KINGSTON DAYS
By

The pain in his head matched the one in his stomach and the sun blinded him; he could see the market down below, but knew there was no chance of reaching it without the undignified outcome of passing out.

Breathless and with sweat pouring off him he stood there totally unsure of what to do and cursed his own stupidity.

“Sir? Are you quite well?”

There was a gentle touch on his arm and he found himself staring into the soft brown eyes and gentle smile of a young native. He was around sixteen or maybe less, but stood taller than Bush and was well-built.

Bush nearly snapped at him for his concern; he was embarrassed but as he swallowed hard he decided he had to admit defeat or face the ignominy of collapsing.

“I… “

He didn't need to say anymore which was good as he wasn't sure he was capable; the young man helped him to sit on the wall shook off Bush's thanks and scurried away.

The walk back to his and Archie's lodgings seemed too much to cope with and he wondered what on earth had possessed him to go out in this heat.

He knew why he had, boredom and sheer frustration had left him restless and his itching wound had been driving him insane.

He'd literally stomped out on Archie to avoid an argument that would have been entirely pointless and completely his fault.

The young man who had helped him returned with some water.

“Drink! Drink!” He grinned showing perfect teeth.

Bush hadn't tasted anything so wonderful in his life; the cool liquid dribbled down his throat and tasted like manna from heaven and he smiled at his saviour. He still felt dizzy but it was easing and here in the shade the sun was far less taxing.

“Thank you…”

The man laughed and waved goodbye returning to whatever business he'd been about.

William sat for a few more minutes and then made his weary way back to his lodgings, wondering if he could avoid admitting what had happened.

Archie was fortunately asleep when he entered and William lay down on his own bed thankful that he wouldn't have to face his friend.

His relief was short lived as Archie shifted and looked at him, “You look terrible.”

“I feel terrible,” was his short answer.

Archie sat and glared at William.

“What happened?”

Bush briefly considered lying but was too weary to be bothered with avoidance.

“I nearly passed out in the street.”

He sat up daring Archie to say anything. He saw the very slight smirk on Archie's face quickly smothered and he felt his face burn and anger rise again.

“Well, at least you're back safe, now.”

That was all he said and it took the wind out of Bush's sails. Then Archie lay back down, the subject obviously closed. Bush was both relieved and surprised at the lack of condemnation. Despite the time they'd spent together the other man could still disconcert him.

He also lay back down and was soon asleep. It was evening when he awoke and Archie was reading but looked up from his book at William's movement.

“Better?”

“Yes, thank you,”

The rest had restored his temper, and while still embarrassed, managed a small smile when Archie said softly: “Not surprising you nearly passed out; you insisted on going out at the hottest time of the day.”

There was no answer to that and William suggested they for some dinner, before their landlady gave up on them.

****

It was not until a couple of days later that he felt the urge to escape the room to nearby streets again. He was sure he would be able to succeed in making it to town today.

“William, stop pacing; you're making me dizzy.”

Bush realised that it must be equally as difficult for Archie. He had not been able to sail with Hornblower on the Retribution and he knew both of his friends had been deeply disappointed, and Archie was still less mobile than Bush.

Lying back on his bed, he stared at the buzzing flies for a while and tried not to scratch his wound, which was still itching.

He sighed and attempted to sleep, dozing off and on before even that ability deserted him and he was back to staring at the ceiling.

It was late afternoon now and he was sure the time was right to attempt the walk.

He could find the book Archie wanted and some things for his sisters, as well as writing paper and a new quill. His family were always complaining he never wrote to them enough at least now he had ample time to do so and it would keep him busy.

“William, I can hear your teeth grinding from here.”

“Mr Kennedy.”

The teasing note in the voice aggravated his mood more than it should have and he sat up to glare at his roommate.

Archie sat up more slowly and faced his friend; all teasing was gone from his face and tone.

“I know this is frustrating, but it could have been so much worse.”

It was a timely reminder; for all his grumbling he knew they were lucky. It had very nearly been so much worse. If it hadn't been for Dr Clive's sudden and rather inexplicable support, the consequences could have been terrible, but the thought didn't really help his restlessness.

“I know that, but this is just…”

“Worse than eating turnips?”

Archie's irrepressible humour brought a not quite smile to Bush's face but he said nothing, and walked to the window.

The heat seemed far less oppressive than it had been the last time he had ventured out. He could see people on the street going about their business and decided to try again.

“ I will not be long, Archie…anything you would like other than a book?”

Archie sighed and rolled his eyes before grinning and shaking his head. He lay back down on the bed, obviously resigned to the fact he was not going to prevent William's excursion.

“William, you know what happened…if you pass out.”

There was little heat in his words however, only a hint of genuine concern.

“Goodbye, Mr Kennedy.”

He would not be dissuaded even if Archie had tried to do so, but he knew his friend could hear the teasing note in his tone. To ensure the point was taken he quirked an eyebrow at him before departing for town.

***

It was much cooler at this time in the afternoon, less stifling and the heat didn't hit him like a wall of fire. A slight breeze freshened the air reminding him of being at sea.

It felt good.

He walked to the market, more mindful this time of his weakness, as he took it slowly and enjoyed being out in the fresh air without rushing himself. He knew part of his caution was he was that he would be damned before he gave Archie the satisfaction of being right. He knew he had deserved the teasing and Archie could have said far worse.

It was as hard for Archie as he obviously missed Horatio's company and was struggling with his own healing. In the weeks they'd spent convalescing they had become close and he enjoyed the younger man's spirit and conversation, but he knew for Archie he was no replacement for Hornblower although it was obvious he liked being with him.

The Renown would be ready soon and with the speed with which Bush was healing it was likely that he would be allowed to sail with her as a lieutenant. He was less sure about Archie, although he was improving a lot quicker than Dr Clive had predicted or even Bush had expected there was no certainty he would be fit for duty. William realised he would miss him if he had to stay behind.

Shaking off the mild gloom, he started to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kingston .

The lovely smell of spices tinged the air and there were so many brightly dressed people that it felt like he was watching a flock of birds. The mix of languages he heard only added to the effect.

The market was a mass of colour and scent, a sprawling island of stalls and people.

Bush was drawn to the fruit stall; there were a lot of fruits he had never seen before. In his time in the Navy his eyes had been opened to things he had never thought to experience; the Indies continued his education.

The owner a large lady with dark skin, tightly curled greying hair and gleaming white teeth smiled at him.

“Come, we sell every fruit!”

Unable to resist he chose a large basket despite the price. It had a good selection of the delicious looking fruit and he walked away pleased with his purchase.

He chose one of the fruits he did not recognise to taste, deciding to keep the rest until he could share with Archie. The sweetness amazed him and he leant against the wall under the shade of a tree, to enjoy it properly, before continuing his perusal of the stalls.

There were so many goods in the market; leather, beautifully dyed material, soft silk, and even freshly baked bread. The sights and smells cheered him immensely. There were several other naval officers, and a couple of marines as well as some army. He nodded politely to them, but did not engage in conversation; he was too caught up in the activities around him.

He found an impressive looking stall with a large array of books; some in languages he didn't recognise but the majority were in English. He found the book Archie had wanted, as well as a couple more that sounded like Archie might enjoy them.

A book of Lyrical Ballads by Coleridge and Wordsworth looked like something Archie would love, he seemed to be fascinated by poetry in all its forms, and knew so much of by heart, often slipping it into conversation, and making it seem totally natural. Also something by John Donne which was incomprehensible to Bush but he bought it anyway.

The poetry obsession had mildly irritated Bush at first but lately he had been struck by the passion that the talk of poetry had brought out in Archie and had enjoyed listening to him talk about it. He wondered when he had suddenly become so aware of Kennedy.

He often listened to Archie's movements and breathing on nights when he could not sleep and found that he enjoyed making him laugh.

Bush wasn't sure why he felt like this, but the slow recovery process had somehow made a bond between them that he had never experienced before. It had started back on the fort and simply grew stronger.

Archie had been determined that he would speak up for Horatio in the early days of their imprisonment, despite the fact he could barely walk and even small movement caused him horrific pain.

On several occasions Bush had been convinced Kennedy would die, and had been amazed by his will to survive, and his fierce loyalty to Horatio despite his own injuries.

Bush had tried to dissuade him, when he had decided to take the blame for pushing Sawyer into the hold. He had been met with a wall of resistance and a stubbornness that had driven him to yell, bringing a marine into their cell.

He had never been so grateful to another person as he was to Clive when he finally found a backbone.

Archie was a man of contradictions and Bush was sure he would probably never understand him.

He bought some bread to eat, as he grew hungry. It crumbled in his hands and was still warm. It was so different and far tastier than both the hard tack he ate at sea and the formless mass of something they'd had to suffer in the infirmary.

He was looking forward to returning here with Archie, once the other man was more mobile. Hopefully that time would be soon. He'd love it here.

Bush bought some ribbons for his sister, and then remembered he needed some paper and quills.

Finally, he started to feel weary and decided it would probably be best if he headed back. He had spent far too much money but could not bring himself to feel guilty.

As a final purchase he bought some brandy that was cheap but of surprisingly good quality.

Making his way back to their berth he was aware that he was far more than weary; he was exhausted and his head was pounding again, but he was not close to feeling as ill as he had been last time. He felt happier than he had for weeks.

He leant a little heavily on the wall and rested for a few moments and was shocked, nearly dropping his fruit when a voice yelled his name.

“William!”

He stared up into angry blue eyes and was surprised to see Kennedy glaring at him.

“What in heaven's name are you doing up, Archie?”

“Looking for you; it's been hours…I thought you'd passed out; or got lost. ”

Archie's voice and body were stiff with both anger and worry. William looked down; upset at himself for worrying Archie. The satisfied feeling from the afternoon faded; the man really shouldn't be out of bed. He looked up as he apologised.

“I'm sorry, Archie; I didn't keep track of time…”

William's gaze was met with an intentness that was a little discomforting, and then Archie smiled.

“Well, if it means you won't be grinding your teeth tonight and keeping me awake with your grumbling. I suppose it's worth it, but damn it William you had me worried. Nearly passing out once is understandable but twice would just be carelessness.”

He grinned at Bush's expression and then slung a friendly arm round his shoulder, relieved him of some of his goods, whilst berating him for being out in the sun for too long.

Once they were back, Archie was ensconced in his bed at Bush's urging.

The insistence had resulted in much rolling of eyes and muttering of ‘mother hens' ‘as bad as Horatio' and ‘wasn't me who wandered off for hours' but once it was done, Bush showed off his purchases.

Archie's reaction to the fruit was much the same as his own, and Bush smiled at the look of pure pleasure that crossed the other man's face. He felt his heart rate quicken as he realised he was staring at his friend's lips and could barely take his eyes off him. He looked down hurriedly feeling his face warm and wondered what had possessed him lately; this was becoming embarrassing.

Bush wondered when he started to feel such a connection to Archie, when they'd served together he'd felt he had far more in common with Hornblower, finding Archie too frivolous and outspoken. Despite that initial dislike, he now felt strong friendship and something else that he did not wish to examine too closely. It raised questions he did not want to answer.

Archie hadn't warmed to him on the Renown either that much was clear. He had taken some pleasure in trying to tease Bush, but his expressive face had given him away. William knew now though his feelings of friendship were returned and it touched him. He just wished he could control these emotions, as he had no desire to embarrass Archie.

He could feel Archie watching him and he made a production of looking for something else in his collection of purchases, hoping his friend had just thought he was weary and so lacked concentration.

He looked up and found Archie was watching him again, a small but happy smile on his face, mixed in with something he couldn't quite identify.

“Oh, I bought you these too…”

He handed Archie the books he'd bought, breaking the sudden strange charge between them. The books were pounced on with enthusiasm and for a few minutes Archie read them spellbound. He was caught between both books and he was smiling. He looked at William with so much pleasure and gratitude that it was embarrassing as well as making Bush feel as if he was the greatest person in the world.

Archie suddenly laughed and eased the tension with a typical comment.

“Keep me busy when you go off on your jaunts…”

Bush glared at him, but ignored the comment showing him the material he had bought for his family.

“For Charlotte and Elizabeth?”

Bush shook his head. “For Katherine and Elizabeth. Charlotte would turn her nose up at such fine material. The ribbon is for her, she hates that she has to keep her hair long.”

Archie grinned, ”Of course, she wants to follow her brother to sea?”

Bush smiled and nodded, touched that Archie had paid attention to him. He had spoken of his family to the other man when he was so ill, more because he could think of nothing else to speak of that would not cause him more upset. It had been difficult as he was no great talker, far more content to listen and watch, but it had been worth it.

Archie had obviously found the stories enjoyable and they had brightened his mood. It had been important with the horrible tension of not knowing what was going to happen and the uncertainty of Horatio's fate.

Once the trial was over, although it was clear Archie was going to survive, Hornblower had been reluctant to leave and had even tried to persuade Pellew to allow him to stay. The Admiral had refused, so William's tales had kept Archie from being too bored, as he had lost the pleasure of Hornblower's visits.

“William?”

“My apologies, Archie. I bought some playing cards too, thought it would pass the time. ”

There was a comfortable quiet between them as Archie admired the pretty designs on the cards; they were very different to the plain ones they had in England . William folded the material neatly and placed it in his chest before turning back to Archie.

“We should go into the market together.”

Archie looked up from the cards and nodded, “I feel much better and if I am to go with Renown …”

He trailed off and Bush realised he must be worried about his fitness too, he would have to return to England soon, but it would be much better if he could return as a serving officer rather than on the next ship as a passenger.

William felt the need to reassure and said, “You are improving a lot quicker than Clive said you would.” He knew it was also an attempt to reassure himself.

Archie smiled at him, shrugged and then obviously dismissing the subject said, “Want me to beat you at cards?”

Bush raised his eyebrow, “ A challenge, Mr Kennedy? Loser buys dinner.”

“Done.”

Neither of them was particularly proficient at cards and Archie laughed.

“It is good that Horatio is not here, he would soundly thrash us both.”

“And probably give us a lecture on how it is simple mathematics.”

Archie laughed again and nodded, reshuffling the deck of cards, and dealing them again

Bush took refuge in the easy relationship they had established, deliberately ignoring the other feelings that he didn't want to explore… although it was more difficult than it should have been. He looked up from the cards he had been studying; Archie had abandoned his cards and was studying him . The intensity in his gaze was disconcerting.

***

As Bush had predicted Archie loved the market, and bought more books than William thought any one person should be able to read. He also bought a new compass for Horatio, and William found he was suddenly envious of the hold Horatio had on Archie's affections and wondered where it had come from. He was well aware of the affection and love that was between the two men and it had never bothered him even slightly until now. He shook the feeling away, irritated with himself.       
 

Bush felt like he was looking after a particularly boisterous child and knew it was because Archie hadn't been out properly in several weeks. He was so full of energy that Bush worried that he would over exert himself. It was Archie's first real day of being up and about.

However he needed not have worried too much as Archie seemed aware of his own limits and after a couple of hours he was ready to return to their lodgings. He looked a little pale but was obviously as exhilarated and content as Bush had been on his first trip.

“I must write Horatio, and tell him, I doubt he had time for a proper look round, with everything. What was that fruit called? The one that the lady insisted on us trying?”

Archie's blue eyes and blonde hair had caused them to receive a lot of attention and William had been amused that most of it had been female, but Archie had seemed oblivious and caught up in the stalls.

“Which lady and which fruit?” he asked dryly.

“The yellow long one with the pips,” Archie said glaring at him and Bush tried not to smirk, unsuccessfully.

“Papaya.”

“That's right.”

When they got back, Archie immediately laid down on his bed. Bush eyed him a little concerned but Kennedy simply glared at him and shut his eyes.

He decided not to rile his friend especially given the tact he had been shown; so after he was certain Archie was peacefully asleep he settled down to read.

Bush had lit the lamps and was nearly halfway through his book when Archie stretched and yawned.

Glancing over at him in the flickering light, Bush could see he looked bright and alert with no hint of exhaustion or fever; he was indeed on the mend and Bush knew with a certainty that Archie would be ready to sail as Lieutenant on the Renown. A knot of tension he hadn't been fully aware of eased at the thought. The idea of never seeing Archie again, losing contact with him had not sat easily. They had been through so much together and to lose that would have been difficult.

He also hoped to serve with Hornblower again and realised he had a genuine affection for him, but the idea of not seeing him again did not feel him with the same fear he felt in regard to losing contact with Archie.

Archie hopped off the bed and started to rustle in his packages and Bush watched wondering what he was looking for.

“The compass is in your jacket pocket; you were worried about scratching it if you packed it with the other things.”

“I wasn't looking for that,” Archie went back to searching and then emerged with a triumphant, “ -found it.”

He turned round to face Bush with a package wrapped in newspaper, and with a grin handed it to him.

“For you.”

“Archie…”

William was surprised and wanted to refuse but he couldn't because of the look of anticipation and pleasure on Archie's face and he carefully unwrapped it.

He swallowed hard when he saw what it was, “Voyage Round the World.”

It was a combined account and atlas of a trip in the mid 60's. He had looked at it longingly when they had been browsing the stores.

Seafaring tales had always fascinated him and even his twelve years in the navy hadn't lessened his enjoyment of them.

He had reluctantly decided he simply could not spare the money, as he still had to send some to his family. He hadn't thought Archie had taken note, he had appeared too busy charming the man into giving him a discount on the books, as he was buying several. He had of course succeeded.

He had no idea when Archie had bought this and he felt his cheeks warm; it had been very expensive even if there had been a negotiation.

“Thank you, Archie,”

He wanted to say more, touched at the thoughtful gift but Archie simply grinned at him and announced that he wanted a drink.

***

The Inn was crowded and smoky, packed with sailors, soldiers and women, all pushed tightly together; the scent of sweat, ale and spices made the air heavy and the atmosphere almost like St Elmo's fire, crackling and heady.

Kennedy and Bush found themselves crammed tightly together, nearly sitting on each other. It reminded Bush of his days as a midshipman and he felt strangely comfortable and yet something was different.

“Wonderful place isn't it, William?” Archie had to yell for his voice to be heard.

Bush grinned at his friend's enthusiasm, “It is certainly interesting.”

“Oh, don't be so uptight, William! It's great. Look at that…”

He nudged Bush in the direction of a table and William saw an officer with one of the serving girls on his knee, they were laughing and kissing.

“Another man who knows his duty,” laughed Archie.

William shook his head and wondered why he felt a sudden surge of jealousy at the thought of Archie with one of the girls.

“It is so good to be able to enjoy this again. I really thought…”

Archie trailed off and William squeezed his arm, sympathising with the feeling and the relief.

The noise was increasing as the Inn filled even more; they had obviously found one of the most popular haunts for the army and navy officers.

Archie leant over to whisper something in his ear, as the noise in the inn forced intimacy and the warm breath on his ear made him shiver.

Bush clamped down on the feeling: damn what was he doing feeling like this?

Desperate to drown the intensity of feeling he was experiencing he drank more and Archie matched him.

Kennedy kept touching him and the casual pats were driving him insane. He risked looking at his friend's face and was caught by the flushed look and the brightness of his eyes.

A woman came near them obviously making a line for Kennedy, and Bush glared at her managing something approximating a growl, he hoped Archie hadn't noticed as the wench veered off to find another target.

He knew he had been unfair and should have asked Archie if he was interested but decided it was something he would manage to live with.

Archie's hand lingered longer than was necessary to gain his attention, with an added squeeze and suddenly he suspected that these casual touched weren't as casual as he thought but that could be merely be his own desires.

Archie breathed another question in his ear, sending a deep shiver down his spine and Bush forgot to breathe, before cursing a man who jolted his arm spilling the ale on his jacket.

“ Be careful, man,” he snapped but he was paid no mind and he shrugged returning to his drink.

He was caught by the look on Archie's face and cursed his need for him. He knew he would have to leave before he did something stupid,

“I think I have had enough for one night…”

Archie nodded and finished his ale quickly and they departed, the night air refreshing after the stifling heat and scent of the Inn .

They clung desperately to each other on the walk home, managing only a couple of steps at a time before slipping and William fought the waves of feeling that seemed to have taken hold, distracted he missed his footing.

Archie fell to his knees, as Bush lost his grip on him. Archie didn't attempt to stand just laid down on his back to stare at the stars. Bush tried to drag him to his feet, but he tripped himself ending up sprawled over Archie, face down.

He giggled, causing his friend to look at him, obviously surprised, which only made him laugh more and soon they were giggling together, not exactly sure what was so funny, only that something was.

Archie's laughter threatened to become a little hysterical and he gripped Bush's shoulders hard to try and regain control and William gasped, his nose taking in the scent of Archie.

Aware that this was really not a good position to be in, he rolled off Kennedy.

Aroused and suddenly hot, he tried to tell himself that he was drunk and had not been with anyone for too long but he knew he was lying, there were many women he could have had that night and even now he knew of places he could go. He just wanted Archie. His warning growl at the woman was proof enough.

Damn it all!

He turned his attention to the stars desperately hoping for a distraction, wondering what Archie found so fascinating about them. They were essential for night navigation but he didn't think it'd help them much at the moment.

“Aren't they beautiful?”

Archie's soft murmur caught his attention and he found he was caught by the look of wonder on his face, caught in the light of the moon. Tearing his gaze away from his friend Bush studied the stars.

He supposed they could be considered beautiful especially when it meant the difference between getting lost and finding your way home. Too uncomfortable and unsettled by the lust he was experiencing he moved away from Kennedy.

“Come on Archie, we need to get back…”

Bush struggled to his feet, wishing the ground wouldn't move so much and gave Archie a hand up, they stood unsteadily for a few moments before winding their way home.

It was no easy task getting undressed and Bush nearly decided that it would be worth just falling into bed and forgetting about it, but he knew the heat would be intolerable.

As he struggled with his jacket he was suddenly conscious that Archie was watching him intently, and with a disconcerting expression on his face that William finally recognised what exactly it was. He'd seen if often over the last few days and now everything came together. He managed a rather weak,” Archie?”

“Let me help with that.”

The younger man walked towards him and William considered backing away but then realised that he did want this, had wanted this for a while now.

There was little point in denying either of them this, all the arguments and barriers were suddenly irrelevant, and he took the single step needed to breach them.

“Yes,”

He saw Archie almost as if for the first time, the way his hair hung just slightly over his forehead, the long sensitive fingers, the deep blue eyes, darker than normal, the finely muscled torso and his breath hitched. He couldn't deny this any longer and he saw with a mixture of awe and pleasure that neither could Archie.

It was an undignified tumble as they unclothed each other, un-caring of the strewn garments, and they fell a little heavily to the floor. William landed on the bottom with Archie covering him in hard kisses.

Forcing himself into some sanity he pulled away and said hoarsely,” We are drunk. We will regret this come morning.” He swallowed and touched Archie's still tender wound softly, “ I have no wish to harm you, none at all. ”

With a smile that lit a fire within, Archie kissed his scar softly before claiming his mouth, finally when they had to breathe the younger man pulled away,“ We will not regret this, I promise. We will be careful, I have no desire to hurt you either, but this is right. It feels right. Doesn't it?”

William could only nod silently and Archie too stopped talking and bit him gently on the shoulder, groaning, he pulled Archie close, kissing him, and was rewarded by a passionate response.

God, this was madness but he let it take him and damn the consequences.

They were both too close to last long and William's hoarse cry was followed by Archie's louder one and they lay there panting, unable to move at all for several minutes.

Archie finally rolled onto his back off William but did not move away and with a grin he said, “Next time we take it slower.”

William rolled onto Archie and stared into his eyes and passion spent he was left with a tenderness that was obviously reflected in his eyes. Archie smiled softly and pulled him into an embrace.

They kissed, gently this time, before lying side by side on the floor; Bush put his arm out and yanked down his sheet. He placed it over them both, as they had no inclination to move.

William woke with a heavy head and an aching body and a desperate need to relieve himself. Archie's head rested on his chest and his arm flung over him.

He was reluctant to disturb him but nature called and he eased himself out from under Archie, laying his head as gently as possible onto the floor.

He pulled on his shirt and trousers not bothering with anything else and stumbled to the privy. It was still early and dawn had not yet broken.

Archie was awake when he returned and quickly relieved him of his clothes.

William sighed at the mix of emotions he felt, even sober, passion and tenderness in one maelstrom of feeling.

“William…you are so…”

Archie didn't finish and just slid down his body and took Bush's erection into his mouth and William gasped, his hands clutching his lover's head and bucking up, then trying not to push too hard so as to choke Archie, but the skilful tongue and gently tugging with his teeth left little room to think and soon he was thrusting upward and came with a strangled cry of, “Archie.”

“Hmm you like that, “ said Kennedy with satisfaction and a degree of smugness.

Bush rolled quickly so he was above Archie taking him by surprise and he grinned down at him.

He kissed and nibbled every square inch of his friend. Refusing to touch the one part he knew Archie craved and ignored all the determined hints to touch him there, but never missing an opportunity to rub against it as he explored Archie's skin.

“Damn it, William, please, I can't…”

Finally taking pity of him he took Archie in his mouth and caressed his balls and Archie came, breathing hard and the smug expression had been replaced with one of sated happiness.

William wasn't exactly sure where this left them, the passion had taken him by surprise, but he wasn't worried that it would ruin their friendship, but he wasn't certain of the wisdom of this. What on earth would Hornblower say?

“William?”

Archie's concerned voice broke into his thoughts and he looked at him, caught by the worry in his expression and a strange fierce tenderness came over him and he knew he would not give this up.

“It is all right Archie, don't worry, I was just thinking…”

“You do not, “ Archie paused as if almost too scared to ask, “Regret this?”

“No, it is just surprising.”

“That I fell in love with you, or you with me?”

William grinned and smoothed Archie's hair from his face gently before kissing him again.

“Both, neither. It seemed to happen so fast”

“Rubbish, William, it's been weeks, months if you count Renown.”

“You didn't even like me!”

“But I was not blind and neither were you!”

William thought about it and realised he was right, the sparks had been there before but he had been too conscious of how different they were to think about it, but having spent time together…

“You make it sound inevitable.”

“Well not inevitable, but likely.”

William grumbled a little at Archie's easy acceptance of this, but was not surprised by it.

He pulled him tighter and relishing the feel of him drifted into sleep.