Warnings: sexual content, strong language

Well, we're coming up on the end, folks. This is the penultimate chapter, with only the epilogue left to share. Sorry this one took a bit longer. Life hit me for a few days, along with a bit of writer's block... and maybe a bit of procrastination because I secretly don't want this to end. Thanks to everyone who's been here through this experience while it's been a WIP, and thanks to you if you're reading it as a completed work and have come all the way to the end.

"Debbie, no, bring that over here."

"But Dad said put it here!"

"Just do as I say, sweetie."

"But-"

"Your father is a fireman, Debbie, not a party planner," Ginny said firmly, "Bring me that tray."

The teenager rolled her eyes but did as she was told. Ginny took the tray of food from her, setting it on a long table by a bowl of punch. The Stanley household was a hive of activity. I'm sure Mike's going to be thrilled… if a bit embarrassed.

"Carol! Robin! Come over here and help me set out plates for everyone!"

Her other girls were still young, weren't quite teenagers yet, her middle just barely a teen. They were still happy to do things with the family. Hank was busy on the other side of the yard putting together some games. They'd invited a lot of people.

"Well, honey, I think we did a bang-up job," she told Hank.

"Funny, I was just thinkin' the same thing."

"Great minds think alike."

She smiled up at him, her tall and handsome fireman. He's a great catch. Ginny stepped closer to him, craned her neck, waited. Hank obediently stooped to kiss her, pressing his lips to hers gently.

"Everyone said they were coming, right?" he asked.

"Oh yes, we're gonna have a backyard full of firemen and paramedics and even the odd doctor," she replied, "This is bound to be the party of the century."

"I hope not. I don't think we need the police as our guests, too."

"I think I can keep everyone in line."

"Of that, I have no doubt."

Ginny hummed softly, told Hank, "I just hope everything won't be too awkward for Mike and Marco with all these people around. I just don't want them to feel uncomfortable."

"They'll be fine, sweetie. They always are."

But it isn't fair. She didn't voice the thought, but she felt it unsaid at the end of Hank's sentence. It wasn't fair that she could kiss her husband and hold his hand whenever she wanted and they could not. She simply couldn't imagine what it must feel like to have to hide who they loved. I'll never fully understand what they're going through, but I try to understand as much as I can. Car doors slammed out front. The party was ready to start.

xXxXx

"This is ridiculous, Marco," Mike remarked as they pulled up to the Stanley residence, "I'm thirty-six. I don't need a party with all my friends for my birthday."

"No, you don't 'need' a party, but it's nice to have one," Marco replied, "Look, it'll be fun. All our friends are gonna be there, there's gonna be food… Just enjoy it."

Mike huffed, causing Marco to laugh quietly. This is perfect. There weren't too many people there yet, just their shift, their closest friends.

"Where is everyone?" Mike queried.

"I dunno. Guess we're just early. What, are you some kinda diva now? Two minutes ago, you didn't wanna have a party, and now you wanna know where everyone is."

"You already told me who all was gonna be here! Forgive me if I had a certain expectation…"

Marco chuckled again, earning a glare from his lover.

"There you are!" Ginny greeted them, hugging each of them.

Cap, Chet, Roy, and Johnny all greeted them in turn, as did Joanne and the DeSoto and Stanley children.

"Yard looks very nice, Ginny," Mike told her.

"Anything for you, Mike. You've been such a good friend, it's the least we could do."

"And that's why we wanted you to have the best birthday gift," Cap added.

"A-A gift? Cap, c'mon, I said I didn't want anything. Why did you get me something?"

"I didn't get you anything, Mike. The department did."

"The department? What?" Mike asked.

Confusion was evident in Mike's face. His head was almost on a swivel as he looked around at everyone, his brow furrowed. No one was giving anything away. The men of 51s simply smiled at Mike, hoping he would catch on. When he didn't, Cap finally took pity on him. He stuck out his hand, shook Mike's, said, "Congratulations, Captain Stoker."

The confusion didn't leave right away. Mike seemed to freeze for a long moment, simply blinked at Cap, still gripped his hand.

"What?"

"You heard me. You're Captain Stoker now."

"I-? I made it? I passed?"

"With flying colors, pal."

Mike's jaw hung open, his eyes wide and blinking. Marco stood by him as Cap continued, "Now, you've still got a bit of training to complete, but then you'll be going out and be at your own station with your own crew."

"And they're gonna be one lucky crew," Roy added.

Mike turned to Marco, asking, "You knew?"

"Of course I did."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"Cap said he wanted to surprise you," Marco explained softly, " You know how hard it was to pretend I didn't know anything, to pretend I wasn't so proud of you, that I wasn't so happy for you?"

He was almost knocked over as Mike threw his arms around him. Marco hugged back tightly, whispering, "Querido, I'm so proud of you… so proud… lo hiciste, mi amor. Estoy tan orgulloso de ti… so happy for you."

"I can't believe it… I did it, babe," Mike breathed, his voice full of emotion, "I just don't believe it."

The others stepped up and hugged them, clapping their shoulders and offering congratulations. It was bittersweet, to be sure. Marco heard a rumor Mike might be sent back to 69s, where his career began, but he'd also heard 45s was a possibility. In any case, Mike would soon be leaving 51s, and Marco had already told himself he wouldn't follow him. There was no reason whatsoever they couldn't remain in their relationship and be together, as Marco couldn't imagine not doing that, but working together was essentially out of the question now. It would create a conflict of interest for Mike, and that wouldn't be fair to anyone. For now, though… For now, things weren't changing.

"Mikey Stoker!" a voice drawled, "Why look at you!"

"Maggie!"

So many people came to celebrate Mike's promotion. The Starretts were there first, Maggie and Ellie and Len. Ellie was a young woman now, her red hair pulled back in a long ponytail, her face still round and freckled. Len was tall and broad as his father had been, a senior in high school.

"So, Ellie, what's next for the best and brightest?" Mike asked.

"Well, I did what I promised," she said proudly, "I went to CalTech and got my undergraduate in astrophysics, but I'm going back to start a graduate degree. I really need one for all the good jobs, especially the ones at NASA I want. They're really competitive, but I think I have a shot."

Several firemen also came, all from various stations, including Brice and Bellingham.

"Congrats, Mike," Bellingham grinned, shaking his hand vigorously, "Couldn't've happened to a better guy."

That was why Marco liked Bellingham. He was always so genuinely happy. Brice, however, was never so forward with his emotions, but he was growing on Marco.

"Stoker, I would like to offer my congratulations. I have no doubts that you will make an excellent captain for whichever station you are assigned."

"Thank you, Brice. I really appreciate it."

"You are very welcome. Lopez, I heard you wish to become an engineer."

"It's the next logical step. Anyway, I think it's time for me to move up and make room in the ranks for guys much younger and fitter, know what I mean?"

"I suppose I do. I've been debating the same move myself for several months now," Brice replied, "However, I find the paramedic work to be both interesting and stimulating in various ways that the position of engineer is not, though the reverse is also true."

"Brice, with your commitment to detail, you could go right on up to captain, maybe even chief," Marco told him, "I'm sure the brass would love you in their ranks."

"Of that, I'm not entirely sure."

There was the ghost of a smile on his face.

"Say, Brice, have you met Ellie Starrett yet? She's going for her PhD in astrophysics…"

Everyone was so kind and complimentary, it almost made Marco's chest ache. Pride and joy swirled warmly in his veins, sat comfortably in his stomach. He knew Mike had been content as engineer, but someone like him deserved to move up, deserved to have a crew of his own, deserved to share the knowledge he'd accumulated over the years. He's gonna be so good at this. Maybe when I'm an engineer, we can work together again. Marco couldn't keep the smile off his face, and neither could Mike.

"So, how did you like your surprise party, mi amor?" Marco asked back at their apartment.

"Very surprising," Mike replied, "I had a lot of fun. It was nice to know how many people care and are happy for me. I'm a little concerned at how good everyone was at keeping the big secret, though."

Marco stepped close to him, settled his hands on Mike's hips, told him softly, "Y'know, I cried when Cap told me you got the promotion. I was just so happy for you, I couldn't stop it. Cap mighta cried a little bit, too. You know what a softie he is."

"That I do."

Mike looked so happy and calm and beautiful, smiling warmly at Marco. He couldn't help himself. He leaned in and kissed him, pressing his lips firmly to Mike's. Mike smiled into the kiss, smiled as Marco pulled him closer so their hips were flush. A rough hand cupped his cheek, warm lips beginning to work against his.

"Te amo, mi querido," Marco murmured, pulling away slightly, "I love you so much, Mike."

"I know… I love you, too, Marco," Mike replied, "more than I ever knew I could. I'm so glad you've been here with me through all of this, so glad to know you love me and are gonna be here with me."

"I wouldn't wanna be anywhere else."

"Good. I don't want you anywhere else."

Marco kissed him again. Mike's lips were soft and warm and perfect, working slowly but passionately against his. They kissed easily for a moment, taking the time to relax and hold each other. Marco's tongue darted out to touch Mike's lips, lips that quickly parted to grant him further access. Heat was beginning to settle in his stomach. He slid his tongue into Mike's mouth, wanting to give Mike everything he wanted, everything he had. His hands slipped back from Mike's hips to grab his ass, causing a moan to escape his throat. Mike sucked on Marco's tongue briefly, teeth grazing against his lip, hands sliding around to cup the back of Marco's head. The heat began to travel through his blood and into his groin.

Their kiss became more heated, more of a clash. It fueled the heat in Marco's blood. He grabbed harder at Mike's ass as skilled fingers began to unbutton his shirt. Marco smiled. They kissed hard, their hands groping and pulling, licking harshly into each other's mouth. It was almost too much, forcing them to break apart for a moment, both panting and clinging to the other.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Marco settled his hands on Mike's hips and carefully pulled him toward the bedroom. Mike kissed him again, softly this time, lovingly, and he returned the favor. Contentment overpowered lust for a short while, a warm weight in his chest. He pulled back from the kiss.

"What is it, babe?" Mike asked.

"I just wanted to look at you," Marco told him quietly, "You're just so beautiful and bright and wonderful… I just wanted to look at you, mi hermoso ángel."

A flush crept into Mike's cheeks that was not solely from excitement. The sight was so endearing, so precious, that Marco stepped in to kiss him once more. He has no idea how perfect he really is. None at all. They kissed again for a long moment, just holding each other until Mike pushed him down on the bed and straddled him. Lust began to overtake contentment once more, Mike's lips trailing along Marco's jaw and down his neck, finally sucking a bruise into his skin just below the collarbone. Marco rocked his hips up against Mike's and moaned.

With a swift movement, Marco flipped them, easily sitting astride Mike's lap. He pulled off his shirt and leaned over, pressing his lips to Mike's once more. Their bodies rocked together in perfect rhythm. The friction was delicious, working them both into a higher state of arousal. Marco's cock was already straining in his pants. He couldn't keep his mouth off Mike's, was desperate suddenly for his kisses, desperate to keep him as close as possible. His fingers worked deftly to undo the buttons on Mike's shirt, and he caught Mike's lip between his teeth, sucking gently. Mike rolled his hips, his erection rubbing against Marco's, pulling a moan from him.

Marco began lavishing attention on the fresh expanse of skin, almost folding himself in half to press his lips to Mike's belly. The muscles shivered under his lips. He kissed his way up the toned chest, pausing to give a pink nipple due attention. Rough fingers wound their way into Marco's hair, gripping tight, almost pulling. Marco gently bit the flesh just beside the nipple, giving Mike a bruise to match his own.

"There, mi amor… You're mine," Marco whispered, "and I'm yours. Forever."

Mike smiled softly, replied, "Mm… forever… I like the sound of that, Marco."

Their lips met, tenderly expressing their affection for the other, each licking into his lover's mouth slowly. Their hips rocked together. Marco let his lips trail away from Mike's, let them work their way to a newly bared shoulder as he carefully stripped off his lover's shirt. God, I love him so much. Mike sat up, holding Marco firmly around the waist, his lips now tracing fire over his skin. Marco moaned softly, rolled his hips, started his fingers working on Mike's belt.

"C'mon, babe," Mike half-laughed after a minute or so, "Let's just hurry up and take our pants off so you can have your way with me."

"Probably a good idea. What else do you want?"

"Just you… Just you, Marco… You know what makes me happy, what makes me feel good. I just want you to take care of me like you always do."

Marco murmured, "As you wish, querido," and kissed Mike before helping him to his feet to strip him further. Mike, apparently, had other ideas. He pushed Marco back onto the bed and pulled off his pants and shorts, already naked himself, and Marco knew what was coming. He groaned, "Oh, fuck," as Mike's mouth began working his cock in a steady rhythm, his tongue swirling around the head in just the right ways. It drove Marco wild. More than once he'd cum just from his lover's mouth only to be made hard again the same way. He grabbed a handful of brown hair and heard Mike moan, the vibrations going right through his cock. His hips twitched up of their own accord. The blue eyes met his as Mike pulled back to the tip, lavishing attention on the sensitive head.

"Holy-! Fuck!"

Mike swallowed him to his base, eyes still locked with his, staying there as long as he could before setting another steady pace. His head bobbed along Marco's cock perfectly.

"Fuck, you're so good at this," Marco told him shakily, "so good at suckin' my cock. You love it… love this… love havin' my cock in your mouth… knowin' I'm completely at your mercy… and you know I love all that, too. Shit-…"

He released Marco's cock from his mouth with a deliberately wet pop and crawled up to him. Marco could taste himself in Mike's mouth, felt his cock twitch. For a moment, though, he simply kissed Mike, let his tongue trace himself all through Mike's mouth. He wanted to take things slow today, to show Mike how much he loved him and cared for him. That's how I'm gonna take care of him today. He kissed Mike gently, slowly rolling them over until he was on top.

While he lubed up his cock, he trailed his lips down Mike's body, hitting every sweet spot along the way, flicking his tongue against the purpling bruise he left earlier. Marco whispered between kisses, "You're so beautiful… tan hermoso… I just wanna make you feel good… gonna make you feel so good…"

He pushed in slowly, dragging a long moan from Mike. Long, muscular legs wrapped around his waist. Marco knew Mike usually preferred their sex hard and fast, but he certainly wasn't above something more tender and slow.

"I love you so much," Marco whispered once he was completely buried, leaning in to kiss Mike, "You're just so beautiful and perfect… sometimes I can't believe I have you all to myself. No matter what happens, we always have each other, mi amor. Always."

"You're gonna make me cry if you keep that up," Mike replied, tears already evident in his eyes, "Do you really want me to cry during sex?"

"Maybe… Just wanted to tell you the truth, Mike…"

Marco rolled his hips. Mike moaned softly, his hands coming up to grasp at Marco's shoulders, blunt nails digging into his flesh. He rolled his hips again, setting a steady and easy rhythm. He loved this position because he loved looking at Mike, and this position afforded him the best view. And I can kiss him easier. He rocked slowly into Mike, just gazing into his lovely eyes, taking note of every little wave of pleasure that flickered across his face. So beautiful... Ripples of bliss rolled up Marco's spine, arousal buzzing softly at the base of his skull. His rhythm was easy and almost relaxing.

"Marco-… babe, I love you," Mike gasped.

Their lips met in a soft, passionate kiss. Tongues worked slowly, their mouths gently licking and biting and sucking. It was perfect.

xXxXx

Nothing felt quite so perfect to Mike as Marco's slow, thoughtful thrusts, as their easy lovemaking. He loved the closeness and the feeling of being filled. It sparked something in him, something good and warm that made him feel like he was home. He wound his fingers into Marco's black hair and pulled him in for a kiss that was languid and passionate, that made the situation even more intimate somehow. There was just nothing that could equate to this feeling.

Marco's pace picked up slightly, and Mike knew they were both approaching their climax. Their lips parted but still hovered close, almost touching as they panted and gasped. Mike could feel the warm breath on his face. Heat began to pool in his groin and at the base of his spine. Marco stilled without warning.

"What is it, babe?"

"I just don't want this to be over yet," Marco whispered, "I wanna do this forever."

Mike smiled up at him softly, told him, "I know… and we can. We can stay like this for as long as you like, but we don't have to. I love being with you no matter what we're doing. I just love being with you, Marco… but right now, I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me cum soon."

Marco laughed quietly, his beautiful brown eyes still bright and wet. He leaned in and kissed Mike, rolling his hips perfectly and pulling a moan from him. He moved a little faster than before, adjusting his angle slightly so the head of his cock would brush against Mike's prostate. Mike cried out, his head dropping back. Marco's lips set to work on the newly bared throat, teeth grazing over his sensitive skin, sucking another bruise into the skin at his collarbone. It matches the one I gave him. He whined low, fingers tightening in Marco's hair, felt him moan.

"Fuck-! Yeah… yeah, just like that, baby… Right there… Right- Fuck!"

Brown eyes bored into his, both staring into the other as if to see into the soul.

"Love you, querido… Love you so much… Want you to cum for me, Mike… c'mon, amor, cum for me…"

It built up inside him, all the arousal and love and excitement. The heat in the base of his spine was almost overwhelming. Mike's chest heaved a bit more, his breathing heavier as his orgasm approached. Marco's rough hand reached down to wrap around his cock. A few quick pumps was all it took before Mike's orgasm rippled through his body, a shuddering groan falling from his lips in response. He felt the cum spurt onto his stomach and chest. Marco kissed him gently, trailed his lips down his throat, licked some of the cum from his skin, returned to his mouth. Mike moaned, tasting himself on Marco's tongue.

"Hey, c'mon, it's your turn, baby... lay on your back…"

Marco eagerly obeyed. Mike pressed his lips to the inside of Marco's thigh, kissing his way up to the hard cock waiting for him. He grabbed his shirt off the floor and cleaned off the lube. He didn't like the way it felt or tasted, preferred Marco as he was. Mike leaned over, smirking, and added another love bite to Marco's flesh, trying to perfectly match it to the one on his chest. Marco gasped softly. Perfect. He kissed his way down Marco's belly, reveled in the warmth of his skin, in the smell of him.

Mike started at the base of Marco's cock, slowly kissing his way up the shaft, one of his hands carefully playing with his balls. Marco sucked in a sharp breath. Fingers gripped his hair, pulling slightly. Mike wrapped his lips around the head, flicking his tongue against the tip, tasting salt and musk. He loved doing this for Marco. He loved to take care of him, to tease him and drive him wild. I'm pretty good at this, if I do say so myself… and I do say so myself. Mike raked his blunt nails down the sensitive skin of Marco's inner thigh and slowly swallowed him down.

"Fuck… Mike… mi amor-…" Marco gasped, "Holy shit… yeah, that's good, babe…"

I know it is. His tongue dragged along the underside of Marco's cock as he pulled his head up, enjoying the heat and weight. Mike maintained a slow but steady pace that made Marco squirm under him. He teased and worshipped and lavished until Marco's hips were stuttering under him, rocking jerkily up into his mouth. It was perfect. Mike echoed his lover's plea from earlier, "Yeah, baby, cum for me… Want you so bad… want you to cum for me, Marco…"

Marco whined. His fingers tightened in Mike's hair. Marco's brown eyes were heavy-lidded and dark with lust and arousal. He gave a keening moan, and his cock pulsed in Mike's mouth, hot cum splashing against the back of his throat and on his tongue.

"Mike… that was incredible."

Grinning, Mike crawled up to kiss him, cum still in his mouth. Marco's hands came down to cup his face, his tongue languidly working against Mike's. He lowered his body onto his lover's, covering him like a blanket, soaking in his warmth. After a moment, they pulled away, still touching foreheads, gazing into each other's eyes. Contentment swept over Mike and settled into his bones. Tears sprang unbidden to Mike's eyes as they rolled onto their sides, still holding each other.

"Today was perfect, Marco," he whispered huskily, "You're perfect."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, querido, but I appreciate the compliment."

A rough thumb wiped away one of Mike's tears, and Marco said softly, "I love you so much… I'm so happy for you… so happy I'm here to share this with you."

"I never imagined I could ever be this happy. I don't think I ever told you, but you're the first and only person I've ever loved like this. I'm not sure I ever even had a crush before you."

"Well, now you're makin' me look bad."

"I don't mean it like that. It doesn't bother me. I just-… I always thought love was more trouble than it was worth, but… but you changed that. You made me recognize that love is something that matters, that's worth having," Mike explained tenderly, "I love you, Marco Lopez. I love you more than anything."

"Mike Stoker, I love you more than anything in this life… and I cannot wait to see where we go from here."

"I couldn't have said it better myself."

The two men nestled into each other's arms, foreheads lightly touching, legs twined under the covers. Yes… we've certainly embarked on some kinda adventure… and I wouldn't wanna do it with anyone else. He snuggled closer into Marco's side.

"So, querido… does this mean I can call you 'captain' in the bedroom?"