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That evening, Jack and Arthur were curled up in their pyjamas on the settee in one of their rooms, listening to the crackly music emanating from their new radio. Jack, ever the early adoptee of new technology, had insisted they buy a radio that year, and they had started listening to the sporadic broadcasts from the Marconi Company in Chelmsford. Tonight, it was an orchestral arrangement of several classical pieces, and although the music sounded strange coming through the device, there was certainly a thrill in being able to hear music and news through this fascinating new source.
Jack was half-lying on Arthur's chest, as he often did, Arthur lightly running his fingers up and down Jack's arm, and two of the terriers were curled up at his feet. However, the longer the music went on, the heavier Jack felt against him, until the even rise and fall of his breath made Arthur realize he was asleep. This was incredibly rare; Jack went to sleep late and woke up early, and Arthur rarely saw him snoozing, since he was both an insomniac and a light sleeper.
Arthur slowed the movement of his hand, but Jack's breath didn't change. He felt so warm against his chest.
The music program concluded, and the radio faded into static. Arthur didn't want to get up, since Jack needed all the sleep he could get, especially at his age. (Arthur often teased Jack for being an old man, since he was in "a different decade of life"— 52 as opposed to 49.) But it wouldn't do to leave him on the settee, not when the bed was only one room away.
At last, though, Arthur got an idea. Very carefully, he eased his arms around Jack, and when Jack continued breathing evenly, Arthur scooted out from under him, keeping his arms around him, and shifted positions so that he could pick Jack up bridal-style. He smiled to himself, thinking about how he had carried Jack over the threshold after their secret ceremony over twenty years ago. He'd acquired a lot more aches and pains since then, but Jack weighed very little, and Arthur still fancied himself somewhat strong. With some straining and muffled grunting, he was able to lift Jack and cradle him in his arms, Jack's head lolling against his shoulder. The urge to kiss him was strong, but Arthur was still trying not to wake him up, and it was a miracle that Jack had stayed asleep this long.
He carried Jack into their bedroom, shuffling his feet to avoid tripping over the terriers, who scurried after him. He reached the bed and gently, gently laid Jack down on it. He was still asleep! Arthur smiled triumphantly and edged the blanket back, bit by bit, until he could drape it over Jack, tucking him in cosily.
Arthur felt very smug for getting him to bed without waking him. But he couldn't help leaning down and giving him one very gentle kiss, on his temple.
Jack smiled, and opened his eyes. "Why Mr. Holmwood, that was very romantic."
Arthur groaned internally. "Sorry to wake you," he whispered, giving him another kiss, this time on the cheek. "Go back to sleep."
"I wasn't asleep," Jack said, his eyes twinkling. "But how could I say no to my big strong husband carrying me to bed?"
Arthur huffed. "You were awake this whole time?"
"Of course I was."
Arthur grabbed a pillow and thwacked him on the head with it, which made Jack squawk like a bird. Arthur jumped on top of him and kissed him all over his face, while Jack squirmed and laughed underneath him.
At last Arthur flopped down beside him, shaking his head. "Jack Holmwood, you are incorrigible."
Jack curled up next to him, settling against his chest as he'd done when they were on the settee. "And that's why you love me."
Arthur kissed the top of his head, pulling him into a tight embrace. "And that's why I love you."