Title: Unconscious Grace

Author: Liat

Disclaimer: not mine

Summary: CHAPTER THREE! Lol. Not as.explicit as was expected, but then again, this is rated R, not NC-17 (is there even that category on this site?). and, I know, Eph's not his usual sassy self in my story, but there's really no room for him to be. I wanted it to be sweet. Of course, funny would definitely be a plus, I just couldn't really think of anything to put in. anyways, enjoy! BTW, thank you, people that reviewed. It always makes me feel so good, cuz im so insecure about my writing. I love y'all!

~*~ Part 3:

~*~

Ephram stood in the middle of the room, watching Bright as he wandered around exploring it. When Bright got back to Ephram's desk, where he started, he looked up at Ephram. Ephram's breath caught in his throat, his heart skipped a beat. Bright shot him a quick, unintentionally sexy grin before leaning over the desk, inadvertently presenting Ephram with an excellent view of his backside. Shaking his head once, Ephram walked over to Bright. Hands linked behind his back, he smiled.

"Enjoying snooping?"

Bright turned his head, flashing Ephram that grin again and Ephram couldn't help it---he was just too damn adorable. He grabbed a fist-full of Bright's shirt, pulling towards himself. Bright straightened, stumbling a little in Ephram's direction. He barely had time to look down at Ephram inquisitively before he was hauled forwards with a surprising burst of strength and all but swallowed whole. When Ephram's lips touched his, Bright's arms instinctively came around his waist, trapping Ephram's hands between them as Bright seemed to try to fuse their bodies together.

Ephram's hands were starting to lose feeling when Bright relaxed his grip and began to pull Ephram in the direction of his bed. Bright sat down on it, his arms still around Ephram's waist. He pulled Ephram between his thighs and buried his face in Ephram's shirt. Breath catching again at the intimate gesture, Ephram cradled Bright's head against his chest, running his fingers lightly through the loose curls of hair.

A few relaxing, mood-setting moments later, Bright pulled back, looking up at Ephram. Slowly, Ephram stepped backwards and pulled his T-shirt over his head, then the long-sleeved shirt he wore beneath it. Ephram ran a hand subconsciously over his mused hair as Bright's eyes roved over Ephram's pale torso, greedily drinking in the slightly developed, never-would-have- guessed-they-were-there muscles. Ephram could feel himself blushing brightly and tried to he tried to cross his arms across his chest. Bright grabbed his arms before he could and pulled him closer. Bright pressed a kiss just above Ephram's navel before tugging on Ephram's arms till he sat down next to him on the bed. Bright ran a long-fingered hand through Ephram's hair, cupping the back of his head and pulling him forwards until their lips touched.

Soft and sweet, the kiss progressed slowly. Bright's hands slid down to roam over Ephram's back. Heat radiated from his pale skin, drawing Bright in. He only became aware that Ephram was trying to pull his shirt off when he pulled away so he could slip it over Bright's head. Ephram closed his hands over Bright's biceps and pulled him closer s he leaned backwards until Bright was lying atop him. Ephram parted his legs to allow Bright to settle between them before resuming the kiss.

The only sounds in the room were the occasional sigh and moan from the boys, the slight rustling of clothing as they shifted around.

Suddenly impatient, Ephram reached down between them and tried to undo Bright's belt. His trembling fingers fumbled with it for what seemed like ages until he finally got it undone. Next was the button, which took just as long as the belt. Then, Ephram slid one finger inside to slowly ease the zipper down. Bright shifted his hips restlessly, eager to be rid of the barrier, eager for corporeal contact. After slowly pushing off his pants and shaking them to the floor, Ephram rewarded Bright. He slid one finger inside the waistband of Bright's "comely" plaid boxers, just brushing up against his erection. Bright whimpered into the crook of Ephram's neck, trying to shift closer. Ephram withdrew his finger and, in frustration and disappointment, Bright bit Ephram's neck. With a laugh, Ephram's hand suddenly shot down the front of Bright's boxers, wrapping around him tightly. Bright couldn't control the little jerk of his hips and a startled gasp. He moved his head restlessly against Ephram's shoulder, then shifted away.

Ephram frowned in confusion, his hand dropping to the bed. He looked over at Bright, who had rolled off of Ephram and was lying on his back, one arm flung across his forehead, chest heaving. Ephram leaned up on one elbow and looked down at Bright. He reached a hand out hesitantly and touched Bright's chest. Bright opened one eye and smiled up at Ephram. Ephram was still frowning, concerned with Bright's reaction to his touching him. He said softly,

"Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

Bright opened both eyes now, wide, and he shook his head, protesting vehemently.

"God, no! You did nothing wrong. I'm just.trying to regain a little control."

Ephram turned a little pink, a wry smile upon his face. He looked down at the sheets and murmured,

"You don't have to be careful, you know. It's not like this is the first time I've done this."

Bright didn't say anything and when Ephram looked at him, both eyebrows were raised and his mouth was open in shock. He sat up quickly,

"It's not?"

Ephram blushed even more,

"No."

Bright tried not to pout and he said, a petulant tone creeping into his voice,

"What, did you have, like, a boyfriend in New York of something?"

Ephram looked down again, trying to hide his amusement this time, and he mumbled,

"Or something."

Bright's eyes narrowed and he said, suspicion now clear in his voice,

"What's 'or something'?"

Bright saw now that Ephram was blushing to the roots of his hair. Ephram said something unintelligible and Bright placed a hand underneath Ephram's chin, forcing his to look up and into Bright's eyes.

"What was that, Eph? I couldn't hear you."

Ephram shrugged in what he hoped was a nonchalant way.

"We were more like. . ."

Bright supplied helpfully,

"Fuck buddies?"

If possible, Ephram got even redder and he flinched,

"Well, if you want to put it that way. . ."

Bright sighed, let his hand slide to the side of Ephram's neck. His thumb rubbed at the pulse point there, feeling the pulse begin to quicken under his caress. Bright shifted closer, his face very close to Ephram's,

"So, you're really very experienced in this kind of thing."

Ephram grinned,

"You could say that. . ."

Tilting his head to the side, Bright brought his lips in contact with Ephram's. a beat, and Ephram pulled back a few inches, his eyes on Bright's too-tempting mouth,

"You don't mind?"

His mind thoroughly muddled, Bright didn't even bother opening his eyes,

"Mind what?"

"That you're not my. . .first."

Bright shook his head, half-smiling now. He did open his eyes now and he took Ephram's hands in his, lacing their fingers together.

"Not one bit."

Ephram smiled, clearly relieved. He let out a little sigh,

"Good."

"And now, back to business. . ."

Bright brought their linked hands up to Ephram's shoulder, pushing gently until Ephram lay down on his back. He rolled over onto Ephram, smiling lovingly. Releasing one of Ephram's hands, he stroked his fingers through Ephram's hair, trailing them down to trace his ear, then whispering down the side of his neck. Bright's hand rested on Ephram's neck, lightly cupping it, his thumb resting over Ephram's pulse. Ever so slowly, he leaned his head down, sweetening the moment with the increasing anticipation. Finally, their lips met and Ephram couldn't hold back the little moan that escaped when Bright's tongue touched his. Struggling to control himself, Ephram wrapped his arms around Bright's neck, pulling him closer, trying desperately to deepen the kiss. Bright chuckled, whispering against Ephram's lips,

"Slow down, Ephram. We have all night."

~*~ TBC. . . ~*~

Hope y'all have enjoyed it thus far! I hope to have the next chapter posted by the middle of next week.

~*~