Warm
Author: poicale
Book: The Charioteer
Pairing: Ralph/Laurie
Rating: adult
Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters and make no profit from them.
Notes: written for trueriver's birthday (lucky girl!)
Warm
Laurie's hand shook as he tried to get the key in the lock. The blustery wind blew more rain down his collar and he shivered. His half-frozen fingers fumbled the keys and they clanged onto the front step. He'd just taken a deep breath and started to bend over to retrieve them when the door swung open.
"Hullo, Spud," Ralph smiled as he gracefully stooped down to pick up Laurie's keys, "Didn't think I was home?"
"The lights weren't on." Laurie's teeth clattered as he stepped inside and took off his hat.
"No, the electricity is out." Ralph answered, pressing a kiss to Laurie's cold mouth once the door was shut.
"Oh." Laurie shivered violently as he moved down the hallway to the kitchen. His wet shoes squelched softly on the carpet.
“How on earth did you get so wet? You left home with an umbrella this morning.” Ralph had made sure of that.
“It was too windy; I didn’t want it to get turned inside out.” Laurie shivered.
“It’s only an umbrella.”
“I know, it’s just,” Laurie’s teeth chattered, “You gave it me on my last birthday.”
“Spuddy.” Ralph peeled off Laurie's overcoat and then loosened his tie with an affectionate and indulgent smile. "I’d have bought you another. Let's get you out of these wet clothes. I'll get some towels."
Laurie's cold, stiff fingers struggled with the buttons on his jacket. He'd gotten only one button undone by the time Ralph returned with an armful of towels and Laurie's pajamas.
"Here." Ralph took over and efficiently stripped Laurie's soaked clothing off. "Spuddy, you should have called from the station."
"I didn't think it was that bad." Laurie rested his cheek against Ralph's shoulder as Ralph briskly rubbed a towel over his chilled skin. The warmth from the stove was starting to slowly spread over his skin as Ralph’s hands moved and generated more heat.
Ralph moved, crouching down to dry Laurie's legs, pressing kisses to Laurie's cold stomach. "There." Ralph stood and helped Laurie into warm flannel pajamas before rubbing Laurie’s hair with another towel. "Get in bed and I'll bring you tea."
Laurie climbed up the stairs and into their bed, still shivering.
"I brought a hot water bottle too." Ralph said, slipping it in by Laurie's feet. "Sit up for your tea."
"Don't want it." Laurie shivered again. Ralph stood looking down at him for a moment. Laurie glanced up and watched Ralph smile slightly before taking off his shirt and trousers. Ralph climbed into bed next to him, pulling him close.
"How about I warm you up?" Ralph said softly, his breath warm against Laurie's neck.
"Yes, please." Laurie slid his hands under Ralph’s vest and felt the muscles clench.
“Christ, your hands are bloody freezing.” Ralph muttered.
“You’re so warm.” Laurie replied contentedly, pressing his cold nose against Ralph’s jaw as his hands traveled towards Ralph’s hips.
“If you think you’re getting those icy things anywhere near my bits, I’m getting out of bed this moment.”
“I wasn’t thinking anything of the sort.” Laurie laughed, wriggling against Ralph’s welcoming body.
“Spud.” Ralph gave a slight squeak as the aforementioned icy hands burrowed into his underarms. Laurie laughed again as he shifted and tried to pull Ralph on top of him. Ralph followed easily and started to move against him.
“Please.” Laurie kissed Ralph’s neck. The friction had started to create a heat that was warming Laurie up very nicely.
“Laurie.” Ralph murmured lovingly then flinched as a cold foot moved to slide up his calf.
“Mmm.” Laurie sucked on the skin below Ralph’s ear, as his hips shifted upwards, desperate for more contact. “Just, please.”
Ralph didn’t say another word, but proceeded to warm Laurie up all the way to his core.