Reciprocity
Jun. 15th, 2010 12:38 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
anteros_lmcTitle: Reciprocity
Author: Anteros
Characters: Archie Kennedy, Horatio Hornblower, Corporal Robinson, Cleveland
Rating: R
Notes: A sequel to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
mylodon's Pyrexia and nodbear's Cabin Fever.
It wasn’t that Horatio didn’t trust Archie, or doubted his abilities; he just couldn’t help but worry about him whenever they saw action or either one of them left the ship. Although for all his quick temper Archie was not one to take unnecessary risks. And that was what was worrying Horatio even more, Archie shouldn’t even have left the ship. In fact Horatio hadn’t actually realised he had gone until he went looking for him. On finding no trace of his companion below or aloft, in the gunroom or on deck, Horatio had resorted to the first lieutenant who had an uncanny ability to know the whereabouts of any man on the muster roll at any point in time.
“Mr Kennedy?” Lieutenant Bracegirdle had replied with obvious surprise. “He went off with the shore party. Didn’t he tell you?”
“No sir, thank you sir.” Horatio had replied before hurrying off to fume and worry, leaving a slightly startled and concerned lieutenant in his wake.
What the devil did Archie think he was doing volunteering himself for the shore party? They were only collecting sand for heaven’s sake, did he have a sudden burning desire to build sandcastles?!
Much to Pellew’s obvious annoyance the endless months of blockade duty had left the usually immaculate Indefatigable looking somewhat less than pristine. Their store of fine sharp sand used for holystoning the decks had run low, and the white timbers were beginning to look distinctly grey, so a suitable beach had been located and a shore party despatched to collect some more. The beach was a relatively isolated rocky cove backed by a low ridge on which stood a small hamlet of no more than half a dozen cottages. Occasional detachments of troops had been observed passing through but as the cove was of little strategic importance there appeared to be no garrison stationed in the vicinity. It was a routine mission that they had carried out on a monthly basis; the frigate stood off and on while the gig was despatched with a midshipman, half a dozen seaman, a few marines and a corporal.
Blockade duty was undoubtedly dull and any activity that broke the monotony was a welcome relief, but still and all, Horatio could see no reason why Archie would have volunteered to go ashore, particularly given that Cleveland had already been given charge of the party along with Corporal Robinson of the Marines. Horatio was becoming seriously concerned about Archie’s state of mind. It was only a matter of days since he had been signed off the sick list following a nasty fever. Perhaps he still wasn’t feeling quite himself? Archie of course had been insistent that it was nothing more than a cold. Horatio had firmly reminded him that, as the son of a doctor, he knew a temperature when he felt one. And indeed Archie’s cheek had been more than a little flushed when Horatio placed a cool hand on his forehead. In fact the sight of Archie’s flushed complexion and glittering eyes had brought a corresponding blush to Horatio’s own cheeks that had nothing to do with fever. However Horatio had been positively self righteous when he had dragged Archie down to the sick bay and the surgeon had signed him off with pyrexia with catarrhal affection.
“You see?” Horatio had crowed “Pyrexia! You can’t be too careful about these things.”
“It’s a cold,” sniffed Archie in exasperation but he had been uncharacteristically compliant when he was ordered to his hammock and told in no uncertain terms to stay there.
Almost ten days later, most of which time the patient had spent with his nose stuck in a book that seemed to have miraculously appeared from the captain’s cabin, Archie had been given a clean bill of health and was signed off the sick list. However Horatio couldn’t help but fear that the fever had had a lasting impact on his shipmate, particularly given his uncommon behaviour. Horatio couldn’t decide what concerned him more, the fact that Archie had volunteered to go ashore or the fact that he had gone without telling him.
The gig had left shortly after noon and was expected to return by the start of the first dogwatch. As the afternoon lengthened Horatio’s irritation increased and his temper shortened. In order to occupy his over fertile mind he had sought out the captain’s steward and offered to commence the trigonometry lessons he had promised. The first lesson proved to be nothing short of a disaster. For Horatio, the principals of trigonometry were as clear as the nose on his face and he was unable to explain to his eager but mathematically challenged pupil what to him appeared completely bleeding obvious. By the end of the lesson Horatio had concluded that he had struck a very poor bargain indeed and that the damn egg could not possibly have been worth this purgatory.
By the time the bell had sounded the beginning of the first dogwatch and the gig had not returned Horatio’s anger had fizzled out leaving him with a gnawing fear growing in the pit of his stomach. The wind had backed to the southward forcing the frigate to stand further offshore and with the weather growing squally the cove was no longer visible from the ship. Horatio had begged a loan of the sailing masters telescope, the best aboard, and had taken to the mast head in an effort to peer through the driving rain but there was nothing to be seen. He had returned uneasily to the deck where he paced out the remainder of the dogwatch in the rain.
It was Mathews that had finally spotted the gig pulling hard around the point through an increasingly boisterous sea. Horatio’s heart was in his mouth as he peered out over the rail attempting to count the small figures in the boat. Four red dots, the marines were all present, eight, ten, eleven, twelve; yes they were all there. Horatio let out a long sigh as he exhaled a breath he hadn’t even been aware he was holding.
As the gig pulled closer Horatio could see Archie’s fair head in the bow. The three marines were first up and over the side, followed by Corporal Robinson with a face like thunder and then by Archie wearing an expression that could only be described as triumphant. Archie had barely set foot on deck when the corporal rounded on him.
“Bloody idiot! What if there had been troops there? You could have got us all killed! Taking off like that. Desertion that’s what it is! Insubordination, dereliction of duty!” Archie appeared to be impervious to the infuriated corporal and grinned broadly at Horatio who was hurrying across the deck towards them.
“Kennedy! What the devil’s going on? What happened?”
“Ah Mister Hornblower, I made a little reconnaissance of the village, that’s all. Took a little longer than expected but no harm done. Corporal Robinson here seemed to have me down as a deserter although he looked none too pleased when I decided to came back.”
Corporal Robinson was beginning to look like he might swing for Archie so Horatio stepped hastily between them.
“You went to the village? What in god’s name where you doing in the village? There could have been troops there! I hope you’ve got a bloody good explanation for this Mister Kennedy!”
In his relief at seeing Archie safe aboard Horatio’s reserve snapped and he gave free rein to the pent up temper that had been building all afternoon.
“Calm down Horblower, no harm was done…” Archie was still grinning despite the fact that the rain was now sheeting down, darkening his fair hair and plastering it to his forehead.
“And where’s your hat? You’ll catch your death! You’ve only just been signed off for god sake!”
“Ah. My hat. I lost it.”
There was something in Archie’s tone that made Horatio’s blood run cold. “Lost it Mister Kennedy? Where exactly did you loose it?”
Realising that Horatio’s temper had reached the icy fury stage Archie had the good grace to look contrite.
“In the village. Umm, I stumbled into an old cove and he took a couple of pot shots at me. Not a bad shot either, took my hat right off.”
“Archie, you nearly got shot?” Horatio could feel the blood draining form his head and he was struggling hard against a powerful urge to seize his shipmate, shake him very, very hard indeed and not let him go. Archie curved his mouth into a guilty smile and glanced up at his shipmate with an expression that, in his current agitated state, very nearly dropped Horatio to the deck.
At that point an extremely wet and exasperated Cleveland clambered aboard followed by the remaining seamen. The marines had already gone below and Corporal Robinson had stumped off muttering something under his breath about needing a stiff drink.
“Kennedy!” snapped Cleveland “With me, to Lieutenant Bracegirdle. Now! You’ve got some explaining to do….”
Archie rolled his eyes at Horatio who was still fighting back the urge to shake him or hit him or kiss him or just something.
“It seems I have some explaining to do” he parroted mimicking Cleveland’s accent to perfection. “Before I depart to answer for my crimes, I’ve got something for you Mr Hornblower. Hold out your hands.”
“What?! Mr Kennedy what on god’s earth are you playing at?”
Archie stepped closer to his friend, the deck had cleared as all but the watch had sought shelter from the driving rain. Archie’s eyes were shining through spiked lashes, his upturned face streaming with rain. Horatio’s eye was irresistibly drawn to a drop of water that slid down his cheek, running down his neck and disappearing into the hollow of his throat just visible below his stock. Archie lowered his voice and leaned in towards him.
“Give me your hand Horatio.”
Horatio felt his chest tighten and he held out his hand. Archie dug into his pocket before placing one small cold palm in his. He held it there momentarily as his bright gaze held Horatio’s. “A little something for you from the village Mr Hornblower. By way of thanks.” Smiling, he turned away to hurry after Cleveland.
Horatio was left standing alone in the rain, he opened his fingers and looked down at his hand which now held two small perfect eggs, one brown, one palest blue.
Author: Anteros
Characters: Archie Kennedy, Horatio Hornblower, Corporal Robinson, Cleveland
Rating: R
Notes: A sequel to
mylodon's Pyrexia and nodbear's Cabin Fever. It wasn’t that Horatio didn’t trust Archie, or doubted his abilities; he just couldn’t help but worry about him whenever they saw action or either one of them left the ship. Although for all his quick temper Archie was not one to take unnecessary risks. And that was what was worrying Horatio even more, Archie shouldn’t even have left the ship. In fact Horatio hadn’t actually realised he had gone until he went looking for him. On finding no trace of his companion below or aloft, in the gunroom or on deck, Horatio had resorted to the first lieutenant who had an uncanny ability to know the whereabouts of any man on the muster roll at any point in time.
“Mr Kennedy?” Lieutenant Bracegirdle had replied with obvious surprise. “He went off with the shore party. Didn’t he tell you?”
“No sir, thank you sir.” Horatio had replied before hurrying off to fume and worry, leaving a slightly startled and concerned lieutenant in his wake.
What the devil did Archie think he was doing volunteering himself for the shore party? They were only collecting sand for heaven’s sake, did he have a sudden burning desire to build sandcastles?!
Much to Pellew’s obvious annoyance the endless months of blockade duty had left the usually immaculate Indefatigable looking somewhat less than pristine. Their store of fine sharp sand used for holystoning the decks had run low, and the white timbers were beginning to look distinctly grey, so a suitable beach had been located and a shore party despatched to collect some more. The beach was a relatively isolated rocky cove backed by a low ridge on which stood a small hamlet of no more than half a dozen cottages. Occasional detachments of troops had been observed passing through but as the cove was of little strategic importance there appeared to be no garrison stationed in the vicinity. It was a routine mission that they had carried out on a monthly basis; the frigate stood off and on while the gig was despatched with a midshipman, half a dozen seaman, a few marines and a corporal.
Blockade duty was undoubtedly dull and any activity that broke the monotony was a welcome relief, but still and all, Horatio could see no reason why Archie would have volunteered to go ashore, particularly given that Cleveland had already been given charge of the party along with Corporal Robinson of the Marines. Horatio was becoming seriously concerned about Archie’s state of mind. It was only a matter of days since he had been signed off the sick list following a nasty fever. Perhaps he still wasn’t feeling quite himself? Archie of course had been insistent that it was nothing more than a cold. Horatio had firmly reminded him that, as the son of a doctor, he knew a temperature when he felt one. And indeed Archie’s cheek had been more than a little flushed when Horatio placed a cool hand on his forehead. In fact the sight of Archie’s flushed complexion and glittering eyes had brought a corresponding blush to Horatio’s own cheeks that had nothing to do with fever. However Horatio had been positively self righteous when he had dragged Archie down to the sick bay and the surgeon had signed him off with pyrexia with catarrhal affection.
“You see?” Horatio had crowed “Pyrexia! You can’t be too careful about these things.”
“It’s a cold,” sniffed Archie in exasperation but he had been uncharacteristically compliant when he was ordered to his hammock and told in no uncertain terms to stay there.
Almost ten days later, most of which time the patient had spent with his nose stuck in a book that seemed to have miraculously appeared from the captain’s cabin, Archie had been given a clean bill of health and was signed off the sick list. However Horatio couldn’t help but fear that the fever had had a lasting impact on his shipmate, particularly given his uncommon behaviour. Horatio couldn’t decide what concerned him more, the fact that Archie had volunteered to go ashore or the fact that he had gone without telling him.
The gig had left shortly after noon and was expected to return by the start of the first dogwatch. As the afternoon lengthened Horatio’s irritation increased and his temper shortened. In order to occupy his over fertile mind he had sought out the captain’s steward and offered to commence the trigonometry lessons he had promised. The first lesson proved to be nothing short of a disaster. For Horatio, the principals of trigonometry were as clear as the nose on his face and he was unable to explain to his eager but mathematically challenged pupil what to him appeared completely bleeding obvious. By the end of the lesson Horatio had concluded that he had struck a very poor bargain indeed and that the damn egg could not possibly have been worth this purgatory.
By the time the bell had sounded the beginning of the first dogwatch and the gig had not returned Horatio’s anger had fizzled out leaving him with a gnawing fear growing in the pit of his stomach. The wind had backed to the southward forcing the frigate to stand further offshore and with the weather growing squally the cove was no longer visible from the ship. Horatio had begged a loan of the sailing masters telescope, the best aboard, and had taken to the mast head in an effort to peer through the driving rain but there was nothing to be seen. He had returned uneasily to the deck where he paced out the remainder of the dogwatch in the rain.
It was Mathews that had finally spotted the gig pulling hard around the point through an increasingly boisterous sea. Horatio’s heart was in his mouth as he peered out over the rail attempting to count the small figures in the boat. Four red dots, the marines were all present, eight, ten, eleven, twelve; yes they were all there. Horatio let out a long sigh as he exhaled a breath he hadn’t even been aware he was holding.
As the gig pulled closer Horatio could see Archie’s fair head in the bow. The three marines were first up and over the side, followed by Corporal Robinson with a face like thunder and then by Archie wearing an expression that could only be described as triumphant. Archie had barely set foot on deck when the corporal rounded on him.
“Bloody idiot! What if there had been troops there? You could have got us all killed! Taking off like that. Desertion that’s what it is! Insubordination, dereliction of duty!” Archie appeared to be impervious to the infuriated corporal and grinned broadly at Horatio who was hurrying across the deck towards them.
“Kennedy! What the devil’s going on? What happened?”
“Ah Mister Hornblower, I made a little reconnaissance of the village, that’s all. Took a little longer than expected but no harm done. Corporal Robinson here seemed to have me down as a deserter although he looked none too pleased when I decided to came back.”
Corporal Robinson was beginning to look like he might swing for Archie so Horatio stepped hastily between them.
“You went to the village? What in god’s name where you doing in the village? There could have been troops there! I hope you’ve got a bloody good explanation for this Mister Kennedy!”
In his relief at seeing Archie safe aboard Horatio’s reserve snapped and he gave free rein to the pent up temper that had been building all afternoon.
“Calm down Horblower, no harm was done…” Archie was still grinning despite the fact that the rain was now sheeting down, darkening his fair hair and plastering it to his forehead.
“And where’s your hat? You’ll catch your death! You’ve only just been signed off for god sake!”
“Ah. My hat. I lost it.”
There was something in Archie’s tone that made Horatio’s blood run cold. “Lost it Mister Kennedy? Where exactly did you loose it?”
Realising that Horatio’s temper had reached the icy fury stage Archie had the good grace to look contrite.
“In the village. Umm, I stumbled into an old cove and he took a couple of pot shots at me. Not a bad shot either, took my hat right off.”
“Archie, you nearly got shot?” Horatio could feel the blood draining form his head and he was struggling hard against a powerful urge to seize his shipmate, shake him very, very hard indeed and not let him go. Archie curved his mouth into a guilty smile and glanced up at his shipmate with an expression that, in his current agitated state, very nearly dropped Horatio to the deck.
At that point an extremely wet and exasperated Cleveland clambered aboard followed by the remaining seamen. The marines had already gone below and Corporal Robinson had stumped off muttering something under his breath about needing a stiff drink.
“Kennedy!” snapped Cleveland “With me, to Lieutenant Bracegirdle. Now! You’ve got some explaining to do….”
Archie rolled his eyes at Horatio who was still fighting back the urge to shake him or hit him or kiss him or just something.
“It seems I have some explaining to do” he parroted mimicking Cleveland’s accent to perfection. “Before I depart to answer for my crimes, I’ve got something for you Mr Hornblower. Hold out your hands.”
“What?! Mr Kennedy what on god’s earth are you playing at?”
Archie stepped closer to his friend, the deck had cleared as all but the watch had sought shelter from the driving rain. Archie’s eyes were shining through spiked lashes, his upturned face streaming with rain. Horatio’s eye was irresistibly drawn to a drop of water that slid down his cheek, running down his neck and disappearing into the hollow of his throat just visible below his stock. Archie lowered his voice and leaned in towards him.
“Give me your hand Horatio.”
Horatio felt his chest tighten and he held out his hand. Archie dug into his pocket before placing one small cold palm in his. He held it there momentarily as his bright gaze held Horatio’s. “A little something for you from the village Mr Hornblower. By way of thanks.” Smiling, he turned away to hurry after Cleveland.
Horatio was left standing alone in the rain, he opened his fingers and looked down at his hand which now held two small perfect eggs, one brown, one palest blue.
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no subject
Date: 2010-06-14 11:56 pm (UTC)Why do I get the feeling that combined with his kindness in thinking of the eggs, (gorgeous...) he was striking out just a little in retaliation for being fussed over....
Anyway, thank you. I have something brewing myself. Lets see how much we can all get out of Archie's miserable cold. (Although, you know, what with the fever, and needing 10 days to get better, I bet it was really a species of flu. Steph
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:40 am (UTC)Of course he is, remember the way he mimics Bush at the beginning of Mutiny? :)
he was striking out just a little in retaliation for being fussed over....
Just a little perhaps ;) It's his slightly mad way of showing he cares!
I have something brewing myself. Lets see how much we can all get out of Archie's miserable cold.
How exciting, more snot fic!
you know, what with the fever, and needing 10 days to get better, I bet it was really a species of flu.
Of course it was. I am still affrotned that
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 12:03 am (UTC)this is lovely - especially introducing Corporal robinson who has a ppoint and there being poor old snidey Cleveland.
Now just what is Horatio going to do with those eggs - because if he hands them over? and if he doesn't - oh his honour !
Huzzah for ongoing plot bunnies and for such clever weaving
and faute de mieux - ie a pictire of a damp and darling Archie sorry it will have to be the ever watchful eye of he who misses nothing even from the quarterdeck
* big bounce that you got this done *
and thank you
and a glass of his best Madeira from Sir Edward...
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:50 am (UTC)Most of this was written on buses & trains on the way to & from work yesterday!
That one line from ADM101 has been a gem of inspiration hasn't it?! I just had to get Corporal Robinson in there, I suspect he may be making other appearances too. No wonder the poor bloke turned to drink!
Please thank Sir Edward for the glass of Madeira. He was uncharacteristically quiet while I was writing this. Biding his time I suspect. I shall leave someone else to reveal any thoughts he may have on the matter :) And as for what Horatio actually does with the eggs? Well I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
Glad you liked wet Archie, he was nice to write ;)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 08:16 am (UTC)And posting soon perhaps some thing of Archie - and Edward thta has come down to us from then
( see email first!)
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Date: 2010-06-15 07:35 am (UTC)I love the last bit - all the deep meanings we could read into the brown egg and the blue.
I feel so proud; I gave the fandom nitfic and now I give it snotfic.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 04:25 pm (UTC)Apologies to Horatio, I couldn't resist it!
all the deep meanings we could read into the brown egg and the blue.
When sister and I were kids finding a blue hen's egg was one of the most magical things. They were veryprecious.
I feel so proud; I gave the fandom nitfic and now I give it snotfic.
Ewww! Nitfic?! Glad I missed that one. I'm starting to itch just thinking about it ;)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-16 10:00 am (UTC)The nitfic was a couple of years ago but has been taken down for metamorphosis into something else. I still have a Torchwood fanfic somewhere about Ianto with nits. *g*
no subject
Date: 2010-06-16 02:12 pm (UTC)Lovely. Did Jack have to get his intergalactic nit comb out?
Love your icon btw :)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-16 03:33 pm (UTC)Isn't it a nice pic?
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Date: 2010-06-16 11:29 pm (UTC)The little beasties obviously! ;)
Isn't it a nice pic?
Lovely pic. More please?
no subject
Date: 2010-06-17 09:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-06-17 10:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-06-17 08:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-06-18 09:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:40 am (UTC)This is Archie, so quite possibly yes. :P
Or you know, he could have been looking for eggs, but someone taking potshots? The security guard at that branch of Tesco was a bit over enthusiastic, wasn't he? :P
Very enjoyable read! Having read the entire snot epic in three parts this morning I am now concerned about the symptoms of this pyrexia....*feels blocked up*
ETA: Just remembered I have my own snot fic as I was on the verge of writing more. :P
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 04:28 pm (UTC)You and
The security guard at that branch of Tesco was a bit over enthusiastic, wasn't he? :P
Guess they don't like tourists round those parts ;)
Just remembered I have my own snot fic as I was on the verge of writing more. :P
Respect! You are so ahead of your time. We are merely trailing in your wake. Of course don't let that stop you writing another one!
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:44 am (UTC)You've caught them both perfectly - Archie his boyish, somewhat imprudent self, and Horatio serious and worrying as always.
In his relief at seeing Archie safe aboard Horatio’s reserve snapped and he gave free rein to the pent up temper that had been building all afternoon.
Argh, Horatio and his habit of snapping and saying hurtful things to somebody he’s in truth only worried about... That captures him very well.
They were only collecting sand for heaven’s sake, did he have a sudden burning desire to build sandcastles?!
Oh the picture in my mind! :D
Horatio felt his chest tighten and he held out his hand. Archie dug into his pocket before placing one small cold palm in his.
Aw! ♥
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Date: 2010-06-15 04:42 pm (UTC)Horatio and his habit of snapping and saying hurtful things to somebody he’s in truth only worried about.
That's what happens when fear and relief collide. Poor Horatio, no wonder he worries about Archie!
Oh the picture in my mind! :D
Something like this?
Aw! ♥
With extra fluffy comfort just for you ;)
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Date: 2010-06-15 05:46 pm (UTC)No, I've had this picture of Archie in the sand with plastic shovel, bucket and watering can... :D
Who are those boys??
That's what happens when fear and relief collide. Poor Horatio, no wonder he worries about Archie!
Yes, but Hornblower should really try to relax a little, because far too often he truly hurts other people with this behaviour...
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:15 pm (UTC)There's nothing common about it if it's Horatio and Archie doing it ;P
I've had this picture of Archie in the sand with plastic shovel
Couldn't find one of those online...
Who are those boys??
Why do you ask? I thought you weren't interested in sex on the beach?! *sniff* ;) The painting is called Noonday Heat and it's by the extraordinary Henry Scott Tuke who spent his life painting boys and boats.
far too often he truly hurts other people with this behaviour...
I've always thought one of the things that makes H&A's relationship is that Archie can see past all Horatio's insecurities and temper tantrums.
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Date: 2010-06-15 07:23 pm (UTC)I'm not! I was just admiring the effect of the light on the water and the rocks in the background! :D
no subject
Date: 2010-06-15 07:40 pm (UTC)