![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
anteros_lmcTitle: Wait
Author: Anteros
Characters: Archie Kennedy / Horatio Hornblower
Rating: NC-17
Notes: Hmmm not sure what this is. It started out as fluff, by passed kink and smut along the way, never quite made it as porn and ended up as god knows what. I've tried to keep the characters intact but I think even they went a bit wonky! Whatever.
I
He had to admit it. He was desperate. It was their first shore leave from the Indefatigable for months and Hornblower could not deny that he was burning to touch his shipmate's skin, to feel his lips and the weight of his body lying heavy against his own.
II
They were lodged in a respectable boarding house in Portsea, paid for by Hornblower's lieutenant's salary. Kennedy had passed the examination for lieutenant some time before but continued to served on the Indefatigable as a passed midshipman, the frigate being endowed with her full complement of lieutenants. Concerned for his friend's career Hornblower had suggested he seek a transfer to another ship which might afford better opportunities for promotion. Kennedy had retorted rather shortly that he would prefer to serve as a powder monkey on the Indy than captain an entire squadron elsewhere. Hornblower had been quietly touched by this response but dutifully chided Kennedy for his apparent lack of ambition.
They where seated in the comfortable lounge having enjoyed a pleasant evening meal accompanied by some uncommonly good wine. Or rather, Kennedy had enjoyed the meal, Hornblower had consumed it impatiently. Kennedy had now progressed to brandy and cigars and was sprawled elegantly in an easy chair before the fire. Hornblower regarded the consumption of brandy and cigars as a duty, rather than a privilege, of rank and tonight it was a duty he performed with even less tolerance than usual. Kennedy was well aware of his companion's impatience and the devil in him made him linger over the spirit. Swirling the remains of the brandy around the glass he smiled as Hornblower fidgeted restlessly.
"A spirit as fine as this deserves to be savored, wouldn't you agree Mr Hornblower?"
"I believe you have a finer palate than I do, Mr Kennedy." Hornblower replied tightly.
He was drumming his fingers against the leather of the arm chair now. Finding it increasingly difficulty to conceal his amusement Kennedy relented and conceded to put his companion out of his misery. Swallowing the remains of the brandy he rose to depart, inviting Hornblower to accompany him. As they left the lounge they had the misfortune to run into an acquaintance of Kennedy's who appeared intent on regaling them with the business of he entire fleet in the minutest detail. Hornblower struggled unsuccessfully to master his impatience and frustration and after ten minutes was shifting noticeably from foot to foot. Finally Kennedy managed to get a word in edgewise "If you'll excuse us sir, I fear my companion has a rather delicate stomach. Please accept my apologies, we must leave with some haste." Hornblower grimaced but was half way up the stairs before the gentleman had released Kennedy's handshake.
III
As soon as they were inside their room Horatio had Archie flat against the door pressing hard kisses against his lips and down his neck. Archie turned his head, trying to shift to the side to slip off his jacket at least. But now he had him, Horatio was not going to let him go. He caught him across his chest with one arm and pinned him hard. Archie could feel his shoulder blades pressing against the wood. He was stronger than Horatio but in this position Horatio's height gave him the advantage. With Horatio learning down over him and the door locked behind him he was caught. And Archie did not like to be caught. He had been caught in the past and he didn't want to be caught again, not ever, not even by Horatio Hornblower.
Horatio hadn't shifted his grip but his other hand was at Archie's throat, supple fingers deftly releasing the knot in his stock. How on earth could he do that so quickly? Archie wondered briefly. He felt the silk tighten round his throat as Horatio pulled it free with a single fluid movement. Horatio hadn't stopped kissing him and he was starting to find it hard to breath with the pressure against his chest and Horatio's lips smothering his mouth. Horatio was murmuring sweet nothings between his kisses. Need and want and you and please and god and now. At last Horatio released the grip across Archie's chest and slid his hands down his arms, but he didn't shift his weight. He smiled at Archie, eyes dark and black and shining. Archie took a deep breath and, as he exhaled, felt black silk and long fingers twine round his wrists behind him.
"Horatio..."
Horatio was kissing him again. Archie could feel panic starting to rise in his chest.
"Horatio wait, please."
He hadn't knotted the silk and was holding his wrists only lightly but it was more than Archie could bear.
"Dammit Horatio, let me go!" His voice sounded shrill.
Horatio stopped suddenly letting go of Archie's wrists and the silk, which slithered to the floor.
"Archie?" His eyes were slightly unfocused. "What's the matter?"
He looked genuinely confused. Archie's latent panic was turning to irritation. God knows he loved Horatio Hornblower but sometimes he could be astonishingly naive.
"Nothing is the matter Horatio," he said as coolly as his rising temper would allow. "Only I would thank you to ask my permission first if you want to truss me up like a ..."
It came out harsher than he intended. Horatio blinked. Archie could see reason struggling to assert itself over passion.
"Archie? Oh my god, Archie! I'm sorry. Please forgive me I'm so sorry...."
He looked so genuinely horrified that Archie knew he would send the rest of their shore leave wallowing in a morass of remorse if he didn't do something to defuse the guilt. And quickly.
Archie smiled brightly and slipped his arms around Horatio's neck.
"It's all right Horatio, I couldn't breath is all, you were crushing me..."
Sliding his hands down Horatio's chest he dropped to his knees. Horatio let out a deep sigh as Archie's hand ran over the placket of his breeches. Instead of opening he buttons however he stood up again, in his right hand he held his neck cloth which he had picked up from the floor.
"As I said Mr Hornblower, usually it is polite to ask." Archie's lips curved into a smile as Horatio's eyes widened with realisation.
"Umm Archie...."
Archie kissed him softly. "It's all right Horatio I'll be rather more gentle than you were."
There was no answer to that. Not from a man as proud as Horatio Hornblower. Honour demanded he submit.
IV
Archie led him to the bed and with considerable ceremony stripped him. Slowly removing each piece of his uniform and placing it carefully aside, kissing and caressing as he went. By the time he had got down to shirt and breeches Horatio's eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. Archie pulled Horatio's shirt over his head leaving it tangled around his wrists, he pushed him gently down onto the bed planting light kisses over his chest and sliding down to his hips. Now he wasted no time undoing buttons and sliding Horatio's breeches off. Kneeling over him he kissed him slowly and deeply before pulling back. "So Mr Hornblower will you allow me?" One hand lay warm and heavy against Horatio's chest, the other held two lengths of black silk. Horatio struggled to speak but only managed a low groan, so he nodded instead. Very carefully Archie bound his hands together with the shirt and fastened it to the bedstead. All the time speaking quiet words of trust and promise. One strip of black silk went around each ankle and again round the foot of the bed. More kisses, up this time, over thigh and chest and shoulder, warm breath, quiet words. Horatio started to feel as though he was floating, the sensation was extraordinary.
"One moment Horatio, I don't want you to get cold." Horatio opened heavy lids as Archie stood to bank up the fire in the grate. Horatio vaguely registered that Archie was still dressed and wondered when he would remove his clothes. He returned to the bed and bending over Horatio plated another long slow kiss on his lips.
"Are you comfortable Mr Hornblower?"
Horatio inhaled deeply, and closed his eyes, drawing in Archie's warm familiar smell, he nodded.
"You know I want you?"
Archie's lips were against his ear, soft hair on his cheek.
"Do you trust me?"
Another nod. More kisses. Horatio could feel the wool of Archie's jacket rough against his chest.
"Then wait for me."
Horatio's eyes flickered open.
"Archie?"
Archie was looking at him with an unfathomable expression.
"Wait for me Horatio."
Archie kissed him and before Horatio could register what was happening the door had closed and he was alone.
V
"Archie?" Nothing.
"Archie!" Silence.
Horatio was on the point of shouting when he thought better of it. This was a respectable establishment. It would not do for a lieutenant of the Royal Navy to be discovered in such a....predicament.
He felt foolish and annoyed. Archie would be back in a moment, he's just have to wait. Moments passed. Archie didn't come back.
Annoyance turned to anger and anger to something that Horatio didn't want to think about. Panic? He had been quite sure that he could easily free his hands. He was tied with a shirt after all. One tug was enough to tighten the knot around his wrists and convince Horatio that pulling harder would do him no good at all. Archie was a sailor of course, he knew a thing or two about knots. Even though, Horatio didn't want to think about where Archie had learned to tie a knot quite like that.
Fuming with rage he rehearsed in his mind what he would do when Archie returned and unbound him. Hit him? Kiss him? Ignore him? Dress and leave? Teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget?
How dare he? He had trusted him! But you do trust him said an infuriatingly rational voice inside his head. And he did ask, which is more than you did I might add. And you did assent. You agreed to this. And if you hadn't been so impatient... and you were rather rough. Horatio sighed and shifted slightly. He was all too familiar with this inner voice and knew it would drive him to distraction. He had agreed and he did trust him. Horatio let his thoughts drift in that direction, to Archie.
Inaction chaffed at Horatio. Inaction of either body or mind. Archie frequently teased him about his inability to be still. This should have been torture, but once Horatio had accepted that he really was bound and there was nothing he could do about it an unusual calm descended on him and he began to feel the same curious drifting sensation he had experienced earlier. It was dark now but for the glow of the fire that had burned low in the grate. The room was at the back of the inn on a small street set well back from the dock. It was quiet. He closed his eyes, the senses that remained to him seemed oddly heightened. The noise of a log shifting in the grate sounded like a cannon retort. Although his bonds were not tight they seemed to burn against his skin until all he could feel was wrist and ankle. He could still smell Archie, a warm musky smell, stronger now than when he had actually been in the room. Horatio drifted, motionless somewhere between sleep and desire.
VI
A soft click and Archie entered the room. Hours might have passed or minutes. He stood for a moment with his back to the door. Horatio could hear him breathing.
"Horatio."
"Archie."
Silence. Horatio could feel Archie's eyes on his skin. Why wasn't he demanding to be untied this very instant damn you! Archie stepped away from the door lit the small lamp bracketed on the wall and pulled a chair to the side of the bed. He smelled slightly of brandy but he didn't appear to be drunk. Far from it. He looked uncommonly serious. His tongue flickered over his lower lip. He's nervous, Horatio observed. He had a powerful urge to take him in his arms.
Archie removed his jacket and sat down. He was so close now. Horatio raised his brows inquiringly. "You look very fine Horatio." All Horatio's carefully formulated and rehearsed retorts burned away under that blue gaze. Archie licked his lips again and without waiting for a response leaned over the bed and brushed a light kiss across his lips. Restrained as he was Horatio raised his head to press his mouth harder against the hesitating kiss. Archie drew his head back, pressing one finger against Horatio's lips. Horatio dropped his head back to the pillow and exhaled a long sigh. As the breath left him he felt Archie's finger graze lightly over his lips tracing a line down cheek and chin and neck to the hollow of his throat. Archie's gaze hadn’t left his face, his cheeks were flushed, eyes reflecting back the flickering lamplight. Archie's finger continued to travel, one single point of sensation on Horatio's skin, down his chest, tracing sternum, circling one nipple, across his belly, over the jutting ridge of his hipbone. Horatio was hard and wet by the time that single point of contact reached his groin, dragging lightly through dense black curls to the base of his cock, hesitating there for a moment before ascending to circle lightly around the head, smearing the bead of moisture that hung there. The familiar drifting feeling enveloped Horatio. His world contracted, reduced to the intense sensation of that single touch, the line it traced. And all the time that calm blue gaze. Archie's finger continued to circle the head of his cock. Horatio arched his hips upwards desperately seeking more contact. He felt the ties bite against wrist and ankle and he bucked against them. Archie responded, gripping him hard now, his hand starting to move with smooth slow strokes. He was kneeling beside the bed breathing quiet words under his breath, his hand pulling and sliding over and over. Horatio was momentarily aware of a rustle and a quick movement as Archie shifted slightly and slid his free hand into his own breeches. But still that unbroken rhythm of pull and slide. Horatio was wrenching so hard against stock and shirt he was sure either wood or bone would splinter. Archie's eyes were closed now, his own breath growing ragged, the rhythm of his hand starting to jump and falter. Nothing existed beyond heat and pressure building until it was beyond containing. Horatio's long back arched like a bow as he let go and came with a long low moan. Archie followed him, crying his name in fractured response.
VII
Horatio was still drifting in a daze when he became aware of Archie's fingers at his ankle. He was cursing softly and fumbling with the knots. The black silk dropped away from one ankle then the other. As Archie turned to the head of the bed Horatio focused sufficiently to notice his hands were trembling. He fumbled with the knotted shirt, swearing softly again before it loosened. Horatio remained motionless for a moment, reluctant to move. A prickling sensation in his wrists started to grow until it was sufficiently painful to force him to stretch and shake out his hands. Standing beside the chair Archie unceremoniously threw off his clothes and slid onto the bed beside Horatio. The feeling of Archie's body lying full against him caused Horatio's head to swim and his prick to twitch into life again. It took him a few moments to realise that Archie was holding him rather more tightly than usual, his breath hitching slightly, face buried against his shoulder.
"Archie? Are you all right? Archie?"
Archie tilted his head back, he looked decidedly sheepish.
"I'm sorry Horatio, I didn't mean things to go so far. I shouldn't have left you. Sometimes the very devil gets the better of me."
He was biting his bottom lip nervously again. Horatio couldn't refrain from smirking.
"To be honest Horatio I expected a full broadside when I returned."
"I can assure you Mr Kennedy, had you not struck so prettily you would have received one."
Archie stopped biting his lip long enough to laugh nervously and Horatio pulled him closer.
VIII
The lamp had burned out and Horatio was almost asleep when Archie fidgeting beside him in the dark roused him.
"H'ratio?"
"Hmn?"
"Horatio...umm, did you like it?"
The sharp dig in his ribs was painful enough to silence Archie Kennedy, and his devils, for the rest of the night.
Things I learned while writing this: I find it almost impossible to write kink without it going all abstract and Deleuzian. Bits of this ended up reading like a missing chapter of Capitalism and Schizophrenia at one point. Not really what you want from slash!
Author: Anteros
Characters: Archie Kennedy / Horatio Hornblower
Rating: NC-17
Notes: Hmmm not sure what this is. It started out as fluff, by passed kink and smut along the way, never quite made it as porn and ended up as god knows what. I've tried to keep the characters intact but I think even they went a bit wonky! Whatever.
I
He had to admit it. He was desperate. It was their first shore leave from the Indefatigable for months and Hornblower could not deny that he was burning to touch his shipmate's skin, to feel his lips and the weight of his body lying heavy against his own.
II
They were lodged in a respectable boarding house in Portsea, paid for by Hornblower's lieutenant's salary. Kennedy had passed the examination for lieutenant some time before but continued to served on the Indefatigable as a passed midshipman, the frigate being endowed with her full complement of lieutenants. Concerned for his friend's career Hornblower had suggested he seek a transfer to another ship which might afford better opportunities for promotion. Kennedy had retorted rather shortly that he would prefer to serve as a powder monkey on the Indy than captain an entire squadron elsewhere. Hornblower had been quietly touched by this response but dutifully chided Kennedy for his apparent lack of ambition.
They where seated in the comfortable lounge having enjoyed a pleasant evening meal accompanied by some uncommonly good wine. Or rather, Kennedy had enjoyed the meal, Hornblower had consumed it impatiently. Kennedy had now progressed to brandy and cigars and was sprawled elegantly in an easy chair before the fire. Hornblower regarded the consumption of brandy and cigars as a duty, rather than a privilege, of rank and tonight it was a duty he performed with even less tolerance than usual. Kennedy was well aware of his companion's impatience and the devil in him made him linger over the spirit. Swirling the remains of the brandy around the glass he smiled as Hornblower fidgeted restlessly.
"A spirit as fine as this deserves to be savored, wouldn't you agree Mr Hornblower?"
"I believe you have a finer palate than I do, Mr Kennedy." Hornblower replied tightly.
He was drumming his fingers against the leather of the arm chair now. Finding it increasingly difficulty to conceal his amusement Kennedy relented and conceded to put his companion out of his misery. Swallowing the remains of the brandy he rose to depart, inviting Hornblower to accompany him. As they left the lounge they had the misfortune to run into an acquaintance of Kennedy's who appeared intent on regaling them with the business of he entire fleet in the minutest detail. Hornblower struggled unsuccessfully to master his impatience and frustration and after ten minutes was shifting noticeably from foot to foot. Finally Kennedy managed to get a word in edgewise "If you'll excuse us sir, I fear my companion has a rather delicate stomach. Please accept my apologies, we must leave with some haste." Hornblower grimaced but was half way up the stairs before the gentleman had released Kennedy's handshake.
III
As soon as they were inside their room Horatio had Archie flat against the door pressing hard kisses against his lips and down his neck. Archie turned his head, trying to shift to the side to slip off his jacket at least. But now he had him, Horatio was not going to let him go. He caught him across his chest with one arm and pinned him hard. Archie could feel his shoulder blades pressing against the wood. He was stronger than Horatio but in this position Horatio's height gave him the advantage. With Horatio learning down over him and the door locked behind him he was caught. And Archie did not like to be caught. He had been caught in the past and he didn't want to be caught again, not ever, not even by Horatio Hornblower.
Horatio hadn't shifted his grip but his other hand was at Archie's throat, supple fingers deftly releasing the knot in his stock. How on earth could he do that so quickly? Archie wondered briefly. He felt the silk tighten round his throat as Horatio pulled it free with a single fluid movement. Horatio hadn't stopped kissing him and he was starting to find it hard to breath with the pressure against his chest and Horatio's lips smothering his mouth. Horatio was murmuring sweet nothings between his kisses. Need and want and you and please and god and now. At last Horatio released the grip across Archie's chest and slid his hands down his arms, but he didn't shift his weight. He smiled at Archie, eyes dark and black and shining. Archie took a deep breath and, as he exhaled, felt black silk and long fingers twine round his wrists behind him.
"Horatio..."
Horatio was kissing him again. Archie could feel panic starting to rise in his chest.
"Horatio wait, please."
He hadn't knotted the silk and was holding his wrists only lightly but it was more than Archie could bear.
"Dammit Horatio, let me go!" His voice sounded shrill.
Horatio stopped suddenly letting go of Archie's wrists and the silk, which slithered to the floor.
"Archie?" His eyes were slightly unfocused. "What's the matter?"
He looked genuinely confused. Archie's latent panic was turning to irritation. God knows he loved Horatio Hornblower but sometimes he could be astonishingly naive.
"Nothing is the matter Horatio," he said as coolly as his rising temper would allow. "Only I would thank you to ask my permission first if you want to truss me up like a ..."
It came out harsher than he intended. Horatio blinked. Archie could see reason struggling to assert itself over passion.
"Archie? Oh my god, Archie! I'm sorry. Please forgive me I'm so sorry...."
He looked so genuinely horrified that Archie knew he would send the rest of their shore leave wallowing in a morass of remorse if he didn't do something to defuse the guilt. And quickly.
Archie smiled brightly and slipped his arms around Horatio's neck.
"It's all right Horatio, I couldn't breath is all, you were crushing me..."
Sliding his hands down Horatio's chest he dropped to his knees. Horatio let out a deep sigh as Archie's hand ran over the placket of his breeches. Instead of opening he buttons however he stood up again, in his right hand he held his neck cloth which he had picked up from the floor.
"As I said Mr Hornblower, usually it is polite to ask." Archie's lips curved into a smile as Horatio's eyes widened with realisation.
"Umm Archie...."
Archie kissed him softly. "It's all right Horatio I'll be rather more gentle than you were."
There was no answer to that. Not from a man as proud as Horatio Hornblower. Honour demanded he submit.
IV
Archie led him to the bed and with considerable ceremony stripped him. Slowly removing each piece of his uniform and placing it carefully aside, kissing and caressing as he went. By the time he had got down to shirt and breeches Horatio's eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. Archie pulled Horatio's shirt over his head leaving it tangled around his wrists, he pushed him gently down onto the bed planting light kisses over his chest and sliding down to his hips. Now he wasted no time undoing buttons and sliding Horatio's breeches off. Kneeling over him he kissed him slowly and deeply before pulling back. "So Mr Hornblower will you allow me?" One hand lay warm and heavy against Horatio's chest, the other held two lengths of black silk. Horatio struggled to speak but only managed a low groan, so he nodded instead. Very carefully Archie bound his hands together with the shirt and fastened it to the bedstead. All the time speaking quiet words of trust and promise. One strip of black silk went around each ankle and again round the foot of the bed. More kisses, up this time, over thigh and chest and shoulder, warm breath, quiet words. Horatio started to feel as though he was floating, the sensation was extraordinary.
"One moment Horatio, I don't want you to get cold." Horatio opened heavy lids as Archie stood to bank up the fire in the grate. Horatio vaguely registered that Archie was still dressed and wondered when he would remove his clothes. He returned to the bed and bending over Horatio plated another long slow kiss on his lips.
"Are you comfortable Mr Hornblower?"
Horatio inhaled deeply, and closed his eyes, drawing in Archie's warm familiar smell, he nodded.
"You know I want you?"
Archie's lips were against his ear, soft hair on his cheek.
"Do you trust me?"
Another nod. More kisses. Horatio could feel the wool of Archie's jacket rough against his chest.
"Then wait for me."
Horatio's eyes flickered open.
"Archie?"
Archie was looking at him with an unfathomable expression.
"Wait for me Horatio."
Archie kissed him and before Horatio could register what was happening the door had closed and he was alone.
V
"Archie?" Nothing.
"Archie!" Silence.
Horatio was on the point of shouting when he thought better of it. This was a respectable establishment. It would not do for a lieutenant of the Royal Navy to be discovered in such a....predicament.
He felt foolish and annoyed. Archie would be back in a moment, he's just have to wait. Moments passed. Archie didn't come back.
Annoyance turned to anger and anger to something that Horatio didn't want to think about. Panic? He had been quite sure that he could easily free his hands. He was tied with a shirt after all. One tug was enough to tighten the knot around his wrists and convince Horatio that pulling harder would do him no good at all. Archie was a sailor of course, he knew a thing or two about knots. Even though, Horatio didn't want to think about where Archie had learned to tie a knot quite like that.
Fuming with rage he rehearsed in his mind what he would do when Archie returned and unbound him. Hit him? Kiss him? Ignore him? Dress and leave? Teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget?
How dare he? He had trusted him! But you do trust him said an infuriatingly rational voice inside his head. And he did ask, which is more than you did I might add. And you did assent. You agreed to this. And if you hadn't been so impatient... and you were rather rough. Horatio sighed and shifted slightly. He was all too familiar with this inner voice and knew it would drive him to distraction. He had agreed and he did trust him. Horatio let his thoughts drift in that direction, to Archie.
Inaction chaffed at Horatio. Inaction of either body or mind. Archie frequently teased him about his inability to be still. This should have been torture, but once Horatio had accepted that he really was bound and there was nothing he could do about it an unusual calm descended on him and he began to feel the same curious drifting sensation he had experienced earlier. It was dark now but for the glow of the fire that had burned low in the grate. The room was at the back of the inn on a small street set well back from the dock. It was quiet. He closed his eyes, the senses that remained to him seemed oddly heightened. The noise of a log shifting in the grate sounded like a cannon retort. Although his bonds were not tight they seemed to burn against his skin until all he could feel was wrist and ankle. He could still smell Archie, a warm musky smell, stronger now than when he had actually been in the room. Horatio drifted, motionless somewhere between sleep and desire.
VI
A soft click and Archie entered the room. Hours might have passed or minutes. He stood for a moment with his back to the door. Horatio could hear him breathing.
"Horatio."
"Archie."
Silence. Horatio could feel Archie's eyes on his skin. Why wasn't he demanding to be untied this very instant damn you! Archie stepped away from the door lit the small lamp bracketed on the wall and pulled a chair to the side of the bed. He smelled slightly of brandy but he didn't appear to be drunk. Far from it. He looked uncommonly serious. His tongue flickered over his lower lip. He's nervous, Horatio observed. He had a powerful urge to take him in his arms.
Archie removed his jacket and sat down. He was so close now. Horatio raised his brows inquiringly. "You look very fine Horatio." All Horatio's carefully formulated and rehearsed retorts burned away under that blue gaze. Archie licked his lips again and without waiting for a response leaned over the bed and brushed a light kiss across his lips. Restrained as he was Horatio raised his head to press his mouth harder against the hesitating kiss. Archie drew his head back, pressing one finger against Horatio's lips. Horatio dropped his head back to the pillow and exhaled a long sigh. As the breath left him he felt Archie's finger graze lightly over his lips tracing a line down cheek and chin and neck to the hollow of his throat. Archie's gaze hadn’t left his face, his cheeks were flushed, eyes reflecting back the flickering lamplight. Archie's finger continued to travel, one single point of sensation on Horatio's skin, down his chest, tracing sternum, circling one nipple, across his belly, over the jutting ridge of his hipbone. Horatio was hard and wet by the time that single point of contact reached his groin, dragging lightly through dense black curls to the base of his cock, hesitating there for a moment before ascending to circle lightly around the head, smearing the bead of moisture that hung there. The familiar drifting feeling enveloped Horatio. His world contracted, reduced to the intense sensation of that single touch, the line it traced. And all the time that calm blue gaze. Archie's finger continued to circle the head of his cock. Horatio arched his hips upwards desperately seeking more contact. He felt the ties bite against wrist and ankle and he bucked against them. Archie responded, gripping him hard now, his hand starting to move with smooth slow strokes. He was kneeling beside the bed breathing quiet words under his breath, his hand pulling and sliding over and over. Horatio was momentarily aware of a rustle and a quick movement as Archie shifted slightly and slid his free hand into his own breeches. But still that unbroken rhythm of pull and slide. Horatio was wrenching so hard against stock and shirt he was sure either wood or bone would splinter. Archie's eyes were closed now, his own breath growing ragged, the rhythm of his hand starting to jump and falter. Nothing existed beyond heat and pressure building until it was beyond containing. Horatio's long back arched like a bow as he let go and came with a long low moan. Archie followed him, crying his name in fractured response.
VII
Horatio was still drifting in a daze when he became aware of Archie's fingers at his ankle. He was cursing softly and fumbling with the knots. The black silk dropped away from one ankle then the other. As Archie turned to the head of the bed Horatio focused sufficiently to notice his hands were trembling. He fumbled with the knotted shirt, swearing softly again before it loosened. Horatio remained motionless for a moment, reluctant to move. A prickling sensation in his wrists started to grow until it was sufficiently painful to force him to stretch and shake out his hands. Standing beside the chair Archie unceremoniously threw off his clothes and slid onto the bed beside Horatio. The feeling of Archie's body lying full against him caused Horatio's head to swim and his prick to twitch into life again. It took him a few moments to realise that Archie was holding him rather more tightly than usual, his breath hitching slightly, face buried against his shoulder.
"Archie? Are you all right? Archie?"
Archie tilted his head back, he looked decidedly sheepish.
"I'm sorry Horatio, I didn't mean things to go so far. I shouldn't have left you. Sometimes the very devil gets the better of me."
He was biting his bottom lip nervously again. Horatio couldn't refrain from smirking.
"To be honest Horatio I expected a full broadside when I returned."
"I can assure you Mr Kennedy, had you not struck so prettily you would have received one."
Archie stopped biting his lip long enough to laugh nervously and Horatio pulled him closer.
VIII
The lamp had burned out and Horatio was almost asleep when Archie fidgeting beside him in the dark roused him.
"H'ratio?"
"Hmn?"
"Horatio...umm, did you like it?"
The sharp dig in his ribs was painful enough to silence Archie Kennedy, and his devils, for the rest of the night.
Things I learned while writing this: I find it almost impossible to write kink without it going all abstract and Deleuzian. Bits of this ended up reading like a missing chapter of Capitalism and Schizophrenia at one point. Not really what you want from slash!
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-03-21 10:13 pm (UTC)Phrases like this remind me of why I love, love, love Archie! Because it is the sort of thing he'd say, too.
Excellent story, I really liked it. Once again you have both characters so well defined, they seem very real. As you noted, a bit of a mix of genres, but I found it worked.
Not really what you want from slash!
I quite enjoyed that aspect! It makes is so interesting.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-21 10:32 pm (UTC)Phrases like this remind me of why I love, love, love Archie!
Awwww. :)
_Very_ glad you enjoyed this and thought the characters worked. I really thought I'd lost this one!
I quite enjoyed that aspect! It makes is so interesting.
You did?! Shame I deleted all the bits I cut out then. I had several more paragraphs of abstract weirdness!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 02:28 am (UTC)Ahem. Possibly. It's been a slow day. :)
It's hard to completely lose a fic when you've got a good grasp of character and situation. That's what I find at least. Even if it doesn't go as planned, clearly there's always something to be made of it, which people will enjoy!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-21 11:54 pm (UTC)Possibly not , but didn't Deleuze (in)famously say the method was all " enculage" just to stir it all anyway , so its not entirely inappropriate he snuck in here, and it must be said that fanfic per se runs the chance always of creating chimeras (I am really only familiar with his work on Nietzsche so shouldn't hold forth too long but I did recently read an( unlikely) paper on Deleuze , Adorno and " internal difference" which gave me pause - but you have created something certainly made for late at night here...and I think I need to read it in daylight too !
Thank you anyway, for the inspiration and the difference, philosophical and otherwise.
a little more follows but its getting increasingly off topic so I will email it.
Another day, however!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:34 pm (UTC)not entirely inappropriate he snuck in here
This is very much the territory of what little Deleuze I know, namely Mille Plateaux and Masochism Coldness and Cruelty. This fic wandered waaay off into "body without organs" territory before some ruthless editing got it (hopefully) back on track.
you have created something certainly made for late at night
Hmmm yes, that tends to happen rather a lot. Hope you found something of interest here though!
increasingly off topic
Hey, anything is fair game round here!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 03:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:27 pm (UTC)When Horatio had Archie pinned like that, I just knew it was going to trigger a flashback for Archie. Thank goodness Horatio got the message and stopped.
You know I hadn't realised Horatio had got quite to rough until I read this back. I think he probably would get rather over eager though and not stop to think what he's doing. Not that he'd _ever_ do anything to deliberately hurt Archie of course.
What a way to get back at him, though!
I think by this stage in proceedings Archie has definitely learned how to stand up for himself. And of course he knows how to handle Horatio ;)
Thanks again for your very positive and encouraging comments. Can't promise there'll be any more like this but glad you enjoyed this one :)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 01:35 pm (UTC)Oh, yes! *snickergigglesnort*
You're welcome! I hope you write more fic, period!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 05:43 pm (UTC)Wicked! ;)
You're welcome! I hope you write more fic, period!
Awww thanks :) Suspect next one will be pure unadulterated angst.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 11:51 am (UTC)Well, anyone can write kink and fluff, and while I like fluff, it does get a little boring if it's the only thing you ever get to read. I like slash fics that turn out different than you would expect.
And it still has just the right amount of fluff for a rainy Monday. Am happy now. :o)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 02:49 pm (UTC)while I like fluff, it does get a little boring if it's the only thing you ever get to read.
Definitely agree. Fluff is enjoyable enough but I do really appreciate writing that has a bit of edge.
I like slash fics that turn out different than you would expect.
Well this one certainly didn't turn out the way I expected it to! But hopefully that's no bad thing :}
Glad to have provided some entertainment for a wet Monday :)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 09:42 pm (UTC)Nothing wrong with that, we're a high brow fandom! An interest in breeches counts as high brow, right? :P
As enjoyable (and hot) as always. I think you're spot on with Horatio being over eager and it frightening Archie, and then Archie of course pretending that it hadn't. Both to save face and because he'd never, ever, want Horatio to feel guilty.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:19 pm (UTC)An interest in breeches counts as high brow, right?
Of course it does. Appreciation of fine tailoring is definitive proof of intellectual maturity.
As enjoyable (and hot) as always.
Awww thanks. Finished at your request of course!
Horatio being over eager and it frightening Archie, and then Archie of course pretending that it hadn't. Both to save face and because he'd never, ever, want Horatio to feel guilty.
You're so spot on. That's exactly the way it goes isn't it? Horatio not realising that he's taking it too far, too fast and then being horrified. And _of course_ Archie would do anything to spare Horatio the guilt. Tragic. Still, at least they managed to get over it and have some fun ;)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:32 pm (UTC)I met a Bartholomew on the South Bank!
Still, at least they managed to get over it and have some fun ;)
Indeed, I wonder what other theraputic measures they could take...
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:40 pm (UTC)Awww no way!
I wonder what other therapeutic measures they could take...
Uh oh, don't get me started again. This one got weird enough! I'm afraid all then other half-finished fics in my drafts folder are rather angsty. You might have to wait a bit for more "therapeutic measures"....Unless of course my conference gets really dull and my mind starts to wander ;)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 10:44 pm (UTC)Unless of course my conference gets really dull and my mind starts to wander ;)
Uh, work was really dull tonight and my mind kept wandering to fanfic plots, someone always answered the phone just when I was getting to the good part.
no subject
Date: 2010-03-22 11:01 pm (UTC)Well I hope you shared your plot ideas with them? I'm sure they'd enjoy the "good parts". Hmmm?
(I'm still re-reading your Modern AU btw. Second time round. Am totally smitten by your Archie *sniff*)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-23 01:13 pm (UTC)Hmmm yes, that tends to happen rather a lot. Hope you found something of interest here though!
Certainly so - another item in your recent diverse range...
increasingly off topic
Hey, anything is fair game round here! - OK, I'll post it here then, though sorry it is a bit on the long side
Something of interest - indeed thats one way of putting it! I think it is fascinating to see this aspect of Horatio and Archie explored.
And I quite agree that both fluff and edge belong in the telling of stories.
As to Deleuze , as I said I am most familiar with his work on Nietzsche, and particularly therefore with what construction is born out of his " enculage " with the writer of the Genealogy of Morals..
and that daring of Nietzsches - as it then was- of crossing the lines to declare noble what many people would simply want supressed.
I have had in mind something to explore which my first fic wouldn't necessarily lead one to expect:
and this is a passage that I am working on in the back of my mind in a fic that is in progress;
Here there is one thing we will be the last to deny: the man who knows these "good men" only as enemies, knows them as nothing but evil enemies, and the same men who are so strongly held bound by custom, honour, habit, thankfulness, even more by mutual suspicion and jealousy inter pares [among equals] and who, by contrast, demonstrate in relation to each other such resourceful consideration, self-control, refinement, loyalty, pride, and friendship - these men, once outside where the strange world, the foreign, begins, are not much better than beasts of prey turned loose. There they enjoy freedom from all social constraints. In the wilderness they make up for the tension which a long fenced-in confinement within the peace of the community brings about. They go back to the innocent consciousness of a wild beast of prey, as joyful monsters,
( Nietzsche : G of M, 11)
In the first story I am about to try to post ( still having trouble doing that ) which is I would say just fluff with mild additions of historicity and something just hinting at darker times, Archie quotes the Song of Songs " jealousy cruel as the grave " to Horatio apparenly in passing - but it is intended as a hook for something with more ... well we shall see -
right, thats philosphers out of the way for the moment and so back to that most engrossing of intellectual topics : breeches. I recently read a detailed account of the development of uniform in the Georgian navy and about the way the younger men were drawn to the fashion of the dark blue trousers while the old guard stuck resolutely to the white breeches...
there should have been muster inspections after which it would be decre which attire wsa more suitable for which officer I think .
But it was a sad end to one of the best eras in male fashion.
I used years ago to belong to a choir which sang traditional evensong so, from time to time the psalm which contains the immortal line that the Almighty :
" takes no pleasure in the strength of an horse, neither delighteth he in any man's legs"..( psalm 147)
which always had us struggling not to convulse in laughter...and thinking " shame " ...at least I make no judgement about the equine part ...
alas for Major Edrington then... the almighty not looking his way at all then it would seem.
More than enough !
cheers
no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 10:19 am (UTC)Breeches: Have you read Dressed to Kill? It's pretty much required reading around here ;)
neither delighteth he in any man's legs
You're kidding right?! How on earth did you manage to sing that without collapsing into hysterics? Certainly does make one think of Edrington ;)
no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 10:07 pm (UTC)another good one is " lord let me know mine end and the number of my days, that I may be certified.." dangerous to sing that on too much college sherry as well !
thank you for the required reading - I shall see to it as soon as possible !
A Folio edition of the song of songs sounds lovely.I have a few folio editions but have not seen that one.
Archie is quoting from the section : " set me as a seal upon thy heart" etc
no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 10:39 pm (UTC)Probably just as well I can't sing!
A Folio edition of the song of songs sounds lovely
It is, but sadly it's missing its dust jacket. It's illustrated by very fluid and voluptuous engravings by Ru Van Rossem. And it has the following rather curious addendum:
"These illustrations were engraved in 1949 for a limited edition of 'The Song of Songs' and they are used here by permission of the successors to that publisher. The artist has progressed in the 18 years which have intervened and the publishers wold like to point out that these engravings are in no way representative of his current work."
no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 03:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-03-24 09:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-02 11:09 pm (UTC)It's after midnight and I'm short of words, so I will just say, OMG how lovely and awesome and the pretty, we likes it yes we does...
How do you get Archie so note-perfect?
no subject
Date: 2010-07-02 11:56 pm (UTC)Hope it wasn't too much of a chore! ;) Glad you enjoyed the re-read. I still have no idea quite what this fic was meant to be!
How do you get Archie so note-perfect?
Erm....one track mind perhaps? ;P