you could have my heart (and i would break it for you)
-or-
be gay do crime
By: Aviantei
[Shibuya Operation – Story Storm]
The Disappearance of Lord Cecil Carfax, Act Three:
"a last dance (to forget my sorrows)"
The weather that day was cloudy, but the sky above was not yet heavy enough to signal that rain would soon be approaching. Perhaps it would in about a week or so, so there was no need to worry about getting soaked as Jameson, Fred, and Albert all set out for the day, but the undeniable chill in the air did require a bit of bundling to stay comfortable.
With an operation so close at hand, the residents at Moriarty Manor had to maintain a certain state of activity. They couldn't be so haphazard in their movements that they wouldn't be prepared for what was to come, but they also all couldn't hole up at home so as to make it suspicious that they were up to something. Albert and William were the most restricted in that sense, as they both had work to attend to, but the former was off for the day, so he'd opted to come along whenever Fred had mentioned there was someplace they might find useful for the current operation.
Jameson hadn't quite expected to arrive at a run-down church, though.
A quick glance at the outside made it clear it hadn't seen maintenance in some time, and the thickness of the dust inside just confirmed that it also hadn't seen much of people in some time, or at least not a congregation. The scuffmarks upon the floor indicated that someone had walked there not too long ago, the size of the footprints indicating they had doubtless been children. Even when dilapidated, the church still retained some sense of its original beauty, though such a thing was a standard Jameson couldn't commit to in full. At most, he could appreciate the panes of stained glass, their colours sparkling in the light. Those contained a sense of elegance, even whenever half of them were broken to pieces.
Maybe that was why Jameson could appreciate them. He related to shattered things.
"I didn't know this place was here," Albert was saying. He stepped further inside, somehow managing to look right at home amongst the dusty sanctuary seating. "I take it you came across it while wandering about the city?"
"Yes," Fred said. "It hasn't been used for several years, so it's always a good place to take shelter. A lot of street kids use it whenever it starts to rain." Even with the busted windows, there was more than enough of space inside, so you could avoid a downpour with ease. Jameson had plenty memories of his own of tucking away into abandoned buildings with Jim and the others to save themselves from coming home soaked. "This isn't all I want to show you, though."
Fred walked further into the building, Jameson and Albert following behind him. It took a bit to navigate the halls, but soon enough they found themselves in a room. While it had once held a desk and some bookshelves, all the furniture had since fallen to disarray, much like the pews in the sanctuary.
And it was because of the deteriorated state of affairs that the large gap in the wall was quite obvious. Some of the daylight made it inside, revealing stone walls unlike the wood and scraped paint of the office, as well as what seemed to be a staircase. Curiosity drawing them in, Jameson and Albert moved closer, and, sure enough, steps descended down into the gloom. "A secret passage?" Albert asked, unable to contain the faint childlike excitement in his tone.
"Yes," Fred said, taking a few steps down into the dark. A few moments later, he stepped back up with a torch, offering it for Albert to take as Fred dug into his pockets for a book of matches. "They don't just connect to this place, but also to other areas in the city."
"Amazing," Jameson breathed, meaning every last syllable. "Have you explored it much?"
"Just a bit. Getting a lamp was hard, so I had to work by feel, and there's branching paths. I know some routes, but there's far more than I was ever able to memorise." Jameson couldn't help but wonder at what sort of events had led to a church of all things being connected to such a network, but there was no one left to provide answers—just the remnants of those pathways underground. "If I remembered right, one of the paths comes out near the neighbourhood where Lady Evangeline's townhouse is."
"If that's the case, it would be quite helpful to have tomorrow night," Albert said, already kicking into strategy mode. "And even if it doesn't, I'm sure it could be useful for other operations. Once this is all done, Fred, I'd like you to come here and explore all the routes so we have them at our disposal." Fred nodded, and Albert held out the fresh-lit torch to glance further down; from their current vantage point, it wasn't even possible to see the bottom of the stairs. "Well, if we're to find out whether or not we can use this to help Lady Evangeline, there's no time like the present. By all means, Fred, go ahead and lead the way."
His earlier explanation seeming to have used up most of his word quota for the day, Fred went ahead and did just that, Jameson going in second whenever Albert gestured for him to go ahead. Together, the three of them descended down, though it was soon clear that it was a curve of the stair that had made it difficult so see below, and thus it wasn't too long before they were upon flat ground again, a long hallway stretching out into the shadows before them. If Jameson's estimate wasn't too far off, it seemed they were a bit below the basement level of Moriarty Manor, nice and tucked away from the world above.
The effect of that alone was enough to create a bit of tension in the atmosphere just based on appearances alone, and just having a single torch to light their path didn't help matters. At least it seemed there were regular places for torches that they could set if need be, and, aside from a few branching paths and the occasional rat scampering away, it wasn't as if there were anything like skeletons tucked away into catacombs beneath the surface.
Jameson shook the thought from his head. Nonsensical. He blamed his choice of reading as of late; after completing the Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley collection, he'd turned to a volume of Poe that Albert had left for him in the interest of the approaching Halloween spirit, and that was no doubt influencing the way Jameson kept imagining shapes within the darkness. In other words, this is all Lord Albert's fault.
"Hm?" Albert asked as Jameson glanced back to him. "Is something on your mind, Jameson?"
"I was thinking we should keep a closer eye on you. I worry that you might follow someone down here under the promise of getting to try a rare and old wine."
Albert's responding laugh echoed off the stone walls, the sound loud and bright enough to chase any imagined monsters away. "I think, if that should be the case, you would do well to worry about the other person more than I."
Right. It was difficult to remember since Jameson had never witnessed him in combat first hand, but Albert had gone through the same training as William and Louis, plus he was a soldier on top of that. The fact that one wouldn't think that to look at him was just further proof of how dangerous the eldest Moriarty was.
"This way," Fred said, making a turn at a crossroads, and Jameson and Albert followed. Fred seemed very confident in where he was going, whereas Jameson had lost track some time ago. Albert didn't appear bothered, so either he had an exact idea of where they were or he at least could remember the path back. Jameson would need a map in his hands as soon as they could so he could keep up. "We're not too far off now."
With that bit of encouragement, they walked a bit further, a handful more of minutes passing with not even the sounds of their footsteps (all of them practised in silent movement) filling the air. There was at least one more branching path that Fred didn't take, and soon another set of stairs was ahead, going straight upwards unlike its counterpart back at the church.
To emerge into broad daylight with a lit torch would be asking for attention wherever they came out, so Fred shook it out and set it aside once they reached the top—though not without cracking the door first. In comparison to the dimness underground, even that crack of cloudy-sky sunlight seemed light, but their eyes all adjusted soon enough. With the go-ahead from Albert, Fred eased open the door a bit more, deemed it safe enough to emerge, and then slipped out in a gap that Jameson and Albert each had to ease open a bit more in succession, but they soon all emerged with the door shut behind them.
"…A graveyard?" Jameson asked.
Fred gave a nod in answer, his eyes still flicking around for signs of anyone else. Just to be safe, Albert waved them along, attempting to make it seem as if they had just come to visit the departed in the event that anyone else happened to be in the area. "Yes, I believe I recognise this place," Albert said, and Jameson was glad that he didn't. To be put in the same cemetery as Stratford or Leinster (or any of the other regulars for that matter) without warning would have put quite the damper on his mood. Judging by the sizes and designs of the tombstones, which were for the most part quite modest, those buried there were of the upper middle class at best. Still, being amongst graves made Jameson's earlier musings in the tunnels seem not so far-fetched. "It is a little bit of a walk, but you're right in that this is close enough to Lady Evangeline's neighbourhood to utilise tomorrow. Since we have the opportunity, no reason not to cover our tracks as best as possible."
Jameson smiled at his charge. "Good work, Fred."
The boy's answering smile made heading back into the depths underground for the return trip much easier.
The day that they were set to "abduct" Lady Evangeline from her family's townhouse had a different energy to it than any Fred had experienced thus far during his stay at Moriarty Manor. Yes, he'd already been present for two major operations as well as assisted with handling the rest of the abductors who had helped Robson, but all of those times had had the goal of death waiting for them at the end, so the intensity everyone had displayed had seemed like a natural conclusion. They were, after all, choosing to become the executioners delivering judgement for wrongdoer's crimes.
The situation with Lady Evangeline was different, but it wasn't as if Fred thought it was any less important. There was plenty at stake, after all. In comparison to getting away with murder, though, sneaking out someone in the middle of the night that wanted to leave was going to be much simpler. The trickiest part was going to be making sure the aftermath looked convincing.
And yet not a single resident of Moriarty Manor seemed to have relaxed in comparison to before. All of them were handling their tasks with the utmost sense of importance, even Louis appearing sterner than usual. Jameson, of course, was the most worked up of all, his concern for his friend obvious just to look at him.
It makes sense, though, Fred thought. After handling the Waterford operation, Jameson had taken the time to explain his history to Fred, though he didn't get into any graphic detail. He explained the difference between his body and his mind, as well as the barest of remarks on how he'd been hurt. Fred had already trusted that Jameson had a reason for wishing to kill the Marquis, and learning the reason hadn't done anything to change his mind. That there was still one more target for Jameson to take his vengeance on just meant that Fred had another goal of someone to help get rid of as soon as they had the chance. Even if Lady Evangeline's situation isn't as extreme as that…
Jameson had done so much for Fred, who he hadn't even known well, and he was giving so much to Miss Alice and Miss Carol as well. To go so far for a friend was to be expected.
I should be sure to give this my all, too. Fred's contribution of the secret church passageway was a boon, but that didn't mean his work was over yet. Even if it was something as simple as ensuring that the greenhouse was in top shape before the day was done, Fred wouldn't let himself slack if he could help it.
By the time the afternoon had rolled around, Fred had completed his job. Finished with returning his supplies to their proper locations, he made sure to wash up at the servants' entrance before sticking his head into the kitchen. Louis was out (no doubt taking care of some other chore or preparation), and, while Jameson was likewise absent, there was a little plate sat aside with a leftover muffin from breakfast. While it was a little bit lopsided, appearance did very little to impact the flavour, so Fred settled down at the small table to enjoy his snack. If everyone else was busy, there must've been something else he could do to help prepare for the evening…
"Good afternoon, Fred. Finished up for the day, I see," said William as he entered the room.
As Louis was the one responsible for organising Moriarty Manor's care, Fred had interacted with him the most whenever putting Jameson aside. As for the other brothers, they'd of course shared meals together, and had even done work together when it came to operations, but the time getting to know each other was limited. Part of that was the result of Fred's own demeanour—it took him some time to get used enough to a person to want to know them—but, even accounting for that, the interactions he'd had with William James Moriarty were rather slim.
Fred dipped his head in acknowledgement, not sure how to proceed. He knew that Jameson was fond of William, so that was enough for Fred to have a good impression of the man—but good impressions could just do so much when in a one-on-one interaction. In the end, Fred chose to go for politeness. "Yes. I don't tend to see you down here much, Lord William."
William took the comment in stride, making his way over to the stove, where he set about putting a kettle onto boil. "Louis tends to be attentive enough that I don't need to come down much myself, but I fancied a spot of tea to keep me going. I brought home some exams to grade, so it's taking me quite a while to get through them." That was the other thing that was impressive about the Moriartys; the way that they continued on with their day-to-day lives, even with their other efforts in full swing. "Not to mention we'll be out late tonight. I figured a bit of a pick-me-up would be appropriate." His first task complete, William next went to the cabinet, taking a moment before selecting one of the many tea tins. "Would you care to join me?"
The unexpected request catching him off guard, Fred froze for a moment before reminding himself that there was no need to do so. Instead, he picked up the plate of muffins. "Jameson left these for me. We could share?"
Fred couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed by the timid request, but William just smiled in response. "Sounds wonderful. I'm afraid I can't turn down the chance to enjoy more of Jameson's hard work." With that settled, Fred helped select a tea set from the cabinet, while William handled assembling the leaves in the pot. "I do apologise if I've caught you off guard today, though. We haven't had much time to get to know each other since you've come to stay with us, have we?"
"…It's alright."
While he had maintained his pleasant smile, there was something about the deep scarlet shade of William James Moriarty's eyes that made Fred feel as if the man were seeing right through them. "Well, I won't be offended if you don't wish to talk much. Sometimes there's little more fulfilling than enjoying another's company in silence."
Having experienced that for himself, Fred couldn't help but agree, and so he allowed himself to take his time with his muffin. When the kettle whistled, William tended to it and the teapot, a delicious scent entering the air. In the end, they waited for the brew to finish steeping, William sitting across from Fred at the small table. It wasn't the most comfortable atmosphere Fred had ever been in, but it wasn't quite uncomfortable, either, so he supposed it could be a lot worse.
And if Jameson cares about Lord William so much, I should at least try to get to know him better…
The issue with that plan was that Fred hadn't the slightest idea of where to start when it came to doing so. Someone like Albert was plenty willing to offer information on his own, and Jameson had done careful work of both talking about himself and asking Fred careful questions to ensure the conversation wasn't one sided. Getting along with Evangeline had been simple due to their shared interests. For Louis, getting to know him had been more of a matter of observation, but the youngest Moriarty did nothing to hide who he was. Not to say that William was obscuring himself on purpose, but…
Fred couldn't help but get the impression what he could see about William was just what William wanted him to see—no more, no less.
"You prefer more cream and a single sugar in your tea, yes?" William asked, pulling Fred from his thoughts. While he'd been musing, the tea had completed brewing, and Fred was able to better recognise the under aroma of apples mixed in—the perfect companion for the muffins. At Fred's bewildered expression, William offered an apologetic look of his own. "You tend to follow along with what Jameson does, more often than not. But his sweet tooth seems to be a bit too much for you I've noticed. I think you'll find this more agreeable, though I would also recommend a dash of honey instead, if you'd like."
"I…can try."
"Excellent." William had already brought out a jar of honey, and he went about adding some to his and Fred's cups alike before pouring in the still-steaming tea. "I tend not to go overboard on the sweets myself, so I understand. I've also heard this can be good with mixing in some hot cider, but we haven't yet gotten any this season, so this will have to do." Fred was still thinking about how William had noticed his preferences, considering Fred did, in fact, follow Jameson's lead at teatime. "Does it bother you? I'm afraid I can't quite turn off the part of my mind tuned into observation, but I can keep it to myself in the future if it makes you uncomfortable."
Fred shook his head. It was more impressive than anything else, not to mention that William had chosen to use that skill of his for good.
Some might debate the use of that word, but Fred thought that attempting to cull the underbelly of society was a rather worthy goal, even if it involved more dubious methods. Not to mention cases like Lady Evangeline's further proved his heart was in the right place.
"Well, don't ever hesitate to mention if you need anything. I know Jameson is looking out for you, but the rest of us are also here to help if you wish." Fred allowed himself to digest the information, reminding himself that he was around because the others wished for him to be, and it was not just Jameson's influence alone. It felt strange yet nice. "I also wish to thank you for taking on the task of the greenhouse. It will be nice to have that around throughout the year, not to mention whenever the chill starts to set in. Even if it's something you're doing because you enjoy it, we all benefit in the end, so I wanted to give credit where credit is due."
The acknowledgement felt nice. Fred hadn't had much opportunity to have a hobby before, let alone one that could bring happiness to other people. Just the memory of Evangeline's excitement was enough to encourage him to keep going, but the additional compliments were also helpful.
"Is there anything…you'd like?"
"In the greenhouse?" Fred nodded. If his work was going to be noticed by others, he at least wanted to give back in some small way. Learning to care for some new flowers in the process and add them in seemed like as enjoyable of a way as any. "I'll confess I haven't thought about it much since I didn't want to step on your toes but, let's see. I suppose that Brother has already asked you to cultivate some roses?" Another nod; that had indeed been the very first thing that Albert had asked for. "And Louis would just say more practical things like herbs to use in the kitchen. Ah, but this is meant to be for me, isn't it? In which case, I suppose…" William looked down to his teacup for a moment in thought. "Lilies. White ones, if possible."
The very same flower that Jameson had asked for.
Deciding to keep that thought to himself, Fred tucked his chin into his scarf. "Once I get used to taking care of what we've already put in, I'll be sure to get some."
It hadn't been all that long since they'd worked together to break into the homes of Robson's associates, but Jameson couldn't help but think it seemed like a lifetime since he'd donned his dark clothes and hooded jacket to better hide under the cover of night. Their team consisted of all the current residents of Moriarty Manor, though perhaps it was unnecessary to have them all around for such a simple job. Their main objective was to get Evangeline to safety, and, while the plan was to do so in secrecy, it wouldn't hurt their plans if someone were to see them whisking her away. All that eventuality would mean was changing things up so that it looked like much more forceable of a kidnapping that it was in reality.
Even so, having Evangeline waiting for them made it much easier for their team to get where they needed to be, as she'd snuck downstairs to ensure the gate to the backyard of the townhouse was unlocked in advance. With that handled, Louis remained near the gate to keep watch while the rest slipped inside without being noticed.
Given that it was a secondary residence, the yard was far smaller than the one at Moriarty Manor, but Evangeline's influence was obvious in the careful arrangement of hydrangea bushes that had yet to lose their blossoms. Unable to contain his nervous energy, Jameson doublechecked his pocket watch, finding that they'd arrived just a few minutes earlier than expected, meaning that there was nothing to do but linger in the shadows until Evangeline stepped out onto the small balcony extending from her first floor room.
With the neighbourhood so quiet, the click of the door above opening was obvious—though Jameson looked around to confirm it wasn't the ground floor door that was opening instead. They were safe for the time being, and so Jameson stepped further into sight where Evangeline could see him and confirm things were on schedule.
"'But soft!'" Jameson said as the Shakespeare crossed his mind. "'What light through yonder window breaks?'"
Still clad in pyjamas, Evangeline did her level best to contain her giggle. "Oh, hush," she said, keeping her voice just enough to be heard below but not so loud as to alert the attendants who had come with her to tend to the house during her stay. "I already have the rope set up. Give me a moment."
With that, Evangeline disappeared into the house again, emerging from her room a few seconds later to drop down a rope over the edge of the balcony, as they'd planned. While Jameson would have been happy to go up it to help, he knew well enough he'd take forever with his current level of arm strength, so he left that task to the more muscular Albert and the much more lithe Fred. Jameson and William were to keep watch below and help Evangeline reach the ground, though it would be a bit longer. After all, if it were to appear as if Evangeline had left of her own free will, that would invite further searching from the Baron Carfax, which they wanted to be able to control.
Leaving the room in a messy, ransacked state painted a very different picture.
"We're almost there," William murmured, picking up on Jameson's nervous energy at having not much to do. "Everything's almost complete, and then we can help Miss Evangeline have whatever life she desires."
"Yes, you're right. I'm just surprised that this kind of case is what makes me feel nervous."
"Not to imply that this is not serious, but they are very different circumstances. Whenever the pressure is high, people tend to react in very different ways than they would otherwise." Which was instead to say that, as the stakes were lower since a kidnapping was much easier to pull off without incriminating evidence than a murder, it wasn't all that surprising Jameson's mind had time to spend on worries rather than execution.
That and he didn't have a target to unload his rage upon. He supposed that must be a major contributor as well.
"Pardon me," came Evangeline's voice from above, and Jameson looked up to see her beginning to work her way down the rope. Since there would be a close police examination of the room, she wasn't to bring anything along, but Evangeline hadn't seemed all that saddened by the news since her new clothes were all already in her guest room at Moriarty Manor. Albert had instead brought a pair of gloves for her to use so that the rope wouldn't leave any burns. Jameson and William watched her close (though Jameson wasn't sure how much help he would be if she did fall), but, aside from a bit of a slow pace due to inexperience, she was able to touch down safe, leaning against Jameson as she caught her breath. "That…is a great deal…more difficult than Lord Albert made it look."
The man himself was next to scale down, letting himself slide half the way. "It's the result of training, I'll have you know. Would it break the illusion if I told you I used to be awful at such things?" Evangeline giggled, and Albert sent a wink in her direction before looking back upwards. Satisfied with his friend's state, Jameson slung the rucksack off his shoulder and passed her the pair of boots they'd prepared so she wouldn't have to go barefoot. They'd also brought a spare cloak along, which Jameson went about draping over her shoulders. "Is everything good to go, Fred?"
Fred's answer came in the form of the rope slipping off the edge of the balcony, which William set about retrieving at once. Next was Fred's shadow as he jumped over the edge, and Jameson's heart lurched though he knew it was coming—by leaving Evangeline's door locked, they could further hamper any police investigation by also making the kidnapping to be a semi-locked room. Despite Jameson's worries, Fred landed safe, rolling to dispel his momentum before popping back up to his feet as if he'd been there the whole time. Evangeline released a soft sound of surprise, and Jameson thought she just might applaud Fred were they not trying to remain concealed.
Pulling his scarf up over his chin in what Jameson now recognised as a show of embarrassment, Fred cleared his throat. "Everything at the scene is the way we want it to be." And even if it weren't, they were past the point of getting back to sort things out. Given that they were all following William's instructions, though, Jameson had little doubt that there would be any errors.
"In which case, there's no sense in lingering here," William said, making sure his hood was secure before pivoting back towards the garden gate. Jameson urged for Evangeline to go after him, then the rest of their procession followed in line. "It won't be too far of a walk, Lady Evangeline. Please put up with your unfitting attire for a bit longer."
"I'll be alright. I'm far too excited to worry about such things." Evangeline nodded to Louis as they rendezvoused with him, and he joined their procession as it went at a swift walk away from the Carfax townhouse. Once they rounded the corner, they could slow their pace a bit, but a group dressed in black in the middle of the night was very little but suspicious if seen, so they made haste towards the cemetery. If anything, Jameson thought that Evangeline might want to go faster, sprinting all the way there if she could.
The thought made him smile.
Up above, there was nothing but the stars for light, not even a sliver of the moon visible. Unlike some of the nearby streets, there were no lamps lit in the cemetery, but they made it to the mausoleum containing the secret passage without issue. Not wanting to have the light be visible from afar, they hadn't left any lights close to the entrance, but there were torches lighting the way in the tunnels proper. "Just keep your hand on the wall," William said to Evangeline as he stepped inside. "The steps are about average size, if a bit uneven at points, but just take it slow, and you should make it without issue."
Evangeline seemed to not have been reading much Poe in recent days (or, if she had, it didn't seem to bother her much) because she followed William into the shadowy entrance without any hesitation. The open door let some light in, but whenever the last of their number crossed inside, he shut the door behind him, making a much deeper darkness descend over them until Jameson's eyes adjusted to the faint light waiting for them long below.
At last, the need to remain unseen had faded, and Jameson released a breath of pure relief. From behind him, a hand that had to be Albert's patted his shoulder, and soon they were all assembled in the passageway below. "Good work, everyone," William said, giving everyone a once over to make sure all their numbers were accounted for. "We're in the final stretch. If you're good to keep going, Miss Evangeline, we can continue."
"Please do."
"Very well. Follow me."
William had stepped foot into the passageway for the first time that evening, and yet he was able to lead the way without any issues, Louis in the back taking the time to extinguish each torch as they passed. While the atmosphere was easier, nobody talked much on the way, everyone following Evangeline's lead. Jameson had no doubt that her mind was preoccupied as she was at last past the planning phase of her escape and into the reality of its execution. Were he in her position, he'd have a hard time believing it was real and instead not a dream there to make him feel better.
"Up this way," William said, gesturing to the spiral staircase that led to the church. The stairs there were much wider than the ones connecting to the cemetery, so Evangeline gripped onto Jameson's hand and took him along with her, the sound of the others ascending the stairs soon following. All of that faded away though as they stepped into the abandoned office together, Jameson making sure Evangeline didn't trip over the tipped over bookshelf. They'd left several candles out, and Jameson struck a match to light them.
"Let's go get you changed, shall we?"
It had taken a bit of cleaning so that they wouldn't choke upon the dust, but there had been a room without windows that Evangeline could use to at last get out of her pyjamas and into proper clothes. They'd brought everything along aside from the makeup, and Jameson would've stayed outside were it not for Evangeline asking for his help in ensuring her dress was fastened up in the correct manner. With that done, she at last put on her wig, ready to face the world reborn and anew.
"There's no going back now," Jameson said, though it was not a statement of omen.
And Evangeline answered him with just as much optimism as she said, "Yes. There's no going back."
The next morning, a servant would attempt to wake up Lord Cecil Carfax for breakfast. After finding the room locked and attempting to call inside, he was at last forced to break down the door with his fellow chef, finding the room in complete disarray and its occupant missing. There was nothing but a single note left upon the bed: We have stolen from you what you have stolen from us. First the police were contacted, then the young man's parents, who rushed to London as soon as they could. They hadn't the faintest idea of who would have wanted to kidnap their son, but they intended to do everything they could to find the perpetrators. By the evening, the story had become breaking news, newsboys hawking the tale with the story detailed upon the cover.
No one amongst the public could know at that moment, but Lord Cecil Carfax would never be seen again.
There's just never time to relax anymore, is there?
Jameson felt as if he'd been involved in nothing but one incident after the other ever since he'd met William James Moriarty, and that wasn't changing just because they'd gotten Evangeline to Moriarty Manor without any issues. If nothing else, he could say with confidence that the next event on their schedules wasn't his fault, though most of what else he'd experienced that year had been.
There were scant few nights between Evangeline's escape from the townhouse and the masquerade, and so all their efforts soon diverged into completing whatever arrangements they had left. If nothing else, they all already had their clothes and masks—though Alice and Carol had insisted Jameson not see Evangeline's yet, so he hadn't the slightest idea of how she would appear. Evangeline had seemed to think the idea was fun, even going so far as to request her own carriage to the event so as not to ruin the surprise.
Being a party at a duchy, the venue was large; Jameson had noticed that the night of his own social debut, but the fact was emphasised to him more whenever he was attempting to find one individual among hundreds. That everyone was wearing masks befitting of the event made matters more difficult, and Jameson was making at least his fifth pass of the room.
If something happened to Evangeline while I wasn't there to keep an eye on her…
"Mother Henning a bit, are we?" Albert asked. He looked as slick as ever, the gold and green mask adding all the more to his overall allure, and he'd also ended up with a new suit and tie that matched his ensemble well, the former a dark green close to black while his tie contained delicate gold stitching that matched the patterns of his mask to the letter. "She will be fine. You already had Fred go along with her to ensure as much, yes?"
"Yes, but…" But I feel responsible for her. After all, Jameson was the one that had dragged her into her new life. Even if it had been something she wanted—the same as how Fred had wished to join their cause and Alice had wished to start anew elsewhere—Jameson had still taken the initiative to push forward and make those things reality. Albert was smart enough to know all that, though, so Jameson didn't waste his time explaining. "Can you blame me, my lord?" To use one's name at a masquerade rather defeated the point, so Albert would just have to put up with the formalities for the evening.
Albert chuckled. "No, I cannot. I was the same for my brothers whenever they started debuting in society." He flagged down a nearby member of the waitstaff, trading out his empty wine glass for a fresh one and also procuring one for Jameson. "That being said, there's no need to be too worried. She's an intelligent woman—" intelligent enough to see through Jameson's connections to several murders at that "—something like going to a party won't trip her up." She did have plenty experience attending such functions, even if it had been in a different role. "In the end, we're here to have fun. If you look so dour, you'll spoil the mood, and then what will she think?"
It was with great reluctance that Jameon admitted Albert had a point. The last thing he wanted to do was mar such a momentous occasion with his worry. With that in mind, Jameson ensured that he was smiling, though he still cast another look around the room, for the colour of Evangeline's wig to give her away while the musicians began to warm up. The participants all shifted, a quick division into those who were searching for a partner and those who wanted to continue their conversations uninhibited. That such a thing had started meant that the party had been going on for quite some time, so he should've been able to—
"Greetings, my lord." Jameson turned, finding a tall woman in an elegant dress standing there. In addition to the black mask covering her face, she had a black fan in hand, which she furled open in a slow gesture. The eyes behind that mask were a near glittering amber, lit up with a joy that had also summoned a smile to her lips. "I apologise for interrupting, but I was hoping I could have this dance?"
Evangeline, Jameson was able to recognise without much issue at all. Though her features were disguised, she looked more like her than Jameson had ever seen her, that sort of ease that came from being one's true self without anything else to get in the way.
"I'd be glad to escort you, my lady," Jameson said, offering out his hand. Underneath the collar of her dress, Evangeline flushed at the address, though the smile curving upon her lips showed nothing but her utmost satisfaction. "You must be an exceptional beauty indeed for your grace to be so recognisable, even beneath a mask."
"I can't help but agree," Albert said, making no effort to hide the way that he took a glance up and down Evangeline's figure. Jameson was so used to such behaviour from his benefactor that he didn't so much as blink, but Evangeline's blush intensified. "I won't be so crass as to take her from you now, but I do believe I'd like to have the next dance after you're done."
Jameson flashed a smile. "I'll have to see if I wish to let her go by then. Now, my lady." He offered his hand, Evangeline's own glove landing against his, Jameson dipping his head into a short bow before he led her onto the dance floor while the music started to swell.
To say they descended with immediate grace would be inaccurate, but they still put up a good show of it. Evangeline's footwork was a bit uncertain at first, her lessons making it so that on occasion she would attempt to take the lead, rather than follow Jameson's, but at least no one had any toes stepped upon. After the first movement, however, she seemed to gain some confidence, the rhythm and Jameson's gentle corrections putting her in the right direction.
"It seems it's going to be a while before I can hold my own on the dance floor," Evangeline said, a wry smile playing at her lips.
"It shouldn't be too, too long. It does get easier with practise." Thanks to the music swirling around them and their motion taking them across the floor, it was easy to hold whatever sort of conversation they wished without worrying about curious ears. Jameson took note of another dance pair drawing close, and urged Evangeline to go in the opposite direction. "If you ever want to rehearse, any of us is capable of helping you out. Besides, I even make missteps every now and then." After all, he enjoyed dancing both parts when it came to William, so he couldn't abandon all his prior knowledge, and sometimes one set of steps overtook the other at the wrong time.
Evangeline seemed to think for a moment, her brown eyes darting out into the crowd before returning to Jameson. "Is it hard for you sometimes? To not be able to enjoy each other in public as most other couples do?"
"Sometimes. But I am more so grateful for the opportunity that I get to enjoy him as a partner at all." Even if after all the months that seed of affection that he'd gained whilst Aldborough Manor burned to the ground had grown to have roots that spread to every last corner of Jameson's body, even if Jameson adored William in a way that he knew could never be returned. Though her mask covered her upper face, Evangeline's nose had scrunched in the way it did whenever she furrowed her brow, making it easy for Jameson to imagine the full of her expression. "I…" He faltered, wanting to return the trust she'd placed in him, but fearing her reaction enough to think better of it. "It's a story that I shouldn't tell in a place like this. Not whenever this night is to be about your joy." The musicians held out the final note of the waltz, bringing it to a close. Evangeline still looked worried, but Jameson just shook his head. "We will have plenty of time to chat about whatever we like after tonight, my lady. Besides, Albert looks very dead set on getting that dance from you, and I wouldn't wish to deny him that."
Evangeline followed Jameson's gaze to look over her shoulder where, sure enough, Albert was making true on his word and stepping around the other couples who were taking a short break in the intermission between songs. Jameson did not miss the slight glitter in Evangeline's eyes that hadn't been there before, even when dancing together. "Very well, my lord. Whenever you deem it an appropriate time to share with me, I shall be there to listen." She gave Jameson a curtsey, before meeting Albert halfway, and Jameson excused himself from the dance floor to pick up a dessert from the buffet table and watch his friend's joy while he ate.
That Evangeline was able to smile so bright was the most important thing of all for the night.
Following Evangeline's lead, the three of them had stayed out at the masquerade until the final song was played and everyone had been dismissed for the night, the lines of nobles waiting to be called for whenever their carriage arrived at the entrance. Evangeline had drunk enough to be tipsy and no more, but she did end up a little unsteady on her heeled shoes as a result. Jameson and Albert (who smelled of wine but looked no worse for wear) helped her stay upright until they got into the carriage, where she dozed off almost at once, leaning against Jameson's shoulder while he and Albert engaged in hushed small talk on the drive home.
Arriving at Moriarty Manor took a joint effort to get Evangeline upstairs, but she had enough consciousness to change herself into a nightgown before collapsing into her bed, so Jameson considered that a success. He and Albert both headed back to the first floor, going their separate ways at the staircase, each of them set upon their own rooms and bed, Jameson humming the tune to one of the dance pieces as he went, blending it in with bits of his and William's duets, along with whatever melody and notes he saw fit.
"Welcome home, Jameson," William said whenever Jameson opened the chamber door, and he headed to William's side at once.
"I didn't expect you to wait up for me." William opened his arms in an offer of a hug, which Jameson walked right into, sucking in that wonderful lily and cinnamon scent in the process. Then again, it did make sense that William would want to make sure that all had gone well as the party had been the final step of their operation. "Or at the very least, I expected you to already be dressed for bed." William had a robe on, yes, but beneath it was his everyday clothes, rather than any sort of pyjamas.
"I'll confess that I was working in my study until just a bit ago. When I took a break, I realised the time and thought it would be best to be ready to welcome you home."
Even the little bit of affection those words suggested was enough to make Jameson smile. "Have you made any good progress, then? You're always working so hard that I'm sure your efforts will pay off."
"At the moment, I'm for the most part laying the groundwork. The breadth of mathematics already covers quite a lot, so I need to ensure that I understand what I'm working with before I go and make any new claims." Jameson had made it to William's side to drop a kiss upon his cheek by way of greeting, and William captured Jameson's hand to keep him close. "Though I'll admit I have far different things on my mind than numbers."
Oh, when had been the last time that Jameson had heard that edge of hunger in William's voice, had seen that open desire on his face? Their intercourse hadn't become so infrequent as to make Jameson worry again, but that was because he'd been far too preoccupied with Evangeline's situation to even think much about it. But now, that Evangeline was for certain safe, that William was looking at him like that—
Jameson already knew the answer, but he murmured anyways, "And what might you have on your mind instead, darling?"
"You." William's hands ran over Jameson's sides, following the curve of his waist beneath the suit. "Mr Eden has outdone himself again, I see. Though I do believe it would be difficult for someone of your attractiveness to not look incredible, no matter what you wear." Oh, Jameson hadn't been thinking of William deep inside him before, but it was all he was thinking of now. "Would you mind if I bother you to put on the mask? I'd like to see the full effect."
"I don't mind." Standing up to gain better access to where he'd tucked his mask inside his jacket for the way home did take him a bit out of William's immediate reach, but that was solved by William standing, leaving just enough of a gap between them for Jameson to operate. With the mask free, though, William did take it for himself, his fingers as deft as ever as he arranged it on Jameson's face and tied a neat bow in the back to keep it from slipping. "Well? Does it appeal to you?"
"If I were to see you for the first time like this, I would do everything in my power to learn who you were and how to make you mine." Was it because they hadn't come together in so long that even the slightest word already had Jameson brimming with arousal? No, that was just the power William had, from his voice all the way to the lightest press of his fingers against Jameson's pulse in his wrist.
Yet something was missing.
"That's a wonderful fantasy you have there, but I'm afraid you don't quite fit the role you're proposing." William frowned in confusion, complete with that crease in his brow, and Jameson brought William's hand to his lips, kissing into the delicate flesh of his palm. "I do believe that such a scenario requires one to dress the part, does it not?" Not that there was anything wrong with William's ensemble—he looked as incredible to Jameson's eyes as he did every day—but was it suitable for something like a Halloween masquerade?
William caught on in an instant, the suggestion lighting something new in his eyes. "Yes, you're quite right, my dearest. If you'd give me a minute, I'll go and get ready, and then we can enjoy ourselves to the fullest extent."
And then with a deeper kiss that left Jameson with the sensation of William's tongue rough and sweeping in his mouth, William retreated back towards the dressing room while Jameson could do nothing but wait with trembling desire and anticipation.
Jameson was becoming a fiercer and fiercer temptation for William by the day, and that night was no different. If anything, that night was one of his most pronounced showings, and Jameson had done little but walk back into the room. The fantasy of Jameson being a mysterious individual at a masquerade ball had wormed its way into William's mind earlier into the evening, and he'd been unable to let it go. Seeing Jameson in person had made it further possible to ignore, and he was beyond grateful that Jameson had been open to his advances.
Changing to match him was the least he could do, and William had just what he needed. Any of his more formal suits would do the job—though he chose one Jameson had yet to see—and he even had a mask tucked away in one of his drawers from a previous event he'd attended the year prior. Thanks to its careful storage, there was no dust upon it, and William was able to don the white and gold design with ease. Changing his slacks in particular was a slight hassle with his forming erection, but it wasn't at such a point that tucking it back into his pants was uncomfortable, though he had no doubt that would soon change once Jameson got his hands on him. When viewed in the mirror, William was more than satisfied with his appearance, and he hoped that Jameson would be as well.
With that matter settled, William donned a gentle smirk of confidence, the one that always had Jameson hanging off his every look, and returned to the sitting room. Jameson had lighted himself down upon one of the chairs, trying to appear aloof—but that attempt vanished the moment he saw William, not even his dark mask able to hide the surprise that alighted in his eyes, nor the pure desire that came afterwards. While it couldn't have been chosen with intention, their masks made an interesting contrast between the light and the dark, though William would have said any other time their roles should have been reversed.
But what was a bit of fantasy good for if not breaking the norm?
"If you keep looking at me like that, my lord, I'm going to start to believe you're having impure thoughts about me," Jameson said, falling right into flirtation as if it were but natural. He'd adjusted his posture, legs crossed with his hands resting upon his top knee, his back arched just so to display the shape of him in a compact way.
William answered in exchange, pacing out his walk back across the room to show off the shape of his legs, which Jameson's attention gravitated to straight away. "I do believe a masquerade is meant to be a time and place where we can do away with any notions of propriety. If we are to let such things be spoken, shouldn't it follow that our thoughts must be the same?" He tilted Jameson's chin up towards him, enjoying the way the darkness of his mask made those jade green eyes seem even brighter in contrast. "As for your belief, it is true—and I can't help but believe the same thoughts are crossing your mind, my lord."
To have Jameson look up at him was as irresistible as ever, and William could just imagine the way Jameson's insides would clench at the address—could further imagine how good it would feel to have those walls clench around him. "If our thoughts do be the same," Jameson said, reaching out with a gloved hand to slide up William's torso, "what do you propose we do about it? No matter how outrageous one may be permitted to act at a masquerade, I'm certain not even the most daring of men would wish to put themselves on display as you are now." Jameson's hand slid back down, not even hesitating to cross over William's belt and press up against his erection. Meanwhile, Jameson had leaned his cheek into William's touch, catching his glove between his teeth and pulling it off. "I would be willing to offer you some help, would you be open to it."
After which he drew William's index and middle fingers into his mouth with a gentle suck.
William could not stop the growl of desire that came out of his throat, and Jameson looked beyond pleased at the sound. Making his voice able to form proper words was a challenge already, his voice coming out thick. "If you are giving so gracious an offer, my lord, I would be remiss to turn you down."
Jameson moved in an instant, his eyes flashing as he slipped off the chair and onto his knees, as if he'd been waiting for the opportunity. William's fingers remained in his mouth for the time it took Jameson to undo his belt and pull down his undershorts, and then William's two-thirds formed erection was exposed to the open air. William shivered at the stimulation, and then his hand was free as Jameson opened his lips for his true prize.
"Jameson," William breathed, the pure relief enough to make him moan. He was more than ready to lean into it, to let Jameson explore him until he reached the purest oblivion—but Jameson had pulled off the moment after William's moan, which wasn't like him at all.
"Now, now, my lord," he said, letting his breath ghost over William's penis but not allowing it back into the warmth of his mouth. "It's considered quite rude to use one's name during a masquerade."
Oh, was that the game he wanted to play? William could follow a few simple rules. Besides, the concept of coming across Jameson as a pretty, mysterious stranger who was willing to fulfil his desires? William's erection twitched closer to its full size, and Jameson's smug look while on his knees was beyond sinful in the best possible way. "Do forgive me. I got ahead of myself, my lord." Keeping his composure in such a situation was a near impossible ask—but that was part of the appeal. Besides, he was certain that Jameson wouldn't mind if other parts of his composure crumbled to pieces. "I'll strive to be more careful from here on out."
"Please do."
And without even waiting for a response, Jameson took William back into his mouth more than before. He didn't stop there, either, working his way further down bit by bit, even as William grew inside him. In fact, Jameson hummed at the sensation, both a sign of his pleasure and adding to William's own. His hands gripping to William's beltloops, Jameson swirled his tongue around William's tip, the rhythm of his sucking just right to bring William to full arousal.
Jameson shifted, adjusting the angle of his head so he could take more inside him, starting to reach back into his throat. With precise breaths through his nose, Jameson threw himself into his work with the same concentration he used to memorise melodies on the piano: careful and slow, but with undeniable results. It wasn't long at all before Jameson began to bob his head, his lips like velvet as they slid along William's erection, and it was with Jameson's grip upon William's belt loops that he urged William to follow his rhythm.
"Oh, blast," William hissed, the stimulation that had already impacted him so getting to him more. Jameson let out a beyond pleased moan amongst the muffled sounds he'd already been making, and the way the mask framed the look on his face? It was almost too much. "My lord, you are far too good to me."
Paired with a muffled moan, the suck of Jameson's mouth almost made William light-headed, and he regretted not moving to a wall to brace himself against. Moving wasn't an option, though, not when it would mean stopping, and William didn't want to stop. Jameson didn't, either, his pace quickening and the slightest bit of saliva slipping out of the corner of his mouth. William knew he must've already been dripping pre-release; Jameson took it all, stopping for nothing but to spread his legs wider, a hand rubbing himself through his trousers.
Unable to take it anymore, William breathed out another half-curse and made himself step back. His body ached with the need for release, and Jameson blinked up at him, his lips still parted from what had been inside just a moment ago. Before he could even voice the question, William had already helped Jameson to his feet and was in the midst of undoing his partner's belt as quick as he could manage.
"My lord—"
"I have no desire to attempt to hide what I want," William said, at last gaining the leeway to tuck a hand inside Jameson's undershorts, his fingers finding that absolute wetness he'd known would be there. Jameson whimpered, clutching to William's lapel with one hand while teasing the fingers of his other along William's still wet-with-saliva erection. William groaned. "Your mouth is delightful, but I want to be inside you in a way that lets me hear that gorgeous voice of yours."
He knew that Jameson's impatience and arousal didn't stand a chance, and all the more so as William dragged his index finger all the way across Jameson's entrance to his clitoris. His voice was a shaking, breathy thing as he said, "Then take me."
There was no need for hesitation with a request like that. Not even bothering to wipe his hand free, William took Jamesons wrist and pulled him along. It didn't take more than a few paces for them to reach his intended destination, and William spun Jameson so that his back was facing William, his front facing the couch; Jameson was already attempting to shimmy his pants down as far as he could. William watched first the curve of his behind, then the shape of his legs emerge, and then he had his hands upon those hips, rubbing circles into the skin as he lined himself up. The two of them moaned as William began to press inside, Jameson shifting to a better position to take him while also gripping onto the back of the couch for support. William sunk inside, revelling each and every last bit of warmth and tightness enveloping him, along with Jameson's whimpering voice of, "Yes, yes, God, yes."
William knew his laugh could be a devastating thing under the right circumstances, which was why he made sure that every last piece of his chuckle went right into Jameson's ear. "But, my lord," he said, gripping Jameson's hips tight, "we haven't even gotten started."
"Then show me what you've got, darling."
It was an unfair move in every possible way, not breaking the rule against using each other's names, but still suggesting a much deeper level of familiarity than a mere formal address could muster. William didn't bother to hold back his groan of half-frustration, nor did he bother to hold back the strength of his thrust as he pulled back and pushed all the way back in, bottoming out to the sound of Jameson's shout of pleasure. William did it again, making sure to hit just right to emphasise the sensation of hitting deep inside Jameson without restraint, and then and just then did he fall into a steady, relentless rhythm. Jameson's hands were tight upon the couch that was keeping him steady, his voice filling up every corner of the room.
"Now, my dear," William said, and Jameson whimpered all the more, "is this to your satisfaction?"
"Yes, yes, yes—" Jameson swallowed, as if the stimulation were enough to choke him. Was he remembering the sensation of William filling up his throat? If William could, he would take Jameson from both angles at once, just to see how he could crumble against so much stimulation. "Just what I wanted to feel tonight."
It took more effort than William had expected to keep up the act of being strangers indulging in each other. "Just for tonight?" Jameson moaned in response, his body starting to bend over the couch in an effort to keep himself steady. "If I could be so lucky, you would be what I would feel every night." It was a flirtation for their imagined scenario, yes, but it was also an affirmation that William's desire for Jameson had not faded, no matter how busy they had gotten. So long as he could help it, William would not allow for a repeat of Jameson's worries following Waterford's death.
"So bold," Jameson said, all of his practise allowing him to remain flirtatious in the midst of pleasure. "Making such declarations before we've even been able to drown in ecstasy together." He glanced over his shoulder, making a show of licking his lips, and Jameson must've been able to feel the way that William's erection throbbing in response. "We should at least enjoy ourselves in full before we do anything drastic."
"Oh? Would you like proof of why I believe that to be a good idea?" William allowed his hand to slide away from Jameson's hips, the spread of his partner's legs meaning his folds were already parted, leaving nothing in the way of William's fingers sliding against his clitoris. He pressed one finger down, then the other, alternating them in a gentle message. "Perhaps once you finish from me, you'll see why I've made such a proposal."
"By all means, my lord, show me."
So far entangled together, William couldn't back down from such a blatant challenge. He'd pressed himself as close to Jameson as he could and still keep moving, chasing his own pleasure as much as Jameson's, and Jameson pushed right back, his hips meeting William's rhythm, a rhythm that was replicated Jameson's voice every time William pushed deep inside him. Between their lack of intercourse the past month and Jameson's earlier service, William knew he didn't have much endurance left until his climax crashed into him, but was that so bad? They were to enjoy themselves together, the one thing that William could call a flaw being that Jameson's face was almost pressed into the couch cushions, muffling every lovely sound he made.
Not abandoning his tease of Jameson's clitoris, William ran his hand up Jameson's back, his fingers carding through Jameson's hair, testing his reaction. Jameson didn't freeze as he had before, nor did any of their agreed upon words slip from his lips, but William still hesitated, not wanting to upset the moment that they'd built together.
And then Jameson tipped his head back into William's hand. "Please," he moaned, "go ahead."
William formed a fist, catching Jameson's hair in the process. He didn't yank hard, but instead gave a slow pull that had Jameson's head tilted back at the perfect angle so that nothing got in the way of his prettiest moan of the evening.
William's own arousal spiked, the pressure inside him growing almost unbearable. "My lord," he said by way of substitute, wishing for nothing but to call Jameson's name until he could speak no more. "You're wonderful, dearest."
"Darling!"
William orgasmed first, his release spilling into Jameson without any sort of warning. He didn't hold back his groans, either, and though he did find himself mouthing Jameson's name more than once. For his part, Jameson took about a minute longer, but the force of his walls fluttering against William was almost enough to knock the wind out of him. As was their norm, the two of them bucked into each other until they ran out of steam, William resting his weight upon Jameson's back as the couch kept them from sliding to the floor.
"Mm, just as I thought," William said, making sure to pepper kisses into Jameson's neck. "I would very much like to take you home with me."
Jameson hummed in response, pleasure still lacing his words in the afterglow. "If you do that, I might never leave."
"I fail to see the issue with that."
In a world that could be so ugly, Jameson's smile was no doubt the most beautiful thing William had ever seen. "So take me home."
They were, of course, already home, but that just gave them an opportunity to move to the bedroom. Jameson didn't bother to pull his trousers back up, instead leaving them behind on the sitting room floor. He then sat upon the edge of the bed in a manner that wasn't all that different from the night they'd first met, except for the bareness of his legs beyond tantalising with the traces of William's release still upon them.
And, of course, the mask was still on, a bit of playfulness that neither of them seemed to wish to abandon just yet.
"So mysterious," William said as he stepped forward, hands pressing down on either side of Jameson's hips upon the mattress. "You make me wonder what treasure of a face you might be hiding."
"Now, now, my lord. If I let you know that, it would spoil all the fun." Up close, William could see the freckles dancing upon those cheeks and sneaking up under the dark cover, his usual desire to kiss all over them hindered by the mask in the way.
But William had yet to remove his own mask, either, willing to indulge in the allure for a bit longer. "While I would never be so crass as to ruin your enjoyment, I can't contain my own curiosity. I hope you find that acceptable." William brushed his tongue upon Jameson's cheek, following the lower ridge of the mask but being careful not to remove it. "Perhaps we should play a game for a prize."
"Where the prize is getting to see the other's face?" Jameson asked, sounding interested. "While intriguing, perhaps that would ruin my plans. Have you considered I might want you to come chasing after me like some Cinderella?"
"And whatever happened to not leaving if I took you home?"
"You'll just have to convince me to stay, now won't you?" So that was his game, wanting to be pleasured to absolute oblivion, where the thought of leaving—however much of a fantasy that thought would be—wouldn't even cross his mind. Yes, William thought he would be more than capable of delivering such a request. "What say you, my lord? Do you accept the terms I've put forth?"
William answered with a smile, ensuring that his gaze was as full of smoulder as possible. "I do. I just hope you don't have anyone that will worry when you don't return home tonight." He caught Jameson in a kiss before he could answer, their tongues twisting together with the same fervour as at the beginning of their exchange, if not more so due to them still lingering in the aftermath of their first release. Jameson gripped upon William's jacket, pulling him down to the mattress. William allowed himself to go, though his hands made swift work of Jameson's tie, waistcoat, and shirt buttons, clearing out plenty of skin to kiss and suck against, replacing the marks that had faded in their abstinence. Jameson moaned for each and every one of them, catching his own fingers in William's hair to push him closer, to bite harder. He also rolled his hips up, building that friction between them once again.
Under most circumstances, William would have taken his time, pulled each moment of the experience out to its longest but still satisfying extent, but he found himself getting pulled into Jameson's eager pace—and he also realised that he didn't mind one bit. Not just because it played into the fantasy of two strangers enthusiastic to explore each other, but because Jameson's very being drew him in, making him wish to shed their clothes so that their bare skin could press together, so that Jameson could prop up his legs and spread them wide open, more than ready for William to take him again and again—
The thought of it made William give in to the rush. Jameson's jacket had fallen to the wayside, and his waistcoat and top were destined to become wrinkled messes by morning. For his part, William had lost all his upper layers, leaving Jameson ample room to press his nails into William's shoulders. Whenever they joined together, William pressed all his weight down on Jameson, Jameson locking his legs around William's back so that they were as close as possible, Jameson's lips nibbling at William's ear just right.
They did not bother to take their time warming up, their first round already proving more than enough what Jameson was capable of taking. The different angle did change the precise places inside that William was able to reach, but Jameson moaned loud and true anyways, gripping tighter to William's shoulders, where the crescent marks would remain for at least the day to come. It was a more carnal process than usual for them, but William had already gotten caught up in the satisfaction of having Jameson all to himself again, and he made sure that his own groans were evidence enough of his pleasure for Jameson to enjoy just as much as William was drinking in his voice in return.
Even so, the one place William refused to compromise upon was building up Jameson's second orgasm. While Jameson didn't have any qualms about the order of their pleasure, William was of the mind that the satisfaction of his partner should come first whenever possible, and at the very least it should if the previous time the opposite was true. Still fresh off his first release, William could hold out a bit longer, which gave him plenty of time to work Jameson to the edge and back at least once, if not twice. And if he played his cards right, then Jameson would burst with the slightest prompting into the highest ecstasy.
And when it came to the game they were playing together, William was very confident in his chances of victory.
"You feel wonderful, my lord," William said, spilling the praise right into Jameson's ear. He'd long since figured out the perfect tone to make Jameson tighten upon him almost every time, and the same held true now, that squeeze making William groan. "I daresay it's almost like our bodies were meant to fit together like this. And that you take me so well…has it been long since you've been satisfied to such an extent?"
William, of course, knew the answer, but the person he was pretending to be wouldn't—and in either case, he wanted to hear Jameson say it, wanted to hear him confess in that trembling, pleasure-filled voice of his just how much need had built up inside him.
And Jameson did not disappoint, his swallow failing to compose himself as he'd wished. "It's been far—far too long." It seemed that almost a month too much for Jameson to handle. "A-and you? You became ready for me without too much time between."
"It's also been far too long for me." Funny, how before he would have considered a month not long at all, and yet now it seemed near unthinkable. If it weren't for the obvious exhaustion beforehand, William would have propositioned Jameson much sooner; it was why he'd held no pretence of holding off whenever Jameson had come home, looking irresistible. "You came along at the perfect time, my dear. Now let me thank you by bringing you to ecstasy again."
While they'd been chatting, William had lifted himself up enough that he could slip a hand between him, though being down one arm of support made it a little bit difficult to stay upright. William would accept no excuses of himself, though, ensuring he could tease Jameson's already swollen clitoris with ease while still thrusting inside him. The touch was enough for Jameson's voice to jump half an octave, and he somehow grew even tighter than he already was. While the rush of stimulation was enough for Jameson to freeze as he adjusted, soon he was back to meeting William's rhythm, then surpassing it in that desperation of his that was so adorable that William almost couldn't stand it.
But stand it he did, keeping a close watch on Jameson's reactions to find the perfect time to pull back so that he could build him up again. And there it was, the tightening of Jameson's grip that signalled he was close without being so on edge that William risked losing the orgasm by taking fingers away.
"Oh, no, no, no. Wi—" Jameson caught himself before he could whine William's name, but he could do nothing but hide his desperation. "Please don't, please don't stop."
"It's just for a moment." William was still moving his hips after all, as he didn't have the willpower at the moment to stop even that. He offered a kiss, but that did nothing to prevent Jameson from tightening his legs around William's back, as if pressing him closer was going to bring it back. William instead settled for tracing shapes around Jameson's inner thigh, smearing Jameson's slick in his wake. "All I want is to build you up. To make up for all the time I couldn't satisfy you before."
That was perhaps stretching the bounds of their scenario, but Jameson ate it up anyways. "Promise me," he whispered. "Promise me you'll do it."
"I swear that I will bring you to the absolute pleasure I can muster. All you need to do is trust me and let me push you to the brink until you can't help but give in."
Jameson nodded his assent, and William used that as the signal to tease his clitoris again, stopping at the same point as before, which took far less time than the first. Jameson was able to endure the second round, but during the third his breath caught in precursor to an orgasm that must've ripped through him if the throwing back of his head and the volume of his voice were any indication. William drank it in, not even bothering to match the pace of his fingers and the thrusting of his hips, both actions picking up speed to give Jameson everything he craved out of an orgasm. It just so happened to work out that William wanted that same stimulation as well, craving the clench of Jameson's body, his legs, his hands, all of it clinging onto William with everything he had as if he had no intention of letting him go.
Except, after the throes of his own pleasure were complete, he did.
Jameson's hand slid up and away from William's shoulders, his fingers slow as they pulled the bow securing William's mask free. His other hand caught the accessory before it could fall, Jameson setting it aside as he cupped William's cheeks between his palms. "Beautiful," he whispered, and then: "Always you."
William exploded.
He'd been on edge already, but those words were enough for any last tether of control inside him to snap, and so his second orgasm crashed into him with even more force than the first. Jameson remained beneath him, his inner walls taking everything William had, Jameson's overstimulation pulling moans so loud from his lips that William couldn't quite help but wonder to which point in the manor his voice might be audible in.
He also found that he didn't care. Let them know what was happening, let them know that Jameson was his, as William thrust the rest of his release into him—
The aftermath left them both breathless and staring into each other's eyes. "William," Jameson said, at last letting the name free, and, though it wasn't in the midst of an orgasm that Jameson called it, William still found it more satisfying than if he had.
"Jameson." William adjusted so that his own hands could lift up Jameson's head, his own touch just as gentle of undoing the ribbon as it had been as he put the mask on, revealing every last bit of Jameson's face as he smiled with the utmost satisfaction of the afterglow of their sex. "Always you."
The words felt like a promise.
For once, William didn't bother to dwell on if he was allowed to speak such a thing.
Instead, he leaned into the kiss Jameson sought from him, the exploration of each other's mouth slow and tender. The lingering warmth of his release still hovered in William's bones, and the sensation of resting inside Jameson brought with it a sense of comfort. They remained like that a while longer, adding a few extra kisses to each other's necks and shoulders, but in the end Jameson just pulled William close and took in his scent, their individual aromas mixing together with each other, with the smell of sex.
"I'll admit," William said, "you're quite enjoyable whenever I haven't had the chance to indulge you for so long."
Jameson made a half-groaned sound of protest. "I'll accept it if we have no other choice, but if you try to do so on purpose, I'll never let you get away with it, darling." Meaning he'd do everything he could to drag William into bed, one way or another.
William had heard of worse arrangements.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind." He dropped another kiss onto Jameson's forehead, then rolled the both of them over so their positions were reversed, Jameson atop and free to nuzzle into William's chest however he wished. "You've done good work with this case, Jameson."
"You think so?" Evangeline's own happiness should have been reassurance enough, but it seemed Jameson still harboured some doubts—or at least wouldn't object to any additional reassurance.
"I know so," William said, caressing Jameson's hair in a much gentler touch than he had before. "Someone asked you for help, and you provided it. You used every resource that you had available to you to make her wish come true." It didn't matter if Jameson hadn't handled every step of the way himself; such a heart that would work to help those in need was something William could admire. "So hold your head up high, dearest. You've done something to be proud of."
It took Jameson a few extra moments to let the words sink in, and William didn't rush him. "Thank you," Jameson said looking up with a smile, "both for saying that, and for indulging me tonight."
"I believe you were the one indulging me, dearest. But if we were both enjoying ourselves, isn't that what matters most?"
"I agree. Though I do have an inquiry." Jameson propped himself up, licking his lips. "Any chance you feel like enjoying ourselves, one more time?"
Well, whenever Jameson asked like that, there was no way that William could say no.
[Author's Notes]
Somehow, I slept in way hard today. Dunno what happened there, but we've got an upload in progress, so yay!
We've got one more chapter left to falling action this arc!
Chapter title is from Indila's "Dernière Danse ."
Next time: The Disappearance of Lord Cecil Carfax, Act Four. Please look forward to it!
-Avi
[8 February 2025]