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 to…but I had to take a moment. I went into my office to calm down.” She took a deep breath. “When I came back the body was gone.”
“Bodies just don’t walk away,” Horatio pointed out.
“Really?” She threw back. “Sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have snapped.” Horatio stepped back. “Let’s go to the morgue.”
Horatio stared at the empty autopsy table; the body wasn’t there. He looked at Alexx, who just looked back. He turned and began opening each of the drawers. Alexx just stood there and watched. At the end of the wall he turned and looked at her. She still stood there watching. Horatio turned and headed into the storage unit where they kept multiple bodies when they needed extra space. He stepped out of the room hands on his hip.
“He just didn’t get up and walk out.” Horatio voice was cold. “Where are his clothes?”
“Gone.” Alexx waved her arms around the morgue. “All of it, gone.”
“Surveillance cameras?” Horatio headed towards the security offices Alexx a few steps behind him. “Someone had to have stolen the body and evidence.”
“Why?” Alexx demanded. “We know who shot him. We have him in custody.”
“Maybe something else is going on.” Horatio moved fast through the halls. He stepped into the security room.
“Lt. Caine,” one of the guards greeted him. “How can we help you?”
“I need footage of the morgue and hallways…” He looked at Alexx.
“Around two,” she answered.
“Okay.” The guard turned and pulled up the feed.
Horatio swallowed as he watched Alexx strip Speed down. He looked over at Alexx, who had tears streaming down her face; he noticed that he two guards were unusually quiet. “Can you spee… fast-forward.”
They nodded and fast-forward the tape. “Stop there.” Horatio watched Alexx leave the autopsy room. The image suddenly shifted and went black. “What happened?”
“I don’t know.” The guard played with the controls.
Suddenly the image came back up, the autopsy room was empty. “I want images of all doors and hallways during that lag time.”
“Yes sir.” The guard punched up the cameras and put the images up on the screens.
Horatio watched the hallways and exits; there was nothing. “What the hell?” he whispered.
“Sir?” The guard looked through the screens then back at the control panels. He zoomed, the camera down into the parking lot. “Sir!”
“What?” Horatio followed his gaze. “What am I looking at?”
“Detective Speedle’s parking spot. He always parked his bike in that spot. He did so this morning and it was still there not twenty minutes ago,” the guard informed him
“Rewind the tape.” Horatio kept his eyes on the parking spot. The guard rewound the tape back twenty minutes and like he said the bike was sitting there. They all watched in anticipation; the image shifted and went blank only to reappearing a second later and the bike was gone.
Horatio looked at Alexx.
Alexx looked at Horatio.
~*~
“Someone stole Speed’s body?” Eric sat down shocked.
“We don’t know that,” Horatio informed him. “All we know is that Speed’s body disappeared and his bike vanished not ten minutes later. There was no activity around any of the major exits or movements of a body in the hallways. The building has been searched thoroughly, twice I might add, and nothing.”
“What are you suggesting?” Calleigh demanded.
“Maybe…just maybe he’s not dead.” Horatio looked at his team.
Eric slumped back against his chair. “If he’s not dead then where the hell is he?”
Horatio sat down his shoulders slumped, a sight they weren’t used to. “I don’t know.”
~*~
Weeks had gone by and nothing. They cleaned out Speed’s apartment. Noticing for the first time how sparse it was, there was nothing personal. Nothing that said Timothy Speedle lived here.
Horatio had tried to contact Speed’s parents only to find out that the Speedle’s had died twenty years ago – including their only son Timothy. They had died in a car accident. Timothy Speedle had been thirty years old. He was driving his parents home from their fiftieth wedding anniversary party.
He had stared at the picture of the young man in shock. It was Speed, no question about it. Everything he found out just raised more questions. Who was Speed? Where was Speed?
Horatio got up from his desk at home and walked into the kitchen. He looked through the window, staring at the darkness. He had felt Speed die in his arms. Felt his heart stop, heard his breathing halt, and had looked into the pain filled brown eyes. He had watched the man he loved die.
He closed his eyes trying to stop the tears from falling. The loneliness he felt was overwhelming him, especially on nights like this. The memories of his small smile, sarcastic wit, lean body. At night he dreamed of soft touches and low pants.
His one regret. He never told him how he felt. And now. Now he had no idea what was going on. He wasn’t sure if he even knew who Speed was.
He set the coffee cup on the counter he needed to get some sleep. He headed upstairs to his bedroom. Stripping out of his clothes, he slipped under the covers wearing only his boxers. He curled around one of his pillows; his body was exhausted and in need of a decent night’s sleep. As his eyes drifted closed he felt a warm presence. He felt the bed dip next to him, he tried to open his eyes but couldn’t. ‘Sleep’ Horatio drifted off feeling warm and protected. ‘I’m here.’
~*~
“You look better.” Alexx smiled at Horatio as they he walked into the morgue.
“I actually slept a straight eight hours last night.” Horatio glanced down at the young woman. “First time in weeks.”
“Horatio…” She hesitated.
“What?” Horatio looked over at her concerned. “Alexx?”
“Have you felt… a warm presence or just like someone…” She paused sighing.
“Last night,” he answered honestly. “As I fell asleep I felt a warm presence. It was comforting and I felt…”
“Protected.” Alexx finished.
“Yeah.” Horatio looked her in the eyes. “What do you think?”
“Maybe he was never really with us.” She looked over at the picture she had of Speed. “Maybe… I don’t know.”
~*~
Horatio stared calmly at the young man. “Son…”
“I’m not your son.” He growled waving the gun in Horatio’s face.
“You need to put the gun down.” Horatio kept his voice even and calm. “You don’t want to hurt me.”
“Why not?” he sneered.
“I’m a police officer…” Horatio tried to reason.
“Even more of a reason to shoot ya’ you pig.” His hand steadied the gun aim directly at Horatio’s face.
“They will hunt you down.” Horatio’s voice dropped.
“They won’t find me,” the boy replied with an attitude.
“Are you sure about that?” Horatio questioned. “I’m a CSI. You know what that is? We look for the clues you leave behind. Did you touch anything; leave a drop of blood, sweat?”
The boy looked around thinking then turned back to Horatio. “You’re just playing with my mind.” The hammer clicked back.
Horatio knew this was it. He would die in this warehouse and no one would be the wiser. He watched as the kid stepped back shaking in fear. The gun dropped out of his shaking hands, just before he bolted and ran. Horatio turned around to see what was behind him.
He got the shock of his life.
Speed.
~*~
“You want to explain to me what is going on?” Horatio asked as the two men entered his house. “And what the hell did you do to scare the kid off?”
Speed had not said a word the whole way back to Horatio’s place. He stood in the living room staring at Horatio. “You shouldn’t have seen me.”
“Why?” Horatio demanded. “What the hell is going on?” Horatio yelled then stepped back trying to get his nerves under control. He felt Speed’s touch on his shoulder and suddenly he was calm and more relaxed. “You were here last night.”
“Yes.” Speed nodded, his hand moving up Horatio’s arm to his cheek. “I’m sorry.”
“Speed…” Horatio looked into the soulful brown eyes. He leaned forward and took the soft lips into a kiss. He moaned as he felt Speed respond opening up to him. As quickly as it started it stopped. He looked back at a guilty looking Speed.
“I can’t.” Speed turned and moved for the door. “Stop…”
“I won’t stop looking for answers.” Horatio called out.
Speed turned. “Horatio you already have them.”
~*~
“You saw him?” Alexx asked shocked.
Horatio sat at her dining room table nursing a cup of tea. “He was at the crime scene.”
“Doing what?” She asked.
“I don’t know.” Horatio shrugged. “One minute this kid was ready to shoot me the next he runs for it. I turn around and there’s Speed.”
“What did he tell you?” Alexx sipped her coffee.
“That I already had the answers.” He looked over at her.
She sat back in her chair. “Oh my.”
“He was never here.” Horatio looked back down at the table. “I fell in love with someone who’s been dead for twenty years.”
“Honey…” Alexx laid a hand on his arm.
~*~
Horatio fell against the Hummer clutching his arm.
“H!” Eric shot back at the suspect. “You okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” Horatio held his arm trying to stop the bleeding. “You get the guy?”
“No, he’s just around the corner.” Eric took a quick look around the end of the Hummer. He sat down next to him. “He’s got explosives.”
Horatio laughed. “This really isn’t my month.”
The suspect yelled, “I won’t go alive, and I’ll take you with me.”
Horatio closed his eyes, and just waited. He felt a warm presence right before the explosion rocked the area. He smiled, Speed. He opened his eyes and stared in shock. Speed towered over them, protecting them from the blast. But it wasn’t the fact Speed was there that shocked him; it was the pair of large white wings that were stretched around them. Speed looked down at him and smiled, his hand reaching out and caressing Horatio’s brow. His eyes closed, sending him into darkness.
~*~
He woke up in the hospital. He focused on his surroundings looking around he saw Alexx asleep in the chair next to him. He sighed and looked back up at the ceiling. Was it a hallucination? Or did Speed have wings? And if he had wings does that mean he’s not a ghost?
“Hey,” Alexx whispered, seeing him awake. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” Horatio gave her a small smile. “What happened?”
“The suspect set off a bomb that was strapped to his chest.” Alexx leaned forward taking Horatio’s hand. “The Hummer took most of the blast. You hit your head against it when the shock wave rocked the area.”
“Eric?” He asked concerned.
“Fine.” Alexx assured him. “Some scrapes and bruises but he’s fine. They wanted to keep you overnight because of the gunshot wound and minor concussion.”
“I saw him,” Horatio whispered as he drifted back to sleep. “He was there…”
~*~
Horatio sat on his couch and stared at a picture of his team. It was from last years Christmas party. It was when he realized he had fallen in love with Speed. He had looked across the room; Speed was smiling one of his rare full smiles.
“Horatio…” Horatio looked up to see Speed standing in front of him.
“I love you.” Horatio simply stated not wanting to hold it in anymore. “But I can’t can I?”
Speed sat down on the coffee table in front of Horatio. “No.” He looked down not able to look Horatio in the eyes.
“What are you?” Horatio asked.
“A Guardian Angel, yours actually.” Speed looked back up and smiled. “I took Timothy Speedle’s image and identity.”
“Why?” Horatio reached out and touched Speed’s cheek. “Are all my memories false?”
“I’ve only been here for a few years.” Speed explained. “Any memories you have of me before you took over the department are just there. There is no base for them, they don’t exist.”
“I don’t understand…” Horatio looked into Speed’s eyes. “Why? Why did you assume Speedle’s identity, live among us?”
“I was curious.” Speed smiled his own hand now taking Horatio’s. “I’ve been watching you since you were a child. I wanted to know why you kept going in-spite of all the darkness around you.”
“The jewelry store?” Horatio’s grip tightened on Speed’s hand.
“I had to leave.” Speed looked down. “I knew about your feelings for me, but I never expected to have them in return. I had already pushed the line by being here – living among you. Falling in love was not an option.”
“Speed?” Horatio’s voice was barely over a whisper. “Please…”
Speed leaned forward and captured Horatio’s lips in a searing kiss. Horatio pulled him into his lap and leaned against the back of the couch. Speed’s weight pressing him back, Horatio moaned in pleasure as their hard cocks brushed against each other. Speed’s tongue took advantage and dipped into Horatio’s open and willing mouth, tasting and exploring the moist cavern. Horatio’s hands slid up Speed’s back. Speed arched into Horatio’s caress; his head was thrown back, a mewing sound deep in his throat.
Horatio watched in fascination at the pure pleasure across Speed’s face as he caressed the two ridges along Speed’s upper back between his shoulder blades. He felt the ridges shift and suddenly the same wings that had protected him were embracing him.
“That’s a very sensitive area.” Speed looked down at him, eyes full of love and passion.
Horatio reached out and touched the wings. “They’re soft.”
Speed flexed them before they folded towards his back. “Horatio I can’t promise you anything…”
Horatio laid a finger over Speed’s lips. “Give me this one night.”
Speed leaned forward and kissed him deeply. “Can we move this?”
Horatio stared in awe as he watched Speed’s wings disappeared into his shoulders. His hands moved back up the dark blue shirt searching for any sign that the wings had been there. Speed grabbed his arms and pulled them between them. “If you want to ever get me off this couch, out of these clothes and into your bed – don’t touch there.” He gave Horatio a grin that an Angel shouldn’t know. “At least not yet.”
Horatio groaned at the image and thought of those wings surrounding him as they made love. Speed stood up and pulled Horatio off the couch. Horatio slipped back into Speed’s arms and kissed him with all the love he felt for the man…angel.
The two moved down the hall and somehow got up the stairs without letting go of each other. Horatio had stripped Speed of his shirt and the pants were gone soon after. Horatio stepped back and admired the form in front of him: a defined chest with pert nipples that peaked through dark chest hair, a hard flat stomach with a small line of dark hair that led to an erect cock, strong thighs with lean legs. Horatio could practically feel them wrapped around him.
He smirked. “You definitely have a body made from the heavens.”
Speed laughed lightly. “I want to see you.”
Horatio blushed slightly. “I’m not nearly as…”
“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve laid eyes on.” Speed stepped up to him. He slowly unbuttoned Horatio’s shirt letting it slide off the lean, muscular shoulders. He leaned forward and kissed a rosy nipple, his tongue swirling around it, then nipping at it gently before moving over to the next. Horatio arched into the touch, his hands going into Speed’s hair, holding him to his chest.
As Speed worshiped Horatio’s nipples with his mouth, his hands worked on his belt and pants. Horatio jerked Speed’s head up when he felt his hard cock encased in Speed’s hand. Speed grinned at him before dropping to his knees. Horatio couldn’t help but watch as Speed took the leaking member into his mouth. His hands slipped back into the dark hair. He wanted nothing more than to thrust into the warm mouth, his hips jerked involuntarily, seeking more. Speed’s hands moved up Horatio’s thighs resting on his hips holding him in place as he swallowed the head. Horatio shouted as his release hit him, spilling his seed down Speed’s throat.
Speed stood up, his arms around Horatio. Blue locked with brown. “I want you inside me.”
Speed took Horatio’s mouth in a tender, deep kiss. Speed pulled back and climbed onto the bed, his eyes dark with passion as he watched Horatio pull the lube from the nightstand drawer.
Speed helped him onto the bed kissing him deeply. He moved back towards the headboard. Sitting back on his thighs, he looked at Horatio with a lust filled gaze. “Let me watch you prepare yourself for me.”
Horatio’s cock was already starting to take a renewed interest in the situation. He squeezed some lube onto his fingers and, bending slightly backwards he began to work his fingers into his entrance. Speed panted as he watched Horatio stretch himself. When he finally couldn’t wait any longer he reached out to Horatio.
With his knees bent he leaned back slightly. Horatio slicked him up and positioned himself above the hard leaking cock. Speed’s hands rested on Horatio’s lean waist as he slowly slid down onto the aching member. Both men moaned as Horatio settled into Speed’s lap. Horatio panted softly as he got used to the feel of Speed, his eyes never left Speed’s face. He moved up marginally then slid back down; Speed moaned, his hands gripping Horatio tightly. Using Speed’s shoulders as leverage he began to ride him in earnest. On each downward movement Speed would thrust upwards causing both men to see sparks. Horatio’s hand slid down Speed’s back he gently caressed the small ridges, causing Speed to purr. It only took two small strokes and the wings unfurled.
Horatio lost himself in the sensations. He was wrapped in warmth. Speed’s wings were draped around the two of them, encasing them away from the outside world. All he felt was the hard cock sliding in and out of him. All he heard was Speed’s soft whispers of love. All he ever wanted was in his arms. Speed held Horatio still as he thrust hard and deep into him, coming inside his lover. His wings wrapped tightly around them, tickling Horatio’s overheated skin, the soft caress of the feathers sending him over the edge. He slumped against Speed’s shoulder panting softly. His eyes began to drift closed. He tried to fight it, knowing that Speed would be gone when he woke.
“Sleep.” Speed’s hand ran through his hair, the wing tips caressed down his spine. His eyes drifted closed the last words he heard were, “I love you” whispered softly as he was gently laid out on the bed.
He woke alone the next morning.
~*~
Horatio rolled onto his back listening to the silence. The only thing that kept him from thinking it was a dream was the sweet ache in his backside. He knew Speed had gone against everything to be with him, to give him that one night. He eased out of the bed and headed for the bathroom. The warm water soothed his aching muscles and hid the tears as they fell down his cheek. He had touched heaven and nothing would ever compare to that moment in time when he was one with him.
He dressed casually and headed downstairs. He paused at the kitchen entry his eyes staring at the small note laying on the countertop. His hand shook as he picked it up. ‘Meet me at your spot on the beach at sunset. – Your Angel’
~*~
Horatio slipped off his glasses and put them into his shirt pocket. He watched in awe as Speed made his way down the beach. The waves washed up against his ankles getting his bare feet wet. He stepped up to Horatio a soft smile on his face. Horatio slipped his arms around him pulling him towards him. The two kissed softly lovingly.
Horatio pulled back but didn’t let go. “I didn’t think I would see you again.”
“I shouldn’t be here.” Speed laid his head on Horatio’s shoulder. “I can’t stay away from you.”
“What are we going to do?” Horatio kissed his temple.
“I don’t know,” Speed sighed, then pulled back looking at Horatio. “I’m going to have to remove myself as your guardian angel.”
“Why?” Horatio asked.
“I’m not objective.” Speed grinned at him.
“But…wouldn’t that…” Horatio paused, his eyes on figures walking down the beach.
Speed turned to see what had Horatio’s attention. He gasped. “No.” He looked back at Horatio. “Whatever happens, don’t interfere.”
“Speed…” Horatio questioned worried.
“No matter what.” Speed kissed him deeply. “I love you. Last night was worth everything.”
Speed was pulled out of his arms. The others surrounded him and shoved him down onto his knees. Horatio growled deep in his throat when he heard a painful yell come from Speed. He moved forward when two strong arms pulled him back. He fought against them, screaming Speed’s name. The last thing he heard was a pain filled anguished cry ripped from Speed.
~*~
“I’ve got plenty of time for that.”
Horatio paused. He looked around him slightly confused. This wasn’t right. He glanced up to see Speed heading into the jewelry store.
Where was the beach?
“Speed,” Horatio called out.
“H?” Speed turned and looked at him.
“Stay behind me and follow my lead.” Horatio entered the store his eyes sweeping the back areas.
“Gentlemen, welcome to McCauley Jewelers. I’m Rudy the owner, how may I help you?” Rudy smiled brightly at them.
Horatio shook his head. He knew something was important, but couldn’t remember. “I’m Lieutenant Caine and this is Detective Speedle with the Miami-Dade Crime Lab we’re here about the William’s.”
“Yes.” He nodded. “We clean their jewelry.”
“Don’t you mean clean them out?” Speed looked around the store, his eyes focusing on the back room.
“What?” Rudy asked confused.
Speed stepped away from Horatio his hand shifting to his gun. He cocked his head slightly. Seeing the two men he pulled his gun.
“Speed…” Horatio moved towards the young man pulling his gun out.
The two men came out of the backroom guns blazing. Speed pulled his gun up and returned fire.
“Miami-Dade Police,” Horatio called out taking aim at the second gunmen. “Put your weapon down.”
Both gunmen once again opened fired. Horatio heard Speed yell out right before the first gunmen fell. He took out the last gunmen, holstered his gun and ran to Speed’s side.
“We have an officer down. We need assistance.” Horatio yelled into his Nextel. He knelt down next to Speed. “Speed…” His worse fear was coming true.
“I’m okay.” Speed groaned sitting up.
Horatio breathed a sigh of relief. “Where are you hit?”
“I’m not.” Speed blushed. “When I took the second shot I must have stepped on some broken glass, my foot slipped out from under me.”
Horatio smiled then looked at the gunmen laid out on the floor blood pooled under him. He looked back at Speed. His eyes were focused on the body. “Speed…”
“I…” Speed hesitated.
“You did your job.” Horatio tried to ease the young man’s pain. “He shot at us, you returned fire.”
Speed looked at him with soulful eyes. “I still killed a man.”
~*~
Horatio sat in his office staring at the picture on his desk, a picture from last years Christmas party. He knew he was missing something. Something every important. Fleeting memories skirted through his mind when he tried to latch onto them they were gone.
He sighed and closed the case file. The boy was home safe and a certain CSI need him. He shook his head at the thought. He hadn’t acted on his feelings for Speed, why all of a sudden…
‘You almost lost him.’ Horatio thought. ‘If his gun hadn’t been clean…’ Horatio looked up, a second memory surfaced Speed lying on the floor dying.
He got up from his desk in search of the dark haired CSI. He found him in the locker room, in the showers. Horatio stopped and stared at the hard body. His responded instantly.
Speed turned and looked at Horatio. The two stared at each other trying to read the other’s expression. Speed held his hand out in invitation. Horatio stripped in record time, laying his suit out on the bench and joined Speed under the hot water.
He took Speed’s mouth in a hot passionate kiss. He knew where to touch, to cares,s to inflame the New Yorker. Speed moaned deep in his throat giving as good as he got. They fit together perfectly. Horatio hands slid up Speed’s back contacting two small scars on his upper back between the shoulder blades, he caressed them softly. Speed’s head fell back purring. Horatio’s thumbs traced the scars; he enjoyed the noises he was pulling out of Speed.
“H please…” Speed panted. “I’ll come if you keep that up.”
Horatio nuzzled his ear, nibbling slightly on the lobe. “And your point?” He whispered.
“I want you in me.” Speed hand stroked Horatio’s hard cock.
Horatio pushed Speed up against the shower wall, his lean legs wrapping around the redhead’s waist. Horatio grabbed the shampoo off the ledge and slicked himself up. He pushed two fingers into Speed quickly preparing him; neither man had any patience for slow and steady. Speed pushed down on to the fingers demanding more.
“Please, Horatio, I need…” Speed begged.
Horatio shifted Speed slightly and in one thrust entered him. Speed screamed out in pleasure and pain, his body not totally prepared. Horatio paused letting Speed adjust to him. Speed wrapped his legs tighter around Horatio’s waist urging him deeper. Horatio pulled out then thrust back in, causing Speed to cry out again, this time only in pleasure. It didn’t take long for either man to find their release. Horatio took Speed’s mouth in an open mouthed kiss, swallowing Speed’s yell of completion. He thrust a few more times into Speed’s willing body, moaning Speed’s name as he came deep inside his body.
Horatio eased Speed’s legs from around him and down to the ground. He grinned as he had to help Speed to stay standing. Speed chuckled softly as he leaned in Horatio’s embrace. Horatio’s fingers instinctively found the scars and caressed them.
Speed grabbed Horatio’s arms and pulled them in front of him. “If you ever want to get me out of this shower and into your bed…” Speed paused. He stepped back and looked at Horatio.
Images flashed through both of their minds. The two of them intertwined protected and encased in white soft wings as they made love. Then the beach…the scream of agony.
Speed looked at him. They both remembered at that moment. Speed’s punishment for loving Horatio was mortality. Tears slipped down Speed’s cheek as he pulled Horatio to him devouring his mouth in a sensual kiss.
The memories were already fading. There would be no memories of a Guardian Angel that fell in love with the Lieutenant he was protecting. It would just be Horatio and Speed – two men who loved each other more than life itself.