The TV had been tuned out by the pair of them, its chatter merely a background noise. It would have been irresponsible to

get drunk while at the house. Whilst they weren't strictly taking care of Grace, they were minding the house and watching over her if she needed anything. Lily had stuck to her guns and had just the one drink. Iain had only one too. Somehow, that intensified things even more in itself.

They weren't drunk yet they managed to be as they were: relaxed in the rocking chair in the corner. It wasn't an old fashioned chair; it was in many ways like a leather marshmallow. Although not brand new, it was the sort of furniture you didn't fork out for unless you only wanted it for show. Obviously the whole house was for show - it was Mrs Beauchamp. She was very about public image.

Still, it seemed a shame to leave it empty.

Before long, Lily was curled up on his knee, eyes closed but not sleeping. His hand settled on her back, and they just sat quietly. The absence of words managed to make the moment even more intimate. It rocked gently as he moved his foot, and the movement lulled them both.

'Chuckles, you're going to fall asleep...'

'Mm... I am not.' She mumbled in response, but her voice already sounded sleep-addled. Her thoughts were going blurry, fading. She drifted in and out of sleep, still faintly aware of his body beneath hers.

'D'you think Grace is still awake?' Iain spoke quietly.

'No. Haven't checked though, so, maybe. Probably not.' Lily gave a little yawn.

'I've lost all track of time. 11ish, I'm guessing.' Iain said, starting to move to lean for his phone. Lily gave the tiniest of whimpers, and he looked round. 'What's up?'

'Don't move...' She replied, wriggling to curl up again. Iain laughed lightly.

'Well, I do apologise. Besides. We can't stay here all night.' He told her.

She was quiet a minute. 'But I don't want to move.'

Iain laughed again. 'And supposing Mrs Beauchamp finds us here, like this, in the morning? You won't be comfy anyway, you'll hurt your neck after too long.'

A pause. 'Well, we can't sleep in her bed..'

'That's what she'll be expecting.'

'But my legs are too heavy.'

'I'll carry you up then.'

'Really?' Lily peeked at him, looking up.

'Um, yes. If it preserves my dignity and prevents my boss from walking in and see us like that.' He replied.

'What's so bad if she does?' Lily asked.

'Sorry?'

'What's so bad if she does see us like that?' Lily repeated herself.

'Well, you know...' He begun. He realised what she meant at once. 'No, Lily. It's not that I don't want to be seen with you but, come on..' He started.

'You could have fooled me.' She said, sounding slightly offended.

'Lily..' He sighed, running a hand down his face. 'You're tired, come on.'

She just looked hurt, and it fell silent. There was nothing else to be done really. Without another word, he scooped her up, and they went upstairs to the actual room.

-x-

'This is a big bed, to say it's just Connie's.' Iain remarked, as he and Lily laid side by side. 'Still, I suppose, we don't know what she gets up to in her spare time.'

Lily looked horrified. 'No, and that would be none of anyone's business. That is our boss you speak of! Plus, she probably has cameras watching us or something. You'll regret that.'

'Alright! Don't get your knickers in a twist. It's a big bed, that's all I'm saying.'

'Yeah, big enough to roll away from me if you think we look too close.'

Iain just sighed, pulling her in to him and brushing his lips against her forehead.

'Listen. Coming upstairs was just about being practical. I mean, what if Grace needs you in the night? Yeah?'

Lily knew what he was saying made sense, but she'd been so cosy downstairs and the moment had truly felt perfect.

'Mm.' She turned and rolled to her side. Iain didn't press it, she clearly wanted to be like that.

'Night then.' He said, sounding a bit defeated.

'Goodnight,' She replied with a yawn, almost emphasising her point that she was tired and wouldn't be talking anymore. Iain was left in his own thoughts. Maybe things would be fine in the morning. The problem was, it only took the slightest thing to upset either one of them. It was constantly like treading on eggshells, avoiding an argument. He still bothered because the good times were worth all that. They made it all worth it. So worth it. So much so, bothering or not wasn't even a question.