Percy smiled. “Yes."
"Perce, why don't you and Alastair go into the drawing room and catch up. We shall be elsewhere,” Zelda said, less than tactfully.
Percy colored slightly and looked at Alastair. “Would you join me for a drink?” he asked. His expression betrayed the brittleness he felt at this unexpected reunion.
After a brief pause, Alastair nodded. “If you wish. My ladies.” He sketched a brief bow at the women though it was clear he hadn't a clue what was going on.
Percy led the way to the drawing room, even though Alastair had certainly been there many times before. It was only a few short years, but he'd made plenty of improvements to the house, updating things with Zelda's quirky assistance. He closed the door behind them, then looked into Alastair's eyes. “Zelda and Gwen are a couple. Officially, Gwen is a close friend, a spinster living on the charity of the earl and countess. But they are inseparable. I am the superfluous one,” he said, smirking. He wanted to know why Alastair was there. He didn't want to get his hopes up.
"So you and she are not...” Alastair seemed loath to speak it. He kept a careful distance from Percy.
"No. The last time we kissed was at our wedding six months ago.” He licked his lips. He'd certainly kissed others since then, but not that many. One or two, perhaps. “Alastair, why are you here?” he asked gently.
Alastair seemed unable to tear his eyes from Percy. “Forgive me. My presence is surely unwelcome to you,” he began, hands clenched at his sides.
"Hardly. Perhaps I said that badly. It is just that your visit was unexpected, but not unwelcome. Please, would you like to sit? A glass of brandy, perhaps?” He would do anything to get Alastair to stay, including blocking the door if need be.
Alastair hesitated, then nodded. “Perhaps a brandy might be nice,” he acknowledged. He sat gingerly on the settee. He still watched every move Percy made, like a starving man.
Percy moved to the sideboard and poured two glasses of brandy. He crossed the room to Alastair's side and handed him a glass before taking a seat beside him. “You saw me in the park, you were saying?” he prompted gently. He could hardly breathe, and yet he was behaving normally. He felt as if he was watching himself from outside his body. “Please go on."
"I saw you,” Alastair agreed, taking a large gulp of brandy. “And I nearly approached you then. But I did not trust myself.” His voice was a rough whisper.
Percy tossed back his drink. “Didn't trust yourself? Didn't trust yourself about what?” he asked. He needed to know. He needed to hear it. If Alastair only wanted a brief dalliance, well, Percy didn't think he could bear to lose him again.
Alastair put down his drink and turned to face Percy. “A day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought of you,” he began. “The number of times I almost called on you. But I would stop myself. I thought surely you would hate me. But...” He moved closer, but not quite touching. “When I saw you in the flesh, I knew I had to see you. But had I approached you in the park...” His eyes flashed.
Percy breath hitched. “I've thought of you every day as well. I could never hate you. Alastair. What exactly do you want from me?” He licked his lips. This was torture. Percy wasn't still angry over the way that they parted, but he felt he deserved at least this.
Alastair seemed taken aback. “You do not hate me?” he asked, gazing intently into Percy's eyes. “I did what I did for your own good, but I know how harsh it seemed."
Percy stood abruptly and stalked over to the side table again, bringing the decanter of brandy with him. He poured himself another. “Good lord, you do torment me so! Have you come here to reassure yourself that I don't hate you, then? Is that what this visit is about?” he asked, clearly agitated. He downed a second glass and raked his fingers through his hair.
"No,"rasped Alastair. He stood as well, stalking to within inches of Percy. “I've come because you're mine and I want you back.” His gaze smoldered.
Percy put down his glass and grabbed the front of Alastair's coat and pulled him forward, crushing his lips to Alastair's. He didn't wait to make sure he'd heard him correctly. You're mine kept replaying in his head as he kissed the other man.
Alastair groaned, stilling for a moment before kissing back furiously. His hands encircled Percy and touched him everywhere. His tongue penetrated the smaller man's mouth as their bodies melted together. Percy whimpered into Alastair's mouth, pressing against him as much as he could. His hands slid around Alastair's larger body and he clung to him, moaning. He wanted to cry, it was so perfect. He needed Alastair like air.
The kiss might have gone on for hours, tongues dancing and hard bodies straining for more contact. Finally, Alastair pulled back and growled, “Need you, Percy. Here. Now. I cannot wait.” His hands tightened on the smaller man's firm ass.
Percy stared into Alastair's eyes for a moment. “You must promise not to push me away again,” he whispered. “Say we can be together. Say you'll at least give it a try. Say you'll trust me. If you can do that, I shall be yours unconditionally."
"I cannot live without you,” Alastair said simply. “I will try. And trust you.” He gazed back into Percy's eyes.
The way Alastair said it sent shivers through Percy. “That'll do,” he said, pulling off his coat. “I've some oil in the drawer beneath the vodka,” he said hoarsely as he tugged open his neck cloth. He intended to give Alastair whatever he asked for, and if he acted as if he would leave again, well, Percy would simply have to beg.
Alastair seemed stunned. “Just like that? You forgive me?” He watched hungrily as Percy removed his clothing.
Percy blinked, but he didn't stop tugging the laces free on his shirt. “I belong to you. What choice have I got?” he said simply. He nearly stumbled while kicking off his boots. “You wondered that Zelda knew who you were, yes? She asked me once why I didn't have someone. So I had to explain that I was still in love with you, and no one else would ever fill that place in my heart."
Alastair moved closer. “You love me?” he said wonderingly.
Percy nodded. “Yes. I have for a very long time. Didn't you know that?” he asked. It was true that he'd never said it. He thought perhaps Alastair would have thought it stupid or immature. Of course he was stupid and immature at the time.
"No,” Alastair said faintly. “No one's ever said that to me before."
Percy frowned. His progress in removing his clothing stopped. “No one? Ever?” he asked. He couldn't believe that. Surely his parents at least.
"No,” Percy said simply. “My father died when I was small. And my mother did not hold with such things."
Percy found that incredibly sad, and it made him want to show Alastair how deeply he loved him all the more. He stepped close, now in only his trousers. He slid his arms around Alastair's neck. “Well, I love you. I'm sorry I didn't say it before. But I know you are the one, the only man I shall ever love."
Alastair stared at Percy as if bewildered. “I thought you would turn me away,” he said, his hands roaming over Percy's pale skin.
Percy's lips twitched. “Would you rather I did?” he asked, tilting his head. “I thought you'd prefer staying a while. Sleeping in my bed with me tonight so you could take me whenever you felt like it.” He kissed the corner of his mouth lightly. “And don't be concerned about the girls. They're at the opposite end of the house. They tend to be rather loud, so I banished them."
Alastair seemed to lose some of his reticence. “I think I may have to take you quite a few times before my need is satisfied,” he whispered. His hands had returned to Percy's ass.
Percy finally smiled. “A few thousand, to be sure,” he whispered. “I want you, Alastair. I want you for as long as you'll stay. Please, I've missed you so much."
Alastair nodded once and fastened his mouth to Percy's once again. As they kissed he backed the smaller man up against the desk.
Percy's fingers started unfastening Alastair's trousers as they kissed. He wanted this so badly. He'd forgotten
what this was like, the trust that made the perfect passion possible. He could be himself with Alastair. He could do what he wanted to do without having a thought for the consequences. His hands slid down inside the fabric, pushing it insistently down over Alastair's hips.
Alastair's hands were all over Percy—touching, caressing, squeezing. He moaned into the smaller man's mouth as his cock was bared. He pulled back and panted, “I have dreamed of this so many times, dreamed of you, my Percy..."
"As have I. But we don't have to dream anymore, Alastair. We can be together. I promise.” He started on his own trousers, slipping them off and kicking them away. “I'm yours. Please stay with me.” He would do anything to keep Alastair with him.
"I will. I can't live without you,” Alastair whispered. He pulled Percy into another desperate kiss.
Percy was naked in Alastair's arms, and there was nowhere else he wanted to be. His slid his arms around Alastair's neck, pressing their bodies together. He was hungry for this. It had been a long time, even longer since he'd been with someone for whom he had genuine affection. He rocked against Alastair's body with a whimper, causing their cocks to grind against each other.
Alastair broke the kiss with a gasp. “Percy, I wish to take my time but I fear I cannot wait, it has been so long since I have..."
Percy smiled and put his fingers over Alastair's lips. The way he was practically apologizing was utterly charming to him. “There will be plenty of time to go slowly, love.” He leaned to one side, yanking open the desk drawer and pulling out a stoppered bottle of oil. “We both need this. Take me.” He kissed Alastair quickly and turned in his embrace to face the desk.
Alastair made a strangled sound that was half desire and half desperation, and opened the oil. In a moment he was ready and pressing against Percy from behind, slick cock nudging at his entrance.
Percy leaned over the desk, arching his back, spreading himself invitingly. He thought he'd never see Alastair again. Well, no, he always intended to confront him some day, but this was much more rewarding. “Love you,” he said, wanting to reassure his proud, stoic lover.
Growling wordlessly, Alastair put his hands on Percy's slim hips and entered him. “Ohhh,” he groaned, trembling as he clearly fought for control. “Percy..."
Percy moaned, but his lips were curved up in a smile. “Oh yes,” he gasped. “This is what I had missed.” He held onto the desk tightly. His body took a few long moments to adjust, but he would bear any discomfort for the ecstasy that he knew would follow.
Alastair began slowly, but he rapidly gained his accustomed confidence. He spoke little, but each thrust was precise and angled to give Percy the most pleasure. He touched him constantly, and reverently. Percy leaned further over the desk, bracing himself on his elbows. He moaned Alastair's name over and over, tightening around him as his body adjusted. In moments he was on edge, gasping for breath. It felt like the best he'd ever experienced, and he knew it was because this man was the one. “Alastair ... I ... ohh ... I'm close,” he croaked.
Alastair's voice strained with need, and he never broke his rhythm. “I wish to hear you scream with pleasure,” he ground out. He reached down to stroke Percy's cock as he took him. “Mine..."
Percy didn't hold back anything. He knew Zelda would have cleared everyone from that end of the house as well as she could, and Percy let go as he came, crying out Alastair's name and he shook through his climax. Alastair kept pounding into Percy relentlessly. He growled as he found his release, gripping Percy's hips tightly.
Percy slumped against the desk, completely spent. It was several minutes before his breathing slowed. He licked his lips. “Dear God,” he whispered. “I never thought I'd have you again."
Alastair was silent for a moment, then he pulled Percy up off the desk and into his arms. “Never again,” he breathed. “Never again will I let you go."
Percy smiled adoringly at him, sliding his arms around Alastair's neck. “Bloody well right you won't.” He kissed him lightly on the lips. “You should go pack yourself some things and come back here in time for dinner, because you'll be staying quite a while."
A small smile played about Alastair's lips. “I've missed you so,” he said, barely audible.
"Thank you for coming back,” Percy said, momentarily choked with emotion. “I haven't been fucked like that since school,” he teased, winking to cover the moisture in his eyes.
Alastair smirked. “You were made for me,” he said softly. He held him tightly.
Percy rested his head on Alastair's shoulder. “I belong to you, completely. I always have, Alastair. You made me work for it, but I hope I've won you at last."
Alastair looked chagrined. “I did what I did because I thought it best for you. I was wrong."
Percy shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe that's what it took for you to realize we belong together. It doesn't matter now. You're here, and nothing will tear us apart again.” He moved back. “Now, I'd like you to move in tonight, so we can spend several days in bed. Right?” He patted Alastair's ass gently.
Alastair bowed. “Who am I to argue with the earl?” He leaned in and said, “A kiss to sustain me until I return?"
Percy touched Alastair's face tenderly. He kissed him slowly and deeply. He leaned against the larger man again, naked and unashamed. He felt a deep satisfaction, and a confidence that only good things would happen for them from then on.
Alastair returned with as many of his belongings as he could load into Percy's carriage. While they didn't spend an entire week in bed, they did spend a large part of each and every day reacquainting themselves with each other.
At the end of a month, Alastair seemed more at ease around Zelda. Percy thought it rather funny that his love would be jealous of his wife, when the relationship was as platonic as it could possibly be.
Alastair returned to teaching, but like most of the other professors, no longer kept housing on campus. He had moved entirely into the home of his former student. No one questioned the situation, as the earl was clearly married. If anyone outside of the household made assumptions about them, it was that Professor Kent was perhaps enamored of the earl and countess’ lovely ward, who also resided in the house.
The servants knew better, but they were paid handsomely for their silence and loyalty.
It wasn't until the subject of an heir repeatedly reared its ugly head that the quartet knew any discord.
"I don't see a way around it, do you?” Percy asked one evening when they were having a drink in the library after dinner.
Alastair glowered over his glass of whiskey. “I don't like it.” He wrapped his arm around Percy possessively.
The girls had gone to bed early, and Percy was enjoying having Alastair all to himself, despite the topic. “I doubt any of us are very pleased with the situation, but there you have it. Zelda has the most to complain about, really.” He took another sip of his drink.
"Well, you know how I feel about anyone touching you, and that's more than touching.” Alastair's scowl deepened.
"I know, love, but it's for everyone's good, not just mine. The more typical we all appear, the less likely anyone would be to question our little arrangement here. Hopefully just once will do the trick.” He sighed. “It's not as if we're actually cheating on you. This has been the plan from the start."
Alastair raised an eyebrow. “Well that leaves the problem of how you are actually going to be able to do it.” His voice carried a trace of humor.
Percy grinned. He leaned into Alastair's body and slid his arm around his waist. “Maybe I'll need some help,” he said, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. “How would you feel about contributing to the siring of an heir?” he asked.
"Help? Ohhh.” Alastair looked bemused. “It seems as if it might be rather crowded in the marital chamber, then. All four of us, likely."
Percy laughed. “Good lord. I'm a bit of an exhibitionist, but that might be a bit much. I think I'll be able to manage it. Before you came back, I was s
omewhat wild. A little brandy and I think it will all work out."
Alastair raised an eyebrow. “Why do I not have a problem believing that?” He pushed Percy back on the couch. “You always did have a tendency to be a bit of a whore."
Percy raised his eyebrows. “I was looking for you, love.” He wasn't going to deny it. He had explored pleasure as fully as he could. “Do you remember when you nearly came to blows with poor William?” he asked, smirking.
"Poor William,” Alastair snorted. “I doubt poor William has much trouble finding companionship."
Percy wiggled his eyebrows. “Oh, I don't doubt he's turning some pretty young boys away daily.” He knew he shouldn't goad Alastair when he was going to be having sex with someone else in the near future, but he found the possessiveness sexy.
"Somehow I can't see him turning anyone away if they're willing,” Alastair smirked. “And I am still not convinced you would have turned him away had I not been there to protect your virtue."
Percy rolled his eyes. “Oh, and if I happened upon him now? Do you think I would let myself be enticed back into his bed?” he asked.
Alastair growled softly. “I think not,” he said, eyes flashing. “I would not want to be locked up for murdering him."
"I wouldn't have cheated on you back then. And now I would only do so with my wife.” He laughed. “You have nothing to worry about. I'm yours."
Alastair's expression softened. “I never want to lose you again,” he said. “I could not go on."
Percy's brows drew together. “I love you,” he whispered. “I would never do anything to hurt you, Alastair. I swear it.” He was overwhelmed by the suddenly sweet moment. He combed his fingers through his lover's hair, wanting to soothe and reassure him.
"I know,” Alastair breathed, gazing at Percy's face. “And anything I have to go through to be with you is well worth it. My Percy."
Percy smiled at him. “Can I interest you in going to bed, love?” he asked, leaning up to kiss him. He knew the subject was difficult for Alastair, as it would be for Percy if their situations were reversed.
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