"We could-- die any day on this damnable ship, Horatio. We're in the middle of a bloody war."
Because of course that would be Horatio's concern. Of course, dear man that he is, he'd deny himself this gift out of some misguided attempt at preserving their safety.
Not, of course, that Archie isn't concerned with exactly that. It's just that after the life he's lived-- after the hurt and the shame and the deprivation-- it's impossible for him not to take tight hold and keep what he can.
(Besides, he knows intimately how men turn a blind eye. Even on this ship, there were some things people chose not to see-- and, if all else failed, his own reputation to tarnish and his own neck to offer.
For now, though, William's eyes give him hope, and Horatio's make him brave.)
"And-- you're right. We'd have to be careful, and maybe-- not here, or at least not much, but-- Please." His voice is soft as his gaze drifts with a briefly apologetic smile from William to Horatio. There are older ghosts here than the second lieutenant yet knows, "Horatio, haven't we sacrificed enough for the navy? Hasn't enough been taken from-- from us? Isn't there-- one good thing we can keep for ourselves?"
And then, steady, his eyes turning to William welcomingly (he is not forgotten; not a third wheel but another point on this triangle,) "It's worth it to me, for that chance. You both are."
Although-- and, importantly, his gaze dropping a little nervously as he adds, "If you-- wished it, at any rate."
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Because of course that would be Horatio's concern. Of course, dear man that he is, he'd deny himself this gift out of some misguided attempt at preserving their safety.
Not, of course, that Archie isn't concerned with exactly that. It's just that after the life he's lived-- after the hurt and the shame and the deprivation-- it's impossible for him not to take tight hold and keep what he can.
(Besides, he knows intimately how men turn a blind eye. Even on this ship, there were some things people chose not to see-- and, if all else failed, his own reputation to tarnish and his own neck to offer.
For now, though, William's eyes give him hope, and Horatio's make him brave.)
"And-- you're right. We'd have to be careful, and maybe-- not here, or at least not much, but-- Please." His voice is soft as his gaze drifts with a briefly apologetic smile from William to Horatio. There are older ghosts here than the second lieutenant yet knows, "Horatio, haven't we sacrificed enough for the navy? Hasn't enough been taken from-- from us? Isn't there-- one good thing we can keep for ourselves?"
And then, steady, his eyes turning to William welcomingly (he is not forgotten; not a third wheel but another point on this triangle,) "It's worth it to me, for that chance. You both are."
Although-- and, importantly, his gaze dropping a little nervously as he adds, "If you-- wished it, at any rate."