It's the words that tip Rama over, the words and the laughter after them, even more than the fingers digging into his arse — and it is Rama in these moments, with the you do love me whispered next to his ear in that voice — and his usually silent orgasm comes with a laugh, happiness spilling over. He lifts his cheek from Francis' head to see snow melting in a spreading circle from around his feet, smiles, then gives Francis a last fond touch, shuddering at the feeling over his own sensitive skin too, and tucks them back into their trousers, turning his head to kiss at whatever part of Francis' face is nearest.

"You only just realised?" he murmurs after a quiet moment, laughter still in his voice. "I haven't been doing half the job I thought I had."