he took Visa. All of their mouths dropped, they quickly shut them and scattered. Calleigh had laughed so hard it had taken them another twenty minutes to get out of the bar. Later she had asked if it was true, if Speed had actually taken visa. He looked at her and deadpanned, no - only American Express.

Now Alexx was another story, the moment she laid eyes on Speed she had claimed him; Judge Withers had competition on the mothering hen front. He would always be forever grateful to Alexx and her compassionate nature. It was another one of those moments Horatio had come too close to losing him. Horatio had been working late for a few days working on missing child case. Between the shooting at the jewelry store and dragging up the remains of the kidnapper from the shark and alligator infested waters, there had been a lot of paperwork, and Horatio had been working late.

Speed had stopped by the lab with some homemade lasagna for Horatio. When he had asked the front receptionist if Horatio was in, she had told him he was out. She then proceeded to tell him that his kind wasn't welcome at the lab, and he should stay away from an honorable man as Lieutenant Caine. Speed had bit his bottom lip to keep from responding to her verbal attack, but Alexx showed no restraint.

She had been walking up to get her messages when she heard the vicious attack. She hadn't met Speed yet, but was eager to meet the man who had won over Horatio Caine. Alexx had turned on the receptionist, telling her to get her head out of her ass. That she should be lucky Lieutenant Caine had not heard her or she would've been out of a job. She then grabbed a shell shocked Speed and headed for the break room. She sat him down, and fixed them some tea. Speed had just stared at her the whole time in utter amazement. She had told him not to listen to idiots like the receptionist, and that he was good for Horatio. Though once she had taken a bite of his lasagna she had later told Horatio he better watch it or she would steal Speed from him.

When the trial began the whole team rallied around Horatio and Speed. Speed had given them each a small smile of appreciation as he proceeded into the courtroom. Since they all had to testify as expert witness they couldn't be in the courtroom during his testimony. Alexx was the only one allowed in the courtroom, along with Judge Withers, who had decided to sit through this particular case. She had been pissed when the trial had been placed in a separate court, specifically Matthews's court – she hated the man.

~Flashback~

Speed sat on the witness stand calm and collected. He kept his shoulders back; head held high, his posture indicated he wasn't going to be intimidated. He glanced quickly around the room, his eyes resting on various parts of the courtroom for short periods of time. He knew what was coming; they had gone over what DA Williams was going to ask. He was prepared, scared out of his mind, but prepared.

"Mr. Speedle," Williams stood up and walked over to the witness stand. "Can you give the court your full name?"

"Timothy James Speedle," He answered trying to hide the nervousness in his voice.

"Timothy," Williams looked back at the defense, turned towards the jury, and then back to Speed. "There has been a lot of talk going on about your occupation. The defense has called into question the horrendous crimes that have been committed against you by dragging you through the mud…"

"Objection!" The defense attorney glared at Williams.

"Sustained. Mr. Williams," Judge Matthews gave the DA a warning.

"Sorry judge," Williams smiled at him. Speed tried not to laugh. "Let's just clear everything up shall we, Timothy. How do you know the defendant?"

"He was a client of mine," Speed answered not looking over at Townsend he focused instead in on the Williams.

"Client?" Williams asked to clarify.

"Yes, client," Speed answered back. "I was paid to meet Townsend at various locations."

"Paid to do what?" Williams gave him a reassuring smile.

"For sex," Speed glanced over at the jury. "I would show up and do whatever he wanted."

"You said he was a client, past tense?" Williams walked back to his table.

"Each encounter he had gotten rougher, to the point of brutality." Speed swallowed. He glanced between the jury and Williams. "The last time I was torn up bad, and the person I worked for revoked privileges from Townsend."

"Revoked privileges?" Williams looked over at Townsend.

"They no longer accepted Townsend's business," Speed clarified.

"What happened at the club?" Williams walked in front of the table leaning against it, "In your own descriptions."

"I was at Club Chase with some friends. I first saw Townsend while I was at the bar, he propositioned me, I told him no. He got upset and pushed me into the bar, I pushed back." Speed paused taking a deep breath. "I walked away and headed back to my friends. Later we took residence in one of the back rooms – it's quieter back there. There was a loud crash. I went to the door to investigate when the door was pushed open and I was thrown against the coffee table. I was dazed, not sure what was going on, until I felt a kick to my ribs. I groaned and rolled away. I felt a strong arm grab my arm and pull me up. I came face to face with Townsend."

"Did he say anything?" Williams questioned looking over at the jury watching their reactions.

"Told me I was nothing but a high priced whore," Speed paused looking down. "I kneed him, and when he let me go I stumbled back. I got a few hits in, but in reality, I really didn't stand a chance. He hit me with something - with what I'm not sure. I was on the floor dazed not sure what was going on, until I felt him pulling at my pants."

"Did you fight back at that time?" Williams stepped towards the witness stand. "It's okay, take your time."

Speed gave him a sad smile; "I struck out a few times – clawing his face at one point. I just couldn't focus on what was going on, he used his body to pin me to the ground. I had a hard time breathing…" Speed closed his eyes as flashes of memory. "He took what he wanted. I never saw the gun; I just heard a loud noise and then there was an extreme pain in my shoulder. The next thing I knew I woke up in ICU."

Williams nodded then turned back towards his table; "Timothy there has been speculation and accusations about the inappropriate nature of your relationship with one of the CSI's on the case."

"Look," Speed sighed shaking his head. "I was unconscious through most of the investigation. I never mentioned Townsend to anyone. It was Lieutenant Caine that informed me they had arrested him for the attack."

"Thank you," Williams sat down dreading his next words, "Your witness."

Speed took a deep breath preparing for the attack. "Mr. Speedle," Townsend's lawyer, Jonas, stepped out from behind his table. "You admit that you’re a high priced hooker."

Speed grinned slightly, "I prefer escort."

Jonas gave him a bright smile. "Fine escort, but you admitted on the stand that you were paid to have sex with Townsend."

"I was paid to show up at a hotel room and do whatever he wanted." Speed responded back.

"So if he wanted dinner and coffee you would have done that?" Jonas asked humor in his voice.

"Yes, wouldn't have been the first time." Speed grinned at him. "Not everyone who calls for an escort wants sex."

"How many do?" Jonas asked hands gesturing in the air.

"Objection!" Williams stood up. "Relevance?"

"Your honor Mr. Speedle's job is at question here. I need to know basics." Jonas looked over at the judge.

"I'll allow it for now," Judge Matthews looked over at Speed. "Answer the question."

"How many want sex? Sixty percent give or take." Speed shrugged, he had never really thought about it.

"And the other forty?" Jonas stepped towards the witness box.

"Dinner, movie, an ear to listen…" Speed looked over at the jury, "Just some companionship."

"But Mr. Townsend?" Jonas looked over at his client.

"He wanted what he couldn't get at home," Speed explained.

"He liked it rough," Jonas pushed.

"Yes," Speed nodded, eyes narrowing wondering where he was going with this.

"So, he paid you to be a willing victim." Jonas looked at the jury.

Speed cocked his head to the side, "He paid me for sex, and like a good little whore I did what he wanted. But once he bruised the merchandise his privileges were revoked. Not good for business if I can't do my job." Speed smirked at Jonas's shocked expression. He remembered a bit from his studies – if you can make the balance shift in your favor your set.

Jonas quickly recouped, "You stated that you were there with friends? What type of friends?"

"Friends," Speed answered.

"Yet, they never came forward." Jonas pointed out to the jury.

"I knew they wouldn't," Speed stated.

"Why not?" Jonas asked. "You're their friend; why not help put away the man that hurt you?"

"Because, it's best to stay anonymous in this field," Speed informed him.

"Though in reality," Jonas walked towards him. Speed braced himself for the impact. "This is all just a sham to cover up that your new boyfriend found out you were taking tricks on the side."

Speed's eyebrow rose, a look of confusion on his face, "I'm not following."

"Your relationship with Lieutenant Caine," Jonas stated clarifying.

"My relationship with Lieutenant Caine is not an issue here," Speed voice dropped slightly.

"But it is, he was the main investigator on the case." Jonas looked over at him. "You gave him this tale about attack and rape – and he railroaded Townsend."

"Ah, no. I didn't wake up till after Townsend had been arrested," Speed pointed out trying hard not to smirk. "As far as I know they followed the evidence that was left behind. Besides there are two very large holes in your theory; first off, if this was a paid sex situation gone bad – I would have demanded he use a condom like all my clients. Second off, I seriously don't get off being shot."

Williams was serious considering convincing Speedle to go to law school. That was a serious counter attack that would go down in the Miami courts books – a witness out witting a defense attorney. "Your Honor, where is he going with this?"

"Wrap it up councilor," Judge Matthews tried not to roll his eyes.

"No further questions," Jonas sat down at the table.

"You're dismissed," Judge Matthews told Speed.

Speed nodded and left the courtroom. He proceeded directly to the men's bathroom and threw up. Horatio knelt down next to him rubbing smoothing circles along his back. A few minutes later Williams walked into the bathroom a smile on his face.

"Seems like Townsend wants to talk, I guess they didn't like the juries reaction to Timothy," Williams smirked. "Speedle, if you want a career in law come see me."

"Not likely," Speed sat with his back against the wall.

"You okay?" Horatio asked a small smile on his face.

"I will be," Speed smiled back. "Take me home."

"Let's go," Horatio held out his hand pulling the man up from the floor.

~Present~

Williams had refused the plea bargain, and proceeded with the trial. After Jonas dismal performance to get Speed to break on the stand, he barely questioned the remaining CSI's. He took a quick pot shot at Horatio, but since he never handled the evidence he couldn’t be accused of tampering. It took the jury four hours to come back with a guilty verdict on all accounts; Townsend was going away for a long time.

Horatio looked out the window, his thoughts turned towards Megan and the consequences of their blow out. She had transferred to night shift soon after the confrontation. A few months later he found out she had resigned. He called her, to apologize. He didn't want to push her out of a career she loved - he had no right. They had met for lunch to talk about what happened. She informed him that the resignation was a long time coming. Her marriage with Shawn had been failing; it never really healed after she had found out about his indiscretions. She had thought a child would bring them together, but in the end it still fell apart. She was divorcing Shawn and moving back to Chicago to be with her sister.

~Flashback~

"Could you give this letter to Timothy?" She handed Horatio a letter. "It's up to you, if you want to or not."

"Depends," Horatio looked at the letter then back to her. "What's in it?"

"My inadequate apologies," She gave him a sad smile. "I trusted the wrong man."

"You loved your husband," Horatio leaned back into his chair, his heart going out to a once dear friend.

"I always told you to follow the evidence, and I didn't. I let my emotions blind me to a point where I destroyed another man in vindictiveness. For what, my husbands infidelity?" Megan took a sip of her ice tea.

Horatio studied her then gave her a smile, "Good luck, Megan. I hope life treats you well."

She gave him a true smile, "Take care of him, and take care of yourself."

She walked out of the restaurant and out of their lives. When he handed the letter to Speed, he had set it aside. He explained that he would read it when the time was right. Horatio has no clue if he ever read the letter.

~Present~

Judge Withers was sitting at the bar talking to an older gentlemen. Horatio didn't recognize the man; only new that he was a friend of Speeds. Horatio suspected another one of Speed's clients that had become a close friend over time. It seemed Speed was matchmaking, Horatio grinned at Speed's glances towards the couple.

Speed's Aunt Pam was talking with Eric's mom, Lena; the two had met by accident. Pam had stopped by, at the time an empty building, as Speed was working on the kitchen design. She had brought sandwiches and drinks for him, since everyone knew that once Speed got occupied with something he forgot basic needs -- like eating and sleeping. Lena arrived ten minutes later with some tamales, Speed rolled his eyes at the two women. The humorous part was that Alexx should up not much later with Chinese. Speed couldn't help but laugh; he told them next time to correspond with each other.

Speed never talked about his family. When Horatio had asked he had shrugged and stated that as far as he was concerned this was his family. Horatio glanced around the room again; it was a large diverse family. He had a feeling that for the first time since Billy's death Speed was happy and content. He was surrounded by people who loved and cared about him, not caring about his past or who he was.

"I think this night was a success," Yelina smiled down at her brother-in-law.

"Yes," Horatio smiled back up at her. "It was. He's happy."

Yelina looked at the grinning Speed, "Looks good on him."

"How are you?" Horatio asked patting the seat next to him.

"Good," Yelina grinned, sitting down. "Rick and I are taking Ray Jr. over to Orlando next weekend."

"He should have a blast," Horatio looked over at her. "How are they getting along?"

"Pretty good," Yelina nodded a smile on her face. "We have our moments."

"Rick's a good man," Horatio took a sip of his drink, "Pain in the ass, but a good man."

Yelina laughed, she glanced over at Speed then back at Horatio, "So does he still do that thing with his tongue?"

Horatio spat out his scotch, and stared at a laughing Yelina. "WHAT?"

"That thing with his tongue, you know the small flick over sensitive skin." Yelina responded in a straightforward manner.

Horatio's mouth dropped, "Do I want to know?"

"Horatio," Yelina laid a hand on his arm. "Think about it."

Horatio sat back and looked at her, "It was you?"

She smiled, "The moment I saw him…I knew he belonged to you -- Just had to figure a way for the two of you to meet."

"And exactly how did you find out about his talented tongue?" Horatio asked, not sure if he wanted an answer.

"Ray had been gone a year, I was lonely. I wasn't ready for a relationship and didn't want to expose Ray Jr. to me clubbing. So someone mentioned someone and he showed up." She nodded towards Speed. "He's very talented…"

"Okay stop there, that's enough information for me," Horatio glared at her downing the rest of his drink. "So from that you conspired?"

"I just knew he was yours," Yelina shrugged. "Like I knew I belonged to Ray. When I found out you were at the Regency, I arranged the meeting. Of course the stubborn man you are just wouldn't go for it." She shook her head and sighed. "Though I wasn't surprised. When I saw him at the banquet I made a quick call. When you didn't come back I knew you couldn't resist him the second time around. And like a true Caine, once you get a taste of what you want -- you will stop at nothing to keep it." Yelina glanced back over at Speed. "Was I right?"

Horatio smiled at her, "Yes, you were."

~*~

Speed hummed with excitement. Dawn was coming over the horizon, and he still couldn't sleep. He looked back at a sleeping Horatio, he grinned as he headed back into the bedroom. He slipped into the bed and under the covers, kissing Horatio's cheek, following a path down his jaw to his exposed neck. He sucked on it gently enjoying the mutterings from the still sleeping Horatio. He smirked using his tongue he flickered out and teased the ear lobe. Hands quickly grabbed him and pinned him to the bed. He laughed looking up into Horatio's blue eyes.

"Good morning," Speed smiled at him. He spread his legs letting Horatio settle between them.

"We got in about three hours ago," Horatio moaned into Speed's neck. "Shouldn't you be sleeping like normal restaurant owners?"

"I'm to wired," Speed moved to give Horatio's mouth better access to his neck. "Know a way to calm me down?"

Horatio kissed him hard on the mouth. He looked down at a panting Speed, "Calm? No…but if you want I can wear you out?"

Speed thrust his hips upwards causing their hard cocks to align together, "Sounds like a plan."

Horatio let go of Speed's wrists, one hand caressed down Speed's side to his hip. Horatio pulled Speed's hip farther up hooking it over his own hip. "By the way, I found out who set us up." He breathed into Speed's ear as he settled into an easy rhythm rocking against Speed – causing a delicious friction.

Speed groaned from Horatio's slow deliberate thrusts, "Really who?" He threw his head back as he moaned.

"A client of yours," Horatio rocked harder against him causing Speed to thrust back, matching Horatio's rhythm.

Speed looked up at him, a bit breathless, "Not a long time client. I would remember the connection."

"Just a one time thing, but she knew we belonged together." Horatio took Speed's mouth into a deep kiss, speeding up his movements. Speed's hand grasped Horatio's arms as the sensations were becoming too much to handle. Horatio buried his head into Speeds shoulder moaning deep in his throat. Speed arched up grinding into Horatio. Both men soon yelled out their completion.

Horatio collapsed against Speed's side panting softly, "I love you."

Speed curled into Horatio side, "And I you." Speed kissed his neck. "So who was it?"

"Yelina," Horatio laughed at Speed's expression.

"Your sister-in-law?" Speed rolled onto his back a look of contemplation on his face. "Oh…" He blushed as he turned and hid his face into Horatio's neck. Horatio could feel him snickering. "Talk about a tight net family."

Horatio laughed, "Well we get along very well."

"That's good," Speed began kissing his neck.

"Didn't I just wear you out?" Horatio asked hands caressing Speed's stomach.

"Still wired," Speed nuzzled him, and then yawned.

"I can see that," Horatio rolled onto his side pulling Speed fully into his arms. "Get some sleep; you've got a restaurant to run."

Speed smiled happily, "Thank you."

"For what?" Horatio kissed his temple.

"For believing in me," Speed whispered, slowly falling asleep.

"One question," Horatio looked down at Speed. His dark lashes flushed against pale skin.
"Is there anyone else I should know about? I mean any friends of mine. Ex-clients?" Horatio asked in half-jest.

Speed chuckled, "But that would take away the surprise."

"You're kidding right?" Horatio looked down to see Speed asleep. He smiled softly kissing Speed on the forehead. He closed his own eyes allowing sleep to claim him. Their paths were fully entwined now and it was a one-way street.