"That one was too close, mate," Bodie said.

"Agreed."

"Would've been a sight different if it hadn't been for your one good cop."

"Yeah." Doyle ambled alongside his partner down the main street of the town. They were headed back to the hotel to pick up their gear. It had been too close. Surrendering to the cops seemed like the only solution at the time. But when Chives hustled them off in his car, Doyle recalled the fear he'd felt, fear he tried to hide from Bodie. Doyle saw again, in his mind, Chives hit Bodie, saw the blood trickle from his nose and mouth. The bastard should have hit him, not Bodie. Doyle envisioned what might have happened next--Chives setting the car in motion, he and Bodie helpless, trapped inside as it crashed, he and Bodie dead. And no one would know it was all his fault.

Doyle stopped in front of the pub near their hotel. He looked at Bodie, and thinking how close he'd come to getting his partner killed made him shiver.

Bodie raised an eyebrow. "You ok?"

"Yeah, sure. Look, why don't we get a drink before we head back. I'll buy."

Bodie did a double-take. "You're offering to buy me a drink? Who died and left you money?"

"Nobody. You want a drink or not?"

"Yeah, sure. But not here. London's only an hour away--"

"What's wrong with here?" Doyle asked.

"I just want out of this town, ok?"

"Yeah, but--"

"Will you just listen to me? I'm not hangin' about here, and I'm not goin' into any pubs. The whole town probably thinks we're queer by now--I'm through risking my reputation, you got that?"

Doyle stared at him, then a slow grin broke over his face. "You great oaf." It occurred to him that Bodie had, in fact, been keeping his physical distance from him, something he didn't ordinarily do. Doyle deliberately moved quite close and nudged Bodie's shoulder. "Don't you like queers?"

"Get off."

"Oh, come on. It's not like we're going to ever set foot in this town again, so what difference does it make?"

"Just leave it, will you?" Bodie headed off to the hotel.

Doyle shrugged and followed. Fine. He could have a drink in London just as easily as here. But his curiosity was piqued. Bodie had been known to demonstrate prejudice before, but this was different. More like embarrassment. He couldn't believe his partner was that concerned about his reputation--not when he could pull a new bird every night of the week at the drop of a pin if he wanted. No, something else was at work here. Doyle found it hard to imagine Bodie in a state of discomfiture, and he rather liked the idea. Bodie enjoyed teasing him, and he didn't get his own back as often he liked. He sensed a possibility here--a chance to get under Bodie's skin. And a little good- natured mischief might help ease the tension he felt.

They packed up and headed out, Doyle at the wheel. He was preoccupied with his thoughts, and he gave clipped replies to Bodie's few conversational gambits. Bodie quickly gave up, leaned back, and closed his eyes, which was fine with Doyle. He needed time to sort through his conflicting feelings. He could just tell Bodie he was sorry for getting them into that mess with Chives, but Bodie would just rag him for doing another guilt trip. Whenever he got emotionally worked up, Bodie got annoyed, but it was hard to hold things in. He didn't want to annoy his partner, at least not with guilt trips. No, he would work on getting Bodie into a nice, relaxed mood, buy him a drink, take his mind off the day's events. At the same time, he could still find a way to tease Bodie a bit. Bodie would enjoy that; he'd enjoy figuring out a way to return the favor. Yeah, that would give Bodie something to occupy his devilish mind.

But how to go about it, that was the question. Doyle racked his brain for ideas. Something to do with being bent, that's what he needed. If only he knew what had brought on Bodie's earlier protestations. He heard a soft snore and took his eyes off the road for a second to glance at his partner's sleeping profile. A handsome face, no doubt about that. Maybe he'd had trouble in his military days--with a face and body like his, he could easily have been propositioned. Was that what he was worried about? What other possibilities were there? Doyle made a mental list, everything from Childhood Fooling Around to Randy, Unmarried Uncles Who Liked To Bounce Their Nephews On Their Knees, until his head felt like it was boiling over with ideas. He decided to let it stew for a while; something would come of it.

Doyle concentrated on driving, and Bodie slept all the way to London. As Doyle turned off the motorway and headed toward his current flat in Chelsea, he considered which pub to stop at. And then it hit him. A new pub had opened up a few weeks ago, about four blocks from his flat. He'd gone in once to check it out. He'd got a drink at the bar and then studied the place. He'd noted the three male couples sitting quite cozily at the tables, the arty black-and-white framed photographs of nude male torsos on one wall, and the young gentleman at the other end of the bar who kept sidling closer to him. It hadn't made him embarrassed, merely amused. He simply finished his drink and left, and hadn't gone back. Tonight might be the time for a return visit.

He briefly chewed on his lower lip. It wasn't just getting Bodie in there; he'd have to do more than that to provoke him. What reaction would he get, he wondered, if he actually made a move on Bodie? Surely Bodie would figure out it was only a joke. A game. Yes, that's what would distract Bodie from the day, help him unwind--a game.

He found a parking spot halfway between his flat and the pub. Bodie woke up, rubbing his eyes.

"Come on. There's a new place nearby I've been meanin' to check out," Doyle said. "You still want that drink?"

"You still buying?"

" 'Course I am."

Bodie nodded, and they got out and headed down the street. Bodie had visibly relaxed since arriving back in Town. And he still seemed a bit groggy from his nap, which played into Doyle's plan nicely. A certain lack of alertness would go a long way towards getting Bodie inside and seated without noticing the details of his surroundings.

It was early yet. Once inside, Doyle steered Bodie to the unoccupied bar and splurged on two large whiskeys. While waiting for their glasses to be filled, he made a quick survey of the place. Only a handful of tables were occupied. He spotted a bench running along the far wall--a comfortable looking bench with a few small tables lined up along it, each with one wooden chair on the opposite side. Perfect.

He paid for their drinks, then directed Bodie toward the rear. Doyle caught a glimpse of the nude photos on the left wall and nearly tripped over his own feet as he hurried to move to Bodie's left, in an effort to block his view. Fortunately, Bodie seemed focused on finding a seat, and paid no attention.

Bodie slid onto the cushioned bench, just where Doyle wanted him. He stood by the hardbacked chair and took one large gulp of his whiskey to steady his nerves. "No reason why you should be the only comfortable one," he said, and scooted onto the bench beside his partner.

"Bit cozy, isn't it?" Bodie replied.

"Yeah." Doyle smiled and patted Bodie's shoulder. "You don't mind, do you?"

Bodie rolled his eyes. "Can't take you anywhere, can I?"

Doyle leaned back and drank generously; no doubt he'd need more than one drink to get through the evening. He waited for an awareness of their surroundings to sink into Bodie's brain. There were no women in sight; other tables were taken by male couples, most sitting quite close together, and not a few with their arms around each other. It didn't take long. Bodie had only got through a third of his whiskey before he suddenly set it down and sat up straight. "What the hell--Doyle, this place is full of queers!"

"Keep your voice down," Doyle hissed.

Bodie stared at him; his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "You knew!" His brows furrowed. "You little bastard. You planned this!"

Doyle grinned. "Yeah, I did." He wished he could snap a picture of Bodie's agitated expression. "Penny for your thoughts."

"Believe me, you don't want to hear them." Bodie started to stand.

Doyle pulled him back down. "Haven't finished your drink, mate."

Bodie's eyes narrowed, but he stayed seated. Doyle watched him nervously finger his glass while taking a more studied look around the room; Bodie's gaze rested on the framed photos for an uncomfortably long time. What was he thinking? Bodie finally turned his gaze back to him. Doyle searched his face for clues, confused by the worried look he found there.

"What the hell are you playin' at?" Bodie's voice was level.

Doyle tried to shrug off his own nervousness. "Just buyin' you a drink. Relax."

Bodie looked from his drink to the other customers in the pub and back to his drink; he seemed to be making a decision between his unease and free whiskey.

The whiskey won. Bodie picked up his glass and leaned back against the wall. "You've got a weird sense of humor, Doyle. But I'm going to pay you back for this."

"Oh, yeah?" Doyle grinned.

Bodie fixed him with one of his better smoldering stares. "Yeah."

Doyle stopped grinning. There were times in the past when his partner had gone peculiar on him. He'd expected Bodie to reciprocate--that was all part of the game of teasing him, and part of the challenge. But he hadn't thought about HOW Bodie would get back at him. If Bodie went into one of his moody, unpredictable states, did he really want to deal with him? Time to lighten the mood. He smiled and raised his glass toward Bodie's. "To, um...to friendship."

Bodie clinked glasses. "I'll drink to that." He downed the rest of his whiskey in a few swift gulps, then handed the glass over. "Get us another, mate."

Doyle raised his eyebrows. Bodie wanted to stay here for another drink? What was he up to? Bodie just sat there with a smug expression.

Fine. Doyle chugged his whiskey down. Whatever Bodie had planned, whatever mood he got into, he could handle it. No problem.

He walked over to the bar for a refill. He tried not to look at Bodie while he waited, but curiosity got the better of him. When he did look, Bodie was staring right at him with those intense eyes of his, unfathomable. Bodie's lips twitched into a smile.

Doyle turned away to collect the drinks. Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea. All he'd wanted was a bit of a lark, to annoy Bodie, then get a laugh out of him, and go home.

He brought the drinks back to the table, slowing up as he neared it. Might be better to take the chair this time. Then he met Bodie's gaze again, and saw the challenge there, that egotistical smugness. Doyle bristled. Damn it, he would not let Bodie get under his skin that easily. He slid onto the bench and handed Bodie his whiskey.

Doyle leaned back and sipped at his drink. The pub was filling up more. He took a look at the two men who now sat at the table closest to them, just in time to see one man lean over to kiss his partner on the lips. Doyle felt the flush on his cheeks; he turned to Bodie. "Did you see that?"

"See what?" Bodie casually slid his arm around Doyle's shoulders.

It certainly wasn't an unusual gesture on his part, but Doyle had to wonder why he would do it here. "You want to watch that, mate. Might damage your delicate reputation."

"Watch what? I'm just bein' friendly."

"Don't be thick." Doyle tried to dislodge the arm, but Bodie maintained a firm hold. "Bodie--"

"Don't make a fuss in public, Ray. And remember, YOU brought ME here."

Ah, so that was it; Bodie was playing his own game back at him. That was his revenge. Well, this wasn't exactly the tactic he would have predicted given Bodie's earlier protests. But if that was the way Bodie really wanted to play it, he was up to it.

"Right." He relaxed into Bodie's embrace, even snuggled a bit closer. "Very pleasant place this, don't you think?"

Bodie took a long pull at his whiskey. " 's not bad."

Doyle took quick gulps of his own drink. The sooner he finished this round, the sooner he could get out of here before Bodie came up with any more bright ideas. He felt quite warm; whether from the alcohol or Bodie's physical presence, he couldn't tell.

"Of course," Bodie added, "any place is nice provided you've got the right company." He smiled.

"Yeah, and I know the 'right company' to you is any bird with the time and the inclination. Considering your insatiable appetite in that department, the fact you spend any of your precious spare time with me is nothing short of amazing."

"But I do, don't I?"

"Huh?"

"You ever wonder why that is?"

Doyle felt ever so slightly fuzzy; he hadn't eaten much that day, and he was already more than halfway through his second large whiskey. "Did I ever wonder what?"

Bodie leaned close. "Why," he said slowly and very quietly, "I spend so much of my spare time with you."

"Oh." Doyle swallowed, though he hadn't taken a drink. The truth of his own remark hadn't really struck home until Bodie followed it up. They did spend a lot of their spare time together, but he hadn't questioned it before. After all, that's what friends did. "No," he replied.

"Hm." Bodie leaned back and tackled his drink again.

Doyle worked at finishing his whiskey. The place was crowded now; he scanned the faces, hoping no one from his building was there, hoping he wouldn't be recognized. Not that anyone knew what he did for a living, but still, it never hurt to be careful.

Bodie let out a soft chuckle. "See anyone you know?"

" 'Course not."

"You sure? I think that fellow cross the way is givin' you the eye."

"Is not." But he couldn't help looking in the direction Bodie nodded towards. An older man sat there, smiling in their direction.

"Told you."

"He's not lookin' at me, he's lookin' at both of us." Doyle fidgeted, moving slightly away from Bodie. This wasn't fair. He was supposed to be sitting here enjoying Bodie's discomfort, not the other way round. Enough was enough. He downed the rest of his drink, ready to leave.

" 'bout time you finished. I'll get the next round."

"Another? Don't you want to get home?"

"Nah. One more." Before Doyle could say anything Bodie stood, snatched up both glasses, and pushed his way through the crowd to the bar.

Doyle let out a long-suffering sigh. Bodie just didn't know when to quit. But at least he'd have to pay this time.

His partner returned with two full glasses and handed one over. Then he slid onto the bench, as close as he could get. But when he failed to put his arm around him, Doyle relaxed a little. Maybe Bodie was giving up; maybe he didn't need any more revenge.

Doyle started as he felt a pressure on his thigh. Bodie's hand, caressing him. Doyle suddenly felt frozen to the spot, unable to move. He slowly turned his head to stare at his partner. Bodie looked straight ahead, and his eyes had a dreamy cast, the lids half-lowered. His hand continued its slow, sensuous movement, gently massaging Doyle's thigh.

Doyle took a deep breath and moved his own hand on top of Bodie's to still it. Bodie twined his fingers through his, clasping his hand tightly. Then he swiftly raised Doyle's hand to his lips and kissed it. He turned to look at Doyle, fixing him with a mesmerizing gaze. He released Doyle's hand, wrapped his arm round his shoulders again, and began twisting strands of hair round his fingers. "Like this, do you?"

Doyle couldn't believe this was happening. He felt a flush in his cheeks, but he still couldn't move. And he couldn't turn away from Bodie's gaze. There was something animalistic about those eyes--a predatory excitement that sent a shiver down Doyle's spine. Christ, what was he letting Bodie do to him--this was getting out of hand. If only Bodie would stop staring at him like that...he had to break away from that gaze, had to act nonchalant, or Bodie would never let him live this down. Doyle steadied himself and turned away. He focused on his whiskey, chugging half of it before nearly choking on the liquid. Damn Bodie and his stupid game.

Bodie carefully set his own half-finished drink on the table. Then he took Doyle's glass from him and set it down as well. He continued to toy with Doyle's hair with his left hand, and let his right hand fall on Doyle's thigh again. This time Bodie's skillful manipulations sent a tingling from his thigh right through his groin. Bodie's touch aroused him, and the fact that it did terrified him. Was Bodie losing control of this game, or was he? Was it even still a game to Bodie? Doyle trembled, a surge of fear merging with a shiver of excitement. The sudden, startlingly erotic, completely horrifying thought that Bodie might actually want him sent a shock of heat right through his groin. He had to know before this went any further-- to stop it before he made a complete idiot of himself. Somehow, Doyle managed to find his voice. "You win," he said.

"Hm?"

"This game you're playing. You win."

Bodie didn't take his hand away. His face was only inches from Doyle's. "What's my prize?"

Doyle gulped. A strange tension spread through his chest and abdomen; he hardly felt as if he were breathing. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I know what I'd like to have." Bodie stopped playing with Doyle's hair and moved his hand down his neck to gently knead the top of his spine, working out the tension in the knotted muscles.

Doyle's breathing turned slightly ragged. Bodie wasn't stopping. He was supposed to stop, say it was all a joke, watch Doyle turn red, laugh at him--he wasn't stopping. It suddenly struck him, through his slight alcohol haze, that he could have stopped this anytime himself if he'd wanted to, and he hadn't...was it possible he wanted this to go on? That he wanted...what? To have sex with his partner? And was that really what Bodie wanted--was that what he meant when he said he knew what he'd like to have? Or was he still playing around? Doyle had observed Bodie on undercover ops enough to know he could be a good actor, but why here, why now--anger flared in him, anger at Bodie for messing with his head. "Look, you said you didn't want to ruin your image, and that was out in the middle of nowhere--what the hell do you think you're doin' to your reputation HERE? What is this, when in Rome time? You didn't want strangers thinking you're queer, and now you expect ME to believe you're tryin' it on?"

"Ah, Ray, haven't you heard that line about people who protest too much?"

Doyle stared at him, stunned. "But you're not--I know you're not bent...all those birds--"

"Help lessen suspicion, don't they?"

Doyle's eyes widened at this unexpected reply. "You serious? You trying to tell me you screwed every female within the city limits just to keep up a front? Pull the other one, mate."

Bodie's left hand reached the middle of Doyle's back, moving smoothly ever downward, while his right hand crept up Doyle's thigh to the point where it met his groin. "Didn't exactly say that, did I? Sometimes I like women."

Bodie'd left the implication of that unsaid, but Doyle damn well knew what it was, and it was damn well time to say it. "And sometimes you like men?"

"Maybe."

Bodie's hand reached his lower back and found a certain spot which sent a tremor of pleasure through Doyle's entire body. He didn't know how the hell Bodie knew about that particular spot, and when Bodie touched it again, he caught his breath. "Don't--"

Bodie leaned over to brush his lips against Doyle's cheek. "How far is your flat?" he whispered.

Doyle closed his eyes. "I said, don't--"

"You little tease." Bodie used his left hand to grab the back of Doyle's head and hold it. The next thing Doyle felt was Bodie's mouth on his own, his lips strong and demanding; Doyle allowed his lips to part as Bodie's tongue thrust inside, exploring, tasting...Doyle felt a fierce heat, felt himself losing control, felt the erection pressing against the confining denim of his jeans. This was no game. Bodie wanted him. The idea frightened him, and at the same time he couldn't deny the thrill, or the way his body responded. He opened his eyes and pushed Bodie away. Bodie released Doyle's thigh and shoved his right arm against Doyle's chest, his hand on his shoulder, and held him tight against the wall. "What do you really want, Ray?"

"I don't know," Doyle gasped.

"Don't know, or don't want to say?"

"Let me go."

Bodie released him. Doyle took a deep breath, momentarily relieved, at least physically. "It's not a game, is it?"

Bodie picked up his drink and drained the remaining liquid. "Why don't I answer that when we get back to your place?"

Doyle started to say "no," but the word refused to come out. Whatever it was that kept pulling him along on this roller- coaster ride of a night was beyond his understanding. Every move he made was fraught with peril--he knew that, and yet he kept going. Maybe that was it. He'd always been attracted to danger. And there was no question about it--his partner was a dangerous man.

"Well?" Bodie said.

Doyle reached for his whiskey. "My flat," he said as he drained his glass, "is four blocks away."

---

They walked in silence; Doyle kept a couple steps ahead of Bodie, not wanting to be too close, wanting to clear his head. He breathed deeply, felt a little more in control, and then made the mistake of glancing back. He saw Bodie's downcast eyes watching him, on a straight line to his rear end. Good God, what was Bodie planning--what was he getting himself into? Doyle paused to let Bodie catch up to him. He took more deep breaths, letting the chill in the night air dampen the fire within.

They reached his building. Doyle hesitated at the main entrance, keys in hand. Bodie moved up close beside him, brushing his hips up against him, and the fire inside Doyle flickered to life again. He opened the door and led the way upstairs, trying hard not to think about what lay ahead, and failing miserably. It was all he COULD think about.

Once inside his flat Doyle tossed his jacket on a chair and went straight to the kitchen, where he began banging pots and mugs about.

Bodie came up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. "What are you doin'?"

"Makin' coffee."

"What for?"

"Look, Bodie, enough's enough--" Doyle started about to twist out of his grasp when Bodie moved his hands onto his lower back and found that special spot again, and he rubbed it just right. Doyle gasped as the shiver of pleasure ran through him. He threw the coffee pot into the sink and turned around. Bodie still had that look of the hunter in his eyes.

"Told you I'd answer your question," Bodie said.

"What? What question--" Doyle found it hard to speak as Bodie held him tight against the counter, hip to hip, thigh to thigh, groin to groin.

"You know. Is this a game or not."

Doyle knew damn well it wasn't; not after that kiss, and not now that they were alone in his flat. Bodie just wouldn't say it. "Fine. Is it?"

Bodie moved his hands up and down Doyle's back. "What do you think?"

"You tell ME, Bodie!"

"And how do you feel if it isn't?"

Doyle clenched his fists. "Stop playing with my head, Bodie--I don't like it."

Bodie clutched him by the shoulders. "If you don't like it, why haven't you kicked me out?"

It was a good question, one Doyle didn't have an answer to, except the obvious one--that he enjoyed Bodie's attentions. He couldn't deny the excitement he felt every time Bodie touched him, the thrill that penetrated to the very core of his being. "Don't know," he murmured.

Bodie let go of his shoulders. He cupped Doyle's face in one hand and gently ran his thumb across Doyle's mouth. "Always liked those lips, you know."

"Yeah?"

"Oh, yeah." Bodie pulled him away from the counter. "Come on."

"NO." Doyle wrenched free, steeling himself, determined to get a straight answer out of his partner. "I'm not goin' anywhere 'til you tell me the truth."

"And if I do, what then?"

Doyle struggled to keep control, even as a wave of desire flowed over him, desire that still shocked him. He threw Bodie's own words back at him. "What do YOU think?"

It was Bodie's turn to catch his breath. He turned away, as if collecting his thoughts. When he turned back, his stare was so intent Doyle felt pinned to the counter by it. "No game, mate," he said, his voice a husky whisper. "I want you. Fair enough?"

Doyle bit his lip. He wanted an honest answer, and he got it. Now it was his turn. Bodie's gaze held him, pure sensuality flaring in those blue eyes. "Yeah," he said.

Bodie smiled. "Come to bed, then?"

Doyle nodded, and led the way to his room.

When they reached the edge of the bed together, Doyle stared down at it. A rising sense of trepidation filled him. His desire was genuine, but was it only a momentary intoxication? Or was it strong enough to last through whatever Bodie had planned? A tremor ran through him as he looked at his unpredictable partner. The risk was a big part of what kept drawing him on.

Bodie turned Doyle to face him. He carefully unbuttoned Doyle's shirt and tugged it loose from his jeans. Then he rolled it off his shoulders and tossed it aside. He rested his hand on Doyle's chest, massaging a nipple. Doyle closed his eyes, relaxing into the stimulating touch. Bodie moved in closer; Doyle felt his mouth near his ear. "Don't you want to take MY shirt off?" Bodie whispered.

Doyle opened his eyes. He'd seen Bodie naked before, in the shower room after workouts, but that was impersonal. This was...well, this was decidedly personal. He slowly undid the buttons of Bodie's shirt, cautiously exploring the taut flesh beneath. The solidity of Bodie's chest was so different from what he was used to touching, yet so similar to his own. The tenseness returned as he pulled Bodie's shirt off, disquieted by this new experience, yet inexorably drawn to it.

Bodie pulled him into a tight embrace. Doyle felt the hardness of Bodie's arousal through his jeans, and the ache in his own groin as his erection grew in response. He stroked Bodie's back, trying to duplicate what Bodie had done to him earlier, entranced by the strength in those muscles. Bodie trembled and let out a soft moan, then met Doyle's mouth in a fervent kiss. Doyle savored the wet warmth, luxuriating in it, anchoring himself in this one familiar sensation amid the strangeness of all the others...it eased his tension. Then Bodie broke away and attacked his neck, licking it, sucking it. Bodie's hands made their way to Doyle's jeans and worked the zip free. Doyle closed his eyes, not entirely certain he wanted to watch as he returned the favor, and together they tugged the rest of each other's clothes off. But keeping his eyes closed couldn't shut out the feel of Bodie's erect cock touching his, and Doyle gasped at the contact.

He felt Bodie pull away. "I see I've got you all excited, Ray."

Doyle opened his eyes and looked down. Shower room or no, he'd never seen Bodie like THIS before. Bodie engorged was quite something, and it stunned him that he was the cause of it. "Seems mutual," he murmured.

Bodie lifted his Doyle's chin. " 's beautiful. But I do think we should do something about it, hm?"

"Yeah..."

"Be more comfortable on the bed."

Doyle felt a returning surge of nervousness, but he could hardly stop this now. He turned and climbed into the bed, and Bodie climbed in after him.

Doyle turned onto his side to face him, and took Bodie's mouth in another lingering kiss. He ran his hand down Bodie's side, down to his hip and thigh, sharply aware of Bodie's strength, unsettled by the idea of that heaviness pressing against him. But then he felt Bodie's straining cock brush against his own, and the touch inflamed him. He released Bodie's mouth to nuzzle his neck as Bodie wrapped his powerful arms around him, reaching down to grasp his buttocks. Doyle thrust his hips forward, frenzied, wanting Bodie to take him over the edge, needing him...he moved his body against Bodie's, flesh caressing flesh, stroking Bodie's chest. He looked into Bodie's eyes and saw the hunger there. Doyle had never felt such fervor before; there was a fire inside him, inciting him into a passion different and more dangerous than any he had ever known, stirring something deep inside that he never knew existed. He pressed his lips hard against Bodie's pliant mouth again, wanting the fire to last. He pushed against Bodie with his whole body, trembling as his partner thrust back. He pushed again, pressing Bodie against the mattress, shifting his weight onto him, frenetic, urgently aware that it couldn't last...then Bodie pushed him off, rolling onto him, and Doyle gasped against the weight, wanting it and not wanting it. He used his hips and legs to wrestle Bodie onto his side again, the stimulus of the brief struggle driving him to the brink. Bodie's hand closed round Doyle's cock, and a few electrifying strokes was all it took to carry him into the red- hot delirium of completion, and he cried out as he came, shuddering into ecstasy.

Through a haze of pleasure, he became vaguely aware of Bodie still rubbing against him, moaning. Feeling as if it were happening in slow motion, Doyle reached down to brush the tip of Bodie's cock with his finger, then used his whole hand to stroke down the length of it and watched, fascinated, as Bodie jerked violently in his own orgasmic release.

Doyle rolled onto his back, panting, his body sated, his mind whirling at what they'd done. Bodie, still lying on his side, rested his arm across Doyle's chest, and nuzzled the curls near his ear. "You love me?" he said.

Doyle caught his breath. The question shocked him. Love? Was that Bodie talking? Fully alert, he searched Bodie's face for a clue to his partner's present state of mind, not finding one. Love Bodie? The answer didn't shock him at all. Of course he did. "Yes."

"Good." Bodie smiled and propped himself up on his elbow. "In that case, the game is really over."

"WHAT?" Doyle felt a moment of sheer panic. Good God, had Bodie gotten him all the way to this point, past the point of no return, just to turn on him, had he lied to him--"You bastard, what the hell are you doin'--"

"Take it easy! I mean, no more playing games with your head. I found out what I wanted to know."

Doyle took a deep breath to still his anger. "Which is--"

"--that you love me."

Doyle waited, his heart pounding. "And?"

"And I..." Bodie paused; he reached up to brush Doyle's cheek. "Sorry. I never planned to go about it like this. Wasn't exactly prepared."

Doyle swallowed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, this didn't start tonight, Ray. Not for me, anyway. I've been thinkin' about if for some time. That I--" He shut his eyes and half-buried his face in his pillow, and Doyle barely made out the muttered "--care about you."

"BODIE--"

Bodie opened one eye. Doyle stared at him, unrelenting. Bodie sighed and raised his head. "All right, that I love you." He frowned.

"Didn't hurt, did it?"

Bodie shook his head; the frown turned into a grin. "Nah."

Doyle strove to contain the joy he felt at that confession; not to let it show just yet. He knew there was more, and he wanted to hear it. "So what you're sayin' is, you didn't seduce me just for the sex--"

"Not entirely--"

"What's that supposed to--"

"Ray!"

"What?"

"Can you just shut up and let me explain this my own way?"

Doyle couldn't help chuckling at the look of frustration on Bodie's face. "Yeah, ok. So you've been thinkin' about this for awhile--"

"YES." Bodie took a breath and let it out slowly. "About how I wanted...you know, to be close to you. And yeah, to make it with you. Then all of a sudden you gave me the perfect opportunity to find out how you'd react to that."

"Springin' the pub on you--"

"Right."

"Thought you'd gone barmy on me--"

"Didn't know how else to do it. Wanted to push things as far as I could and still be able to back out if you got upset-- laugh it off, say it was a joke. Figured if I acted a bit crazy, you could put it down to one of my moods. But when you didn't get upset--well, I decided to go for broke, get you back here, find out the truth. I just want you to know I'm not foolin' around any more. This is for real."

"Is it? You saying you want more than one night?"

Bodie lay back down and pulled Doyle into an embrace. "Yeah, that WAS the idea. What do you think?"

Doyle felt a tightness in his chest, uncertainty returning. Not that he didn't love Bodie--he didn't have any doubts there. No, it was more a continuing undercurrent of trepidation that he felt whenever he thought of sex with Bodie. He enjoyed it immensely, yet it still scared him--most of all, the force of his own response scared him.

"Ray?"

"Sorry." He gave Bodie's lips a light kiss. "Give me a little time, will you?" He rested his head on Bodie's shoulder, sleepy, content to hold and be held. He thought back to the pub, remembering the odd combination of tension and arousal he'd felt there. The memory sent a pleasant tingle down his spine. That could be the key...

"Maybe," he said drowsily, "there's one way..."

"Hm? What's that?"

"...liked it when you were being unpredictable...found it exciting..."

"Yeah, I did notice."

Doyle closed his eyes. "Maybe we should play that little game again some time."

Bodie leaned over to turn off the bedside lamp. "Any time you like."

-- THE END --

Originally published in Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink 2, Manacles Press.