A Swampy Round Robin

Arcane fell to his knees beside Graham, he was completely unaware of anything else, even Alec Holland's presence. Graham was alive, back, his old self. The doctor carefully wrapped his arm around his assistant and helped him to sit up. He could still feel Graham's gentle touch on his face. This man had chosen to stay with him, to reject whatever choice he had been offered. He felt the warmth of the body he held, and for a moment he just wanted to stay where he was, to experience what it meant to be truly happy for just a little longer. He smiled down at Graham, "You have caused me a great deal of inconvenience, old chap, do try to avoid dying again won't you?"

Graham basked in the affection, "if you could manage not to kill me Sir."

Alec Holland couldn't help letting out a little surprised "harumph".

Dammit, Arcane turned his head, he'd forgotten that Holland was hanging around.

"You let me believe that *I* killed Graham,"

Arcane tried to maintain an air of nonchalance, he was still a little wary of Holland's fever driven temper, "if you want to cultivate a guilt complex who am I to disabuse you?"

Holland refused to let irritation get the better of him, he had more important things to do. So Anton Arcane had been less than truthful, he was a fool if he expected any different. He would have brought Graham back anyway, in an odd sort of way he quite admired the man's dogged devotion and he was glad to find that Arcane was at least capable of caring about someone other than himself. It was a strange relationship though, he really didn't want to know *too* much about it. Arcane was still on the floor, fussing over his assistant and Holland was beginning to wonder just exactly how invisible he was.

"Arcane," he intoned again, "surely you have established that Graham's all right?"

"Perhaps," Arcane answered, somewhat absently, he spoke more directly to Graham, "perhaps I should get you to bed." He grinned at his assistant.

Graham flushed a little at the suggestion, "if you think so, Sir."

This time Holland's "harumph" had a positively panicky note, "Arcane!" He almost shouted, "have you forgotten that we are still dangerously ill, along with most of Houma. We have work to do."

Reluctantly, Arcane got to his feet and reached down to help Graham up. "If you do need to rest........" he offered.

"No, no, I'll be all right." Graham clutched at the outstretched hand, "I want to stay with you."

"If you're sure." Arcane put a supportive arm around his assistant, "we do have work to do and I would...value ... your help."

*Good grief, I'm being nice to Graham. His recent demise must have shaken me.*

A little offended by his own sentimentality Arcane snapped at Holland instead, "clearly we need to find the Jeffries woman, any ideas?"

***

"You know Carla Jeffries Arcane," Holland stated, "Where would she go to in Houma?"

"How the bloody hell should I know," Irritably Arcane left his assistant's side, feeling a pang at the lose of contact. Stalking over to the slide he'd been working on, he held it up to the light, "But I do have a portion of what could be the cure. I'd be able to complete if I could obtain a unstrained version of the virus."

"Something Carla Jeffries is likely to have," Alec frowned, "If she has approached the Swamp I can try to seek out her location. But," he sighed, rubbing one hand over where his heart used to be, "the effort of freeing Graham's soul has drained my powers. I must restore them."

"Maybe she's staying at the Houma Inn," Graham suggested, looking between the two scientists, "I mean, she didn't strike me as the type to rough it."

"Graham don't be ..." Arcane stopped himself from completing the sentence with a great force of will. *Be nice Anton, you just got him back.* "Er, I doubt Carla would stay somewhere so easy to check up on old chap."

"No," Alec spoke up, "Perhaps Graham is right. In order to remain nearby and safe there are perhaps a handful of locations where Carla could be hiding."

"Yes," throwing a arm around his assistant Arcane smiled down at the man, "Jolly good idea there Graham."

Holland opened his mouth to protest, but stopped wearily. There was no point. *Perhaps Arcane was right in suggesting rest, it won't do any good for us all to be too tired to stop Carla Jeffries.* "Check into it Arcane," Alec interrupted, smirking inwardly as his enemy frowned in annoyance at him. "In the meantime I believe we should get whatever rest is possible."

"Rest sounds good," Graham put it somewhat relieved, "I am a little tired."

"Very well then," Surprising Arcane acquiesced without a argument. Frankly he wanted to get his assistant alone so he could truly make sure the man was alright and that there would be no side effects this time. Somehow he found it impossible to believe that the Fates would allow him to be this lucky. "Shall we all meet back here in six hours?"

"I will be here." Holland stated, heading for the lift, "As will the Swamp."

"I'll er, just go see you out," Graham hurried after Holland, throwing a quick smile at his employer, "I'll be right back." Before Arcane could protest the elevator doors were closing.

"Was there something you wanted Graham," Holland looked at the man curiously. In all the time he'd known Graham the man had never sought out his company.

"I, er, well," Graham shuffled awkwardly, looking anywhere but at Swampy. "I wanted to say thank you, for, for everything. Even though Dr. Arcane tricked you into it."

"I would have helped you whether or not Arcane had deceived me Graham," Alec spoke gently, allowing Graham to see a hint of a smile, "I believe you are essential to Arcane."

"Me!" Graham laughed nervously, darting a quick hopeful look upwards, "I'm just his assistant."

"You are more than that Graham," Holland insisted, "And I think you know that." The lift reached the bottom floor and he stepped out, holding up a hand as Graham made to follow him. "Don't be afraid to follow what's in your heart Graham." Holding the man's gaze a moment longer he started out for the Swamp without a backwards look.

It was a somewhat quieter Graham that wondered back into the lab, looking up startled when Arcane appeared at his side.

"Are you okay Graham?" Arcane felt a stab of fear.

"I'm fine," Hurrying to reassure he couldn't stop the happy smile from breaking out on his face. "Honestly, sir, I'm fine."

"hmm," Arcane frowned slightly, "I'll be the judge of that Graham" He tugged his assistant back in the lift, pressing the button for his quarters. "And now I judge that rest is in order."

"Er," Graham hesitated when the doors opened, "this is your quarters, Sir."

"I do know that Graham," Arcane glared, softening his expression when his assistant shuffled nervously. God, he'd missed that. "I want to make sure everything is alright before I let you out of my sight." an involuntary grin appeared on his face when Graham blushed.

"er, really I'm fine," Graham allowed himself to be tugged towards the bed.

"Strip," Arcane commanded, his grin widening when Graham's blush deepened and his eyes widened.

"er, what?"

"I said strip," Arcane schooled his expression into the sternest he had. Unable to restrain a smirk when his assistant awkwardly fumbled with his shirt buttons. "Need me to help you with that Graham." Arcane thought the man was going to faint when he pushed his hands aside and finished undoing the buttons himself.

"Er," Graham swallowed heavily, shifting from foot to foot. "Thank you sir." Eyeing his employer nervously he toed off his shoes and socks, pausing uncertainly at his pants. Nodding Arcane gestured for him to continue. Giving in Graham reluctantly dropped his trousers, standing before the Doctor clad only in his boxers.

***

Graham shivered though the room was warm enough, his sudden cold chill came from being so exposed and from the strange look in Arcane's eyes. Their normally grey depths looked almost black, such intensity was just a little frightening. Arcane stepped back, continuing his scrutiny, "I missed you Graham, more than I would have imagined. I surprised myself." He laughed, humourlessly. "That seldom happens." He raised his eyes to Graham's face, "your death hurt me."

"I ... I know, Sir."

"You took a long time coming back, I thought you weren't going to, Holland said you had a choice." He looked into Graham's eyes, almost hypnotising him with his gaze, "what was the choice, what did you sacrifice to come back to me?"

Graham spoke quietly, "I was offered peace, freedom. Freedom from what it means to be human, from all the pain." His lip trembled and he blinked, managing to turn his head away. He didn't see the sudden sadness in Arcane's expression, the slight tremor that shook his hands.

"I doubt I'll ever be offered such a remarkable blessing," the doctor said, almost to himself. He took Graham's arm, pulling him a little closer and forcing him to meet his eyes. "And you still chose to come back. Why?"

It had always been so hard to keep anything from his employer, to lie to him. "Because I had to. Because I couldn't leave you." He felt the tears well up in his eyes. "Because I love you." He sobbed out, "*I* love *you*."

Arcane put his hands on Graham's shoulders. "Not wise of you, my friend. I am not a man who loves easily and the few times that I have......." He smiled a little sadly, "those times have not ended well."

He ran his hands down Graham's body, fingers exploring soft, warm skin. He stopped when he reached the waistband of his shorts, teasing at the material for a moment. He gave his assistant a smile that was for once wholly guileless, it was a smile that sent a rush of blood through Graham, fear, excitement, the pleasure he felt in Arcane's gentle touch all came together in an unmistakable surge of arousal.

Arcane saw how flushed his assistant had become, he glanced down and his expression became wolfish. He moved one hand just a little lower, resting it lightly on the hardening bulge that now strained the fabric of Graham's shorts.

"I can't offer you much," he said, "I need you Graham, but I can't say that I love you, or that it will be easy." He pressed his hand a little harder, enjoying the slight whimper it provoked in his assistant. "And I can't change, I can never be *nice*," he shuddered fastidiously at the word, "I can't treat you any differently, it isn't in me."

Graham was gasping now, squirming slightly under the delicious pressure of Arcane's hand. "I d..d..don't want you to change," he stammered, "I just want you."

"That's all right then," Arcane almost purred. He leant forward, pressing the whole of his body against his assistant and, briefly, teased at Graham's lips with his own. Graham leant forward, expecting to be kissed, he almost fell when Arcane pulled away. The doctor had started to undress, he was unbuttoning his shirt and he raised a quizzical eyebrow at Graham's disappointed expression. "Won't be a minute, old chap." He turned towards the bathroom, "why don't you just hop into bed and wait for me?" He walked a few steps and then called over his shoulder, smiling at Graham's shock, "and do please get rid of that dreadful underwear."

***

As soon as the bathroom door shut Graham lost no time in shucking off his boxers and hoping into bed. When he choose to come back he hadn't dared dream that the Doctor had missed him, let alone admit he needed him. *Maybe Holland was right,* it certainly seemed to have been the right choice to tell his employer how he felt. Arcane had appeared truly happy for a moment when he'd said 'I love you'.

A tired yawn cut off his train of thought, really despite his arousal at the Doctor's forward actions, he was quite exhausted. Coming back from the dead really took it out of a guy. *I'll just rest a little before the Doctor comes back,* snuggling down comfortably in the silk sheets Graham was asleep before he knew it.

The bathroom door opened, bringing with it a cloud of steam. Toweling his hair dry, with only a low-slung towel protecting his modesty Arcane approached the bed. "Graham," his voice trailed off at this sight of his assistant quite sound asleep. A gentle smile tugged at his lips, he couldn't seem to drum up any irritation at the delay. Really, sooner or later it had been inevitable that he and Graham ended up in this position. Arcane just never thought that Graham's death would be the catalyst.

Dropping his towel, Arcane slid into bed, setting his alarm to wake them up in five hours. Hesitantly reaching an arm out he pulled his assistant closer. Gratified when the man curled into him willingly. Stirring Graham opened his eyes sleepily, "doctor?"

"Go back to sleep Graham." Arcane stroked his assistant's skin soothingly.

"hmm," smiling Graham cuddled closer, wrapping an arm around his employer's waist. "love you," he slurred before falling back asleep, his quiet breathing the only sound in the still room.

Instinctively Arcane tightened his grip, *never let you go,* he vowed fiercely, *no matter what Graham you're mine now.* Turning his head he inhaled the familiar scent of his assistant, no longer spoiled by the lack of warmth and life. Pressing his lips lightly to Graham's he fell asleep with the unfamiliar comfort of feeling completely safe and loved.

The strident tones of the alarm jolted Arcane out of a sound sleep. Grumbling he rolled towards it, hitting the stop button with more force than was necessary. Yawning he stretched lazily, feeling more relaxed and rested then he had for a long time now. Even the effects of the virus seemed dull and painless under the happiness surging through him.

"Come on Graham," he shook his assistant when the man made no move to get up, "time to wake up. Holland will be here soon, and I certainly don't want him to find us in bed." Still, Graham didn't move. Arcane started to get worried, "Graham," uncertainty crept into his voice, "Graham wake up!"

Swallowing he pressed his fingers to his assistant's throat, relieved beyond belief to feel a strong pulse beating. *Thank god, he's still alive at least.* Checking for any other signs of illness Arcane remained puzzled as to why the man wasn't waking up. Nothing appeared to be wrong. *Holland,* Arcane seized on the name, *he'd know what's wrong.*

Throwing on his clothes he rushed down to the lab hoping against hope the Holland would be early and already waiting. A hope that was dashed when he found his lab empty. Pacing Arcane tried to force his thoughts from his unconscious assistant, really the man was taking up entirely too much of his thoughts these days. It seemed to be all he could think about. So what if the man was stupid enough to actually love him, *as you love him,* a small voice pointed out before he could crush it. That fact was something he'd deny to his dying day. Anton Arcane did not need or love anybody ... at least to the outside world.

Finally the lift door hissed open and Holland stepped out, appearing startled when Arcane shoved him back in, stepping in himself. "what .."

"Graham is sick," Arcane interrupted, unaware of how much worry his voice gave away. "I need you to figure out what's wrong with him."

"I'm not your family Doctor, Arcane." Alec tried to protest. Futilely it appeared as Arcane, with a surprising amount of strength, bodily dragged him over to where Graham lay.

"Fix him," Arcane grated, glaring at Holland, daring him to refuse.

Holland took a moment to take in his surroundings, by the appearance of luxuries he felt sure in believing this wasn't Graham's quarters. *I did not need to know this!* "Very well Arcane," he finally sighed, it appeared as if he had a soft spot for his enemies assistant. Anyone who could give up what he had just for love was someone who deserved whatever help he could give.

Stepping closer to Graham he laid a hand on his forehead, concentrating his energies into sensing what was wrong. After a few moments he stepped back, starring gravely at Arcane who was waiting impatiently.

"Well!" Almost snarling the word Arcane tapped his fingers on his arm. "What's wrong with him?"

"Dying and returned has put a tremendous strain on Graham's body," Holland really didn't want to finish, he had a feeling Arcane wasn't going to take the news well, "this left him more susceptible to the Carla's virus. If we don't find the cure within a few hours then," Alec paused again, weighing how to break it, deciding the blunt truth was the only way, "If we don't find the cure Arcane, Graham will die, and this time there will be nothing I can do. I'm sorry."

"What? No," Arcane shook his head, "No, Graham is NOT going to die! NO!" Aware he was almost shouting hysterically he dropped down next to his assistant, grabbing a hold of the man's hand, "Come on dammit! Wake up!!"

"Arcane," Alec gently laid a hand on Arcane's shoulder, "we must find the cure, its the only way."

"Cure, yes," murmuring Arcane held Graham's hand to his lips. Leaning close to his assistant's ear, fighting back tears he whispered fiercely , "hang on Graham. Don't you dare die on me!" *Please god, don't take him again.* Shoving all emotion aside Arcane stood up, eyes so cold and dangerous Holland took a reflexive step backwards. "Lets go find Carla."

***

Difficult as it had been to prise Arcane away from Graham's side Holland was now finding it just as difficult to slow his frantic desire to leave the compound. He grabbed Arcane by the shoulder, "Wait," he insisted.

"We don't have time to wait."

"Just tell me where we going. You were going to check out the hotels and guest houses, remember. Have you found Carla?"

Arcane felt such a wave of guilt he almost collapsed, he had done nothing to find that woman, he had just wasted his time sleeping while Graham could be dying.

Holland saw how pale he'd turned, "Arcane," he snapped at him. The doctor turned such stricken eyes on him that he couldn't help softening. "Anton," more gently. "We have to find Carla, for all our sakes."

Arcane forced himself to think, he was a genius, he could reason his way out of this. He couldn't keep down the treacherous thought that ever since he had let emotion colour his judgment, ever since he let himself admit he cared about Graham he had made a series of bad decisions. Perhaps he had been right to warn Graham that loving him could only end badly.

*Dammit no,* he physically shook himself, self-pity would not save Graham. He would catch up with that bitch Carla and he would find a cure, Graham had the great Dr Anton Arcane looking out for him, he was going to be fine. Holland was nagging away again, some half -witted plan of his for finding information. Fat lot of use he was, couldn't he just use his precious 'powers of nature' to sniff her out?

"Its all right Holland," *I know exactly what to do.*

He led the swamp mutant to Graham's office, steeling himself not to get emotional at the familiar surroundings. He couldn't quite resist a pang of affection when he caught sight of Graham's photo of him taking a prominent position, dear chap never did really hide his feelings well. Good likeness too, Arcane allowed himself a moments preening.

"Arcane, what are we doing here?"

"Graham's security system." Arcane sat at the computer. "He will do anything to protect me from my enemies." He cast a sideways glance at Holland.

It only took minutes to key in his assistant's security codes and then Arcane was able to show Holland a detailed account of all visitors currently in Houma. It was fortunate it wasn't the tourist season, there wasn't a huge influx and most visitors were soon ruled out. Men, couples, "shouldn't think she could bring herself to take on that guise," Arcane grinned at Holland - who didn't seem to get his point.

When the hotels and guest houses were found to be clear Alec Holland was at a loss as to where to look. Arcane just brought up another program, "rentals," he said.

"Graham checks those too?" Holland was impressed.

"He is very efficient," Arcane said proudly, his eyes growing sad.

Holland put a leafy paw on Arcane's shoulder, "it will be all right Anton, we'll get the cure."

"Yes, we will." The doctor stood up suddenly, almost tearful with relief. He pointed at the screen. Christina Jonvals, a French passport holder, had rented a house on the outskirts of Houma. "Got her, got the bitch."

His voice was so cold, held such controlled rage that Holland shuddered. Arcane shook himself, he felt almost light headed with relief. He fetched Graham's gun from his desk and swiftly loaded it. He cast a glance at Holland, "no point in looking like that, you don't imagine *she's* unarmed do you, or suffering from my shortage of guards? We don't all have your natural advantages."

He let Holland see exactly where the house was located, "I'll round up those of my guards who are still standing and we'll head out there." He gave Alec Holland a long hard stare, "and don't even think of bringing your moral qualms with you, I am getting the cure whatever it takes and you'd better remember that the lives of your precious town folk depend on it, as well as ours and Grahams. Don't get in my way."

***

It took only five minutes for Arcane to discover that only six of his guards were still capable of any kind of useful movement. Rounding them up the thought, *good help is so hard to find,* passed through his mind.

Forcing Holland's substantial bulk into the jeep was somewhat entertaining. Arcane might even have laughed if he wasn't worried about Graham, the horrible thought that his assistant could already be dead wouldn't stay out of his mind. Of course the guards refused to ride with what they'd known to be Houma's Swamp Monster. No amount of threats managed to change their minds. Finally Arcane ordered them to follow in a second vehicle. Precious seconds were wasting away.

With Holland holding on for dear life Arcane broke every speed law in existence to get to Carla's hideout before the cow suspected something was wrong. Prudently parking a safe distance away from the rental Arcane got out of the jeep.

"I will see what I can sense," Holland was relieved to get out of the jeep, quickly melting into the Swamp before Arcane could voice his objection.

"Bloody hell, this is all I need," Arcane muttered, "You better not alert Carla or I'll have your roots for a hammock," When the second vehicle pulled up he lead the six guards silently towards the building. No signs of life showed itself, and Arcane was struck with the terrifying thought that maybe Carla had already left. Had already decided her virus was a complete success and there was no need to stick around.

Creeping towards the front Arcane steadied himself, taking a deep breath and ordering the guards to enter first. In the ensuing madness the only thing the Doctor could make out through the mass of fighting bodies was Carla and her assistant Debbie come out of a room and make a break for the back door.

"Oh no you don't," Weaving through the mass of people, absently noting that his guards were winning, Arcane fought to reach the back door. He could already see Carla stepping through. The next sight renewed his determination to get to her, a car was waiting for a quick getaway. If the woman wasn't stopped now she'd get away with Graham's only chance of survival.

Heart pounding Arcane skidded out the door, feeling almost faint with sickness as Carla and Debbie lept into the vehicle. There was nothing he could do, he'd never felt more helpless then he did now, watching Graham's only chance at life hurtle down the road.

"No, dear god no," whispering Arcane sank to his knees, the strength which had kept him going vanishing like so much smoke in the wind. He couldn't lose Graham again, he couldn't!! Not like this, not to some stupid virus!

*Not to something that's my fault,* viciously Arcane stamped on that little voice, it was NOT his fault, he didn't force Carla to make a virus and then release it. *She wouldn't have done it at all if not for revenge against you,* that little voice dared to pipe up. Arcane bit his knuckle, *can't I have anything,* despairingly his throat tightened.

A loud crash distracted him out of his grief, looking up he stared astonished at the sight before him. Holland was standing in the middle of the road and Carla's car was currently doing a good impression of a octopus wrapped around a tree.

"Holland," he breathed, shakily getting to his feet, "you, you stopped her."

"Of course I did Arcane," Holland yanked the door off the car with nary a sign of struggle, "Did you think I would let her get away with the cure?"

"Er, of course not old chap," Arcane finally smiled, coming over to stand next to him, "Good job that."

Barely sparing him a look, Holland pulled a rather groggy Carla out of the twisted car. Checking her injuries, he concentrated briefly, summoning enough power to heal her. "Where's the antidote?" he asked when her eyes at last settled on him.

"Antidote?" Carla's eyes widened as she saw Arcane take a threatening step towards her.

"My assistant is dying Carla," He snarled, pulling out his gun, "you remember Graham don't you. Rather naive and incompetent but unfailing loyal to me."

Carla flinched at the cold gleam in Arcane's eyes. Despite being held by a powerful mutant she felt the first finger of fear touch her.

"I remember your assistant," Smiling, Arcane nodded at the still figure sitting in the car, "I remember watching the two of you together Carla. How would you like to see her die?" Pointing his gun at the figure he waited.

"Non, you can't allow him to do this," Carla turned to Holland pleadingly, shaking at the indifferent light in his eyes.

"You have caused much grief, and invaded my Swamp," Holland intoned, putting on his best stoic expression. Not matter what, he wouldn't let Arcane kill another human being if he could stop it. However, he didn't have to let Carla know that. "Give me the antidote and I'll make sure your assistant lives. If not ..."

"Bastard!" glaring Carla spat at him, "The antidote is in the back of the car. Now unhand me!"

"With pleasure," Alec growled, dropping the woman, leaving her to Arcane while he went and got a small case out of the back.

"I should kill you for what you've done," Arcane whispered, bending close, "But I won't make it that easy on you. I know your weakness Carla, and it will be your downfall." straightening he dismissed her from his mind, there was more important things to take care of now. Like saving Graham's life.

Therefore he didn't hear Carla's whisper or see her sudden vicious smile, "and I know your weakness Anton."

Leaving Holland and his guards to deal with the situation he rushed back to his complex. He would have preferred to test the cure out of some of the townsfolk first, but he doubted he had that kind of time left. Holland had warned him he had only a small amount of time before he came for the cure, so Arcane left the remaining amount in his lab for the plant and took what was needed up to his quarters.

Steeling himself, Arcane stepped off the lift into his room. Moving over to Graham's side he placed shaking fingers against the man's neck. Closing his eyes in relief, there was still a pulse, he wasn't too late. Wasting little time he took out the syringe he'd filled with, sliding the needle gently into his assistant's arm. Now all he could do was wait and hope.

***

Arcane took Graham's pulse again, still steady but weak. He had expected, or perhaps just hoped, that the cure would work more quickly. It had to work, all rational understanding dictated that Carla Jeffries would have been sure of that before she took even the slightest risk. He had believed her fear to be genuine, but what if she had tricked him. Why hadn't he forced more details out of that bloody woman while he had her? *Because I let emotion drive me, because I was too frightened about what was happening to Graham to think clearly.*

Arcane sat up on the bed, looking down on the still form of his assistant, if a sheer act of will could revive someone then Graham *would* wake up. He had lost too much in his life, indeed it seemed as though every time he came to care for someone that was exactly when he would lose them. He could have wealth and power, that came easily to a man of his genius, but he could not have the capacity to protect anyone he cared for. He came to a decision.

He reached for the syringe that he had filled for himself, there was no need to take it, the progress of the condition seemed slow in him and he probably had time to assess Carla's handiwork properly and make sure that he got an effective remedy.

He looked at Graham, "I bet your life on this, old chap, seems only right that I should bet my own as well." He rolled up his sleeve and carefully administered the injection.

Arcane lay back on the pillow, gazing up at the ceiling, waiting to see what would happen. As a result he missed the first stirrings in the man next to him.

Graham opened his eyes, he lay still for a moment trying to bring some sense to his sleep addled mind. He knew he felt good, better than he had for a long time, and he had a vague memory of something .... something strange had happened. He registered the feel of silk against his naked body, silk sheets? He was in Dr Arcane's bed. Now he lay still because he was too afraid to move, he was naked, in the doctor's bed and the doctor himself was lying next to him albeit on top of the covers. Memory slowly returned and with it a great warm feeling of happiness flooding through him, Graham smiled. He reached out a hand and tugged at Arcane's sleeve, "Sir?" He said, quietly.

Arcane reacted with shock, he turned on Graham who recoiled a little, had he done something to upset the doctor? For a few seconds Arcane looked completely blank, but then he gave Graham a delighted grin. He grabbed his assistant by the shoulders, almost shaking him. "Graham, you're all right. Are you? How are you feeling man?"

Dr Arcane was incoherent, Graham had never known that to happen, he was puzzled, what was wrong with his employer?

"I'm fine Sir, what's wrong? Have I been asleep a long time?"

Arcane laughed out loud, pulling Graham up into a seated position while he checked him out. "Indeed you have Graham, quite some time." He put his arm round his assistant, "and you really are all right." He let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "Everything is all right."

Graham huddled in closer to him, feeling surprisingly comfortable despite Arcane's odd behaviour. "Sir," he ventured, nervously, "I thought you were...er....coming to bed?"

"Mmm, we were interrupted weren't we?" He gave Graham a wolfish look which sent a shiver through him, "we do need to work on that." He pulled the sheets down and ran possessive hands down the man's chest, stopping just short of his hardening cock.

Graham tried to grab the tormenting fingers, desperate for more intimate contact. Arcane slapped his hand away and grinned at his frustrated expression, "No, no, that's not how it works. I make the decisions." He frowned playfully at his assistant, whose expression might be slightly alarmed but whose increased arousal showed that he knew his place and appreciated being kept in it. Pleased with Graham's response Arcane moved his hand lower. He was rewarded with a groan of pleasure which told him the other man was learning the benefits of obedience.

"There you are, old boy, see how it works? Now, I think I'm a trifle overdressed, why don't you give that some attention?"

He continued to caress Graham while his assistant, with shaking hands, struggled to get him undressed. It wasn't easy, especially as he was allowed the occasional detour to explore the flesh that was slowly revealed to him. Graham was learning fast.

They were both so engrossed that they didn't hear the soft *woosh* of the lift doors.

Arcane just suddenly felt that there was another presence in the room. His head shot up, abandoning the interesting task of teasing Graham's sweating torso.

Alec Holland stood just outside the lift door, he didn't have much in the way of expressions to work on but Arcane thought it likely that he looked shocked.

Arcane looked at him calmly, "You really do need to learn to knock, old boy."

*Oh yes,* Holland thought, *I really, really do.* He couldn't quite tear himself away from the sight of his archenemy clearly rather enjoying a naked romp with his assistant. His male assistant. Not that Alec Holland was prejudiced. Or interested, of course.

"Any particular reason you're here?" Arcane drawled.

Holland actually heard himself stammer, "I..I just wanted to check on Graham."

"And you most certainly are...checking. Are you sure you've seen enough?" Arcane raised a questioning eyebrow. "You are welcome to stay and watch."

Holland was glad that green swamp mutants couldn't blush. He tried to think of a suitably dignified rejoinder, how could Arcane even suggest that, that he would want to.....?" He finally decided that the longer he stood in Arcane's bedroom the more embarrassing the situation was. He fled, followed by laughter.

***

As the lift door shut behind Holland's retreating form, Graham buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking.

"Graham," Arcane's amused expression took on a slightly more alarmed note, "are you okay? What's wrong?" When his assistant lifted his head he realized the man was laughing.

"I'm sorry, sir," Graham couldn't stop snickering, "It's just ... Holland was so ..." giving up on explaining himself Graham fell back still giggling.

"Oh it was was it Graham," Arcane pounced on his assistant's prone form before the man had time to draw a breath. He ran the tips of his fingers teasingly down Graham's flanks, grinning at the groan this pulled from the man. "And now if the interruptions have stopped, I believe we were in the middle of something."

Smiling happily Graham relaxed back into the mattress, "yes, sir."

"Are you prepared to do anything I ask, Graham?" Arcane raised a eyebrow, one knee coming to rest against the man's exposed groin with a smirk.

"Yes, anything!" Graham blushed as the Doctor's smirk widened at the desperation in his voice.

"I will hold you to that," growling Arcane was suddenly jolted as the phone rang. "Bloody hell," he glared at the phone, finally snatching it up when the rings showed no sign of stopping, "What?" he snarled.

He listened for a few moments, his expression getting increasingly perplexed, "er thanks," he finally stammered, setting the phone back in its cradle.

"Something wrong?" Graham shifted a little under Arcane's weight, feeling befrit as his employer abruptly sat up.

"That was the Mayor," Arcane turned a bemused expression to his assistant, "He wanted to thank me for finding the cure and saving his precious little town."

"er," Graham didn't know quite what to say, on the face of it this was a good thing, but Arcane wasn't known for reacting as expected.

Sighing, Arcane shook himself out of his thoughts, "now where were we?" grinning down at his assistant Arcane allowed the images of what he was going to do to the man wipe the very odd conversation out of his mind.

Before either of them could even make a move the intercom whistled for attention. Glaring Arcane resisted the urge to hurl something at the annoying machine. Snarling, he strode over to it," What?!"

"Dr. Arcane, sir." someone's tinny voice entered the room. "All the guards have returned to there posts and everything has returned to normal."

"Jolly good," Arcane started pleasantly, voice dropping somewhere around the sub-artic zone, "and if you or anyone else should happen to bother me again I'll see to it that you'll all feel like these last few days have been a walk in the park!"

Swearing under his breath he stalked back to where Graham was waiting with a somewhat nervous expression, "you know Graham, if I didn't know better I'd suspect there's some higher force at work here."

***

Graham gulped, he was beginning to feel very disappointed but also more than a little nervous. Being interrupted was not good for the doctor's mood, and he had lost his slightly playful air. However, Graham could see quite clearly that nothing had reduced his enthusiasm for their encounter. Indeed as Arcane knelt over his assistant Graham was made well aware that he was getting even more ......enthusiastic. He ran the tips of his fingers lightly over the surface of Graham's erection, barely touching him. "No more delays." There was almost a savage note to Arcane's voice which was at odds with his gentle touch. The light stroking was close to torture for Graham, he couldn't keep still, struggling to make more contact with those teasing fingers. Arcane moved one hand, pressing it down firmly on Graham's chest.

"Did I tell you that you could move?" He asked, almost conversationally.

"N..n..no Sir."

"Then you don't. You only move when I say so."

"Yes, Sir"

Arcane increased the pressure he was putting on Graham's sensitive groin - just enough to elicit a frustrated groan. It took all of his will power but Graham managed to keep still.

"That's better," Arcane said softly, "you are learning."

He took both hands away from Graham and leant back, breathing deeply. He grinned at his assistant's disappointed expression.

"It's all right Graham, I don't intend to keep you waiting any longer. I have to admit to feeling rather impatient myself." Arcane cast a rather doubtful look around the room, 'Phone, intercom, door all quiet. He half expected them all to spring into life the moment he made a move. Arcane made a well practised move to open his bedside cabinet, he didn't even have to look to find what he wanted. Graham craned his neck to see what the doctor produced.

Condoms, well that was good he hadn't thought about the safety aspect himself.. And a big tube of...oh...he hadn't considered, stupidly hadn't thought that....

"Roll yourself over old chap," Arcane said cheerfully,

Graham forgot that he was supposed to be obedient. "But I've never done, well, like anything like that ..."

"Graham!" Arcane's tone was stern, "remember you agreed to do anything I asked?"

"Yes, but.."

"No buts Graham, you have to start sometime. And I promise you it won't hurt, not *very* much anyway." His expression was wolfish, and commanding, Graham knew he could only obey. Arcane saw his resistance crumble. "There's a good chap, now over you go."

Graham turned over obediently and lay, eyes closed, with his face buried in the pillow. He just felt the cool oozing of some lubricant being spread between his buttocks and tried hard not to clench tight against the shock.

Which was when there was a hesitant knocking on the door, getting louder as Arcane tried to ignore it.

***

Persistently the person on the other side of the door keep up the knocking. As much as Arcane wanted to ignore it the interruption was having a adverse effect on him, and he could see Graham getting even more tense and nervous with every passing second. As much as he wanted his assistant, he didn't want to actually cause the man pain. No, Graham was going to enjoy every second so that he'd be begging for more, and so there would be no doubt as to who Graham belonged to. No more choices. Graham was his!!

Finally, with a savage curse he heaved himself out of bed, grabbing a robe and wrapping it around himself for modesty's sake. Pausing long enough to pull the covers over his assistant and indicate he'd be only a moment, Arcane answered the door.

To his immense surprise Tressa Kipp stood with her fist raised, ready to knock again. The shock of actually seeing the woman standing on his doorstep as it were momentarily overwhelmed him, and at first it didn't register what she was wearing. When he finally managed to close his mouth he noticed that Tressa was dressed in nothing more then her under garments.

"Er, Tressa," Arcane forced his attention away from the sight, "what brings you here ..."

"You," eyes not quite focusing Tressa had the surprising strength to shove Arcane back into his quarters. She had him slammed against the wall before he could react, "I want you!" Suiting actions to words she dropped to her knees and tore his robe open.

Arcane thought briefly about protesting, knowing Graham was waiting just a few feet away, when a warm, wet mouth drove any such desire out of his mind. Groaning, head thudding lightly against the wall Arcane couldn't even say his own name, let alone pull the woman off him. There was also something perversely thrilling about knowing Graham would be watching him. Hands clenching into Tressa's hair, fucking her mouth with slow, languid thrusts Arcane's eyes drifted shut.

Graham could only stare in shock, at first he'd been too surprised to react, Tressa Kipp giving a blowjob to his employer was not on his list of top ten things to see. The memory of the way the Doctor had gotten all smarmy with her still to fresh. After the initial moment had passed Graham had expected Arcane to push her away and demand to know what she thought she was doing. But then he saw his employer pull her closer, saw pleasure grow on his face. Heart sinking he stared sickly at the scene.

Dr. Arcane knew he was waiting, knew what was going to happen between them. How could he let Tressa Kipp do what she was doing!? Graham thought things were going to be at least a bit different between them now, but if all he was was a convenient fuck between women then he didn't want it. Arcane meant to much too him, god, he even admitted he loved the man! How stupid could he have been?! why didn't he just tattoo a fuck me sign across his arse and get it over with.

Disgusted Graham pushed himself out of bed, grabbing his pants and forcing them up over his wilting erection. The rest of his clothes he didn't bother with, didn't even care about. All he wanted was to get away. Running for the elevator he ignored the Doctor's small gesture to stop, leaning against the closed doors, feeling hot tears slid down his cheeks.

When Arcane saw his assistant bolt pass him and into the elevator, ignoring completely his command to stop he knew that perhaps he'd made a mistake. Granted Tressa was very talented at what she was doing, but he needed to get a hold of Graham, make things better. But when he made a move to leave Tressa abruptly stood up, shoving him to the ground. Stripping over what little she wore, she was on him before he could move. with a shock he could feel himself sink inside her, *I'll deal with Graham later,* grabbing her hips and deepening the pace, *much later.*

***

The last vestiges of any desire to resist drained from Arcane's mind as Tressa kept him pinned down on the floor and rode him hard, her hips bucking with the urgency of her need. He looked up into her face, which was a mask of lust devoid of any thought or intelligence. Clearly she hadn't her dose of the cure yet, it was certainly interesting how the disease was affecting her. Thought fled completely from Arcane's mind as he let himself get lost in the ever delightful rhythms of sex, gripping Tressa hard he had to keep all his concentration on holding back, hanging on to the pleasure as long as possible. He was close to the edge, driven now by need as strong as Tressa's. Arcane groaned and shifted under her weight when she screamed, loudly.

Arcane opened his eyes, *dammit, that wasn't, what is wrong with the woman?*

Tressa pulled herself off him, not an easy task and one that left him gasping in pain. She was still screaming.

"Dammit woman," Arcane was shrill with pain and frustration.

Tressa was looking at him, her face contorted with rage. She looked down at herself and bit back another scream. "You monster, you, you rapist."

"Now just a minute. *You* came to my bedroom, you are on top of me. You came at me like a vole on heat. If *anyone* should be crying rape......."

Tressa sagged to a kneeling position. She was getting her memories back and they were pretty horrible. How many men had she thrown herself at? How often had she....? And now with Arcane of all people.

She refused to let herself cry in front of this man. Trying to keep calm she said, "I remember, I felt so strange, I was.." She blushed deeply, "well, anyway, then there was Alec and I think he injected me with something."

*Ah, that explains it.*

"Indeed," Arcane preened himself, "he gave you the cure which *I* managed to ... procure.. to save the town."

Tressa gave him a very doubtful look, but she was more concerned now with her growing embarrassment. "I have to get out of here."

"Yes? Go then." He replied, laconically

Tressa glanced down at her naked body. Arcane sighed and took off his robe, throwing it at her. "Oh do just cover yourself up."

He grinned slightly at Tressa's horrified expression as he roamed around naked. "I have unfinished business," he said, giving her a totally unwelcome view of his continuing state of arousal, "so perhaps you can show yourself out."

Arcane struggled into some clothes and favoured Tressa with one last amused grin before he strolled out of the room.

As Arcane had suspected Graham had locked himself in his room. He wouldn't respond to any of his employer's knocks and calls so Arcane used his over ride code to open the door.

Graham gave him a look of pure rage. "This is *my* room, can't you even leave me any privacy?"

"This is *my* compound. Everything here is mine." *Including you*

Graham turned his head away, refusing to speak. Arcane sat down on the bed next to him, uncomfortably aware that he needed to finish what Graham - and then Tressa - had started. He resisted the urge to grab his assistant and get back to their interrupted pleasures. Instead he laid a hand on Graham's shoulder.

"You don't want to let that woman worry you, Graham, you know that I don't even like her."

"You liked her well enough to fuck her."

Arcane was slightly taken aback, he couldn't remember ever hearing Graham swear before. The man must be really upset. He swallowed down his frustration, trying to keep his touch gentle as he stroked Graham's back. "She threw herself at me, and you do know me well enough...I'm just very easily seduced."

Graham harrumphed, sullenly.

"Dammit. I told you I couldn't change, I didn't make you any promises."

Graham turned round, flushed with anger. "I didn't realise that meant dumping me while I was in *your* bed to screw that ...that...Kipp woman." He couldn't restrain his bitterness. Her of all people, he would never forget the sickly way she had crawled all over the doctor when a lab accident had affected her mind.

Arcane was beginning to get annoyed with this. Hadn't he offered Graham the great opportunity of sharing his bed? Even allowed that he might care for the man somewhat, and let him into his life. And now he seemed to think he could make demands.

Arcane shifted uncomfortably, he had been kept waiting long enough. He had to win Graham over, and soon before his patience ran out. Then an idea occurred. He put the most saccharin note of sincerity into his voice, and reached out to stroke Graham's hair. " I couldn't go through with it, Old chap."

Graham looked surprised, as well he might. Still, Arcane thought, that was not entirely a lie, he hadn't finished so it was true enough. Not that truth had ever been a great concern when a lie was more productive. He could see Graham's expression change. "I threw the strumpet out. I promise you."

Graham looked uncertain, "You did?"

"Of course, Graham. It's you I want," his assistant couldn't hold back a smile at that. *Yes. Got him!* "So, you see, I am still very much ready to carry on, if you'd like to?"

*And you'd better.* He thought, somewhat impatiently.

Graham bit his lip before nodding shyly, standing up and starting to undo his pants ... before he changed his mind.

Arcane hid his triumphant grin as he swiftly got out of his own clothes. Poor old Graham never quite learnt did he? He took Graham's 'phone off the hook and climbed into bed next to his assistant.

***

Arcane couldn't wait, pouncing on his assistant before the man even had the chance to finish undressing. Pinning him, he ground his painful erection against Graham's groin. At this rate he wasn't going to last long enough to get out of his clothes, let alone inside of Graham.

"Doctor," panting, Graham squirmed, freeing his arms enough so he could finally touch Arcane's skin. All this previous anger had evaporated the moment the Doctor had told him he'd kicked Tressa out. Initially he'd been dubious, but it was fairly obvious that his employer was left unsatisfied.

Tearing Graham's pants off Arcane didn't spare time for a verbal reply, he ached to get his hands on naked skin. Warm, soft, bare skin ... skin that had been cold and clammy only a short time before. Involuntarily his grip tightened, Graham was safe with him now and nothing was going to take the man from him. Burying his face against Graham's neck he inhaled deeply of the familiar scent, fiercely sucking on the nearest bit of skin Arcane smirked as Graham whimpered in response. If he wasn't so hard he'd spend hours just teasing and torturing the man.

"I need you now Graham," purring Arcane gently urged his assistant over on his stomach. Frowning when the man tensed, "I won't hurt you Graham."

"I, I'm sorry, sir," Graham did his best to relax, "I just, well, haven't well ..."

"Its okay Graham," Arcane grit his teeth, forcing understanding in his voice, "everyone's first foray into same gender sex is a little nerve-wracking," he dropped his voice to a low growl, one he knew Graham had never been able to resist, "I promise, you'll enjoy this."

"No," Graham swallowed, shaking his head. A blush swept down his body to Arcane's amusement, "I mean, I .. er, never .. with anyone."

"You're a virgin?!" Arcane couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice, hands leaving his assistants arse, where he'd been stroking the soft flesh.

"Yes, sir," shamefully Graham tried to twist out from under the Doctor's body, stopped when the man applied firm pressure against his back.

"Graham," firmly Arcane held his assistant in place, "it doesn't matter. In fact it's very arousing to know I'll be your first," purring Arcane changed his grip to a gentle massaging action, *first and only,* his mind finished for him. "You do want me to be your first don't you?"

***

Graham tried to twist his head round to look at Arcane, but found that he was held down too firmly even for that much movement. He struggled to catch his breath and pondered the question, did he want Arcane to be the first? Did he want this at all? He tried to ignore the insistent pressure of skilful hands massaging his flesh. "Sir," he gasped, "I don't know what..."

Arcane's voice was silky, "don't worry about anything Graham, just trust me."

Graham wasn't entirely sure about that, when Arcane suggested that people trust him that was usually a sign that their life expectancy was due to shorten...dramatically. He made another, feeble, effort to move. "I'm still not sure, seeing as I've never..."

"First time for everything, Graham." There was getting to be a certain edge to The Doctor's voice, he was getting impatient. He pressed down harder in the small of Graham's back , making him wince slightly. Then he moved his other hand slowly down, gently massaging and stroking his way over Graham's arse. His assistant shifted again, but this time the motion wasn't entirely one of resistance. Arcane grinned, "you just relax, let me take care of you."

He reached his hand down under Graham's body, feeling him tense in shock as he began to gently fondle his genitals. He ran his finger tips lightly around, exploring and tantalising with the lightness of his touch. It soon began to get results, unmistakable signs of arousal. Graham shifted and squirmed, trying to get more contact with that tormenting hand and he couldn't stop himself groaning out loud. Arcane leant forward and spoke softly, as he increased the pressure of his touch. "You do want this, don't you?"

Graham surrendered to the exquisite sensations that were coursing through him. "Yesss," He hissed.

*So delightfully submissive,* Arcane grinned, wolfishly, *mine.*

He was in no mood for any further delays, he'd be as careful as he could but he wasn't breaking off now to look for more lubricant. What he'd used before should be sufficient. Graham would enjoy it well enough once the initial...barriers were broken. He was eager now to get his own release so he began to open Graham up, using his fingers just a little ruthlessly. Arcane gathered by the faint, and faintly distressed, sounds coming from his assistant that Graham was exactly getting the best from the moment.

"Shush now," Arcane crooned, "just relax, let me take care of you."

He pushed on a little more, probing carefully he found the prostate. Now he could teach his assistant what he'd been missing.

Graham went rigid, he had never known it was possible to have such strange sensations shooting through his body. He responded, moving his hips as he instinctively tried to get more of that exquisite sensation.

"Enjoying yourself? All ready now?" Arcane asked.

"God, yes." Graham groaned, forcing the words out.

Arcane removed his probing fingers, smiling at the sudden note of protest in Graham's incoherent moaning.

*You are learning quickly," he thought.

Driven by his own need for release Arcane grabbed hold of his assistant by the hips and thrust into him, hard and fast. His own groans of satisfaction were drowned out by Graham's cries, as much of alarm as excitement but soon quietening to pure pleasure as his body became accustomed to this new experience. Soon Graham had learnt to match Arcane's rhythm, thrusting up to meet him as their movements got harder and faster. It didn't last long, Arcane's urgency and Graham's nervousness brought things to quick and spectacular climax.

Arcane rolled over, tired now he had no desire other than to go to sleep.

"Sir?" Graham murmured.

*Damn, the little bugger wants to talk. Suppose I'll have to humour him or it'll be sulks in the morning.*

"Yes, Graham?" He sighed.

"That was...nice."

*Nice! Nice! That was me, that was bloody amazing! I'll give him nice!*

He shifted round to glare at Graham, who lay back with a contented smile on his face. Arcane felt a sudden painful reminder of hard the last few days had been, and how relieved he was to have Graham safe and back with him. He supposed he was rather fond of his assistant, in his own way. *Ah well, I suppose he can't help having a limited vocabulary.*

"Yes Graham," he sighed, "it was nice."

*** As Dr. Arcane and Graham lay sleeping the sleep of the exhausted, the small town of Houma was slowly recovering its senses. Grief was the pre-dominant emotion as people slowly remembered their deeds, all the needless death and destruction brought Houma's population so low that for the first week afterwards there was as many suicides as there had been murders. However, things slowly returned to a even keel and life went on much as it had before the virus. Folks married and had children, couples divorced and new people moved in and out. Rumours of Swamp monster continued to haunt the town and the town's biggest employer continued to stay in business. Although the strange goings on there provided the rumour mill with more than enough gossip for fodder.

For Alec Holland the events weren't so easily put out of mind. He'd acted in a method totally unlike himself, lost control and hurt another living being in a way he'd always sworn would never happen. It took many days of soul searching and communing with the Swamp before Alec began to put the memory behind him. The one thing that helped the most was oddly the memory of Arcane's assistant Graham, of how much that man had given up to stay true to the one he loved. As much as he lamented and pitied Graham for the choice his heart had made it also made him glad and hopeful that such people still do exist in the world. Holland just hoped that Arcane was wise enough to be grateful for what fate had granted him in his assistant.

As for Graham things returned to normal a little too quickly for his tastes. He'd waken up to find his bed empty and a note left for him to get to the lab and clean up as soon as he woke up. The hard work of cleaning up and clearing away all the damage that had been done the last few days left him very busy. Too busy to see the Doctor more than once a day, at which at all times Arcane had treated him indifferently at best. Still, not all was bad, Graham had known to expect the situation with his employer to be pretty much as it had been pre-virus, the Doctor had warned him after all. He did find himself missing Arcane's presence late at night when the memory of their one time together flashed through his mind.

A week after that night Arcane was back to dating women and Graham struggled to put his feelings in perspective. His employer knew how he felt, really there was nothing more he could do, and truth be told he was tired of struggling with the jealousy and pain. It was so much easier to simply let things be, to continue as he always had, loving Dr. Arcane.

Graham had resigned himself to this fate, attired comfortably in silk boxers and listening to the radio. He was drifting lazily in that grey-state just before sleep when the distant noise of his door opening intruded upon the peace. A warm weight settled against his body, startled he looked up into a pair of devilish grey eyes,

"Any other firsts you'd like to try out?" the question was whispered silkily, and Graham gave himself up to his employer, heart, soul and body. As if there had ever been any other choice.

The End

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