What You Have Wanted
Note: Remember that contest I held a while back in the first "Some With Arrows, Some With Traps"? Well, I finally finished it. And here it is
Chapter One: No Vacancy
"What do you mean you're full?!" Mac Taylor snapped at the desk clerk, "You're the fifth hotel I've tried today!"
"I'm sorry sir," the woman behind the desk whimpered, "but three of Miami's largest hotels are under renovations. The rest of us are fully booked if not overbooked".
Mac glared at her as he tried to think. All he wanted was a vacation away from New York and work, was that too much to ask? He wanted some sun and a change of scene, but more importantly, he wanted to see Horatio Caine. It always feels too long between visits, it would be nice to really talk to him without having to think about a case.
"Fine," Mac sighed, drumming his fingers on the desk, "thanks for your time".
"I'm sorry, sir," she apologized again, "I hope you find someplace soon".
The detective nodded as he turned and went back to the car he rented. He pulled out of the parking lot and got back on the highway. The hotel situation was absolutely ridiculous. He decided to put his search for lodging on hold until he was able to calm down, afraid that he would break the next receptionist's jaw.
Irritated, overheated, and hungry, he decided to do what he really came to Miami for: to pay Horatio a visit.
Mac and Horatio had met a few years ago when a hit man was sent from New York to Miami. The New York detective admired how protective and driven Horatio was during the case, wanting only what was best for the girl who was made an orphan. But what Mac really found interesting was his physical attraction towards the lieutenant.
He would never forget the moment he first saw Horatio. He had slipped into the crime scene so quietly; Mac just turned around and saw him there. Horatio's expression was firm, in a sort of silent order to let him on the case. Mac could almost see the stranger's eyes flashing behind his sunglasses. His red hair was illuminated in the sunlight; it almost looked as if he brought a piece of Miami with him. The top button of his white shirt was undone, letting Mac see clearly where his neck ended and chest began. Horatio pushed his overcoat aside and flashed his badge, popping his hip slightly.
When Mac saw him, his breath caught; he had never seen anyone look so strong, protective, commanding, and sexy all at the same time. Then, finally, he spoke. His low whisper of a voice was a breath that filled Mac's mind with beautiful fantasies. He also remembered the overpowering desire to wrestle that man down onto a bed. It had been years since he was in a relationship with a man, he wouldn't mind starting up again with someone like Horatio.
Mac shifted uncomfortably in his seat, wiping the sweat from his palms on the steering wheel. Just thinking about Horatio had spurred on incredibly erotic images to flash through his mind. He turned up the radio and tried not to think too much on what was happening in his pants. After all, he wanted to be presentable when he finally drops in on the redhead.
***
"Hey, H," Ryan called, sticking his head in the trace lab, "you have a visitor".
"'Visitor'?" Horatio repeated, he and Eric looking up from the evidence that littered the examination table.
"Yeah, he's waiting downstairs".
"Thank you, Mr. Wolfe," Horatio nodded, pulling off his lab coat, "Would you mind processing this evidence?"
"Not at all," he grinned as Eric smiled warmly at him.
"Thanks".
Horatio took the stairs down to the first floor, having no idea who Ryan might be talking about. He couldn't think of anyone who would want to drop in on him. When he finally reached the ground floor and saw just who was standing in the middle of the lobby, he pulled himself back into the stairwell.
After he was pretty sure that he had fully recovered from his heart skipping a beat, he looked again. His breath caught when he saw Mac standing there, just waiting for him. His militaristic form and dark clothes separated him from the Miami detectives.
Horatio smirked as he remembered the day they first met in New York. The thoughts Horatio had when he met Mac for the first time caught him by surprise. He remembers looking over the detective's strong features and piercing eyes. Horatio clearly remembers blushing before he could form a coherent sentence; he had never felt so attracted to a man before.
Horatio quickly adjusted his clothes and pulled himself together before he stepped into the lobby.
"Look who's here," Horatio smiled, approaching Detective Taylor.
"Hi Horatio," Mac said warmly, "I didn't catch you at a bad time, did I?"
"Not at all," the redheaded lieutenant chuckled, "My shift's almost over, anyways".
The two of them stood in an awkward silence for a while, taking in each other's presence.
"What… what brings you to Miami?" Horatio finally stuttered.
"Vacation," Mac grinned, "but I'm afraid that I'll have to cut it short. All the hotels are full".
"What? You poor thing, that shouldn't be".
"Yeah, well that's the last time I try getting a room in your city last minute".
"I'm sorry," Horatio blushed.
The two of them stood in silence again, neither sure of what to say but not wanting to leave the other's side.
"You can stay at my place for the night... or however long you need," Horatio timidly suggested.
"Really?" Mac piped up, his heart skipping a beat, "I mean... I don't want to impose..."
"Don't worry," the lieutenant smiled gently, "You're not".
***
Horatio's home was pretty nice, a good two stories with a balcony and a bit of beach. Everything in it was white, and in the late afternoon glow the house was bathed in gold. Horatio stood at the large bay window looking out onto the Atlantic. He was barefoot, but remained in his black suit and white shirt. He rocked his heals back into the snowy white carpet as he sipped at his whisky.
Mac leaned against the well-stocked bar, downing his second vodka as he looked over Horatio. He desperately wanted to press his lips against the other man's, the desire becoming stronger and stronger with each passing moment. But what was making him bolder, time or drink, Mac was still unsure of.
"Have you been to Miami before?" Horatio asked, breaking the silence, "I mean… for holiday?"
"No," Mac shook his head, trying to focus on conversation instead of Horatio's beautifully inviting eyes and radiant hair.
"I thought so," he smiled sweetly, "That's why I'm taking tomorrow off. There are so many things I want to show you here. Given, it can't hold a candle to New York, (few places can), but it's my home now, and I want to show you around".
Mac couldn't help but to grin and chuckle lightly at Horatio's hospitality and enthusiasm.
"I'll drive you around downtown tomorrow," he went on as he approached the bar and set his empty glass down on the counter, "I'll show you around and take you to the art museum. They have some Chuck Close paintings there, you'd like those".
The two men stood there smiling at each other, Horatio with excitement and Mac with desire. Without warning, Mac leaned in and brushed his lips over those of the Miami lieutenant. Horatio's bright eyes widened, not quite sure of what exactly was happening.
A hand slipped around Horatio's waist, pulling him close. The redhead's eyes drifted shut as he felt Mac's wanting lips close around his and suck gently. Impulsively, he wrapped his arms around Mac and pressed himself up against the other man, needing more contact. They lingered there for a long and heated moment, stealing each other's breath.
Just as slowly, Mac pulled away, his grey eyes opening and looking down onto Horatio's serene face. The redhead's baby blues lifted, not sure what to think.
"Mac," he whispered, completely breathless.
"I... I may be a little drunk right now, but... Horatio... I've been wanting to do that to you ever since we first..." Mac trailed off and turned his face away, suddenly not as bold as he felt a moment ago, "If you would rather me find someplace else to stay tonight, I'll understand".
"No!" Horatio gasped, a little louder than he expected himself to be, "I mean… I'm fine with you staying the night".
"You're sure you don't mind?"
Horatio nodded, stepping in towards Mac again. He looked over the angled features of Mac's face, softened with uncertainty. He let Mac's militaristic figure tower over his pale and lean body, suddenly feeling very safe and desired.
Gently coaxing on Horatio's jaw with his fingertips, Mac raised the lieutenant's head and looked deep into his beautiful azure eyes. Their lips met once again, this time Horatio's parted. Mac blushed furiously as he realized what Horatio was going to let him do. They moaned softly as their tongues tangled, giving them chills that rolled down their arms and backs. Horatio trembled and blushed, not sure of how to react.
Mac slipped his tongue out of Horatio's mouth, the redhead's taste lingering in his own. He cupped the lieutenant's face in his hand, feeling long, pale fingers rest on his hips.
"From past experience," Mac whispered into Horatio's hair, "long distance relationships rarely work".
Horatio nodded.
"But... in all honesty," Mac continued, "I'm not looking for a serious relationship".
"Neither am I," Horatio purred, slowly stroking Mac's sides.
Horatio nearly swallowed his own tongue after he said that. What was he thinking? Given, every now and again he would think of what it would be like to go to bed with another man. But he knew how much sex could ruin a good friendship; which gave him pause and made him quickly take a small step back.
Mac turned away, not sure of what to think of himself. He felt like they had the potential of moving far too fast. In the back of his mind Mac was afraid that he was coming off as a slut. But the rest of him really wanted to get in bed with Horatio. And on top of everything, he knew that he was wanted in return.
"Horatio," Mac whispered, "I know I'm coming on awfully fast, but... I just feel that you and I could… I think we… Oh God, I don't even know what I'm trying to say anymore".
"No. Mac, I… I want to…" Horatio gasped, suddenly a little short of breath, "but I've never... with a man before".
"Don't worry about that H," the detective cooed, "You just relax and I'll take care of everything. Or better yet, we'll just do what you want to do. Just tell me what you need".
Horatio's mind and heart were racing as he tried to find words. What did this mean? How long has he been gay? If he was, then what did he feel for Marisol if not love? Would he regret it? Was he stalling because he was unsure or was he stalling because he had never wanted anyone so badly? As much as Horatio demanded his brain to answer these questions, he could think of no solutions.
"Although I've never been with a man before, I know I want to spend tonight with you," Horatio whispered.
Mac looked Horatio over, seeing how much he was trembling. He gently took the smaller man into his arms and kissed his hair.
"Hey," he said gently, "if you feel uncomfortable, just say so. We don't have to move so quickly. I can take as long as you need me to. If you want to hang around, watch a movie, and have us just sleep in the same bed tonight, I'm fine with that".
"I would rather us do more," Horatio said timidly, "If… if you don't mind".
Mac pulled away from Horatio so he could look into his eyes before he brought their lips together. His hands were on either side of the lieutenant's face, holding him gently. Horatio let his hands rest on Mac's hips, bringing their bodies close together.
After a slow and sweet moment, Horatio pulled away. He was short of breath and slightly flushed, he turned his gaze from Mac as he imagined what it would be like to be lain out on a bed for this man. Flashing the detective a soft smile, Horatio walked over to the large bay window and drew the curtains.
"Upstairs. Bring your bags".
Mac raised his eyebrow at this. Horatio suddenly seemed very certain of himself. Perhaps it was a false front he was putting on. Or maybe he really was more prepared than he was letting on. He couldn't be sure. The side of Horatio the public saw and the side he was seeing appeared to be complete opposites. Whatever the case, Mac picked up his suitcases and let the redhead lead him up a flight of stairs and into the master bedroom.
