Title: The Protector
By: Tiffany F
Pairing: Horatio/Speed
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Horatio isn't totally human. No one else knows this. Not until he takes Speed to his bed. So what is going on?
A/N: The idea came from this article. http://communities.canada.com/nationalpost/blogs/theampersand/archive/2007/08/08/in-praise-of-david-caruso.aspx The story is my own.

When one dies another is born. No one knows where they come from and no one knows where their soul goes when they die. It is thought that the old soul merely moves into a new body and continues the duty. All are connected to the ocean in ways that are not known and have powers that none understand. They are born knowing their purpose in life. They are linked to a very special city and it is their job to watch over her and her people at any cost. They are the protector.

***

Speed moaned as his back hit the wall, his hands pinned over his head, his mouth attacked and claimed. His eyes fluttered closed as a hot tongue plundered him, learning his taste; mapping and claiming him.

"H," he moaned. Speed's body pressed forward trying for more contact with the firm form of his lieutenant.

"Shhh Speed, I've got you," Horatio whispered. The red head smirked and let go of Speed's hands, reaching down to undo his jeans. The younger man hisses as cool fingers wrapped around his cock, teasing along the length.

"H please," Speed managed to say. "Take me to your bed, please. I want to feel you so badly."

The men moved down the hall shedding clothes as they went and tumbled down onto Horatio's bed naked and wrapped around each other. Speed finally managed to wrap his arms and legs around his new lover and pulled him in tight. "Horatio, I need to feel you now. Don't play this out any longer, please," he whispered peppering kisses along Horatio's neck and jaw.

"I don't want to hurt you," Horatio replied. "Let me up, I'll get what we need."

Speed watched the pale freckled form as he made his way into the bathroom. "You don't keep the lube by the bed, H?" he asked a little puzzled.

"Later, Speed," Horatio replied as he leaned in to kiss his lover again. "Roll up on your side."

"I've done this before," Speed grumbled.

"Please Speed, trust me," Horatio said. He pushed on Speed's hips and smiled as the younger man followed his silent request and settled on his left side, leg forward for balance. Horatio slicked his finger and pressed it slowly into his lover's body. He paused to make sure that Speed was comfortable before he started moving slowly. By the time Speed was moaning he pulled out, slicked two fingers and set to stretching his lover.

"Horatio are you trying to kill me?"

The red head ran a hand down Speed's back softly. "I want to make sure you're ready for me, Speed," he replied. "I love you so much. The last thing I want to do is hurt you." But Horatio reslicked his fingers and pushed three slowly and carefully into Speed.

"I should have known," Speed grumbled as his hips tried to push back against Horatio's hands. "I should have known your methodical nature would extend to all areas of your life and not just the lab and your work."

"Is that a bad thing?" Horatio asked. He rolled on a condom, slicked on more lube and settled in behind his lover. "You shouldn't always be in such a hurry, Speed," he murmured as he pressed home steadily until he was buried in his lover's body.

Speed gasped and panted as he was filled, feeling more complete than he ever had before. He grabbed for Horatio's hand, wanting to be able to hold onto some part of his lover. "H," he whispered. "H."

"I know, Speed," Horatio said against Speed's neck. "I know." He pulled back slowly and thrust forward again and again, setting a slow pace that was intended to slowly drive his lover crazy.

"Horatio, faster," Speed moaned.

"I'm going to teach you to slow down and enjoy life's experiences, Tim," Horatio said. "Starting with this." He kissed Speed's shoulder and pulled him back in tighter.

The dark haired man moaned again and tried to push back to get Horatio deeper but realized why his lover wanted him on his side; Speed had no real leverage to push back with the way Horatio was holding him. He was completely at his lover's mercy and it seemed no matter what he did, he wasn't going to be able to get Horatio to move faster. Speed had never had a lover who could maintain the slow and steady thrusts and rhythm for so long.

Speed cried out as his climax hit him out of left field, his body tensing and freezing as Horatio stilled and came. The lovers lay tangled together for a moment as their breathing slowly returned to normal. Horatio finally pulled out with a sigh and made his way to the bathroom. Speed lay on the bed, his eyes closed until he felt a warm, damp wash cloth cleaning him off. Then he cracked his dark eyes to watch his new lover.

Horatio Caine was a mystery. Speed knew about as much about Horatio as anyone at the lab and he was the first to admit that it wasn't much. The man loved the city and went out of his way to protect all the victims and their families no matter what the cost to him personally. He was honest and calm and always in control no matter what happened around him and Horatio always seemed to know more than he let on. His personal life was shrouded in complete mystery. No one had ever seen him date, as far as they knew he lived at the lab and was always on call. And now Speed had seen a very personal side of his boss and still felt as in the dark as he had before.

"Don't think about it, Speed," Horatio murmured. He sat down on the bed next to his lover and kissed him gently. "Just sleep; I'll still be here when you wake up."
********************

When Speed woke up there was no one in the bed with him and no sign that Horatio had ever moved from the place he'd been sitting in to sleep. Speed sat up and looked around the dark room. He could see that a door was open and he could smell the ocean so he figured it had to lead out onto the beach. He dug around and found his jeans on a chair near the bed. There was no way they got there during the frenzy to touch hours before so Horatio must have cleaned up a little while Speed was asleep.

The door opened onto a small deck and the ocean. Speed paused for a moment to file that bit of information away; Horatio lived on a private beach. He looked around and finally noticed a shadowed form down near the water's edge. Speed made his way quietly along the sand until he was directly behind his lover.

"Speed," Horatio said softly.

"How do you do that, H?" Speed asked. "I know I wasn't making any noise."

"I always know where you are, Speed," Horatio replied. He turned and pulled Speed in for a hug. "Tim, this wasn't a mistake; please believe me. I love you more than I should, so much that it hurts. But we can't do this again."

"Why not, H?"

"There's too much at stake," Horatio said. "And I'm not talking about work. I'm not allowed to love this deeply. It's too dangerous for both of us."

"Don't I get a say in this?" Speed demanded. "Horatio, I've never felt more complete than I did the moment you were inside me."

Horatio sighed. "I know, Speed, I know," he said. "I felt it too and that's exactly why we can't risk it."

"Then talk to me, Horatio," Speed said. "Don't just use me and throw me out!"

"Never." Horatio tightened his hold on the younger man. "I would never treat you like that, Speed; Tim, I love you. Please remember that. I love you more than anything."

"So that's it then?" Speed asked fighting tears.

"Come back to bed," Horatio replied. "I don't think the rest of the night will hurt but then we can only be friends, Tim. It would kill me if you died. Please just trust me on this."

"For now, H," Speed agreed. "But I want to know what the hell is going on."

"I can't tell you that," Horatio sighed. He kissed Speed gently. "I can't tell anyone. And if you try to figure it out you'll just be placing yourself in harm's way. Please Tim, for me. Just trust me."

Speed looked up into Horatio's eyes. "I don't know that I'll ever be able to love anyone else," he whispered.

"Me neither, Tim," Horatio replied as he wiped the tears away.

***

"I want you to have this," Horatio said as he handed Speed a necklace.

"What is it?"

"It's a sea-ball," Horatio explained. "This way I'll know if you're in trouble or you need me for any reason. Please wear it, Tim. It'll make my heart easier if you do."

Speed slipped the silky black cord over his head and looked down at the small glass ball. "I love you, H."

"I know, I love you too," Horatio said as he pulled the younger man in for a hug. "I'll see you at the lab tomorrow, Speed."

Every pain he'd felt in his life were bug bites compared to the pain that tore through his heart as he watched Tim Speedle walk out the front door. Horatio blinked a few times before making his way to the bedroom and changing into a pair of black swim trunks. He made his way down to the beach and waded out into the surf.

Speed looked at his bike for a minute and then made his way around the side of Horatio's house and looked out towards the beach. Something wasn't right and he couldn't put his finger on exactly what was wrong with the whole situation. Everything he'd seen made absolutely no sense at all and he wanted more information to try and figure a few things out. He moved closer to the red head in the surf and listened.

"I don't understand," Horatio was saying. "Why can't I be allowed to love? Why can't I be allowed that one courtesy to ease my torment a little? Speed eases my soul, he calms me down; why can't I be with him?"

The hidden man could hear the pain in his lover's voice and wanted to go to him but couldn't move. He stayed still and listened harder. Speed jumped a little when a dolphin popped up next to Horatio.

"You are the protector," the dolphin said. "You know your task and your purpose. Bringing anyone else in will only place them in harm's way."

"Even though everything in me calls to be with him?" Horatio asked. "Being with him would allow me to focus on my job not take me away from it."

"Tradition dictates no mate may be taken," the dolphin said firmly. "You must remain true to yourself and your purpose. Forget Tim Speedle and move on."

Horatio sank down into the water. "I can't," he said, almost too softly for Speed to hear. "I won't ever be able to move on. He's under my skin and in my soul whether you guys like it or not."

"You ask for heart break," the dolphin said. "I will speak with the others and see what they say but do not get your hopes up. I doubt they will agree with me." The dolphin splashed back into the water and swam away.

The red head stood for a moment. "You may as well join me, Tim," he finally said. "I should have known you'd stay and listen."

"I'm sorry, H," Speed said. He made his way out into the warm water and wrapped his arms around his lover. "But I just couldn't stay away. What's going on?"

"I really don't know where I should start," Horatio sighed as he pulled Speed in against him. "How much did you hear?"

"Everything; what's the protector?" Speed asked.

"Let's get dried off and go back inside," Horatio replied. "I think this is something you'll need to be sitting down to hear."
********************

Although Horatio was a little taller he offered Speed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt to wear until his own clothes were clean. He also cooked a quick brunch and they settled onto the back deck to talk. "Tell me about this affinity you have with the ocean, H," Speed said.

"Tim, I don't know how much I can tell you without placing you in more danger than you're already in," Horatio said softly. "You heard my conversation with Finns and while he's against this the others might try and separate us by force."

"How?" Speed asked. "I mean it's not like they can come up on dry land, Horatio."

"Some of them can," Horatio replied. "And they won't be happy that I'm telling you what I am." He paused for a deep breath. "Okay Tim, please just listen and trust me. I'm not lying to you about any of this."

Speed laughed. "H, I just saw you talking with a dolphin," he said. "At this point I think I'm willing to believe anything you tell me as long as you don't tell me to leave again."

"I won't, Speed," Horatio sighed. "It almost killed me watching you walk away this morning. I can't, I won't go through that pain again. I love you and I want you to stay. But what I want and what might actually happen are two different things. The moment I woke up for the first time I knew. I knew that I had been born with a purpose. I remember everything from the moment they put me on my mother's stomach until now."

"Does this have something to do with why you're always so calm and collected no matter what's going on?" Speed asked. "I mean I've seen you face down armed criminals without even blinking."

"It does," Horatio replied. "I'm not human, Speed. I'm the protector; I'm responsible for the city and people of Miami. It's a tradition that goes back to when the city was first founded. I don't fully understand the magic behind the tradition but I'm the latest in a long line of protectors. We're linked to the city on the deepest possible level."

"How? I mean magic doesn't exist Horatio," Speed said.

Horatio smiled. "This isn't magic like you're thinking, Tim," he said. "Follow the evidence and what you know about me. What do you know?"

"I know that you're extremely dedicated to the lab and the victims," Speed said. "You offer to help every family no matter what it could do to you. You have extremely good instincts; you always know when someone is around. I've never seen you lose your cool in any situation and you have contacts that no one seems to know about. Let me see, you can move without making a sound and use it to sneak up on us at the lab to see what we're working on. And you always seem to know when someone is lying to you."

"Very good, Speed," Horatio smiled. "I'm not totally human but I'm not a mythical being either. Let's just say that I have a sixth sense when it comes to certain things."

"How is all this possible?" Speed asked.

"Back when Miami was first founded a hurricane hit and wiped out not only the settlement but the people as well," Horatio replied. "When the families of those killed came to collect the remaining bodies they made a pact with the ocean; they would honor the creatures of the sea if they would be protected against harm from the waves. It was accepted and the first protector was born. As the city grew so did the role of the protector until I was born."

"So how could I be in danger?" Speed asked. "It's not like anyone knows about this, right?"

Horatio leaned back in his chair. "No, no one knows about this but me and those in the ocean who keep their end of the bargain," he said. "The danger comes from them. The theory is that if the protector loves anyone they'll lose their focus on their duty and become a liability. Finns and the others don't want to risk it."

"H, you said the people of the ocean keep the city safe, so why do we still get so much hurricane destruction all the time?"

"You can't stop nature, Tim," Horatio replied. "You can only ensure that there is something left for the people to come home to again."

"So what do we do now?" Speed asked.

"We're both off today," Horatio said. "I suggest we go back to bed and spend some time getting to know each other."

Speed looked at his lover closely. "Horatio, I won't be able to stand it if you try to make me leave again," he said. "It'll kill me."

"Me too, Tim," Horatio said. "We're in this together now; no matter what anyone else says."

***

Horatio and Speed spent the rest of the day talking; Horatio explaining as much about the roll of the protector and what his life had been like up until that point. Speed was horrified to learn that Horatio had been forced to be alone since he was 21, those in the ocean believing that any family or romantic connections would only cause him problems in his duty to the city. Horatio smiled sadly and said that he'd accepted the life style until the day he hired Speed and only then had he ever thought about going against the wishes of Finns and his colleagues.

"So why didn't you make your move sooner?" Speed asked.

"I wasn't sure how you felt about me," Horatio replied with a small grin. "It wasn't until yesterday that I thought I might even have a chance."

Speed rolled over and looked at his lover. "How much danger is involved in this, H?" he asked.

"For me, not much," Horatio said. "At least not from those I work with. If I die while protecting the city then it's my fate and another protector will be born to carry on the tradition. But for you I don't know." He reached out and ran a hand down Speed's cheek. "I honestly don't but I swear I'll keep you safe, Speed. I'll keep you safe from everything that could possibly harm you but I need you to trust me."

"So is that an offer, Horatio?" Speed grinned.

"Yes, I want you to move in with me, Tim," Horatio said. "I love you and I don't want to be separated from you if I don't have to be."

"I'd love to move in," Speed said. "But what are we going to tell the team?"

"Nothing," Horatio sighed. "I've already broken the unspoken law by telling you about my heritage. I refuse to risk their lives as well."

"What if we have a fight or something happens at work?" Speed asked. "What will we do then?"

Horatio smiled and rolled up on his elbow so he could look down into Speed's dark eyes. "All couples have arguments and fights, Tim," he said. "And if you need to leave then I won't hold you here. But I can't promise I won't follow you at a discreet distance to make sure you're okay until you come home again. Nothing will happen to you at work because I'm going to keep you safe."

"There have been times that you've followed me and I didn't know you were there so I guess I can't complain too much," Speed said. He reached up and ran his hand through Horatio's messy red hair. "And I know it's done out of love. But I need you to tell me what I need to watch out for from these ocean beings because we can't work together all the time. The rest of the team would get suspicious."

"True," Horatio said. He leaned down and kissed Speed gently, letting his lips caress over Speed's. "And we don't need to do that," he whispered against his lover's mouth.

"The ocean beings," Speed insisted.

"Finns is talking with his companions right now and I'm sure I'll have news in a day or two," Horatio said. "He's the only one I really have any contact with and will carry messages back and forth as well. The enforcers are the ones I'm most concerned about as they can appear almost human except that they'll be in high collars or turtleneck sweaters to hide their gills."

Speed chuckled. "That will be a dead give away," he said. "No one dresses like that in Miami. What else."

"There are others who might come ashore but they will only do so at night because they cannot change their appearance and fish walking around causes comments," Horatio said.

"You're kidding right?" Speed said eyeing his lover.

"I am, in a way," Horatio smiled. "But there are beings that will only come up on land at night and as I live here on the beach it wouldn't be hard for them to find out that you're living here and I'm breaking the rules they've set down for me."

"You know it doesn't sound like you've had much of a choice in any of this," Speed said. "It sounds to me like you've had your entire life dictated to you by creatures that aren't even human and probably can't understand our emotions. How is it fair to you to say that you aren't allowed to love when they might not even know what love really is and how it affects us."

Horatio grinned and bent down to kiss Speed again. "I should let you talk with Finns," he said. "I think that he'd have a good time debating with you."

"If it would help," Speed said. He glanced down at the small sea-green ball on the black cord. "H, exactly what is this?"

"The sea-ball? It's a special kind of glass that used to be used for buoys," Horatio said. "They range from marble to basketball size. That one was given to me by Finns when I turned 21 and took up my duties as protector. It's tuned to me and as long as you're wearing it I'll be able to tell if you're safe or not."

"Did I see it glowing?"

"When?"

"When you leaned up over me and blocked the sun," Speed said. "I thought I saw it glowing softly."

"It does glow in the dark but I'm surprised it did while you're wearing it," Horatio said thoughtfully. "But that could have been because I'm still lying close to you. I don't know too much more about its history but I could ask Finns."

"Wouldn't that mean you'd have to admit you gave it to me?" Speed asked.

"Finns and the others are going to have to accept that you're here, you're staying and that you're a part of my life from now on," Horatio replied. "Tim, I can't turn my back on my city or my purpose in life but I'm willing to fight for you. I feel more complete, more whole and happier than I ever have before in my life and, as I said, I remember everything."

Speed pushed up and rolled them so he could settle onto of his lover. "I've never felt anything like I did last night," he said. "That connection between us was almost magical and I'd love to feel it again."

"I'd love to feel you in me," Horatio purred. "And I left the lube by the bed this time."

"You never did explain that," Speed said.

"Sexual contact, even solo, is discouraged," Horatio sighed. He pulled Speed down for a deep kiss. "After a while you just learn to deal with it."

"So your orgasm last night was your first in how long?" Speed asked. He reached over and snagged the tube from the bedside table. He settled back and slicked a finger to start preparing his lover. "Horatio?"

"Intentional the first in at least ten years," he finally said. "But there were times I'd dream about you and wake up with sticky sheets and have to take a shower."

"Hence the sunglasses at weird times while we were talking," Speed grinned. He pushed his finger slowly into his lover. "So what did you dream about?"

"Just what you're doing now," Horatio moaned. "That feels so good, Speed."

"You're going to feel better here soon," Speed replied as he added a finger. "So Horatio, what are we going to tell the team when I move in with you?"

Horatio moaned. "I'll think of something, just take me, Speed," he moaned.

"How long has it been since you've been penetrated?" Speed asked. He slowly added a third finger with more lube.

"Never," Horatio replied with another moan.

"Then you need to be prepared," Speed said. He grinned down at his lover as he rolled on a condom and slicked it with more lube. "Breathe with me, H." Speed lined up and pressed forward slowly. He watched his lover's face for any signs of discomfort or pain and stilled until Horatio was able to relax again.

"Relax and breathe, H," Speed said. He bottomed out and held still. Horatio finally pushed back against him, his signal that he could move. Speed pulled back a little and thrust forward, setting more of a rocking motion than the thrusts that would come later. Horatio started pushing back against Speed more insistently and finally the careful control broke and the younger man started thrusting faster and harder; both men able to feel the connection between them growing again.

"Speed," Horatio moaned as the pressure grew. "Tim, please."

"I've got you," Speed said. He reached between them and wrapped his hand around Horatio's erection, stroking him in time with his thrusts. "Come for me, Horatio."

Horatio's back arched and he came, semen coating Speed's hand and Horatio's stomach. Speed braced his hands on the bed and thrust forward a few more times before he reached his own climax. Horatio caught him as he slumped down onto his chest. "I love you, Tim," he whispered. "I love you so much."

***

Speed awoke in the middle of the night and quickly realized he was alone in the bed. He sighed and slipped on the shorts Horatio left for him; he'd have to have a talk with his lover about his sleeping habits. Stepping out on the deck Speed stopped and just stared at the figure standing on the dark beach. The pose was achingly familiar; legs shoulder width apart, hands on his hips and his head tilted to the right almost as if he were puzzled by something. The difference was the glow around him. At that moment Speed was willing to believe in magic when he saw the halo around Horatio Caine.

"You should be asleep," Horatio said softly not turning around.

"So should you," Speed replied. "I know I'm not making any noise, H; how do you always know when I'm around."

"I just do." Horatio put an arm around Speed's waist and pulled him in close. "It calls to me some nights, Tim, and I just come out here to think."

"What does?"

"The ocean," Horatio said. "The sound of the waves on the sand. Knowing that life is being constantly renewed." He paused and looked over at his lover. "It eases my heart a little."

"So I should get used to waking up alone?" Speed asked.

"Maybe I can just wear you out enough that you don't wake up in the middle of the night," Horatio replied. He looked back out over the dark water. "We're working together for the next week or so until I hear back from Finns and have a chance to talk with him again. I don't know how he'll take it but I want to introduce you to him."

"Are you sure that's smart?" Speed looked at the ocean as well. "From what I heard he was pretty firm that he wanted you to forget about me and move on."

Horatio sighed. "Some rules, Tim, some rules are meant to be broken and I believe that this is one of them," he said. "But if you ever tell anyone I said that I'll deny it."

"Damn." Speed snapped his fingers dramatically.

"Brat," Horatio laughed and turned, just missing Speed as the younger man ducked and ran back towards the house.

The lovers fell on the bed laughing and wrestling until Horatio managed to pin Speed to the mattress and caught his lips in a passionate kiss. The younger man moaned and spread his legs so Horatio's weight settled more firmly against him. The started moving together, thrusting and rubbing almost frantically to reach a shared climax.

"Don't ever leave me," Horatio whispered between kisses. "I love you, Tim."
********************

Speed glanced over at his lover, noting the relaxed lines around his blue eyes as the lieutenant guided the Hummer through Miami traffic with ease. "So do you find it ironic that our crime scene this morning is on the beach?" he asked.

"If it wasn't for the agreement I'd worry that we were being set up," Horatio said. "Do me a favor; go ahead and check with Alexx and start processing the scene okay? I want to take a look around."

"Is there something wrong?"

"I'm not sure," Horatio replied. He took off his sunglasses. "There is something..."

"I think that's the first time I've seen you frown or look puzzled," Speed teased. "See you in a bit."

"Yeah." Horatio watched the dark haired man leave and took a minute to make sure his connection to the sea-ball was still active and as strong as ever before slipping on his sunglasses. He'd noticed it the night before but the small globe seemed to react just as strongly to Speed as it did to him and it was a puzzle. The protectors before him hadn't kept good notes on anything because they didn't want anyone to know about them or their work so Horatio was mostly finding his own way through the world while trying to keep the innocent in his city safe. And there were days it seemed to be an impossible task at best. Maybe Speed coming into his life like he had and reacting so strongly to the sea-ball was a sign that Horatio wasn't supposed to carry the burden alone any longer. He sighed; he'd have to have a long talk with Finns when the dolphin came back and see if he could get some answers to all the questions that were rolling around in his mind.

Horatio finally managed to pinpoint the area of the beach that was making him feel so uneasy and found a small oil spill there. He snorted; once again his connection to the ocean was making him sensitive to any dangers to the environment. With a small smile Horatio made his way carefully into the crime scene and set to work but not without keeping one eye on the ocean. He knew the enforcers and worse were out there and he wasn't going to risk his Speed for any reason.
********************

Horatio stood in front of the lab and watched the young suspect as he was taken to a patrol car. It never failed to amaze him how young so many of the suspects they arrested were, this boy not even eighteen and with a murder charge now attached to his name.

"Hey, you okay?"

"I need to swim," Horatio replied. "Or go to the beach. I need to work this all out in my mind."

"Okay, I'm ready to take off and we're off shift," Speed said. "Let's go. I can sit on the sand and read while you think."

"Thank you," Horatio said softly as he moved towards the Hummer.

The details of the case swam through his mind as he made his way home. The young girl under the umbrella, no more than fifteen at first glance, dead from a pair of hands wrapped around her neck. Alexx had been quiet, talking only to the victim while she processed her and then making a brief report before heading back to the morgue. It was Speed who found the purse still in tact and half buried in the sand as if it had been kicked there as someone ran from the scene. The sobbing parents who didn't understand how or why their daughter had been taken from them. Horatio had promised them he'd do everything in his power to bring them the answers they so desperately wanted. He'd seen Speed behind the couple and knew his lover had overheard his words and was fitting them into the new spaces in his quick mind. Speed now knew exactly what a promise like that meant not only to the victim's family but to Horatio himself. And then the suspect who was not much older than his girlfriend. Horatio and Tripp did the interview and learned that the young man had killed his girlfriend in a fit of rage when she refused to have sex with him. It had almost broken Horatio's heart to learn that such anger and rage could live in one so young.

"Her parents have answers," Speed said softly. "It's not a good substitute for their daughter but at least they know she held true to herself until the end."

"It's just so hard sometimes, Tim," Horatio replied. "Trying to figure out exactly how someone can take something so precious as a life without a second thought. And the young boy; his life is ruined forever over a moment of rage."

"I wondered why you normally look so sad, H," Speed said. "It's because of this, isn't it? Trying to keep everyone safe and then figuring out exactly why things happen. You've told us all time and again that we can't take what we see at the lab home with us so why do you? Why torment yourself like this?"

"Because it's what I was born to do," Horatio said. "This is the reason I'm here; to take on the burdens others don't want and care for those that would otherwise be cast aside or forgotten. To give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves."

"You don't have to do it alone anymore, you know; I'm here now and I'm not going to let some fish eyed people tell me what to do." Speed reached over and took Horatio's hand in his. "And I think you've started figuring this out for yourself as well, haven't you?"

"I have but I need to check with Finns on a couple of things," Horatio said. "Just love me, Tim. That's all I can ask of you."

"You don't have to do that," Speed said with a soft smile. "Because I'll love you regardless."

***

Speed sat on the beach and watched his lover swimming in the darkening ocean. Normally he'd be worried about sharks but somehow figured that Horatio would be safe from harm as long as he was in the water. He'd been thinking more and more about what he'd seen the past few days and had come to a couple of decisions. He was going to do everything he could to help Horatio deal with the pressures that he had to deal with on a daily basis, to take some of the load off his shoulders. Speed wanted to see Horatio smile more often.

He'd been trying to figure out exactly where he could do research on the protector and their role in Miami's rather colorful history. Speed had gone on line over his rather brief lunch break and searched out some history pages that looked like he was going to be able to find what he was looking for but he'd be damned if he was going to leave his lover alone after the day they'd had.

"Do you ever swim, Tim?" Horatio asked.

"Have you ever looked at a sample of the water under a microscope, Horatio? There's all kinds of pollution, germs and chemicals in there," Speed replied.

"So that's a no?"

Speed laughed. "That's a no," he said. "Can you still love me even if I don't like to immerse myself in the ocean on a regular basis?"

"I can," Horatio said. He grinned. "But if you want a chance to talk with Finns you're going to have to come down closer to the waves."

"Will he talk to me?" Speed asked.

"I will." The dolphin's head popped up next to Horatio. "If only to convince you what a bad idea this is."

"In your opinion," Speed said. He left his book on the sand and made his way down to the wet sand and into the water. As always it was warm and Speed tried not to think about what was swimming in the water than was washing around his ankles. "How long has he been here, H?"

"About half an hour," Horatio replied. "You were thinking and I didn't want to disturb you so I got some answers to questions I've been thinking about all day. Finns, this is Tim Speedle."

The dolphin splashed a little water in Speed's direction; a greeting. "Horatio tells me that you are willing to work with him on all levels," he said. "While I do not agree nor do the others I have told them that fighting with the protector is a waste of time and we should not even bother. Now that I have talked with Horatio I believe this is not as big a mistake as we first believed. He says that the sea-globe reacted to you by glowing. I have never heard of this before and I'll have to check with the others to find out what this means."

"I'll tell you what it means," Speed said. "It means that I belong at Horatio's side. That's what it means."

"This might be the case," Finns said. "However I caution you not to get your hopes up."

"Tell me where I can find information on all this," Speed said. "I want to know how I can help Horatio."

Finns splashed and rolled onto his back. Horatio sighed and reached over to rub the dolphin's stomach. "He maintains that the best and only way you can help me, Speed, is to leave and not look back. The others believe that the protector must be alone and stand against the evil that threatens Miami as a solitary force."

"Not going to happen." Speed crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the dolphin. "I don't give a damn about these others; they can send the fish faces after me if they want to but I'm not leaving Horatio for any reason."

"Tim," Horatio said softly. "The fact that the sea-ball reacted to you when I wasn't close is probably going to be our bargaining chip. Those are used to recognize the protector and normally just react to them."

"So what happened, the most recent soul split and we're both the protector?" Speed asked. "Two halves of the same soul. That would explain the reason we feel so complete whenever we make love, Horatio."

"What happened to science?" Horatio teased smiling at his lover.

"Can you explain the connection we have?"

"Love," Horatio said. "And that's something you could stand to learn about, Finns."

Speed smirked. He never would have thought that a dolphin could look offended and put off at the same time. "I love you too, Horatio," he said. "Finns, is there anywhere on dry land that I can learn more about the role of the protector in Miami? I'm serious when I say I want to help Horatio however I can."

"The Miami history books have information," Horatio said when it became obvious that the dolphin wasn't going to say anything. "I'll show you, Tim. Finns, I want your word that the enforcers won't be sent to Miami for any reason. I cannot do my job if I'm worried that you will break your word on our bond."

"Until we work out the significance of the sea-ball you have my word on our lifetime agreement that no enforcers will be sent to Miami unless you send for them," Finns said. "I'll come back when we have reached a decision."

Horatio watched the dolphin swim off with a fond smile. "For all his bluster he's one of my older friends," he said as he waded to the shore. "Tim, let me take a shower and I'll show you to those books."

"I'll join you," Tim said. "I want to wash my legs and feet."

"I'm going to get you to swim in the ocean yet," Horatio said. He ran his hands over his hair and shook his head, grinning as Speed moved back to avoid the water. "So it's like that, huh?"

Speed took off for the house at a run, tripping a few times in the sand but always managed to regain his balance before Horatio caught up with him. Neither man noticed the dolphin watching them as they ran laughing towards the house. Finns gave the dolphin equivalent of a snort and turned towards open water. He had never seen his protector so free and happy before and he resolved to do anything in his power to keep the young man with Horatio. Tim Speedle was good for the protector of Miami. Now he just had to prove it to the others.

***

Horatio dreamed.

There was a long dirt road with police cars, SUVs, and a helicopter. Officers were spreading out in a grid search. A young girl and her mother were missing and there were CSIs from another city coming in to look for her. Horatio always enjoyed meeting other CSIs and working with people from another place but the blond obviously believed it was her case, her investigation regardless of what city she was in and that attitude threw Horatio. Surely it was the case, finding the answers to help the victim that was the most important thing they could do. Why fight over jurisdiction or prosecution when they needed to find the answers.

The FBI was involved and making things hard for them. The agents knew things about the suspect they didn't and didn't want to share. They didn't want to listen. Horatio hated that there were people who were so blind to the answers when he found them. He hated having to fight for answers with officers and agents who were supposed to be there helping the victims find the answers.

He and Speed worked together to find the suspect but Speed had to stay in the lab to work another case. Horatio was in the field with the strange CSIs. He wasn't happy about it but knew that was the only way it could go.

A car in a canal and a body in the car. The young girl had no one left. Horatio knew he had to help her find her way. The way to heal. A way to know that her parents had died to keep her safe. And he had to find a killer.

One victim alive, able to say where the suspect was. A capture on a private airplane. A meeting on the beach, the last chance to talk with the young girl. He'd leave his card with her and let her knew she could call him any time she needed someone to talk to. Horatio would do whatever he could to keep her safe once her ordeal was over. She would never be hurt again.

Horatio awoke......


Horatio's blue eyes opened to find Speed looking at him. "Hey," he said softly.

"Are you okay?" Speed asked seriously. "You were moving around quite a bit over there and I was getting worried."

"I'm fine," Horatio replied. "There are times I have dreams about cases or see victims before anything happens to them. It's always frustrating because I never know who they are in time to help them avoid the tragedy that strikes. I can only help them pick up the pieces of their lives and move on."

Speed blinked a few times and rolled over, resting his chin on Horatio's bare chest. "So what did you see?"

"There's a young girl who is going to be kidnapped and brought to Miami from out of state," Horatio replied. "We're going to have to work with officers from another city to solve the case. One of them doesn't want to be here and will possibly cause problems for us during the case."

"When is all this going to happen?" Speed asked.

"In the next few days," Horatio sighed. "The dreams never let me know more than a week in advance. I don't have all the details but I'll be ready when the case breaks."

"Is this another reason you always look so sad, Horatio?"

Horatio ran his hand through Speed's short black hair. "Do I really always look sad, Tim?" he asked.

"Not your face, H, but your eyes," Speed replied. "There are so many times when I look at you and I can just see there's a burden on you, a weight you carry that makes your eyes look so sad. It makes me unhappy to see you looking like that."

"With you here, Tim, I hope I'll be happier," Horatio said. "You make me feel whole."

"H, what do you think Finns is going to tell the others?"

"I don't know. He was as surprised as I was about the sea-ball and I think that threw him more than he wanted to admit," Horatio said still petting Speed. "I suppose you could say he's at sea about what to do next."

Speed sat up and glared down at his grinning lover. "I cannot believe you just said that, Horatio," he said.

"I could have said he and the others are afloat and..." he laughed as Speed leaned down and shut him up with a firm kiss. "Are you going to do that at the lab?"

"Only if you start spouting off bad jokes," Speed said with a smile. "I don't think Calleigh and Eric would understand otherwise."

"But Alexx would," Horatio said. He pulled Speed down for another kiss.

"Horatio, Alexx will beat the crap out of anyone who tried to hurt us," Speed said against his lover's lips.

***

Horatio woke up and rolled over to look down at his sleeping lover. He wouldn't admit it to anyone but he was sleeping better with Speed in his bed. The nightmares weren't nearly as bad or as frequent with the other man sleeping next to him. Horatio could feel Tim's steady heartbeat when they curled up together and it helped ground him in a way that nothing save the waves on the beach had done before.

Speed's eyelids fluttered and sleepy dark eyes regarded Horatio. "Hey," he said softly.

"Hey," Horatio said with a soft smile. He leaned in and kissed Speed gently. "I need to get to the lab but didn't want to leave without telling you good-bye."

"I'm going to stay in and do research today," Speed said. He pulled Horatio in for another kiss. "Can I convince you to come home for lunch today?"

"What are you cooking?" Horatio asked.

"I'll have to see what you have in the kitchen," Speed said. "I'll call and ask you to pick something up if I need it."

"Then I'll see what I can do," Horatio said. He got up reluctantly and went through his morning routine. Horatio pulled out one of his lightweight gray suits and a tan shirt.

Speed opened an eye and looked at his lover. "You should wear brighter colors," he said. "Those dun clothes make you look washed out."

Horatio looked up from tying his shoes. "When did you become a fashion consultant?" he asked with a teasing grin.

"H, it's not hard to see that some of your clothes make you look really good while other outfits make you look sick," Speed said. "But you have to pick out your own outfits so I won't argue the point with you. Just promise me you'll never wear plaid."

"I promise." Horatio kissed Speed and took a moment to make sure his connection to the sea-ball was strong. "I'll see you at lunch."
********************

The call came in not two hours after Horatio got to the lab and he called in his whole team. Speed caught his eye when the trace expert made his way into the break room and Horatio nodded to let him know they were on the same page. It was the case Horatio had dreamed about; the young mother and her daughter were missing and they needed to find her. It was an all out manhunt.

Horatio stood off to the side letting the loud shouting of the patrol coordinator wash over him. He wasn't near the water but he could still sense something was wrong close by. The presence of so many people confused him and he waited until the officers left in what they thought was an organized search. Finally there was enough quiet for Horatio to pinpoint where he needed to go. He slipped on his sunglasses and walked off down the dirt road where there were no officers searching. The sudden appearance of a pig startled him, as he had no connection to land animals, and he paused for a moment to get his bearings. He could feel the young girl was close; scared but unharmed.

When the helicopter landed that night Horatio knew who was on it before they stepped out. And even with the dream warning Horatio was a little stunned at the level of anger rolling of Catherine Willows. He couldn't hold back his sarcastic reply to her comments about respect and wondered, briefly, if he was channeling his lover.

The news about the car in the canal was both good and bad. It meant that Horatio was closer to his element and was more in control but he knew what they were going to find before Eric went in. He took the gun knowing that he'd sense any problems before Eric was hurt. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Speed watching him but also taking notes and pictures. He had to step back for a moment when they found the body. The pain that ripped through him was almost debilitating. Horatio needed his lover.
********************

Speed didn't like the blond from Vegas. Warrick seemed to be okay but Speed also noticed how the man hung back and seemed to give in to Catherine on almost everything. He snorted; you'd have to be blind to miss the obvious attraction there. What bothered Speed the most was the effect the case was having on his lover. He knew that Horatio had dreamed about everything and wondered if living through the events twice was harder than if he didn't know what was going to happen. Speed snorted and added it to his list of questions to ask Finns when the dolphin came back next.

He watched his lover closely at the canal because he knew that the one thing that hurt Horatio was children losing their parents or their family. And he could feel that his lover needed him; the problem was finding the time to be alone. As the others processed the crime scene and car Speed went over and touched Horatio on the arm. "Hey, take a look at this," he said holding out his notebook.

"That's something we should look in to," Horatio said. He tried not to smile at the blank page in front of him. "Stay here with Delko and find the weapon then meet me back at the lab. I have a few things I need to check on."

"You got it, H," Speed said.
********************

The case wrapped up more or less like it had in his dream and Horatio once more made a beeline for the ocean when they got home. Speed cooked a light dinner and took it down onto the beach. "I'm not coming in there to feed you," he said.

"One of these days, Tim," Horatio said. He waded up onto the shore and took his plate. "Thank you for today."

"I knew that you needed me," Speed said. "I could feel it like a pull in your direction. Is that supposed to be happening?"

"I don't know," Horatio admitted. "We're unique in history and will probably have a lot of unanswered questions that we'll have to pass on to Finns. As time goes on, once we're gone and the next protector is here maybe they'll be able to find the answers."

"That doesn't do us a lot of good," Speed grumbled. "I was wondering, H; does having to live through a case twice hurt you more or less?"

Horatio chewed his food for a few minutes and stared out over the water. "I think in this case I would have hurt worse not knowing what was coming," he finally said. "But in general I'd rather be prepared no matter the pain if it means I can bring closure to a family."

"I just don't like seeing you hurt, H," Speed said.

"I know." Horatio put his plate down, took Speed's and set it to the side as well. He pushed lightly until his lover was lying in the sand and half covered Speed's body with his own. "I know but you have to remember that this is what I was born to do, Tim. I'm going to hurt regardless of my role as the protector in Miami."

Speed ran his hands through Horatio's hair and pulled him in for a kiss. "Let me take some of the hurt away," he whispered against his lover's lips.

"You do that every time you look at me," Horatio said. "You do just by being here for me. I love you."

***

Horatio was in his office going through some paperwork when he realized that something wasn't right in the lab. He focused immediately on his bond with the sea-ball and found it was moving closer to him quickly. He closed the blinds of the window walls of his office and turned towards the door just as Speed burst in.

"Lock the door, Tim," Horatio said softly.

"I need to talk with you, H," Speed said. He flipped the lock and pulled his lover to the couch in the far corner.

"There's something wrong in the labs," Horatio said softly. "Something that upset you and Calleigh. Eric is confused but not going to do anything until you show some emotion one way or the other and Alexx is just watching everyone like she always does."

Speed's mouth dropped open. "It's still a little creepy when you do that, you know."

"I'd take offense but I know you too well, Tim," Horatio smiled. He leaned over and tilted his lover's head up. "Are you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?" Speed asked, more than a little breathless as Horatio's lips slowly moved in against his own. Tim's eyes fluttered closed as Horatio's warm lips pressed against his own.

Horatio's tongue slid out and slowly ran along Speed's lips only to pull back when Speed's mouth opened. Speed didn't miss the invitation and his tongue quickly snaked into his lover's mouth where it tangled and danced with its mate. Speed leaned back, pulling Horatio down with him until they were half lying on the sofa.

"Speed," Horatio whispered. "We shouldn't but I need you so bad."

"Want you too," Speed replied. He pulled his lover's head down for another deep kiss and ran his hands up Horatio's chest and tried to slip his suit jacket off.

"We'll have to stand up for that," Horatio managed between kisses."

"Yeah," Speed said. He licked around to Horatio's ear and sucked the lobe into his mouth. Horatio moaned deep in his chest when Speed started to nibble gently. He managed to snake a hand under Speed's t-shirt and pinched his right nipple.

"More," Speed moaned, his head falling back.

"Then we need to stand up," Horatio repeated.

"Don't want to move," Speed said.

"I don't either but I want to feel your skin against mine and we can't do it like this." Horatio pushed back slowly and found his footing. "Strip for me, Tim." By the time he looked back at the couch from putting his suit out of harm's way Speed was naked, lying stretched out on the brown cushions watching him.

Horatio frowned a little when he noticed the sea-ball was glowing softly in the dim light of his office. "Tim," he said sitting down next to his lover's hips, "how long has it been doing this?"

Speed looked down as well. "It got warm about an hour ago," he said. "But I didn't know it was lit up like that. What's it mean, H?"

"Danger," Horatio said. "But danger to you or me I don't know." He leaned in and kissed Speed gently. "But we'll figure it out."

"Still want you," Speed grinned.

"Want you too," Horatio said. He shifted and stretched out, slowly letting his weight press down on his lover. They both moaned as their erections brushed against the other. Horatio claimed Speed's mouth again, tongue and hips moving in tandem. Speed spread his legs as best he could to get Horatio settled in more firmly against him.

Speed had been taught that it was rude to talk with his mouth full so he let his right hand fall to the side for the lube he'd had in his pocket. It took some coordination but he was eventually able to slide two lube slick fingers into Horatio to start stretching him. Horatio moaned into Speed's mouth and pushed back against the fingers.

"Now," Horatio said when they broke the kiss for air.

Speed slicked the lube along his cock as Horatio straddled him and they came together, eyes locked, the deep feeling of completion flooding them. "H," Speed whispered. "H."

"I feel it too, Tim," Horatio replied. He lifted up and dropped back down, head falling back as Speed's cock nudged his prostate. Speed grabbed Horatio's hips to help brace his lover as they moved together.

"Love you," Speed whispered trying to thrust up faster. He braced his feet against the arm of the sofa and Horatio leaned forward, hands on Speed's chest where his fingers could play with his lover's nipples. Speed finally moved a hand to Horatio's erection and started stroking it firmly.

Horatio's body tightened, tensed and he came biting back a cry of his lover's name. Speed watched his lover's face in awe for a moment before his eyes closed and he came too.

"Tim," Horatio whispered as he slumped forward onto his lover's chest and kissed his neck softly. They stayed like that, exchanging gentle kisses until Tim's softened cock finally slid from Horatio's body.

"I don't want to move," Speed finally said.

"Me neither but we need to figure out what made this glow," Horatio said picking up the still illuminated sea-ball.

The lovers cleaned up and got dressed as quickly as they could and made their way to the locker room and the showers. Fortunately they both had a change of clothes so none of their co-workers would be able to figure out what had happened between them.

"H, I can tell you when I first felt it," Speed said as he pulled on a clean t-shirt.

"When?"

"Megan Donner is back," Speed said. "And she's wearing a turtle neck tank top."

***

Next part of The Protector.