So this is the second chapter I've uploaded tonight, in case you missed it. Chapter 21 of 22. I'm stunned I made it this far. If you've made it this far with me, I'm grateful. I've enjoyed the reviews and honestly, it's the reason I've continued. So thank you for sticking with me. As always, if you see an error let me know, I'm more than happy to change it. And oh yeah, there is more male sex in this chapter. I'm still a little iffy on getting the details right and straying from turning into a porn, so you've been warned.

Laughter

Adam stood in the living room, watching Rocky do a kata in the backyard. If he hadn't known the other man so well, he'd have thought Rocky was relaxed, but he could see the tension in his shoulders in the otherwise graceful movements. Something was wrong and he couldn't figure out what had happened. Rocky had been on edge for the last week and he was getting really worried.

He pulled his wallet and keys out his pocket and dropped them on the table. He reached into another and pulled out a velvet box. He'd been carrying it around, apprehension consuming him. At first it had been about the proposal itself and then, it was Rocky. Idly, he rubbed his fingers over the box. He turned his head at the sound behind him, startled to find Rocky there.

"Hey, baby," he said, while pulling open a drawer on the table and sweeping his keys, wallet, and then the box inside. Luckily, there was nothing unusual in that. Rocky hated clutter in the living room. Rocky smiled; tense as the norm but there was a calmness that hadn't been visible before. Adam smiled back, relieved that things appeared to be calming down. They stared at each other and he felt the familiar heat sliding down his body and it was mirrored in Rocky's eyes. Rocky held out his hand. "Want to take a shower with me?" he murmured.

Adam took his hand and together they headed up the stairs.

Rocky was tense. He knew Adam had noticed, but had yet to ask why. And he was glad because he couldn't have explained then without sounding like an idiot. He wanted to propose in his own way; but he couldn't quite relax and go with the flow. But tonight was the night.

They walked into the bedroom and turned to each other. Rocky brought his mouth to Adam's. They kissed softly; tongues caressing, exploring each other's mouth. Each kiss felt like the first time. He winced at the slightly cheesy thought. With their mouths still clinging, they undressed each other. "You wear a lot of clothes," Rocky muttered. He drew away, already naked and got to work on the rest of Adam's suit.

"You only had on a tank top and shorts," Adam countered, enjoying the feel of Rocky's hands on his body. "I've just come home from work."

When he was also naked, they walked into the bathroom and Rocky turned on the shower and stood there adjusting the water temperature. It had taken some time for them to come to a compromise on the temperature. Rocky liked his showers hot, but Adam didn't.

"So what's been bothering you lately?"

His hand clenched the shower know, but he turned with a smile. "Nothing's been bothering me," he protested.

Adam gave him a look. "Don't lie to me. You've been on edge all week. I think it's time you've told me what's going on."

"You're right." He sighed. "But nothing's wrong and I'd rather not talk about it now when we're naked."

"What's wrong with being naked? We've had some good times naked. Besides, I'm not getting in the shower until you tell me."

"Oh, shit. I'll be right back." Completely exasperated, Rocky flicked the water off and went into the bedroom. He picked up his shorts and pulled out the velvet box in the pocket and went back to the bathroom.

Adam was leaning against the wall, looking confused. Rocky popped open the lid and showed Adam the contents. Adam's knees buckled and he sat on the toilet. Rocky's lips twitched with suppressed laughter. His nervousness was gone. This definitely wasn't the way he thought it would go down, especially with Adam sitting on the john, but he'd work with it. He sank down on his knees, startled to see Adam's lips trembling. "Are you okay, baby?"

"Yeah." Adam didn't elaborate further.

Rocky didn't know what to do so he spoke from the heart. "Don't be upset, babe. I know we can't be married yet, but I wanted to give you a wedding band to signify our commitment and love to each other."

Adam looked up for the first time and his eyes were sparkling with laughter. "I'm not upset." He laughed. "I'm amazed and flustered, but never upset." He grabbed Rocky's face and kissed him hard. He jumped up and headed out of the room, leaving a confused Rocky behind. "I'll be right back," he called over his shoulder.

Rocky stood up and went to the bedroom. He didn't know much about proposals but he'd bet this was one of the oddest. Adam came back into the room and showed him a velvet box. Rocky felt his mouth drop open when he flipped up the lid. The rings were identical to the ones he'd gotten. Simultaneously, they began laughing, holding each other up before collapsing on the bed. Eventually, they stopped. Wiping tears from their eyes, they stared at the rings.

"I guess we know what the answer is going to be," Adam quipped.

"The same rings. What an amazing coincidence."

Adam shook his head. "Not for us."

They each pulled a ring out of their boxes and slid it onto the other's finger's. Rocky tumbled Adam back onto the bed; his ring glinting in the light. Slowly their hands caressed. Rocky's heart was full and he moaned at the feel of Adam pulsing against him. Adam nipped down his neck, concentrating on a spot that made him gasp. Adam rolled, turning Rocky onto his back. He licked his way down Rocky's chest, pausing to kiss his stomach. He slid farther down only stopping when Rocky grabbed his shoulders. "I want you inside me," he gasped.

Adam took Rocky's left hand and kissed above the ring. "Anything you want, baby." Rocky spread his legs and Adam prepared him. He did that until Rocky was trembling and gasping. "Now, Adam," he demanded while his body clenched tight. Adam pushed inside steadily and they both moaned. He began thrusting steadily; loving the look on Rocky's face, the sounds he made, and the way his body trembled under him.

Rocky opened his eyes, lazily, and stared at the man who was his friend, lover, and husband in his heart. Adam's hand was working him steadily and his thrusts were driving him wild, but he didn't want it to end yet. He wanted to be in Adam when he came, but first…He moved Adam's hand off of him, earning him a frown but he shook his head. He found the spot that made Adam explode and he pressed. Adam trembled wildly, endlessly, before collapsing on top of Rocky.

Later, when they were both sweaty and spent, lying on rumpled sheets and watching the sun set, the silence was interrupted by a soft comment. "I guess I didn't need Aisha's help in setting the atmosphere after all."

A husky laugh was the only reply.

Author's note: I tried not to let on who was the narrator of the last story. It's which ever one you want it to be.