Miami’s Protector

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 anything.”

“Concentrate on breathing.” Horatio held Speed’s head up. “Speed, I can’t lose you.”

“H,” he choked, his breathing became labored, then stopped.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”

“Sir.” An EMT knelt down next to Speed. “We need you to step back.”

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.

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.

“Honey,” Alexx’s voice was soft and caring. “Horatio…”

Horatio shook his head and looked at Alexx. “I lost him.”

“No, baby, Tim’s at the hospital.” Alexx assured him.

“I actually lost him,” he looked at her, blue eyes full of pain. “He died in my arms. Then… I can’t explain it. I brought him back.”

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

“The case…” He shook his head.

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

He slipped on his glasses. “I can’t just abandon the case.”

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

“Alexx,” Horatio paused.

She turned, cupping his cheek, and smiled slightly. “He needs you, and you need him.”

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.

Beach House

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.”

“But this is different.” Blair looked back grinning.

“How?” Jim smiled from his seat on the beach house deck.

“We’re on vacation,” Blair grinned. “An actual vacation.”

“No terrorists, secret organizations, crazed sentinels…” Jim smirked at Blair’s mock glare.

“Speaking of…” Blair headed inside their rented beach house. “We need to meditate.”

“Why?” Jim groaned as he followed his guide into the house.

“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.

“Fine.” Jim sat across from Blair. “It’s scary sometimes how much you remind me of your mother.”

Blair glared at him. “Close your eyes and relax. Let the sound of the ocean waves sooth you.”

Spirit World

They were surrounded by the now-familiar blue-tinged jungle landscape.

The wolf pranced around the panther as they made their way down the path.

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.

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.

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…someone. As suddenly as it began, it ended.

Beach House

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

Jim pulled his lover into his arms. “I’ve got you.”

“I could feel its pain.” Blair shuddered, curling into Jim’s arms.

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

“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.”

Jim paused. “How do we know they aren’t like Alex?”

“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… 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…” He looked up Jim was staring at the TV. “Jim?”

Jim pointed to the TV. “I think we found them, Chief.”

Blair turned to the TV to see a newscast.

“Earlier 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’s assistance, fatally wounding both gunmen after they shot the detective. Detective Speedle was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he is currently reported to be in critical condition…”

“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.”

“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.”

“He needs us.” Blair moved past him and out the front door.

Jim grabbed the keys and followed him. “There goes the vacation.”

 Hospital 

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.

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.”

“Alexx,” Calleigh called out as she and Eric walked up.

“Any word on Speed?” Eric asked, stopping next to her.

“He’s in surgery,” Alexx explained quickly. “Horatio come on, don’t do this to me.”

“What’s wrong with H?” Eric asked, now noticing the older man wasn’t moving.

“Shock.” Alexx took Horatio’s hand and pinched it. Nothing.

“Should we get a doctor?” Calleigh asked concerned.

“NO!” Alexx looked at the two of them. “He’s okay I just need to…”

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.

“It’s okay.” Blair stepped in front of Jim, who was snarling in response. He turned to Jim, “Back down.”

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.”

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

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.”

“What made you zone?” Blair asked curious.

“Chief!” Jim rolled his eyes.

Blair looked back. “What?”

“His heartbeat.” Horatio answered quietly his eyes moving towards the double doors waiting for the doctor to come out.

“I’m sorry,” Blair paused. “I’m…”

“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.”

“We saw the news report,” Jim explained. “Any word?”

Horatio ran a hand through his hair. “No.”

“Ah,” Eric looked between everyone. “Am I missing something?”

“They don’t know?” Blair looked at a confused Calleigh and Eric.

“No, but now thanks to you they do.” Horatio moved to head back to the waiting area.

Jim snarled, “He’s here to help.”

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?”

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

“No need honey,” she grinned. “He’s just…”

“In Blessed Protector mode,” Blair grinned. “So obvious you know and can help him?”

“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.”

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

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

“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.”

“Chief.” Jim nodded towards Horatio. “He zoned.”

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.

“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.”

Eric looked at Calleigh then both looked at Alexx. “Later.” They both sighed and just watched, trusting Alexx.

Jim handed Blair some smelling salts. “Is that how I am when I’m in deep?”

“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… I wonder what else you two have in common…”

“Chief,” Jim admonished.

“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.”

Horatio jerked his head, quickly looking around then slumping back onto the chair. “I zoned again.”

“Understandable.” Blair put the salts away.

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.

“How is he?” Horatio demanded.

The doctor looked up and frowned. “Who are you?”

“Horatio Caine, his lieutenant…”

“I can only talk to his family,” the doctor insisted.

“We are his family,” Alexx growled. “Check your damn records.”

Calleigh grinned in spite the situation. “How is he?”

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.”

Horatio’s heart rate shot up. “And?”

“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.”

“Go.” Alexx patted Horatio’s arm. “He needs you.”

 ICU Unit 

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.”

Horatio smiled through the tears as he saw Speed’s brown eyes looking at him. “Shh…baby, 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.”

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.”

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.

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.

The ICU nurse smiled at him. “Don’t worry Lt. Caine we’ll take good care of him.”

“Thank you.” He slipped on his sunglasses and headed for the exit. He had a lost son to find.

The Next Day 

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.

“Hi,” Speed whispered.

“Hi back.” Horatio grinned at him. “How are you doing?”

“Feeling good,” Speed smirked. “Then again that’s probably the morphine talking.”

“You’re comfortable?” Horatio asked concerned.

“I’m fine.” Speed shifted slightly. “I want to go home.”

“That won’t be for a while.” Horatio pointed out. “The bullet did some major damage to your shoulder.”

“What happened?” Speed questioned. “My gun…I know I cleaned it. You watch me clean it… after Dispo Day… I mean…”

“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.”

Speed looked away. “So it wasn’t me?”

“No.” Horatio made Speed look at him. “Nothing was your fault. God, Speed, I almost lost you.”

“You did,” Speed whispered. “I was going, but you called me back.”

“You think that’s normal?” Horatio asked.

“Only with us,” Speed snorted. “You said they are here?”

“Yes.” He scooted closer. “They will be tomorrow. Mr. Sandburg has lots of questions.”

“You’re okay.” Speed eyes began to close. “No sudden need to attack or protect.”

“Not at the moment.” Horatio grinned. “I didn’t take it well when they showed up in the hospital.”

“What did you do?” Speed demanded, fighting off sleep.

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

“Make sure he goes home.” Speed closed his eyes. “I love you…”

Horatio wiped a tear from his cheek. “I love you too.”

Two Days Later 

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 – it was almost as if she was a back-up guide.

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.”

“I figured that.” Speed eyed him. “What are you doing in my room?”

“Wanted to see how you were doing.” Blair shrugged. “And well I’ve never met another guide before.”

“Neither have I.” Speed smiled slightly. “Though I read all about you so I have an advantage.”

“I have so many questions.” Blair sat down.

“I have to ask.” Speed shifted slightly. “Jim is he protective…”

“Blessed Protector?” Blair laughed. “Oh God you have no idea.”

“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.

“Did you get out of them?” Blair asked smiling.

“I learned fast how to pick locks, especially handcuffs.” Speed yawned. “Where is he?”

“Jim?” Blair leaned back. “Prowling the halls to make sure things are safe.

“Have you seen Horatio?” Speed asked a bit sleepy.

“I saw Alexx; she said he was finishing up the case. They found the boy,” Blair informed him

“Good.” Speed’s eyes slipped close.

“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.”

“Good, he needs to rest.” Horatio took a seat next to the bed. “He never listens to the doctors.”

“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.

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.

“We heard you on the spirit plain.” Blair looked over at Jim.

Horatio cocked his head lightly. “Is that what it was? We didn’t know; more like Speed hasn’t had time to research it, yet.”

“Did you merge?” Blair asked.

“What do you mean?” Horatio asked. “The fox jumped towards me as I jumped towards him.”

“Your animal?” Blair leaned forward fascinated.

Horatio eyebrows furrowed. “Cougar.”

“Wonder if all sentinels are cats?” Blair sat back.

“You’ve been on this plain?” Horatio asked.

“Once or twice.” Jim shrugged.

“He’s a jaguar,” Blair said. “I’m a wolf. I take it the fox is Speed.”

“Yes.” Horatio looked down at his sleeping lover. “Not that this isn’t interesting but he’s the one who would appreciate it more. And he needs to rest.”

Jim stood up, pulling Blair up and out of his chair. “I called our boss for an extended vacation. Give us a call when you get him home and more comfortable.”

“But…” Blair argued as he got pushed towards the door.

“Plus I think you have some co-workers who want to see you and have a ton of questions,” Jim smiled.

“Thanks for that.” Horatio gave him a mock glare.

“Any time.” Jim nodded. “Take care of him. We’ll see you in a few days.”

“Thanks.” Horatio waved slightly.

***

“Jim,” Blair turned on his Sentinel.

“Chief.” Jim looked down at him. “If 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.”

“He’s a lot calmer than you,” Blair agreed. “Wonder what their bond was like in the beginning?”

“Chief.” Jim sighed.

“Okay, no more questions till they get home and we can really chat.” Blair said. “Now about that vacation. How did you get Simon to let us have more days?”

“I just told him we found another Sentinel/Guide pair.” Jim headed down the hallway. “I asked if he really wanted to be the one to tell you to come home.” Jim smiled at Blair. “He just said to take all the time you need. We’ve earned a long vacation.”

Speed/Horatio’s Home 

Horatio helped Speed to the couch. “You’re sure you don’t want to lie down?”

“I’ve been on my back for seven days. I want to sit up for at least a bit.” Speed sighed as he settled down onto the couch. “God, it’s good to be home.”

“You okay? Need anything?” Horatio asked, standing over him hands on his hips.

Speed smiled and held his hand out. “Sit with me.”

Horatio sat down, letting Speed lean against him slightly. “You scared the crap out of me.”

“Me too.” Speed closed his eyes. “I died Horatio.”

“I know.” Horatio held him tighter. “I’m telling you. If you had gone over that horizon I would have followed.”

“That’s why I came back.” Speed maneuvered and looked at Horatio. “I love you.”

Horatio kissed him deeply. “I love you, too.”

“So kitty.” Speed curled up next to him.

“I was wondering how long before the nicknames started.” Horatio just held him. “My sexy fox.”

Speed laughed. “You fit a cougar. Sleek, territorial, hunter.”

“And you a fox.” Horatio kissed his temple. “Cunning, devious and too curious for your own good.”

“So when is everyone showing up to demand answers to their questions?” Speed yawned.

“Tomorrow.” Horatio got up off the couch. “Come on, bed.”

Speed let Horatio help him off the couch, up the stairs and into the bed. Speed settled down, his eyes closing. “Stay with me.”

“Forever.”

Morning 

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.

“H,” Speed sighed. “Sit.”

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

Speed smirked. “Maybe later.”

Horatio shook his head. “I’m nervous.”

“I can tell.” Speed’s voice softened. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Even Alexx doesn’t know the whole story.” A knock at the door interrupted them. “Show time.”

***

Horatio made sure everyone was settled and comfortable before situating himself next to Speed, who instantly curled into his arms.

“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.”

“How long have you been together?” Calleigh asked.

“Five years,” Speed smiled at Horatio.

“How long did you know about Sentinel/Guide?” Blair asked.

“Five years.” Horatio smirked. “Actually we were together longer, but my own stupidity broke us apart.”

“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….”

Flashback 

“Speed?” Horatio walked up to the younger man. “Are you okay?”

“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.”

“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.”

“It didn’t help.” Speed pulled away.

“We’ll get him, one day,” Horatio assured him.

“Until then he keeps on molesting and killing kids.” Speed pulled away. “I’m going home.”

“Getting drunk won’t help,” Horatio called after him.

“It’s either that or get fucked into oblivion…” Speed paused, realizing what he said. He turned back around and looked at Horatio.

“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.”

Present 

Horatio glared at Speed who was laughing at Calleigh’s blush. “What? They asked.”

Blair was snickering along with Jim. “So your relationship started before the senses came up.”

“Started and ended,” Horatio sighed.

Flashback 

“I don’t see why you’re upset,” Horatio said.

“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.”

“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.”

“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’t know if I can handle that.”

“What are you saying?” Horatio demanded.

“I’m saying you made a life changing decision without even consulting me,” Speed responded. “And I…”

“It’s my career.” Horatio’s voice hardened.

“Yes, but it’s our relationship,” Speed pointed out.

Horatio grabbed his jacket. “I’m meeting the new team at Henry’s I’ll see you later.”

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?

Henry’s 

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.

“So is it good to be away from those CSI’s?” Roger patted Horatio on the shoulder.

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

“Come on all those science geeks.” Williams laughed. “Bunch of pansies if you ask me.”

“We didn’t,” Al admonished the men.

“So is it true?” Roger turned towards Horatio.

“What?” Horatio sipped his beer.

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

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

“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.

Horatio cringed, “Yeah, good thing.”

His heart dropped when he heard the door slam and the distinct sound of bike revving up.

Speed’s Loft 

“I’m a bit surprised to see you.” Speed looked up from his seat on the foot of the stairs.

“Speed…”

“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… 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.”

“I couldn’t exactly say we were lovers,” Horatio pointed out.

“No, you couldn’t and I wouldn’t have expected you to.” Speed stood up and faced Horatio. “But I didn’t expect you to deny our friendship.”

“Speed…” Horatio ran his hand through his hair. “These are different men. They…”

“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?”

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.

“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.

“So that’s it,” Speed swallowed. “New career new life.”

“It wouldn’t be fair to you or me.” Horatio held his ground.

“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.

Horatio walked out the door. As he closed it he whispered, “I love you.”

Present 

Speed curled into Horatio’s side letting the tears fall. “I hated you at that moment.”

“I was doing what I thought best. I knew they would go after you.” Horatio kissed the top of his head.

Blair glared at Jim. “God that is something you would have done.”

“To protect you, yes,” Jim agreed.

Blair rolled his eyes and smacked Jim. “Don’t do us any favors.”

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

Horatio scooted closer to Speed. “It’s okay Alexx. We obviously worked it out.”

“So the Sentinel thing?” Eric asked.

“I’m with him.” Blair said with a smile.

Speed settled into Horatio’s arms. “It was five years ago.”

Alexx looked at Eric and Calleigh. “Ray had just died.”

“Oh.” Calleigh settled into her chair.

“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.

“Setting off your senses,” Blair nodded.

“How would that set them off?” Eric asked. “Actually, maybe you should just explain the Sentinel thing?”

“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…” Blair went into lecture mode.

Jim interrupted. “Basically we’re prehistoric cavemen. All five of our senses are enhanced.”

“It’s why Horatio can pick up evidence from across the room,” Speed explained.

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

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?”

“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.”

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.”

Horatio turned around and looked at the magazine and bust out laughing. “You are mean Calleigh.”

Calleigh waited patiently. “Mr. Ellison.”

“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.”

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.

“Smell,” Horatio explained. “I can recognize your shampoo.”

“Wow.” Eric paused, opened his mouth to ask a question then closed it.

“Yep.” Speed grinned.

“That’s how,,.” Eric glared.

Both men grinned.

“I don’t want to know,” Calleigh said. “So how did you two find out? I doubt there’s a manual somewhere.”

“Actually…” Speed and Blair both commented.

“Go on I would like to hear the story.” Blair motioned for Speed to go on.

“As I was saying. I went out for a week alone with my thoughts….” Horatio continued.

“How does that bring out the senses again?” Eric asked. “Sorry, but it didn’t get answered.”

“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.”

“So with Ray’s death and my isolation out on the Keys.” Horatio said. “By the time I got back …”

“Your senses were acting up,” Blair finished.

“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…”

“Everything hurts,” Jim took over explaining. “Your clothes make your skin itch, smells upset your stomach, sharp sounds hurt your ears.”

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.”

Flashback 

Horatio leaned against the door jam. He could hear Speed moving around, smell the food he was cooking. He hadn’t 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.

He knocked. He hoped Speed wouldn’t turn him away he didn’t know who else to turn to. The door opened, the sunlight that normally flooded the loft spilling out hurting Horatio’s eyes even with his sunglasses.

“H?” Speed opened the door wider concern on his face as Horatio cringed in pain. “What are you doing here?”

Horatio looked up. Taking off his sunglasses, he looked into the soft brown eyes. “I’m losing it. I don’t know where else to go.”

Speed saw the pain and tears in the normally solid blue eyes. He grabbed Horatio’s hand and pulled him into the loft. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

“Everything is wacky I…” Horatio took a deep breath. He inhaled Speed’s unique scent. His ears focused on the heartbeat and he let it soothe him.

“Horatio… Horatio!” Speed snapped his fingers. When he got nothing he pinched him lightly.

Horatio shook his head. “Speed?”

“Where did you go? What’s going on?” Speed demanded, stepping back and looking at him. “You look like crap. Have you slept?”

“I can’t, too much noise.” Horatio looked at him.

“Too much noise?” Speed moved Horatio into the loft. “Your neighborhood is quieter than mine.”

“I can hear things I shouldn’t hear.” Horatio stopped and looked at Speed. “I hear your heartbeat. It’s actually relaxing.”

Speed stared at him. “My heartbeat?”

“Yeah and smell the oatmeal in your soap.” Horatio sat down. “I don’t know what to do. My clothes itch. I can’t eat, last time I bit into an apple and I swear I could taste the chemicals.”

“H?” Speed sat next to him, pulling the worn out man into his arms. “When did it start?”

“When I got back.” Horatio leaned into the embrace the touch soothing not hurting like the others.

“Back?” Speed asked.

“I left for a week after Ray’s…”

Speed nodded. “I’m sorry for you loss. I know how much family means to you.”

Horatio looked up at him. “It didn’t nearly hurt as much as walking away from you.”

Speed looked away. “H…”

“I’m sorry.” Horatio stood up. “I shouldn’t have come here.”

“Horatio don’t be a fucking martyr.” Speed pulled him around. “Something is going on and you need to find out what. So you came back and what? Uour senses acted up?”

“That’s it exactly,” Horatio nodded in agreement.

Speed ran a hand through his hair thinking. “When did you sleep last?”

“Three, four days ago.” Horatio tried to remember.

“You need a bath…”

“Water hurts.” Horatio stepped back.

“Come on.” Speed took Horatio’s hand and led him upstairs. He pulled the redhead into the bathroom and stripped him down, noticing the red irritated skin. “H?”

“The soap burned.” Horatio explained. “I couldn’t get the water to be warm it was either hot or cold.”

Speed nodded setting the water at a lukewarm temperature. “Trust me.”

“Only you,” Horatio answered honestly.

Speed stripped down and pulled Horatio into the shower. Horatio cringed. “Cold.”

Speed felt the water and turned it up a bit. “Okay Horatio I want you to lean back against the wall. Concentrate on my voice and only my voice.” 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’s eyes.

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’s skin.

He squatted down at eye level with Horatio. “Rest. I’m going to close the blinds and curtains to keep the light out.”

Horatio nodded his eyes closing. “I never stopped…”

Speed soothed back the damp hair. “Neither have I.”

Present 

“How did you figure it out?” Calleigh asked.

“I read the article in the paper about the dissertation, and then the subsequent ‘fraud’. I set it aside to research. You never know if something might come up in a case.”

“So you pulled up the article?” Blair asked.

“I had it in my library.” Speed smiled. “I 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.”

“And?” Blair asked fascinated.

Flashback 

“Where were you?” Horatio asked concerned.

“Did you get my note?” Speed set the packages down.

Horatio shook his head. “Note? Of course I have to admit I freaked when I woke up and couldn’t hear your heartbeat. So I might have missed it.”

“You tracked me through my heartbeat?” Speed asked astonished.

“More like when it was gone it woke me up.” Horatio ran a hand though his hair.

 Present 

“You grounded yourself to it?” Blair asked, astonished. “So you practically made him your guide without realizing it.”

“We had no idea about guides at that moment. All I knew was if I was near Speed, I was fine.” Horatio explained.

“Bomb squad must of have been difficult,” Jim said.

“Very,” Horatio sighed. “But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.”

Flashback 

“How are the senses?” Speed asked walking up to him.

“Okay at the moment,” Horatio said.

“You’re focusing on me?” Speed asked.

“Yes.” Horatio nodded.

“I need you to stop.” Speed walked away. “You have to control this without me around.”

“I don’t think I can.” Horatio worried.

“Yes, you can.” Speed smiled. “Give 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.”

Horatio nodded closing his eyes. “Okay… I’ve got dials.”

“Put them all at five for normal range,” Speed explained.

Horatio opened his eyes and looked around. “It worked.”

Speed smiled brightly. “I’ve got some goodies that can help.”

“Do you know what’s going on?” Horatio asked, following him into the kitchen.

“I might have an idea.” Speed started pulling things out of the bags. “I read this article…..”

 Present 

“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?”

“Chief.” Jim smiled at the excited anthropologist. “Let them finish.”

“When did you get back together?” Calleigh asked.

“Was it before or after this guide thing? Which by the way is what?” Eric added his questions.

Horatio and Speed looked at Alexx. “Sorry honey no questions.” She smiled

“Thank you,” Horatio chuckled.

“We got back together before we found out about guides,” Speed said.

 Flashback 

Horatio laid in the bed listening to Speed’s heartbeat. He hadn’t felt this relaxed or at peace, since…. 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.

“You’re supposed to be sleeping.” Speed smiled as he walked into the bedroom.

“Too much on my mind,” Horatio admitted. “You really think I’m one of these ‘sentinels’?”

“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.”

“You knew.” Horatio looked down.

“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.”

“I didn’t want anything to happen to you,” Horatio explained.

“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.”

“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.”

“And you, becoming a Lieutenant.” Speed grinned. “Alexx also kept me informed.”

“I don’t think I can do this without you.” Horatio grabbed Speed’s hand kissing the knuckles.

“You don’t have to,” Speed assured him, leaning forward and kissing him. “I’ve missed you.”

Horatio pulled him close, reveling in his touch. “I love you.”

Speed settled next to him, the two men drifting off to sleep. “I love you, too.”

Present 

Calleigh wiped away a tear. “Ahhhh.”

Speed rolled his eyes. “Of course that didn’t solve the bomb squad issue.”

“How did you solve it?” Blair grinned.

“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.

Blair sat back. “That’s a good idea. Wonder if would work?” He looked over at Jim.

“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.”

“So Guide?” Eric asked again smiling.

“A guide is one who helps the sentinel with his senses – Guides them,” Speed explained. “When the book showed up after…” He looked at Horatio. “Two months?”

“Yeah that’s about right. We were working on trial and error,.” Horatio stated.

Speed turned back to the others. “That’s when we learned about the guide/sentinel relationship.”

“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.”

Flashback 

Horatio knelt down next to the body. “Alexx?”

“I’m fine,” she smiled at him. “Though I don’t appreciate my victims being used to kill officers.”

“Let’s see what we’ve got.” Horatio looked over the body. “It trigged.”

“When Alexx moved the body.” Speed answered from next to Alexx. “She checked for the exit wound and saw it, we’ve been holding him on his side ever since, not sure if putting him down would set it off.”

“Good thinking.” Horatio focused on the bomb.

“Horatio,” Speed’s voice broke through a haze. “Come back focus on my voice.”

Horatio looked up, breathing deeply. “How long?”

“Only a few moments.” Speed smiled at him. “I want you to ground yourself on my scent. Focus your hearing and sight on the bomb.”

Horatio nodded and proceeded to defuse the bomb. Alexx looked at the two men. “We are so having dinner after this.”

Horatio snickered slightly. “Even a bomb threat doesn’t stop your mothering.”

“Honey,” Alexx grinned. “The end of the world wouldn’t stop my mothering.”

~*~

“It was clearer.” Horatio stored his gear. “With you there, it was much easier to stay focused and see things.”

“According to the book,” Speed looked around. “The guide is always with the sentinel keeping them grounded.”

“So this could be an issue.” Horatio leaned against the truck. “The t-shirt is working, but considering I’m working at a low level isn’t good. What if I zoned when you weren’t here?”

“I can’t join bomb squad,” Speed pointed out. “Don’t think you co-workers would appreciate it.”

Horatio looked at him. “I’m sorry that was wrong of me,” Speed apologized.

“No, you’re right actually. I’m just now waiting to get harassed on the way back to the station.” Horatio ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to talk to Al and maybe Johnson about transferring back to CSI. I’m the same level as Megan so …”

“We’ll figure it out.” He glanced over a not so patient Alexx. “We’ve got other things to worry about.”

“God help us,” Horatio laughed. “She is going to be so pissed we didn’t tell her we got back together.”

“Yeah, but I have to work with her,” Speed pointed out.

“You’re her baby she won’t hurt you.” Horatio smiled over at Alexx.

Alexx smiled back. “We are so dead.” Speed waved.

***

“So the pansy…” Rogers smirked at Horatio.

”Detective Speedle is a fine officer and had the smart thinking to keep the body still till we got there,” Horatio snarled. “I suggest you back off.’

“I didn’t realize you were friends.” Rogers rolled his eyes.

“I trust him with my life.” Horatio walked off.

“You fucking him now?” Rogers yelled after him.

Al grabbed Horatio before he could attack Rogers. “Back off Rogers.” He pulled Horatio away. “Let’s go.”

“I can’t work with him anymore. I’ve kept quiet…” Horatio said.

“So you and Speedle?” Al asked.

“We just got back together,” Horatio sighed. “I want to transfer back…”

“So you are fucking the faggot, maybe I should see what’s so good about …”

Al couldn’t 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.

“You ever touch him…” Horatio growled, struggling against Al.

”H.” Speed’s voice calmed him. “Let’s go. Alexx is taking us to dinner.”

Horatio backed off, growling at Rogers. “Al…”

“We’ll talk on Monday.” Al let him go then turned on Rogers. “Before you even think of bring up charges or complaining – remember you insulted a fellow officer and I’ll testify that you were spewing hateful racial and sexual comments.”

Rogers walked off pissed. Al sighed and headed for the truck.

Present 

“Blessed Protector.” Blair looked at Speed. “Finally someone who understands.”

“Yeah.” Speed nodded. “It can be annoying.”

“Tell me about it,” Blair sighed.

Jim and Horatio glared at their guides. “If certain guides didn’t go off and get themselves into trouble we wouldn’t have to go into protective mode.”

Blair just smiled at his sentinel. “Well if you didn’t handcuff us to the car we wouldn’t resort to drastic measures.”

“That’s why he handcuffed you?” Eric asked snickering.

“And that’s why you know how to pick them…” Calleigh shut up at Speed’s glare.

”New talent?” Horatio asked.

Speed kissed him quickly. “I have lots of talents.”

“I bet you do,” Eric snickered.

“Do I cave that easily?” Jim asked.

“Yes.” Blair smiled at him.

Alexx laughed. “It wasn’t long after that you transferred back.”

Horatio frowned. “I was working swing shift. Six months later Sean died and Megan left and they gave me day shift.”

“So the space out thing happens a lot?” Eric asked, remembering the story.

“Not much now that I work with Speed,” Horatio answered. “But if I do concentrate on one piece of evidence, I zone.”

“Zone?” Calleigh asked.

Blair perked up. “Means they zone in on one sense, causing them to freeze or zone out.”

“I’ve seen you do that before and I don’t mean at the hospital,” Calleigh said. “Alexx talked you out of it.”

“How does that work?” Blair asked curiously. “I’ve never seen a back up Guide.”

”You’ve never seen another guide,” Speed pointed out.

“True,” Blair said.

“I’m not sure how it works.” Speed looked over at Alexx. “I was at a scene when Horatio zoned in the evidence room.”

“I remembered what Speed did before and talked him out of it,” Alexx finished. “Now it took me a lot longer than Speed, but it worked.”

“Wonder if you have guide potential, but no Sentinel?” Blair thought out loud.

“I think truthfully it has to do with the fact I trust her,” Horatio added. “I knew she was helping.”

“We really need to sit down and compare,” Blair said to Speed. “There might be things you know that I don’t and vice versa.”
“Though each pair is different, what works for H and I might not work for you and Jim.” Speed pointed out.

“We should figure out the commonalities.” Blair continued.

Horatio looked at a tired Speed. “Later.”

Alexx stood up. “My baby needs his rest.”

“Its bad enough that he mothers me,” Speed grumbled as Horatio got him up off the couch towards the stairs.

“Is it me or is it ironic that they live in a loft?” Jim asked Blair.

“Oh wow another thing to write down.” Blair was pulled up out of the chair and towards the door.

“We’ll be back in a few days so these two can talk about us to their hearts content.” Jim pushed the reluctant guide towards the door.

“Night Speed, H,” Eric called out following everyone else.

“See you later,” Calleigh smiled at them.

***

“That wasn’t too bad, now was it?” Speed muttered lying on the bed.

“Get some sleep.” Horatio tucked him in.

“Yes, my sentinel.” Speed closed his eyes and slept. Horatio pulled up a chair and watched his lover, guide, and reason for living – sleep.

Two Days Later 

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’s 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.

“It’s nice to actually talk to you,” Speed said.

“I had no idea another pair was out there.” Blair leaned back in his chair. “Though I’m sorry we had to find out this way. How are you doing?”

“Lots of physical therapy in my future. I’m on disability for a while, then restricted to lab work.” Speed looked back at Horatio. “I’m a bit worried about him in the field without me. I’m not sure he can use the old shirt trick after all these years.”

“Maybe 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,” Blair explained.

“Only the team knows or at least now they know,” Speed grinned.

Suddenly both Sentinels were on the balcony, blocking their guides. “Horatio?” Speed sat up in his chair. Horatio looked down onto the street, his eyes sweeping through the busy shopping district.

“Jim?” Blair stood up, his hand on Jim’s lower back as the Sentinel also searched the streets below.

“What is going on?” Speed demanded.

“Another sentinel…” Horatio looked at Speed. “It was the same feeling I had when Jim and Blair showed up, but different.”

Blair looked at Jim. “It reminded me of the feeling I had when Alex showed up in Cascade.”

“Alex?” Speed asked.

“A sentinel, she was criminal, crazed and guideless. She decided that I was her guide. When it didn’t work out the way she wanted she killed me. Actually that’s how we know about the Spirit Plane.” Blair looked down at the street, fear in his voice.

Jim turned towards Horatio and then they both looked down at Speed. “There is a Sentinel in the city without a guide.”

Speed’s head lifted up his eyes on Horatio realizing what they both were thinking. “And I’m vulnerable.”

Blair looked over at Jim. “Call Simon… We’re not leaving.”