Lee gripped one of Marshall's hands in his, while Marshall leaned silently against him. Nothing more was said for the duration of the ride home, but Marshall understood the unspoken message: they were in this together, and nothing would force them apart. Nothing, and no one.
Once they were home, they shut down the house for the night and headed for the bedroom. Despite his dismay at the news of their newly acquired Internet status, Marshall was determined not to let it affect their evening. This was their anniversary, three years of loving one another, and nothing could detract from that.
When Lee came out of the bathroom, Marshall was waiting for him. He pressed against him, his fingers reaching for the buttons on Lee's Western-style shirt. Lee covered Marshall's hand with his own and gave him a questioning look.
"I believe you made me a promise earlier tonight," Marshall murmured. He slid his hand between them, covering the growing bulge in Lee's jeans.
"That I did," Lee concurred, "if you're sureβ"
"What I'm sure of is that I love you, and these past three years have been wonderful. The best years of our lives are still ahead of us..."
He studied Lee's face, waiting for his reaction. Lee's familiar slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and Marshall's heart swelled at the sight. Lee's smile was so beautiful, it took Marshall's breath away.
"I love you too," Lee replied, "and this I promise. I'll never stop loving you, and I'll never stop being here for you, no matter what."
There was nothing more to be said. They quickly undressed one another before tumbling onto the bed.
"Back or stomach?" Marshall asked.