Investigative Pursuits (Murder Rooms, Bell/Doyle)

Arthur Doyle propped himself up on his forearms and half-turned to give his lover a look that conveyed volumes on the appropriateness of post-coital exercises on investigative skills. White sheets settled obscenely low on his back, giving the older man ample view of pale, bare flesh.

“I observe,” Arthur stated with a crisp bite in his tone, “two naked men, both of whom should be in bed but one of whom is not.”

Doctor Joseph Bell chuckled as he poured a quarter-glass of brandy, moving about the room in disregard of, or perhaps in spite of, his complete lack of clothing. “Ah, the tender proclivities of youth,” he sighed wistfully.

Doyle snorted. “You’re not that old, Professor.” Indeed, Doctor Bell’s hair had only recently started to show signs of gray.

“Old enough to be your father,” Bell retorted, “and certainly old enough that my libido takes a bit more time refreshing than yours.” The doctor’s sharp eyes held Arthur’s. “And, I believe I asked you a question, in case you’d forgot.”