kindkit | and then they done music

It's a fairly common observation among Aubrey/Maturin fans, or at least Aubrey/Maturin slash fans, that the "Jack and Stephen play music together" scenes in the books are very like sex scenes. Music plays a role in their relationship pretty exactly analogous to sex between lovers: it brings pleasure to them both, it creates a feeling of communication and indeed communion, and it strengthens their mutual bond.

Sometimes the analogy is so obvious that one suspects intention on O'Brian's part, as in this scene from The Wine-Dark Sea. Jack has just inadvertently upset Stephen with a tactless question, so he's eager to make up for it:

[H]e was particularly attentive in laying out the sheets, pouring Stephen another glass of wine, and, when they began, in so playing that his violin helped the 'cello, yielding to it in those minute ways perceptive to those who are deep in their music if to few others.

Jack's efforts certainly bring success:

[T]hey carried straight on without a pause, separating, joining, answering one another, with never a hesitation nor a false note until the full satisfaction of the end.

All that's missing is the post-coital cigarette and "was it good for you too?". *grins*