Disclaimer: Angel's Doubt (Tenshi no Uso) by Aki is currently running in Kurofune Zero. All properties and rights thereto are held by the author, the publication, and Libre Publication. No copyright infringement is intended, no monies have changed hands. I am still an unloved, unknown author. ^__^ Ah me.
Write me if you'd like: Stirling Twilight
Throwing Stones
Fourth rocked forward to cover Lawrence’s mouth before he said something that might wake his tutor, Yoneda.
"Shh," Fourth hissed, his mouth a hair’s breadth from Lawrence’s ear to be heard over the metronome of train tracks. "Don’t speak. You were hit on the head at the station by a rock and have been unconscious for most of the day."
Lawrence’s eyelids dipped enough to let Fourth know he understood.
Drawing his hand away, Fourth sat back and continued to speak in hushed tones. "What’s the last thing you remember?"
Lawrence’s hand emerged from beneath the blanket to gently probe the bandages that encompassed his head. "Yoneda’s work?"
Fourth shook his head. "Ziz. Though, he did wait until Yoneda had left the room before rewrapping you. Yoneda used enough linen to wrap two mummies."
A tiny smile became a flinch.
"Still hurts?"
Again the eyelids dipped.
"Well, we’re out of laudanum. Will you survive without?"
Lawrence’s eyes closed for a second. He took a deep breath, as if gathering his strength, opened his eyes and nodded. "I think I can manage. Water?"
"There’s a tea pot full, or a glass. Your choice."
"Glass, please."
Fourth’s eyebrows rose but he didn’t comment as he reached to pour. "The local doctor didn’t think you were in any danger. Yoneda, on the other hand, was ready to carry you on his back to your nearest property and summon the family doctor."
Lawrence almost smiled as he struggled into a more upright position. Fourth set the glass down and attempted to help. The couple grappled with the sheets, which appeared to be tucked under Lawrence. As he leaned, and Fourth pulled, a soft laugh escaped Lawrence.
"Who knew this would be so difficult?"
"Can’t you slide? No, this way. Up. No, back. Oh, for the love of god." Fourth wrapped an arm around Lawrence’s shoulder, levered him forward, and reached for a pillow. Then stopped as he felt arms smoothing around him.
"What the…?"
"Shh," Lawrence breathed. "Don’t move."
Fourth froze, waiting. "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. I’m just taking advantage of the moment."
With a disgusted growl Fourth started to pull away, but Lawrence’s grip tightened, restraining him.
"Stop," they said in unison. The following moment of silence was broken by Fourth.
"Lawrence—"
"We’re never alone," Lawrence cut in. "There’s so much I want to say to you."
"Beginning with you’re attracted to me?"
"I have yet to see a person who isn’t attracted to you, myself included. Like moths to a flame we are. Is that a problem? If it is, you can try and convince me later that I was delirious."
Fourth smiled and relaxed slightly.
With this minor victory, Lawrence sighed, resting his head on Fourth’s shoulder. "You smell good."
"How does your head feel?"
Lawrence pushed gently. "Better with this pillow."
"Seriously, how long do you expect me to sit like this?"
"That depends on how long you think Yoneda will sleep."
"Well, considering I gave him the last of the laudanum—"
"You didn’t!"
"It was the only way to get him to leave you alone. The doctor said you needed rest and he wouldn’t stop hovering. So, I made a restorative for his nerves and insisted he take it. He’s too well trained to refuse." Fourth glanced across the car where Yoneda sat in a chair, softly snoring. "Ziz could learn a lot from him."
"Your tutor is a… colorful person, I do agree."
Fourth grabbed a pillow and wedged it behind Lawrence. This time Eiri didn’t try to stop him as he sat back. The glass was once again offered, and accepted.
"So," Fourth said, moving the chair closer, "what have you longed to tell me?"
Lawrence took a sip, considered the glass, turned it around and held it out. "Drink."
Not insensible to the request, Fourth pointed. "From here?" and took the glass. He didn’t wait for confirmation as he drank from the same place Lawrence had. Setting the glass back, he rocked forward, his face inches from Lawrence’s. "Indirect doesn’t interest me." His gaze dropped to Lawrence’s mouth, and his lips still moist from the drink, kissed him.
The resulting intake of breath was encouragement enough.
Lawrence caught at him, pulling him closer. Fourth obliged by climbing onto the bed, straddling Lawrence as he delved deeper. They sank into the pillows as a tentative beginning escalated to shared breathing. Hungrily their lips fused as they tasted and explored. Lawrence’s hands rose, frantically searching for skin, alternately pulling and pushing at Fourth’s costume. Without relinquishing Lawrence’s mouth, Fourth peeled his jacket off and threw it. Vest, tie, cravat, and collar followed as Lawrence tugged Fourth’s shirt free of his trousers. As flesh met flesh, Lawrence moaned, falling back. His hands didn’t stop moving, but he lay panting, his face pale.
"This is too much for you," Fourth whispered, leaning forward to kiss his forehead.
"Actually, it’s not enough. Too soon you’ll come to your senses and I’ll return to silent and painful longing. And I predict you’ll have no trouble convincing me I was delirious as I can hardly believe you’re so…willing."
"You’re not the first person I’ve kissed."
"I suspected as much, but from my limited experience, you’re the best kisser I’ve ever encountered."
"People have paid handsomely for the pleasure."
Lawrence smiled, relaxing back. "Always with the money, Fourth. Have we arrived at negotiations?"
"You misunderstand me. I’m not asking you for money."
Lawrence grew thoughtful and then nodded. "People do want a piece of us both, each for their own reasons, each to forward their own ends. But not us?"
Fourth nodded as well, a shy smile on his lips. "You’re not so bad yourself. I think, with a little training, you could distract even me."
"Praise indeed!"
"Tell me truly, how are you feeling?"
"Lonely."
Fourth smiled as he reclaimed Lawrence’s lips.