Title: What Family Means
Author: Kacey
Rating: FRT or PG-13
Fandom: CSI: Miami
Pairing: Eric/Ryan
Series: Story of Love
Disclaimer: I don't own them. Just borrowing them for fun.
Fic Prompt: #16: Family
Warnings: Inspired by the table on AU100, I think. Anyway, on some lj, I don't remember which one. I've created an AU based on the characters in CSI: Miami and the premises of the show. Also totally inspired by the Sylum Clan, not that this contains vampires, because I assure you, it does not. I do not own these characters, their creators and producers, CBS, etc. do. Each story will be part of this AU. The overall rating is FRMA or NC-17, but not all stories will be rated that. In this AU, Ryan is not a cop or CSI. And Speed is alive. The main pairings are Eric/Ryan, Horatio/Speed and anyone else I might add in. Some stories might be crossovers, I'll try to give warnings for each story.
Note: Late Season Two

***

Eric met the rest of the team at Giorgio's later that night about nine, the bar they frequented the most. Sitting between Alexx and Calleigh, he explained both what his sister had told him and what Ryan had said to him. Horatio commented, "Your sister is correct, Eric. He is being more than fair with visitation, more fair than I would be if that were my child. He must really love his son."

"He does. He loves both of his children very much," Eric said. "It's in the way he looks at them, the way he talks about them. I'm extremely lucky that he even bothered to contact me. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't have."

"Yes, baby, you are lucky," Alexx remarked. "He's being extremely generous, especially since, legally, you don't have any ground to stand on. No offense, but if I was him, and I had his money, I would have run as fast and as far away as I could have."

"Money?" Eric asked.

"You don't know who he is?" Calleigh asked in disbelief.

"Should I?"

"Ryan Wolfe," Speed explained, pulling out a file filled with paperwork from his jacket. "Only child of Martino Wolfe, former owner of the largest contracting company on the East Coast, and only grandchild of Antonio Barrett, owner of the largest law firm on the East Coast, one of the best defense attorneys ever. Kid inherited his parent's estate after they were killed in a car accident two years ago, although he lived with his grandparents from the time he was three until he went away to college. Last year, Ryan sold the company to his father's right and left hand men for a whopping $50 million, which the kid then split into several trust funds, along with the liquid assets from his parent's estate. The property from the parent's estate was kept, and he hasn't sold any of it, though he hasn't touched any of it either, houses, boats, planes, etc. Went to college at Dartmouth, where he graduated summa cum laude with bachelors in history, creative writing and linguistics. Then went on to Yale, where he graduated top of his class from law school. Can practice in Florida, California, New York and D.C. Went into criminal law and has never lost a case. The kid has set more precedent for criminal law in Florida than any other lawyer. Although, the kid has a knack for only picking defendant's who really are innocent. He has never defended a guilty client. Married once, to an Adriana Ramirez. They had two children, Antony Ricardo Wolfe, adoption going through one year after his birth, and Desdemona Delphine Wolfe. She was killed, from reading the report, it appears that she was killed in a one vehicle accident about one year ago. Her BAC was .18. The family lawyer, Layla Franklin, childhood friend and later roommate, was going to put the will through probate when she noticed that the dead wife's will mentioned the father of her son in the present tense, not past. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Wow," Eric said nonplussed. "Someone sure did a lot of research."

"We just wanted to make this as easy as possible for you, Eric," Horatio said. "This is our way of helping you and telling you that we want to meet your son, as soon as we can."

"Of course you will," Eric replied. "As soon as he's comfortable with me and my family, I'd like to have a party to introduce him to all of my friends. If his father agrees, anyway."

"He will, baby," Alexx said. "As soon as he sees how you are with him and that you'll protect him from the world. He'd better, otherwise I might have to hurt him."

They all laughed and drank some more for a couple more hours before they all went home.

------------------------------

The next morning, Eric and Clorinda were at Miami Pediatrics at seven to meet Ryan. He pulled up several minutes later, apologizing profusely for being late. He was pale and haggard looking, as if he gotten no sleep or as if he was sick.

"Are you all right, young man?" Clorinda asked.

He smiled wanly at her and replied, "Yes, I'm fine. I just didn't get much sleep. I'm an insomniac, plus my grandparents kept my children overnight. That threw me off of my normal pattern. Then I started working on my new case and lost track of time, which is why I was late."

"That's no problem," Eric assured him. "I just want this done so I can meet him."

Nodding his head in agreement, Ryan pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. "Hey, Lilly. Are you going to let us in?...The front entrance...Because last time you yelled at me for being at the side entrance...Will you just open the door so we can get this taken care of?...You know, woman, I'm beginning to regret the fact that I know you...Fine."

Turning to Clorinda and Eric, he said, "Lilly will be here in a minute to let us in."

"Your children's pediatrician?" Clorinda questioned.

"Yeah," Ryan smiled. "I've known her most of my life. She and Layla were the only other children in the neighborhood where I grew up, so, of course, we hung out. And, I wouldn't trust anybody else with my children. Besides, Tony and Des both love her."

"That's nice."

The door in front of them opened, revealing a short, harried looking woman. She looked Clorinda and Eric over before she brusquely said, "All right, Wolfe. Get in here."

They followed her through the lobby and down a hallway into an examination room. She motioned for Eric to sit on the table. He hopped up on it, waiting for her to tell him what to do. Looking up at him, she asked, "Which arm do they normally take blood from?"

"My right," Eric answered.

Taking his arm, she tied off the rubber band around his bicep and then began poking around his elbow, where the veins were. Finding one, she stuck the needle in and took what she needed in order to compare DNA. Taking out the needle, she quickly pulled off the band and threw it away. Placing the stickers with his medical info on the syringe, she stepped away and handed Eric an alcohol wipe and bandage. "If you'll wait here, I should have the results in about thirty minutes."

Clorinda sat down in one of the chairs available and turned her assessing gaze on Ryan, who was fidgeting near the door. Patting the seat next to her, she said, "Sit down, young man. Tell me what made you decide to contact Eric. You didn't really have to. And he never would have known about Antony."

"I didn't want to contact him at all," Ryan admitted softly, sitting down in the free seat. "Grandmere said something that changed my mind."

"What was that?" Eric inquired.

"She said that I needed to think about what Antony would want as he grew older. If he'd want to know his biological father and family, instead of just me and mine," Ryan muttered. "That stung, but it's not about me and my wants. This is about my son and what he wants."

"And what do you want?" Eric whispered.

"I want this to have never happened," Ryan said, "but it's too late for that. Now, I just want to make sure that my son gets everything that he wants and needs...even if what he wants isn't me."

They then sat in an uneasy silence until Lilly walked back in about half an hour later. Handing the results to Eric, she turned to Ryan and placed her hand on his shoulder, squeezing in comfort. "DNA doesn't lie, my friend. Mr. Delko is Tony's biological father."

Nodding his head and biting into his lower lip, Ryan thanked her and stood up as she walked out. Swallowing heavily, Ryan said, "Call me sometime later today. I'd like to meet with you and your lawyer to go over the visitation contract, as well as discuss some other things. For right now, I need...I need to go."

----------------------------

Eric and Juanita spent the next day holed up in Ryan's office with him, going over the visitation contract, ironing out the last few details before Eric could meet his son. After signing the papers, they agreed to meet that coming Saturday at the park near Eric's parents' house, the park he'd grown up playing in. Ryan would be bringing both of his children and his grandparents would be tagging along as well. Eric's entire immediate family would be there, so both of them had plenty of backup if they needed it. Not that they should need it, after all this was just a meeting, Eric and his family meeting his son.

Saturday morning dawned bright and early, Eric and his family were there early, of course, Clorinda anxious to finally meet her newest grandson. A few minutes before seven, two unknown vehicles pulled into the parking lot. An older man climbed out of the silver Cadillac, walking around the car to help an older woman out. Ryan got out of the dark blue SUV, opening the driver's side back door, helping his daughter out. She ran over to the older couple, throwing herself at the man. He picked her up, hugging her and talking to her. Ryan reached in and helped his son out next, the boy clinging to his father, obviously upset and afraid.

Clorinda watched as Ryan attempted to soothe him, only partially succeeding. He didn't let go, although he did loosen his hold. Closing the door, Ryan walked over to his grandparents, where the boy very happily went over to his great-grandmother, or so they assumed, and the little girl jumped into her father's arms.

The woman looked over at Ryan, then over at the people waiting for them. She walked over towards them, a determined look on her face. The older man followed, gently shoving Ryan along with him. Once they were close enough, the woman stopped in front of Clorinda and introduced them. "Hello, I'm Delphine Barrett. Ryan is my grandson. This is my husband, Antonio. And these are my grandchildren, Antony and Desdemona. You must be Clorinda Delko. My grandson has mentioned you, your son and your daughter, Juanita."

Smiling pleasantly, Clorinda could see the warning in the older woman's eyes. If her family did anything to hurt this woman's grandson and his family, they'd have to deal with her, not either of the two men. Nodding her head in understanding, Clorinda introduced her family, pointing to each in turn. "I am Clorinda. This is my husband, Pavel. My son, Eric. My daughters, Marisol, Juanita and Lupe. This is Lupe's husband, Marco, and their four children, Marco, Jr., Jennika, Raoul and Lucita. These three are Juanita's children, Alejandro, Nickolas and Danika."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Antonio said, shooting his wife a warning glance. "However, I already know your daughter, Juanita. I've watched her argue against several of my own junior and senior partners in court."

"I thought I recognized you," Juanita said. "You were there the other day at the Hernandez hearing."

"Yes, I was," he replied. "You're a very good lawyer, Ms. Delko. Have you ever thought of joining a firm? Because I can tell you right now that I'd hire you. Our senior family partner is retiring in a year and moving to Hawaii. His son, the junior partner, and family are moving down there as well. So, we'd be short two lawyers. I can promise you a junior position at the moment with a probable promotion to senior partner in a year, even --"

"Grandpere," Ryan interrupted. "Later, please."

"All right," he grumbled. "Why I ever hired you, I still don't know."

Laughing, Ryan teasingly suggested, "Maybe because you wanted to be able to sleep in your own bed in your own house?"

"That would be it."

"Tony," Ryan softly said, immediately gaining his son's attention. He reached out with both arms, wanting to be held by his father. Taking his son from his grandmother, Ryan turned to Eric and walked over to him. Stopping in front of Eric, Ryan quietly introduced him. "Tony, this is your biological father, Eric Delko."

Eric watched as the boy looked up at him, big brown eyes filled with fear and sorrow. He looked Eric over and then turned back to his father and asked, voice wavering and eyes filling with tears, "Does this mean you're not my dad anymore?"

Smiling gently, Ryan replied, "Oh, baby, no. It just means that you get to have two dads, instead of just one. Now, what do you say you get down and get to know Eric, okay?"

-----------------------------------

Two years later

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Parking the car, Eric got out, immediately met by Marisol and Clorinda, both of whom helped him gather up the food and the children, except for Alex. She didn't want anyone but Ryan and made that abundantly clear by screaming her head off when anyone else got near her. She clung to him and wouldn't even go to Speed, her second favorite person after Ryan.

Tony and Des ran off to play with the other children, Marisol going with them. Diego was happily chattering away in baby speak to Clorinda, who was asking him questions and responding to him, though she had no clue what most of the sounds he was making meant. Speed and Horatio helped Eric take the food over to the table where the rest was set up. Eric greeted everyone, hugging Alexx and Calleigh and kissing Delphine on the cheek.

Ryan went straight to his grandmother, also kissing her on the cheek. Delphine attempted to take Alex from him, but, again, she was having none of that. She wanted Ryan and nobody was going to take her away from him.

Clorinda and Pavel had everyone sit down and eat shortly after Ryan and Eric showed up. A very short prayer later, everyone was eating and having a good time, except for Alex. She was tired of having to share her daddy, even with her poppa, and anytime his attention strayed, she let him know she didn't appreciate it, not one bit. Eric could tell that Ryan was becoming frustrated at his inability to keep her happy, but there wasn't anything they could do. She was cranky and unhappy. What she really needed was a nap.

An hour and a little bit of food later, Alex was asleep. Eric went and got the carseat, gently placing her in it, in the shade of the tree which his parents and Ryan's grandparents had gathered under to talk and play cards. When they assured him that they'd watch her, Eric left to go check up on his three other children, not at all surprised to find Ryan doing the same. Noticing no one in the immediate vicinity, he pulled Ryan behind a tree and pinned him to it, planting a harsh, bruising kiss on his lover. Ryan eagerly returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around Eric's neck, pulling him closer.

"Guys, come on," Speed groaned. "Don't you two get enough of each other at home? And should your kids really see this?"

Breaking off the kiss, Eric muttered, his forehead against Ryan's shoulder, "Speed, shut up and go away, would you? I'm taking a five minute break with my lover."

"Your version of five minutes usually lasts an hour or more," Speed commented, laughter in his voice.

Snickering, Ryan spouted off, "Speed, I don't think you have any room to talk. How many times have I caught you and Horatio doing things you shouldn't be doing in public places?"

Eric snorted, while Horatio, who'd walked up to them, shook his head and said, "Too damn many times, Ryan. Although, Speed manages to catch the two of you, as well."

"Yes," Ryan agreed, "but we have always still had clothes on. And, no, Speed, that time in Honolulu doesn't count. That was our hotel room and not a public forum."

"Damn," Speed grumbled. "That's the only time I've ever caught the two of you naked. Why didn't I get it on camera?"

"Because you knew I would kill you, maybe?" Eric suggested.

"No, that's not it," Calleigh said as she walked up. "It's because he knew you have more blackmail material on him than he does on you. That and Alexx would have killed him. He's more afraid of her than he is of you, Eric."

"He should be," Eric teased. "She's much tougher than all of us."

"Yes, I am. And might I ask what we're all doing over here?"

Speed turned a mischievous expression on her. "Well, Alexx, Eric and Ryan were making out in a public place. I just asked them if that was such a good idea."

Shaking her head in amusement, Alexx said, "Why don't we just leave them alone and go back to the party? They'll be over very shortly, won't you boys?"

Both Ryan and Eric shook their heads in agreement, watching as their friends walked away and back over to the where the kids were all playing. Groaning in embarrassment, Ryan asked, "Once again, why did we agree to this?"

Laughing softly, Eric brought his head up and whispered, "Shut up," before kissing him again.

***