Title: Tomorrow Never Comes

Disclaimer: Major angst. Violence. Slash.

POV: Delko

Chapter Three: Coming Out Barbeque

"Are you okay? I ask.

"I'm fine," Speed mutters.

"Are you sure?"

"Stop asking me that," he snaps.

I look out the driver side window. Shadows dance across the neighborhood as a cloud passes over the sun. A chill runs down my spine.

Speed places a hand on my knee. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have bugged you, but I'm worried."

"I'll be fine. I promise."

I want to believe him. He seems so sincere. We had been on our way to Alexx's barbeque when I pulled the car over.

Ever since his abduction Speed has been unpredictable. He doesn't like to be alone. Yet, he doesn't appear comfortable around more than three people. Every night he wakes up from nightmares. He'll stop talking in mid-sentence and he remains unresponsive for hours.

I miss the man I fell in love with.

"Let's go, the cheesecake is getting too warm," Speed says.

I sigh quietly and start the car. We're just a block away. A few minutes later I pull into the driveway. A small sign on the garage door directs us to go to the backyard. I reach the gate before Speed. Alexx is actually waiting on the other side.

"Hey, you two, I thought I heard someone pull-up," she says.

"Hey, Alexx." I eye the empty backyard. "Are we the first to show?"

"No, Yelina is inside making fresh lemonade," Alexx replies.

I whisk the cheesecake away from Speed. Alexx gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"How are you, Timmy?" She asks.

"I'm fine. But tired of that question."

"You'll probably hear it a lot today."

We all turn to see Yelina. She settles the glass pitcher of lemonade on the picnic table. Another hug and kiss for Timmy, and a hug for me.

"Where are the kids?" I ask.

"Oh, my husband took them all to the zoo. That brave man," replies Alexx.

"So, need any help?" I ask.

"I'm glad you asked."

The next twenty minutes is spent helping Alexx get everything in order. Calleigh arrives next, closely followed by Velara. Frank and Hagen arrive together; Horatio shows up last.

"Perfect timing; lunch is done," Alexx announces.

Speed sits down beside me. He looks very uneasy. Horatio, probably noticing the unease in Speed's eyes, sits on his other side. Speed relaxes, but only a little. How will he be able to work, I wonder.

We are all about to dig when H gets to his feet.

"I know this isn't a barbeque tradition, but I want to make a toast. First, to the team; things have been hard. Our lives were put on the line and we all pulled through. Congratulations. Second, to Speed, may you return to work soon. We all miss you at the lab."

"Cheers." We all clink glasses.

Idle chit-chat starts as we begin to eat. Speed stays quiet. I lean over to whisper in his ear.

"Have you thought of an answer yet?"

"To what?"

"Telling them. You know, about…"

"Sure, why not? Go for it."

"Are you sure?"

He nods. "They'll find out eventually."

"You want to tell them or should I?" As soon as I ask I realize it was a dumb question. "Never mind. I'll do it."

I clear my throat to get everyone's attention. I don't stand like H did. No real reason to; this is not a toast, after all.

"A mutual decision has been made. So, I would like to make an announcement."

Calleigh smiles knowingly.

"Some of you already know this, others probably have their suspicions. It's time for secrets to come out." I glance at Speed for just a second. He's looking at his plate. "Speed and I have been dating for some time now. And this past weekend we moved in together."

"It's about time!" Calleigh exclaims.

"I knew it," Alexx says.

Yelina smiles.

"Oh, pooh. Can I still get you a housewarming gift?" Velara asks.

"I was wondering about you two," Hagen comments.

Frank doesn't say a thing. He just resumes eating. This bothers me; only a little. I choose to ignore him.

"Of course, Velara. If you so desire to get us a gift, you can."

She beams. "Oh goodie, I love to shop for friends."

"Do you mind if I got with?" Calleigh asks. "I'd love to get them something, too."

Alexx places her hand on Speed's. "Now sugar, if he ever gets to you, come see me. You got that? I'll straighten him out."

Speed actually smiles. "Thank you, Alexx. I'll keep that in mind."

Frank stands abruptly and doesn't even bother to excuse him self. He just leaves.

Horatio watches him go. "He'll get over it. You'll see."