Title: At The Limits
Fandom: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (TV)
Pairing: Grant/Strange
Length: 275 words
Rating: PG-13/R
Content notes: no warnings apply
Author note: Inspired by sevenswell's blisteringly NSFW fanart; my thanks to her, and to 2ndskin for suggesting a dialogue-only fic.
Summary: Traumatized by his experiences with the dead Neapolitans, Strange turns to Major Grant for help.



“Are you quite sure this is what you want?”

“I should not ask for it otherwise. For God’s sake, man, get on with it!”

“Should I not at least –”

“No. I said, as you are. Just as you are. If you will not, then say so outright and I will find some one else.”

“Christ, Merlin! I promised, and I’ll do it. Only –”

“Only what?”

“You are exhausted from the strain of watching, you plainly haven’t eaten for days – I fear you are not in your right senses.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that, Major Grant. I have said so already.”

“Then –”

“You burned them in the mill, but they’re still – here. I cannot get rid of them. I gave them borrowed life, and now I cannot feel any thing.”

“Merlin –”

“Don’t. I – it is not what I want. Tenderness. I cannot –”

“…”

“…”

“Lie down, then. Can you undress yourself, or –”

“Yes, yes, I thank you! … There, I am ready for you.”

“…”

“What are you waiting for now?”

“I am afraid of hurting you.”

“I do not care, I – oh!”

“Breathe.”

“I – yes. Yes.”

“Slowly. Not yet. Breathe.”

“I am br – ah, there!”

“Yes. No, not yet. Wait a little longer. … There.”

“…”

“…”

“You can – move now. Please.”

“Mm.”

“Harder than that, for the love of – oh!”

“Yes. Yes.”

“Fuck. Please.”

“Hold yourself open. Like that, yes. God.”

“…”

“…”

“Your hand on me, I want –”

“Should I not take –”

“No. Yes, god, like that.”

“Christ, Merlin.”

“You said that bef – ah!”

“Come on, then. Take it.”

“Yes, fuck, yes. More. I –”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Merlin.”

“I – yes. Better now. Thank you.”

“You’re shivering. Here, let me –”

“…”

“Shh. Shh.”

“…”

“Shh.”