crack_van | A Breath by haydenthorne (PG)

Fandom: Maurice
Pairing: Maurice/Clive
Author on LJ:

haydenthorne
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read: Insightful and well-characterised, this fic deals with Maurice's feelings after Clive's marriage, as well as the latter's denial. I especially like how the ending alleviates the overall sadness, showing us that there are better things waiting for Maurice.

Maurice winced a little. He wasn’t sure, but he thought that he felt a faint burst of cold breeze come down on him at Clive’s approach. His hand moved absently toward his dinner jacket, which was draped on one arm.

“I told you before—I’ll say something when I’m good and ready,” he said stiffly, quickly turning around and walking away, but to his dismay, Clive fell into step with him. “Tell Anne that she’ll have to be more patient with me on this.”

“I have, believe me, dear fellow. But you know women—if anything, I find their inquisitiveness excessively charming.”

“Of course you do. You always have, I’m sure.” Maurice couldn’t help the sharpness of his tone, but he refused to apologize or take anything back.

A Breath