Author: Angelee

Title: Winter Thaw

Fandom: Highlander

Pairing: McLeod/Methos

Rating: R (preslash)

Summary: Is it me or is it getting warmer?

Disclaimer: Disclaimed

Feedback address: Angelee79912@yahoo.com

Advertisement: Part of the SAC-2003 at:

http://www.kardasi.com/Advent/2003

Note: Sequel to WinterStorm

Beta: By my sister Anna. All final errors are mine.

Winter Thaw

"Well, what do you think of our tree?"

Methos arched an arrogant eyebrow. "Our tree? It's your damn Christmas tree."

"Well you helped pick it."

The ancient one was relaxing in a chair near the fire. His feet toasting very nicely, thank you very much on a footstool in front the brightly blazing fireplace.

"Yes, yes, but you helped picked it."

Methos turned hazel eyes toward the tree now decorating a corner of the loft. "Nice."

"Nice? Nice? Is that all you have to say about a tree we almost got frostbite getting?"

"Oh, alright it's a VERY nice tree. How's that?"

"Oh, you are just so gracious, Methos." McLeod said sarcastically.

"Yup, one of my many charms. Of which there are many."

"If you say so."

"Do you doubt me, McLeod?"

"No. Methos."

"Then why do you act as if you do?"

"No, I don't."

"You certainly do. You just came out and practically said so."

"No I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

McLeod shook his head. "Dementia is a sigh of old age. Did you know that?" McLeod said pityingly.

Eyebrows drew close to brightly flashing hazel eyes. "Now you call me old."

"No I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"Didn't."

"I hate you."

"Yes, Methos."

"No, really. I really, really hate you."

McLeod smiled at his friend. "Didn't we just go thru that?"

"Did we?"

"Yes. Am I going to have to rub your face in snow again?"

Methos returned the smile. "No. I don't think that's going to have to necessary. To heal my damaged ego your going to have to say you love me more than Amanda."

"But I don't."

Methos frowned as he looked over at the Scotsman who was calmingly looking at his from the couch. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me."

"No, I don't think I did. These ancient ears must not have heard right. Did you just say you don't love me more than Amanda?"

"Yes, I did."

"You love Amanda more?" Methos could keep the hurt from his voice.

"Hmm, yes."

Methos rose angrily from the chair spilling his precious drink. "Oh, now I really, really hate you." He grabbed his jacket storming to the door he turned. "No, you know what? I'm going to make you love me more than Amanda." With that he rushed the couch jumping heavily on McLeod. Who was ill prepared for it.

The air whooshed out of his lungs. "Ow! If you don't quit doing that my stuffing is going to start coming out of my ears."

"Well, maybe if you quit insulting me." Methos told him aligning there two bodies for a more comfortable fit.

McLeod ran his hands over Methos back encouragingly. "Hmm. Yeah. Right there don't move. Right there is good."

Hazel eyes narrowed suspiciously as they looked into innocent brown eyes. Looking WAY to innocent. "Did I just fall into your trap, spider McLeod?"

"Oh, yes, my tender little old fly." The Scot told him pulling Methos down to gently nuzzle into a warm neck. "I intend to make a nice meal of you."

"Yes?"

"Hmm, oh yes."

Methos moved into the caress with a small sound. "Well, then by all means proceed."

McLeod kissed the well endowed nose just in front of his face. "You are just to easy." He told him laughing softly.

"It has never been said that Methos turned down a good thing."

McLeod cupped the angular face. "You will let me love you?"

"Yes."

"I can do what ever I want?"

"Oh, yes. I'm quite looking forward to that."

"Okay, good. Kisses first? Lots and lots of kisses?"

Methos sighed heavily. "Well, if you must."

McLeod lips inches from Methos. "You don't want kisses, Methos?"

The Scot had the honor of watching the ancient ones hazel eyes glaze. Methos swallowed. "Yes, kisses. Many, many kisses." He was going to make Methos burn. Slowly, thoroughly, ever so slowly. Melting all thoughts of anyone else who'd ever loved him. Thawing away all the hurt that had made Methos seek unconditional love with him. Needing it from him. Why he keep questioning about Amanda. Could he give Methos what he need? By the look in those glazed eyes staring down at him hungrily. There was no doubt Methos thought so.

"Come here then, Methos. Give me your lips as you have given me your heart."

Methos moved closer. "Well, that was quite poetic."

"Wasn't it, though?"

Methos caressed McLeod's lips with his own. "Hmm. Do you love me, Duncan?"

"Yes, Methos." The Scot told him softly. His tongue reaching out almost of it's own volition to taste Methos.

"With all you heart?"

McLeod moaned softly. "Yes, Methos."

The tip of Methos tongue tasted McLeod's. "With all your soul?"

"Yes, Methos."

"More than Amanda?"

McLeod wrapped his arms around Methos pulling him down more firmly against him. "Yes, Methos. More than Amanda. Come, shall I show you?"

Methos went happily. "Oh, yes. By all means show me. I am yours."

"Was there ever any doubt." McLeod told him tighten the hold on the most precious person he'd even known. Who for some odd reason loved him. And he loved in return. Lips met hungrily beginning the thaw, releasing the heat.