Dinner didn't happen the next night as planned. Double homicides had the tendency to get in the way of dinner plans.

The closest they managed to get to sharing dinner was three days later, eating take out in the break room. However, the presence of both Eric and Calleigh as the team discussed the case at hand certainly did not lend itself to a romantic occasion.

Horatio and Speed did manage to achieve some, brief, physical contact while trying to work the case to its conclusion. By night five, Horatio declared that the whole team was clearly exhausted and sent everyone home for a few solid hours sleep, assuring them all that this would be beneficial for the case in the long run. Not trusting Speed to drive safely on his motorbike through a haze of exhaustion, Horatio insisted on driving him home. This led to them making out in front of Speed's apartment building for fifteen minutes before good sense prevailed. They parted knowing that in the end sleep would be better for them and this could be picked up in the, hopefully, near future.

It was not until nine days after that, with the murderer now in custody, that they managed to follow up their initial plans.

Their resolve to take things slow had been severely tested by the forced time apart, just when they most waned to be together. So, not trusting themselves to enjoy a meal in public they agreed to go back to Horatio's house and order take out.

Horatio had barely closed the door behind himself and Speed when he snaked out an arm, wrapping it around Speed's waist and manoeuvring him back against the wall. Horatio immediately crashed his lips against Speed's, locking them in a passionate kiss. His hands roamed Speed's body, seeking out contact. Horatio's appetite had been whetted by their vehicular make out session, since then he had suffered nine days of frustration. As a result he was now more than eager to move things along with Speed.

Speed pushed Horatio's jacket off his shoulders, losing himself in the sensation of hands roaming over his body.

Horatio ran his hands over Speed's chest, exploring under his t-shirt. When his hands came into contact with Speed's belt buckle Horatio began undoing it. His efforts were thwarted by Speed who took hold of Horatio's hands and redirected them back under his t-shirt to continue their earlier work. They maintained this position for another few minutes until Horatio once again began moving things south. Once more he was stopped by Speed.

Sensing a definite hesitancy from Speed, Horatio broke away from the kiss. He took the separation a step further, literally, by backing away from Speed and releasing all physical contact.

Both men were breathing hard. Neither spoke as they each tried to regain control of themselves.

"What's wrong?" Horatio asked finally.

Speed didn't answer right away. Eventually he simply mumbled, "Nothing," without looking up at Horatio.

Horatio took a step forward, re-entering Speed's personal space. "Tim, look at me," he demanded forcefully. Speed obeyed. "What, is wrong?"

Speed looked away again, "Can we just, sit and talk for a minute?" he asked quietly.

Horatio nodded taking a step back, allowing Speed to walk ahead of him into the living room.

They sat at opposite sides of the couch.

"Look, things were just going a little fast for me, ok." Speed stated, hoping that his explanation would satisfy Horatio.

Nodding, Horatio said, "I'm sorry if I was pushing you," he paused, "but I don't think that's what is really bothering you."

Speed knew that Horatio was very good at reading people. That skill appeared to be just as effective when applied to Speed.

"No, its not," Speed admitted.

Horatio didn't say anything; he merely waited for Speed to continue.

"Its not, that I don't want this." Horatio nodded, accepting that this was not a rejection on Speed's part. "I want this. There have been times this week when you have been all that I could think about." Horatio smiled to himself, flattered by Speed's attention.

Speed took a deep breath considering what to say next. "I, uh," he hesitated, "I haven't been with that many guys. And, even those few times haven't really meant anything to me. This means something, H. You mean something to me," Speed said softly, glancing over at Horatio. "Every time I've been with a guy before, it has been about a quick fuck. I guess I just got nervous."

Horatio reached along the back of the couch, taking Speed's hand in his own.

"I've had relationships with both men and women. I'm comfortable doing whatever you are comfortable with, whenever you are ready," Horatio explained, lightly caressing Speed's knuckles with his thumb.

Speed nodded gratefully; glad that Horatio understood where he was coming from.

"So, how about how about we go back to the original plan of ordering in some take-out and watching the game?" Horatio asked, reaching for the phone.

Horatio and Speed lay comfortably together on the couch. Speed was lying with his back against Horatio's chest, their hands joined together on his own chest, feet dangling off the side of the couch.

They lay watching the game, neither really paying it that much attention, simply enjoying being in such close proximity to each other.

"When you said you are comfortable with whatever I am, what exactly did you mean?" Speed asked suddenly.

Taken slightly by surprise, Horatio took a moment to consider his answer. "I meant that you are running the show. If I go too fast for you, just let me know and I will back off. We will do… things," Horatio said with a smile, "however you want." Pausing Horatio decided to be completely frank, "Speed, I've been 'around the sexual block' a few times. There isn't a lot I'm not comfortable doing. Alright?"

Speed nodded, satisfied with Horatio's response.

Tuning slightly, Speed leaned up and kissed Horatio softly.

"I should probably head home," Speed said when they broke apart.

Horatio was threading his fingers through Speed's hair, "You don't have to."

Speed looked up at him, confused.

"You can stay here, if you want."

Speed still didn't say anything.

"Just to sleep." Horatio added with a smile, "I promise to keep my hands to myself."

Speed laughed and leaned up to kiss Horatio again. When they broke apart he said, "Thanks, H."

Horatio moved to sit up, dislodging Speed from his position.

"Come on, we'll be more comfortable in bed."

Horatio took Speed's hand and led him to his bedroom.

"There are extra toiletries in the bathroom, help yourself."

The pair settled down into bed fifteen minutes later, resuming the same position they had been in on the couch, except now they were both stripped down to their boxer shorts.

The exhaustion and stress of their last case finally caught up with them and they fell asleep quickly, comfortably wrapped up in each others arms.