BY YOUR COMMAND - Static ARCHIVE

The Major swore to himself and charged into the young man's room. "Troy, get your astrum . . ."

He stared infuriated at the unslept in bed. This was the fifth time this month that the brat hadn't come home. Apollo know he didn't have a girlfriend, and there was no need for these sleep cycle absences. He marched out of the quarters, vowing to have it out with the boy once and for all after his shift.

//////

He watched the sleeping, darkly tanned, young man in his bed. It really was a shame to wake him. After all, the boy had been *very* good to him last night. Sighing he called, "Troy, you're going to be late."

The dark brown eyes fluttered open. "Hmm? Oh, hi," he mumbled with a sleepy smile.

The other returned the smile. "Hey yourself, gorgeous. Instructional period starts in twenty centons."

Troy groaned and made the effort to get up. "I think you wore me out, lover. I think I might skip today."

He laughed. "Oh, I can see it now. Your father's already going to give you an earfull for being out all cycle, and you want to skip instruction. He'll blow his turbos!"

Troy laughed at the image that brought. He walked over and wrapped his lean arms around the equally lean body. "I could always tell him I was with you, love."

He kissed the full lips of his lover. "That would go over well, gorgeous. Your father's as straight as they come. I'd be lucky if all he did was beat the pogees out of me." He slapped the muscular ass. "Now, move it, or we'll both be late!"

//////

Major Apollo and Capt. Starbuck were out on patrol for two centars when Starbuck finally couldn't take the silence a micron longer. "Alright, spill it, 'Pollo."

"Hmm?" came the distracted reply, "What?"

The blonde warrior rolled his eyes. His best friend had been in another galaxy for the past month. "Girl troubles? Or teen troubles?"

The Major sighed. "Troy didn't come home last night."

Starbuck really did feel for him. The youngster had started this trick only recently, but it was something to be concerned about. "What is that? Four times now?"

"Five."

"What does he say when you ask him about it?"

Another sigh. "I haven't asked him yet." Apollo heard the silent question from the other cockpit. "Because I don't want him thinking I don't trust him. He turns eighteen in a few months, and plans on getting his own quarters when he graduates."

The Captain stared out of the canopy at the expanse of stars. "But you're still concerned. You can't help it, buddy, he's your son . . . Maybe he has a girlfriend," he offered.

The darker warrior shook his head inside his helm. "No, that I did ask him. He says he's not even interested in girls yet."

Starbuck cringed at his own next question. "A boyfriend?" he asked, hesitantly.

Apollo shivered. "Sagan, Starbuck! Don't even joke about that. If he's not ready for girls, he's certainly not ready for any of that strange stuff."

"It's not 'strange', Apollo," he pointed out. "And besides, the gay guys I know say they were ready when they were even younger than Troy."

"The ones you know??" the Major asked in astonishment. "Like who?"

Starbuck thought of all the people he knew, making sure to save the big one for last. "Giles, Bojay, Boomer, Jolly, and . . . Zac."

"You're lying!!!" Apollo roared over the comm. He knew that if they were on the Galactica, Starbuck would be laid out on the deck. "Keep your sick mind to yourself, *Captain*!"

Starbuck knew that what he had said was true, he remembered it all too well. "It's true, Apollo. Zac was gay."

The Major seethed in his cockpit. "Just shut up. There wasn't a woman on campus that he didn't date."

The Captain sighed. "As well as a few men. Zac dated all those women to keep face with your family. He was afraid of how Adama would react. Don't you think it was strange that he didn't boast about sleeping with the girls?"

Apollo huffed. "Not every guy's a frakking daggit like you. Some of us respect our women." He knew that was a low blow, but so was telling vicious lies about his deceased brother. "Besides, how would you know?"

"Because he told me. He had to tell someone, and he thought you'd blow an aft thruster."

Apollo suddenly didn't want to hear anymore. "I'm sorry I asked. Let's just finish this patrol and get back . . . If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from me for a few cycles. And don't you even think about telling Troy this felgercarb."

//////

The instructional period break was chaotic, as usual. Clattering trays being heard over the various students chatting and whining about upcoming half yahren tests. Dillon eyed his query digging into his tray of what they called 'old warrior rations from the beginning of the thousand yahren war'. He plopped down next to him and nudged his arm. "So? Did you have fun last night?"

Troy grinned. "You bet I did. That was quite a workout we had."

Dillon sneaked a wink at him. "So, T, you wanna do another all night 'study' session this secton end?"

Troy laughed at what they'd been calling this. "That's a great idea, Dil! There's still some biology I need to review."

//////

Apollo was still fuming over Starbuck's words. How could he say such despicable things about someone he loved like a brother? A tiny voice in his head asked, "Are you so sure it was 'like a brother'?" He shivered at that, but knew it wasn't possible. Starbuck was the proverbial ladies man, and had even taught Zac everything he knew about women. "Maybe he taught your baby brother more than you know," the annoying voice persisted. "Shut up," he muttered venomously to himself.

Entering his quarters, the Major saw the young man rummaging in the kitchen area. He pulled his laser for effect. "Hold it right there! Whoever you are, I don't recognize you. Now, drop the mushies and turn around slowly."

Troy rolled his eyes. Turning around, his eyes widened at the drawn weapon. "Come on, Dad. This is -"

"'Dad'?" Apollo asked, skeptically. Taking a step forward, he eyed the young man. "Troy? Long time no see. How's instruction? How's the wife? Any kids yet?"

The student frowned. "Okay, I get it. You're mad."

The Major reholstered his laser. "'Mad'? No. Mad was the second time you did this. I've worked up to calm fury . . . and the calm part's debatable."

Troy had been waiting for this confrontation all along. "Alright. Let's do this. It's obvious you don't approve."

Apollo glared at him. "Damn straight. Where the frak do you go? Who are you spending time with?"

The young man glared back. "Just a friend," he snapped.

The Major knew he should keep his head, but not after the cycle he had. Grabbing his son's arm, he shoved him onto the longseat. "You'll sit there until you tell me where you've been, and with whom."

Troy's anger ignited. "What does it matter? I do everything I'm supposed to. I haven't missed an instructional period!"

Apollo stood over him, menacingly. "Don't you dare talk back to me! I'm still your father."

The young man leapt to his feet. "No, you're not!"

The Major hauled off and punched his son in the eye. "Don't you *ever* throw that in my face, you little frak!!"

Troy clutched at his eye, and looked at his father in horror. Never had Apollo stricken him, not on his worst day. As the tears brimmed, he fled from the quarters.

Apollo knew he should go after him, but wasn't sure what he might do if he caught up with him. He collapsed on the longseat. When had everything gone so terribly wrong? He dropped his head in his hands. What had he done? The look in Troy's eyes, of shear terror, was something he never thought he'd see again. "I don't want her to go! I don't want her to go!" Little Boxey's words rung in his head as he remembered the last time he'd seen that expression.

//////

Troy buried his face in his lover's shoulder. "I can't believe I said that! I'd never hurt him that way."

He held tightly to the young man in his arms. "It's alright, baby. You were both angry . . . I'm sure he said things he didn't mean."

Troy lifted his head and looked into the concerned eyes. "What do I do? How do I tell him 'I'm sorry'?"

He touched his fingertips lightly to the black eye. "It might be better to wait a couple of days, until he's cooled off." He thought a moment. "We better lay low for a bit, too."

Troy kissed his lover. "I'm sorry for all this. I never meant to hurt you."

He kissed him back. "Don't worry, gorgeous. I just hope we don't have to take too much of a break . . . I don't know what the withdrawals will do to me," he joked.

Troy wrapped his arms tightly around the other's waist, pulling him close. "Can I stay here for awhile? You don't have to be anywhere, and it might help with the withdrawals."

"Now, how can I say no to that?" he laughed.

"You can't," came the husky reply. Their lips met as tongues explored familiar territory. {No wonder so many love him} Troy thought as his lover began his ministrations.

//////

Troy returned home for evening meal, and walked in hesitantly. His eyes darted around the dimly lit quarters, finally resting on the sleeping form on the longseat. He remembered the last time he'd found Apollo like this. Athena had been injured in a daggitfight, and Dr. Salik had finally thrown the Major out of Life Center. His father had slept on the longseat insisting he wanted to be ready if his sister's condition changed.

The young man retrieved a blanket and threw it over the prone form. He looked at his father and noticed that he looked all of his nearly forty yahren. Could he be causing so much trouble that the stress was taking its toll?

Apollo's green eyes flittered open. "Boxey?" he asked, sleepily.

Troy knelt down by his head. "I'm here, Dad . . . Dad, I'm -"

"No," Apollo said, softly touching the black eye he'd administered. "I had no right to hit you. I'm sorry, Troy."

The boy leaned forward and hugged his father, tears in his eyes. "It doesn't help that I gave you a reason. I'm sorry, Dad. I never met him, I don't even know who he was. You've been the only father to me. The only man I will ever call 'Dad'."

The older man returned the embrace. "I got into it with Starbuck during our patrol and took it out on you." He met the questioning brown eyes. "He was saying things I didn't like about my brother."

"Starbuck told you that Zac was gay?" he asked, matter-of-factly.

Apollo sat straight up. "You know?" The jade turned to ice. "Did he tell you?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

Troy shook his head. "No. It was just after mom died," he remembered. "I was staying with Aunt Athena, and they thought I was asleep. She was talking with Boomer, and said how she was sad that Uncle Zac had died before telling you and Grandpa that he was gay."

Apollo wondered if he and his father were the only ones who didn't know. His thoughts were interrupted by the door chime, and Troy pulling away from him. "That'll be Starbuck. You're not the only one I have to apologize to."

They stood as the door slid open and Starbuck entered. The Captain's gaze fell on Troy's black eye. "Rough day in instruction, kid?"

The young man smiled. "Nah, just a misunderstanding." He turned to Apollo. "I'm going over to Dillon's. I'll be back in a centare."

Starbuck waited until the door slid closed before facing the Major. "So, do you want to move the furniture first? Or do you care if I crash through the javatable?"

Apollo had to move fast so his best friend wouldn't back away, and embraced him. "I'm sorry, Bucko. I said a lot of rotten things to you today. I know now what you were telling me is true."

Starbuck wrapped his arms around the other. "I'm sure Zac didn't mean to keep it from you. 'Pollo, honestly . . . What would you have said if he told you?"

He thought long and hard before answering. "I don't know. I . . . I guess I'm wondering how he could be so honest with himself."

The Captain pulled back to look at him. "How do you mean?"

Apollo smiled. "I'd be lying if I said I'd never thought of another man. I think I'm jealous of Zac. I mean, I don't think I'd even know how to *do* anything with another man."

Starbuck grinned. "It's easy. It's just like a woman, only the hills and valleys are in different places. Have you ever dreamt about it?" A nodded reply. "Then just do what's in your dreams."

"Like this?" Apollo asked with a smile, half a micron before bringing his lips down onto Starbuck's.

The Captain came up for air and gasped. This was definitely *not* what he'd expected out of this meeting. "Yeah, something like that."

Apollo pulled him closer, tighter. "Teach me?"

Starbuck gazed into the desire filled green eyes, and wished he hadn't. He wasn't ready for this, not with this man. "I would . . . um . . . but I still have to fill out the report on today's patrol. The strike leader gets kinda ornary if it's not on his desk on time."

"I don't think he'll put you on report this time," the Major replied and kissed him again.

The Captain finally wriggled free, wishing he'd gotten away by another means, because he really didn't want to feel what he'd felt. "No. Honestly. I'll feel better if I get it done."

Apollo watched as the object of his desire nearly ran from the room. Had he come on too strong? Was there an art to this kind of relationship? He hoped to Sagan he hadn't driven Starbuck off for good. What his best friend didn't know was that all the dreams they mentioned were about the two of them.

//////

Starbuck lay on stomach, his eyes closed. He could feel the young man's hands massaging his back. The dark haired young man smiled at his relaxing lover. "Isn't that what you've always wanted, SB? Haven't you dreamed of Apollo since the day you met him in class?"

The dulcet tones were doing as good a job on his nerves as the massage was on his muscles. "But why now, love? I've had you all this time. Why do I have to lose that?"

The soft brown eyes sparkled as he took his the sight of his long time love. "You don't have to. You've had many lovers over the yahren, and I've always been here for you." He placed a kiss in the blonde hair. "Angel, I will always love you. But you need to go to Apollo now, tell him how you feel."

Starbuck moaned, he knew what would happen. "He won't understand. He'll think I hurt you in some way. He'll be mad at me for being with you."

The strong hands rubbed the Captain's arms. He'd always wondered how someone so small could be so strong. Well, physically. "Aw, angel. He may be for a few centons, but he'll understand. You were with Athena, and he isn't mad about that. Apollo will understand that you meant me no harm, I was just a substitute for him."

"No! I've always loved you," Starbuck stated, sitting up. "And it's you who's the angel." He reluctantly opened his eyes, lay back down, and curled around himself. The tears came as they always did when he opened his eyes to the empty room. "I will always love you, Zac."

//////

Apollo sat awaiting his son's return. There was so much to be done, so much to be said. But how could he ask Troy about his absences without it ending in another fight? That's all they seemed to do when this subject came up. Who was Troy protecting and why? Could Starbuck be right yet again? Could the boy, like Zac, be afraid to tell him if it were a man he's spending his nights with? How would he tell him that just this centare he'd come to accept such relationships? Too many questions with no answers to be found.

The Major's head lifted as the door slid open. He smiled back at the young man beaming at him. "So, what did you and Dillon do?"

Troy shrugged. "Just studied for our tests. How was your talk with Starbuck?"

"Interesting. I think we found out a few things we didn't know," he added, thoughtfully.

"Oh."

Apollo eyed his son carefully. "Troy, we need to talk. I'd like us to be civilized. I just want to know who you're spending time with."

The young man frowned. How could he tell his father? "I'm sorry, I made a promise. I'm not trying to defy you, but I can't hurt them either."

"Are you seeing a man?" he asked, hopefully sounding neutral.

Troy sighed. "Yes," he whispered, hesitantly. " . . . I love him, Dad. Can you understand that?"

Apollo smiled and laughed. "If you'd asked me yesterday, I'd have said no . . . But now . . . Yes, Troy, I understand. I'm beginning to see that love doesn't have to be with the opposite sex."

His eyes widened. What had gone on after he left? "You and Starbuck?" A nodded reply. "I'm . . . happy for you, Dad."

The Major smiled. "I know. It's still a shock for me, too. I don't know what I'd do if I lost him as a friend."

Troy walked over and hugged his father. "You won't. I'm sure Starbuck loves you. Did you actually tell him?"

Apollo shook his head, kicking himself for not doing so. "I guess I was hoping the kisses were enough."

"You kissed him??"

He gave his son a puzzled look. "Was that wrong? Should I have waited?"

"No," Troy replied, relaxing. "I'm just surprised you took such a bold move without talking to him first. It's not like you to be spontaneous."

Apollo laughed. "Your old man's full of surprises."

//////

Cassie waited for Dr. Salik to leave before sitting on the edge of the bed. She smiled down at the patient, even though this was the worst case she'd seen since becoming a Med Tech. Taking the strong hand in hers, she gazed into the blue eyes. "How are you doing, Athena?"

The ailing bridge officer frowned. "How would you be doing if you were told they didn't know what was wrong with you, but if it continued to progress you had a yahren?" She sighed. "Being in the fleet, I expect to go out in a Viper, or at least during an attack. This just seems like a cruel joke."

Cassiopea combed the hair from her friend's face. "I know. But Dr. Salik is hopeful about this treatment."

"If I don't resemble a muchie after a quatron in her," Athena groaned.

"Well, I'll try and make sure that doesn't happen," the blonde laughed. Squeezing the hand, she became serious. "Do you want me to contact Apollo? After your collapsing on the bridge, I don't think your father's in any state to remember."

Athena's eyes began to close as she replied, "If you would, Cass. Just be gentle, you know how he is."

//////

Apollo ended the comm when he felt his throat begin to constrict. Cassie had been tender in her explanation, but it all came down to Athena being gravely ill. He quickly scrawled a note for Troy, and ran from the quarters.

The Major headed first to Dillon's, in case his son was studying. Dillon opened the door, and his eyes widened at the dishevelled man before him. "Major, what's wrong?" he asked, concern in his voice. "Would you like to come in?"

Apollo managed a smile. "No, but thank you, Dillon. I really need to find Troy. Do you know where he is?"

There was pleading in the green eyes, but the young man couldn't break his promise. "I'm sorry, sir. If I see him, though, I'll send him straight home."

Distraught, Apollo only nodded and turned to leave. There was still someone else who needed to know, and he really just needed Starbuck to hold him right now. Making his way blindly through the corridors and lifts, he was almost surprised to find he had actually made it to the right door.

The chime remained unanswered, but he was sure the Captain was in. Overriding the pass code, he walked into the quarters. He couldn't believe his ears as he heard an unmistakable voice say, "You know I love you, Bucko." Not to mention the replied, "I know, Troy."

Starbuck spun around when he heard something heavy hit the floor. His blue eyes stared horrified at the unconscious form on the floor. "Apollo!"

Troy snapped back to reality while the Captain lifted the Major onto the longseat. "Frak! Do you think the sight of us did that?"

Starbuck shook his head. If it was the sight of them together, the blonde warrior knew he'd be laid out on the floor himself. He accepted the cold cloth Troy offered, and wiped it gently across his best friend's forehead. "Come on, Pol. Open your eyes, holler at me, punch me out . . . Do something."

The green eyes fluttered open after a few centons. The Major focussed on Troy then glared at the Captain. He swiftly gripped the collar of the man's tunic. "I should throw you through that door," he growled. Nodding to his son he demanded, "Is he why you wouldn't stay with me? You didn't want to cheat on him? Do you even care about me?" He turned away as Starbuck's tears began to fall. He didn't need to see the guilt and shame of being caught. Apollo turned his jade glare on Troy while he stood. "And you . . . So *happy* I'd found someone to love. What? Did you come here to make sure I wasn't lying to you? To tell him it was over, or to stay away from me?"

The Captain pulled the young man behind him, and fixed his friend with an ice cold stare. "That's enough, Apollo! I'm the one you're mad at, not Troy. I made him promise not to tell you about us. I was afraid you'd react just like this. If you're looking for a fight, it's *me* you want."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" the darker man snarled, shoving his wingman. "Give you a reason to tell me how you *really* feel."

The hazel eyed young man laid a hand on his brother's shoulder, and leaned in. "Don't hurt him. You love him too much to let this happen," he whispered.

Apollo shook his head, it couldn't be. He'd thought he heard that dulcet voice several times over the yahrens, but it was impossible. He heard it now again, "Tell them about Athena. That's why you came here." He eyed Starbuck suspiciously as it appeared he was looking over his shoulder. The Major looked beside himself. "What are you staring at?"

Troy entwined his fingers with his lover's. "He's here again, isn't he?" he asked, softly. The blonde had confided his visions of Zac when they became lovers.

Starbuck nodded, absently. "What's wrong with Athena?"

Apollo really needed to sit down. It appeared his best friend could *see* his brother, but how? "She's sick. Cassie commed and said Athena would be in Life Center for a quatron, for treatment."

Troy was dumbfounded, he didn't even know she was feeling ill. He knew he looked like a daggit just standing there, but he couldn't move. Starbuck sat down beside his best friend, and pulled him close. "It's alright. She's strong, she'll get through this." He returned the smile Zac was giving him, but shook his head at the suggestion in his loving eyes. "Come on. I'll take you to see her."

"I know you hate me, but could you just hold me?" the Major asked, leaning into his best friend.

Zac crouched beside them, laying a hand on the Captain's knee. "You have to tell him, SB. He needs to hear it, now."

Starbuck mulled it over, but he knew Zac was right. Nuzzling the dark hair, he whispered into his ear, "I love you, Pol."

Apollo let the tears fall, hearing what he'd only dreamed of. He looked up as Troy began to back towards the door. The young man smiled. "I'm just going to Life Center. You guys need to be alone, and I'll see you when you get there."

The Major waited until the door had closed behind Troy before turning to his best friend. "You don't have to say that, if you don't mean it." He stroked the soft cheek. "I'd feel like a fourth aft burner, with you and Troy."

The blonde man kissed the palm. "I love him, Pol, but I love you, too." He laughed, softly. "Must be something about the men in your family." He saw the question in the green eyes, and turned to Zac, but he had gone. That angel of his was leaving this to him. "I . . . I loved Zac, too. I think that's why I can still see him. That's how I knew so much about him, and how he was feeling."

"And Athena?"

Starbuck frowned. "I asked her to be sealed just after Zac died. I don't know . . . Maybe it was because I missed him so much, and I . . . couldn't have you . . ."

Apollo lifted his wingman's chin, and kissed him. "But you can . . . if you still want me." He smiled, shyly. "Do you?"

The Captain pulled him close, holding him tight. "You bet I do." He kissed him passionately, surprising Apollo as he slipped his tongue between the parted lips.

//////

The trio of concerned men had just left when Athena rolled over in her bed. The young face with smiling, hazel eyes looked down at her. "How ya doin', sis?"

The Lieutenant returned the smile. "Zac. Why weren't you here just now? Apollo and Starbuck would've loved to see you."

He brushed the hair from her face. "Thenie, you're the only one that can see me."

Athena groaned. "Don't call me that. Can't you just show yourself to them?"

Zac shook his head, sadly. "I'm sorry, I can't. We've always had a special connection, you and me." He grinned. "How do you think I was always able to find you when we played hide and seek?"

The Lieutenant yawned. "Sorry, I guess I'm tired." She thought a centon. "Why then can't Apollo see you? He's our brother."

"No, he's not!!" he cried. A dark fury clouded his soft eyes. "I thought you understood that! He's not Father's son. He's a bastard Mother had before she married Father."

Athena recoiled against the mattress. Never had she heard such anger or venom in her baby brother. "That's not true," she whispered, afraid that if she spoke out he would turn on her. "Father has always loved Apollo."

Zac scoffed. "He doesn't love him. Father only gave that daggit everything, because he was afraid of what would happen to his reputation if anyone found out."

The young woman felt the tears in her eyes. Turning from him, she let them fall. "I'm tired, Zac," she pleaded, brokenly. "Please go."

He lay a hand lightly on her shoulder. "The, I'm sorry. I-I thought you knew. Please don't be angry with me."

The Lieutenant turned back to him, and it was so easy to think that what she had seen was an illusion; her loving little brother sat next to the bed. "I really am tired," she stated, masking the obvious apology.

Zac smiled and kissed her forehead. "I'll come and see you later."

//////

Starbuck waited until Troy had grabbed his pack and left before he sat next to the quiet, sullen Major. "Do you want to talk, Pol?"

He shook his head. "No, it's just hard, ya know." Apollo looked up like he suddenly realized his son was gone. "You know him better than me. How badly did I hurt Troy, Bucko?"

The Captain ran his fingers soothingly through the dark hair. "No, 'Pollo. He's fine. Troy just went over to Dillon's to study for his tests. He knows you need some time."

Apollo took the soft hand from his head and kissed it. "I'm sorry I fought with you. I'm sorry I nearly wiped the floor with you."

Starbuck wrenched his hand free in feigned offense. He jumped to his feet, and glared at his best friend. "'Wipe the floor' with me? I don't think so, *Major*. I could kick your astrum any day of the secton," he challenged.

Apollo rose slowly, menacingly. "Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try it, *Captain*," he goaded, a glint in his eye.

The blonde sized up his beautiful opponent, and shoved him. The Major was shocked that this gorgeous man had actually attacked him. Recovering, he pushed him back. A shoving match erupted, with both soon becoming aroused. After a few microns Starbuck lunged, wrapped his arms around his best friend's neck, and attempted to topple him. They struggled, locked together, until Apollo tripped his love and they crashed to the floor.

They wrestled around on the floor, vying for the upper hand. The blonde wanted to pin his opponent, needed to. He could feel his erection building, and if he didn't get his pants off soon, he'd be in more than a little discomfort. He thought he had him for a micron, but Apollo slipped out from under him.

The Major flipped onto his stomach, landing on his best friend's back. Raising his hand, he slapped the beautifully rounded rear. "Who kicked whose astrum, *Captain*?" he asked, triumphantly.

Starbuck yelped as his nearly hard cock was crushed to the carpet. Turning his head, he licked his love's ear. "Congratulations, sir. But I have to ask . . . Is it customary to let the loser suffer?"

Apollo let his beautiful subordinate roll over, and couldn't help but notice the evidence of his 'suffering'. Licking his lips, he quickly freed the straining shaft from its prison. "Oh, my poor baby. Let me help you with that."

The blonde's eyes widened as his cock was swallowed whole. For someone who'd never been with a man, the Major seemed to be making up for lost time. Even if he wanted to, Starbuck couldn't get away from the suction that seemed to be pulling all five litres of his body's blood to the part of his body in his new lover's mouth.

He came not a centon later, and lay prone on the carpet. Apollo slid in beside him, and gathered the limp body into his arms. "Did I do good, baby?"

The Captain tiredly kissed him. "Better than good. But don't tell Troy." He gave a lazy wink. "The poor kid might get jealous of your natural talent."

TBC...