The Long Way Home

 

Author: Taltos ([email protected])

Pairing: X/Gr

Summary: Graham and Riley roll into Sunnydale on a mission to retrieve a demon. Will Graham leave or decide to stay?  Will Xander convince him to stay?  POV switches from Graham to Xander.

Rating: NC-17 Overall for graphic m/m sex.

Spoilers:  Up to and including S6

Disclaimer:  Not mine.  All hail Joss & Co. I gain no monetary profit.

 

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"Look Ri, it's an in and out.  You probably won't even see her.  We'll go, we’ll do our job and then we're out.  Simple."

 

"Who you trying to convince, me or you?"

 

I stop lacing my boots to look at him. I told him not to bring this up.  I told him I didn't want to talk about it and damn it I meant it.  It was nothing, it was a crush, it was stupid and it's over. End of story.  He drops his eyes from mine and goes back to packing his duffle.  I know by the set of his shoulders he's not done.  I sit back patiently waiting for him to continue.

 

"All I'm saying is that it's too late for me, but you've been thinking about getting out and Sunnydale, while it's not known for its charm, wouldn't be such a bad place for you settle."

 

"I'm going to tell you this one last time, I don't want to talk about it."

 

"Gray-"

 

"Finn, shut the fuck up alright.  He's been in a multi-year relationship with a woman.   What the hell makes you think he'd be interested in me? Now drop it.”

 

I didn't mean to lose my temper but Jesus the guy just won't give up.  From the second he found about my obsession with Xander he's been itching for a reason to go back to Sunnydale.

 

I know he means well. He's been my best friend since boot camp but this time he just doesn't know what he's talking about.  Taking up my laces I finish tying my boots and grab my duffle.

 

Waiting for him by the door I stop him with a hand on his arm before we leave the room.

 

"I'm sorry."

 

"No, I knew you didn't want to talk about it and I pushed.  Chopper's waiting, we better move it."

 

Although I'll never tell him, I'm more nervous about this trip than he is.  I know the chances of my running into Xander are slim but I want to.  I barely met him, only saw him a few times but he's been on mind almost constantly for three years. How can someone I barely know affect me like this?  How can I want him so much?  I shake my head determined not to think about it.

 

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

 

Well so much for not thinking about it.  Within ten minutes of being back in Sunnydale we literally ran into Buffy and Xander on patrol.  Seems they're looking for the same demon we are, and Riley, in a brilliant move, decided we should split up and search. 

 

So now I'm walking next to him listening to him talk about leaving Anya at the alter. I watch his mouth move as he talks, not completely listening to his words.  He's got beautiful lips.  I wonder what they'd feel like against my own.

 

Suddenly I'm flat on my ass watching the ugliest demon I've ever seen stalk toward Xander.  I roll to my feet and pull the stun gun out of my pack.  Charging forward I slam it against the demons back and watch as the beast barely shudders when the electricity runs through it. 

 

Watching in horror I see the demon reach for Xander, pick him up and throw him a few feet away.  I hear Xander land with a thud and can't help but wince. Out of the corner of my eye I see Buffy and Riley coming at a full run. 

 

"Draw his attention so I can check on Xander."

 

I don't bother to wait for a reply before turning toward where Xander landed, I can already hear the battle Buffy and Riley are waging against the demon. 

 

Kneeling next to Xander I ghost my hands along his body checking for broken bones.  Finding none I examine his head.  He has a small gash above his right eyebrow and the blood flow is already slowing.

 

"Xander.  Xander, can you hear me?"

 

His eyelashes flutter and then I'm staring into beautiful, unfocused chocolate eyes.  I run my fingers along his check and he leans into the touch.

 

"How you feeling?"

 

"Like I got thrown across the cemetery."

 

I smile at him and help him to sit up.

 

"You did."

 

Both of our heads snap to the right at the keening wail coming from the demon.  Xander starts as its decapitated head rolls a little too close for comfort.

 

"Can you stand?"

 

I watch him wobble as he gets to his feet.  I have to clench my hands into fists to keep from reaching for him and wrapping my arms around him.  Sighing I reach into my pack and pull out the bag we have to use to take the parts back to the base.  Mission's done and we have to head back. I realize how much I don't want to go.

 

Buffy closes in on Xander checking him for injuries.  Riley is standing next to me shifting from one foot to another.  We walk several feet away as I continue to pick up body parts.

 

"Spill it Ri."

 

"I...Buffy...we...we're gonna go get coffee, can you get Xander home."

 

I watch his eyes shift around, he's leaving something out.

 

"And."

 

"It's kinda late, you think we should stay until the morning and head back then."

 

I hear the hopefulness in his voice and damn sometimes I wish he wasn't such a good friend, it would be a hell of a lot easier to say no to him.  Sighing I run my hand through my hair.

 

"Fine, I'll get a hotel and meet you at Buffy's in the morning.  Go on, I'll take care of this mess."

 

"Gray, Xander has an extra bedroom, you could..."

 

Riley trails off as my eyes search out Xander.  My eyes travel his body and hot lust surges through me. 

 

"I don't think that would be such a good idea."

 

"Graham..."

 

"Riley."

 

I hiss his name through clenched teeth and thankfully he gets the message.

 

"Okay, okay.  I'm gone."

 

I watch him walk to where Buffy and Xander are.  I can't hear what he says but I feel their eyes on me.  Looking at Xander my breath catches and I let myself believe that for a brief second, want and need filled his eyes.  Shaking my head at my own stupidity I finish tying off the bag before swinging it over my shoulder and walking to Xander.

 

"Ready?"

 

He nods and I follow him out of the cemetery and down the street.  He slows until I come up beside him.

 

"Riley said you're going to get a hotel room."

 

"Yeah, know one that has triple locks?"

 

"Nope.  I've got an extra room and beer though, plus I won't charge you."

 

My brain tells me to say no, my body has other ideas.

 

"Sure, okay."

 

I watch a small smile play across his lips and once again I'm struck by how much I want that mouth on my body.  God it's going to be a long night.

 

 

Chatper 2 

 

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