One day to the next on a dinosaur dig site really isn't all that different. If one is realistic, bones that have been there for millions of years, relatively the same, stand little chance of changing drastically overnight.

True, new discoveries are made and the occasional day is more enlightening than rest. Exciting even, one might dare to say.

But there hadn't been a day like that at Fort Peck Lake in quite a while. It allowed those who worked on the dig to fall into a pattern. Wake, eat, dig and sift, eat, sleep. No, excitement was very much on short order.

Brushing the back of his arm across his forehead, Alan couldn't begrudge the days their monotony. Two trips to hell and back had given him a greater appreciation for the normality of life.

He'd had enough of that type of excitement. Thanks.

Still the day was different. No new finds and yet there was a lightness in Alan's step that hadn't been there yesterday. Smothering a smile, he pretended to think on why this day was so different when it looked so familiar.

Glancing around the dig his eyes fell onto his assistant. As though feeling the weight of Alan's gaze, Billy looked up. He smiled at Alan, dimples cutting his cheeks. The sight caused a tightening in Alan's chest and he knew why the day was so different. As if he could have forgotten.

Only the other workers couldn't see this change. He hoped not at least, Alan amended silently, glancing around the dig. He and Ellie had given them far too much gossip as it were, to go through that again.

He startled at the ghosting of a hand across his shoulder blades. Looking up quickly Alan found himself staring into Billy's eyes, nearly drowning within the brown depths.

"I know," Billy whispered loud enough so that only Alan could hear him.

The corner of Alan's mouth quirked at the confidence buried in that voice. His head tilted to the side, unconsciously leaning closer to Billy as he asked, "And what is it you believe yourself to know?"

Billy laughed, the warm breath brushing Alan's face. "Everything."

Alan's eyebrows rose. "That might be a slight exaggeration."

Shaking his head, Billy barely touched his fingertips to the side of Alan's throat. "That wasn't what you said last night."

"Billy!" Alan hissed in protest, blushing. He glanced around but no one seemed to be paying them any mind.

Billy smiled, his dimples deepening and eyes bright. Alan felt his heart skip a beat. Too long they had fought this. He had fought this. Literally almost too long.

Memories of a time not so long ago, and yet a lifetime before, assaulted Alan. He closed his eyes briefly, sucking in a deep breath. He opened them when he felt Billy's hand clasp his shoulder.

Once again it was like Billy knew what Alan was thinking. He squeezed the strong muscle beneath his hand. His face serious, Billy mouthed silently, "I love you."

Alan's voice caught in his throat as he silently thanked whoever or whatever had caused the young man to stumble into his life. He could -- and had -- survived Hell on Earth with Billy by his side. Everything beyond the love they'd finally both admitted were just details after surviving that.

Smiling, Alan nodded and pushed away his doubts. "I know, Billy," he whispered. I love you, too he added silently, unable to say the words aloud. He knew, however, that Billy knew. It was written in his smiling eyes. Soon, Alan promised himself. Soon he would actually say the words.

"Time to get back to work?" Billy asked, breaking the spell that had surrounded them.

"Yeah," Alan said, nodding. "Billy," he called out when the younger man had turned to leave.

Billy looked back at Alan. "Yeah?"

"I..."

Billy smiled, the faintest blush on his cheeks. "I know, Alan."

As he watched Billy walk away, Alan chuckled, relief washing over him. The night before had been a beginning. He had worried about the end for far too long. It was time to face the present. And for once let himself enjoy it.

end