When you and Graves first started dating, he introduced Alex to you fairly quickly. They formed a strong friendship on the battlefield, and became close as brothers in arms. Their bond was special, they trusted each other with their lives. Graves was a reserved person, his profession making it difficult to let anyone close. He let you. And he let Alex. You knew Graves couldn’t talk to you about some things regarding his job, so you were glad he wasn’t alone with his thoughts and traumas. You were glad he had Alex. Sometimes it almost felt like Alex was your competition. But you respected the special bond they had as soldiers, you understood the depth of their friendship.

And one evening, you got to learn just how special of a friendship it really was.

Phillip invited Alex over for dinner, which was not unusual. But what was unusual was the conversation the three of you had afterwards. Or rather… Phil was talking, and you were listening, looking between the two men silently for a longer while.

“You want to… what?” You asked, giving Phil a puzzled look.

Graves took your hand, pressing a kiss to your palm. “I want to share, darling.” he repeated.

“Share… me?” You questioned further.

“You. Myself… Us.” Graves hummed, his lips pressing against your hand over and over. “My treasure, I know you’re sometimes a little jealous of the time I spend with Alex. But you don’t have to be. You’re both so important to me.”

Alex, who was silent until now, letting Graves handle the hardest part of the conversation, stepped a little closer then. “It’s not about replacing anyone.” he spoke in a reassuring tone. "Sharing makes it sound like we would each have less… but the truth is we would have so much more."

Graves enclosed your hand with his larger palms, and held it close to his chest. "What do you say, sweetheart?"