Lance looked at the book, his brow wrinkled in concentration. "Mir...mirror, mirror on the wall...who's the fai...fai...fai...Lord Christopher I...don't know this word," Lance whispered.

"Fairest," Christopher coached. Smiling at the progress he was making, Christopher found himself hanging on every word that came from Lances' lips as if it were the first time he had heard the story they were reading.

"Fairest," Lance repeated looking at Lord Chistopher, who smiled at him. Ever since he saw Lance at dinner, Christopher had noticed that he seemed much more relaxed. The time with Joseph had done him a world of good.

"Go on," Christopher smiled. "You are nearly halfway through the story in only a few days. You are doing quiet well Lance."

The young lord smiled at Christopher. "Than...thank you, M'lor...Christopher," Lance replied softly, a blush creeping up on his face. He was so endearing and charming, Christopher thought. No wonder Joseph was so in love with him.

Laughing, Christopher asked, "Why do you blush whenever one complements you? Are you that shy that even the smallest complement does this to you? And I mean no harm in asking Lance. You do not have to answer if you wish not to."

Looking down, Lance clasped his hands together. "I...I...it's just that I am not used to hearing such things. Than...thank you."

Lifting Lances' chin up, Christopher looked at him with sterness behind his soft eyes. "Never lower your eyes Lance. That makes you look weak, when you are not." Smiling again, he withdrew his hand and explained, "I used to look down too, whenever my husband complimented me, or said something that made me blush. He taught me that I had no reason to look down for what he was saying was the truth."

Looking at Christopher, Lance smiled at him. "Thank you," he replied softly as Joseph entered the study.

Walking over and dropping a light kiss upon Lances' forehead, Joseph asked, "How are you two doing tonight Christopher?"

"Very well," Christopher replied, nodding toward Lance. "My pupil has made remarkable progress and is almost halfway through the story."

Smiling approvingly, Joseph looked down at Lance and asked, "Do you think you will be able to read to me at nights Angel? When I cannot fall asleep?"

"I...I will try," Lance replied, looking at Joseph and smiling. He tried putting on a brave front, but inside his heart was heavy at the thought of being without Joseph for a whole week. Even though he was excited about seeeing his parents, just knowing that when the two days were up, he would return to Herfordshire and Jospeh would not be here.

"Angel?" Joseph asked. "Are you alright? You act as though something is bothering you again." Moving to kneel in front of Lance, Joseph studied his eyes. Yes, there behind those beautiful green eyes; were tears. "Angel..."

Looking away from Joseph, Lance stood up and tried to leave the study before the tears fell, but Joseph lightly grabbed his arm.

"Angel, did I do something wrong?" Joseph asked, keeping his hold on Lances' arm light. He couldn't understand why Lance would not look at him. "If I did anything wrong, tell me and I will undo it."

Keeping his back to Joseph, Lance lost his battle with the tears that cascaded down his face. Joseph enveloped him in his arms, turning him around to face him. Lance said nothing, the tears continuing to fall.

"Oh Angel," Joseph whispered, looking up as Christopher left the room again. The look on Joseph face was of shear concern for Lance. Christopher noticed and lipped 'we'll talk later' to him. Joseph simply nodded as his friend closed the door, leaving the two alone in the study. Joseph, cradled lance in his arms, rocking him back and forth as he tried to calm him down. It hurt him deeply to see his husband this upset and was desperate to find out what had upset him so. "Lance...Angel...please," Joseph whispered. "What is upsetting you?"

"Oh Joseph," Lance continued to sob. "I...I am sor...sorry but...it's...it's just the thou...thought of you leaving to...tomorrow and gone away for a who...whole week..."

"I do not want to leave either Angel," Joseph whispered. "But I cannot put off this business any longer. If I could, then believe me; I would do so in a heart beat, just so I wouldn't have to be away from you. The week will go by quickly."

Sniffling, Lance shook his head sadly. "N...no...no it...it won't," Lance whispered. "E...even though I will be with my...my parents, I will go to bed tomo...tomorrow night and you will not be lying bes...beside me."

"As you will not by my side either Lance," Joseph replied. "But, they do say that absense makes the heart grow founder. And when I return, it will be a whole other year before I have to leave you again."

"I...I don't wan...want you to leave me now," Lance sobbed.

"But I have to Lance," he explained. Then, as if a bolt of lightning hit him, Joseph formed an idea. "Lance, how would you like to spend a few more hours with me tomorrow, before I have to leave?"

Looking up at his husband, Lance nodded. "Bu...but you have to go so early in the morning. How...how will we be able to...?"

"The way I go to where the business is, I must go through your town; a good hour and a half to two hours away. And since you are leaving tomorrow as well, we could ride together. And have a few hours in the carriage alone; if you wish."

A small smile crossing his face, Lance's tears began to slow. "I'd...I'd like that," he replied softly.

"And perhaps you'd like to stay with your parents for the entire week? And I'll pick you up on my way back home?" Joseph added. The truth of the fact was, going by Lances' town would put him 3 hours off schedule, but Lance didn't need to know that. He only wanted to see his Angels' smiling face again; and if his being 3 hours late was the cost, then so be it. His Angel was well worth those 3 hours and thensome.

"I...can stay at the farm for the week?" Lance asked, unable to believe he had heard right.

"If that is what you would like Angel."

"Oh Joseph, you are the most wonderful person in the world," Lance cried, hugging his husband tight. "Than...thank you so much."

Hugging Lance in return, Joseph asked, "Am I to assume you would like to stay with your mother and father for the week then?"

"Yes," Lance replied happily, his smile widening. "Oh Joseph, thank you so much." Just as quickly, Lance's smile began to fade as he lowered his head.

"Angel?" Joseph asked again. "Something is still bothering you. What is it?"

Looking slowly up at Joseph, Lance's eyes filled with tears. "I...I...I'm going to miss you so," the young lord replied, his voice shaky. "I ca...can't imagine the next seven days without you."

Wiping away a tear that fell from Lances' eye, Joseph nodded in understanding; himself becoming choked up as well. Holding Lance close, Joseph rocked back and forth gently, humming the song Lance had sang for him a few nights ago.

"Joseph?" Lance called softly.

"Yes Angel?" he whispered back in reply.

"I...I...I want to...to..." Looking down at Lance, Joseph waited patiently for him to finish his thought. Looking up at his handsome husband, Lance's body began to tremble. "I...I want to...to...be with you," he said in a small voice.

Smiling slightly, Joseph ran his fingers through Lances' hair as he held him close, savoring the words that came from his lips. Feeling his body shake, he said, "Angel, you're shaking. There is no need for that. We will go at your pace, if that is what you would like."

"That's not it," Lance replied. "It's just that...I mean...I asked this afternoon and I...I don't want you to think badly of me."

"I can never, and will never, think badly of you Angel," Joseph whispered. "It is bad luck to think badly of ones' angel."

Holding on tightly to Jospeh, Lance whispered, "Forgive me...I...did not mean to be so forward. Maybe you...you might have wanted to call on Justin or Joshua tonight...I'm sorry."

"Why would I want to call on them, when I want to be with you?" asked the older lord. "It is true, some nights I will have to call on them; only to keep them thinking I do care for them. But most of the nights, if I call on anyone, it will be you."

"Rea..really?" Lance asked softly.

Laughing at how surprised Lances' quiet voice sounded, Joseph answered, "Yes really. Unless...you would perfer I not call on you."

"N...no...I...I would like for you to...to call on me," Lance replied, his voice still soft.

Standing and pulling Lance up with him, Joseph whispered, "Then my I have the privledge of calling on you now M'lord?" Bowing low, he looked up at Lance, and smiled.

A shy smile crossing his face, Lance nodded. "Y...yes, you may," he replied.

"Thank you M'lord," Joseph replied, straightening to his full height. "I am greatly in your debt for allowing me to have your most sought after company this evening." Taking Joseph's offered hand, Lance walked with him to Lance's chambers, surprising the young lord. "I am at your service M'lord," Joseph whispered, closing the door behind them. "What shall I do for you first?"

"Whatever you want," Lance whispered putting his arms around Joseph. "I just want to be with you."

Picking Lance up, Jospeh walked over to the bed and gently placed him down on it. Lying next to him, Joseph cradled him in his arms, kissing the top of his nose and moving down to his lips.

"No...no," he whispered. "Tonight, it is whatever you want." Looking Lance in the eyes, Joseph added, "I will not do anything unless you tell me to....M'lord."

Looking at Joseph, Lance sat up and began to remove his clothes. His desire for Lance growing, Jospeh grabbed Lance's hands, removing the rest of his clothes himself. Laying him back down, Joseph again took his young husband in his arms, kissing him passionately.

"I love you so much," Joseph whispered huskily in his ear as he climbed on top of Lance. "I wish I didn't have to go away tomorrow." The desire Joseph had for Lance only seemed to grow with each passing moment, each passing kiss, and each passing 'I love you'.

"I...I love you too," Lance whispered as he felt Joseph gently spread his legs. He let out a quiet whimper as Joseph slowly enter him.

"I know the pain is still there Angel," Joseph whispered softly. "But please, try and see past that." Lance squeezed his eyes shut, willing to pain to go away. Joseph leaned down and kissed away the tears in Lance's eyes as he slowly thrusted in and out of Lance.

His breathing becoming slightly heavier, Joseph opened his eyes, and watched for any more signs of pain from Lance. When the tears began to fall again, he kissed them away, apologizing each time for bringing the tears forth. Joseph kept up his slow pace, trying to get Lance adjusted to his body. After a while, the elder lord was thrilled to feel Lance's body finally begin to relax, and praised him.

"Very good Lance," he whispered, his smile showing how happy he was wtih him. "You are starting to become used to this; just as we told you you would." Increasing his speed everso slightly, Joseph tested Lance, to see how far he would be able to go.

Lance's body became slightly rigid again as Joseph thrusted faster. The pain wasn't as bad as when they first started, but it was there a little. Lance whimpered again, this time his voice mixed with slight pain.

"Angel, tell me if I am hurting you," Joseph whispered, his eyes locked on Lance. "That is the last thing I ever want to do."

Lance just kept quiet, a few lone tears rolling down his face. The pain wasn't as bad as before..Lance was more uncomfortable than in pain. "It's..it's okay."

Slowing his pace to what it was before, Joseph ran a hand down Lances' cheek. "My sweet Angel," he murmured. "How could anyone not love something as precious as you?"

Hearing Joseph's words made Lance sob more. "Oh Joseph," Lance whispered. "I lo...love you, too...so very much. I love you with all my heart."

"As I do you," he whispered in reply, not giving in to what he wanted to do. He had just now gotten Lance used to bedding with him; he wasn't about to ruin it all by letting his body take over his actions. Slowly, the pain started to subside as Jospeh continued his slow thrusts, thrilled when he hear Lance's quiet moans. "That's it Angel," Joseph praised. "That's it." The expression he had upon his face was like that of a father who was watching his baby son take his first few steps. "You're doing fine Lance. So very fine."

"I...I..." Lance said as let out a whimper. Soon, the pain was replaced with a deep desire that threatened to overtake Lance. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Lance moaned a little louder as Jospeh's smile grew.

Only then did Joseph increase the speed of his thrusts. With sweat starting to form on the bridge of his nose, he himself was at a loss for words now; with only soft moans to accompany Lances' filling the room.

Gripping the sheets, Lance's desire increased with each passing moment. "Jo...Jospeh?" Lance whimpered again. Joseph responded by increasing his speed once more.

Josephs' eyes were now closed to the world as the heat began to surround both him and his young husband. His mouth had become parched and he struggled to keep his throat moist to keep from coughing. His body was taking over, and he knew it; but there was no stopping it now. Within a few moments, the older lords' body shook with the force of his release.

"Jo...Jo...I...I..." Lance got no further as he, too hit his peak. It took a few moments before Lance's breathing returned to normal.

Gently pulling out of Lance and moving to lay next to him, Joseph covered them both with the blankets and pulled Lance close, careful to not hurt him, had he already done so. They held each other for a few minutes more, allowing them both time to catch their breaths, and just to savor the feelings that surged through them.

Holding on to Joseph, Lance began to cry, overwhelmed by the intensity of what had just happened. Never before had he felt like this and he was scared by it.

"Shh. There is no need to cry Lance," Joseph whispered. "You had seemed to enjoy it, and you did not ask me to stop. Why the tears?"

"I...I never...I mean I never...felt anything like this before," Lance replied, the tears continuing to fall.

"Like what Lance?" asked the elder lord, confusion plainly upon his face. "You have bedded with me before. Is this the first time you've actually realized what it felt like?"

"Ye...yes," Lance whispered. "It...it's the first....first time I...I," Lance trailed off, too embarrassed to finish his sentence.

"Lance?" he asked. "You do not have to keep secrets from me."

Looking up, Lance whispered, "I...I just never felt these kinds of feelings before."

Leaning over and dropping a light kiss upon Lances' lips, Joseph smiled and whispered, "You did very well, for a first time." Pushing the covers off him, he stood and walked to the burrow where Lances' clothes were kept. Taking a black robe that matched his other ones exactly, Joseph turned and explained that he still had a little more work to do before leaving for business the next day. "Sleep now. I will come and check on you before I retire as well."

Lance looked down, not wanting Jospeh to see the tears in his eyes. "Ye...yes Joseph," Lance replied softly, as he lay down. "I love you."

"I love you too Lance," Joseph called over his shoulder as he walked down the hall. He hadn't noticed that he was no longer addressing Lance by his pet name. He had other things on his mind at that moment anyway to be bothered by pet names and such.