Chapter Text
The call to the Bodleian came at a fortuitous time. Robbie had been concerned that a day stuck in the office could become, well, dangerous. He and James still had a lot to talk through, though he wasn’t at all sure that James was interested in talking.
*****
He thought back to how James had woken him that morning. He’d been dreaming – though he couldn’t remember exactly what – and was gradually roused from sleep in the awareness that he was tingling, as if a weak electrical current was passing over his body. He’d opened his eyes to find James lying on his side, watching his face. The tingling was the effect of James lightly brushing his fingertips over his face, neck and down across his chest in broad, flickering sweeps. James had stopped when he realised Robbie was watching him, his fingers coming to rest over Robbie’s heart.
Robbie had been surprised – and a wee bit embarrassed – to find himself growing hard and wondered how long James had been caressing him. He was also in desperate need of a pee and if he got any harder that was going to become difficult and painful. Taking hold of James’s hand, he’d leant across and given him a small, quick kiss at the side of his mouth before getting out bed as quickly as his back would let him, grabbing his robe and dashing for the loo, willing his erection to die.
When he’d finally returned to the bedroom, the bed had been stripped and partially remade, and James was dressed and standing by the bed looking dishevelled, awkward and a little lost.
“Sir, I, erm, I thought perhaps, ah ...” His voice had trailed off as he looked down at the floor.
Without a word Robbie had gone to him, carefully cradled his face with both hands, lifted his head slightly and kissed him soundly. Robbie felt the tension fall away from James as he returned Robbie’s kisses eagerly and brought his hands to rest on Robbie’s hips.
Robbie whispered into James’s mouth, “Trust me, James?”
James had simply nodded, face flushed, eyes bright.
Robbie had showered and dressed while James made tea and toast, then Robbie had dropped James at his place, as he said he would.
*****
“A body in the library.” Robbie smiled and shook his head at the memory – at least James now appeared to be his usual self, cheeky sod. He had been concerned that he would be, at the very least, distracted. There were several lines of enquiry to be followed so it was ‘divide and conquer’. They met up briefly to speak to Mrs Chapman and again to her brother, Mick Jeffreys.
There were still more enquiries to make but it had been a long morning and they were both in need of a rest. No-one would blame them for having a small break.
“Pint, James?”
As both Mrs Chapman and Jeffreys had indicated that Chapman had sought some sort of help for his gambling addiction, Robbie chose to use the time to make enquiries about Gamblers Anonymous. James, clearly only half listening to Robbie’s side of the conversation, occupied himself by making what Robbie assumed were notes on the case. When he gestured to James for the notepad and pen he briefly glanced at what James had been writing before taking down the contact information he needed. Something caught in the back of his mind and before he returned the pad to James he flicked back to look.
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law divine
In one another’s being mingled –
Why not I with thine.
They were the words James had whispered to Robbie after they’d ... The pub suddenly felt too warm to Robbie. He shivered lightly when James’s fingers brushed his as he handed the notebook back. He avoided looking at James for fear of what he might publicly give away.
***
As they headed towards the college to speak with Professor Walters, Robbie couldn’t help but notice that he and James walked perfectly in step, despite the extra length in James’s limbs. It wasn’t the first time Robbie had noticed this but it was the first time he’d really thought about it. He and Val always walked in step – except when they’d had a row – and he wondered if everyone did it or was it a ‘couples’ thing. James would probably know, however Robbie felt this wasn’t the time or place to ask – maybe later.
***
Having received Professor Walters’s agreement to pass on the details of Reg Chapman’s sponsor, Robbie held his breath as James answered the Professor’s query of “anything else?” with “I have a facetious question” – was it simply Robbie’s mind working overtime or was James just a little more mischievous than usual today? Ah, where’s the harm? Just as long as it doesn’t affect his work – or garner another complaint.
***
They spent the last part of the afternoon back in the office. While James watched the clock, Robbie watched James, remembering the feel of his body under him, the smoothness of his skin. He wondered if James would be as responsive to his touch tonight. He’d had some concerns, mostly about being caught out before anything was settled between them, and was pleased with himself for deliberately minimising their time together today. He’d also been afraid he’d see a change of heart in James, a cooling off now that he had seen what Robbie had to offer. He’d missed the small touches and looks that had become a part of his every day and was grateful for that small moment in the pub.
Everything had seemed so certain this morning.
James could see Robbie’s reflection in the monitor and knew he was being studied. He’d been relieved to be sent off on separate enquiries as he’d found it harder and harder to not touch Robbie when they were together. This day had dragged interminably and he felt like he’d been going in circles. He found it hard to read Robbie’s expression and just wanted to get out of there and back to Robbie’s where he could freely study him, touch him.
“Time for home, James?”
That was the sweetest thing James had heard since arriving at work.
***
Though nothing had been said, James had packed an overnight bag and a full set of work clothes. He sat in his car outside Robbie’s debating whether to take them in or leave them in the car. What kind of impression did it give? What impression did he want it to give? He jumped in his seat when his mobile rang, and began cursing Oxford’s criminal element before noticing the caller ID read ‘Lewis’.
“Sir?”
“Are you coming in or not? I’m too old to consider doin’ anythin’ in a car and certainly not out front of me own place.”
James could hear the smile in his voice and began to relax. You stupid bastard, James Hathaway – you leapt in feet first last night. “On my way.”
Robbie took in the holdall and suit bag James held in front of him like a shield. Bloody hell. He smiled at James and watched happily as the nervousness left his eyes.
“Pop ‘em in there if you want.” He indicated his bedroom. “There should be room in the wardrobe for your suit. Drink?”
“Right. Thanks. Erm, any chance of a cuppa?”
Robbie wasn’t sure he’d heard right, “You want tea?”
“Thought it might be best if I stayed sober, sir, though I wouldn’t want you to ...”
“Tea it is, James, and can you try to call me Robbie? Here, any road?”
“No, sir.”
“Eh?” Robbie looked down the passage as James stepped out of the bedroom.
“I’d rather call you ‘sir’, sir.” Robbie stared in astonishment as James continued. “If I stick to calling you ‘sir’, then there’s less chance of me calling you Robbie – or, God forbid, anything more unprofessional – at work or in public. You’ve called me James, Hathaway, Jim – which I don’t like by the way – or Sergeant. I’ve always called you sir or Inspector Lewis.”
Robbie frowned then straightened up and blinked. “And just how long have you been thinking about this, Jim?”
“For some considerable time...” James cocked his head to one side and grinned. “Inspector Lewis.”
With two strides James was upon Robbie, who pulled himself up to his full height as James backed him against the wall. James left little space between them as he took Robbie’s hands in his own, his face now solemn. He placed light, feathery kisses on Robbie’s forehead before dipping his head slightly and tracing a line down the side of his face and neck and on towards the base of his throat. Robbie couldn’t decide which was more deliciously torturous – the light brush of lips and tongue or the warmth of James’s breath – all he knew was that his heart was racing, his legs trembling and the blood rushing to his groin. And he didn’t want James to stop.
James released one hand and slid his arm behind Robbie as he pressed him against the wall and brought their bodies together: Robbie used his now freed hand to hold onto James. Robbie wasn’t alone in his arousal, and James bent his knees slightly causing their cocks to be pressed firmly together. Just as Robbie was trying to regain some control of his senses James started to move, rocking himself against Robbie while his mouth now sought out Robbie’s lips.
Robbie fought to get his voice back – he had not expected this from James. A couple of drinks, a takeaway, and another grope and fumble session had been his best hope: that James had taken the initiative was only fuelling his desire and increasing his need. Though lean and long-limbed, Robbie was discovering that James was strong; he was in fact supporting both himself and Robbie as the latter had practically given up trying to stay upright on his own feet.
“James, James, pet,” Robbie panted.
James, keeping his hips in place, drew back slightly his eyes flicking over Robbie’s face. He took in the wide eyes and lips red from being kissed, the faint pink of stubble rash on cheeks and chin and a general overall look of hot, flustered and very, very aroused. With one arm around his waist, the other still holding his hand, James made to draw Robbie towards the couch. Robbie hesitated, pushing back against the wall. James looked at him curiously then back at the couch before tugging gently at his hand and waist again. James tilted his head slightly to one side, a frown beginning to crease his forehead. What is Robbie playing at? Have I missed something? Robbie finally managed to produce a harsh whisper;
“No couch. Bed? Me back...”
The lines left James face as the gentlest of smiles replaced the frown. With a small nod he led Robbie towards the bedroom, trying desperately not to laugh with delight or even smile too broadly at the look of complete shock and amazement on Robbie’s face. I did that.
The room was softly lit from the passage light so – to Robbie’s relief – James left the light off. He felt a flash of shame at the thought; he had manhandled James under the glare of full light and now wasn’t prepared to submit himself to the same. Because he knew that was exactly what he was going to do – submit himself completely to James. And it excited him and scared the hell out of him.
James sat Robbie on the side of the bed before kicking off his shoes and climbing onto the bed to kneel at Robbie’s back. From behind he removed Robbie’s belt before untucking and unbuttoning his shirt. All the while he left a trail of warm shocks on Robbie’s skin as he kissed his neck, his shoulders, his throat, his tongue tracing the line of Robbie’s collarbone. Robbie closed his eyes and tilted his head back so that it rested against James’s shoulder behind him. James claimed the now exposed throat, running the tip of his tongue from under Robbie’s chin down to the sensitive hollow, scraping over stubble and sending shivers through Robbie’s entire body.
James brought his lips up to Robbie’s ear, his voice barely a whisper. “Lie down.”
***
James wrapped himself around the sleeping Robbie. Things had progressed very quickly once Robbie was lying down and James realised that Robbie was offering himself as completely as James had done the previous night. The trust implied shook James to the core and pushed his hunger for Robbie to a new level.
Clothes had been swiftly shed and James had freely explored with hands and mouth: Robbie hadn’t been completely passive though, with James’s enthusiasm propelling him to rediscover James’s delights. Using his hands and a knee, James had gradually pushed Robbie’s legs apart, starting at his knees and nudging his way up until Robbie was spread open beneath him. James had moved himself between Robbie’s thighs and lowered his body, making contact from thigh to chest.
The look of uncertainty that had flashed across Robbie’s face caused James to pause. He held himself up so he could see Robbie’s eyes, and waited and watched, looking for any sign of permission to continue. He’d felt Robbie’s body relax beneath him just before Robbie spoke, his voice low and rough.
“S’okay James, just ... just new, that’s all ... different ... keep goin’.”
James laid soft kisses first on Robbie’s closed eyes then his cheeks, jaw line and finally his mouth as he began to thrust his cock against Robbie’s, slowly at first, finding the right pressure and rhythm. He let Robbie’s responses guide him, the soft moans giving way to ragged breaths as Robbie whispered his name over and over. With a small cry Robbie came hard, clutching James to him as the spasms ripped through him. Within a few strokes James also came, his semen mixing with Robbie’s, wet and sticky. Breathing heavily, James grinned when he raised his head to see that Robbie was out cold – ‘le petite mort’ – and it was his doing. Trying not to move too far, James managed to find his boxers and used them to clean up as best he could. Throwing the boxers to the floor, he drew the covers around them both and nuzzled into Robbie’s neck.
Nothing in the world is single.
***
Here in this place he was safe. Here, with Robbie, his ‘sir’, James’s demons were held at bay.