Translations for the Italian is down at the bottom of the chapter. A little bit of language, and Jenna is still mine.
Danny was standing on Miami Beach, staring out into the water when the soft crunching of sand alerted him to an approaching person. He didn't turn, but the aura of quiet strength told him who it was. He looked over to see Horatio's compassionate blue eyes watching him. He was studying, and waiting, an offer of help if Danny needed it. Danny smiled; it had forgotten how it felt to actually feel a Boss' concern. If Mac ever worried about him, he never showed it. When Danny had made a quiet cry for help in New York, Mac hadn't heard, and Danny wasn't about tocry any louder.
"You don't have to go up with us Danny, if you're not up to it" Horatio offered after a moment of companionable silence. The two had formed a strong friendship through Speed, although Danny occasionally felt like a third wheel with the two bodies-one mind thing Horatio and Speed had going on.
Danny shook his head "I can't. This is my case and I can't avoid New York forever" Danny sighed "Merda, I don't want to avoid New York forever. I grew up there, it's still home, in my mind. No matter how much pain happened and how many skeletons I've got buried there, it'll always be home"
"Speed and I will be by you all the way" It was a firm promise, and Danny knew Horatio as somebody who never made promises if he was going to break them.
"Thanks" A hand squeezed his shoulder and the presence left, followed by the growl of a Hummer engine. Danny pulled out his phone.
"Aiden? Yeah, sorry. I'm going to be seeing you earlier than expected..."
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Danny sighed deeply as he slumped in the back of the rented car. He smiled at Speed as the man turned slightly in the front passenger seat, eyes apologetic. He reached into a pocket and produced his cell phone; which he had turned off for the flight to New York, and switched it on. He flipped through to his only new message and listened.
'Buono mattina, Danny!' Jenna's cheerful voice blared out 'Just calling to see how you are, since I'm back from Italy. I thought we could meet up somewhere, and I have some people to meet in Miami anyway. A proposito, I spoke to Stella, and I saw your crush' Jenna let out a low whistle 'If you give up on Detective Taylor, give him my number, sì?' Jenna's teasing laugh echoed down the phone 'Seriously Danny, call me back. I can't be avoided forever'
Taking the phone away from his ear, he glared at the back of Speed's head as the man let out a laugh. He could also hear Horatio's quiet chuckle. He pressed redial and after a couple of tones the phone was picked up, and Jenna spoke in her hybrid Italian-New York accent.
"Jenna Whitman"
"Jenna" Danny growled "Please remind me where you live"
"I have a house in Maine and another in Tuscany, why?"
"Then please tell me why the hell you were in New York, and even further why you were in my old office?"
Jenna let out a deep sigh "And it's wrong for me to be concerned about your welfare? Somebody needed to set the various stories of your past straight, and nobody else will do it"
"Jenna-"
"How long have I been your confidante for, Danny?"
"Ever since you were 15 years old" He said finally.
"I had worked out that you had a boyfriend when nobody else did." Jenna added "I know you, Danny. I can't stand it when you're hurting, and even less when it's over something so stupid – you're both being blind"
"Ever the blunt one" Danny sighed "Look Jenna, I'm in New York on a case now, so..."
"Perfect!" She exclaimed "Call me when you have a break. We have to talk" Her voice brooked no argument.
"Yes ma'am" He muttered, ending the call.
"Hey Danny" Speed turned in his seat, eyes dancing "I think I like your sister"
"Shut up, Tim" Danny growled.
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Danny walked into the offices, flanked by his colleague and Boss on either side. He led them through the maze to the offices at the back of the lab. He turned a corner, and suddenly found his arms full of a brunette CSI. He allowed her to crush the air out of his lungs and then pulled her back away from him.
"Miss me?" He asked cheekily, and she smacked his arm.
"You idiot! You scared us when you didn't call – we thought you'd been killed or something, stupid" You lectured him through a bright smile. He turned, an arm still on Aiden's shoulder, and pointed at Horatio and Speed.
"H, you've already met her, but Speed, this is Aiden Burn. Aiden, Tim Speedle"
She grinned "I hope you haven't been letting him push you around too much"
"The lab techs are terrified of him" Speed replied, smiling too.
Danny sniffed "You're both horrible people"
"Danny!" Stella strode down the call, ruffling Danny's hair affectionately as she looked over at the Miami CSIs.
"Hello again, Detective Caine" She held out a hand to Speed, swatting at Danny's hands as he attempted to rescue his hair "Stella Bonasera"
"Timothy Speedle"
"Danny's been misbehaving" Aiden snitched to Stella, who swiped at Danny with her case folder as he managed to struggle out of her grip.
"And why are you all standing in the hallway?" another voice interrupted. Danny sighed as Aiden touched his shoulder in silent support.
"Hey Mac"
Buono mattina – Good morning
A proposito – By the way
Sì – Yes
Merda - Shit