"Kissing knuckles"

Chapter 1

Summary: Cora and Robert are not only best friends, as everyone thinks, but also lovers. Their secret dating has been going on for a while, but they just can't settle on making it official. It's a race against time until someone finds out. – Modern Cobert AU

A/N: This started off as a prompt from tumblr. When I wasn't the only who thought this one-shot would make an interesting prelude to a Modern Cobert story, I decided to give it a try. I have no clue how long this will get and how often I will upload this story. I thought I'd just put the first two chapters I already have out there. I put the rating on M because I think that's where this story is heading, haha :) I would like to hear your on thoughts on this - Caecilia

Robert wondered why he had agreed to attend Rosamund's gallery opening. His sister had a taste for art he didn't entirely share. In fact, he couldn't understand at all how these contemporary paintings in penetrating vibrant colours could have any appeal. But if he was honest with himself, Rosamund's paintings weren't his reason of attendance. His reason stood beside a giant canvas that was covered with neon orange brushstrokes. Her piercing blue eyes set a nice contrast to the ghastly painting. When she felt his gaze on her face, her eyes found his and she sent him a brilliant smile of hers.

Robert had known Cora since they'd shared some courses at college. She came to England to start college and he immediately noticed her refreshing and natural way. Soon a dear friendship developed and they spent many of their classes laughing about silly jokes only they understood. But for a long time, their friendship was somehow confined to their joint classes. They didn't meet outside from class; he had his established group of friends and she soon had hers too. Only when they both took a job at the same historical research institute, they got to know each other apart from their mutual banter in college. Now, they were known as best friends.

Unaware to any observing eye, Robert saw not only his best friend, when he looked at Cora from across the room but also his lover. When the chance to get to know each other better came up with their shared work, the strong bond, that existed between them, inevitably led to a burning romance. The thing they had, went on for five months now. But, there still was no label for their thing. They kissed passionately behind closed doors at work and spent many evenings at Robert's flat. When Cora moved out of her shared flat into her own one, they "inaugurated" it together festively. Her only guest at her "inauguration ceremony" had been very attentive to all her needs and Cora'd hoped she had been as good as hostess. But no matter how far their thing had developed, it was still kept a secret.

"… And now, I don't want to keep you any longer from letting the pieces have their effect on you", Rosamund ended her speech.

They definitely had an effect, but one Robert didn't feel like explore any further. Instead made his way to Cora. The mostly understated dressed but clearly wealthy clientele approached the paintings, whispering contemplative. His arrival at Cora's side was delayed by the necessity to get past the moving crowd.

"Do you enjoy the art?", he asked when he finally stood beside her. She held a glass of champagne that was served earlier on.

"It is very interesting, indeed", she responded while scanning the paintings.

"Interesting, yes. Ghastly, if you ask me", Robert uttered.

"Oh, I wouldn't go quite that far. You know, there must be reason, why the abstract works of art are that popular right now", Cora stated.

He huffed. Cora had to supress a chuckle.

"Well, I would be disappointed if I'd come for the art", Robert made clear.

"Oh, you didn't?", Cora acted surprised but they'd discussed it before-hand. She knew he was here because of her.

"No, I had a far more alluring prospect that awaited me here", he leaned towards and whispered in her ear. Her hair stood lightly at the unexpected intimacy. His hand brushed her silky blouse and he was about to sneak his arm around her waist.

"Robert, compose yourself", Cora implored as she gently pushed his hand away.

Robert knew exactly he'd crossed a boundary. Cora only granted him a kiss on her knuckles in public as long as they weren't together officially. And he understood that. He'd no desire to explain themselves to others either. And he was glad Cora was as disciplined, because he sometimes struggled to hold his horses.

"But you know, you're allowed to give me a kiss on the hand", Cora grinned and tapped her fingers against her champagne flute.

He returned her grin and his eyes settled on her slender fingers and her manicured but natural nails, "May I kiss your hand, my lady?"

Her eyes gleamed and she giggled lightly. His lips caressed the smooth skin on the back of her hand, before they moved to her knuckles. He considered to kiss her knuckles one by one but decided to just linger for a moment. They weren't only in public but also in company of his sister. They didn't want to draw attention.

Cora was aware of the fact, that their thing was a precarious situation. It was a balancing act that wasn't explicitly necessary. The farther they took it the more striking would be the revelation. She didn't know how long they intended to continue this rather silly game of hide, but she couldn't care less at the moment. His adorable manner in showing his affection while trying to hide it at the same time, was just too sweet.

"Your patience will be rewarded, Mr Crawley", Cora said nonchalantly without looking at him, but he noticed the slight upturn of her lips.

"You may accompany me home", she went on while letting her gaze roam the gallery.

Robert always was the one to whisper saucy suggestions while Cora was only making subtle hints in public. But her subtle way turned him on at least as much. He knew exactly, where her thoughts wandered when she said these innocent things. And now, his thoughts started wandering too.

"Oh, I'd enjoy that very much…", was his response. They stood next to each other, both with a far-away look and a gentle grin.