"Xander?"

He shook his head, clearing his mind, looking at Willow and smiling slightly. "Hey Willow. See that Fang let you off the leash."

"Xander, stop" she said, laughing as she put her arm around his neck. She squeezed his shoulder, knowing what he must be thinking of. "Spike sends his regards. He's meeting me here later if I'm still around."

"I'm sure he does. You mean he removed his tongue from your mouth long enough to speak?" Xander asked, smiling.

"Oh shut up. Buffy's doing ok. Her leg was broken but everything else checks out ok."

Xander nodded, glad that the slayer hadn't suffered worse. "What about the boy toy?"

"Riley is still being monitored. He lost a lot of blood and the doctors want to make sure there isn't anything else wrong with him. I honestly didn't listen to the details, just enough to know that he is ok." Willow said, glancing at Xander under her lashes. She knew of only two other times he had been in this hospital since his mother's had lost the baby. Once when Drusilla put her in it and the other when Buffy was sick. Yet, he had sat there for a day and half, since they had brought in Buffy and the others. She glanced at the room to her right and then back at Xander. He was tapping his foot and glancing nervously at that door before looking at the floor. She wished she could be inside his mind to know exactly what he was thinking. "How's Graham doing?"

Xander looked at her and smiled, "He's gonna be ok. Doctors are keeping for a couple days of observation. He did break three ribs and suffered a mild concussion. Other than that, he seems to be ok. A lot of psychological stuff. You know, seeing your friends die around you and not being able to help..."

"I know...Forrest died" Willow said softly. "I really like Graham. I hope things work out for him. I do know he needs a friend right now. Riley is not really in a position to give him that needed support."

Xander smiled slightly, "Trying to get me to be social and make a new friend, Wills?"

Willow shrugged, "Doesn't hurt. Seriously, I think he needs someone to talk to...who better than you? I mean, you listen to me babbling all the time. Hearing him talk shouldn't be that big of a deal."

"I love hearing you babble" Xander said, catching her eyes. "It reminds me that we're still alive...that we've survived yet another day on the Hellmouth."

"We're survivors, Xan. Never forget that" Willow said, kissing him lightly. "Is Graham up for company?"

Xander shrugged, "I dunno. He doesn't really talk much. He just stares into space unless I mention going home. Then he looks at me and makes me feel guilty for thinking about leaving him in this damn place alone. God, I hate hospitals."

"Come on. Let's go pay him a visit. Maybe I can volunteer to sit with him so you can go home and shower." She saw Xander nod and looped her arm through his. She rested her head on his shoulder as they went in to see Graham.

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

Graham looked up as the door to his room opened. He saw Willow and Xander. He chose to ignore the feeling that spread over him upon seeing the lanky youth. Graham watched them come inside, smiling crookedly at Willow. "Hey you."

"How are you feeling?" she asked, moving to his side. She watched as Xander sat in the chair beside the bed, his body too big for the small wooden frame. She noticed that he was trying not to look at Graham.

"Like I was run over by a large truck and dragged for miles" Graham said, laughing softly. "But, they think I can get out tomorrow."

"That soon?" Xander asked, looking up, his eyes narrowed slightly. "After all you went through, they are releasing you?"

"I may have to be monitored but I'm feeling better" Graham said quietly.

"That's good" Willow said, noticing the look passing between the two men. She hadn't seen Xander that worried since Cordelia had fallen at the warehouse their senior year. She smiled softly, realizing what was happening.

"I heard Riley is still being watched" Graham said, looking at the girl.

"Yes. They think he's going to be fine though. Buffy is already almost healed, though her leg was broken. That should take a bit more time, slayer healing be damned."

"I'm glad that they're ok" Graham said sincerely. "There were a lot that aren't."

"I'm sorry about Forrest" she said softly, taking his hand and squeezing.

"It was his time, I guess" Graham said. "Thanks for saving us."

"We couldn't leave you to die" Willow said, looking at Xander and seeing that he was looking off into space, that thoughtful look on his face again.

"Well, it means a lot" Graham said.

"Hey, I'd better go check on Buffy. Spike will be here soon to pick me up and I can't forget to visit her" Willow said, smiling at the handsome but bruised man. "I'll see you soon?"

"Sure" he said quietly, watching her leave. He glanced at Xander, his feelings for the boy still confusing him. "You leaving too?"

Xander shrugged, looking at his feet. "You want me to?"

"Not really" Graham said.

Xander looked up, a slight smile crossing his face. "Then I'll stay. We can watch some TV. Do you have anything to eat?"

Graham smiled as he passed over some of his lunch. "Here. It's hospital food, but it should be ok."

"Thank" Xander said, his fingers brushing against Graham's as they exchanged the cobbler. He pulled back quickly, turning to look at the television. He ignored the feelings that that brief touched caused in him as he began to talk quietly to the man in the hospital bed.

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

Willow walked into the apartment and moved to the sofa. She collapsed on it, putting her feet up on the table as Spike shut the door. She sighed, running her hand over her face. Buffy had been released from the hospital that day as had Graham. Riley was being kept for a few more days mostly for observation. He was awake and seemed to be doing well though. "Will this nightmare ever end?"

"It hasn't been all bad pet" he said, moving to sit in the chair opposite her.

She smiled shyly as she looked at him, "No, I guess it hasn't."

"Xander told me he was staying with Graham" Spike said, his eyes roaming lovingly over her pretty face. He had been waiting until all of her friends were doing better before pushing her into talking about their sudden awareness of each other's feelings. But, the slayer was out now. It seemed they would all survive. It was time to find out if she really did love him or if she had just been having a phase of some sort.

Willow smiled softly, "Yeah. Graham needs someone with him until he's on his feet. His friends are all dead or hurt too...poor guy. Anyway, Xander volunteered so he's moving into the dorm today."

"You think there's something there, don't you?" Spike asked, seeing the sparkle in her eyes.

She nodded, "I dunno but being around them both...they seem good for each other. Xander needs someone to love. Besides, if I'm in love he should be in love."

Spike felt himself grinned, "In love, huh?"

Willow nodded, smiling shyly. "Yeah...in love."

"With?" he asked, fishing mostly to hear the words again. He couldn't hear them enough.

"A stubborn, arrogant, charming, intelligent, smart assed blonde vampire" she said, smiling at the look in his eyes.

He chuckled, standing and feeling her eyes on him as he moved towards her. "Charming and intelligent I recognize. But, stubborn and arrogant? Smart assed? Who must you be speaking of luv?"

"You, Spike" she said, chewing her bottom lip as he took her hands and brought her to her feet. "I love you."

He smiled, brushing his fingers against her face, "As I love you, pet." He brought his mouth down to hers, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss that slowly deepened as they fell to the couch.

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

Willow felt Spike pull away from her, his eyes on her face. She smiled softly, sitting up on the sofa. "I guess I should be leaving."

"You could always stay" Spike said, his hand brushing against the side of her face. They had just spent over an hour on the sofa, kissing and touching and pretty much experiencing a good make out session. He didn't want her to go now.

Willow saw his eyes watching her and knew what he really meant. If she stayed, she knew she wouldn't be leaving with her virginity still intact. She did love him and wanted nothing more than to make love with him. But, she had to admit that she was scared. "I could?"

Spike smiled, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes and the slight fear. "We could just sleep. There's no need to rush things."

"Sleep sounds good" Willow said, smiling. Waking up in his arms. Yes, it sounded very good.

"Come on. Let's get ready for bed" he took her hand, helping her to her feet. He led her into his bedroom, thankful that he had straightened it up that afternoon before leaving. "Let me get you something to sleep in."

Willow watched him, love in her eyes as he opened his drawer and removed a black t-shirt. He really wasn't going to push her into anything. She took the shirt, smiling softly at him. "Thank you. Let me go to the bathroom and get changed. I'll be right back."

Spike smiled, watching her walk into the bathroom. He sat on the bed, groaning at how stupid he was acting. He was like a teenager on his first date. He could do this. He could share a bed with her and keep it platonic. Sure and hell had just frozen over. He laid back, wondering when he had started trying to fool himself. He loved Willow, with every fiber in his being. For her, he could wait just a little longer. He heard the door open and felt Willow's hesitance as she entered the room. He sat back up, freezing as he saw her standing before him. His shirt fell past her upper thighs. Her long pale legs were glorious against the black cotton material. She was chewing her lip, her hair falling forward to frame her face. "Beautiful."

Willow heard his whispered word and looked at him, smiling shyly. She tugged at the hem of the shirt, her fingers playing with the fraying edge. "I love you Spike."

"And I love you, pet" he responded, standing and pulling the covers down on his bed. He pulled his shirt over his head, wondering how he was going to sleep nude with her. Damn, he'd have to wear shorts or something.

"Spike?" she said softly, waiting until he looked at her before continuing. She smiled, "Would you..."

"Yes, luv?" he asked, kicking off his boots and standing in just his faded black denim jeans. He looked up, caught by the look in her eyes.

She sighed, not sure how to phrase this. She'd just be blunt. "Would you make love to me? Please?"

Spike moved forward slowly, his hand touching her face gently. "Are you sure, pet?"

"Yes" she nodded, struck by the tender look in his eyes. "I want you."

"Then you shall have me, Willow" he said, leaning forward and softly brushing his lips against hers.

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

"You all right?" Xander asked the blonde as he sat down.

Buffy smiled at him and nodded. "Yeah. Feeling a lot better. Thanks for coming over."

He shrugged, a bit curious as to why the slayer had called him. "No prob, Buffster. What's up?"

"I'm sorry," Buffy said simply.

Xander frowned, settling back in the chair. "For what?"

"Everything. This year actually," she said softly. "I had a lot of time to think when I was laying there waiting to die. I was such a horrid bitch to you and Willow. I honestly don't know why you both wanted to save me. I probably would have let me die."

Xander shook his head, "Nah. We accept your bitchy ways and still call you friend." He laughed when she hit his arm. Turning serious, he admitted, "Don't think it's been easy. For awhile there, I really wanted Spike to get his bite back and kick your ass. But, when we found out you might be dead, well, it scared me. You're one of my best friends, Buff. Nothing will change that."

"I do love you, Xander. I promise from now on if I get that weird, you have my permission to smack me across the head."

"Smacking a slayer is not of the good," Xander said, smiling at her.

"Oh, and by the way, Spike couldn't kick my ass anyway," Buffy said, smiling.

"Yeah he could," Xander said, "and you know it, Slayer."

"I will not admit to anything," Buffy said, glad that she had talked to him. She had already had this talk with Willow, though that one had consisted of more tears and hugs with more apologies coming from her mouth. She couldn't believe how close she had come to losing the two people that meant so much to her...that were the family she didn't have. Even Riley wasn't worth that risk. "Speaking of bleached blonde morons...what's the deal between him and Wills?"

"I can not say a word," Xander said, mimicking zipping his lips.

"Come on! When I asked Willow, she turned bright red and changed the subject. Something is going on." Buffy said, thrusting her lower lip out, "Please, Xan? I'm in pain here...some good gossip might make me feel better. Argh...groan...that hurts..."

Xander laughed, "Stop already. Geesh. You can't tell her I said anything!"

"My lips are sealed."

"She and Spike sort of are in love. With each other," Xander said, smiling softly. He saw the surprise but acceptance in Buffy's eyes and added, "They're good for each other. He loves her a lot."

"Good. Willow deserves that. If it's even half as devoted as he was to Dru, she's lucky." Buffy said, having to admit that while Spike had been her enemy, his depth of feeling for Drusilla could not be argued.

"It's more so," Xander said quietly, having seen the look in the vampire's eyes when he watched Willow. Hell, he'd even saved a slayer for her. That act alone spoke volumes.

"Well, I'm glad I know now. I was thinking it was something like that..." Buffy said, looking back at her old friend. "You and Graham seem to be getting close. I'm glad. He lost everyone except Riley."

"Yeah, he seems like a nice guy," Xander said, frowning slightly. He was still trying to figure out what he was feeling towards the soldier and was pretty confused in general at the moment about the entire thing.

"He is. He kept me sane during the entire ordeal. Told me stories about growing up a military brat. Made me laugh, which with everything we were both going through, means a lot," Buffy said quietly. "He's a good friend to have."

"You can never have too many of those," Xander said. "So, how's Riley?"

Buffy smiled softly as she settled back and began to talk to Xander, catching up with everything that had been happening in both of their lives. She had resolved to be a better friend to both Willow and Xander and that was a promise she intended to keep. She was not going to lose them again.

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

Xander let himself into the dorm room, shutting it behind him. He went to the empty bed and placed his sack of junk food down. He glanced at Graham and saw that the man was still sleeping. Xander sat on the bed, opening a bag of Doritos as he leaned back against the wall. He felt rather weird, sitting on Forrest's bed and pretty much taking over the deceased youth's room. In a way, he wished Graham would have been well enough to move into his basement. At least there, he wouldn't feel like he was trying to take a dead man's place in Graham's life. He sighed, his head rolling back as he cursed himself. He was overreacting, he knew. It wasn't like he was planning on remaining here anyway. And he somehow doubted that Forrest had the feelings for Graham that he seemed to be getting.

He groaned at the direction his thoughts were taking, not wanting to deal with the confused mess of his mind at the moment. He reached for the remote, turning on the cartoon network. He smiled when he saw Bugs Bunny and knew the acme hour must be on. He kept eating the chips, glancing occasionally at Graham's bed to make sure he was still asleep. Xander found himself watching Graham instead of Bugs Bunny. He sighed again, realizing that he was going a lot of that lately. He leaned his head against the wall, his brown eyes on Graham.

He was beginning to think that he might be gay. He knew how strange that sounded, to think he might be. He knew that most people knew if they were or they weren't. But, he had never been able to come to a concrete solution to that question. Xander had never been with a guy before. The first time the thoughts had even become clear to him had been after an erotic dream of Angel of all people. Then, after talking to Larry, well, he had not reacted very well during that entire ordeal. It had made him do a lot of thinking. He had had sex with Faith and Anya. It had been nice, well the time with Anya had been. Faith had just been a mistake. But neither girl had caused him the earth shattering emotions he had always expected when he fell in love.

Sure, he could think it was because neither of them had been *the one*. But, now, he wasn't so sure. Being around Spike so often, even in a friendly way, had brought back the dreams of other men. Hell, he'd even been horny enough to fantasize about Giles once. Shuddering, he made a face. Not something he wanted to relive. What struck him each time had been that he had been more excited dreaming of the men he knew than the women. He knew there was the whole bi-sexual thing that so many people seemed to find themselves becoming. Women didn't excite him though. He couldn't let his reserve down around any of them, except Willow. With Graham, he could find himself being himself. No acting or false fronts. Graham liked him for being just Xander.

Xander frowned, knowing that he was starting to fall for Graham. And this time, it wasn't some little crush like he had had on Spike. God, Willow would die if she knew that it was her lover that had brought forward Xander's long hidden same sex inclinations. The resurfacing of them had been part of the problem between him and Anya. She had known there was something wrong when she could no longer arouse him. She had no idea that the few times he had been able to cum had been because he had closed his eyes and seen a flash of faces of men that he had found himself attracted to in the past few years. It was only then that he could orgasm. He still had his crush on Spike, and accepted it. Spike even knew about it, having called him on it one night months before. Spike had no problems but he had told Xander he needed to get his life figured out before it destroyed him. It struck Xander as ironic that their former enemy was the only person that knew his secret and was acting as his counselor throughout it all.

Now, though, he found himself attracted to Graham. Well, the attraction had been there from the beginning when they had first met at one of Riley's little frat parties. But, he had ignored it, being involved with Anya at the time. And, he had known that there was no way someone like Graham Miller could ever accept his admiration. So, he had pushed those thoughts aside and tried to be who everyone wanted him to be. It hadn't worked. He had been miserable and lost Anya anyway. And he had ended up becoming friends with Graham. Ironic in some ways. The man he wanted to get to know better, in a relationship sense, was now sleeping beside him completely oblivious to Xander's thoughts. Well, Xander could hide them. He was good at hiding his true feelings. It really meant a lot that he could talk to Spike. He needed to tell Willow the truth. He had no intention of not being honest with his best friend. In a way, he thought she knew already.

He heard a low groan from Graham and stood. He moved to the other bed and felt the man's forehead. He had fever. Xander got up and found the bottle of water he had brought in. He emptied half of it onto a wash cloth and moved the wet rag to Graham's feverish forehead. He laid it down, hoping it would help the fever that was a side effect of his medication. Xander let his fingers brush across Graham's cheek as he smiled softly. He shook himself, moving back to his bed and sitting down. He turned his attention to Bugs, deciding that he had no need for immediate answers. Time would tell.

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

"I love you."

Willow heard the softly spoken words and smiled. She lifted her head from Spike's bare chest and said, "I love you too."

Spike pulled the sheet up, tucking it under her bare breasts. He knew it got cold in his apartment at night and he had no intention of her catching a cold because of him. They had spent the day and night making love. With each caress, his love grew. He had never imagined himself caring so deeply for a human, but Willow was his soul. He shuddered to think what life would be without her. "Are you cold?"

Willow shook her head, her body aching in a nice way. "Not at all. I've always liked the cold."

"Don't want you getting sick on me," he said, running his hand over her back as they lay on his bed.

"I rarely get sick," Willow said, etching pictures on his smooth chest. "Besides, it isn't that cold in here."

"Why are we laying here talking about the temperature?" Spike suddenly asked, laughing softly.

"You brought it up," she said, honestly having no idea what one should talk about after hours of love making. She sighed softly, asking instead, "Do you think Xander is setting himself up?"

"With that Graham chap?" Spike asked, thinking about it. "I don't really know. I mean, he could be. But, soldier boy seemed awfully infatuated. Could be need but it could be more."

"That's what I'm worried about." Willow said quietly. "I mean, he just lost his best friend and several other friends. He was almost killed himself. Xander is the one that got him to safety. What if it is some substitution hero worship/survival's guilt thing? I just don't want to see Xander hurt. He's at such a fragile stage right now."

"Yeah, he is," Spike admitted. "He's real confused, poor bloke."

"At least he has good taste," Willow said, smiling softly. "I mean, first a crush on you and then Graham, who is a very nice and tasty guy."

"Tasty?" Spike said, snorting. "You make him sound like a lunch buffet or something."

"You know what I meant," she said, laughing as she snuggled closer to him. She yawned, just enjoying being in his arms.

Spike saw her yawn and smiled tenderly. "Time for some sleep, pet. Quit worrying about Xapper for the night. He's a big boy. He'll be fine."

Willow smiled, feeling her eyes start to drift shut. "OK. Night, love."

"Night, sweets," Spike said, kissing the top of her head as he pulled her tighter against him.

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

Graham opened his eyes and took a moment to focus. He sat up slowly, moving his body until his back was against the wall. A wash cloth fell onto his lap and he picked it up, setting it on the table. He glanced across the room and saw Xander laying on the bed that had belonged to Forrest. He sighed softly, thinking of his now dead friend. Forrest had been buried in a quiet ceremony along with the other fallen soldiers. The last remains of the initiative had been destroyed while he and Riley had been in the hospital. There was no longer anything there except an empty building and memories. Hallways that were haunted by ghosts of fallen friends. He had no intention of visiting the place, even when he felt up to getting around.

He found his eyes watching Xander in sleep. Over the past days, he had felt more comfortable with the youth than he had with anyone. There's just something so likable about Xander Harris. He couldn't even explain it. In the beginning, he had needed someone to help him through the mess that was his life. Someone to replace Forrest, his best friend for three years. He had never been as close to Riley as he had been to Forrest. He respected Riley, but he just couldn't let his guard down around the commander. With Forrest, he had been able to be himself. When he realized that he had lost the only person who really knew him, well, he'd been scared to death. Xander had stumbled upon him and he had reached out, holding tight and not intending to let go. But, as they actually had spoken and gotten to know each other, he found himself liking Xander for Xander and not as a replacement for a lost friend.

He studied Xander's face and noticed that the boy needed to shave. He suddenly felt guilty as he realized that he had practically let Xander have no time to himself the past week. The teen had slept at the hospital in the spare bed the entire time he had been admitted. He watched Xander's eye lashed, noticing their length as they moved slightly as the boy dreamed. His eyes continued their slow path, stopping when they reached Xander's lips. A thin upper lip and a fuller bottom lip. He found himself wondering what they tasted like...what they felt like. Graham shook his head, wondering where those thoughts had come from. His strayed back to those very kissable lips though and he found himself licking his own lips.

Graham scowled as he wondered why he was concentrating on Xander's lips. He should be doing something productive, not sitting there imagining doing things with Xander he shouldn't be thinking about. This medication must be really affecting his mind. He stood up, cringing slightly from the over all aches and pains in his body. His injuries were healing nicely, but he still felt sore. It would be awhile longer before he was running any marathons. He heard a low moan coming from Xander and saw the boy thrash his head as he continued to dream. Graham found himself drawn closer to the other bed. He reached out, almost as if he was being pulled by a magnet or something, and moved his hand along the contours of Xander's hairless chest, not touching but tracing their rather well muscled lines. He again licked his lips, his eyes on Xander's mouth again.

Graham pulled himself away from the sleeping boy, mentally chiding himself from the direction his thoughts were taking him. Now was not the time to become attracted to someone. He was recuperating from being kidnapped and injured, his best friend was dead and he no longer belonged to the initiative. He was in no position to feel this fascination with Xander, no matter how kissable his lips were. He just had to keep telling himself that. He wished that Forrest was still around. Forrest had been the only person that knew he was gay. His best friend had been so self confident that he had accepted it without batting an eye, knowing that Graham felt nothing more than friendship for him. The other guys would have been uncomfortable so he just kept it quiet, not really getting to know any of them.

If Forrest were there now, he would threaten to kick his ass for passing up a chance for happiness. That was always Forrest's real side, the one that Graham got to see. A true romantic that believed in soul mates and fate. Of course, to everyone else, he was an obnoxious womanizing jerk. Graham knew that Forrest was constantly on the search for his perfect dream woman. Graham glanced upwards, smiling softly as he hoped that maybe Forrest had finally found what he had been searching for. He glanced back at Xander, realizing it was rather cool in the room. He grabbed the blanket from the floor, moving slowly so he didn't reinjure his ribs. He tossed it over Xander, covering up the tempting sight of the boy's chest. Turning, he slowly made his way towards the door, needing to use the bathroom. He was glad to be out of the hospital finally, he decided with a small smile.

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

Willow looked at Xander and smiled, "You love him."

"What?" Xander asked, his eyes wide. "Nah...you're crazy."

"Xander, it's been six weeks. He's mended and you're still living with him," Willow pointed out softly.

"But that doesn't mean anything," Xander protested weakly. "I like the dorm. I see Buffy a lot when she's visiting Riley. It's a happening place."

"You love him," Willow said, "I've know you for thirteen years Xander Harris. I've never seen you like this about someone."

"He cares for you too," Spike said quietly, not sure if it was his place to interfere.

"What?" Xander asked, looking at the vampire in surprise. "Does not!"

"Does too!" Spike shot back, his lips twitching slightly. "He watches you. The chaps into you."

"He does," Willow agreed, having a lot of time with Graham and Xander over the past few weeks. They seemed practically a couple to her. She and Buffy had had a long talk about her and Spike and the slayer had broached the subject of Xander's feelings for Graham. Willow was relieved to know that the blonde was going to stand by Xander's side whatever his choice. Willow couldn't believe the changes in her friend. They weren't anything really big. Just a few subtle things that really meant a lot. She no longer seemed to distrust them to take care of themselves. To Willow, Buffy's faith and trust in them spoke more than any amount of pretty speeches ever could. "You two are just too silly to say anything."

"Reminds me of two other people I know, rather intimately," Spike said, frowning. "Can I know myself intimately?"

Willow rolled her eyes as she smiled at her lover, "Honey, we will try to find an answer to that question after we're finished dealing with Xander's problem."

"Sure thing, pet," Spike said, winking at her.

"I don't have a problem," Xander said, exasperated with them both.

"Do too," Willow shot back at him.

"Oh, you make me so mad!" Xander said, groaning. Finally, he began to laugh. "Just because you and Fang are hopelessly in love doesn't mean that everyone is."

"Well, they should be." Willow said, matter of factly.

"God, I love you," Xander said, laughing at her enthusiasm.

"Hey now," Spike said, amusement in his eyes. "That's my woman you're talking to."

"His woman." Willow repeated with a soft chuckle, "Isn't he so scary as the possessive big bad vampire?"

"Yeah, if I was worried that he might gnaw me to death," Xander said, winking at Willow.

Spike growled good naturedly, "Nah, you'd like that too much, Xan."

"You two are perfect together, you know that? A real bunch of comedians," Xander said, rolling his eyes.

"Seriously, Xander," Willow said, looking at him. "Don't let a chance pass through your fingers just cause you're scared."

"I'll think about it," Xander said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. "Take care of her, Fang."

"Give Soldier Boy my best," Spike said sweetly.

"You two try to get some sleep tonight," Xander said, rolling his eyes. "There's only so much shagging a couple can do!"

"Never!" Spike said, wriggling his eyebrows as he pulled Willow onto his lap. "Shut the door on your way out, Xan."

Xander smiled as he heard Willow giggling from the obvious tickling that Spike was doing. He shut the door behind him as he left, his mind thinking over their words. They seemed convinced that Graham felt the same way about him. Could Graham be in love with him and he was just too blind to notice? He was going to have to pay more attention to Graham.

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

Xander let himself into the dorm room, walking in and laying on the bed. He sighed, staring at the ceiling. Graham looked up from his book when Xander came into the room. He frowned as he watched his friend lay down. He heard the sigh, closing the book. "Hey you."

"Hey," Xander said.

"Did you enjoy your visit?" Graham asked, wondering what was bothering Xander. He had grown used to every mood that the teen had over the past six weeks. But, he had never seen this one. Almost melancholy and thoughtful. Xander was usually smiling and happy, the one that cheered him up.

"It was good," Xander said, still lost in his thoughts. Could Graham really love him? Care about him? Want him?

"How is Willow? And Spike of course." Graham said, having to add the blonde vampire.

"Happy and in love," Xander said softly.

"Oh," Graham said. He moved his legs over the side of the bed, facing Xander's bed. He no longer thought of it as Forrest's bed. Over the past few weeks, Xander had completely made that half of the room his. He had also managed to make Graham fall utterly in love with him. Somehow, somewhere, the friendship had moved farther. He had never felt like this about anyone. He licked his lips, trying to figure out how to get Xander to tell him what was wrong. "Damn it, Xander. What's wrong?"

"Huh?" Xander asked, sitting up and looking at Graham curiously.

"You," Graham said, scowling. "These one word answers."

"One word what?" Xander swung his own legs over the side of the bed to face Graham. "What's your problem?"

"I," Graham frowned, "I don't know."

"OK. Let's start over," Xander said, watching Graham's face. "Why do you think something's wrong?"

"I know your moods," Graham said quietly. "Never seen you like this."

"Oh," Xander said softly. He caught Graham's eyes and continued, "Willow and Spike had a little talk with me. Threatened me actually."

"Threatened you?" he said, frowning.

Xander laughed softly, "Yeah. I honestly didn't believe them until now. I am starting to think they are far smarter than I ever imagined."

"Smarter? You're confusing me, Harris."

Xander took a deep breath, gaining every bit of the courage he could. "They told me that I was in love with you. I never realized that I was until now."

"Huh?" Graham said, trying to come to grips with Xander's words.

Xander sighed, looking at the floor. "Maybe this was a mistake. I should have known better. I mean, why would you love me? I'm just..."

"Xander," Graham said, his voice causing the lanky youth to raise his head. "How long?"

"What?"

"How long have you loved me?" Graham asked softly.

Xander shrugged, "I don't know. A few days...a few weeks...since we first met. I really have no idea."

Graham laughed softly, causing Xander to frown. "To think. All that time lost."

"Graham?" he asked, not knowing what the other guy was saying.

"Xander, I started falling in love with you from the beginning. I don't know when it really moved from friendship to love, but it happened."

"You love me?" Xander said, not believing this was really happening.

"Yes, I do." Graham said, smiling softly.

"Oh," Xander grinned suddenly, "So where do we go from here?"

"I don't really know. I've never really done anything like this before," Graham said, shrugging. "You know, been in love."

"Me either," Xander admitted. "Guess we get to find out."

Graham smiled, "Together."

Xander licked his lips watching Graham move closer. Their lips brushed gently and he smiled, "Together." He then kissed Graham again, their mouths meeting tentatively at first before long held passion overwhelmed them.
 

THE END

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