Title: Tomorrow Never Comes

Disclaimer: Major angst. Violence. Slash.

POV: Horatio

Chapter Two: Questioning Tomorrow

The beginning of another week. Things have finally returned to something resembling normal. My team is back in full swing. It will be even better when Speed returns.

I close the file in front of me. Another case solved. My phone rings as I close the drawer to the filing cabinet.

"Horatio Caine," I answer.

"Hello, Horatio, how are things?"

I recognize the voice as that of my boss; the head of the lab. What does he want?

"Good, good. Things are winding down." I sit back in my chair.

"Well, I'm calling to let you know that I have your resignation on my desk right now."

"Oh?"

"Do you still wish to go through with this? Even now that Timothy Speedle has been returned and is doing fine."

I swallow hard before answering. "Yes, yes I am."

"Horatio, you are the best CSI leader the lab has ever had. Your team solves more cases than any other department. They look up to you."

"I can't protect them. They need someone who can help keep them safe," I state.

There's the sound of flipping paper on the other end. "Are you really sure about this? Might you reconsider?"

I sigh. "No, my mind is made up. I'm sorry."

"As much as I dislike your decision I will respect it. May I ask you a favor?"

"What would it be?"

"Will you stay on until we find your replacement?"

"Of course."

The conversation comes to a close. I realize that by agreeing to stay a little while longer that I'm stalling. Just what my boss wants. Perhaps I'll find that I really want to stay. Personally, I'm not sure that will happen.

Having Speed ripped away and my team attacked was a major shock to my pride. Watching Delko fall apart hurt me deeply. All I could do was stand by and watch things unfold. Almost losing Speed sent a strong message to me. Everyone has assured me that they are fine. And maybe they are; I'm not.

I failed.

Failed them all.

But I failed Speed most of all.

Sighing, I decide I need a bit of fresh air. I leave my office and make my way down the hall. The hall is empty; the rooms are full of busy criminalists.

A door opens and someone bumps into me.

"Ow."

"Are you alright, Delko?"

"Yes." He cradles his arm.

"Are you sure?" I see the bad bruise painting hi wrist in hues of purple and blue. "That doesn't look too good."

He shrugs. "It's nothing."

I gingerly take hold of his hand for a closer inspection. "Nothing, you say? Delko, your wrist is swollen."

He shrugs again. "Don't worry about it."

I'm amazed to find myself slightly angered. "You're lying to me. What happened?"

"It's nothing, Horatio, really. I'll be fine."

He turns and begins walking away.

"Hey, Delko, would you at least let Alexx look at it?"

He glances over his shoulder, gives me a small nod, and continues on his way.

"Losing them already," I mutter.

Delko rarely kept things from me. Now he wasn't even willing to discuss his injured wrist? If it really was nothing, then why was he hiding the cause? Had he lost fain in me? Lost his trust?

I was able to make my way outside without any other problems. The day was cool and beautiful. The mercury hanging around seventy-five-degrees Fahrenheit. I lean up against a Hummer. I close my eyes and soak up the sun.

I think of what things will be like when I resign. I would have so much free time that boredom would dominate my life. Eventually I'd need to get another job. Preferably in law enforcement. Of course, I'd move, start over somewhere else.

"Enjoying the sun?"

"Yes, Cal," I reply as I open my eyes. Calleigh is her usual bright-eyed cheery self.

"Hey, have you seen Speed or Delko?"

"I saw Speed over the weekend-"

"And how is he?" She interrupts.

"Doing well. And I ran into Delko not too long ago."

"I bet he's doing well, too. Especially now that Speed is back and they're living together."

I shift my gaze to the ground. "No, I don't believe he's well. Something is bothering him and he won't tell me what."

She frowns. "He won't? That's not like him. I'll talk to him for you."

"No," I say, placing my hands on my hips. "It's okay. He'll come to me if he wants."

Cal places a hand on my arm. "Don't worry, Horatio, they'll both come back around. Just give them a little more time. The wounds still need to heal."

She kisses me on the cheek and walks away. I pray that she is correct.