Breathe

Epilogue

A/N: I know it's been an emotional ride for all of us, I just wanted to thank you guys for all the great reviews, they really kept me inspired. And A great BIG THANKS goes to Katie( speed monkey) and Deb. You guys are the greatest... Hope you enjoyed!

One month later...

He stood at the headstone, lost in thought. The events after the jewelry store were fresh in his mind and he knew that it would stay with him for the rest of his life. There were so many things he took for granted , and he didn't realize how easily it could all be taken from him. The lesson had been learned, and he knew now why he had to go through it. He saw the names on the tombstone and felt a hint of sadness at the sight of it. He was still here, but they weren't.

He sighed softly as he spoke out loud, " Tony, there are things that some people have to experience for themselves before they want to change. I want to thank you for showing me, before it was too late. What I have been through, I never want to see again. I don't want my daughter to grow up with out me, I don't want my wife to have to weep for me. That is something that I couldn't bear."

The wind shifted and Tim looked up from the stone to see Tony standing by the tree. He was still in the same shirt and pants, and still wore that kind smile.

" Timothy, I'm glad you learned before it was too late. Life is precious, too precious for you to waste it. Always remember what happened to you and let it remind you that life is short so take care of yourself."

Tim smiled at him and nodded, " I will Tony, and thank you."

In an instant, Tony was gone. He inhaled deeply and began to walk slowly back to the car where Calleigh was waiting.

TS

" They let you in the building?" Eric asked as Tim walked slowly through the door. He had to use a cane since getting out of the hospital, to help him to walk. But he was slowly getting back to himself.

" You know you missed me, Delko," Tim replied with a slight grin on his face.

" Miss those world famous mood swings and classic rock blaring from the trace lab? Are you kidding?" Eric said as he greeted his best friend with a brotherly hug. There was truth in Tim's words, Eric did miss him, and was ecstatic when it was announced that he would be returning to duty. " So what's on tap for you today?"

" I think H has got me on lab duty. There's no way I can go out in the field like this," Tim said as he held up the cane.

" Look at it this way, Speed, at least you will be here in the cold air conditioner instead of out in the place I like to call hell," Eric said as he cupped Tim's shoulder. Just then the door to the break room opened and Alexx walked in with Calleigh towing behind her.

" Timmy, I see that you are here early," Alexx said as she walked up to him and gave him a light touch on the arm.

" Just because I can't go out in the field doesn't mean that I am worthless. I have a wealth of knowledge you know."

The three looked at him and started to laugh and he shook his head.

" Aww Tim don't be hurt, we're just joking with you," Calleigh said as she came up to him.

" Hahaha , funny. Don't you guys have a scene to be getting to or something?" Tim asked as he smirked slightly. He sat down at the table and reached for the paper that was sitting on top.

The door opened in the room and Horatio walked in. He stood and looked at his team, that was made whole again ,and a wide smile grew on his face. For years , he had held the guilt from Tim's shooting over himself, never getting any respite. Now that he was back, Horatio found it easier to simply breathe.

" Good morning ladies and gentlemen," Horatio said as he stood next to the door. " We have a scene."

" Of course we do, it wouldn't be Miami if we didn't," Eric said as he sipped the last of his coffee down.

" I got dibs on the Hummer," Calleigh piped up cheerfully as she glanced to Tim, her eyes dancing. She had returned to her old self when Tim woke up , and that pleased everyone.

" You drove yesterday."

"And I'm driving today," Calleigh countered quickly.

" Speed, hurry up and get better," Eric said as he threw the coffee cup in the garbage. He then walked to the door and held it open for Calleigh, who looked back at Tim lovingly.

Tim watched them go down the corridor then turned to the two people he held in high regards. Horatio stepped up to Tim and held out his hand.

" Speed, nice to have you back," Horatio said as Tim took his hand and shook it.

Tim stood slowly and locked eyes with his mentor. He knew that Horatio had held himself responsible for the jewelry store, and he wanted to rectify that.

" H, there's something I wanted to talk about with you," Tim started as Alexx noticed the serious tone in his voice.

" Timmy, I've got to get back to the morgue. Maybe we can have lunch?" Alexx asked as she lightly pecked him on the cheek.

" Meet me here at twelve o'clock sharp," Tim said as he watched her go out the door.

" Wouldn't miss it," she returned before disappearing from view.

Tim then refocused his attention to his lieutenant and straightened up, " Horatio, I know that you blame yourself for the shootout, but truth be told, it was mine. If I had cleaned my gun, none of that would've happened. It's my responsibility, just like my life , and I will take it seriously from now on."

Horatio glanced at him and dropped his head, then spoke quietly, " You know, Speed , none of that matters now. What matters , is that you are here, and you are well. You are home. But , I am glad that this has made you think about how important you are to all of us."

" Yeah, I'm so important that I will be pulling lab duty for the next three months," Tim said sarcastically. He knew in his heart that Horatio was speaking from his and he meant it.

" You'll be back out there before you know it, Speed," Horatio said lightly smiling. " Just take a moment and breathe."

Tim nodded and then watched as the red head walked out the door. Tim was happy that he was here, no matter if he was in the lab or out in the field. He had his life back and his memories of what happened to him, would always hold him to his responsibility. His family.

The End

A/N: I am finished! Like I said I hope that you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it . Drop me a line and let me know how you felt about it... Thanks!