Title: Love Apart

Disclaimer: Slash. Angst.

POV: Danny

Chapter Ten: Daddy Mac

Nick wraps his arms around my waist. He holds me close. I rest my head on his shoulder.

"What are we going to do, Nicky?"

"About what? Speed?"

"About Horatio."

"What can we do?"

"I just feel we should do something."

"Don't butt in Danny-boy."

Nicky is wearing some cologne and it smells heavenly. I love being close to him. Our lips meet. The front door opens.

"Uh, guys."

I turn to see Horatio. Standing beside him is my boss.

Shit. "Oh, uh, hey, Horatio, Mac," I say.

"Danny I thought you were on vacation," Mac says.

I realize that Nick is still holding me. I push him away.

"You never told him did you?" Nick asks.

"No."

He sighs. "Speed didn't tell Horatio. You didn't tell Mac. You ashamed of me?"

"No. Did you tell Grissom?"

"Actually, yes, I did. I've even gone to him for advice."

Mac clears his throat. "You two are together?"

"And Timmy," Nick adds.

Mac stands there, looking lost and confused. Horatio looked apologetic.

Awkward silence.

Mac clears his throat again. "Daniel, can I talk to you? In private?"

Daniel? Where had that come from? Mac always called me Danny. Everyone did. Well, Nick and Timothy had pet names for me. But no one need know those.

"Uh, sure. We can talk in my bedroom."

I lead Mac to my bedroom. I blush when I see Mac eyeing Nick's personal belongings on the nightstand. His gun sits in plan view, right next to his badge and wallet. Wait until he sees the pictures on my dresser.

In his Mac-like way he doesn't snoop. He also gets straight to the point.

"How long?"

"About a year."

"You do know that dating two other CSI's could be seen as a conflict of interest. And potentially ruin your career."

Sometimes I think Mac sees me as his son. "I know that, and you know what? I'm willing to risk it."

He's quiet for a minute. "Who knows?"

"What?"

"Who knows? Who have you told?"

"Only Aiden."

"Aiden?"

I sigh in annoyance. "Yes. We're partnered together so much; it was kind of hard to keep secret."

Mac shakes his head. "Don't go broadcasting it to the whole department."

I nod in understanding. Mac turns and opens the door.

"Hey, Mac?"

He turns back to me.

"Are we alright? You and me?"

"Yes, Danny, we're okay."

Upon entering the living room Nick and Horatio end their secret conversation. Horatio sits in the chair closest to the door. Mac takes the one across from him. I sit on the couch. Nick plops down beside me and puts his hand on my knee.

"So, what's this all about?" Nick asks.

"Earlier this morning there was a robbery at a convenience store," Mac explains. "Stella and I arrived to process the scene. There was only on witness. She recalls that the robber had a badge. I overheard two officers discussing a missing CSI and the Special Victims Unit." He took a momentary pause. "So I placed a call to them. But before someone answered Horatio showed up."

"And?" Nick pushed.

Horatio took over. "The description the clerk gave me fit Speed. But the store doesn't have a video security system."

"Timothy would never rob a store. Hell, he would never commit a crime," I say.

Horatio stands. He starts pacing. "I know Speed better than anyone here." His eyes rest on Nick and me. "Well, I've known him longer. He's always been a good officer. However, since he was shot, he's been different. He's been secretive. He has lied. Something about him changed."

Am I the only one who still believes in Timmy?" I jump to my feet.

Mac stands. "Daniel-"

Horatio stops pacing.

"You say you're Tim's friend," I growl at Horatio. "And you," I glare at Mac. "You come parading into my apartment-"

Nick jumps up. He grabs my arm and shoves me out into the hallway.

"Excuse us," he says as he closes the door.

He pulls me down the stairs and outside the building. I rest against the hood of his car.

"What the-"

"Shut up, Danny," Nick snaps.

I stare at him, surprised by his out burst. He places his hands on the hood of the car; one on either side of me.

"Listen, Danny. You are not alone. I still believe in Timmy. I believe in you. I believe in us. And the three of us will get through this."