Two

They drove in silence. Ryan wanted so desperately for his boss to say something- anything. But he was quiet. Other than the "good morning, Mr. Wolfe" he'd given, Horatio hadn't said anything else to Ryan.

His mind began to race. Did he make a complete ass out of himself last night? He remembered that he and Eric had a competition to see who could drink more alcohol. They were both pretty intoxicated, but he knew he had falsely won. Horatio was nice enough to take him home. He was even great and helped him inside. But the events after that were a fog.

Ryan knew he was nervous about being alone with Horatio. When he was nervous, he did thing that would make uncomfortable. So maybe that was what happened last night. But Horatio Caine was strong and not easily fazed. So whatever Ryan did had to have crossed the line. If only he knew what it was, then he could make it right.

Horatio was curious about Ryan. He'd spent most of the night thinking about the younger man without even realizing it. Why had Ryan looked at him that way last night? Why did he press his own body against Horatio's, and why was he so close that he could feel his breath on his ear? Ryan could have asked him to step aside to get to the light switch, it wasn't a big deal.

But he couldn't help but to think Ryan had ulterior motives. He ran his fingers through his hair last night. Initially, Horatio had thought maybe Ryan was fumbling for the light switch. But after rethinking about the nights events, he thought differently. It was a strange thought, but Horatio was sure Ryan wasn't attracted to him. He knew that some people when drunk, were flirtatious.

Both men exited the car and walked through the garage. Neither of them said anything to each other. When they stepped inside the building, they were met with stares. It probably looked weird for the two to have come into work together. But Ryan felt small. He wanted to turn around and just go back home but he knew that he had a job to do and that just wasn't possible. They went to their lockers and got ready for the day.

Eric entered behind them, grinning from ear to ear. "H, Wolfe, what the hell happened last night?" he asked.

Ryan visibly tensed up. Maybe not noticeable to Eric but Horatio noticed. Ryan didn't say anything; he didn't know what to say. Was Eric referring to them being at the bar? Or maybe it had something to do with why the other employees had stared at them when they came in.

"Well, Eric," Horatio said slowly, "you and Mr. Wolfe agreed to partake in some sort of drinking game; you lost by the way. Calleigh took you home while I tended to Mr. Wolfe."

"If you won, Wolfe, then why did you need help getting home? You cheater." He sneered. Ryan still didn't know what to say. He was relaxed a little bit but he still wasn't sure what to say. Horatio came to his aid again.

"Eric, you know I wouldn't let someone who had just participated in a drinking game drive home. That's just dangerous and irresponsible. Now why are everyone in the lab watching Mr. Wolfe and I?"

Ryan didn't want to know the answer to that. It had to have been bad. Eric had stopped smiling and became quiet for a while. He shook his head "Everyone seems to be talking about Jesse and how well you knew him, H. And you got pretty close with him too, Ryan. Stetler had been visiting us all telling us about counseling services being offered, but Horatio's and Walter's will probably be mandatory."

"Why?" Ryan found his voice and instantly regretted it. Why; what an idiotic question.

"People are upset, Wolfe. And maybe Stetler's right for once- maybe we should talk to a professional. We don't need hostility and a giant cloud of glum in the lab." Eric explained.

Both men looked up to find that Horatio was no longer there. They briefly looked around but figured that Horatio had something that he needed to do.

Horatio sat down at the desk in his office. He put his hands on his face, resting his elbows on the desk. He knew he probably should have stayed home but his team needed him. And now Rick Stetler would probably seek Horatio out to criticize hi whole lab. And he was in no mood to deal with Stetler.

Ryan watched his boss. Poor Horatio, he though, he'd been through so much. And he never even so much as asked for a break or time off. He put everyone else's needs ahead of his own. But that was why he was a great man. Ryan knocked, making Horatio promptly stand up at attention. He didn't mean to let himself get so caught up in his own thoughts that he wasn't aware of his surroundings anymore.

"Uh, H, there's been a home invasion. Head trauma victim downtown. Natalia and Calleigh are already on the way." Ryan told him. Horatio's eyes became stern. "And why am I the last to know about this?" He asked him.

"Frank sent them out. He's heading down there too," Ryan added shyly, "and actually he suggested that we let you have a break today. We all think you deserve it."

"I am more than capable of investigating a crime scene. "

"I know, Horatio. I'm just worried about you- we all are." Ryan said. He just called Horatio by his first name instead of the usual 'H', like Eric. He must have been completely serious and worried about him. Horatio shook his head.

"Thank you, Mr. Wolfe. But I am going to that crime scene."

"Fine, but can I ask you something?" He questioned. "Can we meet up after work again? I would like to talk about last night."

Horatio shook his head. No. That was it. Now Ryan felt foolish for even asking. Of course Horatio didn't want to talk about last night. Maybe Ryan really did do something to offend him or embarrass himself. Horatio couldn't help but to notice Ryan's face falter. The younger smiled quickly and nodded, mumbling about understanding and saying sorry for bothering him.

"I'm having dinner with Kyle tonight." Horatio said. "But maybe we can get together afterwards."

Ryan nodded and agreed before clearing the way to let Horatio out of his office. He watched him as he walked down the hall. Ryan tore his gaze away from his boss's backside and came face-to-face with Stetler.