New York State of Mind

My sincerest apologies for making Mac a little fluffy in this chapter. Sure he’s a bit drunk, but I still utterly hate out-of-character moments. It’s all Horatio’s fault. I will be blamed for nothing.

If I get enough positive reviews for the last chapter, I may see about sending Mac out clubbing with Horatio and Speed when he goes down to Miami for “Felony Flight.” And maybe H will bring Speed with him for “Manhattan Manhunt.” Who knows?

The first chapter of “Keeping the Faith” (my Miami fic) has been published, by the way.


This chapter’s warnings: M/M, M/M/M, oral, anal, drunken fluff

This chapter’s pairings: Horatio/Danny, Mac/Danny, and maybe even a bit more Mac/Horatio.

Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time

If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do?
I'm so inspired by you
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Once I thought my innocence was gone
Now I know that happiness goes on
That's where you found me
When you put your arms around me
I haven't been there for the longest time

Billy Joel – "The Longest Time"

“Trust me, Danny. Sex isn’t just about getting your rocks off; it’s about making the other person feel good, too. That’s a good relationship.”

“So your good friend Horatio keeps tellin’ me,” Danny sighed, cradling the phone in the crook of his shoulder.

“H knows what he’s talking about. I wouldn’t be with him if I didn’t trust him like I do.” The voice in Danny’s ear was male, calm, and adamant.

“You might trust him, but I’m kinda worried. I mean, I’m the one that brought it up, and now your man’s doin’ God knows what to Mac.” Head tilted at the odd angle, Danny juggled a large pot, a box of pasta noodles, and assorted utensils around the kitchen, trying to get it all in one trip. “What if Mac ends up hatin’ me ‘cause of this?”

“He won’t,” Tim reassured him. “And if Mac didn’t like what H was doing to him, they’d both be over to your place by now. H wouldn’t do anything that Mac wasn’t comfortable with.”

Danny mumbled something unintelligible, whether in response to Tim’s statement or to the fact that he’d nearly dropped the phone, Tim couldn’t be sure. A loud CLANG!!! in Tim’s ear and a string of muttered curses, followed by the sounds of several other things hitting the floor, did nothing to clarify matters.

“So who’s winning?” Speed asked dryly once the swearing had subsided.

“Hilarious.”

“Well, don’t be too hard on yourself. Floors like to have a good meal every now and then, too.”

“Keep it up, wise guy,” Danny growled as he bent to pick up various fallen objects. “Your friend H—and hey, you mind if I call ‘im H, too?—said he wanted me to have dinner ready by the time they got done.”

“I don’t mind if you call him H. So, what are you making?”

Danny’s triumphant smile was detectable even on the other end of the phone. “One of my Mama’s old recipes… I’m thinkin’ prosciutto crudo and tagliatelle Parmigiano. I had to do some shoppin’ after work, but I think it’ll be worth it.”

“So, ham and noodles with cheese, basically.”

“Don’t knock it. They don’t sell stuff this good at the Festival of San Gennaro.”

“I’m not knocking it, it sounds good. Anything special for dessert?”

“Cannoli.”

“You picked up some cannoli? Lucky bastard.”

“Yeah… and I woulda made ‘em myself, but I don’t think I could do Mama’s recipe justice.”

“My aunt gave me a great recipe for lasagna. It’s so good, Horatio offers me sexual favors if I’ll make a pan.” Tim made himself sound smug and enticing.

Danny cackled. “That good, eh? Care to share with the world?”

“Sorry, family recipe.” Tim snickered. “You show me yours, and I’ll show you mine.”

“You got yourself a deal.”


Mac and Horatio were quiet on the cab ride over to Danny’s. Part of it may have had something to do with the fact that Mac was still slightly inebriated, not to mention sexed out of his mind. What few brain cells he could spare, he devoted to thinking about all he’d learned about himself, and about Danny.

“First thing I’m gonna do is apologize,” Mac muttered suddenly. “I was an ass, and I was stupid, and I need to say I’m sorry.”

Horatio glanced over at him. “That’s good of you, Mac, and I’m proud of you. Now, tell me again why you drank a third of the wine?”

Mac shrugged. “Easier to deal with some hard truths that way.”

“Amen to that,” the cabby piped up.

Horatio took on a pained look. “Don’t encourage him, please.” For the most part, the redhead was just as calm and composed as when he’d stepped off the airplane. He only seemed slightly apprehensive whenever Mac had to walk or speak. Public intoxication wasn’t something that Horatio wanted to go on the man’s record.

It takes a special sort of person, Mac thought, to put somebody through what I’ve just gone through and look that calm.

Finally the cab pulled up to the curb. Horatio paid the fare and exited the cab, walking around to help Mac up. Thankfully the man had been gifted with wonderful physical coordination, because if he hadn’t, Horatio would’ve been peeling him off the sidewalk. The cabby looked at them for a minute. “You need a hand?” he asked finally, and Horatio smiled and shook his head as he slung Mac’s arm over his shoulder.

Once inside the building, Mac managed (mostly) to walk on his own whenever other people appeared, but when they were alone he was content to lean on Horatio. Such a dependable person, Mac thought, and he really had to admire that. “You’re a great guy, Horatio, you know that?”

Horatio just looked at him and kept moving.

“Tenth floor,” Mac muttered as they reached the elevator. He stabbed a finger out and managed to hit the correct button on the first try.

“Why,” sighed Horatio, “did I let you get hold of that wine bottle?”

Mac looked at him, eyes remarkably focused. “I’m a big boy, Horatio. I can take care of myself.”

“You also have one of the lowest tolerance levels I’ve ever seen.”

“And that’s why I don’t drink much,” Mac nodded as the elevator dinged and the two men stepped inside. The ride up was silent, and the brushed steel doors parted on Danny’s floor. Peering into the hall to make sure they were alone, Mac leaned on the redhead and pointed in the general direction of Danny’s apartment. “I come from a line of teetotalers, so obviously tolerance is hereditary.” A bit of the brilliant criminalist flashed through the haze.

“Obviously. I think Speed could drink you under the table, and he’s not much of a drinker either.” The redhead paused. “He’s also Irish by blood, like me.”

“That’s cheating,” Mac protested as they arrived in front of the door.


Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest

I'm that voice you're hearing in the hall
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me, too
That hasn't happened for the longest time

Maybe this won't last very long
But you feel so right
And I could be wrong
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
But I've gone this far
And it's more than I hoped for

Billy Joel – "The Longest Time"

Danny heard muffled voices in the hallway as he stuck a pasta fork in the pot, testing the doneness of the noodles. “What’s that sound?” Tim’s voice asked. Danny had wised up, and set the phone to speaker.

“They’re here,” Danny replied. A wave of nervousness washed over him.

“Don’t be nervous, Danny,” Speed read his mind. “And don’t let that pot boil over!”

“You gotta camera in here or somethin’?” Danny groused as he turned the heat down a little. Tim started to reply, but a knock sounded on the door. “Comin’!!”

Pasta fork in one hand, a stained once-white apron from his mother tied around his waist with the top half hanging down (every good chef needed an apron, she’d argued, but Danny refused to wear it properly), Danny jogged to the door and opened it without even looking through the peephole.

“Hey, Horatio,” the Italian said as he shook the man’s hand. His gaze shifted, and his voice cracked slightly. “Hey, Mac.”

“Hey, Danny,” Mac stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the younger man in a bear hug. “I’m sorry for the way I was acting.”

Danny couldn’t reply; he was too busy trying to support the Marine’s weight when Horatio rescued him, helping Mac back upright. Danny was silent for a full five seconds before exploding. “You got him drunk?!”

“He did it to himself!” Horatio bit back defensively. “When we were done, I was putting everything away, and when I was ready to go he was on the couch with the bottle in his hand and a third of the wine missing.”

“Mac, whassa matter with you?” Danny groaned, slipping an arm on Mac’s other side, and the two sober men walked Mac to the couch. He didn’t land so much as sink slowly down, and he stared at Danny with hazy eyes.

“Hey, H!” Tim’s voice called from the phone still sitting in the kitchen.

“Speed! Hey, how are you doing?” Horatio greeted and moved toward the sound, leaving Danny alone with Mac.

Danny knelt, looking up at the man. “Mac, what’d you go and get drunk for?” Concern flooded his voice. “Man, I knew I shouldn’t’a said anything to Horatio…”

“It wasn’t him,” Mac interrupted, patting Danny’s shoulder. “It was me.” He tugged on Danny’s arm, convincing the younger man to sit on the couch with him. “He opened my eyes, Danny. I had no idea what I’ve been putting you through. I’ve been a rude, selfish bastard and I’m sorry.”

“How’d it go?” Tim asked once Horatio had taken the phone off speaker and put it to his ear.

“I think it went well, except for the end. Danny told me that Mac hardly ever drinks, so I figured a few glasses of wine would be a good way to relax him.” Horatio rubbed his forehead. “What Danny didn’t tell me was that Mac rarely drinks because he has a tolerance level lower than you do.”

Tim groaned. “Will he remember everything?”

“Hard to tell, but I think so. He’s not very coordinated right now, and he’s told me three times what a wonderful person he thinks I am, but his mind is still functioning.”

“Well, good, I’m glad. So, mission accomplished?”

“Mission accomplished, partner,” Horatio smiled, and he could feel the apprehension leaving Tim even through the miles that separated them. “So, you and Danny seemed to be hitting it off.”

“Yeah, we are. I have some good news and some bad news on that, though.”

Horatio quirked an eyebrow. “Bad news first.”

“I gave him our lasagna recipe.”

The other eyebrow lifted. “This had better be good…”

“He gave me his mom’s recipe for cannoli. And by the way, the word cannoli is the plural one. You wanna say just one, it’s cannolo. But yeah, I can make ‘em now.”

The redhead blinked. “I forgive you.”

Tim laughed, and Horatio basked in the infectious warmth of the sound. “I miss you, Speed.”

“Miss you, too, H. You bringing me any souveniers?”

Tim didn’t have to see the dark grin on his lover’s face as he replied, “Actually, I am. Mac’s letting me keep his… replica, and it’s quite a specimen.”

Horatio stepped back into the living room, the phone still on his shoulder, and he couldn’t hold back a smile at the sight of Mac and Danny entwined on the couch, Mac on his back and Danny cradled in his arms. They weren’t moving, simply holding each other, and Horatio broke into a satisfied smile as he headed back into the kitchen. Things were all right between the two New Yorkers, and now the redhead turned his attention to the stove. “So, Speed, what still needs to be done with this food?”

Roughly ten minutes later, Horatio stepped back into the living room, catching low voices. Mac and Danny hadn’t changed positions, but they were speaking quietly to each other, and every now and then one of them would place a soft kiss on the other’s lips. Horatio couldn’t resist another smile; they just looked happy together, now.

“I hate to interrupt you two,” Horatio started, and Danny’s head popped up, Mac craning his neck to see over the back of the couch, “but dinner is ready.”

“Dinner!” Danny yelped, starting to clamber off Mac, when Horatio held up a hand for quiet.

“It’s all right, Danny, Speed helped me out with the last bits of it. I just thought you might like some while it’s still warm.”

Danny started moving again, this time with less urgency, and once he was up Mac struggled to a seated position. “I’m feeling sober enough to tell you that I’m starving,” the Marine announced. “I haven’t eaten since lunch.”

Horatio ducked his head. “That’s not true. You had a roll or two at the hotel… and a protein shake.”

Danny snickered. “You guys are never going to tell me what H did to Mac, are you?” He glanced between them, and their eyes were suddenly elsewhere.

“That’s need-to-know, Danny. You know, classified.” Mac tried to explain.

“Classified.”

“Yeah, like… to hell with it. No, I may never tell you what he did to me. All I’ll tell you is that he shed some light on some very dark subjects.”

“And hopefully gave you a few ideas,” Horatio put in, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“There is that,” Mac agreed, trying to stand and suddenly deciding that it wasn’t a good idea. “Danny, mind if we eat on the couch?”

“Sure, it’s fine,” Danny said, moving toward Horatio and the food. “Be right back, Mac.”

Suddenly alone with Horatio in the kitchen, Danny stared at him before finally giving a long sigh. “I don’t know what the hell ya did to him, H, but thanks.”

Horatio smiled over at him. “It was my pleasure, Danny.”

“I’m sure it was,” Tim’s voice cackled from the phone, back on speaker, and Horatio coughed.

“Silence, you. You’ll get your turn when I get back.” The redhead mock-growled, and Speed laughed. “I’m not joking, Speed. The second thing I’m doing when I get home is setting my bag down.”

“Glad to know that I’m so high on your list of priorities,” Speed retorted, and Danny couldn’t help laughing. They were just so, so casual about it, so unlike him and Mac.

“You guys always like this?” Danny asked, incredulous.

“More or less,” was the chorused reply, which set all three of them snickering again.

“C’mon, let’s feed the Marine before he starves,” Tim urged. “H, if I don’t talk to you again tonight, then call me in the morning before court, okay?”

“Okay. Love you, Speed.”

“Love ya back, H.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up, and Horatio turned to see Danny staring slack-jawed. The Italian sputtered. “You… you guys actually say that to each other?”

The redhead was perfectly calm. “Yes we do, and we mean it.” He paused, eyeing the Italian. “We may have a somewhat open relationship, but there’s no doubt in my mind that we belong with each other.”

Danny fell silent, eyes suddenly closed with longing. “Must be nice,” he sighed.

“Danny,” Horatio soothed, moving closer to the younger man and putting an arm around his shoulder, “I can’t pretend to know what’s going on between you and Mac. I do know that he will definitely be more considerate towards you from now on, but on the emotional level, that’s up to him, and to you. Speed and I love each other dearly, but there are still very few people that know about us. As far as the general public is concerned, Speed is living with me because he’s only got one functioning hand, and I’m helping him take care of himself.”

Danny blinked at him. “He didn’t tell me that.”

“Well, he doesn’t tell everyone he talks to over the phone, because at least they treat him normally. He hates being babied.” The redhead sighed as he began opening cabinets, looking for cups. “About a month and a half ago, we were working a kidnapping case that led us to a jewelry store. The store ‘security’ opened fire, and Speed caught a slug squarely in the joint of his right shoulder. Blew it completely apart.” Horatio’s blue eyes were both hard and sad as he filled the cups with ice. “His arm has been in a brace and sling for the entire time since that day.”

“And so he moved in with you so you could take care of him, but you two are really…?” Danny cracked a smile.

Horatio’s face wasn’t so light. “Well, yes, I am helping him take care of himself. And I’m extremely glad that this gives us an excuse to live together. Once his arm heals up… I don’t know what I’m going to do. We’ll either have to go public, or he’ll have to move out.”

“Why?”

“Well… only a few people know that he only likes men, and even fewer still know that I’m sleeping with him. It’s not exactly normal, that a fifty-ish man (presumed straight) and a thirty-ish man (homosexual) become roommates without there being some sort of… fringe benefits.” Horatio couldn’t help but twitch a smile at that one. “Tim was my subordinate when we first started seeing each other. And at the moment, his former best friend hates him, because that friend is a devout Catholic.”

“And sodomy’s a mortal sin, right?”

“Right,” Horatio nodded. “And that friend also works for me… and I’ve become quite fond of him. Not in that way; I’ve got my hands full with Speed. But if Eric were to find out, he’d see it as a betrayal, and he’d never be able to trust me again.”

“I can see where ya’d have a problem with that,” Danny mused. Suddenly he slumped against the refrigerator, a look of desolation on his face. “I don’t know what me and Mac are gonna do, honestly. Mac’s the ‘all-American Hero’ kinda guy, ya know? I don’t think he could ever go public with this kinda thing.”

All Horatio could do was stare sadly at the younger man, eyes heavy with compassion. “I can’t tell you what to do, Danny. All I can tell you is that you’re not the only one with this problem. I wish there was another way, but there isn’t. Whatever happens, it’s going to be rough.”

“Yeah…”

A muffled thump interrupted their thoughts, and they both poked their heads around the corner to see Mac tugging off his other shoe, dropping it next to its mate with an identical muted thud. They looked at the Marine, who looked back innocently. “You two finished bonding yet?” Mac inquired calmly. “I’m still hungry.”

Danny and Horatio traded looks, sharing a grin. “Yeah,” Danny cackled. “Yeah, we’re comin’. Hold your horses, Mac, food’s on the way.”

Who knows how much further we'll go on?
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time

I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself
Hold on to your heart
Now I know the woman that you are
You're wonderful so far
And it's more than I hoped for

Billy Joel – "The Longest Time"

“Danny, I have to tell you,” Horatio began, wiping his mouth politely with a napkin, “that that was some of the best Italian food I’ve eaten in a while.”

Danny ducked his head. “Thanks, but I thought Tim was a good cook.” Horatio merely looked at him, and suddenly Danny coughed. “Oh yeah, his arm, right.”

“He’s getting to be very good at doing things with one hand. He’s a very intelligent man, and very adaptable.” Horatio set his plate on the little table next to the easy chair he was sitting in, reaching for his beer. “Honestly, I’m amazed at all he’s capable of now. He still needs help with a lot of things, but at least I’ve convinced him to start using the dishwasher rather than trying to wash everything by hand.” He took a long drink, set the bottle back down. “He still insists on washing his good cookware himself. Doesn’t trust my machine.”

“I’ll bet he’s got no problems typin’ with one hand, though,” Danny said with an evil little laugh, and Horatio chuckled. Sitting next to Danny on the couch, Mac just looked puzzled, and Danny explained. “C’mon, Mac, every red-blooded man in the world has had practice typin’ with one hand on the computer, because the other one’s…” he trailed off, making a hand motion that suggested masturbation, and Mac snorted.

“Can’t say I’ve done that,” Mac said after a while.

Horatio quirked an eyebrow. “Never?”

Mac scratched the back of his neck. “Not in recent memory, anyway,” he admitted, and Danny snickered at that.

Horatio stood, stretched a little. “I believe I’ll take the dishes, gentlemen, and let you two talk for a while.” Danny started to protest—Horatio was the guest, after all—but a stern look from the blue eyes stopped him. Meekly Danny handed over his plate and Mac’s, and the redhead picked up his own on the way back to the kitchen.

Mac and Danny sat in silence for a while. Eventually the Marine spoke up. “So… anything you want to say to me? God knows, I probably deserve it.”

Danny gave a half-shrug as he snuggled up next to the muscular form. “I’m just glad you’re not mad at me for talkin’ to Horatio about this.”

“I’m not,” Mac said emphatically as he draped an arm over the slim shoulders. “In fact, I’m glad you did. I had no idea how badly—“

“Don’t talk about it anymore,” Danny interrupted quietly, and impulsively leaned up for a quick kiss. “I forgive ya, Mac. Just don’t ever forget about it, eh?”

Mac gave a slow smile. “Thank you, Danny,” he whispered, pressing another light kiss to the Italian’s lips.

Danny didn’t answer; he simply laid a gentle hand on Mac’s chest in a quiet request for more. Mac obliged, deepening the kiss, and Danny slid his lips open. It was as though a switch flipped, and Mac gave an aroused sigh as his tongue slipped into his lover’s mouth.

Danny gave a quiet moan, the hand on Mac’s chest sliding up to weave gentle fingers in the soft brown hair. Mac responded in kind, his hands gliding along Danny’s waist to travel slowly up the younger man’s back. The Marine leaned back, pulling Danny down on top of him with gentle insistence, and the Italian settled himself comfortably on the muscular body, their forms molding as if made for each other.

Danny was in Heaven; every time that he and Mac had fucked, it had been just that: fucking. Maybe a little making out beforehand, in order to get the blood pumping, but this… Mac had never been so gentle, so loving before. Those broad hands slid up and down Danny’s slender frame, learning the contours of the body that Mac had thought he knew so well.

The kiss is the most sensual act there is, involving all five senses. To Danny and Mac, each of those senses was alive and on fire as they lay there, touching, kissing, just enjoying each other. Finally Mac’s hands rested on Danny’s shoulder blades, pausing, and then the fingers curled in a gentle scratch down Danny’s back, and the Italian shuddered and moaned into Mac’s mouth.

Subconsciously Danny started grinding his hips in lazy circles, and Mac gave a soft groan as he sucked on Danny’s tongue, and Danny moaned again. The hands on Danny’s back glided down to his perfect ass, massaging the muscles before grabbing firm handfuls, and Danny bucked his hips.

“Danny…” Mac’s voice was rough with arousal. “You want to take this someplace else?”

Danny’s eyes darkened noticeably, going almost navy as he slid slowly off the muscular form, standing and helping Mac to his feet. They embraced again almost instantly, shuffling in the general direction of the bedroom, Mac’s non-sobriety more of an amusement than a hindrance as they kissed, stepped, groped, and stumbled their way to Danny’s bedroom, shedding clothes along the way.

Finally Danny’s knees encountered the mattress and he allowed himself to fall backwards, grunting slightly as Mac fell on top of him. They weren’t quite naked yet, but they soon corrected that, Mac’s boxers finding the doorknob while Danny’s BVDs landed on the nightstand lamp. Danny felt himself pressed firmly to the mattress, Mac climbing over him, hazel eyes dark as he bent his mouth to the thin neck, licking and kissing, and Danny moaned and squirmed.

Mac’s tongue traveled down the collarbone, teasing a hot wet path through the thin hair on Danny’s chest until Mac found a nipple, and Danny arched his back and hissed. Smiling into the flesh, Mac sucked gently on it while his hand traveled across the smooth, hairless belly, finding the other nub and worrying it with gentle fingers, and Danny wove his fingers through Mac’s hair again, hissing and moaning.

“Oh, God,” came a throaty groan from the doorway, and the two lovers looked up to see Horatio standing there, one hand massaging himself through his pants. “You two are beautiful together.”

The two blushed and traded glances, and something passed between them. Mac tilted his head at Horatio, a question on his face, and Danny gave a sensuous grin. The Marine turned in Horatio’s direction. “You want a part of this?”

Horatio licked his lips. “Do you mind?”

Mac slid to one side to let Danny up, at which the Italian crawled over to the edge of the bed. Horatio stepped forward to meet him, and Danny’s hand shot out to hook a finger in the redhead’s belt, tugging him closer. Slowly the younger man brought his face to Horatio’s trapped sex, nosing through the fabric, and the redhead hissed as the heat seeped through the cloth.

“I didn’t think I was up for another one tonight,” Horatio rumbled as he threaded his fingers through Danny’s hair, “but seeing you two…”

Danny had his back to Mac as he fumbled with Horatio’s belt and zipper, and Mac took the opportunity to crawl forward, running worshipping hands along the lean calves and thighs, marveling at the way Danny’s firm perfect ass just fit in his palms. Danny leaned back into the touch, making little noises in the back of his throat as he finally freed Horatio’s semi-erect cock, grabbing with one hand and promptly wrapping lips around the head, and Horatio groaned.

Mac decided that he wanted to try something, something that he’d never done before, and especially not with Danny. He bent his lips to the perfect flesh in front of him, placing a soft kiss near the top of the tailbone, and Danny jumped and gave a long, low moan.

“I think he likes it, Mac,” Horatio said with a smile, eyes heavy as Danny swirled his tongue around the head of Horatio’s now-throbbing member.

“I think he does, too,” Mac smiled into the flesh as his lips traveled slowly downward. Danny was outright shaking as Mac let his tongue slip out, pausing just above the tiny, wrinkled little brown eye. Danny bucked his hips, moans vibrating Horatio’s dick. “Danny, you like that, don’t you?” Mac whispered as his tongue flicked across the clenched muscle in the lightest of touches, and Danny’s back arched and he made noises that reminded Mac of a cat in heat, hissing and rowling in pleasure.

Mac’s tongue pressed against the tight entrance again, mind awash with the scents and tastes. It wasn’t nearly as disgusting as he thought it would be; no, it was the smell, the taste of sweat, of sex, of just a little bit of Mac and of Latex, all overlain with something that was uniquely Danny, and Mac couldn’t get enough. He placed his broad hands on Danny’s firm hind, pulling the globes gently apart, tongue questing for more, and he could feel Danny’s body vibrating at his touch.

“My God,” the redhead murmured. “That has to be one of the most sensual images I’ve ever witnessed.” He stroked Danny’s hair softly, appreciating and encouraging the younger man. Mac merely flicked his eyes up to meet Horatio’s before closing them, losing himself in the tastes and scents pouring into his mouth. The Marine fucked Danny with his tongue, and his lover pushed back with every little stroke; if his mouth hadn’t been full, Danny would be howling like a coyote. As it was, the vibrations from the Italian’s throat were driving Horatio to distraction, and if something didn’t happen soon…

“Danny,” Horatio hissed, and the blue eyes locked as Danny’s head bobbed over his cock. “Danny, can I fuck you?”

Danny moaned again, the vibrations traveling through the redhead’s cock, making him groan again.

“Mac… open him up for me, please,” Horatio growled in a voice heavy with lust as he began removing his dress jacket and shirt. Head still positioned behind Danny’s smooth ass, Mac nodded and brought a finger up to his mouth to wet it.

Danny made a mewling noise as Mac’s finger entered him, searching for the spot that made Danny jump and thrust his face forward, nearly gagging himself on Horatio’s aching length. Mac couldn’t help a smile that seemed almost tender as he slipped a second finger in, gently brushing against the prostate, and Danny’s body shook. Mac took his time, pumping and twisting his fingers, scissoring them just a little before he finally added a third, and Danny pushed back against those fingers with a definite whine, eyes tightly closed as he took Horatio all the way down his throat, and the redhead trembled. “Mac…” Horatio whispered, and the Marine nodded.

It was with a sigh of regret that Horatio gently pushed Danny’s shoulders back, at which the Italian sat back and looked up at him. “How do ya want it, H?” he asked sensually, running a hand down his stomach. Horatio could only groan at him and quickly finish undressing as he crawled onto the bed. Mac reached into the nightstand and tossed him a condom and bottle of lube, which the redhead caught easily and nodded his thanks. Horatio could only stare with burning eyes as the Italian ran seductive hands over his own body, causing Horatio to fumble more than once with his preparations.

“I want you like this,” Horatio finally rumbled as his hands gently guided the younger man to do an about-face, his pale perfect ass becoming a bulls-eye for Horatio’s throbbing member. Danny moaned and allowed his lips to be captured by Mac, who was still sitting a bit off to the side, as Horatio knelt behind the Italian and placed the head of his Latexed cock at Danny’s entrance. Danny made a long, low noise as Horatio slid slowly inside.

Horatio bit his lip, eyes tightly shut. “Mac… God, you weren’t kidding. He’s… oh, God.”

Mac gave a possessive smile, stroking himself. “He’s tight, isn’t he?”

Horatio’s only answer was an animal growl as he bent low over Danny, running appreciative hands over the younger man’s back as his hips rocked in and out of that tight heat. Danny mewled at the ceiling, hands planted on the mattress and pushing back against the redhead.

Mac moved, sliding over until he was right in front of Danny. He leaned back against the headboard and stroked himself, giving Danny an eyeful every time the Italian cracked open his eyes. Danny moaned at the sight.

Horatio noticed, leaning farther down so his lips grazed Danny’s ear. “You see that, Danny? You see Mac watching us?” he growled, and Danny moaned again. “He wants you, Danny. He wants what I’m getting right now, you know that? Do you want Mac too, Danny?”

Danny could only give an incoherent groan, bobbing his head in what might have been a nod.

“Danny,” Mac rumbled in his own lustful tone, and the young man managed to lock his eyes on the Marine’s face. “You want to put my dick in your mouth? Let you suck on it while Horatio fucks you?”

Danny whined, and Mac slid forward and down with his legs spread, and Danny lunged forward and took the thick rod deep in his mouth. Mac’s head lolled back, curses and words of encouragement spilling carelessly from his lips as Danny sucked on his cock like it was a slice of heaven itself.

Horatio gave another animal growl, eyes locked onto Danny’s mouth as he pulled himself into Danny harder, faster. For his part, Mac was focused on the space just above Danny’s ass, watching Horatio’s hairless stomach, seeing the flesh ripple slightly with every thrust the redhead made. Between them, Danny kept his eyes tightly closed as he milked Mac’s cock while Horatio’s hips slapped against him.

“Mac…” Horatio groaned, pulling Danny’s hips with increasing urgency. “Mac, I’m close, I want you to… I want… Maaaaac…”

Somehow the Marine understood, gently pushing Danny’s shoulders away from him. Danny released him with a loud slurping noise, looking up at him questioningly, but Mac leaned past him as Horatio pulled out. Danny moaned at the loss, eyes nearly black with lust as Mac swiftly peeled off Horatio’s condom, flinging it away and descending on the redhead’s wildly leaking member.

“Yesssss,” Horatio hissed as he shoved himself deep into the Marine’s mouth, and Mac welcomed him, relaxing his throat muscles and half-breathing at every stroke as the Miami man had done to him. Danny’s eyes were wild with arousal as he watched the redhead rape his lover’s face. Mac was on all fours, head back and neck outstretched, Horatio’s pale fingers threaded through the brown hair as the older man growled and thrust, and suddenly gasped. Mac took a deep breath as Horatio shoved in as far as he could go, cock throbbing as the thick white cream pumped down Mac’s willing throat.

Danny reached forward to the point where the two men were joined, and Horatio gave a wild shout as the Italian’s hand found his balls, massaging and fondling, and the redhead’s thighs trembled as Mac reached one hand behind to grasp one cheek of the firm ass, holding him there.

Finally Horatio sagged back, slumping to the bed, Mac still firmly attached and milking every drop. The Miami man’s pale face was tight, mouth open in a silent cry as the two men continued to over-stimulate him even as the waves of his orgasm began to subside.

“Breathe, H,” Danny said suddenly, and a harsh gasp tore itself from the pale Irishman’s throat. Mac understood and pulled back, gently licking every trace of the salty fluid as Horatio twitched and shuddered, and finally stilled.

“Thank you,” he said after a while, chest heaving.

Danny grinned at him. “For what, the screw or the blowjob?”

The redhead gave a tired smile. “Both, and for saving Mac the trouble of having to explain to Speed how you two fucked me to death.”

Mac laughed even as he descended to the older man’s thin lips, sharing the taste. Danny whined, and Mac released Horatio with an understanding smile even as he turned, mouth open to be devoured by the randy Italian. Danny’s tongue plundered his lover’s mouth, capturing every scrap of Horatio’s essence, and Mac’s broad hands reached for Danny, sliding up his back and gently scratching down, and Danny shuddered and moaned into the kiss.

Danny still in his arms, Mac eased him gently down onto his back, breaking the kiss to run questing lips on the goateed jawline, down his neck and landing on the collarbone. Danny writhed as Mac found a particularly fine spot, planting his lips and sucking firmly, bruising the skin, marking him.

“Mine,” Mac growled as he finally released his prize, leaning back to admire it, and a tap on his flank made him turn. Horatio, lying propped on one elbow with his hair mussed and eyes satisfied, held out another little foil square and the lube, and Mac took them with a nod of thanks.

“Touch yourself, Danny,” Mac rumbled as he sheathed himself. “Just like you did for Horatio.” Danny’s eyes were glassy with arousal as he promptly ran his hands over his body, sliding along his own smooth flesh, tweaking a nipple and groaning as he did so. It was the nipple that did it, and with a low groan Mac positioned his slick cock at Danny’s entrance. It was out of habit that he leaned down, and Danny leaned up for his kiss.

The kiss was hot and sweet, not quite as mind-bending as their normal hormone-overloaded embraces but with a palpable affection to it. And so their tongues caressed each other as Mac pushed in, pleasantly surprised at how Horatio had already stretched the man out so that Mac wasn’t hurting him. It would be the first time, really, that Mac didn’t hurt Danny. Mac impulsively leaned back; he wanted to see Danny’s face, and as he slowly buried himself to the hilt, he saw the expectant wince on the Italian’s face, then surprise at the absence of pain, and at last, a slow smile. Mac smiled back, his gaze telling the Italian that he was going to enjoy this.

Mac was hard, sure, but he wasn’t really horny. Mostly he felt… special. He wanted to apologize to Danny, and do it in the most primal and demonstrative of fashions. He didn’t think he could come again tonight, not after all that Horatio had put him through, but that didn’t really matter to him. What did matter was giving Danny the most mind-blowing orgasm of the young man’s life.

And so Mac set an easy pace as he gently fucked his lover, Danny writhing and warbling the whole time. Both men nearly came as Horatio slid over until he could lean around Danny’s upraised legs, his mouth finding Danny’s weeping member and wrapping appreciative lips around it.

Under such an onslaught, Danny couldn’t last much longer, and so Mac held Danny’s legs apart with his arms while Horatio sucked the Italian’s cock all the way down to the root, one hand idly toying with a nipple. Danny twisted and howled and grabbed two fistfuls of bedsheets and clenched himself tightly closed and arched his back and screamed Mac’s name as he came, jerking and shuddering, Horatio massaging the throbbing, shooting cock with his throat muscles as Mac twitched his hips to rub on Danny’s prostate, and Danny made a high keening noise as the two older men kept him going, kept him floating on waves of ecstasy for longer than any other orgasm the Italian had ever experienced.

Finally Horatio pulled back slowly, cleaning the spent length almost tenderly, a hand on Mac’s hip warning the Marine to carefully start pulling out, and Mac did. The two older lovers lay on either side of the trembling Italian, holding him and whispering reassuring things as he came wandering back to himself.

“Wow,” Danny panted, eyes on the ceiling, chest heaving.

Horatio smiled. “Your first threesome, Danny?”

Danny gave a tired “yeah,” a broad hand on his cheek turning his head to face Mac, the hazel eyes boring into him with concern and—dare he think it—affection? “Thanks, Mac,” he whispered, and the Marine placed a soft kiss on the Italian’s lips.

“You’re welcome, Danny,” Mac whispered back, running a hand through the sweat-soaked hair. He lifted his head to stare at the other man. “And you, Horatio, thank you, too.” The redhead gave a gracious nod before ducking his head to plant a friendly kiss on the Italian’s shoulder.

Danny was too tired to be delicate. “Ya know, H, for a guy pushin’ fifty, you’ve still got it. More than got it, even, you musta invented it or somethin’.”

Horatio chuckled, not offended in the slightest. “I hear that quite a bit, coming from Speed. Honestly I don’t understand what age has to do with anything. Personal experience makes the largest part of it.”

“That’s partially right, Horatio,” Mac interjected. “But the bit about your age was completely accurate. Most men couldn’t pull off what you’ve done at forty, much less fifty.”

Horatio gave a mock-frown. “I’ll keep that in mind, sonny, next time I fuck you through the mattress,” he growled. Mac made a face, and Danny shook with laughter.

“So, H,” the Italian began. “Now what?”

Horatio tilted his head. “I assume you mean, what am I going to do for the rest of the night? Well, I was going to go back to the hotel and take a shower and go to sleep. I do have to be in court tomorrow, you know.”

“Well, you could always sleep here,” Danny offered.

Mac blinked. “With us?”

“Well, why not?” the Italian reasoned. “I mean, he’s screwed both of us, so it’s nothin’ he ain’t seen before. And b’sides…” and here he snuggled down, pulling the older men closer. “I’m warm and I don’t want ‘im ta move.”

Horatio couldn’t help it; he wrapped an arm around the Italian’s waist and pulled himself closer, burying his face in the soft hair and laughing. Hard.

“What’s so funny?” Mac demanded, not nearly as jealous as he thought he’d be at Horatio’s coziness with Danny.

Horatio finally caught his breath. “Speed said the same thing, the first time we slept in the same bed.” He smiled broadly at the two of them, the hand leaving Danny’s waist to stroke idly on Mac’s arm, filled with friendly affection for both New Yorkers. “I would be honored to sleep with the two of you. I’ll just need to wake up earlier, so I can get clean clothes from my bag at the hotel.”

“That’ll be no problem.” Danny waved a dismissive hand. “Mac gets up ridiculously early, anyway. Guy’s crazy, runnin’ three miles every mornin’.”

Horatio snorted. “And you people are swing-shifters. At least I have a regular sleep schedule.”

“Name one CSI that actually gets enough sleep,” Mac growled good-naturedly. His bedmates made noises of grudging agreement, and the Marine gave a satisfied grunt. “I thought so.”

They were quiet for a moment, and then Mac shifted. “I hate to move you guys, but I need to hit the head.”

Horatio suddenly moved, and Mac and Danny watched as the redhead slipped out of bed and darted into the bathroom without closing the door. The two raised eyebrows at each other as the sounds of male urination came back to them, and a flush. Padding back into the bedroom, Horatio gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Personal experience has taught me that men Mac’s size tend to be a bit more… aromatic, especially after sex.”

This set Danny laughing again, and Mac could only give an incredulous shake of his head as he climbed out of bed.

Not much else was said that night, and the three men settled comfortably around each other once again. They floated in the calm like a pile of puppies, satisfied, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

I don't care what consequence it brings
I have been a fool for lesser things
I want you so bad
I think you ought to know that
I intend to hold you for the longest time

Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Oh, oh, oh
For the longest time

Billy Joel – "The Longest Time"

Mac’s biological clock woke him promptly at the usual time, which was just before 4 AM. For a moment he was confused as to why he was so warm, until he cracked his eyes open. Danny had apparently taken it upon himself to be Mac’s blanket, and to the side Horatio appeared to be using the Italian as a body-pillow. The sight made him smile.

Carefully he freed one hand to lay it on Horatio’s shoulder, shaking the redhead quietly awake. Horatio stretched, yawned, rubbing the grit out of his eyes. He gave Mac a nod of thanks as he stood and headed for the bathroom, flicking on the nightstand lamp as he went.

Robbed of the warmth on one side, Danny whined and shifted in his sleep, pressing closer to Mac. “Danny?” Mac whispered, arms wrapping around the younger man and rubbing his back gently. “Danny, time to wake up.”

Danny gave a sleepy growl, burrowing his face against Mac’s neck.

“Danny…”

The younger man made a noise that may have been words, if he had bothered to open his mouth instead of grunting them into the pillow.

“Come on, Danny, wake up.”

Horatio padded back into the bedroom, searching for his clothes. Noticing Mac’s predicament, the redhead stepped to the nightstand and held down the button on the alarm clock that would display when it was supposed to start screeching. They traded glances as they realized that wasn’t set to go off for another few hours.

“Well, either way,” Horatio began in a still-sleepy rumble, “I forgot to tell you good morning.” He tilted his head this way and that, giving off as small series of popping noises, and climbed back onto the mattress. Mac obligingly leaned up for the small kiss Horatio bestowed upon him. Suddenly Mac had an idea, and as the redhead pulled back, Mac brought a finger to his own face. He tapped his lips, then reached over to point at the back of Danny’s neck. Horatio gave an evil little smile as he followed Mac’s directions, hovering close to the bed as he placed thin lips in the indicated spot, and Danny squirmed in his sleep.

“Wake up, Danny,” Mac murmured as Horatio licked the sensitive spot, and Danny hissed and whined.

“Nnh… Mac?” Danny finally groaned as Horatio’s tongue started teasing the space behind the Italian’s ear.

“Right here,” Mac whispered, and Danny’s eyes popped open, immediately slamming shut against the invasion of bright light, cracking open again slowly.

“Mac?” Danny squirmed a little bit, taking in the sight of the Marine’s face in front of him, and wiggled around to get a good look at the owner of the mouth that had started nibbling on his ear. “H?”

Horatio drew back and smiled. “Good morning, Danny.” He gave the Italian a friendly kiss and sat back.

Danny blinked at him for a moment. “G’mornin’,” he finally grunted.

Horatio’s smile traveled from one man to the other. “Now that he’s awake, I’ll grab a shower.” He climbed off the bed and resumed his search for his clothing, finding all the garments in the same pile they’d landed in. He clicked his tongue at the wrinkles as he tucked the bundle under one arm, pausing to grab a few empty coat hangers out of Danny’s closet, and headed back to the bathroom.

“So how are you feeling?” Mac asked after a while.

Danny raised an eyebrow; Mac didn’t ask him that very often. “Feelin’ good. Kinda sore, but good.” He gave a little smile, at which Mac bent his head down for a kiss. “Hey, how are you feelin’?”

Mac tilted his head. “Not too bad, honestly. A little headache, but nothing that won’t go away after a few hours. And, like you, just a little sore.” They shared conspiratorial grins.

“Hey, what time is it?” Danny asked suddenly.

Mac craned his neck and looked at Danny’s clock. “Almost 4:30. Why?”

“’Cause,” Danny said casually, giving a mischievous smile, “I was wonderin’ if I had time to do something that I shoulda done last night.”

“Which is?” The corners of Mac’s mouth curled with amusement; he had a feeling that he knew what Danny was after, especially with Mac’s ‘morning wood’ poking the Italian in the leg.

He was right, too; Danny slithered under the covers without a word, and Mac threw back his head and gave a satisfied growl as he felt Danny’s talented lips encircle his cock. Horatio gave a damn good blowjob, it was true, but Danny knew Mac, knew what got him going, and Mac settled back and closed his eyes, occasionally giving little grunts or soft sighs.

Mac’s hands grabbed and released the bedsheets, rubbing mindless circles, head lolling back and forth. In front of him, the covers bobbed as Danny sucked Mac’s cock, the Italian fully capable of taking Mac’s length all the way down to the root, which he enjoyed doing immensely. Mac could feel his orgasm building, almost comforting in Danny’s capable hands, and he was almost smiling as he arched his back and hissed, balls drawing up as he came in Danny’s mouth. He could feel Danny milking him, too, and he slipped a hand under the bedcovers to tousle the already-disheveled hair. Danny gave a little grunt and released the Marine, crawling up Mac’s firm body to share a kiss that was heavy on salt taste.

“If you two don’t stop that, I’ll be late for court,” came the growl from the bathroom, and they turned to see Horatio standing there, clad in yesterday’s pants and socks, slipping his undershirt over his head.

Mac tossed him a lopsided grin. “Don’t get smart with me. I’m your ride.”

Horatio gave a devious smile. “Again, so soon? Mac, give yourself a chance to recover.”

Mac made a face, distracted by the sight of Danny on his knees and with his face in the pillow, shoulders shaking. “You two,” the Italian gasped, “are gonna end up killin’ me like this.”

Horatio gave a casual shrug. “It’s just like Speed says: ‘Live hard, die fast, and leave an interesting crime scene.’” This time, both New Yorkers started laughing. Horatio concealed his mirth with a shake of his head as he headed back for the bathroom and his shirt.**

Other than the same light banter, not much else was said between the three men as they took turns showering and getting clothed. Danny was the only one who opted to remain shirtless and barefoot—it was his apartment, after all—and he loafed around watching the other two, munching on a bowl of breakfast cereal. Mac opted out of the cereal, saying he would go to his apartment and get changed, and complete his morning ritual as usual. Horatio normally didn’t eat breakfast until he’d been awake for a few hours, but agreed to a few slices of buttered toast to eat in the cab on the way to the hotel.

When the two Shift Supervisors were dressed, Horatio paused to shake Danny’s hand, getting a firm hug in the process. Danny mouthed his thanks once again, eyes strangely bright, and Horatio smiled and ducked his head. Mac grabbed an Italian bearhug himself, along with a soul-searing kiss and a promise that they’d see each other again in a few hours. That being done, Danny saw the two men as they stepped into the hall and headed for the elevator.

Horatio’s hotel was closer than Mac’s apartment, so they went there first, the redhead stepping out at the curb and pausing to smile and wave, and the cab pulled on for Mac’s apartment. Once home, Mac promptly stripped out of his dirty clothes and put them in the hamper, and suited up to go running.

Hours later, seated at his desk at the crime lab, Mac’s phone rang on his belt. He pulled it from its belt clip, saw the number, and answered it. “Taylor.”

“Mac, it’s Horatio. Turns out I got my continuance after all.”

Mac gave a little ironic smile, seeing Danny in the hallway and making a quick ‘come here’ gesture. “I guess you wasted a flight, then.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I wasted it… and I wouldn’t think that you would say that, either.”

Mac chuckled. “No, you’re right, I wouldn’t. That was a very worthwhile flight you made, and Danny and I are both glad that you did.”

Danny poked his head into the office. “That H?” Mac nodded. Danny gave a little wave. “Say hi and thanks for me, eh?” Mac nodded that he would, and Danny went on his way.

“Mac?”

“Oh, that was Danny. He said to tell you hello, and thank you again.”

“I was happy to do it, Mac,” Horatio insisted. “In fact, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you wanted me to do it again.”

Mac rubbed his neck. “I might.”

Horatio’s satisfied smile could be ‘heard’ all the way from the courthouse. “And should the opportunity present itself, I would be more than willing to oblige.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Horatio chuckled and checked his watch. “My flight leaves in about an hour, so I’ll go ahead and catch a taxi to the airport. Thanks again for your hospitality, Mac.”

“Thanks to you, Horatio. Take care.”

“You, too.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up. Mac stared at his phone for a long time, a little smile on his face. “Do it again sometime, huh?”

Maybe he would.

** The proper quotation is “Live fast, die hard, and leave a pretty corpse.” Forgot who said it, though.