Ship: Lynley & Havers
Set: Anywhere post season one.
Spoilers: None.
Summary: Havers has lost sight of one of her core principles.
AN: Well, how long has it been since I've taken these little babies for a spin? I watched episode 503 tonight {for about the billionth time} and this came out. Hopefully it means the end of my ILM block. Enjoy, and please R&R. Love :)
Keep Talking
Barbara Havers hates public school voices. She hates everything about them. She resents the way the tone of them implies more money than she's seen in her life and more privilege than she's sure any poncy public school boy can possibly appreciate. One tiny word from a public school boy's mouth {and she says 'boy' regardless of age, because that kind of bizarre upbringing has to stunt your emotional growth like nothing else on Earth} makes her skin prickle with irritation and gives her the overwhelming need to rant.
That was until one day - one day almost a year after she had been partnered with his royal poncyness the Eight Earl of Asherton - that she realised her heart sank whenever he stopped talking, rather than whenever he opened his mouth as it used to. Not only that, but she caught herself analysing his voice. He didn't really speak, he purred – except when he was angry; then he growled. Words spilled from his lips like water bubbling from a fountain; soothing, mesmerising, peaceful. It's an easy thing to become captivated by; to the point where she now loves the sound of his voice, hangs off every word it forms, and hears it in her sleep.
Up until six years ago Barbara Havers hated all public school voices without exception. Now there's one she can tolerate – even enjoys, but she wouldn't admit it.
"Barbara? Have I lost you?" He queries, his voice like slowly running honey – thick and delicious. Havers shakes her head, watching him intently.
"No." She whispers. "Keep talking."