********************************

Xander wrapped a towel around his waist and moved back
into his
bedroom. He was starting to feel much better since his
rescue, his
body just a little sore. Most of the bruising had
disappeared and the
side of his face and lip had reverted back to their
normal size. He
had to admit to himself that he'd secretly enjoyed the
special
treatment he'd received from his lover. He'd liked the
way that
Graham had made sure he was okay and had looked after
him.

Couldn't complain about the mind blowing sex either.
//Speaking of
which ?//

`Hey you.' Xander stopped in the doorway, enjoying the
view. Graham
was standing on the other side of his bed, shirt half
off, pants
undone. Pile of clothes on the bed next to him.
Xander's eyes
uncontrollably drawn to the patch of white he could
see through the
open portion of his lover's jeans. Allowed his eyes to
follow the
trail of fine light hairs that disappeared under the
waistband, the
only amount of hairs on his otherwise smooth chest. A
chest that
Xander was allowed a pretty good view of.

Graham, head stuck through the top of his shirt, arms
extended above
him. Lightly corded muscle twisting. Every time he saw
his lover in
any state of undress Xander couldn't help but wonder
at his beauty.
Lightly tanned, muscled from an amount of exercise
that Xander
himself couldn't fathom. Always took his breath away.

`Hey.' Xander allowed his eyes to travel to his
lover's face,
disappointed that he was now covered up, shirt fully
on.

Xander was surprised when he saw the look, nerves
evident across his
face. `You alright Graham?' Xander crossed the room.

`Uh yeah, I think. Not really sure, I think I'm
?nervous?' Doesn't
sound sure of himself as he says it.

Xander moved closer, wrapped his arms around the other
man's waist
and kissed him gently on the cheek. Bodies pressed
together. `Why are
you nervous?'

`I don't really know. I guess just having everyone
come over.'
Graham, almost embarrassed, kissed his lover back.

`Graham, you do remember you have met my friends
right?' He's pleased
to see him smile in response, another kiss, this time
on the
lips. `Riley's gonna be there as well, remember?'

`Yeah I know. It's just, now they all know it's a
little different.'

`Is that why you've tried on about five different
changes of
clothes?' Xander gestured towards the bed, pile of
Graham's shirts
crumpled there.

Graham just nodded sheepishly in response. `I know I'm
being pitiful,
it's just after what's happened I was hoping this
might, you know, go
well for a change.' Both men smiling. `So this shirt's
okay? God I
sound like a girl.'

Xander moved apart. He sat down on the bed trying to
control his
laughter. `You can't ask me that.' Continues when he
sees the blank
look on Graham's face. `You can't ask me, cause I
think everything
looks good on you.' Xander smiled up at his boyfriend.

`Yeah?'

`Yeah. Although? Maybe take that one off.' Xander
began rummaging
through the pile of discarded clothes whilst Graham
removed his
shirt, chest exposed again.

`Yeah that's better, I like that.' Xander pulled
Graham close to him,
opening his legs, allowing himself room to press his
face against his
lover's naked torso. He began to kiss, slowly along
the exposed flesh
of his stomach. Open mouthed kisses as he licked the
hard muscles of
his abdomen.

`Xander.' Graham's voice broken with desire as he can
feel the other
man's tongue pressed against him, lapping the hard
flesh. `God
Xander, not now. They're gonna be here soon, you'd
better stop.'
Graham making no attempt to move away, wrapped his
fingers in the
still slightly damp hair of his boyfriend. The
ex-marine delighting
in the feel of his slightly rough tongue against him.
Graham moaning
from above him.

`Xander, no.' He moved away reluctantly, almost moved
back when he
saw the mock pout on his lover's face. Knows Xander's
only joking but
when he sees him, he's unsure if he can resist. Graham
has to look
away.

Xander reached out and hooked his hand into the
waistband of his
lover's pants. He allowed his fingertips to drift
down, could feel
them brush against Graham's already hardening cock.
`I'm sure they
won't mind waiting out on the doorstep?' Voices it
like a question,
eyes seeking out his lover's. Graham's face still
turned away. Xander
knows he's having trouble resisting. The dark-haired
man enjoying
toying with him.

Xander quickly stood up, hand removed. Moved towards
the drawers at
the foot of his bed. He removed his towel in one fluid
motion,
allowed it to fall to the floor, slightly damp
material pooling at
his feet. Now naked he moved away. Out of the corner
of his eye he
watched the disappointment shoot across his lovers
face. Inwardly
smirking as he saw the indecision there.

`Xander, now you're just being mean.' He can see
Graham move forward,
then realise what he's doing and move back slightly,
facing away from
the now naked man.

Xander just smiled to himself as he began to get
dressed.

`God you're a tease, Xan.' Graham's voice jokingly
from across the
room. Xander just laughed in response. The two men
still shirtless.

`You know it.'

`Graham?' Voice no longer joking, Graham turned back
to look at him,
Xander's eyes now downcast, the
ex-marine silently waiting for him to continue. `I've
got something I
want to show you.' His voice sounding unsure.

`Yeah?' Xander moved towards his wardrobe, Graham
following. Xander
opened the door, stood back, signalling for his lover
to move closer.
Graham confused look on his face, moved in.

Graham in front of the open wardrobe, let his lover
circle his arms
around his waist from behind, could feel him press his
naked chest
flush against his back. Felt the other man place his
chin on his
shoulder, faces tight against each other, the close
contact not
helping the ex-marine to concentrate.

Graham looked inside. Unsure what his lover was trying
to show him.
Could see in, the usually messy content of Xander's
wardrobe moved
aside. The few times Graham had seen in there he'd
assumed his lover
had used it to hide the things he didn't want to clean
up, all manner
of things kept hidden there. Now however there was a
clear space,
Xander's own clothes moved aside, rack partially
empty.

`Xander? There's nothing there.'

Graham could feel when his lover was speaking, his
chin pressed
against his own shoulder, the movement passing through
Graham's own
body. `I know.' Can feel Xander pause, he twisted his
head to see
him, waited till he continued.

`It's, you know. For your stuff, if you want ? I
thought you could
maybe leave some things here. Just make it easier for
when you stay
over. I mean if you want. You don't have to, it's just
if the last
few days have shown me anything it's that I ? kinda
pretty much like
having you round, and I thought that if you left some
things here you
wouldn't have to worry, and you maybe wouldn't need to
leave so soon,
and I hope I'm not freaking you out, it's just I want
you to know how
much you mean to me, and I don't know how else to show
it, and I know
you think it's too soon for more but I just wanted to
take the first
step and let you, well leave some stuff here...'

Xander let his voice trail off, hoped that his lover
knew how he
felt. He looked up into Graham's eyes, face pressed
close to him. `I
mean, if you want?'

Graham closed the brief distance between them, pressed
his mouth
tight against his lover's, allowed him entrance. He
could feel his
tongue against the other man's, plundering him as they
continued to
kiss. He twisted around so the two men were now
facing. He wrapped
his arm strongly around Xander's waist, slowly began
to move him
back, till he felt the contact of the bed behind him.

Xander allowed himself to fall backwards on the bed,
pulling Graham
with him. The ex-marine used his free hand to ensure
he didn't fall
on Xander. Allowed his body to rest on top of him as
they continued
to kiss, moaning into each other's mouths.

Kiss finally broken. Xander now smiling, `I take that
as a yes?'

`Fuck yeah.' Graham smiled back, then moved in again
to kiss his
lover.

Xander groaned when he heard the doorbell from the
other room, moved
up when Graham broke the kiss, head tilted towards
where he guessed
his friends were now waiting. `Shit.'

`Xander we gotta stop, they're here.' Graham attempted
to stand up,
his lover reluctant to let him. `We're not dressed.'
He reached
across grabbing the first shirt from the pile, started
to put it on.

`I don't mind you naked.' Xander still lay on the bed,
a hand now
toyed with the ex-marine's nipple and caressed his
still naked chest.
Graham inhaled, momentarily distracted from his task
at hand. The
doorbell again broke him out of his reverie. He
started to move
towards the door.

`Somehow I think THEY might.' Last glance back at his
lover, who
still reclined on the bed as he moved out of the room
to the front
door.

****************************

Graham moved into the other room and quickly opened
the door. Saw the
small crowd of their friends there and stood back to
let them in. He
smiled at them hoping they wouldn't notice how long it
had taken for
him to open the door.

`Hi Graham.' Willow, large smile on her face, brown
paper bag in her
hand, moved forward. Tara followed closely behind,
then Buffy and
Riley.

Willow wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close,
hugging him
tightly. `Hi Willow, good to see you too.' She moved
into the room
whilst Graham held the door open for the others.
Unsure at first how
he should greet Xander's friends, didn't need to think
much longer as
both Tara and Buffy also hugged him.

He shut the door behind Riley, his friend also
carrying a bag. He
smiled at him, slapping his hand on his shoulder in
greeting. Riley
smiled back, holding the bag out for Graham to see.
`Beer.' Riley
definitely looked pleased with himself as he followed
the three girls
into Xander's apartment.

`Where's Xander?' Willow dumped the bag she'd been
holding on the
kitchen bench and moved back to the other room. The
others followed
suit.

`Here.' Xander moved into the room, Graham was pleased
to see he was
now fully dressed.

Willow on seeing her friend quickly rushed over,
hugging him tightly.
She kissed him on the cheek. `You're looking good.'

`Why thank you.' Xander pretended to smooth down the
material of the
shirt he was wearing, exaggerated smirk on his face.

`I didn't mean it like that, I meant you don't look
hurt anymore.'
Willow hit him softly on the arm as he continued to
smile. She kissed
him again.

Xander moved further into the room hugging Tara. The
witch squealed
when Xander lifted her off the ground in his arms.
Once he'd put her
down, Graham saw that the girl was smiling and
blushing furiously.

`How's my favourite Witch?' Tara continued to laugh as
Willow mock
scowled at her friend.

Xander faced the others, pretending to partially cover
his mouth with
his hand. `Don't worry I tell both of them that.' He
winked at them,
quickly dodging Willow as she pretended to hit him
again, both of
them laughing.

`I'm fine Xander, you?' He nodded and kissed her on
the cheek, only
causing her to squeal with laughter even more.

`Hi Buffy.' Xander now hugged his other friend,
kissing her softly on
the cheek.

Buffy continued to hug him, holding him close to her
as she
spoke. `Xander, it's good to see you looking so well,
I've been
worried. I called and spoke to Graham, he said you
were sleeping. I'm
just happy you're back to normal.' The two friends
still hugged.

`Yeah, thanks to all you guys. I do feel much better.'
Graham was
pleased to see Xander look over at him, face pressed
atop the blonde
girl's shoulder. Large smile on his face.

Graham became embarrassed when he saw Riley turn and
look at him,
following Xander's gaze. Graham began to blush, but
was pleased to
see his friend smile.

`Next.' Xander and Buffy no longer hugging, the
dark-haired man moved
further down the line of people that were here to see
him.

Riley moved forward, smile still on his face. Graham
was standing
slightly behind him, was pleased to see his friend
didn't seem
nervous. Had been worried how Riley might react.

`Thanks for your help Riley.' Xander held his hand out
to the ex-
marine, more serious statement on his face. Graham
knew his lover was
concerned that he was making a good impression with
Graham's best
friend. Now that he and Graham were lovers his
relationship with
Riley had also changed.

Riley continued to smile, took Xander's hand in his,
shook it
tentatively. The taller man then moved in closer,
quickly hugging the
other man, slapping his hand on his back. `Anytime
Xander.'

The two broke apart, both now wearing sheepish grins.

`Not finished yet.' Graham was confused by the smile
on his lover's
face. Xander quickly closing the distance between the
two of them.
Graham felt Xander wrap his arms around his waist,
felt him move in
closer kissing him chastely on the lips. `Thank you
too.' Another
soft kiss, Graham could feel the other man's tongue
ghosting gently
across his lips, coaxing them, forcing him to
unwittingly part them.

Xander broke the kiss, moved behind his lover,
continuing to hold
him. One arm thrown over his shoulder, the other
linking down holding
on to Graham's hand, arm pressed against the front of
his chest.
Xander now standing behind him, holding him, head
resting gently on
his shoulder.

`I hope you guys brought food, cause there ain't much
to eat here.'

As nervous as Graham felt, he was reassured by how his
lover was
acting and reassured in turn by how his friends were.
Willow and Tara
were standing close, now holding hands, large smiles
on their faces.
Buffy was also smiling.

Graham had initially been worried about how Riley
might react, knew
that even though his friend had said he was okay, this
was something
he wouldn't be used to. He was pleased to see he was
also smiling,
eyes on Graham and Xander, pleased to see he wasn't
embarrassed or
ashamed.

Graham looked at his friend, smiled back at him. Riley
winked at him
and began to move towards the kitchen. `You guys want
a beer?' Facing
back to them as he went.

`Sure Ri' Graham nodded, could hear Xander say yes
also.

`And us' Willow now, three girls following Riley into
the kitchen.

`Not so bad so far?' Xander's voice low, close to
Graham's ear. He
just smiled in response. Xander kissed him softly on
the side of his
neck, began to move him forward, two men breaking
apart but still
holding hands. Graham finding the contact reassuring,
not
uncomfortable like he'd been worried it might be.

All six of them now cramped in the kitchen. Willow
rummaged through
bags, Riley opened bottles, passing them round.
Friends talked.

Graham watched the others from the doorway, sipping
contentedly at
his beer. Revelling in the sight of his lover he
reached into the
bags of groceries his friends had brought. Tara and
Buffy went
through cupboards. Laughed when he saw Willow smack
Xander's hand,
the Witch telling him off for fishing through the
bags.

`Damn Graham, no donuts.' Can hear his lover laughing,
mischievous
smile on his face, can feel himself blushing as his
eyes lock with
Xander's. Graham wondered to himself when his
boyfriend got so evil.
Thought that maybe it was worth it when he saw the
look on his face.
Lips slightly parted, mouth open, Xander looking at
him through his
lashes.

`Sorry guys didn't get any.' Riley now and Graham can
feel himself
blushing. The others all looking at him. `We brought
other stuff
though Xander.'

Graham wished to himself that Riley wouldn't try and
help.

`There's chocolate Graham.' Xander's eyes never
leaving his, and he's
blushing even more. Can feel his cheeks, hot and
flushed. Out of the
corner of his eyes he can see Riley fishing in another
bag, sees him
pull something out.

`You want some now Xander?' Block of chocolate in his
hand, held out
for the other man.

Xander's trying hard not to laugh now, Graham didn't
think he could
blush anymore but he's sure his cheeks are even more
red now.

Riley's confused. `What?'

Xander takes the chocolate from his hand, still
watching
Graham. `Maybe later Riley.'

Graham still unable to speak, could see Xander's
tongue sneak out
from between his lips, circling, moistening them.

`I think I'm gonna go over there.' Graham pointed to
where the girls
were standing only a few feet away, sluggishly moved,
finally able to
break contact with Xander. Felt like he'd been held in
place by his
lover's gaze.

Riley still sounded confused. Xander took him back
into the other
room, hand on his shoulder, talking all the time. One
last glance
back at Graham.

Graham can see Willow watching. `Jeez he's bad
sometimes.' Willow
just laughed, Graham couldn't help joining in.

`How's he been? He looks much better.' Graham helped
Willow unpack
the food they'd brought, stacking it on the bench top.
He saw Buffy
nibbling on a carrot she pulled from one of the bags,
she just smiled
sheepishly back at him.

`No lunch.' All of them laughing again.

`He's been good, still a little sore. Nothing
serious.'

`Seems just like the same old Xander to me.' Buffy,
around a mouthful
of carrot. `No scratch that. He seems way happier now
and that's
thanks to you Graham. I think we've all neglected
Xander a bit
lately. I'm just pleased he's happy and that we, well
I, didn't
manage to screw things up too badly.' Buffy reached
out, placing her
hand on Graham's shoulder. Squeezed his arm gently.

`Yeah.' Willow no longer unpacking, looking between
the two. `You two
should go check on the others, we'll get this stuff
ready, not
exactly room for all of us in here.'

Graham could see Xander in the other room talking to
Riley. Glad they
seemed to be getting along. Xander could sense him
watching, looked
back into the kitchen and smiled at him.

Graham followed Buffy out to join the others. The two
witches talking
to each other remain in the kitchen.

`I better just clean this up a bit.' Xander put his
beer down and
started grabbing the things off the table. Moved a
couple of
magazines and some papers, grabbed an old pair of
shoes off the
floor.

`Were you too busy earlier?' Willow from the kitchen.
Could see her
smiling at him, one eyebrow raised questioningly.
Xander looked over
at Graham, laughing at him, the others all joining in.
Graham quickly
taking a drink, trying to disguise the laughter.

`Yeah Xan.' Buffy moved closer, `Why exactly did you
take so long to
answer the door?' Xander unable to answer, mouth left
open.

Looked across at Graham when he heard a noise, the
ex-marine partway
through drinking, almost choked on his beer when he
heard what Buffy
said.

Riley had to slap him on the back to make sure he
didn't choke. The
others all laughing now. Xander and Graham just looked
embarrassed,
smiling shyly.

`I'll just be a second.' Xander started to move out of
the room,
still embarrassed, arms piled high. Walking past,
dropped the shoes
he was carrying.

`Here, I'll help.' Riley moved in. Grabbed the shoes
and gestured for
Xander to keep walking. Riley followed him out of the
room.

Xander let Riley follow him down the hall, trying not
to drop
anything else on the way.

`Xander?' Can hear the question from behind him, he
turned around
facing the other man. Saw the serious statement on the
ex-marine's
face, he stopped.

`Yeah?'

`I've known Graham a long time.' Xander now worried
where this
conversation is going, he let Riley continue. `He's my
best friend
and I trust him implicitly, there's no-one else I'd
rather have back
me up. Xander what I'm trying to say is, well I don't
actually know
what I'm trying to say. Graham and I we're similar
it's hard to say
things, say what we feel.' Xander unsure what the
other man is trying
to say.

`Look Xander, I just want you to know that I've never
seen him this
happy and I know it's because of you and I just want
you to know that
this is a good thing, and please don't let me say I
approve of it,
but I just ? you guys are good for each other. God, I
sound like a
bad movie, I really should shut up now, stick to
fighting not talking
I think.'

Xander just smiled at him, began to nod his head.
`Thanks Riley, I
know how much you mean to him, and it means a lot. I'm
just pleased,
I was a bit worried you might not think I'm good
enough for him.'
Eyes now downcast.

`Xander, that is by far and away the stupidest thing
I've ever
heard.' Xander's head snapped up, misunderstanding him
at first. He
was relieved to see the other man smiling. `I may not
be Mr Sensitive
but I know when two people are in love.'

Xander just smiled and nodded.

`You wanna get rid of this stuff?' Riley held out
Xander's shoes to
him.

`Yeah I'll just throw them in my room, you better wait
here, it's a
little messy.'

`Trust me Xander, I've seen messy before.' Riley began
to follow him.

`Uh Riley? My room, uh my bedroom is a little messy.'
Riley still
looked at the other man confused.

Realisation dawned on him, `Oh ? I'll just wait here
then.' Xander
nodded to him, moved into his room, quickly came back
out, grabbed
the shoes from Riley and threw them through the open
door.

The two men moved back to rejoin the others. Buffy and
Graham were
back in the kitchen, Riley followed Xander in.
`Another beer?' Riley
moved to the fridge, grabbing drinks out for everyone.
Still not much
room, he knocked into Willow as she stood in the
centre of the room,
knife in hand trying to get back to the chopping board
that she'd
left on the bench.

`OK, everyone out before I try and use Amy's rat spell
on you all.'
Riley and Graham looked confused, the others quickly
left the room.
The two ex-marines close behind, voice of authority
convincing them
to leave.

Graham moved over to Xander, holding a new bottle of
beer out for
him. `Do I want to know what she means?'

Xander took the bottle from the other man. `Trust me,
you so don't
want to know.'

Graham looked across to Buffy, standing next to
Xander, she was
shaking her head at him trying to reinforce what
Xander had said.

`Uh Buffy?' Willow again from the kitchen. `It might
be easier for
you to help if you actually stayed in here, okay?'

`Sorry Wil, I thought you meant me as well.' Buffy
sheepishly
rejoined her friend in the kitchen.

Willow continued to cut vegetables, `Why don't you put
some music on
Xander and have a seat, we'll be fine here.'

`Sure thing Wils.' Xander moved across to the stereo,
rummaging
around in the pile of CDs, found one he liked and put
it on. Music
filled the room.

Xander joined Riley and Tara at the table where they
had sat down.
Willow and Buffy still in the kitchen.

`Sure I can't help?' Graham moved back towards the
kitchen. Stopped
short when he saw the glare from Willow, Buffy
standing behind her,
shaking her head. Eyes wide now he moved out of the
room. He faced
the others now, `I just wanted to help.' The three of
them laughed at
him.

`Come and sit down, it's a whole lot safer out here.'
Xander held his
hand out to his lover.

Graham moved over to where he was sitting at the
table, both Riley
and Tara were already sitting down. He made Xander
move forward on
his seat, so he was sitting on the front. He moved his
leg behind him
and sat on the back of his seat, hard against the back
of the chair.
He wrapped one hand around Xander's waist and pulled
him back against
himself. Graham propped his legs up on the side of the
chair,
squeezed the other man tight between him and kept his
arms around
him. The two sat pressed against each other.

He was pleased to feel his lovers' hands, one on his
leg and the
other interlacing with his fingers, laid over the hand
he held over
his chest. He leant flush against his back, placing
his chin on his
shoulder. The four of them began to talk.

The two girls in the kitchen joined in on the
conversation
occasionally.

He felt Xander press further back into him. `You okay
Xan?' Face
close to the other man's ear, voice just above a
whisper. Unsure if
his lover was uncomfortable or even self conscious.

`Just wanted to get closer.' Xander's voice also low.

Graham held him tight against him, their bodies curved
together, the
ex-marine could feel his entire body pressed against
him, legs
resting either side of him. `That better?' He placed a
kiss against
the side of his neck.

`Still not close enough.' Graham could see Xander
smiling as he
spoke, his hand squeezing the fingers he held in it.

`Okay.' Willow from the kitchen, warm smells of
cooking wafting
through the room. `Someone needs to come and grab some
plates and
things.'

Xander moved to get up, reluctant to break the
contact.

`I'll help Xander, you guys just stay there.' Riley
stood up, smiled
at the two men and went into the kitchen to help.

`Thanks Riley, dinner's almost ready anyway.' Willow
also smiling
when she saw the two men.

**********************************

`Wow Willow that was great.'

`Not just me, Buffy helped.'

`Well I cut things up, kind of something I'm good at,
being the
slayer and all'

`Oh great, nice imagery, now I don't think I want
dessert.' Xander
pretended to hold his stomach, face twisted into a
grimace, soon
replaced by laughter.

`I think I'm too full to move, that was some meal. You
wanna be my
new girlfriend Willow? Buffy smacked Riley on the arm,
mock hurt on
her face.

`Thanks Riley, but I can think of a couple of reasons
to say no.'
Willow reached over and held Tara's hand, bringing it
up to her lips
she kissed it to illustrate her point.

Xander stood up from the table, moved to collect the
plates and what
was left of the meal. `Well you guys cooked so I'll
clean up.' Graham
stood to help him.

The two men moved away from the table and into the
kitchen.

Riley stood up as well, `Show-offs, they're just doing
that so I'd
have to help as well.' Smile on his face belying what
he had said.

Riley moved into the kitchen, plates in hand, had to
stop himself
when he almost walked into his friend. Dirty dishes
discarded on the
bench, Riley just inches behind Graham, his friend
enveloped in
Xander's arms, the two men kissing fiercely.

`Woah, sorry guys.' Riley could tell he was blushing,
the two men
breaking apart, smiling at each other. `I'll just
leave these here
and uh go.' Riley put the plates down and moved back
out to the other
room where the girls were sitting, the two men still
obscured
partially in the kitchen.

The three girls looked up when they saw a red faced
Riley return,
laughter coming from the kitchen. Riley just smiled
nervously at
Buffy, her eyebrow raised questioningly and retook his
seat at the
table.

Willow laughed as she realised what must have
happened. `I'm
surprised they lasted through dinner without sneaking
out.' Tara
joined in with her laughter.

Buffy moved her hand, placing it on Riley's thigh.
`Maybe we should
join them? Ooh I don't mean join them, oh God.' Buffy
blushed when
she realised what she'd said. She put her head in her
hands, resting
on the table. `Oh God I can't believe I just said
that.'

The other three laughing uproariously at her.

Graham and Xander entered the room attracted by the
noise. What's up?
What did she say?' Xander eyed Buffy suspiciously.

Riley still laughing. `You so don't want to know.'

`I'm not so sure Riley? Maybe they do?' Eyebrow arched
devilishly,
Willow unable to stop her self from laughing. Riley
almost blushed as
much as his girlfriend.

`I think it's time for dessert.' Buffy stood still
blushing, taking
the remaining plates into the kitchen, unable to meet
the gaze of the
two men as she passed them.

***************************************

After dessert they all moved onto more comfortable
seats, the six of
them sharing the furniture. Riley made Buffy sit on
his lap, claiming
lack of space for the reason. Graham also thought that
was an
opportunity too good to waste and made sure his lover
sat close. The
two of them pressed together whilst Willow made
coffee.

`She's totally spoiling us.' Xander placed Graham's
arms around him,
interlacing his fingers with the ex-marine's.
`Yeah.' Graham gently kissed the top of the other
man's head, smiling
against him. Loving the warmth he could feel from the
other man's
body.

The friends continued to talk, Graham after awhile
realised that
Xander was falling asleep, still tired from the last
few days. Graham
was happy to be able to hold his lover, the other
man's breathing
becoming more relaxed, his eyes fluttering closed.
Soon he could hear
the reassuring rhythm of the man sleeping, held tight
in his arms.

Graham looked up, realised the others had stopped
speaking, grinned
sheepishly at them. Felt almost embarrassed as the
others watched
them, not because of what they were doing, more
because he knew the
others all knew how he felt about the other man.
Graham knew he
hadn't felt this strongly about anyone before.

He knew that, and at the moment he didn't care who
else knew.

Graham simply held the other man tightly in his arms.

the end