Horatio's thoughts after putting Kyle on the bus.

Disclaimer: I do not own CSI Miami.

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Horatio stood there and watched the bus carrying his only child disappear out of the parking lot and down the road. He sighed and ran a hand over his face, "Please be careful, Kyle."

He turned slowly and made his way back towards the Hummer where Eric was waiting for him and talking to someone on the phone.

He hung up the phone when Horatio opened the driver side door and climbed in. "You going to be alright?"

Horatio paused a moment, glanced towards the picture of Kyle he had on his visor and nodded his head. "Yeah, I think so."

Eric laid a hand on his friend's shoulder, a man he had come to respect and call family over the many years he had known him. "He's going to be ok, H."

Horatio started the Hummer. "I can't lose him, Eric."

Horatio's blue eyes pierced into Eric's and in that moment the younger man knew that if something happened to Kyle, Horatio may not make it back.

"He's a good kid and intelligent. He'll make it back to you."

The corner of Horatio's mouth turned up in the hint of a smile. "Thanks Eric."

Eric nodded. "I was just talking to Calleigh and everyone's meeting up at The Sandbar for some drinks."

"Sounds good."

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"How's he doing?" Calleigh asked as they watched Horatio step outside to get some air.

Eric shrugged. "He just needs some time."

Walter eyed the group at the table and then turned his attention to his boss standing outside, obviously lost in thought. "They're pretty close, huh?"

"Horatio and Kyle?" Frank asked with a raised eyebrow, the shock evident in his voice. "Those two are very close."

"I think finding out about Kyle is what kept Horatio going after Marisol died." Calleigh said eyeing Eric intently.

Eric nodded as he took a sip of his drink. "If he loses Kyle, I'm not sure how he'll get over that one."

Everyone at the table grew quiet and turned their attention to the red head standing outside, his hands on his hips and his hair blowing softly in the wind.

Horatio took a deep breath as he looked out over the ocean. He couldn't bring himself to sit at the table inside the restaurant with his friends and pretend to be happy, when inside he was deeply worried about his son.

At that moment the cell phone he was holding in his hand buzzed to life, he looked down and pressed several buttons, bringing up a message from Kyle.

Were still on the road.

But I wanted to tell you

that I love you and I'll call

as soon as I get a chance.

-Kyle

He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer, "I love you too, Kyle."

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I love CSI Miami. But I'm having serious Kyle withdrawals. Anyone else?

-Thanks for reading!