“You need to be quiet,” murmured Frank, slowly taking him into his mouth.
Archibald gasped and rocked up. Frank pinned his hips and bobbed his head only a few times, feeling how close Archibald was already. “Too much?” he asked, kissing his stomach.
“Not enough. Please, I want you,” said Archibald, running a hand through Frank’s damp hair.
“I am yours,” said Frank, sliding his finger down to tease. Archibald moaned, and Frank covered his soft noises with kisses, pausing only long enough to slick his fingers before he started working him open.
“Please,” groaned Archibald again.
“When you’re ready,” promised Frank. There was so much he wished he could say, but Archibald was too overwhelmed to hear it now. He moved with every press of Frank’s fingers, eyes screwed tightly shut, little noises of pleasure falling from his lips. Finally, Frank withdrew his fingers. He leaned in and kissed Archibald.
Archibald opened his eyes, the blue blown almost to black. Frank wet his lips and held his gaze as he slicked himself.
“This will be easier if you’re on your hands and knees,” said Frank.
Nodding, Archibald turned himself with Frank’s help, settling into the new position and pulling the pillows closer. Frank took a breath and guided himself in.
Archibald wrapped his arms around a pillow, muffling his cries as Frank held his hips, moving deeper, trying to give him time to adjust. It was all he could do to hold himself back from thrusting in all at once.
Frank muffled a groan of his own against Archibald’s shoulder. He started to move, taking Archibald in hand. Archibald stiffened and cried out at the first stroke, squeezing around Frank as he came.
Panting into Archibald's damp skin, it only took a few thrusts for Frank to follow him over, feeling Archibald trembling underneath him.
As gently as he’d done everything else, Frank carefully pulled out, helping Archibald roll onto his side. He got up and fetched the cloth from the bathtub to quickly clean them up, then settled onto his back on the bed, Archibald tucked against his side.
Frank dozed for a little bit, but woke when his stomach reminded him they’d never touched their dinner. He ran his fingers through Archibald’s hair, looking at the way his eyelashes lay on his cheek. It had never felt like this, not even with Julia in their early days. He knew that he had loved her once, but marrying her had been an expected obligation, the children a logical consequence. Affection between them had faded quickly, and intimacy had ceased long before he’d run off to the battlefield.
He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting off unexpected tears. It wasn’t fair. He knew Julia had been unfaithful. If Archibald was a woman, he could take him home, quietly divorce, and start over.
But Archibald was a man, and so was he. To flaunt their love would mean arrest, or worse. He knew the law and the consequences. A man of Archibald’s station could generally get by with discretion, it was true, but it was no guarantee. Which was why Archibald had always been so careful. And either way, Frank was still a married man, even if deep in his heart, indifference had turned to bitterness.
Archibald stiffed and touched his damp cheek. “What's wrong?” he asked, raising his head.
Frank leaned in to kiss him. “I can’t keep you,” he whispered, heart breaking at speaking the words aloud.
Archibald kissed him back, then rested his forehead against Frank’s. “You never know what might happen,” he said quietly.
“When all this is over, I’m still a married man,” said Frank. “I have to think of my children.”
“I know,” said Archibald, kissing him again.
“I’m sorry,” said Frank. “I didn’t want to ruin the moment. We should eat.”
Archibald nodded. helping him out of bed and towards the table. “It’s not fair how she treats you,” he said, lifting the lid on the tray. “But we have here and now. You’re a good man, and what we have is not wrong, no matter what the law, the army, or anyone else might say.”
Frank smiled at the conviction in Archibald’s words. He reached out to break the bread. Archibald was right—one never did know what might happen, even if the voice in his head shouted that this could never last, that this was impossible outside the cloud of war.
He turned his attention to the man in front of him, knowing he needed to hold on to this moment.
Chapter Thirty
Archibald woke to sunlight streaming across his face. He slowly opened his eyes and turned his head. They’d never bothered getting dressed last night and had crawled back beneath the covers as soon as they’d finished eating.
Frank lay next to him, proof that last night had not merely been a beautiful dream. One arm was thrown above his head, the other hand laying against Archibald’s hip. In the soft light, Archibald could see the faded scars and marks of the difficult life Frank had lived.
Archibald rolled onto his side and traced his fingers down Frank’s chest. He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. Surely the universe could spare them twenty minutes? Frank deserved his sleep, but just this once, Archibald wanted something for himself. And he was sure Frank wouldn’t mind.
Smiling softly, he leaned in to kiss Frank awake, hand sliding further down his body.
Moaning softly, Frank opened his eyes. Confusion crossed his face for a moment, then he smiled warmly at Archibald. “Good morning.”
“It is. We don’t have much time.”
Frank rolled onto his side to face Archibald, pulling him closer. He put his hand over Archibald’s and wrapped his hand around both their cocks, stroking them together.
“Feels good,” murmured Archibald—a drastic understatement. Nothing had ever felt so good as this.
“Good,” smiled Frank, moving his hand to Archibald’s hip and letting him control the pace. He shifted closer still, tucking his head against Archibald’s shoulder and moaning softly.
Frank was strong. It was exquisite to have him like this. But Archibald was also keenly aware of the time. He moved his hand a little faster, reveling in Frank panting against his skin. For a moment, he enjoyed the slick sounds of them moving together.
Then Frank groaned and spilled over his hand, Archibald following him a heartbeat later. Frank flopped back against the pillows, pulling Archibald down with him into a heated kiss.
Archibald moaned softly, then reluctantly pulled back. “We’ve got a busy day today. Need to get dressed and find our breakfast.”
Grumbling, Frank brushed Archibald’s hair back from his face. “Sure you can’t cancel everything for one day?”
“I wish that I could,” sighed Archibald.
Frank frowned and cupped his cheek. “You’re not regretting this, are you?”
Archibald could hear the uncertainty in his voice. Even now, he was worried about hurting him. “Far from it,” Archibald assured him, turning his head and kissing his palm. “I wish I could spend the whole day here with you; the only regret I have is that I cannot.”
Frank smiled sadly. “I understand,” he said, kissing Archibald’s cheek before rolling out of bed and to his feet, as if he didn’t trust himself to stay in bed for a moment longer.
Archibald felt the same way, watching Frank walk back to the door between their rooms. He glanced back only once, then slipped through the door to prepare for the day.
Archibald pulled the pillow close and breathed in, allowing himself to feel the wonderful ache from last night’s lovemaking. He sighed and got to his feet, going to the en suite.
He gathered Frank’s clothes and left them by the door, then went to the sink and quickly washed away the last evidence of their pleasure. He looked at himself in the mirror, surprised by the satisfied look on his face. He didn’t recall ever seeing that look in his own eyes before. He was happy. At least for the moment.
Taking a breath and doing his best to compose himself, he fixed his hair and shaved, trying to turn his thoughts to the day’s upcoming meetings. But as he closed his eyes, he coul
dn’t help but think of Frank’s hands on his skin, the way he moved inside of him…
Archibald shook his head. They’d be here a few more days; surely there would be time to repeat the experience. He splashed cold water on his face and reached for a towel, then went to get dressed.
They left the hotel a short time later, Frank carrying a case of documents for Archibald. “You won’t be allowed in the meeting rooms,” said Archibald. “None of the aides are.”
“It’s fine,” said Frank. “I’ll find a way to occupy myself.” He got the door for Archibald as they stepped into the building.
Archibald found the meeting room fairly quickly. He thanked Frank and took the case from him, then stepped inside and looked around. Some of the officers and civilians he knew, and he greeted them as they took their seats around the long table.
The day was tedious. There were long discussions of things he knew would make no difference in the end. They broke for lunch, eventually, and went to a private space for that, no doubt so more discussions could happen over sandwiches and tea. He spotted Basil across the room, but there was only a chance to nod in greeting before he was being pulled into another meeting. Archibald barely spoke up unless he was asked a direct question, instead making notes and resisting the urge to doodle in the margins. All in all, it was nearly the same sort of day he might have had in his life before the war, only there were more uniforms present and less listening.
As the day drew to a close, Archibald found himself battling a headache. He stepped out into the hall, rubbing his temples and looking for Frank.
Frank appeared a moment later, giving him a small smile as he walked towards him. They were interrupted by a group of officers coming out of the meeting room, boisterously discussing their evening plans.
One of them, Major Thomas, clapped Archibald on the shoulder. Archibald bit back a wince. “You should come with us, Major. These girls could put a smile on anyone’s face, even yours.”
“Ah,” said Archibald, stepping out of his grip. “I had thought perhaps I would enjoy a quiet evening in.”
“Live a little,” said Colonel Brown. "Don't make me order you," he said half-jokingly.
Archibald glanced heavenward. He was surrounded, and, as he well knew, he had to keep up appearances. He’d done it all his life; he should be used to it by now. “Corporal,” he said as Frank stepped around the officers, looking a bit worried. “It seems I’m going out for the evening. I trust you can see these papers safely back to my room?”
Frank met his eyes and gave an understanding nod as he took the case. “Of course, sir.”
“Thank you,” said Archibald, finding himself steered away as soon as the case left his hand.
They went out a side door and into a waiting car. Colonel Brown sat on one side of him, Major Thomas on the other. Captain Morris sat up front. The Colonel kept up a steady stream of chatter for the whole ride, doing nothing to ease Archibald’s headache.
They soon arrived at a cabaret of some sort. A young woman ushered the group inside and led them to a table. The place was smokey and dim, save for the stage lights on whatever young woman was going through the motions of performing. At least she had a good voice.
Archibald quickly downed the first drink put in front of him. He had to keep up appearances, but nothing said he had to do it sober. Major Thomas chuckled and ordered him another one. Food appeared on the table, and another girl took the stage while they ate and drank.
Captain Morris spoke quietly to a passing woman. She smiled and took his hand, leading him away. Colonel Brown nudged Archibald. “Maybe we should set you up with a girl,” he mused.
Dear God no, thought Archibald, finishing his third drink. “I think I’ll just enjoy the show for now.”
A woman put another drink in front of him. She let her delicate fingers trail across Archibald’s shoulder. “Let me know if you change your mind,” she breathed in his ear.
It was all Archibald could do not to shudder. He had nothing against the fairer of the species as a rule, and of course he knew they were trying to make a living one of the few ways they could, but he didn’t want them to touch him, didn’t want to be here at all. He should be in bed with the one person whose touch he craved.
“Major Blythe, you’re looking a bit green,” said Major Thomas, handing him a piece of bread.
“Might want to slow down on the drinks,” said Colonel Brown without looking, eyes on the stage as two girls moved in tandem. At least Archibald was fairly certain there were two of them. He ate the bread without complaint, sipping slower at his drink. Just had to get through a little longer, then he could go back to the hotel.
“Well, this is a surprise,” said a familiar voice behind him. The other two men turned and quickly stood at attention. Archibald moved slower, gripping the table for support as he staggered to his feet and faced Basil. It reminded him of school days and Basil catching boys that were trying to bully him.
“At ease,” Basil said, catching Archibald’s arm as he swayed. “You’re looking a bit worse for wear.”
“He’s only had a few, sir,” said Major Thomas.
“Perhaps, but a few what? Never mind, I was just headed back to the hotel. I can see him there myself. Enjoy yourselves. Goodnight.” Basil held Archibald’s arm as he steered him away from the table and out into the fresh air.
Archibald took a few steps under his own power, then leaned forward against the bricks and threw up in the alley. When he finished, he rolled over, pressing his back against the wall to remain upright, wiping his mouth. Basil handed him a small canteen of water. “Thank you,” Archibald murmured, still dizzy.
“Not your kind of place, I know,” said Basil.
Archibald gingerly sipped the water and handed the canteen back. “You came looking for me?”
“I’d heard Colonel Brown got his hooks into you, and I knew where he’d go. Of course you’d go along. You’ve always been careful about keeping up appearances.” Basil moved to the curb to hail a cab.
Archibald felt like he was definitely not sober enough for this conversation. “Basil, I…”
Basil shook his head and glanced at him. “You’re a damn good man, Archibald, and always have been. I’ve never cared about anything else. Corporal Martin’s taking proper good care of you, isn’t he?”
Archibald nodded.
“Then that’s all that matters,” said Basil as the cab pulled up. He helped Archibald into it, sat beside him, and closed the door. “We’ll get you back to the hotel so you can get some sleep and make your meetings in the morning.” Basil gave the driver the destination.
Archibald suddenly felt far more sober as the car started to move. He’d suspected before, but now it was certain. Basil knew. Had for ages, apparently. Archibald had been careful, but there were always rumors around a confirmed bachelor like himself. He glanced at Basil, then out at the city, wondering what Collins had been telling him. He should be afraid, should be worried for himself and for Frank. But Basil had been watching out for him since they’d been at school together, and as far as the other officers knew, he just couldn’t hold his liquor.
And Basil had come to get him tonight. Rescued him, knowing Archibald would do whatever he needed to keep up his pretenses. What had he ever done to engender such loyalty?
The cab pulled up in front of the hotel. Basil paid the man and helped Archibald inside. Archibald couldn’t argue as Basil kept a hand on the small of his back to steady him up the stairs.
“I’ll always do all I can to protect you,” murmured Basil so only Archibald could hear. “I’m trying to get you and Martin further behind the lines.”
“I don’t understand why,” answered Archibald. “You’ve always been kind to me, even when we were young.”
“Someone needed to be. I told you: you’re a good man.” They’d reached the end of the hall, and Basil raised his voice. “This is your door, isn’t it?”
Archibald nodded, and Basil knocked.
> Frank opened the door, looking confused, then worried.
“Had a bit too much drink,” said Basil cheerfully. “I wanted to make sure he got back in one piece.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Frank, reaching out and taking Archibald’s arm. “I’ll take care of him from here.”
“I know you will, Corporal. See you in the morning, Archie.” Basil smiled at them, then turned and headed down the hall. Archibald let Frank help him into the room.
Chapter Thirty-One
Frank closed the door behind them and locked it. He’d been unable to rest, worried for Archibald, so he’d been sitting in their bed, barely paying attention to a book. Archibald smelled like a bar, with a lingering trace of perfume.
“Didn’t want to go with them,” muttered Archibald, sitting heavily in a chair. “Wanted to be with you.”
“I know,” soothed Frank, kneeling to undo Archibald’s shoes. “You were trying to be who they think you are. What you need them to think.”
Archibald slouched back, looking at the ceiling. “That’s what Basil said, too. I do things for appearances.”
Frank's hands stilled, and his heart skipped. But clearly, the General and Archibald had been friends for a very long time, and if he had any problems with Archibald’s predilections, it would have been apparent before now. Frank resumed what he was doing, getting Archibald’s shoes off and setting them aside.
Archibald pulled Frank into a kiss as he got to his feet again. “Why don’t they understand?” he asked softly, voice close to breaking. “I didn’t ask to be this way. I’ve never hurt anyone.”
“They’re afraid,” said Frank, smoothing Archibald’s hair back and then helping him to his feet.
“There’s nothing wrong with us.” Archibald’s voice sounded small and tired.
“I know,” said Frank, helping him into bed. “Rest. You’ll feel better in the morning.” He adjusted the blankets and turned away to fetch him a glass of water.
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