(Untitled)

[stoicsidekick]

If Bush had thought he needed a drink right after arriving on the thrice-damned Renown, he definitely needed one after his conversation with Hornblower. He would have preferred something stronger than the weak claret they had aboard ship, too. But Bush had always been good at settling for what was available. Alone once again in the wardroom, he

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[usethecompany]

Unsurprisingly perhaps, Archie had been doing his best to make good of a terrible situation. Sawyer had to be avoided, and for all intents and purposes Buckland as well, but he could not idle away his hours. He was, after all, a lieutenant in His Britannic Majesty's navy. At least once again he was, and for the time being. And, though the Dawn Treader was a bright and stalwart little ship, nothing could compare to cutting through open water, full sail, on the desk of a 74 gun ship of the line, not after more than a year of being landed and curtailed by currents and winds.

Often times Archie thought people mistook his optimistic demeanor as a sign of stupidity. In fact, he suspected Bush thought less of him for every smile when they had first run into each other. But he was no fool. The situation they found themselves in was most certainly dangerous, but it was the glances shared between William and Horatio that nagged at him. They were nowhere near Denmark, and yet something still smelled rotten.

But perhaps that's just

[stoicsidekick]

For all his dark mood, Bush relaxed slightly as Archie came into the wardroom, something of the tension going out of his shoulders. His fears might center on what could very well happen to this man, but that did not change the effect that Archie's smile had on him. "Quiet as a tomb," he said. "All's well on deck?"

[usethecompany]

"Miraculously, we remain afloat," Archie answered. He did not trouble himself with expanding beyond that response. Instead he strode purposefully and quickly to William's side. Cupping his cheek, Archie tilted William's face towards him and up so he might kiss him. Just a quick thing, but after spending half the day knowing he shouldn't kiss William, it made Archie want to do so all the more.

[stoicsidekick]

"Remarkable. Mmm..." Though Archie had always had a spontaneous nature, the kiss surprised him. Even though they were alone, such behavior was dangerous. All the same, he caught Archie's wrist and smiled. "You've shown great restraint today, Mr. Kennedy."