Title: Love Apart

Disclaimer: Slash. Angst.

POV: Danny

Chapter Eight: Missing Speed

We are currently driving like hell toward New York. Horatio had woken Nick and me up at 4am this morning. He ushered us to the car without an explanation. We are now three miles from what Horatio says is our destination. Yet, we still have no idea what is going on.

"Please, what the hell are we doing out here?" Nick pleads.

"Speed," that is all Horatio says.

Timothy. My Timothy. Why have you run to New York? I am not here. Why run from me just to go to my home state? And what has befallen you? Is he okay? And what is Horatio keeping from us?

Nick tried for hours to comfort me last night. He knew I was blaming myself. I had caused Speed to run when he needed comfort. Now something has gone wrong. What have I done?

We pull onto a street full of police cars. Horatio parks beside an empty squad car. Nick takes my hand in his and gives it a reassuring squeeze. In peace we follow Horatio toward the main crime scene. My heart just about stops when I see the H2 proclaiming it belongs to the Miami-Dade Crime Lab.

A man with black hair comes our way. The gun holstered on his hip and the fact that he lacks a police uniform marks him as a detective. I am just slightly surprised Mac and company aren't present.

"Horatio Caine?" He asks, looking at the three of us.

"I'm Horatio Caine. You are?"

They shake hands. "Detective Elliot Stabler, Special Victims Unit."

What did a detective from SVU have to do with Speed, I wonder. Stabler looks toward me. "Danny Messer, CSI New York. My friend here is Nick Stokes of the Nevada CSI."

Elliot looks surprised. "I wasn't aware this would be such a high profile case."

I have no idea how to reply to this. It is evident that Nick is in the same position. Horatio comes to our rescue.

"These are friends of Speed. They were planning to meet up for a boy's night out. When Speed didn't show they came to me. Now here we are."

"Speed?" Elliot asks.

"His nickname. All his friends call him that," Nick explains.

Elliot nods in understanding. "I'm sorry you guys had to come here."

"So, what's going on here?" I ask.

We begin our walk to the Hummer. Clearly it is empty. Speed isn't there. I don't see any sheets on the ground. That is a small blessing. No bodies. At least not within the immediate vicinity.

"Speed was helping us in a case. Seems he stumbled across a rape. The perp got away from him. With his detailed description, however, we were able to catch the guy in a matter of hours." He pauses. Then goes on. "I called him a few hours ago to have him come down and ID the rapist."

Horatio wanders closer to the Hummer. "What was he doing at the park than?"

"Not sure. He did ID the guy and left. He did seem to be in a better mood than when we originally met," Stabler comments.

"How did you know to call Horatio?" Nick asks.

Stabler plucks a bag from the front seat of the H2. "Cell phone. The number was already dialed in. Guess he couldn't make his call."

I gingerly take the cell phone into my hands. Why is he going to call Horatio instead of me or Nick?

"Um, Detective Stabler, sir," someone interrupts us. It is a young uniformed rookie.

"Yes?" Stabler replies.

"We found blood on the headlight."

I turn and walk away. If they find blood Timmy hurt, I would never forgive myself. Outside the crime tape I finally stop. Nick slips his arms around my waist. He kisses my neck. I lean into him enjoying the comfort he gives.

"Don't blame yourself, Danny. You did what you thought was best. You didn't know he would run off."

"Timothy is missing. He could be…"

Nick turns me to face him. "Don't you say it, Danny. Speed is too smart for that. He'll be fine. So stop worrying."

I shake my head. "I can't help it. He's missing because of me!"

"Danny, Nick," Horatio says. Nick turns around and steps out of my way. "The police have checked the park. No bodies. No large amount of blood. Speed was taken from here alive."

Nick sighs. "That's a blessing."

Horatio nods. "We've been invited by Detective Stabler to stay in town and help with the investigation."

"You are both welcome to stay at my place," I interrupt. "It's not that big but it has a roof and food and a place to sleep."

"Well, that's very nice of you to offer, Danny. But no need to impose," Horatio stats.

"You won't be. I know we all want to help find Speed. Three heads are better than one," I reply.

"Alright, I'll stay," Horatio gives in.

We all pile into the H2. This time I am driving. A pleasant weekend meant to be filled with love is now a missing person case. And Timothy Speedle is that missing person.