Friends and Family: Past and Present (7/7)
Title: Past and Present (7/7)
Author: Aeon Cole
Beta: posting this as I write it so no beta, all mistakes are my own
Rating: FRT
Warning: Slash
Fandom: CSI: Miami
Pairing: Horatio/Speed
Series: Friends and Family
Challenge: 20 Established Relationships // table
Prompt: #17 Home
Word Count: 2200
Summary: Horatio and Tim get ready to celebrate their second anniversary as they investigate a murder at Michael’s apartment complex. But not everything turns out the way they hope when Michael becomes ill.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
As they got ready for bed Tim noticed that Horatio seemed distracted and was more quiet than usual. He glanced over at him. "Ok, spill it," he said.
Horatio looked up and stared at him for a moment as if he hadn't understood what he'd said. "Huh?" he responded.
Tim smirked. "What's up with the silent treatment?"
"Oh, sorry," Horatio said quickly.
He needed to talk to Tim about Michael and he knew it wasn't going to be easy. He had hoped to put this off until after the party tomorrow so as not to spoil the mood but he'd had a talk with Michael the night before and obviously he was having trouble keeping a secret.
"I, um… There's something I need to talk to you about," he said.
Something in Horatio's tone told Tim that this was serious. He walked over and took a seat on the bed next to Horatio. "What is it?"
"It's about your father. Last night, while you were cleaning up from dinner, he confided in me about something. He didn't want me to say anything until after the party tomorrow," Horatio began to explain.
"Horatio, what about my father?" Tim said, getting impatient.
"I think it would be a good idea if he stays here rather than going back to his apartment." Tim looked confused. He knew his father was very independent and he couldn't imagine him not wanting to be on his own. Horatio took Tim's hand. "He's not well. He can't manage on his own anymore. I don't know if you're actually seeing it or not but he can barely walk and his headaches are becoming more frequent." He could see what he was saying was beginning to upset his partner but he had to tell him the truth. "I don't think he has much more time. He should spend what time he has here with us, not alone."
"Is, um, is that what he said to you?" Tim asked, not meeting Horatio's eyes.
Horatio nodded. "Mmm hmm. He says he's having too much trouble managing on his own. He says it's gotten much worse the past few days." Tim rested his head on Horatio's shoulder. "I know this is difficult for you," Horatio said as he placed an arm around him. "But he wants to be with you, with us, for whatever time he has left."
ooo
Tim stood at the kitchen counter absently fixing himself some breakfast. He'd been standing there with a knife in his hand staring blankly at a piece of toast for a few minutes. He'd had a restless night with his dreams disturbed by images of his father in danger. He hadn't thought that things were so bad for his father but he supposed it was possible that he was only seeing what he wanted to see and not what was really there. He heard a noise behind him and turned to see his father slowly making his way into the kitchen. He stared for a moment noticing for what seemed like the first time just how old and frail he looked and it scared him a little.
He forced a smile and said, "Hey, dad."
Michael looked up and smiled back as he made his way to the chair. "Mornin'."
Tim noticed he was having some trouble with the chair and hurried over to help. "Let me get that for you," he said. He realized just how bad things had gotten the past couple of days for Michael when he didn't protest being helped into the chair. "You want some
breakfast?" Tim asked trying to keep his tone light.
"Some coffee to get the old heart started," Michael joked tapping his chest.
Tim chuckled and placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of Michael who nodded his thanks and took a sip from the cup. They sat together in silence for a few minutes while Tim observed his father closely. He noticed his hands shaking slightly as he picked up the coffee cup. He slowly became aware of all of the wrinkles around his father's gaunt face. For the first time he made himself really look at the man closely and had to close his eyes for a moment as he realized what Horatio had said to him the night before was true. Michael was not well. He didn't have much time left. And suddenly Tim wished he could make him live forever. But at the same time the reality that he couldn't possibly do that came crashing down on him. For too many years he had wanted nothing to do with Michael and now he only wanted him around for as long as possible. He came to a
decision.
"Dad?" Michael looked up at him. "I was wondering about something. Do you like it here? At the house, I mean."
"Yeah, it's a really nice place. Why do you ask?"
"Well, um, I was thinking. Why don't you stay here with us? Instead of going back to the apartment, I mean. We both love having you here and, well, Oscar and Cloe seem to get along and you've got your own room. This place is big enough for three of us. What do you think?"
Michael smirked. "You've been talking to Horatio," he said.
Tim shrugged. "We both agree on this, dad."
"I'll think about it. How's that?"
"All I'm asking for, dad." Tim said. "Now let me get you some breakfast." Michael rolled his eyes.
ooo
Horatio wandered into the living room while talking on his cell phone. "I understand. Well I hope they get him. I'm just glad to be rid of it, myself." He listened for a moment then said, "Thanks for calling," then snapped the phone shut and slipped it back into his
pocket. He looked over at Tim and Michael. "It seems the feds have tracked Terrance Cleveland's killer back to New Jersey."
"No surprise there," Tim said.
"No, not really," Horatio said. "But since the guy crossed state lines to escape the feds have taken the case completely over. They are taking all the files back to the New York office. So it's out of our hands now."
"They'll never get him," Michael said. Both men looked at him. "He's probably dead already, if I know Tony."
Tim's cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. "Hello," he said.
"Hey, buddy, it's Jeff. I was wondering if you had some time to come over and help me with something today."
Tim smirked. He couldn't resist teasing his friend just a bit. "Oh, man, I don't know. I'm kinda busy today, Jeff." He looked over at Horatio was wasn't even trying to keep a straight face.
"I promise it will only take a minute," Jeff said, sounding just a little desperate.
Tim tried very hard not to laugh. He sighed dramatically. "Ok, I'll be there in couple of minutes."
"Thanks. Oh, and, bring Horatio. It's a three man job," Jeff said before he hung up.
Tim snapped his phone shut and started laughing. "I thought he was going to have a heart attack for a moment there." He glanced over at Horatio. "Time to be surprised," he said.
ooo
Michael sat in the corner of the living room watching the festivities. His wife had done a good job setting everything up and getting everyone there. There was music and food and lots of his son’s friends. He recognized a few people but most he had to be introduced to. He realized that Tim and Horatio had a lot of friends and he was glad of that because he knew that soon enough his son would need his friends.
Arya wandered over to her husband and took a seat next to him. He glanced at her and smiled. “It’s a great party, Ary. You did a good job putting it all together.”
He held out his hand and she took it. They sat together in silence for a while just watching their son laugh and have fun with his friends. It had been a very long time since they had been able to enjoy such a simple thing together. Michael sighed but it came out as more of a wheeze.
“You remember when we used to do this. When he was little?” he asked. Arya smiled, a sad smile, and nodded. “I’m glad I had the chance to do it again,” he said and gave her hand a squeeze.
Arya was content to just sit with Michael. She could tell when she saw him walk in that he wasn’t well. He’d been keeping her at arms length this past month and now she knew why. She knew that he knew that he couldn’t keep something like his failing health from her. She would see right through his façade. She knew him too well. In fact she knew him better than even he realized.
From across the room Horatio caught sight of his in-laws sitting on the sofa holding hands. He nudged Tim and cocked his head toward the sofa. Tim smiled. Horatio whispered something in his ear. Tim nodded and Horatio pulled a small digital camera out of his pocket as they walked over to Michael and Arya. He smiled at them.
“How about a picture?” he asked.
Arya moved over and let Tim sit between her and Michael. Tim placed an arm around each of his parents and Horatio took a couple of pictures. After, Horatio turned his camera on the rest of the party leaving Tim a few minutes alone with his parents.
“Thanks for all of this, mom. It was a nice surprise,” he said.
“Well thank you for saying so, Timmy,” Arya said. “But I don’t believe for a second that you were actually surprised. You wouldn’t be much of a CSI if a little thing like this could surprise you.”
Tim chuckled and exchanged a look with his father. “We didn’t want to spoil your fun,” he said turning back to his mother. He pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
Horatio stood with Alexx at the other side of the room. She looked over at the three on the sofa then back to Horatio. “Michael doesn’t look good, Horatio,” she said.
The redhead sighed. “He’s not. We’ve been talking. He’s tired of fighting,” he said shaking his head.
“How’s Timmy dealing with it?” she asked with motherly concern.
Again Horatio sighed. “When I said we’ve been talking, I meant Michael and me. I had a talk with Tim last night but I’m not sure the extent of everything has sunk in yet.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You know you can call me anytime if you need to talk, Horatio. Don’t try to deal with this on your own.”
Horatio nodded. “Thanks, Alexx,” he said just as Tim wandered over.
“Hey, Timmy,” Alexx said and pulled him into a hug. “Congratulations, baby.”
Tim hugged her back. “Thanks, Alexx,” he replied.
She pulled back but kept her hands on his arms. “You enjoying your party?”
Tim smiled. “Yeah. You and my mom did a great job. Thanks.”
ooo
Both Horatio and Tim said good-bye to each of their guests as they left. Tim looked over at the sofa where his mother and father were talking. “We should probably get my dad home. He looks tired.” Horatio agreed and they headed over to join Michael and Arya. “Hey, dad. You ready to go?”
Arya helped Michael to stand up and he gave her a quick kiss. She caught Horatio’s eye, silently asking to speak privately with him. “Um, Tim, why don’t you help Michael out to the car. I think I left my camera in the other room. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Sure, we’ll meet you out there,” Tim replied.
Once they were out the door, Arya said, “Thanks for taking Michael in, Horatio. But he’s much worse than I thought and I’m worried, more worried about Tim than Michael. Michael’s come to terms with everything. I get the feeling Tim hasn’t.”
Horatio pulled the older woman into a hug. “He’s beginning to. I know it won’t be easy but he’s a survivor.”
ooo
Michael said good night to Tim and Horatio. He gave his son a hug and shook Horatio’s hand. He thanked them for letting him stay in their home then he slowly made his way to his room and closed the door. He sat on the edge of the bed and kicked off his shoes then lay down.
He was tired, bone tired, soul tired. He couldn’t fight it any longer. He could hear sounds out in the house; Tim rummaging around in the kitchen, Horatio on the phone. He closed his eyes and listened. A sense of piece washed over him as the sounds began to slowly fade into the background. He tried to open his eyes but his body wasn’t responding to his commands any longer. He felt a twinge in his chest and he gasped just slightly but the sound went unnoticed outside the room. As the background sounds finally faded away, Michael’s final thoughts were with his wife and son.
Fin
AN: Yes I’m ending it there for now. This story will continue with the next installment of the series.
Author: Aeon Cole
Beta: posting this as I write it so no beta, all mistakes are my own
Rating: FRT
Warning: Slash
Fandom: CSI: Miami
Pairing: Horatio/Speed
Series: Friends and Family
Challenge: 20 Established Relationships // table
Prompt: #17 Home
Word Count: 2200
Summary: Horatio and Tim get ready to celebrate their second anniversary as they investigate a murder at Michael’s apartment complex. But not everything turns out the way they hope when Michael becomes ill.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
As they got ready for bed Tim noticed that Horatio seemed distracted and was more quiet than usual. He glanced over at him. "Ok, spill it," he said.
Horatio looked up and stared at him for a moment as if he hadn't understood what he'd said. "Huh?" he responded.
Tim smirked. "What's up with the silent treatment?"
"Oh, sorry," Horatio said quickly.
He needed to talk to Tim about Michael and he knew it wasn't going to be easy. He had hoped to put this off until after the party tomorrow so as not to spoil the mood but he'd had a talk with Michael the night before and obviously he was having trouble keeping a secret.
"I, um… There's something I need to talk to you about," he said.
Something in Horatio's tone told Tim that this was serious. He walked over and took a seat on the bed next to Horatio. "What is it?"
"It's about your father. Last night, while you were cleaning up from dinner, he confided in me about something. He didn't want me to say anything until after the party tomorrow," Horatio began to explain.
"Horatio, what about my father?" Tim said, getting impatient.
"I think it would be a good idea if he stays here rather than going back to his apartment." Tim looked confused. He knew his father was very independent and he couldn't imagine him not wanting to be on his own. Horatio took Tim's hand. "He's not well. He can't manage on his own anymore. I don't know if you're actually seeing it or not but he can barely walk and his headaches are becoming more frequent." He could see what he was saying was beginning to upset his partner but he had to tell him the truth. "I don't think he has much more time. He should spend what time he has here with us, not alone."
"Is, um, is that what he said to you?" Tim asked, not meeting Horatio's eyes.
Horatio nodded. "Mmm hmm. He says he's having too much trouble managing on his own. He says it's gotten much worse the past few days." Tim rested his head on Horatio's shoulder. "I know this is difficult for you," Horatio said as he placed an arm around him. "But he wants to be with you, with us, for whatever time he has left."
ooo
Tim stood at the kitchen counter absently fixing himself some breakfast. He'd been standing there with a knife in his hand staring blankly at a piece of toast for a few minutes. He'd had a restless night with his dreams disturbed by images of his father in danger. He hadn't thought that things were so bad for his father but he supposed it was possible that he was only seeing what he wanted to see and not what was really there. He heard a noise behind him and turned to see his father slowly making his way into the kitchen. He stared for a moment noticing for what seemed like the first time just how old and frail he looked and it scared him a little.
He forced a smile and said, "Hey, dad."
Michael looked up and smiled back as he made his way to the chair. "Mornin'."
Tim noticed he was having some trouble with the chair and hurried over to help. "Let me get that for you," he said. He realized just how bad things had gotten the past couple of days for Michael when he didn't protest being helped into the chair. "You want some
breakfast?" Tim asked trying to keep his tone light.
"Some coffee to get the old heart started," Michael joked tapping his chest.
Tim chuckled and placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of Michael who nodded his thanks and took a sip from the cup. They sat together in silence for a few minutes while Tim observed his father closely. He noticed his hands shaking slightly as he picked up the coffee cup. He slowly became aware of all of the wrinkles around his father's gaunt face. For the first time he made himself really look at the man closely and had to close his eyes for a moment as he realized what Horatio had said to him the night before was true. Michael was not well. He didn't have much time left. And suddenly Tim wished he could make him live forever. But at the same time the reality that he couldn't possibly do that came crashing down on him. For too many years he had wanted nothing to do with Michael and now he only wanted him around for as long as possible. He came to a
decision.
"Dad?" Michael looked up at him. "I was wondering about something. Do you like it here? At the house, I mean."
"Yeah, it's a really nice place. Why do you ask?"
"Well, um, I was thinking. Why don't you stay here with us? Instead of going back to the apartment, I mean. We both love having you here and, well, Oscar and Cloe seem to get along and you've got your own room. This place is big enough for three of us. What do you think?"
Michael smirked. "You've been talking to Horatio," he said.
Tim shrugged. "We both agree on this, dad."
"I'll think about it. How's that?"
"All I'm asking for, dad." Tim said. "Now let me get you some breakfast." Michael rolled his eyes.
ooo
Horatio wandered into the living room while talking on his cell phone. "I understand. Well I hope they get him. I'm just glad to be rid of it, myself." He listened for a moment then said, "Thanks for calling," then snapped the phone shut and slipped it back into his
pocket. He looked over at Tim and Michael. "It seems the feds have tracked Terrance Cleveland's killer back to New Jersey."
"No surprise there," Tim said.
"No, not really," Horatio said. "But since the guy crossed state lines to escape the feds have taken the case completely over. They are taking all the files back to the New York office. So it's out of our hands now."
"They'll never get him," Michael said. Both men looked at him. "He's probably dead already, if I know Tony."
Tim's cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. "Hello," he said.
"Hey, buddy, it's Jeff. I was wondering if you had some time to come over and help me with something today."
Tim smirked. He couldn't resist teasing his friend just a bit. "Oh, man, I don't know. I'm kinda busy today, Jeff." He looked over at Horatio was wasn't even trying to keep a straight face.
"I promise it will only take a minute," Jeff said, sounding just a little desperate.
Tim tried very hard not to laugh. He sighed dramatically. "Ok, I'll be there in couple of minutes."
"Thanks. Oh, and, bring Horatio. It's a three man job," Jeff said before he hung up.
Tim snapped his phone shut and started laughing. "I thought he was going to have a heart attack for a moment there." He glanced over at Horatio. "Time to be surprised," he said.
ooo
Michael sat in the corner of the living room watching the festivities. His wife had done a good job setting everything up and getting everyone there. There was music and food and lots of his son’s friends. He recognized a few people but most he had to be introduced to. He realized that Tim and Horatio had a lot of friends and he was glad of that because he knew that soon enough his son would need his friends.
Arya wandered over to her husband and took a seat next to him. He glanced at her and smiled. “It’s a great party, Ary. You did a good job putting it all together.”
He held out his hand and she took it. They sat together in silence for a while just watching their son laugh and have fun with his friends. It had been a very long time since they had been able to enjoy such a simple thing together. Michael sighed but it came out as more of a wheeze.
“You remember when we used to do this. When he was little?” he asked. Arya smiled, a sad smile, and nodded. “I’m glad I had the chance to do it again,” he said and gave her hand a squeeze.
Arya was content to just sit with Michael. She could tell when she saw him walk in that he wasn’t well. He’d been keeping her at arms length this past month and now she knew why. She knew that he knew that he couldn’t keep something like his failing health from her. She would see right through his façade. She knew him too well. In fact she knew him better than even he realized.
From across the room Horatio caught sight of his in-laws sitting on the sofa holding hands. He nudged Tim and cocked his head toward the sofa. Tim smiled. Horatio whispered something in his ear. Tim nodded and Horatio pulled a small digital camera out of his pocket as they walked over to Michael and Arya. He smiled at them.
“How about a picture?” he asked.
Arya moved over and let Tim sit between her and Michael. Tim placed an arm around each of his parents and Horatio took a couple of pictures. After, Horatio turned his camera on the rest of the party leaving Tim a few minutes alone with his parents.
“Thanks for all of this, mom. It was a nice surprise,” he said.
“Well thank you for saying so, Timmy,” Arya said. “But I don’t believe for a second that you were actually surprised. You wouldn’t be much of a CSI if a little thing like this could surprise you.”
Tim chuckled and exchanged a look with his father. “We didn’t want to spoil your fun,” he said turning back to his mother. He pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
Horatio stood with Alexx at the other side of the room. She looked over at the three on the sofa then back to Horatio. “Michael doesn’t look good, Horatio,” she said.
The redhead sighed. “He’s not. We’ve been talking. He’s tired of fighting,” he said shaking his head.
“How’s Timmy dealing with it?” she asked with motherly concern.
Again Horatio sighed. “When I said we’ve been talking, I meant Michael and me. I had a talk with Tim last night but I’m not sure the extent of everything has sunk in yet.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “You know you can call me anytime if you need to talk, Horatio. Don’t try to deal with this on your own.”
Horatio nodded. “Thanks, Alexx,” he said just as Tim wandered over.
“Hey, Timmy,” Alexx said and pulled him into a hug. “Congratulations, baby.”
Tim hugged her back. “Thanks, Alexx,” he replied.
She pulled back but kept her hands on his arms. “You enjoying your party?”
Tim smiled. “Yeah. You and my mom did a great job. Thanks.”
ooo
Both Horatio and Tim said good-bye to each of their guests as they left. Tim looked over at the sofa where his mother and father were talking. “We should probably get my dad home. He looks tired.” Horatio agreed and they headed over to join Michael and Arya. “Hey, dad. You ready to go?”
Arya helped Michael to stand up and he gave her a quick kiss. She caught Horatio’s eye, silently asking to speak privately with him. “Um, Tim, why don’t you help Michael out to the car. I think I left my camera in the other room. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Sure, we’ll meet you out there,” Tim replied.
Once they were out the door, Arya said, “Thanks for taking Michael in, Horatio. But he’s much worse than I thought and I’m worried, more worried about Tim than Michael. Michael’s come to terms with everything. I get the feeling Tim hasn’t.”
Horatio pulled the older woman into a hug. “He’s beginning to. I know it won’t be easy but he’s a survivor.”
ooo
Michael said good night to Tim and Horatio. He gave his son a hug and shook Horatio’s hand. He thanked them for letting him stay in their home then he slowly made his way to his room and closed the door. He sat on the edge of the bed and kicked off his shoes then lay down.
He was tired, bone tired, soul tired. He couldn’t fight it any longer. He could hear sounds out in the house; Tim rummaging around in the kitchen, Horatio on the phone. He closed his eyes and listened. A sense of piece washed over him as the sounds began to slowly fade into the background. He tried to open his eyes but his body wasn’t responding to his commands any longer. He felt a twinge in his chest and he gasped just slightly but the sound went unnoticed outside the room. As the background sounds finally faded away, Michael’s final thoughts were with his wife and son.
Fin
AN: Yes I’m ending it there for now. This story will continue with the next installment of the series.