The comforting warmth surrounded him, the thick red duvet and a thin white sheet worked together to shield him from the cold morning air that was otherwise dominant everywhere in the bedroom except for underneath the covers. Here he was safe. As a child Richard sometimes woke in the night from a nightmare to see the silhouette of the tree outside his room, casting evil shadows on his bedroom wall, thin and twisted fingers that reached out to grab him. He would pull the bed sheets up over his head and hide. They never caught him. Now, enveloped in a pocket of warmth, Richard stirred, turning over onto his side to hide his face from the morning light, not willing to surrender to the call of a new day beginning. Why would he want to leave this for the cold out there? It would be like willingly abandoning a cosy warm living room for the chills of a winter storm. He nuzzled his face into the pillow and breathed in the comforting scent of Thomas's shampoo, a scent he had craved as he lay in hospital. Thomas had offered him his pillow yesterday evening as they sat up in bed before going to sleep. Thomas had been reading a book, his brow furrowed in adorable concentration. Richard had not found the will to read. It was not due to a lack of choice, he lived above his own personal library, but more because watching Thomas, taken in by the twists and turns of a great novel, was more captivating than losing himself in one of his own.
Richard reached an arm above the duvet into the cold, the contrast immediately unmistakable and equally uninviting. He pushed himself over to Thomas's side, his fingers crawling, searching across the vast expanse of the duvet longing to touch Thomas to confirm he was there, as a traveler lost in the desert would search out water like a lifeline. He had sensed him earlier. He had heard him shift, the bed creaking a little as he rested down next to him. It did confuse him a little that Thomas was here at all. He had told him he needed to be up at Downton earlier today but he would get out of it if he needed him to stay. Richard remembered telling him that he'd be okay for a few hours, he was improving every day, but maybe Thomas had changed his mind? Thomas was lying on top of the covers and as Richard's fingers reached his waist and then felt up over him to his chest, the texture of a soft fabric, something silky, reached him. Thomas was already dressed it seemed, and so maybe he was just waiting for him to wake up before he left?
Richard pushed himself into Thomas's chest, sighing with pleasure, his whole body radiating with warmth and the comfort of waking relaxed and totally refreshed. His face, nuzzled into Thomas's neck, and Richard, still not willing to surrender to the day and open his eyes, drowsily wondered why Thomas was wearing something so fine, so expensive. He also smelt different. His usual cologne Richard could recognise from a mile away, and Thomas was a creature of habit, he never changed it.
"Well isn't this just like old times!"
The blissful heaven Richard had woken too shattered instantly like a glass dropping on a stone floor. "Larry!" A jab ran through his aching ribs, that were craving the painkillers he usually took on waking in the morning, as he jerked back, wide awake and greeted with his friend lying casually on top of the duvet, feet crossed at the bottom, propping himself up on his elbow, his head cradled by his hand as he grinned like a cheshire cat down at him, looking mighty pleased with himself. "What on earth! What are you—?"
"What am I doing here?" Larry asked for him, clearly enjoying Richard's bewilderment. "Visiting you still of course! I did tell you yesterday before Seb and I left that we'd be sticking around for a few days."
"I know you did," Richard yawned as he rubbed his eyes, that were complaining about the rude awakening. "But you know what I mean Larry. What are you doing here? Where's Thomas?"
"Oh that. Yes, well I was on my way over here after dropping Seb off down the lane. He's gone off for a wonder to explore what he, as an American, thinks is a typical country estate. I do tell him that they are all different in some way and that according to you, Downton is very different to the rest. Sorry, I digress. Anyway, I had parked up outside and ran into Thomas as he left for Downton, looking fine as ever in his butler's uniform. He had left you reluctantly it seemed and he asked me if I wouldn't mind keeping an eye on you for a little while, until Chris arrived at least."
"Chris should be here now," Richard lazily reached out behind him for the little bedside clock that confirmed the time of eight in the morning.
"Oh he is, but I thought I might stay a bit longer." Larry pushed his fringe of hair away from his face with a neat flick of his hand. "You were sleeping very soundly and I couldn't disturb you."
"I'm sure when Thomas meant to keep an eye on me, he didn't mean for you to take it this literally," Richard just about managed an eye roll before another yawn took him over. It was impossible to be even vaguely annoyed with Larry though. If he was honest, this was impossible most of the time. He was just one of those people who would light up a room with his personality.
"Well I did intend to only look in and maybe sit over by the window but, well I have this duvet as you know in my Cornish cottage, and I know how comfortable it is. I couldn't resist. Anyway, from what I could tell, you seemed to rather enjoy my company!" Larry winked.
"Oh god!" Richard groaned as he ran his hand, warmed by the heat trapped underneath the duvet, over his tired face. "You know I thought you were Thomas right?"
"Hmm I gathered that yes, but I couldn't move away when you had your arm over my waist. As I said, just like old times. Only..." Larry frowned and glanced over him, making Richard feel self conscious.
"What?"
Larry chuckled, "Well it's almost the same. But I recall that both of us were a lot less clothed than we are now, and a lot less...well, neat."
"Larry! Not now." Richard turned his face into the pillow and moaned loudly. "Wouldn't Sebastian mind?" Maybe it was because his words were muffled by the pillow, but Larry hadn't finished yet.
"Hmm, there's another thing. This is not the first time I've had you moaning into a pillow now is it?"
"Larry!" Richard, feeling the blush that really shouldn't be present on his cheeks, decided he'd prefer to stay hidden in the pillow, but he had to come up for air eventually. He surfaced and wacked Larry playfully on the shoulder with his hand. "I don't need to comment on that," he huffed. "And Sebastian? Surely he would mind you being here like this?"
"Well not too much I don't think. I reckon he'd like to join me, but we're secure enough in our relationship for him not to be bothered by my behavior towards you Richard. Anyway, it was his suggestion that I wait here while he practices his newfound hobby of photography. I bought him a camera, one that you can carry around with you, and he's making the most of the landscape using it. I accompanied him whilst he took photographs of flowers, trees and such once before, and I found myself falling asleep with boredom. It is not for me, I don't think, not unless he uses it to take photographs of me, or both of us. The trick is to find someone to develop them who doesn't mind the content of such photographs if you know what I mean."
"I do. Larry, you know you could talk forever and not run out of things to say!" Richard broke into a smile.
"Hmm, I do, don't I? Sorry. I will say nothing else." For a brief few seconds, all was silent between them. Larry stretched before lying flat on his back with a flop, that made the mattress wobble and Richard, still in a sense of strange bewilderment, wondered if he could get Larry to make him breakfast again. Those seconds were over in a flash though as Larry once again failed to stop talking. "Have I told you about the car I brought to Downton?"
"No, but I was wondering when you would. Is it the Aston again?"
"No, one I got a couple of years ago. Saw it whilst stopping over in New York on my way back from California and I was smitten, so I had to get it. Had it shipped over not long after and Sebastian loves it. He now wants one himself."
Richard had recovered from the shock of finding Larry on his bed and his non-stop flirting enough to pay attention to what his friend was saying. His interest had peaked though at the topic of cars. It was not something he could have a good conversation with Thomas about as he didn't share his passion for them, but Larry did. Since they had started stocking several types of magazines alongside the books, he had taken it upon himself to ensure that they had a little selection of motoring related publications. They didn't sell as well as the others, as ordinary working class folk of a little village didn't have the enthusiasm for something only the rich could afford. Mr Branson sometimes brought them, but Richard would read them himself in the quieter moments of the day. "Go on then, what is it?" he prompted impatiently.
"A rare beauty that's what, something that looks like it fell straight from heaven! She's a Dusenburg Model J, the 1930 Sports Coupe model. Damn quick, I'd say that, but it's a struggle to find a road where I can take advantage of that power around here." Richard did think that Larry sounded a little in love with the car!
"How quick exactly?" Richard asked, his interest heightened.
"Hundred and twenty eight miles per hour, zero to sixty in eleven seconds! Pretty incredible right? I have a friend, who owns a race track down south who lets me run it as fast as I dare. Its a thrill, that I might even say is better than sex, but don't tell Seb that I told you that!" Larry smirked as he spoke with childlike enthusiasm.
"Sounds amazing, they get faster every year. I would love to see it, but that won't be possible now." Richard's glimmering smile faded as he realised how his injury would stop him from getting to ride in that car. If he was healthy, if the thought of any sudden movements caused by the twists, turns and acceleration of a sports car didn't fill him with dread owing to his fractured and delicate ribs, then he knew he would only have to ask and Larry would take him for a drive.
"Why not? Let me spoil you Richard."
"I cannot risk hurting myself further. Sudden movements aren't good for me."
"Oh. Not of course not. Forgive me, all I've done is made you jealous, haven't I?"
"No, no you haven't. I like to hear about the car Larry," Richard insisted with a fervent shake of the head, his bed hair flicking in his left eye.
"But you could still see it. Fancy some fresh air? It's only just outside and you could do with a change of scenery I reckon? Just for a few minutes or so?"
"Suppose it couldn't hurt. I've been resting a while now." Richard gave in to Larry's persuasion, but in truth he needed little persuading. Lying still and letting his body stitch himself back together was a painstakingly slow process and he was running out of things to do, now that he didn't spend the majority of his time sleeping like he did when he first came back home. "I'll need to dress first."
"Need any help?" Larry asked with a subtle but obvious flick of his eyebrows. "I am no valet, never had one either, but I am very experienced in undressing men so dressing you can't be too difficult."
Richard failed to stifle another laugh in response to Larry's contagious positivity. "No, I can manage fine on my own thank you. You can wait in the living room."
"You sure?"
Richard pushed himself upright in bed, the duvet falling from his chest down to his waist, crumpling like a mini mountain range below him. "No! Go away!" he laughed as he hit Larry with his pillow. As Larry left and closed the door behind him, Richard was left with the after thought that his friend was a bit of an odd one out. He was wealthy enough to buy a new sports car on a whim, but preferred the company of those who could only ever dream of owning one.
...
"Richard!" Chris exclaimed as Richard stepped off the bottom step downstairs and into the kitchen. "Are you okay? I didn't expect you to be up."
"I'm fine thank you Chris. Needed to stretch my legs."
"That and the fact that your employer here has a desire to ogle at my car outside," Larry added, following Richard into the kitchen.
"Not an employee anymore Larry," Richard corrected him. "I offered him an equal partnership of the business a few days ago."
"Oh! Well in that case, congratulations Chris, I must say that it is well deserved," Larry enthusiastically shook Chris's hand before Chris had the chance to speak.
"Thank you. How long have you been here though today?" Chris asked, chopping up a few pieces of cold chicken and placing them in a small bowl for Wilde when he returned from his morning's routine of terrorising the garden's bird population.
"Since before you. You don't seem surprised that I was upstairs with Richard though. What gave me away?" Larry teased.
"Well the fancy car parked right opposite the shop front was a bit of a clue," Chris deadpanned.
"Oh. Yes, of course. Silly me, anyway shall we Richard?"
"Don't let him exhaust you Richard," Chris warned.
"I'm only going to look at it Chris, and I've taken the painkillers this morning. I'm feeling pretty good all things considered," he reassured his friend and business partner.
They headed for the street outside through the shop, Richard instantly being reminded of that welcome smell of wood polish from the counter and the homely scent of books. It was odd how hundreds of thin pieces of paper bound together to hold the words from the author's imagination, could smell so good. He hadn't been down to the shop since he first came home, and he felt himself craving his job and his old life once more.
Larry held the door open for him and together they stepped out into the cool early October morning air, the fresh cooling breeze hitting him, reddening his face, and heightening his senses as he took a slow and deep breath in, savoring the air and the cold sun on his face. Everything he thought at one point he'd never see again. But as soon as he looked away from the sky above him, his gaze was immediately captured by the sight of Larry's car gracefully parked on the opposite of the cobbled street. Somewhere distant, Richard heard Larry chuckle and say "She's a fine creature isn't she?" as he gasped.
The Model J was indeed something that looked as though it had descended from heaven itself, it was the very picture of glory and grace. It's black running boards swept back along both sides of the car like folded angel wings, the red underbody contrasting perfectly with the sleek black that glinted in the sun. The wheels were trimmed with white and silver and shone with perfect divinity. Richard and Larry crossed the road and approached the car, Larry standing back as Richard slowly circled the car with captivated awe. He had never been too jealous of Larry's fortune, of his success at building himself up from nothing to everything, but he was always jealous of the cars he owned. The tiny windscreen sat behind a long expanse of shiny black engine, the steering wheel he noted to himself, was on the wrong side of the car, but then again Larry had imported this straight from America. The seats inside were smartly upholstered in a classy light brown that was similar in colour to the convertible roof that Larry and Sebastian must have left up, in case of rain. The boot sloped gracefully at the back where there was extra space for luggage if need be. Richard let out a singular laugh, "She is wonderful, maybe even better than the Aston you have."
"Well that is high praise! I'm glad you like her. I'm sorry I can't take you for a drive, but there's always next time." Larry said as he looked down the street to the sound of a man whistling happily. Larry's smile twitched as he saw the man cross the street for the book shop. "And who is that?"
Richard recognised the tuneful whistle of their friend, and Chris's beau David as he, sleeves rolled up to the elbows and loose at the collar, blonde hair in disarray as ever under his cap, strode hands in trouser pockets towards the shop. Richard glanced at Larry who had obviously seen someone he liked the look of. "David Mortimer, he works at a farm near here. Probably on his way to pick up his employer's copy of an agriculture magazine he subscribes to, he usually does after visiting the station to collect supplies that arrive on the first train each morning." Richard's perfectly understandable explanation was more for the benefit of any passers by. He had no doubt that as soon as they returned to the shop, if David was still there, that Larry would make the connection to Chris in no time.
"Mr Ellis! Well isn't it lovely to see you up and about!" Mrs White, the baker's wife exclaimed as she came over towards them. "How are you doing? We're all missing seeing you around."
"I'm improving, thank you Mrs White. Just needed to get out and stretch my legs a bit. Lord Ferroland stopped by the shop on his way to Downton, and I had to come and admire his car. It's a bit of a passion of mine," Richard admitted.
"How do you do madam," Larry greeted Mrs White, tipping his hat.
"I'm very well, M'Lord. Thank you," she said politely. "If you need anything Mr Ellis, don't hesitate to ask."
"That's very kind of you," Richard replied. He should have guessed that his presence outside would have attracted a bit of attention. "Good day."
"Good day, Mr Ellis, M'Lord," she returned, before going on her way.
...
The ring of the bell above the door to the shop as Richard and Larry returned, alerted David, who looked as though he had been leaning on the counter, close to Chris who stood on the opposite side. "Morning David," Richard greeted him.
"Mr Ellis, I didn't expect to see you up. But it's great to see that you are feeling better." David smiled at him. Richard realised that since David had not met Larry before, he kept his greeting and behavior more formal than he normally would around them all.
"You know when I bought her, I did wonder about the collapsible roof but it is always nice to drive with the wind in your hair," Larry said, continuing their conversation about the car, once again demonstrating his talent for talking practically non stop.
Richard saw Chris smirk in their direction and roll his eyes at Larry and his car obsession. "Who is he? Is he...blue?" Richard heard David ask Chris in a hushed tone glancing in Larry's direction, as Larry carried on talking about how he couldn't decide on whether he wanted to car in black or cream.
It sounded an odd thing to ask, or at least it would to anyone but men like them. However, Richard knew what the coded language meant, as did Larry who had been listening all along, despite appearances. "You've got me right Mr Mortimer, and I take it you must be the fellow that Chris implied he was with when we spoke over the telephone several weeks back.
David looked surprised and glanced at Chris who nodded in confirmation. "You're Larry Ferroland. Richard's posh friend?"
"Ah I see you've been talking about me Chris! I'm flattered! Yes I am. You know Chris, you are one hell of a lucky man," Larry grinned, as Richard saw him shamelessly checking David out, Chris in the background frowning a little.
David though, in his usual calm manner, didn't seem to phased at Larry admiring him so blatantly. "You're the guy who sorted the hospital bill?"
"I did, the least I could do." The sound of a car door slam outside behind them took Larry's attention away from David. Outside Richard saw Sebastian lean over into the footwell to retrieve something, a map by the looks of it judging by the way he unfolded it and stretched it out on the long shiny car bonnet as he leaned over to study it. "Ah! My date has returned! We're going to drive off somewhere around here, do a little exploring perhaps, we'll see. I suppose I should pop into Downton to visit as well, since that is the official reason for my visit," Larry said, looking poignantly at Richard.
"Yeah, sorry about that. It was all I could think of earlier."
"No matter. I'll show Mr Talbot the car, I'm sure he's seen one like it before but maybe I can get a sneaky tour of the house for Sebastian? But I promise I won't be a problem for Thomas. I'll be on my best behaviour!" Larry put on his hat and adjusted his eye-catching purple tie, secured at the collar with a silver pin. "Well I will bid you gents good day."
"Will you be leaving Downton today?" Richard asked.
"Later or maybe tomorrow morning, but I'll make sure to give my proper farewells later. I have to see Thomas again anyway."
"Until later then?"
"Yes. Goodbye." The bell of the door clanged loudly as Larry strode out of the shop and trotted across the road where he patted Sebastian in a friendly manner on the back as he joined him in studying the map.
"Well he is everything you said he'd be." David smirked, folding his arms across his chest as he lent back against the counter.
"I told you that he'd like you. You don't think he's too much?" Chris asked.
"Well he is definitely too much but not in a bad way. And anyway, I don't mind if he likes the look of me. He's a good looking guy..." David glanced at Chris who had pursed his lips. "...but, he's not my type." David squeezed Chris's hand over the counter top.
Richard leant his hand on the counter also, feeling a sudden wave of lightheadedness wash over him. "You alright?" Chris asked.
"Yeah. Perhaps I'm not as ready as I think I am. I'll go back upstairs. Leave you to it."
As Richard pulled the door between the kitchen and the hallway closed he heard Chris speak softly. "I'll see you later, yeah?"
"Yeah. Same time as usual?" David asked, equally as tender.
...
Larry reveled in the power below his feet as he pressed the accelerator down a notch further as his prized motor car sped along the country roads several miles outside Downton. The weather had remained cold, yet fine so they had left the roof down allowing themselves the thrill of the wind in their hair as they raced along the open roads, fields of varying shades of green flashing past them like slides in a picture show. The clouds in the sky bubbled up on the horizon so they knew that they may not have long until they had to adapt and shelter themselves from the elements, but for now Larry and Sebastian, in their own little world, were determined to make the most of it.
"Still want to go up on the moors?" Larry shouted over the rushing wind in his ears and the roar of the engine as he changed gear, the light catching on the long expanse of blank bonnet that stretched out in front of the ornate windscreen.
"We have the time, the bottle of wine is still unopened, and it would be a shame to leave it that way!" Sebastian shouted back. Larry glanced quickly over at him thinking how handsome he looked with flushed cheeks and wild hair, shirt buffering in the wind.
"Indeed! I think I found a spot on the map." Larry eased the car's speed down gracefully as they reached a junction, before grinning like a child as he put his foot down once again. "Should have time to stop there for a couple of hours before returning to Downton."
...
"Mmm...Yes. Yeah that's the spot...Ahh, perfect!" Larry moaned with pleasure as he lay on a picnic blanket with his head resting in Sebastian's lap who was busy rhythmically massaging his shoulders, kneading his fingers in and out in a circular motion that felt so good Larry couldn't put a price on it. He never liked to admit it, but sometimes his shoulders did get stiff. Sometimes when he had been doing too much, or sometimes when he had been doing nothing at all such as the past evening when, back at the hotel, they had lay in bed well before time to actually sleep and enjoyed being in each other's company.
"Feeling better?" Sebastian asked. Larry opened his eyes briefly to look up into his face and then beyond him to the bright white and grey clouds above them. The sun had disappeared when they arrived on the moor and parked the car up at the end of a small gravel track that seemed to lead to nowhere in particular. Sebastian had suggested driving it further onto the moor, the ground still being remarkably dry for October, but Larry couldn't bear the thought of getting the red underbody all muddy. They had left the car within sight and walked a few hundred yards up to a small green patch of ground surrounded by low lying bracken, heather bushes and the occasional scattered granite boulder. Somewhere below the hills they were up in was Downton, many miles out in the distance. They were completely alone up there. Nothing but the whistling wind between rocks and undergrowth, tailing its way around hills and valleys, and the occasional bleating of nearby sheep. Larry loved the company of sometimes hundreds at parties he would host and the exclusive bars he would frequent in London, but since his relationship with Sebastian had become more serious, he had begun to realise that having company was a strange thing. He could be surrounded by hundreds and feel alone, or with one person and feel loved.
"Yeah, too many early mornings I think. That's what did it this time."
"Last time I am certain it was the car's fault."
Larry lifted his head up slightly. "No, the car had nothing to do with it. She needed my care and I was over attentive, that's all."
Sebastian chuckled. "You treat them as though they are your pets Larry honey, but you know you can just pay someone to do that for you. I think you must be the only upper class gentleman I know who doesn't have his own chauffeur."
"Well after Perkins retired, I didn't see the need to replace him. I've got Roger down in Cornwall who sorts the cars out down there for me, but I know enough to do most of it myself. It's like riding a bicycle Seb, I never forget how and I like to have a skill. So many wealthy people don't know how to actually do anything practical."
"Hmm, I know. You are one of a kind Larry." Sebastian shifted his legs underneath Larry's back and continued massaging his shoulders and collarbone again. "But despite how you were so stiff the following morning, it was rather amusing to hear your servants gossiping about you working on the car all afternoon. I think they were rather amused by it, especially the ones who haven't worked for you for so long. They were a bit shocked to see you return inside with a grey face and dirty hands!"
"Well, as long as it keeps them entertained. If they are to gossip about me then I'd rather they talk about something harmless like that." Larry knew the risk of being an unmarried man who lived alone with a bunch of servants. Of course there would be gossip, but he had prepared for that. Talk on its own was harmless unless those who do the talking tell people who could do them harm. Therefore, even before he met Sebastian, he had made sure that if his staff were to talk about him or put two and two together about the company he keeps, that they would not speak a word of it. He did not bribe them or threaten them. He just treated them well. His servants were paid more than others, he paid for their holidays, listened to their complaints, made it clear that they could complain in the first place and kept their secrets as they kept his. He also hired everyone personally. He was a great believer in first impressions and gut instincts. It was a strategy that worked well for everyone involved."I think some of them, the ones who don't know me so well, wonder—"
"Why I'm always around?" Sebastian guessed.
"Yeah, something like that. They know our professional arrangements of course, but the personal. Barnes knows of course, and maybe a few of the others but, you've basically moved in."
"Your butler is a brilliant fellow being the sole of discretion Larry, and he keeps the others in check, don't worry."
"But we can't be too careful. I don't want you to go Seb, I don't think I could bare it, but—"
"It might be best if I'm not there all the time?"
"I'm sorry."
"No. Not your fault. But Larry, I had been wanting to talk to you about this, about something I've been arranging both here and in the States."
Larry sat up, he had a dreadful feeling he knew what Sebastian was about to tell him. "You're leaving the country?"
"No. I do need to return there sometime, but we can go together so that's no trouble. No, I have something to show you actually. I've been waiting for the right moment." Sebastian picked up his jacket that he had earlier been using as a makeshift pillow, and pulled several pieces of folded paper out of the inside pocket. "Take a look at this."
Larry cautiously took the papers, unfolding them and holding them tight so the wind didn't whip them out of his hands. As they folded and crunched with the increasing breeze around them, he scanned the pages, most of it typed writing, but a photograph of a house he recognised at the bottom of the last page. His eyes widened in shock, "But that's the old vicarage down the road from the house?" He read the words again as it sunk in. "This is the deed to the vicarage. Seb why have you bought that?"
"I'm not looking into going into the church or anything, don't worry!" he joked. "You have told me for ages about how that property has not been sold for years since the church decided they wanted to downsize and give the village vicar more economical lodgings. Its been sitting empty for a while, it's not as big as your grand house but it's decent size and it has a couple of outbuildings that could be converted into a garage for my cars—"
"You bought it to live in!" Larry couldn't believe his eyes.
"Sure I have! Yeah the other properties have been for business revenue but this one is for me. It's close to you, just a few miles away, but not so close people will think we live together."
"Come here!" Larry exclaimed as he launched himself at Sebastian knocking him backwards before he kissed him passionately whilst he lay across Sebastian's chest.
"I take it, you approve?" Sebastian asked as he grinned up at him.
"I do! You are a very intelligent man! But what about America? What are you arranging there?"
"Oh that's all done. You remember when we were last over there and I left you for a few days whilst I visited my mine? Well I did a few more things. I sold the mansion on the coast. I'm keeping the villa and the mountain lodgehouse, but I didn't think I would need that one anymore. I'll be here a bit more I reckon. Applied for British citizenship too. Dual citizenship between here and there, will make things easier."
"Any more surprises?" Larry asked shocked, and he was rarely shocked by anything.
"Mmm, I think that just about covers it." Sebastian, linked his hands around the back of Larry's shoulders, pulling him down onto him, his warm breath contrasting perfectly with the cool moorland breeze around them.
A rustling of bushes caused Larry to break their kiss to look to his side. A sheep stood watching them through a curled woolen face, its large black nose twitching as it watched them whilst methodically chewing a mouthful of grass. "Go away, we're busy!" Larry laughed as Sebastian turned his face towards him as they kissed more.
The visit to Downton Abbey was a late one...
Note: The term David uses 'blue' is from a form of cant slang called Polari that was used from the 19th century until around the 1960's in Britain. It was used in gay subculture as a form of coded language to disguise homosexual activities from potential threats such as undercover policemen. The word 'blue' is another word for homosexual.