Rating: T
Warnings: This story is SLASH. If you don't like that then don't read any further.
Pairing: Horatio/Speed
Summary: They made it through their first year together, but can they survive the next few days?
Author's Note: definition: triquetra – (trahy-kwee-truh) noun -a geometrical figure having three points, esp. one formed of three intersecting ellipses: The triquetra was often used in ancient art to symbolize a triune deity.
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Horatio stood in the mayor's office explaining what they had so far learned about the break in. "We found a set of prints that didn't match any of the elimination samples we took from you and your staff," he explained. "The prints came back to a small time thief." He passed a file over the desk to the mayor. "He's in the wind right now. We have every available officer out looking for him. Bulletins have been put out state wide."
"So, you think he's responsible for this mess?" the mayor asked.
"All I know, sir, is that he was in this office. To what purpose, I won't know until we find him," Horatio answered as he glanced at his watch.
"Am I keeping you from something, Lieutenant?"
"There is somewhere I need to be," Horatio replied.
"Back at your lab?"
"Well, no. Actually, I need to get home."
The mayor raised an eyebrow. "In the middle of an important case?"
Horatio considered exactly what to tell him. He could lie, but he couldn't think of anything more pressing than the truth. "It's my anniversary, sir. I have plans," he said, hoping the mayor wouldn't ask any specific questions.
"Lieutenant Caine, I didn't know you were married," the mayor said.
Horatio groaned inwardly. He should have kept his mouth shut. "Well, I'm not. It's the anniversary of our first date, a year ago."
The mayor smiled. "Are you planning on popping the question tonight?" he asked.
For a moment Horatio didn't know how to respond. "Well, um, that depends," he lied.
Noting Horatio's sudden discomfort, the mayor said, "Sorry Lieutenant, it's really none of my business. But don't go too far tonight. If they find this guy, I want you to be the one to question him."
He agreed and as he headed out the door the mayor called to him, "And tell the little lady I said congratulations."
Horatio tried to suppress a smile. "Will do," he said.
As he walked back to his car, he thought about what the mayor had said about popping the question. The thought had occurred to him, on more than one occasion. But he was hesitant. He felt he should leave that decision to Tim, mostly because of David. He didn't want Tim to feel that he was stepping on David's memory. Besides, it wasn't like anything would change for them legally. He was content, for the time being, to allow their relationship to progress as it had been. For now, he just wanted to get home, forget about work, and spend the evening with the man he loved.
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Tim laid out his clothes for the evening, then went into the bathroom to shave. He was all ready. All he had to do was to make dinner and change his clothes. That is, if his hand would stop shaking. He took a deep breath. 'Calm down, Speed,' he thought. 'You don't want to slice fingers along with the vegetables.' He grabbed his MP3 player and headed out to the kitchen to start dinner.
He worked, happily, in the kitchen and allowed himself to be distracted by the music coming through his headphones. He was oblivious to everything around him except for the music and the food.
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Horatio inserted his key into the lock of the front door. Upon opening the door he inhaled deeply and was immediately confronted with a strong aroma. He closed and latched the door behind him then turned toward the kitchen. He was greeted by the sight of Tim, barefoot, clad in an old pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, moving around the kitchen to the music coming through his headphones and preparing their dinner. He hadn't heard Horatio enter.
Tim turned suddenly and noticed Horatio standing there with a faraway look in his eyes. He pulled his earbuds out, "Horatio, how long have you been standing there?"
"Just a minute, I just got in." He walked into the kitchen and gave him a kiss. "Dinner smells wonderful, as usual."
"Thanks, I'm making your favorite." He smiled, "Happy anniversary, H."
"Happy anniversary, Tim."
"You're home earlier than I expected. Case solved already?" Tim asked.
"I wish. We're at a stand still. We have a suspect, but, at present, we can't find him," Horatio answered. "But I don't want to talk about work tonight." He reached a hand out and stroked Tim's cheek. "You shaved."
"I wasn't expecting you for a little while yet. I wanted to change my clothes too."
"You don't need to. I like you like this."
Tim looked down at himself. "What, you like me barefoot and in the kitchen?" he teased. "And, just so you know, I don't do pregnant."
Horatio pursed his lips. "That's not what I meant and you know it."
Tim couldn't help laughing. "I know. I'm just teasing. And, despite popular belief, I don't mind putting on a suit. Especially for a special occasion."
"Well," Horatio said with a smile, "then, don't let me stop you." The thought of Tim all dressed up was almost as appealing as the thought of Tim laid out naked. Almost.
Tim went to the kitchen to check on dinner. "It'll be ready in twenty minutes," he said. Then he headed to the bedroom to change.
Horatio went to the refrigerator and pulled out the bottle of wine that had been chilling. He poured himself a glass and took a drink, then reached into his suit pocket to check that his surprise for Tim was still there. He felt the keys jingle and smiled.
Tim walked out of the bedroom wearing a dark brown suit with a black shirt and tie. The colors complemented his hair and eyes well. He walked up to Horatio, who eyed him appreciatively. "Nice," he said as he leaned in for a kiss. Then he whispered in his ear, "I look forward to removing it from you later."
Tim felt himself flush. "I think I need a drink," he said. Horatio laughed and poured him a glass of wine.
"So, you still want to have everyone over this weekend?"
Tim nodded as he took a sip of his wine. "Yeah, I already have everything planned."
As Tim turned to look at the oven timer, Horatio noticed that his suit didn't seem to fall correctly on his body. "You have something in your pocket," he said.
Tim froze for a moment.
TBC