{"id":9059,"date":"2017-09-30T21:37:24","date_gmt":"2017-10-01T04:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?page_id=9059"},"modified":"2017-09-30T21:48:09","modified_gmt":"2017-10-01T04:48:09","slug":"miamis-protector","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/miamis-protector\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami’s Protector"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title<\/strong>: Miami’s Protector
\nAuthor<\/strong>: Bj Jones
\nRating<\/strong>: FRAO
\nSummary<\/strong>: Horatio’s always been Miami’s protector but can he protect Miami without his guide?<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Horatio knelt down next to Speed. “Speed come on buddy, hold on.”<\/p>\n

Speed choked on his own blood, scared eyes looking up at Horatio. “I can’t feel anything.”<\/p>\n

“Concentrate on breathing.” Horatio held Speed’s head up. “Speed, I can’t lose you.”<\/p>\n

“H,” he choked, his breathing became labored, then stopped.<\/p>\n

“Speed!” Horatio laid his head on Speed’s chest, desperate to hear the heartbeat. He looked into the open cold brown eyes. “NO! Speed!”<\/p>\n

Everything shifted around them. He looked up to see a grey fox running away from him towards the setting sun. He knew at that moment – if the fox went over the horizon that he would lose Speed.<\/p>\n

He yelled, but instead of his voice a growl was heard. The fox paused and looked back. Horatio looked down and saw paws. He looked back up at the small fox. He yelled out again, pleading with the fox not to leave.<\/p>\n

The fox turned, sitting down, and looked at the cougar. Slowly the cougar walked towards the fox, making soft sounds so as not to scare it off. The fox’s dark eyes watched carefully, he turned his head and looked at the horizon then back at the cougar. A slight shift of his head and a decision was made. The fox ran straight for the cougar. The cougar quickly moved towards the fox. The fox jumped up and merged with the cougar.<\/p>\n

Speed gasped, jerking in Horatio’s arms. Horatio sat up. “Come on buddy breathe.” Speed looked up, his eyes full of pain and confusion. “Just stay with me.”<\/p>\n

“Sir.” An EMT knelt down next to Speed. “We need you to step back.”<\/p>\n

Speed grabbed Horatio’s hand. “I’m right here. They’re here to help you.” Horatio stepped back and let the EMTs do their job.<\/p>\n

Horatio watched as they worked to save Speed’s life. They loaded him up into the ambulance and raced to the hospital. He still stood there, eyes transfixed on the blood pool.<\/p>\n

“Honey,” Alexx’s voice was soft and caring. “Horatio\u2026”<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head and looked at Alexx. “I lost him.”<\/p>\n

“No, baby, Tim’s at the hospital.” Alexx assured him.<\/p>\n

“I actually lost him,” he looked at her, blue eyes full of pain. “He died in my arms. Then\u2026 I can’t explain it. I brought him back.”<\/p>\n

Alexx stepped back and looked at Horatio. She knew his connection with Speed was deep. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”<\/p>\n

“The case\u2026” He shook his head.<\/p>\n

She stood her ground, hands on her hips. “Horatio Caine, you and I both know you will be useless without Speed with you.”<\/p>\n

He slipped on his glasses. “I can’t just abandon the case.”<\/p>\n

“You’re not.” She pulled on his arm, heading for his Hummer. “Calleigh and Eric can work it. We’re going to the hospital.”<\/p>\n

“Alexx,” Horatio paused.<\/p>\n

She turned, cupping his cheek, and smiled slightly. “He needs you, and you need him.”<\/p>\n

He nodded and got into the Hummer with no further argument. He called Calleigh and told her to check Speed’s gun, then report back to him, and then quickly called Eric to update him on the case, with instructions to contact him when something came up. He hung up the phone and drove in silence to the hospital. His guide needed him.<\/p>\n

Beach House<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jim watched Blair with a smile on his face. They both needed this vacation. Getting the time off had been easy; Simon had agreed that they need the time off. But every time they had been set to go, something came up. Finally, he just told Blair to pack his bags; he had called Simon when they landed in Miami saying they were taking a vacation. Jim grinned when he saw Blair breath in the ocean air. “You know Chief, we live off another ocean. You get sea air every morning.”<\/p>\n

“But this is different.” Blair looked back grinning.<\/p>\n

“How?” Jim smiled from his seat on the beach house deck.<\/p>\n

“We’re on vacation,” Blair grinned. “An actual vacation.”<\/p>\n

“No terrorists, secret organizations, crazed sentinels\u2026” Jim smirked at Blair’s mock glare.<\/p>\n

“Speaking of\u2026” Blair headed inside their rented beach house. “We need to meditate.”<\/p>\n

“Why?” Jim groaned as he followed his guide into the house.<\/p>\n

“To let go of the negative energy we brought with us from Cascade. Besides you’ve been really tense.” Blair lit the candles around the room and settled onto a pillow.<\/p>\n

“Fine.” Jim sat across from Blair. “It’s scary sometimes how much you remind me of your mother.”<\/p>\n

Blair glared at him. “Close your eyes and relax. Let the sound of the ocean waves sooth you.”<\/p>\n

Spirit World<\/strong><\/p>\n

They were surrounded by the now-familiar blue-tinged jungle landscape.<\/p>\n

The wolf pranced around the panther as they made their way down the path.<\/p>\n

Suddenly the scene rippled and changed. While the environment was much the same: hot, moist, redolent with the scent of green growing things, the details were subtly different. Instead of the familiar visage of jungle plants, tall trees and snow-capped mountains on the horizon, the pair found themselves standing on a tuft of ground overlooking a slow-moving waterway. The trees, instead of the tall spires of the jungle they knew, were lower, bent to the water below, branches dripping with moss.<\/p>\n

The ground itself was different, covered not with layers of decomposing plants, but instead it was a network of sluggish waterways and connecting ground covered with long, pale grasses. The atmosphere was eerily silent.<\/p>\n

The wolf paused and sniffed the air, looking back at the panther. The panther’s head was held high, cocked to the side listening. Then they heard it; a yowl of misery and deep pain. The pain sliced through the wolf. Whimpering, he collapsed on to the ground. The panther placed itself as guard, protecting the wolf. The yowl was heard again, it was calling out to something\u2026someone. As suddenly as it began, it ended.<\/p>\n

Beach House<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both men came out of the meditative trance. Jim looked at Blair \u2013 he had tears in his eyes. “It was another sentinel\/guide pair. The guide was leaving.”<\/p>\n

Jim pulled his lover into his arms. “I’ve got you.”<\/p>\n

“I could feel its pain.” Blair shuddered, curling into Jim’s arms.<\/p>\n

Jim just held and rocked him until he quieted down. “You rest on the couch, I’ll fix us something.”<\/p>\n

“They must be nearby.” Blair sat on the couch. He paused and looked at Jim. “Could be why you’re so tense; you’re in another sentinel’s territory.”<\/p>\n

Jim paused. “How do we know they aren’t like Alex?”<\/p>\n

“The anguished cry was of a bonded pair,” Blair thought out loud. He grabbed the remote and clicked on the TV. “If the sentinel lost its guide\u2026 We have to find them.” Blair stood up and started to pace. “But where should we look? I mean they could be anywhere. Jim do you have any\u2026” He looked up Jim was staring at the TV. “Jim?”<\/p>\n

Jim pointed to the TV. “I think we found them, Chief.”<\/p>\n

Blair turned to the TV to see a newscast.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarlier today at McCauley Jewelers, a Miami Dade PD CSI was seriously wounded in a shootout with gunmen. Lieutenant Horatio Caine and Detective Timothy Speedle entered the store at approximately one PM to make inquiries in connection to an investigation regarding a missing child. According to reports, Detective Speedle drew his weapon in response to the appearance of two men from a backroom, who opened fire on the officers. Lieutenant Caine came to his partner\u2019s assistance, fatally wounding both gunmen after they shot the detective. Detective Speedle was rushed to St. Luke\u2019s Hospital, where he is currently reported to be in critical condition\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

“The Lieutenant must be the Sentinel,” Blair figured. “We should get to the hospital. He might zone out or something if his guide is that close to death.”<\/p>\n

“Chief.” Jim rested his hands on his shoulders. “You want us to go into a Sentinel’s territory while he has a wounded guide? I know what I would do if the situation was the reversed.”<\/p>\n

“He needs us.” Blair moved past him and out the front door.<\/p>\n

Jim grabbed the keys and followed him. “There goes the vacation.”<\/p>\n

\u00a0Hospital\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alexx talked with the nurse. Sighing after getting no new information she went back to Horatio. He was sitting quietly in one of the chairs. She paused and studied him; he wasn’t moving at all.<\/p>\n

She knelt in front of him her hand on his knee. No response. He’s zoned. “Horatio, baby, come on, sugar, I need you here with me.”<\/p>\n

“Alexx,” Calleigh called out as she and Eric walked up.<\/p>\n

“Any word on Speed?” Eric asked, stopping next to her.<\/p>\n

“He’s in surgery,” Alexx explained quickly. “Horatio come on, don\u2019t do this to me.”<\/p>\n

“What’s wrong with H?” Eric asked, now noticing the older man wasn’t moving.<\/p>\n

“Shock.” Alexx took Horatio’s hand and pinched it. Nothing.<\/p>\n

“Should we get a doctor?” Calleigh asked concerned.<\/p>\n

“NO!” Alexx looked at the two of them. “He’s okay I just need to\u2026”<\/p>\n

Suddenly Horatio lifted his head up and growled. He lunged out of the chair, straight for Jim and Blair who had just walked up to nurses station. Eric moved quickly and grabbed Horatio and pulled him back, Alexx and Calleigh getting between Horatio and the two strangers.<\/p>\n

“It’s okay.” Blair stepped in front of Jim, who was snarling in response. He turned to Jim, “Back down.”<\/p>\n

He glanced at Blair then back at the Lieutenant, nodded then backed down. Blair turned back to Horatio. “He’s not here to harm your guide.”<\/p>\n

Horatio strained against Eric. Alexx got up in his face, hands on her hips. “Horatio Caine. You will stop this right now.”<\/p>\n

Horatio back down his eyes glued to Jim. Alexx made Horatio look at her, his blue eyes met her concerned brown. He gave her a quick smile. “I’m fine.”<\/p>\n

“What made you zone?” Blair asked curious.<\/p>\n

“Chief!” Jim rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

Blair looked back. “What?”<\/p>\n

“His heartbeat.” Horatio answered quietly his eyes moving towards the double doors waiting for the doctor to come out.<\/p>\n

“I’m sorry,” Blair paused. “I’m\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Blair Sandburg.” Horatio turned back towards him. “Read your work.” He looked up at Jim, the two men assessing each other. “You must be Jim Ellison.”<\/p>\n

“We saw the news report,” Jim explained. “Any word?”<\/p>\n

Horatio ran a hand through his hair. “No.”<\/p>\n

“Ah,” Eric looked between everyone. “Am I missing something?”<\/p>\n

“They don\u2019t know?” Blair looked at a confused Calleigh and Eric.<\/p>\n

“No, but now thanks to you they do.” Horatio moved to head back to the waiting area.<\/p>\n

Jim snarled, “He’s here to help.”<\/p>\n

Horatio turned, his calm persona disappearing fast. Alexx stepped up to him. “Horatio, honey, go sit down.” Horatio nodded and moved away from the group. Alexx turned, eyes narrowing at Jim. “And how would you be handling it if Mr. Sandburg was in surgery and another guide showed up and exposed you to your teammates?”<\/p>\n

Blair looked at Jim. “She has a point. Let go of Blessed Protector.” He turned back to Alexx. “I’m sorry.”<\/p>\n

“No need honey,” she grinned. “He’s just\u2026”<\/p>\n

“In Blessed Protector mode,” Blair grinned. “So obvious you know and can help him?”<\/p>\n

“Most of the time, but the only thing brought him out this time was you two.” Alexx sighed. She looked back at the nurse’s station. “I just want them to tell us what’s going on.”<\/p>\n

“Excuse me?” Eric looked at the group. “Two people in the dark here.” He gestured to an upset Calleigh and himself.<\/p>\n

“Can someone explain what’s going on? I’ve never see Horatio lose his cool like that,” Calleigh demanded.<\/p>\n

“It’s a long story,” Alexx patted Calleigh’s shoulder. “Once we get word on Tim’s condition, we’ll all sit down and talk.”<\/p>\n

“Chief.” Jim nodded towards Horatio. “He zoned.”<\/p>\n

Alexx and Blair looked back at a completely still Horatio. Blair laid a hand on Alexx’s arm and shook his head. He walked quietly over to the redheaded Sentinel. Kneeling down in front of him, he tapped his fingers against the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

“Horatio?” Blair paused. He figured that he zoned out on his guide’s heartbeat. It was something he had seen Jim do frequently. “Jim get me either smelling salts or something to taste.”<\/p>\n

Eric looked at Calleigh then both looked at Alexx. “Later.” They both sighed and just watched, trusting Alexx.<\/p>\n

Jim handed Blair some smelling salts. “Is that how I am when I’m in deep?”<\/p>\n

“Yeah,” Blair nodded. “This is so fascinating, such familiar patterns, yet so different. I mean look at you and him. I can sense the same instincts, but different approaches to it. Both in law enforcement, yet completely different aspects. It’s fascinating\u2026 I wonder what else you two have in common\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Chief,” Jim admonished.<\/p>\n

“Sorry,” Blair blushed lightly. “It’s just another sentinel that isn’t trying to kill me.” He moved the salts under Horatio’s nose. “Come on, you need to come back, your guide needs you.”<\/p>\n

Horatio jerked his head, quickly looking around then slumping back onto the chair. “I zoned again.”<\/p>\n

“Understandable.” Blair put the salts away.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up and moved quickly out of the chair and past the two men. He met the doctor by the doors. Alexx and his team joined him to find out news about their friend.<\/p>\n

“How is he?” Horatio demanded.<\/p>\n

The doctor looked up and frowned. “Who are you?”<\/p>\n

“Horatio Caine, his lieutenant\u2026”<\/p>\n

“I can only talk to his family,” the doctor insisted.<\/p>\n

“We are his family,\u201d Alexx growled. “Check your damn records.”<\/p>\n

Calleigh grinned in spite the situation. “How is he?”<\/p>\n

The doctor went through the charts, noticing that Horatio Caine was listed as next of kin, along with an Alexx Woods. “He’s out of surgery. The bullet did extensive damage. I was surprised he was still alive truthfully. We lost him once on the table, but brought him back.”<\/p>\n

Horatio’s heart rate shot up. “And?”<\/p>\n

“We were able to repair the damage. He has a rough road ahead of him, but if he makes it through tonight without complications he should make a full recovery.” The doctor smiled at them. “He’s being transported to ICU now. You can see him for a short time, one at a time.”<\/p>\n

“Go.” Alexx patted Horatio’s arm. “He needs you.”<\/p>\n

\u00a0ICU Unit\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio took the limp hand in his own, leaning over he kissed Speed’s forehead. “I can’t do this without you.” He smoothed back the unruly hair. “Fight, please Speed, fight, stay with me. I love you so much. I need you.”<\/p>\n

Horatio smiled through the tears as he saw Speed’s brown eyes looking at him. “Shh\u2026baby, don’t try to speak. You’ve got a ventilator down your throat.” Speed squeezed his hand. “Your lung collapsed so they want to make sure you’re stable before taking you off of it. I need you to concentrate on getting well.”<\/p>\n

Speed’s eyes bore into his. “We can talk about what happened when you get out of here. My guess though, it was a sentinel thing.”<\/p>\n

Horatio snickered at Speed’s duh expression. “Speaking of, guess who showed up in our hospital lobby?” Speed eyes narrowed slightly then widened. “Blair Sandburg and Jim Ellison, they must have been in the area.” Horatio cupped Speed’s cheek. “Sleep, I’ll be back soon.” He kissed Speed’s hand. “I love you.” He didn’t need to hear it; all he had to do was look into the soft brown eyes of his lover to see the love he had for him.<\/p>\n

He stayed by his guide’s side till he fell back to sleep. He hated leaving, didn’t want to, but he also knew Speed would be upset with him if he didn’t take care of the case. With one last kiss to the forehead he left his lover’s room.<\/p>\n

The ICU nurse smiled at him. “Don’t worry Lt. Caine we’ll take good care of him.”<\/p>\n

“Thank you.” He slipped on his sunglasses and headed for the exit. He had a lost son to find.<\/p>\n

The Next Day\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio smiled at the sight before him. Speed had been moved out of the ICU to a private room and was off the ventilator. He was sleeping peacefully with Alexx resting in the chair nearby. He walked in quietly, taking the empty seat next to Speed’s bed. Taking his hand in his own he caressed the fingers softly with his thumb. Speed’s eyes blinked open, turning he focused on Horatio.<\/p>\n

“Hi,” Speed whispered.<\/p>\n

“Hi back.” Horatio grinned at him. “How are you doing?”<\/p>\n

“Feeling good,” Speed smirked. “Then again that\u2019s probably the morphine talking.”<\/p>\n

“You’re comfortable?” Horatio asked concerned.<\/p>\n

“I’m fine.” Speed shifted slightly. “I want to go home.”<\/p>\n

“That won’t be for a while.” Horatio pointed out. “The bullet did some major damage to your shoulder.”<\/p>\n

“What happened?” Speed questioned. “My gun\u2026I know I cleaned it. You watch me clean it\u2026 after Dispo Day\u2026 I mean\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Firing pin.” Horatio closed his eyes trying to banish the image of Speed on the ground dying, because of a faulty firing pin. “It malfunctioned.”<\/p>\n

Speed looked away. “So it wasn’t me?”<\/p>\n

“No.” Horatio made Speed look at him. “Nothing was your fault. God, Speed, I almost lost you.”<\/p>\n

“You did,” Speed whispered. “I was going, but you called me back.”<\/p>\n

“You think that’s normal?” Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

“Only with us,” Speed snorted. “You said they are here?”<\/p>\n

“Yes.” He scooted closer. “They will be tomorrow. Mr. Sandburg has lots of questions.”<\/p>\n

“You’re okay.” Speed eyes began to close. “No sudden need to attack or protect.”<\/p>\n

“Not at the moment.” Horatio grinned. “I didn\u2019t take it well when they showed up in the hospital.”<\/p>\n

“What did you do?” Speed demanded, fighting off sleep.<\/p>\n

“Nothing, honey.” Alexx spoke up. “He was just protecting his guide and family. You get some sleep. I’ll watch over him.”<\/p>\n

“Make sure he goes home.” Speed closed his eyes. “I love you\u2026”<\/p>\n

Horatio wiped a tear from his cheek. “I love you too.”<\/p>\n

Two Days Later\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blair stood in the doorway his eyes on the sleeping figure. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but the sight of a sleeping Timothy Speedle wasn’t it. He shook his head admonishing himself for assuming all guides were like him. He sat down next to the bed, his thoughts running around in his head. He had so many questions. How did they find out about Horatio’s abilities? How did they find out that Speedle was his guide? How did Dr. Woods fit into the equation \u2013 it was almost as if she was a back-up guide.<\/p>\n

A low moan pulled him out of his thoughts. He smiled as Speedle focused on him then frowned. “Hi.” Blair waved slightly. “We haven’t met. I’m Blair Sandburg.”<\/p>\n

“I figured that.” Speed eyed him. “What are you doing in my room?”<\/p>\n

“Wanted to see how you were doing.” Blair shrugged. “And well I’ve never met another guide before.”<\/p>\n

“Neither have I.” Speed smiled slightly. “Though I read all about you so I have an advantage.”<\/p>\n

“I have so many questions.” Blair sat down.<\/p>\n

“I have to ask.” Speed shifted slightly. “Jim is he protective\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Blessed Protector?” Blair laughed. “Oh God you have no idea.”<\/p>\n

“Horatio actually handcuffed me to the Hummer to keep me from going into a suspect’s warehouse until he cleared it.” Speed rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

“Did you get out of them?” Blair asked smiling.<\/p>\n

“I learned fast how to pick locks, especially handcuffs.” Speed yawned. “Where is he?”<\/p>\n

“Jim?” Blair leaned back. “Prowling the halls to make sure things are safe.<\/p>\n

“Have you seen Horatio?” Speed asked a bit sleepy.<\/p>\n

“I saw Alexx; she said he was finishing up the case. They found the boy,” Blair informed him<\/p>\n

“Good.” Speed’s eyes slipped close.<\/p>\n

“Get some rest,” Blair whispered as Speed fell asleep. Blair looked up to see Horatio standing at the doorway. “He just got back to sleep.”<\/p>\n

“Good, he needs to rest.” Horatio took a seat next to the bed. “He never listens to the doctors.”<\/p>\n

“That sounds familiar,” Jim commented as he walked into the room. He leaned over and kissed the top of Blair’s head grabbing a seat and sitting next to his guide.<\/p>\n

Blair rolled his eyes at Jim’s badly veiled attempt of discreetly placing himself between the redhead and his guide. The corner of Horatio’s mouth turned upwards at the sight but he didn’t say anything. He just held his own guide’s hand, taking comfort in the touch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard you on the spirit plain.\u201d Blair looked over at Jim.<\/p>\n

Horatio cocked his head lightly. \u201cIs that what it was? We didn\u2019t know; more like Speed hasn\u2019t had time to research it, yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you merge?\u201d Blair asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Horatio asked. \u201cThe fox jumped towards me as I jumped towards him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour animal?\u201d Blair leaned forward fascinated.<\/p>\n

Horatio eyebrows furrowed. \u201cCougar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder if all sentinels are cats?\u201d Blair sat back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been on this plain?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce or twice.\u201d Jim shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a jaguar,\u201d Blair said. \u201cI\u2019m a wolf. I take it the fox is Speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Horatio looked down at his sleeping lover. \u201cNot that this isn\u2019t interesting but he\u2019s the one who would appreciate it more. And he needs to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jim stood up, pulling Blair up and out of his chair. \u201cI called our boss for an extended vacation. Give us a call when you get him home and more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Blair argued as he got pushed towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlus I think you have some co-workers who want to see you and have a ton of questions,\u201d Jim smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for that.\u201d Horatio gave him a mock glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny time.\u201d Jim nodded. \u201cTake care of him. We\u2019ll see you in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Horatio waved slightly.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cJim,\u201d Blair turned on his Sentinel.<\/p>\n

\u201cChief.\u201d Jim looked down at him. \u201cIf that was you in the bed I would be seriously annoyed if someone kept asking questions. As a matter of fact Caine did better than I would have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a lot calmer than you,\u201d Blair agreed. \u201cWonder what their bond was like in the beginning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChief.\u201d Jim sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, no more questions till they get home and we can really chat.\u201d Blair said. \u201cNow about that vacation. How did you get Simon to let us have more days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just told him we found another Sentinel\/Guide pair.\u201d Jim headed down the hallway. \u201cI asked if he really wanted to be the one to tell you to come home.\u201d Jim smiled at Blair. \u201cHe just said to take all the time you need. We’ve earned a long vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed\/Horatio\u2019s Home\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio helped Speed to the couch. \u201cYou’re sure you don\u2019t want to lie down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been on my back for seven days. I want to sit up for at least a bit.\u201d Speed sighed as he settled down onto the couch. \u201cGod, it\u2019s good to be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay? Need anything?\u201d Horatio asked, standing over him hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

Speed smiled and held his hand out. \u201cSit with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio sat down, letting Speed lean against him slightly. \u201cYou scared the crap out of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too.\u201d Speed closed his eyes. \u201cI died Horatio.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Horatio held him tighter. \u201cI\u2019m telling you. If you had gone over that horizon I would have followed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I came back.\u201d Speed maneuvered and looked at Horatio. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio kissed him deeply. \u201cI love you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo kitty.\u201d Speed curled up next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering how long before the nicknames started.\u201d Horatio just held him. \u201cMy sexy fox.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed laughed. \u201cYou fit a cougar. Sleek, territorial, hunter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you a fox.\u201d Horatio kissed his temple. \u201cCunning, devious and too curious for your own good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo when is everyone showing up to demand answers to their questions?\u201d Speed yawned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow.\u201d Horatio got up off the couch. \u201cCome on, bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed let Horatio help him off the couch, up the stairs and into the bed. Speed settled down, his eyes closing. \u201cStay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Morning\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed relaxed on the couch propped up by a dozen pillows at least. His left shoulder was still tightly wrapped to his body. Making it difficult for him to maneuver, though anytime he tried he got a growling sentinel helping him.<\/p>\n

“H,” Speed sighed. “Sit.”<\/p>\n

Horatio sat down on the coffee table, when Speed started laughing he glared at the younger man. “Want me to roll over?”<\/p>\n

Speed smirked. “Maybe later.”<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head. “I’m nervous.”<\/p>\n

“I can tell.” Speed’s voice softened. “It’s going to be okay.”<\/p>\n

“Even Alexx doesn’t know the whole story.” A knock at the door interrupted them. “Show time.”<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Horatio made sure everyone was settled and comfortable before situating himself next to Speed, who instantly curled into his arms.<\/p>\n

“I had no idea about the relationship.” Eric shook his head in awe. “I knew there was some secret between the two of you, but I figured it had to do with something before my time.”<\/p>\n

“How long have you been together?” Calleigh asked.<\/p>\n

“Five years,” Speed smiled at Horatio.<\/p>\n

“How long did you know about Sentinel\/Guide?” Blair asked.<\/p>\n

“Five years.” Horatio smirked. “Actually we were together longer, but my own stupidity broke us apart.”<\/p>\n

“You were trying to protect me I just didn’t see it.” Speed settled into his arms. “Actually it started off seven years ago. It was a case from hell\u2026.”<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Speed?” Horatio walked up to the younger man. “Are you okay?”<\/p>\n

“No.” Speed replied honestly. He slumped against the wall. “I just had to tell grieving parents that their child’s killer gets away because I couldn’t find enough evidence.”<\/p>\n

“Speed.” Horatio tipped his chin up. “It wasn’t your fault. You did everything you could and more. You found the string that at least got us the warrant.”<\/p>\n

“It didn’t help.” Speed pulled away.<\/p>\n

“We’ll get him, one day,” Horatio assured him.<\/p>\n

“Until then he keeps on molesting and killing kids.” Speed pulled away. “I’m going home.”<\/p>\n

“Getting drunk won’t help,” Horatio called after him.<\/p>\n

“It’s either that or get fucked into oblivion\u2026” Speed paused, realizing what he said. He turned back around and looked at Horatio.<\/p>\n

“That’s an option I can help with.” Horatio stepped forward. Leaning over he whispered in his ear. “As long as you fuck me into oblivion afterwards.”<\/p>\n

Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio glared at Speed who was laughing at Calleigh’s blush. “What? They asked.”<\/p>\n

Blair was snickering along with Jim. “So your relationship started before the senses came up.”<\/p>\n

“Started and ended,” Horatio sighed.<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I don’t see why you’re upset,” Horatio said.<\/p>\n

“You transferred to bomb squad without even consulting me.” Speed paced the living room. “You didn’t even hint at wanting to leave and the next thing I know Megan is introducing me to a new guy.”<\/p>\n

“I can’t work with her anymore.” Horatio walked into the kitchen. “We argue half the time; she stops my investigations. I had to move on, somewhere I can be useful.”<\/p>\n

“Why the bomb squad? Its bad enough that we step out that door one of us might not come home, but to add on the element of blowing yourself up.” Speed wiped the tears away from his face. “I don\u2019t know if I can handle that.”<\/p>\n

“What are you saying?” Horatio demanded.<\/p>\n

“I’m saying you made a life changing decision without even consulting me,” Speed responded. “And I\u2026”<\/p>\n

“It’s my career.” Horatio’s voice hardened.<\/p>\n

“Yes, but it’s our relationship,” Speed pointed out.<\/p>\n

Horatio grabbed his jacket. “I’m meeting the new team at Henry’s I’ll see you later.”<\/p>\n

Speed slumped into the couch, jerking with the sound of the door slamming. He leaned back his thoughts and feelings in turmoil. Could he handle watching Horatio walk out that door and maybe not come home?<\/p>\n

Henry’s\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio leaned against the bar, not really into the festive atmosphere. He sipped his beer his thoughts back to Speed’s loft. He honestly didn’t even think of talking with Speed about the career change, it had nothing to do with him. Or so he thought.<\/p>\n

“So is it good to be away from those CSI’s?” Roger patted Horatio on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

Horatio turned around and looked at his new team member. “I enjoyed my work as a CSI; I just need a change of pace.”<\/p>\n

“Come on all those science geeks.” Williams laughed. “Bunch of pansies if you ask me.”<\/p>\n

“We didn’t,” Al admonished the men.<\/p>\n

“So is it true?” Roger turned towards Horatio.<\/p>\n

“What?” Horatio sipped his beer.<\/p>\n

“Speedle, he’s a fag?” Rogers stepped back. “You didn’t know? Rumors have it that the two of you are close.”<\/p>\n

“We weren’t that close.” Horatio sipped his beer. “We barely socialized outside work. Not a lot in common.” His stomach turned in disgust.<\/p>\n

“Well it’s a good thing you’re with us, get you away from those pansies, be a real man.” Rogers tipped his beer bottle in a salute.<\/p>\n

Horatio cringed, “Yeah, good thing.”<\/p>\n

His heart dropped when he heard the door slam and the distinct sound of bike revving up.<\/p>\n

Speed’s Loft\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I’m a bit surprised to see you.” Speed looked up from his seat on the foot of the stairs.<\/p>\n

“Speed\u2026”<\/p>\n

“No.” Speed stood up. “I showed up at Henry’s to show my support. I had realized that there was something worse than kissing you goodbye and losing you\u2026 Not kissing you goodbye.” Horatio closed his eyes. “So I went just as a friend, an ex-coworker wishing you luck in your new career.”<\/p>\n

“I couldn’t exactly say we were lovers,” Horatio pointed out.<\/p>\n

“No, you couldn\u2019t and I wouldn’t have expected you to.” Speed stood up and faced Horatio. “But I didn’t expect you to deny our friendship.”<\/p>\n

“Speed\u2026” Horatio ran his hand through his hair. “These are different men. They\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Are bigots,” Speed said. “And you’re working with them. How long before you deny I exist at all? Are you going to hide me in a closet somewhere? What happens when they start in about a girlfriend?”<\/p>\n

Horatio looked at the man he loved more than life itself. He knew without a doubt that if his new team found out about Speed they would go after the young man. They would blame and hurt him to ‘save’ Horatio.<\/p>\n

“Maybe it would be best if we just called it quits.” Horatio looked him straight in the eyes. His heart breaking at the devastation in Speed’s eyes.<\/p>\n

“So that\u2019s it,” Speed swallowed. “New career new life.”<\/p>\n

“It wouldn’t be fair to you or me.” Horatio held his ground.<\/p>\n

“Leave.” Speed pointed at the door. “Unless you need me for a forensics question, don’t ever speak to me again.” He turned and went upstairs, holding back the tears until he was alone.<\/p>\n

Horatio walked out the door. As he closed it he whispered, “I love you.”<\/p>\n

Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed curled into Horatio’s side letting the tears fall. “I hated you at that moment.”<\/p>\n

“I was doing what I thought best. I knew they would go after you.” Horatio kissed the top of his head.<\/p>\n

Blair glared at Jim. “God that is something you would have done.”<\/p>\n

“To protect you, yes,” Jim agreed.<\/p>\n

Blair rolled his eyes and smacked Jim. “Don’t do us any favors.”<\/p>\n

Alexx eyes narrowed at Horatio. “The only reason I’m not smacking you is because he’s content in your arms.”<\/p>\n

Horatio scooted closer to Speed. “It’s okay Alexx. We obviously worked it out.”<\/p>\n

“So the Sentinel thing?” Eric asked.<\/p>\n

“I’m with him.” Blair said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Speed settled into Horatio’s arms. “It was five years ago.”<\/p>\n

Alexx looked at Eric and Calleigh. “Ray had just died.”<\/p>\n

“Oh.” Calleigh settled into her chair.<\/p>\n

“After the funeral I left Miami just to get away. The one thing about working bomb squad is the hazard pay; I had been working for almost two years. So I had a nice little nest egg. I took it, rented a beach house out on the Keys, and disappeared,” Horatio explained.<\/p>\n

“Setting off your senses,” Blair nodded.<\/p>\n

“How would that set them off?” Eric asked. “Actually, maybe you should just explain the Sentinel thing?”<\/p>\n

“Richard Burton, the explorer not the actor, did a study over a hundred years ago about Sentinels, people with heightened senses. They guarded, protected, the tribe\u2026” Blair went into lecture mode.<\/p>\n

Jim interrupted. “Basically we’re prehistoric cavemen. All five of our senses are enhanced.”<\/p>\n

“It’s why Horatio can pick up evidence from across the room,” Speed explained.<\/p>\n

“All five?” Calleigh asked. Horatio and Jim nodded. “Prove it.” She blushed lightly. “Sorry, I need to see the evidence.”<\/p>\n

Blair grabbed Calleigh and took her to the other side of the loft. “Okay, now a normal person couldn’t read a magazine from this distance right?”<\/p>\n

“Right,” Calleigh agreed. Blair picked up a magazine and handed it to Calleigh. “Pick a passage then hold it up. Jim will read it to you. Since I doubt he’s read any forensic journals.”<\/p>\n

Calleigh grinned, laughing slightly. She thumbed through the journal, stopping when she found a passage, then held it up. Jim focused on the journal, paused, and glared at Calleigh. “I’m not reading that out loud.”<\/p>\n

Horatio turned around and looked at the magazine and bust out laughing. “You are mean Calleigh.”<\/p>\n

Calleigh waited patiently. “Mr. Ellison.”<\/p>\n

“If seminal fluid is discovered it is best to take a few samples back to the lab in case there was more than one donor.”<\/p>\n

Blair pulled the magazine down reading the article quickly then snickered. “I figured no one would have memorized that passage just to keep a hoax going. So is that why you always know who’s walking up, even when you can’t see them?” Calleigh walked back to her seat.<\/p>\n

“Smell,” Horatio explained. “I can recognize your shampoo.”<\/p>\n

“Wow.” Eric paused, opened his mouth to ask a question then closed it.<\/p>\n

“Yep.” Speed grinned.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s how,,.” Eric glared.<\/p>\n

Both men grinned.<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t want to know,” Calleigh said. “So how did you two find out? I doubt there’s a manual somewhere.”<\/p>\n

“Actually\u2026” Speed and Blair both commented.<\/p>\n

“Go on I would like to hear the story.” Blair motioned for Speed to go on.<\/p>\n

“As I was saying. I went out for a week alone with my thoughts\u2026.” Horatio continued.<\/p>\n

“How does that bring out the senses again?” Eric asked. “Sorry, but it didn’t get answered.”<\/p>\n

“Isolation and extreme emotions can bring them out. Especially, if they’ve been dormant,” Jim answered. “Mine came out when I crashed in Peru, when I returned to the states I didn’t remember much of my time in Peru and repressed them again. They later came back out when I was on a week long stake out, by myself.”<\/p>\n

“So with Ray’s death and my isolation out on the Keys.” Horatio said. “By the time I got back \u2026”<\/p>\n

“Your senses were acting up,” Blair finished.<\/p>\n

“I thought I was going nuts.” Horatio grinned at Jim’s snort. “At one point it calmed down and I thought maybe it was a fluke. Then I got called out to a bomb threat. I sat in front of this bombk once again isolated. Suddenly everything was clear. I could hear the second timer ticking and knew what to do. I disarmed it and left the building. By the time I got home\u2026”<\/p>\n

“Everything hurts,” Jim took over explaining. “Your clothes make your skin itch, smells upset your stomach, sharp sounds hurt your ears.”<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded. “I sat in my bedroom in tears. The smell of greasy food was making me sick; the problem was the fast food joint was down the block. I could hear my neighbors arguing, all my lights were off but even the street light hurt my eyes. I was at my wit’s end,” Horatio sighed. “I went to the one person I trusted, who wouldn’t think I was crazy.”<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio leaned against the door jam. He could hear Speed moving around, smell the food he was cooking. He hadn\u2019t talked to the young man in over a year. He had watched him from afar, his heart breaking when he saw others court the dark haired beauty. Even as he watched in pain that someone would claim him, his heart was soothed each time Speed turned them down.<\/p>\n

He knocked. He hoped Speed wouldn\u2019t turn him away he didn\u2019t know who else to turn to. The door opened, the sunlight that normally flooded the loft spilling out hurting Horatio\u2019s eyes even with his sunglasses.<\/p>\n

\u201cH?\u201d Speed opened the door wider concern on his face as Horatio cringed in pain. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up. Taking off his sunglasses, he looked into the soft brown eyes. \u201cI\u2019m losing it. I don\u2019t know where else to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed saw the pain and tears in the normally solid blue eyes. He grabbed Horatio\u2019s hand and pulled him into the loft. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is wacky I\u2026\u201d Horatio took a deep breath. He inhaled Speed\u2019s unique scent. His ears focused on the heartbeat and he let it soothe him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio\u2026 Horatio!\u201d Speed snapped his fingers. When he got nothing he pinched him lightly.<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head. \u201cSpeed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you go? What\u2019s going on?\u201d Speed demanded, stepping back and looking at him. \u201cYou look like crap. Have you slept?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, too much noise.\u201d Horatio looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo much noise?\u201d Speed moved Horatio into the loft. \u201cYour neighborhood is quieter than mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can hear things I shouldn\u2019t hear.\u201d Horatio stopped and looked at Speed. \u201cI hear your heartbeat. It’s actually relaxing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed stared at him. \u201cMy heartbeat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah and smell the oatmeal in your soap.\u201d Horatio sat down. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do. My clothes itch. I can\u2019t eat, last time I bit into an apple and I swear I could taste the chemicals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cH?\u201d Speed sat next to him, pulling the worn out man into his arms. \u201cWhen did it start?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got back.\u201d Horatio leaned into the embrace the touch soothing not hurting like the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack?\u201d Speed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI left for a week after Ray\u2019s\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for you loss. I know how much family means to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up at him. \u201cIt didn\u2019t nearly hurt as much as walking away from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed looked away. \u201cH\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Horatio stood up. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio don\u2019t be a fucking martyr.\u201d Speed pulled him around. \u201cSomething is going on and you need to find out what. So you came back and what? Uour senses acted up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it exactly,\u201d Horatio nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

Speed ran a hand through his hair thinking. \u201cWhen did you sleep last?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree, four days ago.\u201d Horatio tried to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need a bath\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWater hurts.\u201d Horatio stepped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on.\u201d Speed took Horatio\u2019s hand and led him upstairs. He pulled the redhead into the bathroom and stripped him down, noticing the red irritated skin. \u201cH?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe soap burned.\u201d Horatio explained. \u201cI couldn\u2019t get the water to be warm it was either hot or cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed nodded setting the water at a lukewarm temperature. \u201cTrust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly you,\u201d Horatio answered honestly.<\/p>\n

Speed stripped down and pulled Horatio into the shower. Horatio cringed. \u201cCold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed felt the water and turned it up a bit. \u201cOkay Horatio I want you to lean back against the wall. Concentrate on my voice and only my voice.\u201d Horatio sighed and leaned against the wall. Speed grabbed his soap, an oatmeal based natural product. He remembered Horatio loved the smell of it. He talked softly as he cleaned him up soothing over irritated skin. Speed lathered up the normally immaculate red hair and rinsed it making sure to avoid Horatio\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

He cleaned up himself and turned off the water. Drying both of them off, he got Horatio to the bed and settled him onto the silk sheets. Speed smiled. He had felt wild this morning when he made his bed and put the silk on, now he was glad he had. The silk would be cool and soothing to Horatio\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n

He squatted down at eye level with Horatio. \u201cRest. I\u2019m going to close the blinds and curtains to keep the light out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded his eyes closing. \u201cI never stopped\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed soothed back the damp hair. \u201cNeither have I.\u201d<\/p>\n

Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you figure it out?\u201d Calleigh asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI read the article in the paper about the dissertation, and then the subsequent \u2018fraud\u2019. I set it aside to research. You never know if something might come up in a case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you pulled up the article?\u201d Blair asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had it in my library.\u201d Speed smiled. \u201cI read it again and took some notes. Researched anything at that remotely on Burton which lead me to discover the book. So I left a note for Horatio just in case he woke up. Went to my book dealer and told him to find a copy, no expense too great. And then I just used common sense. If noise was too much I went out and got a white noise filter. Went to a nature store and picked out products made of all natural products. Shopped for food that was fresh and organic. When I got back I had a game plan to help him get them under control.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Blair asked fascinated.<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you?\u201d Horatio asked concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get my note?\u201d Speed set the packages down.<\/p>\n

Horatio shook his head. \u201cNote? Of course I have to admit I freaked when I woke up and couldn\u2019t hear your heartbeat. So I might have missed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tracked me through my heartbeat?\u201d Speed asked astonished.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like when it was gone it woke me up.\u201d Horatio ran a hand though his hair.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou grounded yourself to it?\u201d Blair asked, astonished. \u201cSo you practically made him your guide without realizing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had no idea about guides at that moment. All I knew was if I was near Speed, I was fine.\u201d Horatio explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBomb squad must of have been difficult,\u201d Jim said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery,\u201d Horatio sighed. \u201cBut we\u2019re getting ahead of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are the senses?\u201d Speed asked walking up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay at the moment,\u201d Horatio said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re focusing on me?\u201d Speed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Horatio nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need you to stop.\u201d Speed walked away. \u201cYou have to control this without me around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can.\u201d Horatio worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can.\u201d Speed smiled. \u201cGive each sense a switch or dial something you can control them with. Like hearing if it’s at a ten the more you can hear; one the less.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded closing his eyes. \u201cOkay\u2026 I’ve got dials.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPut them all at five for normal range,\u201d Speed explained.<\/p>\n

Horatio opened his eyes and looked around. \u201cIt worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed smiled brightly. \u201cI’ve got some goodies that can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what\u2019s going on?\u201d Horatio asked, following him into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might have an idea.\u201d Speed started pulling things out of the bags. \u201cI read this article\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“How did you work on bomb squad?” Blair asked. “Without zoning? And how does Alexx play in this? And when did you discover he was your guide?”<\/p>\n

“Chief.” Jim smiled at the excited anthropologist. “Let them finish.”<\/p>\n

“When did you get back together?” Calleigh asked.<\/p>\n

“Was it before or after this guide thing? Which by the way is what?” Eric added his questions.<\/p>\n

Horatio and Speed looked at Alexx. “Sorry honey no questions.” She smiled<\/p>\n

“Thank you,” Horatio chuckled.<\/p>\n

“We got back together before we found out about guides,” Speed said.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio laid in the bed listening to Speed’s heartbeat. He hadn’t felt this relaxed or at peace, since\u2026. well since he walked out that door. The biggest mistake and regret of his life was leaving Speed. The respect of his teammates on the bomb squad hadn’t been worth the lonely nights.<\/p>\n

“You’re supposed to be sleeping.” Speed smiled as he walked into the bedroom.<\/p>\n

“Too much on my mind,” Horatio admitted. “You really think I’m one of these ‘sentinels’?”<\/p>\n

“It fits you.” Speed sat down on the bed. “You protect this city like it’s yours. You are very protective, borderline obsessive with your family and loved ones.”<\/p>\n

“You knew.” Horatio looked down.<\/p>\n

“That you broke up with me to save me,” Speed smiled lightly. “After I let go of my pride and looked at the situation from a CSI view point. I realized what you were doing. I hated you for that, once again taking the decision out of my hands.”<\/p>\n

“I didn’t want anything to happen to you,” Horatio explained.<\/p>\n

“I would rather have you in my life, even if it meant me being in a closet.” Speed cupped Horatio’s cheek. “I never stopped loving you.”<\/p>\n

“I died a little bit each day watching you from afar.” Horatio leaned into the touch. “Alexx kept me up to date on everything, congratulations on becoming a Level Three.”<\/p>\n

“And you, becoming a Lieutenant.” Speed grinned. “Alexx also kept me informed.”<\/p>\n

“I don’t think I can do this without you.” Horatio grabbed Speed’s hand kissing the knuckles.<\/p>\n

“You don’t have to,” Speed assured him, leaning forward and kissing him. “I’ve missed you.”<\/p>\n

Horatio pulled him close, reveling in his touch. “I love you.”<\/p>\n

Speed settled next to him, the two men drifting off to sleep. “I love you, too.”<\/p>\n

Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Calleigh wiped away a tear. “Ahhhh.”<\/p>\n

Speed rolled his eyes. “Of course that didn’t solve the bomb squad issue.”<\/p>\n

“How did you solve it?” Blair grinned.<\/p>\n

“I wore one of Speed’s shirts under mine. I would ground myself to his smell, since I couldn’t use his heartbeat,” Horatio explained.<\/p>\n

Blair sat back. “That’s a good idea. Wonder if would work?” He looked over at Jim.<\/p>\n

“I think it depends on the guide\/sentinel pairing,” Speed said. “Horatio had always liked the smell of my soap and shampoo before and just focused in on it.”<\/p>\n

“So Guide?” Eric asked again smiling.<\/p>\n

“A guide is one who helps the sentinel with his senses \u2013 Guides them,” Speed explained. “When the book showed up after\u2026” He looked at Horatio. “Two months?”<\/p>\n

“Yeah that\u2019s about right. We were working on trial and error,.” Horatio stated.<\/p>\n

Speed turned back to the others. “That\u2019s when we learned about the guide\/sentinel relationship.”<\/p>\n

“It was obvious he was my guide. I performed better as a sentinel when he was around,” Horatio explained. “I remember a situation just before I returned to CSI.”<\/p>\n

Flashback\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Horatio knelt down next to the body. \u201cAlexx?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she smiled at him. \u201cThough I don\u2019t appreciate my victims being used to kill officers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see what we’ve got.\u201d Horatio looked over the body. \u201cIt trigged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Alexx moved the body.\u201d Speed answered from next to Alexx. \u201cShe checked for the exit wound and saw it, we\u2019ve been holding him on his side ever since, not sure if putting him down would set it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thinking.\u201d Horatio focused on the bomb.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoratio,\u201d Speed\u2019s voice broke through a haze. \u201cCome back focus on my voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked up, breathing deeply. \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly a few moments.\u201d Speed smiled at him. \u201cI want you to ground yourself on my scent. Focus your hearing and sight on the bomb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio nodded and proceeded to defuse the bomb. Alexx looked at the two men. \u201cWe are so having dinner after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio snickered slightly. \u201cEven a bomb threat doesn\u2019t stop your mothering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoney,\u201d Alexx grinned. \u201cThe end of the world wouldn\u2019t stop my mothering.\u201d<\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was clearer.\u201d Horatio stored his gear. \u201cWith you there, it was much easier to stay focused and see things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the book,\u201d Speed looked around. \u201cThe guide is always with the sentinel keeping them grounded.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo this could be an issue.\u201d Horatio leaned against the truck. \u201cThe t-shirt is working, but considering I\u2019m working at a low level isn\u2019t good. What if I zoned when you weren\u2019t here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t join bomb squad,\u201d Speed pointed out. \u201cDon\u2019t think you co-workers would appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio looked at him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry that was wrong of me,\u201d Speed apologized.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re right actually. I\u2019m just now waiting to get harassed on the way back to the station.\u201d Horatio ran a hand through his hair. \u201cI\u2019m going to talk to Al and maybe Johnson about transferring back to CSI. I\u2019m the same level as Megan so \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out.\u201d He glanced over a not so patient Alexx. \u201cWe’ve got other things to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod help us,\u201d Horatio laughed. \u201cShe is going to be so pissed we didn\u2019t tell her we got back together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I have to work with her,\u201d Speed pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re her baby she won\u2019t hurt you.\u201d Horatio smiled over at Alexx.<\/p>\n

Alexx smiled back. \u201cWe are so dead.\u201d Speed waved.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the pansy\u2026\u201d Rogers smirked at Horatio.<\/p>\n

\u201dDetective Speedle is a fine officer and had the smart thinking to keep the body still till we got there,\u201d Horatio snarled. \u201cI suggest you back off.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize you were friends.\u201d Rogers rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI trust him with my life.\u201d Horatio walked off.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fucking him now?\u201d Rogers yelled after him.<\/p>\n

Al grabbed Horatio before he could attack Rogers. \u201cBack off Rogers.\u201d He pulled Horatio away. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t work with him anymore. I\u2019ve kept quiet\u2026\u201d Horatio said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you and Speedle?\u201d Al asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just got back together,\u201d Horatio sighed. \u201cI want to transfer back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you are fucking the faggot, maybe I should see what\u2019s so good about \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Al couldn\u2019t stop Horatio from turning and swinging. He tried to pull Horatio back but the redhead was too strong. Speed and Alexx ran over quickly Speed helping Al pull Horatio back, talking him down. Alexx standing between the two men.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ever touch him\u2026\u201d Horatio growled, struggling against Al.<\/p>\n

\u201dH.\u201d Speed\u2019s voice calmed him. \u201cLet\u2019s go. Alexx is taking us to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio backed off, growling at Rogers. \u201cAl\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk on Monday.\u201d Al let him go then turned on Rogers. \u201cBefore you even think of bring up charges or complaining \u2013 remember you insulted a fellow officer and I\u2019ll testify that you were spewing hateful racial and sexual comments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rogers walked off pissed. Al sighed and headed for the truck.<\/p>\n

Present\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBlessed Protector.\u201d Blair looked at Speed. \u201cFinally someone who understands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Speed nodded. \u201cIt can be annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about it,\u201d Blair sighed.<\/p>\n

Jim and Horatio glared at their guides. \u201cIf certain guides didn\u2019t go off and get themselves into trouble we wouldn\u2019t have to go into protective mode.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blair just smiled at his sentinel. \u201cWell if you didn\u2019t handcuff us to the car we wouldn\u2019t resort to drastic measures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why he handcuffed you?\u201d Eric asked snickering.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s why you know how to pick them\u2026\u201d Calleigh shut up at Speed\u2019s glare.<\/p>\n

\u201dNew talent?\u201d Horatio asked.<\/p>\n

Speed kissed him quickly. \u201cI have lots of talents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet you do,\u201d Eric snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I cave that easily?\u201d Jim asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Blair smiled at him.<\/p>\n

Alexx laughed. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t long after that you transferred back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horatio frowned. \u201cI was working swing shift. Six months later Sean died and Megan left and they gave me day shift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the space out thing happens a lot?\u201d Eric asked, remembering the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much now that I work with Speed,\u201d Horatio answered. \u201cBut if I do concentrate on one piece of evidence, I zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZone?\u201d Calleigh asked.<\/p>\n

Blair perked up. \u201cMeans they zone in on one sense, causing them to freeze or zone out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen you do that before and I don’t mean at the hospital,\u201d Calleigh said. \u201cAlexx talked you out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does that work?\u201d Blair asked curiously. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen a back up Guide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dYou\u2019ve never seen another guide,\u201d Speed pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Blair said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure how it works.\u201d Speed looked over at Alexx. \u201cI was at a scene when Horatio zoned in the evidence room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remembered what Speed did before and talked him out of it,\u201d Alexx finished. \u201cNow it took me a lot longer than Speed, but it worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder if you have guide potential, but no Sentinel?\u201d Blair thought out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think truthfully it has to do with the fact I trust her,\u201d Horatio added. \u201cI knew she was helping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really need to sit down and compare,\u201d Blair said to Speed. \u201cThere might be things you know that I don\u2019t and vice versa.\u201d
\n\u201cThough each pair is different, what works for H and I might not work for you and Jim.\u201d Speed pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should figure out the commonalities.\u201d Blair continued.<\/p>\n

Horatio looked at a tired Speed. \u201cLater.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexx stood up. \u201cMy baby needs his rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts bad enough that he mothers me,\u201d Speed grumbled as Horatio got him up off the couch towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it me or is it ironic that they live in a loft?\u201d Jim asked Blair.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh wow another thing to write down.\u201d Blair was pulled up out of the chair and towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be back in a few days so these two can talk about us to their hearts content.\u201d Jim pushed the reluctant guide towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight Speed, H,\u201d Eric called out following everyone else.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you later,\u201d Calleigh smiled at them.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t too bad, now was it?\u201d Speed muttered lying on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet some sleep.\u201d Horatio tucked him in.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my sentinel.\u201d Speed closed his eyes and slept. Horatio pulled up a chair and watched his lover, guide, and reason for living \u2013 sleep.<\/p>\n

Two Days Later\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed sat outside on the balcony talking to Blair as the two sentinels watched from inside. Blair had been surprised that Horatio and Jim got along. Speed figured it was mutual respect for the territory. As long as Jim understood this was Horatio\u2019s territory and didn’t move towards Horatio’s guide, he would be fine. Blair had agreed, figuring it would be the same if Horatio and Speed visited Cascade.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice to actually talk to you,\u201d Speed said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no idea another pair was out there.\u201d Blair leaned back in his chair. \u201cThough I\u2019m sorry we had to find out this way. How are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLots of physical therapy in my future. I\u2019m on disability for a while, then restricted to lab work.\u201d Speed looked back at Horatio. \u201cI\u2019m a bit worried about him in the field without me. I\u2019m not sure he can use the old shirt trick after all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe between the two of us we can work it out. For us our Captain knows about the Sentinel thing so he puts Jim on light duty,\u201d Blair explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the team knows or at least now they know,” Speed grinned.<\/p>\n

Suddenly both Sentinels were on the balcony, blocking their guides. \u201cHoratio?\u201d Speed sat up in his chair. Horatio looked down onto the street, his eyes sweeping through the busy shopping district.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim?\u201d Blair stood up, his hand on Jim\u2019s lower back as the Sentinel also searched the streets below.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is going on?\u201d Speed demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother sentinel\u2026\u201d Horatio looked at Speed. \u201cIt was the same feeling I had when Jim and Blair showed up, but different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blair looked at Jim. \u201cIt reminded me of the feeling I had when Alex showed up in Cascade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlex?\u201d Speed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA sentinel, she was criminal, crazed and guideless. She decided that I was her guide. When it didn\u2019t work out the way she wanted she killed me. Actually that\u2019s how we know about the Spirit Plane.\u201d Blair looked down at the street, fear in his voice.<\/p>\n

Jim turned towards Horatio and then they both looked down at Speed. \u201cThere is a Sentinel in the city without a guide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speed’s head lifted up his eyes on Horatio realizing what they both were thinking. \u201cAnd I\u2019m vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blair looked over at Jim. \u201cCall Simon\u2026 We\u2019re not leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Miami’s Protector Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Horatio’s always been Miami’s protector but can he protect Miami without his guide? *** Horatio knelt down next to Speed. “Speed come on buddy, hold on.” Speed choked on his own blood, scared eyes looking up at Horatio. “I can’t feel …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7655,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-9059","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2Da1M-2m7","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9055,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/one-moment\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":0},"title":"One Moment","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"September 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: One Moment Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary: One moment changes Horatio's life Series: Companion Piece to One Call (found in the CSI: New York section - coming soon) *** \"SPEED!\" Horatio knelt down next to the fallen man. \"Come on Speed, hold on.\" Speed looked up with pain\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8088,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/angel-wings\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":1},"title":"Angel Wings","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"June 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Angel Wings Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: The same wings that had protected him were embracing him ~*~ \"What do you mean the body disappeared?\" Horatio looked around the hallway as he pulled Alexx to the side. \"Where's Speed?\" \"I don't know.\" She whispered harshly. \"I was preparing\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9049,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/ten-minutes\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":2},"title":"Ten Minutes","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"September 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Ten Minutes Author: Bj Jones Rating: MA Summary: \u201cPlease, all I need is ten minutes.\u201d *** Horatio held Speed in his arms, trying to soothe the wounded man.\u00a0 He wiped the blood gently away from Speed\u2019s mouth, ordering him to keep breathing. \u201cI can\u2019t feel anything,\u201d Speed\u2019s voice was\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8321,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/runaway-bestman\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":3},"title":"Runaway Bestman","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Runaway Bestman Author: Bj Jones\u00a0 Rating: FRAO Summary: There was no way he could choose ... so he ran *** \"I'm getting married.\" With those three words Timothy Speedle's world crashed around him. He looked at his best friend with a shocked expression. \"Excuse me?\" Eric smiled brightly, \"I'm\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10228,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/kiss-the-cook\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":4},"title":"Kiss the Cook","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"March 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Kiss the Cook Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: Speed invites Horatio over for dinner \u00a0 *** Speed knocked softly on Horatio's door, not wanting to disturb the redhead. He leaned up against the door jam, and watched the older man. Speed's eyes raked over Horatio's lean form. Just\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8305,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/csi-miami\/commitment\/","url_meta":{"origin":9059,"position":5},"title":"Commitment","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 9, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Commitment Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRAO Summary: A commitment is made Series: Secret Admirer, Birthday Boy, Summer Vacation *** Horatio watched from the doorway as Eric drove Speed insane. Touching softly, light kisses \u2013 Speed was writhing uncontrollably under Eric's manipulations. He was close to the point of begging.\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9059"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9059\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}