Title: Hunter and Prey
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Who is the hunter and who is the prey?
Author’s Note: ‘I Am Loco’ from the CSI Miami soundtrack inspired this fic.
***
At night the view from the roof of the Police station is breathtaking. The lights from the Miami skyline just glitter in the darkness. Horatio leaned over the edge, watching the night shift go about their business. He turned to head back to his office, which contained a mountain of paperwork waiting for him, when something or more like someone caught his eye Speed was leaving by the side entrance.
The dark haired New Yorker had always captivated him; behind those dark eyes were a mirage of emotions. Emotions that ran deep into his soul, yet simmered close to the surface just waiting to break through. Horatio had always associated Speed with a dormant Volcano quiet undisturbed, never knowing when it would explode.
He watched as the younger man leaned against the break wall, taking in the night air. A quick flare of a match, gave Horatio clear view of his unshaven face. He watched as Speed lit up a cigarette and took a drag. Speed shook the flame out, and glanced up. Horatio stepped back, not wanting his CSI to see him spying.
His curiosity was peaked, ‘since when did Speed smoke?’ He looked back over the edge, and watched as Speed walked towards his bike, he flicked the cigarette to the ground crushing it beneath his boot heel. He slowly mounted the bike, started the engine, letting it idle. His hands slowly caressed the handlebars, Horatio’s eyes narrowed at the sight. A quick glance around him, and Speed was off down the street, wind blowing in his hair. Horatio stood on the roof, watching the taillights disappear into the night. Something was in the air, something had changed, but what he did not know.
***
The image of Speed mounting his bike hadn’t left Horatio’s mind all week. There was something carefree and primal about the way Speed held himself that night. He wondered if Speed had seen him watching from the roof, if he had, Speed made no acknowledgement.
Horatio found himself watching Speed, for what he wasn’t sure, just looking, and studying as a hunter studied his prey. A clear image of Speed as his prey stumbled unabated into his mind. The image was so strong Horatio stumbled back away from Speed. Speed turned towards him, a concerned look on his face as he reached out towards Horatio. Horatio nodded that he was okay, turned and headed back to the Hummer trying to get his emotions under control. He turned back towards the scene and watched as Speed snapped pictures and collected evidence, every once in a while he would glance towards Horatio.
Their eyes locked, and the hunt was on.
***
The next week had become a game of cat and mouse. Speed treated Horatio the same has he had the week before, or at least on the surface level. Throughout the week Speed would slip into Horatio’s personal space, and then slip out just as quickly; a fleeting touch in the elevator, a quick smile in the hallway, a shy glance in the locker room. Any time Horatio would respond, Speed had already stepped back, turned towards Calleigh or Eric, or had disappeared all together.
Horatio walked into the break room looking for a cup of coffee, once again his paperwork had seemed to have bred and multiplied over night. He half listened to Speed and Delko’s conversation.
“Come on Speed,” Eric pleaded. “We haven’t been out cruising in a while.”
“That would be because every time I go out cruising with you, something goes wrong.” Speed took the last bite of his sandwich, Horatio turned to the two men just as Speed licked the mayo off the corner of his mouth. He glanced up at Horatio and smiled.
Eric stole some of Speed’s carrots, “That’s not true.” He pointed the carrot at Speed to make his point.
“Do I need to remind you of the club fire?” Speed eyebrow rose, “Horatio can back me up on that, can’t you?” Speed looked up at Horatio as he began eating one of his carrot sticks, pulling it into his mouth nibbling on it before taking a bite.
Horatio leaned back against the counter, trying not to respond, “Didn’t you two almost get arrested one time?”
“I forgot about that,” Speed nodded slowly and had now moved onto the pickle that came with his deli sandwich. “They let us go because we flashed our badges.”
“You’re not helping H,” Delko glared up at his boss. “Speed here needs to get out. Get laid.”
“I do get out,” Speed slowly licked the pickle juices off his fingers. “I just don’t tell you about it.” Speed grinned at Delko as he picked up his trash and dumped it. He brushed passed by Horatio on the way out.
Horatio watched him as he left and walked down the hallway. He snapped back when he heard Delko’s chuckle, “Something interesting, Eric?”
“Nothing H,” Delko smiled as he continued eating his lunch.
Horatio took his coffee back up to his office, purposely ignoring Speed as he talked to Calleigh and how she leaned closer to him.
***
Horatio stood in the shadows near his Hummer, Speed’s bike in plain view. Shift had ended hours ago, and still no sign of Speed. Horatio was beginning to wonder if he had gone out with Eric, when Speed walked out from the side of the building. Horatio gasped when he saw Speed’s attire. Tight leather pants accented his lean legs; a red silk shirt molded his chest. The constant shadow and tousled hair just added to the package, a package that plainly said ‘fuck me’. Speed gave a slight glance towards the Hummer. As Horatio stepped farther into the shadow, he missed the sly grin that graced Speed’s face.
Speed mounted his bike, once again letting it idle while he caressed the handlebars. He took a quick look back and took off down the street. Horatio quickly climbed into the Hummer and followed him. It was obvious Speed new he was being followed and made sure Horatio could easily track him. Speed pulled up to a warehouse turned club, parked his bike near the front and headed inside. He pointed out the Hummer to the bouncer, before disappearing into the warehouse.
Horatio walked up to the door, the bouncer just nodded and let him inside. The music assaulted his ears. It was loud, hot, and thick. His eyes adjusted to the dimness as he searched for his prey. His trained eyes observed what was around him. It was a club where anything goes. He ignored the drugs on the tables, the sex in the corners, and focused on the bar, where Speed was talking to a young man, leaning close, whispering into his ear. The young man smiled, glanced towards Horatio then dragged Speed onto the dance floor.
Horatio took Speed’s place at the bar, and ordered a shot of whiskey, downing it in one shot. He watched as Speed dipped and turned, sliding his body against the young man. The leather molded and stretched as the legs and hips swayed with the music. The young man slid down Speed’s body hands on his ass, Speed’s eyes caught Horatio’s, challenging him. It was time to claim his prey.
Horatio kept his eyes locked with Speed’s as he maneuvered through the dance floor. Speed grinned, and turned his back as he once again began dipping and swaying his hips. The music pounded the hypnotic beat as Horatio watched Speed’s hips move with the music. He slid up behind Speed; his hand’s resting on the leather-clad hips pulling Speed into him. They were chest to back, ass to groin. Speed took Horatio’s hands and pulled them in front of him, his left leg hooked Horatio’s leg and began to grind and sway against him. The two set a sensual rhythm, sweat pouring off them, arousal taking over. Speed turned in Horatio’s arms, Horatio hands slid along Speed’s tight leather ass, pulling him closer, grinding their groins together. Speed’s arms locked around Horatio’s neck, his eyes dark with lust. He began pulling Horatio off the dance floor towards the back. Horatio refused to let go, as the two men slammed through an open door into a dark room no words were said, the prey had been caught.
Horatio pulled Speed towards him, his lips claiming the warm waiting mouth. Speed slipped his hands under Horatio’s shirt, nails raking over tight nipples. Both moaned low in their throats. Speed pulled back, leaned his head against the wall he had been pushed against. Horatio leaned forward both hands resting on either side of Speed’s head.
“You need to ask yourself one question Horatio,” Speed whispered as he locked onto Horatio’s blue eyes. “Who was the hunter and who was the prey?”
Horatio claimed Speed’s lips, tasting every inch of his mouth. He kissed a path up the unshaven jaw line, towards the ear; he nibbled on the ear then whispered softly, “I’m yours to do with whatever you want.”
Speed’s hand caressed Horatio’s cheek, making the redhead look at him. “Take me home, and never let me go.”
***
Horatio sat at his desk, going over reports, memos and his multiplying files. He looked up to see Calleigh and Eric standing in front of his desk smirking. “May I help you?” He set his pen down and leaned back in his chair.
“Just wondering if you knew why Speed seemed so…” Eric looked at Calleigh.
“Chipper,” She finished glancing at Eric then both looked back at Horatio.
“Why don’t you ask him?” Horatio asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
“We did,” Calleigh started to answer.
“And he said to ask you,” Eric finished.
Horatio smiled, leaned back towards his desk and picked up the pen. “Thrill of the hunt, victory of the catch.” He opened the next file, signaling for them to leave.
The two took the hint and headed for the door, Calleigh turned back, “Horatio, beard rash just doesn’t look good on you.” She smiled as she closed the door.
“You owe me dinner, Eric. Speed finally caught him.” Calleigh smiled at the Cuban.
“Me? You owe me dinner,” Eric countered. “It’s more like Horatio caught Speed.”
“You both owe me dinner,” Alexx stepped up to the two CSI’s. “They caught each other.”