The loud banging at the door sounded again while Bodie yanked on his dressing gown, his skin still wet from the shower that had been interrupted.

"Keep yer kilt on," muttered Bodie, pulling the ties viscously tight around his waist. He slipped his gun free of the holster he had taken off earlier, while at the same time wiping drops of water from his face.

"Yeah!" Bodie wasn't in the mood to be polite and didn't much care if it was the Cow himself on the other side of the door.

"Open the hell up, Bodie!"

Wonderful. The bellow of his partner made him cringe as he disengaged the locks and alarm. Steeling himself for whatever could have possibly happened since he and Doyle had parted ways less than an hour ago, Bodie opened the door.

"What's got your knickers twisted?" asked Bodie, taking a quick step back as Doyle pushed past him. They had finally finished an op that had dragged on longer than it should have taken. All Bodie wanted was a quiet weekend and a little distance from his partner. It had been hard enough spending every waking and sleeping moment so close to his heart's desire without the luxury of touching.

"I've been kicked out of my flat, that's what!" growled Doyle, stalking into the room, his carry all from their op still gripped tightly in his fist. The last thing he had wanted was to find himself locked out of his own flat after having been away for so long. His frustration barely contained, he found himself snapping at Bodie. "Couldn't even get inside to grab a clean set of clothes."

Bodie reset the locks before turning to face his furious partner. "What? Why?" He carefully replaced his gun in it's holster, figuring it would be too tempting while he held it to face a brassed off Doyle.

"For vermin!" said Doyle, anger radiating through his lean frame. "Can you believe it? They honestly think I have hordes of nasty little bugs living the highlife in my flat." He threw himself down on Bodie's couch, rubbing his face with his hands.

"So why don't you go stay with one of your birds until they let you back in?" asked Bodie, moving toward his stock of scotch and pouring two glasses.

"Oh, right," scoffed Doyle. "Don't care to set that kind of precedence with any of 'em. Start spending the whole weekend and the next thing you know, they'll be expectin' me to move in with 'em. No thanks, mate."

"What do you expect me to do about it?" asked Bodie, handing Doyle his glass and sitting down on the couch, tucking his gown closed around his legs.

"Come on, Bodie. You can at least lend me your couch for the next couple of nights," said Doyle, bringing his glass to his lips.

"You? Stay here?" Bodie stared wide eyed at him. "Not sure how that would look. Start rumours that will." His heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending time with Doyle without the strict rigours of the job to keep his feelings at bay and under control.

"Oh, get off it," glared Doyle. "Won't be any rumours that aren't already flying around. The blokes already think you and I have it off with each other now, don't they?"

"They what?" Bodie choked on his drink, spitting the amber liquid out and nearly spraying Doyle. The alcohol burned his throat as he tried to breath in air and not the fiery liquid.

"You and me," said Doyle slowly. "Together. As in shagging each other through the mattress." He watched Bodie's red face as his partner coughed to clear the scotch from his windpipe.

"They don't," sputtered Bodie, wiping at the remains of his drink that had splattered on his gown.

"They do," said Doyle. "So what's the harm in giving me a place to sleep? I thought we were mates."

"Mates, yes. Lovers...." Bodie started laughing caustically. The realisation that perhaps he hadn't hid his feelings for his partner as well as he thought had him automatically going on the defensive.

"What's so funny?"

"You and me? Oh that's rich," grinned Bodie, despite the spike shooting through him at the mere thought. "And who do they say is in the driver's seat, eh?" He needed to redirect any thought of him possibly having any serious thoughts and longings along that direction.

"You're such a berk," said Doyle, glaring at Bodie. He should have known Bodie would react with his usual acid humour at the mere idea of the two of them together.

"Come on, you brought it up," pushed Bodie, unable to just drop the subject. "Can't leave out the details, Sunshine." Despite the instinct for self preservation urging him to change the topic, he couldn't let the opportunity to flirt with the idea of the two of them being together pass by. He just wished it could be true.

"Look, just forget it, okay? I'll go sleep in the bloody car if I 'ave to." Doyle rose to his feet and strode toward the door, scooping his bag up on the way. It was bad enough to know that Bodie was out of reach, but it was unbearable to have his nose rubbed in it.

"Hang about," said Bodie, hastily moving to block Doyle. "Was jus' teasin'. Of course you can stay here." He wanted to take back the words as soon as they had left his mouth. Had he gone insane? It had been hard enough not to sneak more than a passing caress disguised as his usual friendly touches during the op, but at least the job had kept him from completely stumbling over the invisible line of acceptable teasing. Then again, to have Doyle on his home turf was too much to resist.

Doyle studied Bodie, waiting for him to start in again with the comments.

"Seriously, you can stay." Bodie held Doyle's gaze until his partner finally nodded.

"Thanks," said Doyle, grudgingly. He turned to walk back into the living room, setting his carry all back down beside the couch.

"Don't mention it," smiled Bodie. "Why don't you go take a shower while I fix us something to eat." He busied himself in the kitchen as he heard the shower start. By the time he finished, Doyle stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his hips and opened his carry all to rummage through it.

"Here," said Bodie, holding out his extra dressing gown. "No sense on putting on dirty clothes now that you're all clean." He allowed his gaze to linger on the damp curls that covered Doyle's chest and the twin small nipples that peeked out.

"Appreciate it," said Doyle, gratefully accepting the offered garment, missing the open appraisal of his nearly nude body. "Wasn't too thrilled about sleeping in already slept in clothes."

They ate, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. After spending almost three weeks attached at the hip, there wasn't much left to chat about. Bodie rinsed their plates and sat them beside the sink for in the morning.

"If you want to watch the telly, it won't bother me," said Bodie, gathering extra blankets and a pillow and dropping them on the couch. "I think I'm going to go ahead and turn in for the night." He turned away as Doyle spread out the blankets and readied to settle in for the night.

"Thanks, Bodie."

Bodie paused at his bedroom doorway and looked back over his shoulder. "For what?"

"For being here." Doyle looked up, a faint smile on his face. "I know I'm the last person you want to be around right now." The simple act of showering had helped to put the last few weeks of frustration behind him.

Bodie shrugged, unwilling to admit there wasn't anyone he would rather be with. "Not so bad. Figure if I can put up with you all this time, I can tolerate you for a couple more days." He slipped into his bedroom and cracked the door shut.

---

The sound of Doyle moving around in the living room woke Bodie and he sat up in bed. Quietly he rose and donned his dressing gown.

Doyle stood in front of the window, his nude silhouette faintly alit by the moon shining full and bright. Bodie froze, mesmerised by the sight, his breath caught as he gazed at his friend. Doyle must have sensed his presence for he turned to look back over his shoulder.

"Didn't mean to wake you," whispered Doyle. The night was quiet and although it was only the two of them, it didn't seem right to speak loudly.

"Can't sleep?" asked Bodie, his voice low and forcing himself to look directly at Doyle's face and not down the lean body that half turned in his direction.

Doyle shook his head. "Not that I'm not grateful for you putting me up, but I had sorta been looking forward to sleeping in a real bed. Your couch isn't very forgiving."

"Why not just share my bed? It's big enough," offered Bodie. The invitation had been issued without really thinking it through.

A silence deeper than the night fell between them.

"Not sure that's such a great idea," said Doyle, turning back to look out the window.

"Oh? Why's that?" asked Bodie, his defences lowered from just waking up and not thinking clearly. "Afraid I'd have my wicked way with you, do you?"

"Nah, 'fraid it might be the other way around," muttered Doyle. The quiet words drifted to Bodie whose eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, in that case, that's all right," said Bodie, a small smile brightening his face.

Doyle jerked his head around to stare back at Bodie. Blue eyes held his gaze without flinching. "Don't start, Bodie."

"Not starting anything," shrugged Bodie. "Was just accepting your offer is all."

"What offer?" asked Doyle, his eye narrowing. Subconsciously he moved his hands in front of himself while tensing for the expected jab.

"For you to have your wicked way with me," answered Bodie, his tongue darting out and licking his lower lip.

Doyle sighed loudly and moved toward the couch. "It's too late for your idea of bantering, Bodie."

"Not teasing, 'm serious."

Standing next to the couch, Doyle studied his partner.

"Unless of course, you're the one joking." Bodie stiffened, the possibility that Doyle hadn't seriously meant what he had said only now sinking in.

The moment dragged on, neither backing down or moving forward until the shrill ring of the phone cut through the tension. Breaking eye contact, Bodie went to answer it.

Doyle snagged the dressing gown draped over the nearby chair and hastily pulled it on while Bodie was on the phone.

"That was headquarters," said Bodie, hanging up the phone. "You forgot to let them know where you were staying and they'd been trying to contact you at your own place to verify where they could reach you. Told 'em you were going to be staying here until you could get back into your own flat."

"Am I? Thought you were worried about rumours flying around."

"Only if the rumours aren't true." Bodie waited for the insinuation to sink in.

"Oh? It would be all right if what they were saying was in reality true?" Doyle shoved his hands into the pockets of the dressing gown and waited.

Bodie pursed his lips and tilted his head to the side as he studied Doyle. "Yeah." Maybe it was the simple fact that he was having this conversation with Doyle while Doyle was completely nude, but Bodie had decided to finally take the chance that he'd been too afraid to pursue before.

"What's going on, Bodie?" asked Doyle, tired of trying to figure out exactly what Bodie was saying. He felt suddenly more exposed than when he had been standing in front of Bodie without a stitch on.

"If it's not obvious, Sunshine, then I guess I've lost me touch." Bodie stepped toward Doyle and slowly reached out a hand to caress Doyle's jaw with two fingers. His heart thundered in his chest at the chance he was taking, but he couldn't have stopped himself even if Cowley happened to burst into the room right at that moment.

The muscle in Doyle's jaw jumped. "Don't be setting me up, Bodie. Not in the mood for it." He could feel his own heart picking up speed at the light touch.

"What are you in the mood for?" asked Bodie, leaning slightly forward. He locked eyes with Doyle, allowing his feelings to show without the usual mask.

"I know I'm not in the mood to get my head knocked off," said Doyle, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. He saw the raw need reflected on Bodie's face, but knew his partner could present himself in any way he chose. They all had learned to do so in their profession when the need arose.

"No danger of that." Taking a small step closer, Bodie closed the small distance between them. Slowly he lowered his head, giving Doyle the chance to step back before he brushed his lips over Doyle's.

The soft kiss stole their breath away, both too surprised at the turn of events to react further. Bodie withdrew and searched Doyle's face for reassurance. Doyle licked his lips, wanting to capture the feel of Bodie's mouth on his.

"'S nice, this," murmured Bodie, gently pulling Doyle closer and wrapping his arms around the slim waist. He once again covered Doyle's mouth with his own as Doyle lifted his chin in invitation. Tongues glided side by side, duelling for dominance.

Breaking the kiss, Bodie nuzzled Doyle's neck. "Bed."

Doyle tightened his hold around Bodie's shoulders as his thickening cock surged at the thought of going to bed with Bodie. He pushed Bodie backward, both trying to walk to the bedroom without relinquishing their hold on each other.

Turning, Bodie fell back on the bed bringing Doyle with him. They shifted onto their sides, tugging at the ties that held their dressing gowns and quickly removed the cloth barriers that separated them.

Taking his time, Doyle ran his hand over Bodie's smooth skin, his eyes feasting on the firm flesh that was his to touch, to love. "Lovely. Been wanting to get my hands on you forever." He encircled Bodie's cock with his hand and pumped twice, smiling as Bodie arched into his hand. He shifted downward, evading Bodie's questing hand to reciprocate. Shushing the growl of denial, Doyle suckled each peaked tit before moving down Bodie's twitching stomach and onward to his goal.

"Ray," breathed Bodie, tangling his fingers in the soft, auburn curls as Doyle's intention became obvious. He bit back the groan as warm breath caressed his groin.

"Not just me hands, but my mouth as well." Doyle opened his mouth and sucked the crown of Bodie's cock, teasing the slit with his tongue. The loud grunt of pleasure from above matched the tightening grip on his head and he took more of the thick shaft into his mouth.

The reality of Doyle doing this made Bodie's head spin. He fought not to come, wanting to draw this out as long as possible. "C'mere."

Reluctantly, Doyle released his prize and moved back up to kiss Bodie. His hips bucked forward as a strong hand fondled his weeping erection.

"My turn." Bodie rolled them over and nipped and kissed his way down Doyle's chest and stomach. He nuzzled the base of the proud cock before him. Bypassing the tempting flesh, he mouthed the firm ovals that tightened with each lick.

"Bodie," gasped Doyle, widening his legs and bending them to arch upward as the familiar tingle fanned out from his groin.

"Not yet," said Bodie, stretching on top of Doyle and settling his weight on top of him. Their cocks rubbed together, the friction causing them both to moan in pleasure.

Wrapping his legs around Bodie's waist, Doyle ground his hips upward, pressing their bodies tightly together. "Move faster."

"I thought I was in the driver's seat," chuckled Bodie, but he increased the speed of his thrusts to match Doyle's.

Pushing and twisting, Doyle flipped them over until he was on top. "Like everything else in this partnership, we're equals. And don't you forget it." He nudged Bodie's legs apart and started to grind their pelvis' together with strong thrusts.

Bodie strained beneath Doyle, grasping the firm mounds of Doyle's arse in each hand and squeezed. The groan that escaped him was swallowed by his lover who sealed their lips together. As his orgasm rippled through him, Bodie's rhythm faltered and he bucked his completion between their bodies.

The warm slickness triggered Doyle's climax and he pressed downward, his back arching as he let go and adding his own essence to the silky fluid smeared into their skin.

The silence was broken by the harsh breathing of the two men still entwined in a lover's embrace. Gradually, their hearts slowed as they gathered their strength to move and wipe away the majority of their seed from their bellies.

"Been dreamin' of you in my bed," said Bodie, his whole being sated and relaxed. "Keep expectin' to wake up and find myself all alone." He pulled the covers over them both and laid down on his back, as Doyle settled along his side.

"Not a dream," grinned Doyle, his green eyes bright. "Too good to be a dream." He leaned over and kissed Bodie, running his hand up and down Bodie's side before gently cupping Bodie's sated cock.

"Not sure I'm up to another round right now," said Bodie, drawing Doyle close and sighing as teeth nipped beneath his jaw and down his neck.

"Wasn't planning on it," said Doyle, skating his hand lightly over Bodie's broad chest, as he rested his head on his shoulder. "Just like to touch and cuddle afterwards, makes the pleasure linger longer."

A feeling of contentment grew with each feather light touch of Doyle's fingers that caressed him and Bodie's eyes fluttered close as he was lulled toward sleep. His own gentle petting slowing as he started to drift.

"Bodie?"

"Hmm?"

"This is for keeps, isn't it?" asked Doyle, lifting his head to peer up at Bodie.

Bodie cracked an eye open and held Doyle tighter. "It is as far as I'm concerned."

"Good." Doyle relaxed against Bodie's side and slipped his leg over Bodie's thigh. "Would hate to have experienced heaven only to have it yanked away."

"Is perfect," agreed Bodie. "Then again, it is the closest you'll ever get to heaven, a little devil like you."

Doyle slapped Bodie on the stomach and chuckled. "Chalk and cheese. An angel and a devil. We're doomed."

"Doomed to be together," smiled Bodie, kissing the top of Doyle's head before once again closing his eyes, welcoming the lure of sleep that called to him.

"Rather be doomed with you than be saved without you," said Doyle.

Soothing silence surrounded them and Bodie started to drift.

"What about work?" asked Doyle.

Bodie sighed and opened his eyes again to stare up at the ceiling. "Do you always talk this much afterwards?"

"Only when I'm with someone who is important to me," shrugged Doyle. "You're special, Bodie. Don't want to ever lose you or what we have. And should Cowley sniff out that we're more than what the handbook states as what is considered being partners, we could lose it all."

"Don't think the Cow will care much," said Bodie. "As long as we can still do the job, it doesn't matter to him what we do. Besides, I'd rather have you than the job if it ever came down to it."

"You mean that?"

"Of course I do," said Bodie, rolling onto his side. "Figured it was obvious."

"If it was so obvious, why did it take us so long to reach this point?"

"Because we both care about the other more than we do ourselves," answered Bodie. "Love you too much to risk losing you."

"I never thought you'd actually say that," whispered Doyle, surprise clear on his face.

"Actually say what?" asked Bodie, confused.

"That you love me."

"Why shouldn't I say it?" demanded Bodie, suddenly doubting if the feeling was returned.

"Oh, I'm not saying you shouldn't. I just figured you'd never come out and say it out loud," explained Doyle. "I do, too, you know. Love you, that is."

Bodie kissed him. "Never doubted it."

"Uh huh," grinned Doyle. He gave Bodie a quick kiss before shifting over to his other side and spooning in front of Bodie. "Think you can sleep now?"

"Oh, I think I can probably doze off," said Bodie, moving a stray curl away from his nose. He waited until Doyle's breathing evened out before surrendering to his own need for sleep.

Both content and happy to have together found the love they had only dreamed about separately. Eager to make the rumours into reality.

-- THE END --

Originally published in Bedroom Eyes, Secret Pleasures Press, March 2002