The final chapter! Thank you for reading along with me. This was the first creative piece of writing I put forward in years. It started rough, and you stuck with it, so thank you!

Update: The first chapter of the sequel has been published! The title is Barrow Beyond Under-butler

Thomas stood to greet Eric and Teddy as they entered the diner. Both wanted to treat Thomas to an early breakfast before his first official day of work. Teddy shook Thomas's hand, and kept it in his while he looked at Thomas's wrist.

"Lovely watch," Teddy said, tapping the watch face with his finger. "I suppose the watchmaker needs to set a good example for his patrons."

"David made it for me," Thomas told Teddy.

Teddy gave a subtle eye roll and took his seat.

Lucy, the waitress and friend of Price's, brought menus. She patted her coiffed hair before speaking to the three handsome gentlemen. "I remember you," she told Thomas as she handed him a menu. "You don't forget a face like yours."

"It's amazing how many people find that face unforgettable," Teddy told Lucy as he took his menu.

Eric put up his hand. "I don't need one, thank you."

"Not eating?" Teddy asked.

"I am, but I always order the same thing when I go out for breakfast."

"Well you still have to go through the motions," Teddy told Eric. "Review the entire menu, listen to the specials, and then you can order the same thing you always get."

Thomas checked the time and tapped his menu on the table. "Well I already know what I'm getting."

"Ech, the pressure," Teddy complained to Lucy, who hadn't left the table. "Two poached eggs, toast, and coffee, I guess."

"I'll have the same, but make it double," Eric requested. "And bacon, please. And sausage. And some tomatoes."

"That's not the same thing at all," Thomas told Eric. "Lucy, I'll have scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, and tea, thank you."

Lucy took the menus and raised an eyebrow at Eric. "You sure you want four poached eggs, double toast, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, and coffee?"

"You know, I'd also like some potatoes."

"So the entire right hand side of the menu?" Thomas asked.

"Just about," Eric replied with a smile.

Teddy placed his napkin on his lap and arranged his fork and knife. "Why the feast?"

"I'm preparing for my next trip. It'll be a physical affair. Lots of bicycling and climbing and hiking. I was hoping for a companion, but it hasn't worked out in my favor."

"How do you mean?" Thomas asked as Lucy returned with tea and coffee.

Eric dropped a cube of sugar into his cup and sipped without stirring. "I made an appeal to Edith to let an illustrator accompany me for the trip. I wrote up an entire proposal for nothing. No money, she says. Made it sound like there's barely enough for me, forget David."

"David?" Teddy asked as he attempted to grab a sugar cube with tongs. Distracted, he dropped the cube back into the bowl.

Eric scooped the sugar cube with his spoon and put it in Teddy's cup. "His art deserves an audience."

"I don't think David was holding out too much hope, as much as it would be a dream come true," Thomas said, licking a drop of tea from his lips.

"I guess that's good, then," Eric sighed.

"Would David even go along with it?" Teddy asked. "He seems comfortable working in service."

Eric tipped his chin toward Thomas. "I'm sure he was, mostly, until his beloved left."

Thomas was quiet until the food arrived; two reasonably sized plates for Thomas and Teddy, and two overfilled plates for Eric.

Teddy cut his eggs with his fork and knife while wrinkling his nose at Eric, who ate an entire egg in two hasty bites while hunched over his plate. "That's not very attractive, you know," Teddy commented before taking a small bite.

Eric sat up and rested his wrists on the table. He finished chewing and swallowed hard. "Does that mean, when I'm not eating, you find me attractive?"

"Why did I agree to meet you two for breakfast?" Thomas asked under his breath before biting into his toast.

"Because you deserve a big breakfast with your buddies before your first day," Eric said as he dug back into his eggs. He traded a smile with Teddy, then ate his second and third eggs more quickly than the first.

When the check arrived, Teddy paid it quickly before Eric could pull his billfold from his jacket. "Good luck on your first day, handsome," Teddy said once Lucy took the check.

Thomas checked his watch, thanked both men, wiped his lips with his napkin, and headed next door.

The sun was rising across the street and it threw hazy beams of light through the storefront. Sam was already at work, kneeling behind the counter as he set up the display cases. He waved to Thomas from the ground and smiled over the counter. The smile was so much like Price's that Thomas's heart fluttered, feeling the weight of how much he missed Price in Sam's smile.

Besides that first moment in the store, there wasn't much time for Thomas to lament his distance from Price. Sam had a list of tasks for Thomas written and posted on the wall next to a list of his own. There were few breaks, unlike Thomas's days at Downton where he snuck in a smoke or a sip of tea whenever he could, but he didn't mind. By lunchtime, he realized he preferred the pace. There wasn't time to feel bored between the work already piled up and the customers who passed through the door with increasing frequency over the course of the day.

Though busy, Thomas and Sam had time to chat, and much of the chatter was speckled with chuckles. Sam was nearly as sarcastic as Thomas, and somewhat silly like Price, but with a greater air of maturity. Flirty as Price, too, Thomas thought, whenever an attractive young woman came into the shop.

As the weeks passed, Sam was generally a comforting reminder of Price, though some days Sam would say or do something so similar to Price that it made Thomas's heart flutter like his first day in the shop. Thomas's heart ached a bit, too, whenever Sam shared stories of Price from their younger days, or when Marie cooked both men dinner and commented that Price enjoyed the same foods. And his heart nearly broke as letters from Price became darker and Price's depression over their distance became apparent.

Thomas debated with himself whether to bring up the subject of Price's letters with Sam. He had worked at the shop nearly two months, and felt like he and Sam were friends and partners, not employer and employee. Yet it never felt quite right to discuss Price with Sam. If Sam knew of their relationship, he never gave a hint, and so Thomas kept the letters to himself, even though Sam was the only person in Price's life who may understand his darkness.

Sybbie chased after a marble that had escaped the game she played with Master George and Price. Nanny Rebecca had left Downton weeks before to get married, and the new nanny was too busy with J.D. Bates and his colic to play with the other children.

Price fixed the chalk circle that marked the boundary of the game, as little feet and hands had smudged the edges. With his eyes on the ground, he didn't see Lily approaching with Marigold until Master George and Sybbie began squealing with delight. He pulled extra marbles from a velvet pouch so that Marigold could join the game, and took a few steps back to stand with Lily once the children were busy at play.

"I can't say I ever pictured you as the nanny type," Price said with a teasing half smile.

"Same to you," Lily said, returning Price's grin. "Seems I have no need for this coat, the weather couldn't be more beautiful."

Price helped Lily out of her coat and laid it carefully on a bench. "Our conversation has devolved to discussing the weather. We used to discuss more important things."

"Such as?" Lily asked as she sat on the bench.

Price sat between Lily and her coat. He played with the cuff and watched the children flick marbles. "New novels, the news, the latest flicks we've seen, our families, our friends. Not the lousy weather."

Lily gave Price a curious smile. "Do you miss me or something?"

Price chewed his bottom lip and looked at the cuff in his fingers. "I miss everyone. Even my friends still here are preoccupied with their own lives."

"I was barely here a minute, so it can't be me making you so glum. Is it the nanny?"

"She's one of everyone, so yes."

Marigold ran to Lily and handed her a buttercup. Lily sniffed the little flower and praised Marigold for finding it, and chuckled as Marigold ran back to her game. "I wish I still had that same sense of wonder about the world. A little buttercup just made her entire afternoon."

Price wasn't listening, and Lily tickled his ear with the flower. He batted it away and stared ahead with a twisted, sour expression.

"Come on, what is it then? You're dying to talk to someone about whatever's on your mind. And it's not the weather, we've established that already."

"I just feel lonely."

Lily shrugged. "Who doesn't in this world?"

"How long are you here for?"

"Until tomorrow."

"Do you want to go out tonight?"

Lily crossed her legs and straightened the hem of her dress. "Go out where?"

"A drink and a flick."

"Will Mr. Carson let you?"

Price nodded. "The new footman is a disaster and I'm picking up all the slack. He'll probably let me do whatever I want once dinner's served."

Lily crossed her legs the opposite way, then back again. "Alright, that's fine I suppose." She watched Price as he walked to the children and dropped to one knee to join in the game.

"Are you joining?" he called back to Lily.

Lily played with the cuff of her coat as Price had and tried not to blush. "No, that's alright. I'll watch."

At the pub that evening, Price was just as glum. He'd worn a gray suit that reminded him of something Thomas would wear, thinking it would be comforting, but instead it made him even more aware of Thomas's absence. Lily tried to engage Price in conversation, but his eyes kept wandering, especially when the barmaid passed. When he flagged her down for his fourth drink, Lily made eye contact with the barmaid and shook her head 'no'.

Lily wiped lipstick from her wineglass and sighed, fiddling with the stem of her glass and Price fiddled with the handle on his mug.

"You didn't even notice my makeup," Lily grumbled.

Price looked Lily over, taking in her lipstick and rouge. "I'm sorry. You look nice."

Lily's lip curled. "'Nice'? No woman wants to hear that she looks nice."

"Well what were you going for?"

"Pretty, maybe."

"Well that's a given," Price said, watching the crowd again. "You always look pretty."

"You really think so?"

Price's eyes snapped to Lily's as he finally realized she had worn the makeup for him. "It's just a fact, I mean, objectively speaking."

Lily wiped off her remaining lipstick with her napkin. "Objectively, of course."

"Why don't we head to the theatre?"

"Can you walk straight after drinking like a fish, or should we try swimming there?"

Price put money on the table to cover the tab and helped Lily from her chair. "I can hold my liquor these days. Three's a warm up."

"If that was meant to sound reassuring, it wasn't."

Price offered his arm for the walk to the theatre, but Lily declined, holding her purse handle in both hands instead.

"Lovely night," Price observed.

"Let's not talk about the weather. I've been told that's a boring subject."

Price bought Lily a box of popcorn and a pop despite the fact that she declined both. They found seats in the dark theatre, and Price laid his arm on the armrest with the box of popcorn in hand. Lily took a kernel at a time and watched the crowd, keeping her eyes averted from Price's.

"You'll eat my food but you won't even look at me?"

Lily crunched a kernel between her molars and met Price's eyes. "Everything I say gets cheek in response. Or worse, no response. You're the one who asked me out in case you'd forgotten."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Be more thoughtful."

The theatre lights dimmed even lower as the house band tuned their instruments. Lily sipped her pop through a paper strawn between bites of popcorn. She reached for what she thought was the final piece, but Price had placed the empty box on the floor, and so Lily touched Price's hand instead. She retracted her hand quickly and tucked it under her thigh. She looked out of the corner of her eye at Price, but he seemed unphased and was still watching the film attentively.

"Do you want some pop?" Lily asked in a whisper, holding the bottle out to Price.

Without taking his eyes off of the screen, Price leaned over and took a sip from the straw, then sat back in his chair.

Lily shook her head and sipped her drink. "Ech," she said, wrinkling her nose, "you got the straw all wet. You can finish this."

"Oh, thanks," Price said as he took the bottle.

"Are you even awake?"

"Yes, and I'm trying to watch this."

Someone a few rows back shushed them both, and Price and Lily sunk into their seats.

At the film's climax, a couple was parting ways, not sure when they would meet again. Lily thought the acting was overly dramatic and turned to Price to laugh, but she froze when she saw tears on his cheeks, the light from the flickering film making the tears glitter.

Price wiped his cheek with the back of his hand and looked sideways at Lily. Neither said a word and returned their attention to the screen. The silence continued on the walk back to Downton until Lily pulled Price to the same bench they sat on that afternoon, now speckled with dew as the evening air began to cool. She held her pocketbook in her lap and set sympathetic eyes on Price.

"What were you thinking about in the theatre?"

"Believe me when I say you won't like the answer."

Lily squeezed the handle of her pocketbook. "Let me decide that, won't you?"

"Fine," Price said, shifting his body to face Lily. "I'm in love, but that person's gone away."

Lily smiled at Price. "Why couldn't you say this earlier? It makes a lot more sense than just feeling lonely. It was the nanny, wasn't it?"

Price tossed his hat on the bench and raked his hand through his hair. "No, Lily, not her."

"For Pete's sake, I've been asking for ages," Lily said, leaning closer to Price. "Just tell me."

Price hunched over and took shallow breaths, like an animal too comfortable in his cage to walk through the open door.

"Look at you, this is ludicrous! I won't tell anyone, if it's supposed to be some sort of secret. Is she married? Oh, goodness, is it Anna?"

Price looked up at Lily with watery eyes. "It's not Daisy or Rebecca. It's not Anna or Lady Edith. It's no woman, not before, not now, not ever! It's Mr. Barrow, Lily!"

Lily stared at Price, and he looked back at her, breathing hard, not sure what to do since she hadn't yelled back at him. He had anticipated shouting, or tears, or both, but Lily looked stoic, with her hands still on her purse. Then she started to look as though she might laugh.

"You've nothing to say to that?" Price finally asked when the silence became too much for him.

Lily's voice was even. "When you broke off our engagement, it made me question everything about myself. It cut me to the quick, it stripped away all of my self esteem. It took years for me to rebuild myself, though I'll never be the same person I was before. I'm more vulnerable, I have a hard time trusting people. And this entire time, it wasn't me at all. It could have been any girl you chose for your experiment."

Price shook his head. "It wasn't an experiment. I thought I could change, especially for a woman like you."

"Don't try and flatter me."

"I can't tell you how much I wanted it to work."

Lily's voice finally cracked and she looked away from him. "But, David, when it wasn't going to work, and you knew it, you should have told me the truth."

Price waited for Lily to look him in the eye again. "I could be jailed for being who I am. I couldn't tell you when you were angry with me, what if you told other people?"

"Then later, when I was less angry," Lily said, her voice cracking again. "Maybe even when I came for my interview here. Any day before today would have been better than believing I was unlovable this whole time."

Price put his hand on Lily's. "Of course you're lovable."

"Not 'of course'!" Lily yelled, though she didn't pull her hand away. She waited to speak again until she could do so calmly. "The man I loved didn't love me back."

"I love you in my own way."

"You still should have told me."

"You're right."

Lily looked at the ground, and Price followed her eyes. They listened to the crickets chirping and watched a frog leap across the gravel walkway, quite a ways from the pond.

"He looks lost," Lily said quietly.

"I know that feeling."

Lily tipped her head up. "I think I knew."

"About me?"

"Yes. Maybe that's why I pushed so hard for you to tell me."

"How did you know?"

Lily leaned back on the bench. "The fact that you had to close your eyes when we were naked should have been a hint."

"They weren't closed the whole time. You have a nice body, objectively speaking."

Lily elbowed Price. "Be kind, I still haven't decided if we can be friends."

"Of course we're friends."

"Not 'of course'."

"Then how do we become friends?"

Lily reached up to sweep a curl from her forehead. "I don't know. I'll have to think about it. This is a lot to think about."

"I understand."

"You can't possibly," Lily said quickly, her fingers still in her hair. "You don't understand how I feel, not one bit." She screeched and pulled her feet onto the bench. The little frog had leapt onto her foot, and then on Price's.

Price laughed and scooped up the frog, closing his hands around the little animal. "Don't scare him away. What if he's your Prince Charming?"

"Not funny!" Lily complained as she hit Price with her purse.

Price opened his hands just enough for the frog to poke out its face. "He likes you."

"Stop, David."

Price held his hands to his ear and then nodded. "He says, 'give us a little kiss'."

"I mean it," Lily said, winding up her arm to hit Price with her bag again.

Price made a smooching sound and held the frog's face near Lily's lips. She screeched again and jumped to her feet, then hit Price on the shoulder with her purse.

"Stop! You'll scare him!"

"If you want to be my friend, you'll stop torturing me with that toad."

Price closed his hands again. "It's a frog, not a toad. If you won't kiss him, let's at least walk him back to his home."

"Fine, he's a frog. You're a toad."

Price stood and held his elbow out to Lily. "Fancy a walk to the pond?"

Lily closed her eyes and sighed. With her eyes still closed, she took Price's arm. "Do not open your hands until we're at the pond or you'll regret it," she said, opening her eyes, narrowing them at Price.

"You can trust me," Price replied with a smile. He kept Lily's gaze and all signs of teasing left his lips. "I hope you know that."

Lily began walking and pulled Price along. "You'll need to prove it. You can start by keeping your word that the frog stays in your hands until we get there."

"I can do that," Price said as he caught up with Lily's pace. "He's still sad that you won't kiss him."

"I've already kissed one frog in my day," Lily said with her chin raised.

Price chuckled and pulled Lily closer to his side. "I deserve that."

Lily didn't reply, but she walked with Price to the pond, waved goodbye to the little frog when he finally made it to the water, and accepted Price's arm when he offered it for the walk back.

Marie had begun inviting Thomas to dinner at least once a week. The children enjoyed Thomas's company, and Sam never seemed to tire of Thomas's presence despite spending long hours together in the shop. Thomas had enough training and confidence to man the shop without Sam, and when he arrived for dinner, he had just finished his first full day at the shop alone. Sam listened to Thomas's stories from the day, and both men laughed about some of the demanding and finicky customers Thomas handled that day with ease. After dessert, they both helped Marie with the dishes, and then went outside for a smoke.

It was a humid summer evening in the city, and both men had their jackets off and shirtsleeves rolled to the elbow. Sam produced cigarettes and Thomas retrieved his lighter, and both went to the table in the backyard to relax, each with their remaining wine from dessert.

"You did a good job today," Sam said as he watched Marie finishing the dishes through the kitchen window. "I don't know if David could have handled things like you do."

Price was rarely the topic of conversation, and never in relation to the business. Thomas took a drag and tapped his cigarette in the ashtray on the table. "He handles things well under pressure at Downton."

Sam let his gaze travel from Marie to the moon, which was bright and nearly full. "That's good to hear. I worried David would repeat his old behaviors being so far from home, from me and Marie and the girls. From dad, at the time. I'm glad I was wrong."

"What behaviors?" Thomas asked as evenly as he could, attempting to mask his curiosity.

Sam smiled up at the moon. "If he didn't tell you, I guess it's not my place to say anything."

"He told me about how hard it was for him after the war."

Sam nodded slowly and took a sip of his wine. "Hard indeed. He came back after watching so many men die, I thought he'd have an even greater appreciation for life."

"Well war impacts every man differently," Thomas said, looking at Sam from the corner of his eye.

Sam nodded again. "Right. No one else's big brother who returned from the war got arrested as many times as mine," he laughed.

Thomas swirled his wine around his tongue and swallowed. "How many times was it again?"

Sam shrugged. "Six, maybe seven. He told you, didn't he?" he asked, his eyes shifting from the moon to Thomas's.

"Yes, of course," Thomas said with a convincing smile, though he set his eyes on his wine glass in case they belied his lips.

"He was so self destructive," Sam said, shaking his head. "I still worry about him. You say he has other friends at Downton besides yourself?"

Thomas looked up from the glass. "Everyone is David's friend."

"Thank goodness," Sam sighed. "She worries, too," he said, looking at Marie in the window.

Thomas took a long drag. "I'm sure he's taking care of himself."

"Tell me if you hear otherwise."

"I will," Thomas promised. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, and decided he would write a letter the next day asking Price to find a way to visit as soon as he was able.

The new footman still hadn't found his footing, and so there were little excuses good enough for Price to take more than half a day away from Downton. After receiving Thomas's letter, Price practiced his story in the mirror, and then delivered news of a dear aunt passing to Mrs. Hughes. She frowned and patted Price's back, then spoke to Mr. Carson. Price was on a train to London the next morning.

Price knew Thomas was working when he arrived, but he didn't go to the shop, fearing he wouldn't be able to hide his excitement over seeing Thomas in front of his brother. Instead, he went to the library and took out three books; one on illustration, one on painting, and one on charcoal. He let himself into Thomas's flat with a key left for him under the mat. After giving himself a tour, and laying on Thomas's bed for a few minutes, he made himself a cup of tea and read his books at the kitchen table.

He jumped at every footstep he heard in the hall, and finally, the steps he heard came up to the door. As a key turned in the lock, he closed his book and sprinted across the flat. He didn't wait for Thomas to remove his hat, and barely waited for the door to shut before pressing his body to Thomas's as he reached for his cheeks.

"My love," Price said in a whisper before kissing Thomas deeply.

Thomas dropped his keys on the floor and tossed his hat. "Have you missed me?"

Price kissed Thomas feverishly, as if he were starving and Thomas's lips were the first food he'd tasted in weeks. He began tugging at Thomas's clothes, and Thomas laughed and held him at arm's length.

"Do I get a 'hello'?"

Price shook his head, "There's no time. I need you. Now." Price began pulling off his own clothes, first his braces and then the buttons of his shirt, before Thomas grabbed his hands.

"There's no need to rush."

Price panted and looked up at Thomas with begging eyes. "I need you."

"My little darling," Thomas cooed, placing light kisses on Price's knuckles. "We have all night."

Price watched Thomas's lips on his hands and his lips involuntarily parted, his tongue sliding across them slowly. He shivered as Thomas's lips kissed their way to his palms, his veins throbbing beneath the delicate skin of his wrist. Thomas traced Price's blue veins with his tongue, and Price moaned softly as he undid his cufflink. He rolled up his sleeve and Thomas kissed each part of his skin that revealed itself, until he reached the crook of Price's elbow. Thomas let his tongue slide slowly back down Price's arm, to his wrist, and back up. Price groaned and sighed, and then whimpered as Thomas repeated the same action on his other arm.

Thomas undid Price's collar and tossed it in the direction of his hat, and then undid each button on Price's shirt, kissing Price's neck as his fingers worked their way to Price's navel. The shirt went the way of the collar, and then Price's undershirt followed. Thomas trailed his fingers up and down Price's torso, sighing as his fingertips became reaquainted with Price's skin. He pulled Price close as his hands traveled slowly from Price's shoulders to the small of his back.

"I need you," Price repeated, barely audibly.

"I need you, too," Thomas whispered.

Price worked more quickly than Thomas to remove Thomas's shirt and undershirt, and when Thomas was down to his trousers and socks, Price stopped and looked Thomas over. Being busy at the shop, and away from Daisy's treats, had resulted in a slimmer Thomas.

"Where's that tummy going?" Price asked as he held Thomas's sides.

Thomas looked down at himself and smiled. "You're complaining that I lost weight?"

"I'd never complain about your body," Price said, tugging Thomas closer by the loose waist of his trousers. "I just hadn't considered your body changing in such a short amount of time."

"I promise to eat plenty of biscuits, just for you."

"Don't change a thing for me," Price said as he grinned up at Thomas. "I love you whatever way you come."

Thomas closed his eyes and pressed himself against Price. "How about inside you?"

Price chuckled. "That sounds like something I would say."

Thomas kissed Price's neck, and then looked up and moaned as Price returned the kisses on Thomas's throat and collarbone. He thought suddenly of the conversation with Sam, and the arrests Price had never divulged, but then closed his eyes tightly and pushed the thoughts away for later.

Price pulled Thomas's face down to his and wrapped his arms behind Thomas's neck. "To the bedroom, or should we try out the sofa?"

"Bedroom first," Thomas said, hoisting Price up. "Maybe sofa later."

Price wrapped his legs around Thomas and held on tight as Thomas carried him to the bedroom. Price had already lit the lamp on the dresser and closed the window in anticipation of finding his way to the bedroom quickly once Thomas was home. The bulb was dim under a thick, yellow shade, but it provided enough light so the two could see one another.

Thomas laid Price on the bed, and Price scooted back until his head reached the pillows. Thomas opened the drawer on his nightstand and pulled out an envelope. "Your pictures," he said with a smile, shaking the envelope. "They keep me company almost nightly."

"I have a confession," Price said, biting his knuckle for effect.

"What?"

Price rolled onto his stomach and looked up at Thomas. "I made some drawings of you," he whispered. "They keep me company, usually more than once a night."

Thomas ruffled Price's hair and put the envelope back in the drawer. "You'll have to erase some of the lines and redraw them now that I'm thinner."

"What else is in that drawer?" Price asked, lifting himself onto his forearms for a better look.

"Your favorite thing."

"Your knob is in that drawer?"

Thomas groaned at the joke. "Fine, second favorite," he said as he pulled a tube from the drawer.

Price gasped, grabbed it, and hugged it to his chest. "It's more romantic than flowers!" He hopped onto his knees and patted the pillow. "Lay down and we'll see how you like it," he said as he tucked the tube into his pocket.

"It's for you, I figured you'd want to use it first."

"It's for me, and I get to say who uses it first."

Thomas sighed, closed the drawer, and laid on the bed.

Price straddled Thomas and settled his weight carefully across Thomas's hips, then sat back slowly onto him.

"Shouldn't we take our trousers off?" Thomas asked as he undid Price's top button.

Price took Thomas's hands in his and shook his head. He moved his hips slowly, feeling Thomas harden beneath him.

Thomas pulled the waistband of Price's trousers and underwear forward, just enough for Price's cock to shift and stand straight up underneath his clothes. Thomas squeezed Price through his trousers while pushing himself into Price from below. As Thomas continued to rub and stroke, Price's cock pushed its way past his waistband, enough for Thomas to see exactly how eager it was becoming, hard as ever and glistening with precum.

"Are you sure you don't want them off?" Thomas asked.

Price shook his head again and moaned as Thomas stroked faster. He could feel Thomas's heat through the layers of their clothes and rocked himself harder against Thomas as Thomas rubbed harder in return.

"Don't you want to try out your gift?" Thomas asked as he rolled Price over and switched places, sitting across Price's hips, letting Price press into him as he stroked himself through his trousers.

Price put the tube on his stomach, then undid Thomas's trousers and eased them over Thomas's cock. While holding the trousers down in one hand, he gripped the tube in the other and twisted the cap off, then held it above Thomas and waited for it to drip.

Thomas let out a low "ooh" as the liquid made contact, and exhaled through parted lips as Price rubbed it in with his palm. "But it's supposed to be for you," Thomas breathed.

"It is," Price replied.

Thomas was quickly lost in the sensation of Price's hand gliding easily along him. He had used it on himself the night before, as a test, but it was nothing compared to Price's expert fingers, which knew exactly when to switch between long slow strokes and short quick ones. "It's an art," Price had once joked, but Thomas agreed. Price knew how to take him to the edge and bring him back, over and over, so that when it was finally time, Thomas's entire being was ready to give itself over.

Thomas looked down at Price, already dewy with sweat and flushed from his own excitement. Thomas's riding on top of Price had pushed Price's trousers down, enough for cock to slip out a bit again. "Do you want mine off?" Thomas asked as he fumbled for his buttons.

"No need," Price panted as he held the tube above Thomas again. He pushed himself up against Thomas and massaged Thomas with both hands, one and then the other, back and forth. Price suddenly looked at the nightstand and then back to Thomas. "Would you smoke while we do this?"

"What?" Thomas asked, the haze of sex clearing briefly as he tried to understand the request.

"I just pictured you smoking, shirtless, riding me. Will you do it?"

"I didn't think you liked my smoking," Thomas said with a grin as he reached for his cigarettes and lighter.

Price's hips jerked against Thomas as he lit a cigarette. "I didn't think I did, either," Price said. He looked down at himself and then back at the cigarette between Thomas's lips. "I guess I do."

Thomas took a long drag and then held the cigarette out to the side. He exhaled first between pursed lips, and then slowly with his mouth open, the smoke dancing across his tongue. Price took the cigarette from Thomas and then took a drag, and handed it back as he exhaled through his nose.

"So now you're smoking?" Thomas asked before taking a long drag again.

Price watched the smoke trail from Thomas's lips again. "I do now, occasionally. It's the closest I can get to tasting you when we're apart."

Thomas put his hand over Price's and helped him pump. "Do you do it while enjoying your drawings?"

Price smiled as though his hand were caught in the cookie jar. "I might."

"Well, I bought a bottle of your cologne to remind me of you."

"Really, now?" Price asked, letting Thomas take over the pace of their pumping. "You left an undershirt of yours in the laundry before you left. I often wear it to bed."

Thomas leaned down and, while exhaling, whispered in Price's ear, "one of your silk ties got mixed in with mine when we were in London. Sometimes I wear that, and only that, while I enjoy your pictures."

Price turned his head and kissed Thomas, then nodded to the cigarette. Thomas held it to Price's lips and let him take a drag. Price exhaled, and then kissed Thomas again. "Where is it?"

"The tie?"

"Mmm hmm."

"The drawer."

"Put it on."

Thomas tucked the cigarette between Price's lips and reached to the drawer again and produced a navy blue tie. He tied it loosely while smiling down at Price, then took the cigarette back. "How does it look?".

Price rocked his hips and looked up at Thomas from under heavy eyelids. "So, so sexy." Price let Thomas continue stroking himself and let his hands travel up Thomas's stomach to his chest. He held the tie in both hands and sighed. "I've never known a man to erotically put clothes on rather than take them off."

"I wasn't trying to be erotic."

"You can't help being erotic."

Thomas smiled at the compliment and took another drag.

"Exhale slowly," Price panted, pressing against Thomas rhythmically. He held the tie a little more firmly and pressed harder against Thomas.

Thomas sat back, resting more weight against Price, and exhaled as slowly as he could, running his tongue along his lower lip as did so.

Price gasped and grabbed the sheets to avoid gripping the tie too tightly.

"Wait, you're finishing already?"

"Uh huh," was all Price could manage to utter. His trousers were just low enough that when he climaxed, there was no fabric blocking it, and he came across his stomach and chest in four successive bursts.

"Blimey, David," Thomas laughed, not expecting such a show.

"Your turn," Price said, licking his lips, replacing Thomas's hand with both of his own. "Come for me."

"If you insist," Thomas replied. Price took him to the edge again, and this time, Thomas gave in. His grey eyes rolled back into his head as his orgasm traveled from his abdomen, through his body, all the way to the fingertips holding his fading cigarette. He came across Price's stomach and chest, and then Price's throat and cheek as well, as surprised by his own show as much as he'd been by Price's.

Thomas took the last drag of his cigarette and snuffed it out in the ashtray on his nightstand, all while keeping his eyes on Price. He loosened the tie and pulled it over his head, then smoothed his hair back into place.

"I think you need a little more cleanup than a quick fix of the hair," Price teased. "I'll get the basin, you relax."

Thomas didn't protest. He laid on the bed, his hands behind his head, and let Price take care of the cleaning. Price wet a washcloth and wiped Thomas's brow and cheeks first, getting every drop of sweat, then dipped the cloth in the basin and wrung it out before continuing.

"I feel like a mother cat," Price said quietly as he washed Thomas's stomach.

"How is my friend the calico?"

Price smiled and wrung out the cloth. "I think she misses you."

"I miss her a bit. It was nice sleeping with her that night."

"I'm no kitty but at least you have me to cuddle with this evening."

"Right, because you're a puppy."

Price growled playfully as he finished cleaning Thomas. He moved onto himself while Thomas watched, then got a glass of water to share before turning in.

"I'd like to ask you something before we go to sleep," Thomas said as Price joined him in bed.

"This sounds serious."

"Nothing major, but, your brother mentioned something in passing that I want to know more about."

Price chewed his lip and nodded. "Alright. Go on."

"He said after the war, you were arrested numerous times. But you never mentioned that to me before."

Price's brow furrowed. "Arrests?"

Thomas's brow furrowed in response. "Yes. Half a dozen or so."

Price looked down into his water glass for such a long time that Thomas wondered whether he was falling asleep. He finally looked back up, his brows still knitted together. "I forgot. I truly forgot until just now. How is that possible?"

The fear in Price's eyes reminded Thomas of the same he saw in men on the battlefield. He felt sick having stirred it up, though he couldn't have known Price had buried the memories. "To protect yourself, maybe. Do you remember what they were for?"

"Fighting," Price said, his voice distant. "My father appealed to the police and had it stricken from my record, and then I suppose I struck it from my own," he said with a twisted smile.

"I'm sorry I said anything."

"Don't be," Price said, putting his hand up. "I'm sorry my brain's so broken I'd forget a thing like that."

"Don't say that."

"I don't think I can talk about this any more tonight."

Thomas nodded. "I won't say another thing."

Price drank his water quickly and then slid beneath the covers. Thomas turned out the light and pulled Price close to him. He fell asleep with Price in his arms, but Price stayed awake for hours, his eyes open and heart pounding.

Thomas awoke early to make breakfast for Price before work, but found the bed beside him empty. Price sat on the sofa, his legs tucked underneath himself, staring blankly out of the window. The sun was only just coming up, and there wasn't much to see besides the fire escape and the building across the alley.

"What're you looking at?" Thomas asked from the doorway.

"Nothing," Price said without looking away from the window.

"Then what're you thinking about?" Thomas asked as he sat in the chair next to the sofa.

Price slowly turned to Thomas, his expression still blank. "Why do you waste your time on me?"

"You're tired," Thomas said as he leaned forward and placed his hand on Price's. "You look like you didn't sleep."

"Think of everything you could do out there if I weren't in your way," Price said, returning his gaze to the window.

"You're not in my way."

"You could be with someone who was actually here, not a sad little footman up in Yorkshire."

"You should go back to bed."

Price sniffled, but didn't cry. "Maybe you could have that mé·nage à trois you fantasized about."

"That's enough, David," Thomas said sharply.

Price rubbed his eye. "I'm not going to amount to anything, and do you know why? Because everything about me is a lie, even to myself."

"Back to bed."

"It's a front, it's phony. I'm a fraud. I make people like me, but if they knew me - really knew me - they'd despise me. Imagine Mr. Carson finding out I was arrested for fighting. Not once, not twice, but at least six times. Or, or, or Daisy finding out I don't want to court her because she's - because she's a 'she'. Picture her face if she knew exactly how many 'he's' there'd been in my past." Price ran his fingers through his hair and then down his face. "God, Anna partly named her child after me. There's a baby tied to me for life. He deserves better. They all do. You do."

Thomas ran his fingers through his own hair, still tired himself. "I shouldn't have said anything, I set you off. Get a little rest, eat something, and you'll feel better."

Price grunted and pounded his fist against the arm of the sofa. "Admit it, Thomas. Admit I'm a fraud."

"You're not."

"I'm not even an artist. I've been pretending that, too."

"Explain to me how you pretend to have talent, talent others can see with their own eyes?"

"I've submitted work to every outlet I could think of. Magazines, papers, galleries, even schools. No one wants me."

Thomas stood, pulled Price to his feet, and led him back to bed. "Once one person recognizes your talent, others will see it, too," Thomas said as he shuffled Price under the sheets. "Just because the right person hasn't recognized you doesn't mean you're not good at what you do."

"I'm pathetic," Price said as he closed his eyes.

"You're acting a bit pathetically, but you're not pathetic," Thomas teased. He kissed Price's forehead and pulled the sheets up to Price's chin. "I'll forget you said any of this if you promise to try and sleep this off."

Price opened one eye and looked up at Thomas. "When are you leaving?"

"Sooner than I want, but your brother gave me the afternoon off, and then I'll be back. We can play with your little gift some more before your train tonight."

"I'm sorry," Price said as he closed his eyes.

"You'll be sorry if I come back and you're still talking about yourself like this," Thomas said lightly. He kissed Price's cheek and then turned out the light.

When he returned that afternoon, Price was better, but too down to enjoy another round in bed with Thomas. They held each other instead, then read together on the sofa, then had tea before it was time for Price to head to the train. Thomas made Price promise to try and come back soon, and promised to do his best to make it to Downton. Neither situation was very realistic with their busy schedules.

Thomas returned the books Price had borrowed from the library, but not before reading them himself. He began borrowing art and art history books and wrote to Price about things he read and learned, and asked questions he had about the time period or the artist. His goal was to engage Price and help him focus on something more positive, and it worked. Price began reading more again, and drawing with more passion. Thomas wasn't particularly interested in the art when his little project started, but after a month, he started regretting not reading the books Price recommended in Lord Grantham's library when he had the chance.

Thomas spent an afternoon off seeking a book on contemporary illustration in the hopes of finding some true inspiration for Price. After poking through shelf after shelf, he asked for help from the librarian. Together, he and the young woman found half a dozen books, and Thomas carried the stack to the desk.

"'The Art of Illustration in Children's Literature'?" a familiar voice read over Thomas's shoulder. "New career goals already?"

Thomas traded a smile with Teddy and placed the stack on the desk. "Just trying to learn a bit about all that stuff our friend enjoys."

"Your friend, maybe," Teddy said as he read the spines of the books. "Out and about in the afternoon, does that mean you're free today?"

"I was planning to take these to the park and do some reading."

"No, that won't do," Teddy replied.

The librarian eyed them both, then checked the books out for Thomas.

Thomas adjusted his hat brim and played with his lighter in his pocket. "What do you suggest, then?"

Teddy leaned on the desk and looked up as he pictured the rest of the day. "You could come over, I don't live far from here. We could have some tea, take a walk, get a bite to eat, maybe… gamble a little? You're a gambling man."

"Sometimes."

"Then this could be one of those times. Come to my place. You've never been, you know. I always come to you or Eric."

Thomas was aware he hadn't visited Teddy's home. He wasn't sure if he was quite ready to see exactly how well off his friend was, or more likely, whether he was ready to picture Teddy and Price together in Teddy's home. "I suppose I can read these later," Thomas said, deciding it was time to bite the bullet. "Are we walking?"

"Riding," Teddy said with a smile, producing his key from his pocket. The car was new, or at least one Thomas hadn't yet ridden in with Teddy. Thomas wondered how many cars there were at Teddy's home, and then pictured Teddy and Price making love in Teddy's garage the way he and Price had in the garage at Downton. The thoughts made him wonder if an afternoon and evening with Teddy was a good idea. Usually Eric was there when they were together, but Eric was traveling, and so Thomas couldn't suggest they include him in their plans.

While Thomas was aware from the start that Teddy was wealthy, Thomas couldn't stop himself from feeling embarrassed about hosting Teddy's company in his flat once they pulled up to Teddy's mansion. And it was a mansion, by all definitions. They drove past the front of the building, which boasted a massive stone staircase, a lush green garden, and fountains. They came around the side, with another significant garden, more fountains, as well as statues and topiaries. They pulled up to the garage, where Thomas counted at least ten cars, and Teddy rolled to a stop. He hopped out and then opened Thomas's door. Thomas tried not to stare up at the grand building or over at the cars, or the young men working on them. Teddy led Thomas to the back door and they entered through the kitchen so that Teddy could request what he wanted for tea directly from his kitchen staff. Thomas stood still and straight as he felt the eyes of the staff on him.

"This is my friend, Mr. Thomas Barrow," Teddy said as he took a scone from a cooling rack. He handed one to Thomas, who took it carefully and didn't bite in.

The staff nodded and said hello, and Thomas returned the greeting. He felt his cheeks get warm, realizing he had much more in common with the people surrounding him than his friend. A young footman entered and Teddy greeted him with eyes that made Thomas wonder if this man was the new Price in Teddy's life. I'll find out later, I suppose, Thomas thought, and followed Teddy upstairs.

"So what's your pleasure?" Teddy asked as they climbed the stairs. "A walk? A bike ride? A swim?"

"Tea's fine for now."

Teddy let Thomas into his library, smaller than Downton's but packed with what seemed like just as many books.

"If you have this many books, what are you doing at the public library?" Thomas asked as he perused the shelves.

"I know you go there sometimes, so I checked while I was in the neighborhood."

Thomas felt his cheeks warm again and decided he should stay facing the books a little longer. "And here I thought it was mere coincidence."

"There aren't many true coincidences in life."

The handsome footman brought in a tray of tea and set it by the window. He brought a cup to Thomas, and Thomas casually looked the man over. He couldn't have been more than twenty, but had several features reminiscent of Price's; light hair, green eyes, full lips.

Thomas thanked the man and then watched him serve a cup to Teddy. The smiles seemed a little more than employer and employee. Thomas smiled himself when the man finally left them alone. "Is he a favorite employee of yours?" Thomas asked, tipping his head in the direction the young man had just left.

Teddy looked down into his tea, almost bashfully, Thomas thought. "He might be."

"He's awfully young."

"I'm young myself. It's nothing, though, just a bit of flirting. I didn't even hire him myself, the butler selected him."

"Perhaps the butler knows your taste."

"Cheeky," Teddy said as he fell into an overstuffed chair. "Come to think of it, I think there's more of an age difference between you and your footman than me and mine."

Thomas sat in the chair across from Teddy. "That's different."

Teddy nodded. "Yes, it is. Your footman is probably even less mature than mine."

"Don't get spiky," Thomas warned with a grin. "Or jealous."

"You can have him," Teddy said with a flourish of his wrist. "Or did you mean, I'm jealous that he has you?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Well, I am."

"I can't figure why when you have Eric falling more in love with you each time you're together."

Teddy clicked his tongue and looked away from Thomas. "He's not in love with me, please. Or if he is, it's only because he's in love with everyone. I think he was coming on to one of the statues outside before I pointed out that it wasn't human."

Thomas wondered how many times Eric had been at the mansion, or how many times the two saw one another without him present. "That's a little harsh. Funny, and somewhat true, but a bit harsh. Is he here often?"

"More often lately. I have so much space, and his boarding house is so depressing, you know? I hate that he has to spend money renting that godawful little excuse for a room when he spends more than half of the year traveling anyhow."

"So have him move in here."

Teddy tapped his fingers on the handle of his cup. "That may send the wrong message."

"According to you, everything sends the wrong message as far as he's concerned."

Teddy turned quiet as he considered Thomas's off-hand suggestion. "Has he ever told you about the… the 'friend' he visits?"

"I'm not sure I know what you mean."

"Nothing, then. Maybe it would be good for him to be here, that's all I'm thinking."

Thomas put his cup on the table as the young footman returned with sandwiches and biscuits. He felt the man sizing him up and wondered if he was being considered competition. You have nothing to fear, Thomas thought.

After finishing tea, Teddy gave Thomas a tour of the mansion, including rooms Teddy was in the process of redecorating to replace what he considered outdated adornments. The rooms had sleak lines, metal and mirrored furniture, and geometric patterns. Thomas couldn't decide if was garish or beautiful, but it seemed out of place in a home so historic.

"I want it to feel like it's mine," Teddy explained. "I always felt like I was just living here, and that it belonged to ghosts of ancestors I never even met."

"But you don't want to erase that history."

"I'm not changing everything. Just enough to make it really feel like home."

Thomas took a closer look at a table made of mirror, even the legs. "I spent a long time in a house that prided itself on honoring the past. I suppose it rubbed off on me."

"I didn't change anything about the pool, it's all original. Why don't we go there next?"

Thomas raised his eyebrows. "It doesn't make much sense to ruin our hair if we're going out tonight."

"Fine, no swimming. It's nicer in the evening anyway, maybe after you've had a few drinks..."

"Ted, are you just trying to get me out of my clothes?"

Teddy began leading Thomas on the rest of the tour. "I can still admire you, even if you are taken by that little scoundrel."

"Be kind," Thomas said as he followed Teddy. "As you know, I'm fond of that little scoundrel."

"Yes, I know. A mystery for the ages."

"You were fond of him once."

"Please, don't remind me." Teddy brought Thomas to another wing of the mansion, and passed by every door until he came to the end of the hallway. He pushed open a pair of double doors to reveal his personal suite. Teddy's bed was the size of Thomas's bedroom, and was on a platform up three steps on each side, with curtains falling down around it. A spiral staircase led up to a second level where Thomas could see cabinets, drawers, and hooks; a wardrobe he could only dream of, and seemed wasted on a man who didn't even know how to properly style his hair until Thomas came along. Of course, he couldn't help picturing Price walking up the platform to the bed, or laying on the chaise lounge, or bobbing in the pool just below the window while Teddy looked on from above.

Teddy was busy picturing Thomas in the bed.

"Has Eric seen this room yet?" Thomas asked, popping Teddy's fantasy bubble.

Teddy poured himself a shot of whisky and put the bottle away when Thomas put up a hand to decline. "He has, why do you ask?"

"If he moved in, there's plenty of room in here for you to share."

Teddy approached Thomas and downed his drink. He put the glass on a table and ran his fingers across Thomas's cheekbone. "Are you playing matchmaker because you think Eric and I make a good pair, or to distract me so that I stop thinking about what a great pair we would make?"

"Both."

Teddy chuckled. "There's plenty of room for you here, too. If watchmaking doesn't work out, I could use help with all of that," Teddy said, waving to the loft.

"I'm confused. Do you want me as your friend, your man, or your valet?"

"My man, first and foremost. You know I'm besotted," Teddy said, running his fingers across Thomas's other cheek.

"Even though you also know that I'm taken?"

"Taken, yet standing here while I touch you."

"Maybe I should go."

Teddy took his cigarettes from his jacket and handed one to Thomas. "Don't take me too seriously, please."

Thomas took the cigarette and let Teddy light it for him. "A little respect for David's all I ask."

Teddy inhaled and ignored the comment, then took Thomas on the rest of the tour, stopping midway to ask the butler to make a dinner reservation on his behalf. After accepting the task, the butler handed Teddy the day's second post. He nearly put it down without reading any of the letters until one caught his eye. He apologized for needing a moment and stepped away to read it in private, but Thomas was familiar enough with envelopes from Eric to know exactly who it was from.

The restaurant was the nicest Teddy had taken Thomas to since moving to London. Thomas longed to dance like the couples on the floor, but settled for watching and memorizing a few of the moves to try with Price during their next visit together. Teddy had one drink for every two of Thomas's, and Thomas was glad by the fifth course that Teddy opted for a chauffeur that evening and wasn't responsible for driving.

"There're tables upstairs," Teddy told Thomas. "Cards and the like."

"Don't you think you're a bit squiffy to start throwing money around?"

"That's why you'll do the playing, I'll do the paying. You can keep any winnings."

Thomas wanted to politely decline the offer, but his wages at the shop were just enough to get by, and the possibility of a little extra money was tempting. After the meal, Teddy brought Thomas to the game room, which was larger than the great hall at Downton and much more crowded than Thomas expected.

"What's your game of choice?" Teddy asked Thomas over the din of the crowd.

"I prefer games of skill over games of chance."

"Blackjack? Poker?"

"Poker."

Teddy pushed in next to Thomas at the poker table, quite close, which garnered a look from a woman at the table who was sitting with her man. Thomas elbowed Teddy gently until Teddy took the hint, but Teddy's eyes were on Thomas's fingers throughout the game, and then on Thomas's lips while he talked around his cigarette. Thomas could feel the woman's eyes on them again, and he told Teddy to take a walk while he finished playing.

"Did you win?" Teddy asked when Thomas met up with him at the roulette table.

"Of course I did."

"Why don't you keep playing, then?"

"No need to be greedy, and you don't want to draw attention to yourself when it comes to gambling. Don't tell me you're waiting to play roulette."

Teddy gave Thomas a pouty frown. "I already played. Suffice it to say, I didn't win."

"Then I think now's a good time to take our leave."

Teddy sipped the last of his wine and handed his glass over as a waiter walked by. "You'll come back home with me for that swim, won't you?"

Thomas looked around at the people dressed as finely as anyone who would have attended dinner at Downton. He thought over his dinner and the poker winnings in his pocket, and then all of the other meals and entertainment Teddy provided him since moving to London. Teddy wasn't asking for much, just a dip in the pool, and probably some heavy-handed flirting along with it. But he never pushed when Thomas said no, and Thomas had no means to return any of the favors Teddy paid him, and so he reasoned that going back home with Teddy was the least that he could do.

"What will you do with the money you won?" Teddy asked while they waited for the car to pull around.

Buy something for Price, Thomas thought. "I haven't decided. It's not often I come into any extra money."

Teddy reached for the car door handle twice before finally grabbing hold. "I should drink less next time."

"You're always the one pulling drinks away from Eric, and here you are, worse than him tonight."

"Don't tell," Teddy said once they were both in the back of the car. "He'll want me to keep up with him, and I shouldn't."

"Why not?"

"You know why," Teddy said after telling the driver he could bring them both back home.

"But I'll need a ride to my flat later," Thomas told the driver.

They entered through the front of the mansion this time, up the imposing stairs, and Thomas lent his elbow to Teddy so he could steady himself as they ascended.

"Are you hungry?" Teddy asked.

"I don't think I'll be hungry for a long time after a meal like we just had."

"Thirsty?"

"You've drunk enough for us both."

"Just some pop, then. I'll go ask for some, you can go out to the pool house. There's a place to hang your clothes."

"And what will I wear in the pool?"

Teddy looked Thomas over slowly, from his shoes to his lips. "The water's so warm, you don't need to wear anything at all," Teddy said quietly.

"You know nothing will happen between us beyond friendship."

Teddy took a heavy breath, his eyes not leaving Thomas's lips. "My eyes will be the only thing on you, I promise."

"If you can keep that promise, I'll stay and swim."

"Yes, yes, yes," Teddy whispered, closing his eyes. "I promise, I swear."

Thomas imagined Price's reaction to him wading into the water in front of a waiting Teddy, but it was nothing Price wouldn't do, Thomas thought, especially with the promise of the other man keeping his hands to himself. He followed Teddy's directions to the pool house, which was a small building mostly obscured by tall hedges at the edge of the pool. It was a complete guest house, with kitchenette, bedroom and living room furniture, and a large bathroom. Thomas hung his suit and shirt on hooks by the bathtub, folded a few of his garments and placed them on a bench below the hooks, wrapped a towel around his waist, and went back into the main room.

The room looked out on the pool, and Thomas saw Teddy approach in a robe. Teddy waited for the footman to leave the drinks he requested, then untied the belt of his robe and let it fall straight to the ground at his feet. Thomas had already seen Teddy disrobe at Downton, but Teddy was even more attractive in the moonlight. He waited for Teddy to get waist-deep in the water before leaving the pool house.

Thomas sat at the edge of the pool, towel still on, and dipped his feet in. "I once watched David swim nude," Thomas said as he moved his feet slowly in the water.

Teddy disappeared under the water briefly and smoothed his hair back as he came up. "Oh?"

"He didn't know I was watching, neither. It was the first time I saw him without any clothes on."

Teddy swam up to Thomas and rolled onto his back. "I first undressed him in front of a fireplace," Teddy said while looking up at Thomas. "The air was cold, but the fire was warm, and so was every inch of his skin."

Thomas's breath halted and he clenched his jaw.

Teddy smiled up at Thomas and moved his arms slowly to stay afloat. "What was it like with Eric?"

Thomas forced his eyes to stay above Teddy's waist. "The man knows what he's doing."

Teddy grabbed onto the side of the pool and hopped up, sitting himself by Thomas. "Tell me more."

Thomas slid out of his towel, into the pool, and looked up at Teddy. "What do you want to know?"

"Was he romantic?"

"Yes."

"Was he rough?"

"Rough?"

"Nevermind. Is he… big?"

Thomas laughed. "Big enough. Why don't you find out for yourself?"

Teddy leaned back and rested on his palms. "He's not my type."

"And I am?"

"The very definition of my type, yes." Teddy leaned back further and took a bottle from a table behind him. "Would you like your pop?"

Thomas took the bottle from Teddy and ignored Teddy's lingering fingers. He took a long swig and then set the half empty bottle on the edge of the pool.

"Oh, to be that bottle," Teddy mused. "I wish the moon was brighter so I could see more of you."

"You're especially bold this evening."

Teddy stood with his toes at the very edge of the pool, then dove in. He popped up from under the water next to Thomas. "Maybe I'm just not ready to give up."

"It's futile."

"Don't you find me handsome?"

"Who doesn't?"

"Don't you enjoy my company?"

"Very much."

"Then forget about you-know-who," Teddy said as he moved closer to Thomas. "I would share everything I have with you, just like when we go out. You wouldn't need to work if you didn't want to. We could do anything, go anywhere."

"You can't buy affection."

Teddy smirked. "I bought the affection of your scoundrel."

Thomas glowered. "He's not like that now."

Teddy's smirk turned into a laugh. "The things I could tell you about him, Thomas."

"Alright, enlighten me, then. What do you think you know that I don't?"

Teddy wiped beads of water from his cheek. "He'll never be satisfied with one man. I highly doubt he's staying true to you up at Downton. I'm sorry, it's not malicious on his part, it's just some kind of compulsion. He eats a man up and tosses the carcass aside, then moves on to the next."

Thomas's upper lip curled as he responded. "You think you know him, but you don't. He's spent years trying to find ways to cope with what the war did to him, and one of those ways was finding comfort in other men. You can't blame him for that."

"He can't use the war as an excuse for acting like a trollop."

Thomas's voice rose nearly an octave. "I'm sorry, I didn't remember you saying that you served in the war."

Teddy stuttered before replying. "I didn't."

"Then you don't have the right to an opinion on how David's dealt with things."

"I do, because he dealt with things by breaking my heart."

Thomas's scowl was nearly a sneer. "You were probably swimming in here while he was swimming in blood. Your heart will heal soon enough, but he still has a long road to go."

Teddy softened his tone and tried to smile. "But why bother with him if he's so damaged?"

"It may be a long road, but he's trying to go in the right direction. If your view of him wasn't so myopic, you would see that. Part of you must see the good in him or you wouldn't still be so bitter that he left you in the first place."

Teddy felt small under Thomas's glare. "Do you really think he'll make it in the right direction, Thomas? From what Eric's told me, it sounds like he's going the other way now that you're out of the picture."

"I'm not out of the picture, there's only physical distance between us, and that won't be forever. I believe in Eric, and I know he'll find a way to get David out there with him."

"He'd be out there without you, though. How would that be any different? If he's better with you, he should find a way to be here with you."

"This just shows how little you understand about him, about life, and about love. You think you're so much more mature than him, but you're showing every bit of the fact that you're not."

"Educate me, then," Teddy whispered sincerely.

Thomas looked around. "It's like this pool, Ted. David looks like he's floating through life to you, but he's kicking frantically to stay afloat. I see that, and Eric does, too. David just needs the means to get out there, and he'll push forward. I'd rather go without him for months and know he was finally chasing the dreams that have eluded him his whole life, rather than have him nearby but unhappy."

"And you would trust him gone that long?"

"Of course. And I think you could benefit from more travel, yourself, while I'm being honest. The world you're living in is a bit too far from reality."

"How so?"

Thomas spoke evenly again. "You think you can show me a good time, show me your luxury, and get me to stay with the promise of more. Love doesn't care about those kinds of things, and you'll just keep finding yourself with your so-called man-eaters if you keep going about it this way."

The butler announced himself from the gate of the pool and said he had a message. Teddy called him over, and Thomas took the opportunity to swim closer to the side of the pool.

The butler looked at Thomas quickly, and then to Teddy. "Would you like me to give you the message privately, my Lord?"

"No, thank you. I don't mind if my friend hears my messages."

"Very well, then. Mr. Weatherbee telephoned to say that he returned this evening. He wondered if you would like him to come to Pembroke Manor tonight."

"Please phone him back and tell him yes, I would."

When the butler was gone, Thomas hopped out of the pool and began to towel dry.

"You're staying, aren't you?"

"No. Enjoy time with Eric."

"I wanted us all to enjoy time together."

"I have work tomorrow, Ted," Thomas said as he wrapped the towel around his waist. "I'll request the car myself, you don't have to get out."

Teddy sank into the water up to his chin and watched Thomas walk to the pool house. He stayed in the water by himself for another hour, until he heard footsteps on the pathway leading to the pool. Eric waved to Teddy from the gate.

"Do you want to come in?"

"No, but I'm happy to keep you company from the side."

"Your trip sounded arduous from your letters."

Eric took off his jacket and then kicked off his shoes. "It was exhausting, and the trip home was no exception," he said as he took off his socks and rolled up his trousers. He walked to the stairs leading into the pool and sat at the very top, putting his feet on the first step.

Teddy swam over and sat on the bottom step, the water just up to his shoulders. He looked over at Eric's leg and something caught his attention. He put a finger under Eric's rolled pant leg and pulled it up. "Tell me this wound is from hiking or biking or something."

Eric patted Teddy's head and pulled the leg of his pants up higher. "I visited somewhere else before coming here."

"Eric, why?" Teddy asked while inspecting Eric's other leg, and then his wrists. "I thought you were going to call me whenever you felt the need to go to him."

"I went straight to him when I got into town. I called you as soon as I got home."

Teddy climbed up to the top step and sat next to Eric's feet. He turned his torso and looked up at Eric. "I want you to move in."

Eric laughed and looked at the reflection of the stars in the water. "I'll call you first next time, no need to watch over me night and day."

Teddy ran his fingers from Eric's ankle, up Eric's pant leg to his calf and rubbed it slowly with his fingertips. "You'd do me a favor by being here when you're not traveling or at the office. I love your company," he said as his fingers moved back to Eric's ankle. "Why should you rent that little room when you could have your pick of rooms here?"

Eric ran his fingers through Teddy's wet hair, plucking strands from Teddy's forehead and smoothing them in place. "Am I your charity case?"

"Not a bit."

"A little bit?"

"I'd have to pity you for that, and I don't. But part of me wants to take care of you, and don't you think there's a part of you that needs taking care of?"

Eric sunk onto the step next to Teddy, clothes and all. "What if I still have the desire to go to him? You'll want me to move out."

"No, I'd never do that to you. There are no strings attached. Still, I hope that you'll feel less of a pull to go to him when you're coming home to…"

"Home to you?" Eric asked, inching over until his hip touched Teddy's.

"Yes, home to me."

Eric looked down between Teddy's legs. "No swimsuit?"

Teddy put his finger under Eric's chin and pushed it up. "No peeking."

"You're the nude one, Teddy. You could have gotten something on when you knew I was coming. You chose to wait for me like this."

"You make it sound like I was laying in wait for you."

"Throw me a bone, let me pretend you were."

"Your trousers are all wet."

Eric put his arms out and swam into the water. He went under and swam the length of the pool, tapped the wall, and then swam to the middle. "Now my shirt's wet, too," he called to Teddy.

Teddy laughed and met Eric in the middle of the pool, the water up to their shoulders. "And your tie, and your waistcoat, and your undergarments."

"My cufflinks, my billfold, my handkerchief," Eric said as he pulled Teddy toward him by the forearm.

Teddy rolled his eyes, but let Eric pull him closer. He closed his eyes when Eric's lips grazed his earlobe, and let out a sigh as Eric pulled him in into a hug. He played with Eric's soaked shirt beneath the surface of the water, his eyes still closed as Eric's lips laid feather-light kisses on his neck.

Eric kissed the other side of Teddy's neck, and then put the tip of his nose against Teddy's. "Do you want me to keep going?"

Teddy's eyes were still closed, and he breathed heavily but didn't respond.

"I need to hear you say yes if you want me to continue."

Teddy opened his his eyes and looked into Eric's. "Yes."

"Yes," Eric repeated.

"Yes."

"Yes," Eric said again, kissing beads of pool water from Teddy's lips.

"Yes," Teddy said, kissing droplets of water from Eric's cheek. He found Eric's lips again and kissed them lightly. Eric attempted to put his hand between Teddy's legs, but Teddy held his wrist and shook his head. "Let's not jump to that just yet. There's a lot more to explore before we get there. Your tongue, for example. I haven't even tasted it yet."

Eric put his hands on Teddy's hips and smiled. "Would you care for a taste?"

"Yes," Teddy laughed. "Just a taste."

Eric nibbled Teddy's lower lip, then slipped his tongue past it, rubbing it along Teddy's slowly.

Teddy kissed Eric back, inhaling as his mouth opened to let Eric in further. He pressed his body against Eric's, and stopped Eric as he began touching Teddy's backside. "One more thing before this becomes too distracting and I forget to say something."

"I'm listening, but I can't promise for long, because this is already too distracting for me."

Teddy ran his thumb along Eric's jaw as he spoke. "I want to pay for David to go with you on your next trip, but I don't want anyone to know where it came from. Tell your magazine you secured private financing, and tell Thomas and David the magazine found the funding."

Eric grinned and kissed Teddy. "What inspired this offer?"

"Does it matter?"

Eric shook his head, little drops of water jumping into the pool from the ends of his curly hair. "I don't need to know. You're a generous friend, Teddy."

"I may not be good at being a friend, but at least I share what I have."

Eric shook his head again and ran his fingers down Teddy's spine. "You're so silly. I think you may be the best friend I've ever had. I trust you more than I've trusted anyone."

"Why?" Teddy asked, his back arching in response to Eric's touch.

"Because you have a kind heart and a warm soul. I've crossed the paths of many people, I'm good at telling the good from the bad, and you're one of the best."

"You're just flirting."

"You know I'm not."

"You know," Teddy said, going for Eric's buttons, "you don't need these heavy, wet clothes on."

Eric helped Teddy get him out of his clothing, throwing each item to the side of the pool as he broke free from it.

When their bodies finally connected beneath the water, they both let out a gasp, experiencing something like a little shared zap of electricity. It made their hands move faster, their lips press together more firmly, their tongues find their way deeper past one another's lips.

Eric flinched as Teddy grazed a fresh wound on his abdomen, the second time he'd flinched since they started kissing.

Teddy broke their kiss. "We should stop if this is going to hurt you," he said with heavy breath.

"I'm used to it," Eric said, diving back into Teddy's lips.

"No," Teddy said, holding Eric's face steady. "I can't hurt you."

"What do we do, then?"

Teddy looked up at his bedroom window. "We go upstairs, dry each other off - carefully. I call for some wine, we lay in my bed, and we kiss each other gently between sips. We wake up tomorrow, you move your things in here, and we spend every night the same until you're healed." Teddy paused to kiss Eric's cheek. "And when you are, we can get back in here and finish what we started."

"What happens if I crack? If I go to him again even after I've moved in here?"

"I think you can stop yourself before that happens," Teddy said as he rested his cheek against Eric's, "but if you go to him, you can still come back to me," he whispered into Eric's ear.

"I don't think it's so bad. He stops when I want him to."

Teddy kissed Eric's wet hair. "I can support playing rough, Eric, if that's what you like, but that's not what you're doing. It's the difference between people who can tolerate their alcohol and alcoholics."

Eric nestled his cheek into Teddy's. "Won't your staff find it odd if I move in?"

"I pay them to serve me, not judge me. I don't care what they think as long as they're doing their jobs."

"The cute young one might be unhappy. You don't care about that?"

Teddy shook with a naughty little laugh. "He may be quite happy, in fact."

"What does that mean?"

"Move in and find out."

Eric nibbled Teddy's earlobe. "Consider my belongings packed."

Thomas was distracted from his work. A letter from Anna had the gears in his head spinning like the open watch in his hand. Lady Mary had told Anna that Price wasn't riding horses with her as often, and when pressed, said his heart ached too much to enjoy much of anything. Anna thought Thomas should know, since she assumed the heartache was linked to him, and that he should also know because Price may becoming so depressed that he could do something drastic. Thomas believed Anna may be right, especially as Price's latest letter had been quite dark.

Thomas was so distracted, in fact, that he didn't notice Eric enter the shop. Sam had gone out for lunch, and Eric stepped behind the counter and sat on a stool. After a minute, Thomas finally looked up at his friend.

"I'm back from my trip."

"I see that. Welcome home."

"I come bearing good news," Eric said as he swiveled on the stool.

"Do tell. I could use some today."

Eric hopped off the stool and walked to where Thomas was sitting. He leaned against the counter and smiled. "I got it. I got the money for David to travel."

Thomas's mouth opened and it took him a few seconds before he could respond. "What changed Lady Edith's mind?"

"Who knows? Who cares? The fact is, I'm leaving in a month and David's coming with me. Whatever materials he needs, he'll get, and then he can use them to capture our trip. I just hope he likes Australia, since we'll be there for twelve weeks."

Thomas set the watch down on the counter since it was now rattling in his hands. "Did you choose the destination before or after you knew David was coming?"

"Before, why do you ask?"

"Because he's mentioned feeling drawn there."

"Then I suppose he was right to feel that way," Eric said, basking in Thomas's astonishment.

"Does he know yet?"

"I'm going from here to Downton to tell him."

"I wish I could see the look on his face when you tell him."

"Probably similar to yours right now. I'll make sure he gets to spend at least a night in London before the trip."

"You're a wonderful friend, Eric."

"And to think," Eric said as he saw Sam coming down the sidewalk, "we'd never be here if you didn't take me up on the indecent favor I asked the first night we met."

"Leave it to you to bring it all back to that."

"I'm simply saying David has our libidos to thank for the fact that his life's about to change."

"Please don't share that when you deliver the news to him."

Price called Thomas after Eric's visit, which quickly lead to an argument when Price said he was considering declining Eric's offer.

"You're just scared," Thomas said.

"Fear is more powerful than any emotion," Price retorted.

"That doesn't give you an excuse to let it overpower you."

The two went back and forth, and when the call ended, Price thought he may truly decline and continue down his current path, the easier path, the one that could likely get him a job at least related to service in the city where his beloved lived. When his beloved wasn't being a bastard, he thought.

Price was thinking about the conversation while out on a ride with Lady Mary, and she could see he was distracted, which he always seemed to be those days. She pulled into a clearing and he followed.

"Are you hurt?" Price asked as he guided his horse alongside Lady Mary's.

"No. Do you want to go back? Riding a horse in a bad state of mind isn't a wise idea."

"I think I'm going to leave Downton," Price blurted.

Lady Mary's brow twitched in a brief furrow. "To go where?"

Price petted his horse's mane and took in a deep breath through his nose. "Lady Edith's magazine, to draw the illustrations for a travel piece."

"Is that what you want?" Lady Mary asked, pushing herself not to dwell on the jealousy of Lady Edith getting Lily and now Price.

Price held his hand out to a moth, which fluttered for a moment and then landed on his knuckle. "I'd be in nature all day for months."

"We could find you a job on the grounds or the farms if that's what you want."

"You don't think I should go?"

Lady Mary wondered how much power her words would have over Price's decision. If she said no, would that make him stay? "You should think hard about a decision like that. Have you discussed it with Mr Carson."

"No. I don't want to worry him if it's for nothing," Price replied as he watched the moth's wings tremble as it walked along the back of his hand.

"I don't think there's anywhere in the world better than Downton, and you have the makings of a long career here if you want it."

Price nodded and watched the moth fly away.

"But," Lady Mary said, sitting a bit higher in the saddle, "if you're going to spend that career looking as downtrodden and distracted as you have these past few months, then perhaps you should go. No one can decide for you, though, David."

"Can't you?" Price asked with a smile. "You'd do me a great favor if you could."

"Alright," Lady Mary replied, the edges of her lips turning up slightly, "if it's up to me, we get to keep you here."

Price chuckled. "Forever?"

"Forever and ever. But it's not up to me, or Lady Edith, or anyone else."

"What if I fail?"

"What if you succeed?"

Price pressed his lips together while the four simple words bounced around in his brain. He continued processing them while riding back to the stable, and during dinner service, and while lying in bed that evening. The next morning, he was in Mr. Carson's office to announce that he would be leaving.

Price gave a month's notice, and there was only a small window of a day between leaving Downton and starting his trip with Eric. Eric rounded up all the supplies Price requested, and even went to the village and met with Price at a tea room to make sure everything was up to his standards. During the short visit, he promised Price what he'd promised Thomas; at least one day for them to both be together before they left. Eric made a second promise to not flirt with him during their travels.

"It's just part of who I am," Eric explained, "but I have the chance for a real friendship with you, not something mixed up with sex or romance."

Price laughed, "or it's that I'm taken."

"Or that I'm now taken," Eric admitted.

Price wasn't surprised by the other party in the relationship, once Eric confessed who it was, but it still seemed strange to have now shared two of the same men with Eric. It also seemed funny to him that Teddy wanted Thomas, and Eric wanted Price, and the whole thing could come full circle if he or Thomas were willing. He expressed as much to Eric.

"It's not weird," Eric replied. "We're all such different men, but there's so much at the core that draws us together. It makes sense that we'd all fall for each other at different times and in different ways."

"Hold on there, I haven't fallen for you," Price teased.

Eric smirked. "You fell a little bit along the way to friendship, David."

"Doesn't matter now anyway," Price said, taking another look at the supplies Eric brought. "We're friends, which is much better than the fling we probably would have had under different circumstances."

"We'd make a terrible couple."

"Why do you say that?"

Eric sipped his tea and watched Price compare pencils. "We cling too hard to others. We'd be like drowning men, pulling each other down."

"That's quite dark."

"I've thought about it. Dark, but true."

"So you've thought about me?"

Eric took a pencil and poked Price's hand lightly. "I promised not to flirt, which means you need to do the same."

"Alright. Friendship with no flirting."

"We're both going to break this rule many, many times," Eric said, pointing the pencil at Price.

"I know," Price said, pointing one back.

The good-byes at Downton weren't as elaborate as the ones for Thomas, nor should they have been as Price served a fraction of the time there as Thomas. But they were heartfelt, and Price's absence would be missed by everyone, especially Mr. Carson who now had to hire another two men to make up for the absence of Price.

Price's train to London was delayed due to torrential rain, and when he finally arrived at Thomas's flat, he was tired and drenched. Thomas had planned a dinner out, but Price looked so exhausted and tousled that he decided to make Price a dinner at home. Price changed into a dry pair of pajamas while Thomas searched for something to make.

"I don't think you've ever cooked dinner for me before," Price said as Thomas heated a pan on the stove.

"Set your standards low," Thomas told him, "I don't want to disappoint.

Disappoint he did not; he'd spent enough years around food to learn a few things, which he hadn't realized until tasked with making his own meals. It was a simple meat and potatoes meal, but seasoned and cooked properly, and absolutely delicious to Price. They ate at Thomas's little table, a candle lit in the center between two glasses of wine.

"To the cook," Price said, raising his glass.

Thomas raised his and tapped it against Price's. "Does it taste alright?"

"It's perfectly wonderful, my love," Price replied as he bit into a slice of potato.

"I don't really have anything for pudding since I was planning to take you out. There's a couple peaches, but not much else that's sweet."

"Ooh," Price said with a playful gasp. "Remember when I wanted you to be my ripe peach?" He closed his eyes and pictured the scene in the boot room. "Oh, to watch you bite in and then lick the juice. I can think of no better dessert."

Thomas looked over at the kitchen counter. "I'm not going to be able to focus on the rest of the meal now."

Price put down his fork and knife and wiped his lips with his napkin. He walked slowly to the kitchen, a hand on his waist, pushing his hips out as he walked like one of the women he'd seen in pictures.

Thomas looked on, smiling from his seat.

Price turned on his heel and picked up one of the peaches between his middle finger and thumb. His other hand still on his waist, he held the peach up to his lips and licked the skin with the very tip of his tongue. "Mmm, so soft, just like your skin."

"More like yours with the fuzz. Mine's no peach skin."

"Oh, certain places are. And every place is just as delicious. Come over here so I can get a taste."

Thomas put his utensils down and joined Price at the counter.

Price patted the counter. "Up here, little peach."

Thomas hopped up onto the counter, and Price handed him the piece of fruit. Thomas bit in, the ripe flesh giving way below velvet skin, juice immediately dripping from his lips. Price licked the drops from Thomas's bottom lip, and Thomas held the fruit above Price's neck and let it dribble onto him. He chased the drops with his tongue, and then licked some that had escaped the peach and traveled down his fingers.

Price kissed the knuckles on Thomas's other hand, then removed Thomas's glove. He took the peach from Thomas's right hand and put it in Thomas's left palm. While looking up into Thomas's eyes, he took a bite. More juice flowed, running down Thomas's palm to his wrist, and in the other direction down his fingers. Price licked Thomas's wrist, then his fingers, then put the peach on the counter and licked the scars on Thomas's palm, and then the back of his hand.

Thomas put two fingers to Price's lips and sighed as Price drew them into his mouth. Price held Thomas's wrist and sucked Thomas's fingers, moaning into them as his lips reached Thomas's knuckles and Thomas's fingertips grazed the back of his throat. He pushed his hips between Thomas's legs, spreading them, and then began to unfasten Thomas's trousers, Thomas's fingers still sliding in and out of his mouth.

Thomas unbuttoned and pulled off his shirt as Price got him out of his trousers, and quickly he was sitting atop the counter as naked as the peach next to him. Price kissed Thomas's thighs, stomach, and chest, and then pulled Thomas's face down to his. Their tongues were both sweet, their lips sticky, their breath raspy and warm. Thomas spread his thighs further apart, hinting and hoping for Price to touch him, but Price's hands were busy running through Thomas's chest hair, his fingertips grazing Thomas's nipples lightly.

Thomas moaned, and Price giggled mischievously. He licked one nipple, then the other, then nibbled lightly. Thomas thrust his hips forward in response, and Price nibbled harder. He followed with a quick kiss before kissing his way across Thomas's chest, repeating the actions on the other side. Thomas closed his eyes as his head lolled to the side, enjoying the sensation. He ran his fingers through Price's hair and panted as Price lapped at his neck.

"Not higher, lick lower," Thomas groaned.

"You want my tongue on your cock?" Price whispered into Thomas's ear.

"Yes, yes, yes," Thomas whispered back.

Price looked down. "It's already juicy like the peach."

Thomas flexed involuntarily, his cock bobbing and dripping.

"Velvety like it, too," Price said, running the tip of his finger over Thomas.

Thomas arched his back and shivered.

Price picked up the peach from the counter and held it in front of his face. "You're as pink as this little bit of skin right here," Price said, licking the side of the peach.

"That's not fair," Thomas panted.

Price kissed the peach while looking Thomas in the eye, then licked the cleft in the side of it. He giggled as Thomas humped the air and gazed longingly at Price's tongue.

"Stop taking so much pleasure in my misery," Thomas said, though he was smiling ear to ear.

"You're so hard," Price cooed as he took a bite.

"You're killing me."

"I know. I love it."

Thomas yanked the peach from Price's hand and pitched it across the kitchen into the sink. He licked Price's palm and fingers clean, then went back over them again with his tongue before placing them on his cock. He held Price's wrist and moaned between closed lips as Price pumped up and down.

Price bent at the waist and kissed Thomas's tip before licking him in long strokes. He took Thomas deep into his mouth, moaning to make his tongue vibrate against Thomas. Thomas moaned just as loud in response and gripped the edge of the counter. He pushed himself in and out of Price's mouth while rolling his hips in a circle, feeling deliciously desirable while Price's hands trailed over his calves and thighs. Price always seemed to enjoy giving as much as receiving, and as hungry to please Thomas as to be pleased himself. His moaning was as satisfied as Thomas's even though nothing was in contact with his cock besides his pajama bottoms.

Thomas patted Price's cheek and gently pushed him back by the shoulder, then hopped off the counter and turned around. He bent over, leaning on the counter with his elbows.

Price stood bolt upright, looked at Thomas with wide eyes, then ran to the bedroom for the little tube in Thomas's drawer. He returned seconds later, his pajamas gone and tube in hand.

Thomas laughed at the speed at which Price was naked, armed, and ready, and at the sight of him dashing across the flat disrobed, but his laugh faded to a sigh as Price made himself slick, and then rubbed wet fingers on Thomas's backside. He reached around and gripped Thomas, then positioned himself behind. Thomas looked over his shoulder and waited for a kiss, which Price placed tenderly on his lips. Price kissed Thomas's ear, then neck, then nibbled Thomas's shoulder blade as he pushed his tip into Thomas.

"Oh fuck," Price gasped.

"Oh god," Thomas moaned as Price pushed all the way inside.

"It doesn't hurt, does it?" Price asked as Thomas pushed back against him.

"No," Thomas breathed, "especially not since I've been using… something… to make sure I was ready for you when you arrived."

Price's eyes were wide again. "Really? Where is it? I need to see!"

Thomas shook his head. "When you're back from your trip, I'll show you."

Price slapped Thomas's rear. "You tease! That's positively evil!"

Thomas grunted and closed his eyes. "Do that again."

Price squeezed Thomas's behind and then slapped it lightly. "Like that?"

"Mmm."

Price ran his fingers up Thomas's back, then around to his chest. He pinched Thomas's nipples, then kept his fingers on one while he stroked Thomas with the other hand.

"Yes," Thomas hissed, dragging out the word.

"You're so sexy, Thomas."

"You're so good at this, you make me believe you when you say that."

"Oh stop, you know you are," Price said, slapping Thomas lightly again.

Thomas put his forehead down the counter and groaned as Price picked up speed.

Price ran his thumb over the head of Thomas's cock and used the precum to help pump faster, and then stayed still so Thomas could control the rhythm, pumping into Price's hand, and then out of it while pushing back on Price's cock.

"God, look at you!" Price groaned. "I love every fucking inch of you."

"I love every inch of you," Thomas said, pushing back until Price was as deep as he could go.

Price gasped a string of obscenities mixed with declarations of love. He kissed Thomas's shoulders and wrapped his arms around Thomas's ribs, letting Thomas take over stroking his own cock.

Thomas leaned into Price's lips as Price brought the swear words, pet names, and compliments up to Thomas's ear, whispering them between moans.

"My sweet baby," Price panted. "My life, my flame, my treasure, my dearest heart. Bloody fucking hell, you irresistible enchanter."

Thomas chuckled, his eyes closed as Price's breath tickled his ear. "Do you practice these things before you say them?"

"On the contrary, I'm not able to think at all right now. My brain is filled with Thomas, Thomas, Thomas."

"I'm sorry, with what?" Thomas asked with mock innocence.

"Thomas, Thomas, Thomas," Price breathed.

"Come again?"

Price shuddered as Thomas squeezed around his cock. "Thomas, Thomas, Thomas. Christ, Thomas."

Thomas pushed his palm into the counter and raised up on his toes. "Right there," he said as he stroked himself faster in the other hand.

Price slowed his pace, making sure to hit Thomas exactly where he wanted; in the place that was making him gasp, his fingers turning white as they dug into the counter. Price steadied himself by gripping Thomas's shoulders, watching himself glide in and out as Thomas continued to gasp and sigh.

"Yes!" Thomas cried, high pitched and blissful.

Price leaned over Thomas and kissed behind his ear, the scent of peach still lingering on his lips as he whispered, "I love you, Thomas."

Thomas cried out again and smiled, repeating "David, David, David," as he came.

Price wrapped his arms around Thomas, repeating Thomas's name as well, pressing his cheek into Thomas's neck as he climaxed. He continued to hold onto Thomas as he slid out carefully, then fell to his knees and kissed the backs of Thomas's legs.

"We're a bit messy," Thomas laughed.

Price looked up, then resumed kissing Thomas thigh. "You don't say?"

"A bath is probably in order."

Price sat up in a start, then dashed to the bathroom. The water was already running by the time Thomas could walk across the small flat. Price sat on the edge of the tub, cleaning himself off before he plugged the drain and let the tub fill. He looked over his shoulder at Thomas and smiled, then returned to his task.

Thomas leaned against the doorframe and watched Price. The pretty young man who loved him more deeply than anyone else, despite all the other men who would love to see Price perched nude on their tub. Thomas smiled to himself, then approached Price, who had finally plugged the drain and slid into the building water.

Thomas was about to climb in, but sat on the edge instead. Price's relaxed body in the porcelain tub made Thomas remember the first night he met Eric, and the power he enjoyed having over the man he assumed, albeit wrongly, was one of the elite. He realized that he no longer felt like the kind of man who needed those kind of games in his life any longer. He had friends, a job, his own flat, and a partner, and without the pretty man in the rising water below him, none of that would have likely been possible.

Price was content to look up at Thomas in silence, the steam from the bath and remaining endorphins from his orgasm making him more relaxed than he been in months. He gave Thomas a dreamy smile and pulled his knees up. "There's room for one more."

Thomas tested the water with his fingers, then ran his wet fingertips lightly over Price's knee, then down his thigh, then between them.

"Again already?" Price laughed, but his laugh quieted as he saw something serious behind Thomas's eyes.

"You've changed me. I'm a better man because of you," Thomas said as he wrapped his fingers around Price.

Price watched Thomas's hand move beneath the water. "I'd like to think I bring out the best in you, but you do the same for me"

"I could be a nasty old sod in my day."

"Same here," Price shrugged.

"Probably not as bad as me."

Price sank deeper into the water as his legs fell further apart until they touched the sides of the tub. "Probably worse. And I can still be nasty, but I try to be better every day, and that's all thanks to you. You're a good man, Thomas."

"You're only saying that because your cock is in my hand."

Price laughed and splashed Thomas's arm. "I guess you're still a tiny bit nasty."

"I wouldn't be myself otherwise."

They both fell quiet again, and Price closed his eyes, simultaneously soothed and excited by Thomas's touch.

Thomas remembered leaving Eric begging in the bath, Eric unable to chase Thomas in his state of undress. He recalled his subsequent visits with Eric, which left him feeling in charge. Though Price was needy, and vulnerable, and could come unglued at times, in his heart, Thomas only ever wanted to be Price's equal. He used to push others down to raise himself up, but he didn't need that any longer, because he was in charge of his own life.

Price opened his eyes to find a teary Thomas looking down at him. He sat up and cupped Thomas's face. "What? What did I say?"

Thomas closed his eyes and rubbed his nose against Price's. "Nothing. I'm just happy."

"Funny way of showing it," Price teased as he wiped Thomas's cheek with his thumb.

"Lay back down."

"Yes, Mr. Barrow."

Thomas put his other hand in the tub and poked Price's side. "Don't start that now."

"Get in here with me."

"There isn't enough room."

Price slid forward. "You're thinner every time I see you, you'll fit behind me."

Thomas eased himself in slowly behind Price and spread his legs so Price could lay between them.

"See? I told you we'd fit."

Thomas pulled Price backward until Price was laying against him and nestled his cheek into Price's shoulder. It felt right to be in the tub with Price; not sitting on the edge, clothed, able to walk away if he wanted. Equally exposed and unguarded was so much more satisfying.

The first letter Thomas received from Price arrived, but Thomas was too nervous to read it. What if Price was disappointed, he worried. He worked a full day with the letter in his waistcoat, his fingers finding it a few times throughout the day, but his nerves still winning out. When he was finally home, he poured himself a glass of wine, stepped out onto the fire escape, and lit a cigarette. The sun dropped behind the rooftops, the clouds glowing pink and gold, the streets beginning to hum with nighttime activity.

Thomas took in a breath and removed the letter on the exhale. The back of the envelope was decorated with drawings of little animals, and Thomas was careful as he opened the flap. Their communication when apart had been mostly by telephone or postcard. Price hadn't written a full letter to him before the one he now held in his hands. The first page had a sketch of Eric writing in a notebook on the top left corner, and little drawing of a man diving from a cliff in the bottom right. Thomas touched the ink with his fingers, then brought the page to his face and inhaled, hoping it might smell like Price.

He turned to the next page, took a drink of wine, and began reading.

Love,

I've experienced sweeping landscapes and giant cities, people of all walks of life, animals I didn't know existed, the sky in colors I've never seen. I've fallen asleep under the stars, woken up to strange bird calls, tasted flavors I never experienced, smelled spices I can't quite pronounce, heard languages that sound like music. And I draw, Thomas. My hand moves and I hardly have to think, I just make things. I trust myself and I let my brain and body connect without interfering with worry or fear or whatever else has stood in my way all of these years.

All of it, everything, everywhere, I feel you beside me. I've never been further from you and I've never felt closer. You are the blood in my veins. You are my heart. You ignited a life force inside me and now it's burning. I've never burned brighter. I only wish I could reach beside me, where I feel you, and really have you beneath my fingers.

The drawing of the man jumping from the cliff is me. It was nighttime when we first arrived, and our camp was set near a cliff. The moon was so intensely bright that we could see the ocean well a few stories below us, despite what became a driving rain. I don't know why, I needed to jump. So I did, Thomas. I stood there in the rain, in the dark, in my clothes, and I dove into the water. I scared Eric to pieces, but it was worth it for that moment (my apologies to Eric). I asked my dark thoughts to stay in the murky water and looked to the moon for lighter thoughts, and let the rain wash over me, and floated there in the ocean until I felt like coming ashore. It felt like the world was holding me. Not rejecting me. Accepting me. Loving me. Just like you do, Thomas.

Thank you for leading me to the edge so that I could leap.

I love you,

Your David

Thomas wiped his eye and took a drag of his cigarette. He looked back down at the street, at all the people making their way home or heading out into the warm night. He climbed back into the flat through the window and went to his bedroom, pinned the drawing to the wall next to Price's pictures, then finished his wine before dialing Kait. A night on the town seemed in order.

"I'd love to go out!" Kait exclaimed. "Where to?"

"I don't know. Can we let the night take us where it wants?"

"Always."

On the walk to Kait's flat, Thomas was distracted by a travel advertisement for Australia. He chuckled, pulled a pen from his pocket, and drew a cigarette in the mouth of one of the men on the poster, and then a watch on the other. He stood back and looked the poster over, then drew a glove on the man with a cigarette. He put the pen back in his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He smiled to himself, walking with a bounce in his step as he joined the flow of people on the sidewalk. There were so many options in front of him for the evening, and every evening thereafter. He could do practically anything he wanted to do, because his rules and his life were his for the making. Thank you for leading me to the edge, too, David, he thought. It feels so good to have finally jumped.