Be Well

"That completes the current assignment roster, gentlemen. Are there any questions?" No one spoke. "Very well, you are dismissed. Lieutenant Hornblower, may I have a word, if you please?"

The other men filed out of the captain's cabin, leaving Pellew alone with his second officer.

"You're displeased."

"Edward, I've been back aboard for over a week and you insist on treating me as though the slightest jar will cause me to shatter. I'm perfectly capable of standing watch and attending to my normal duties. In fact, I really must insist on it."

The Captain moved away from the cabin windows he had been standing in front of and sat at his desk, his back to the young man in an attempt to conceal his feelings in the matter. "You know that both your father and Hemplewhite have said that you are to be assigned light duty for several more weeks at least. I'll not risk a relapse through your overwork. You owe that much to the ship, and to me."

Hornblower came around the large table to stand close beside the older man, facing him, his hips leaning against the desk. "I know exactly what you're doing, you know. You're simply afraid that I'll keel over if you have me stand watch." He knelt on the floor beside the chair; his head now lower than his commander's and took his hand. "I'm fine. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." Leaning in, he gently kissed the stern mouth. "And I love you for trying to protect me, but you needn't."

"…You were so-badly injured. You need time to recover."

"And I've had over four months to do so. I'm quite myself again and would very much like to get back to work. Love, I'm bored just hanging about with everyone else busy about the ship."

The Captain caressed his cheek and jaw, letting his hand come to rest at the nape of the young man's neck, gently rubbing the skin there. He hesitated, unwilling to say the thoughts that ran through his mind, that his lover was still far underweight, that his skin still had a sickly pallor to it, that he slept at least fifteen hours in every day, that his appetite was even smaller than was his norm. Finally, he nodded his assent, knowing that it was important to the officer to fulfill his duty, no matter that he wasn't as ready as he would have his Captain believe. Better to have him on light duty and feeling useful than to slow his recovery with frustration. He gave in to the lesser of the two evils.

"Yes, you're right, as always. I'll add you to the midday watch. And you're to resume command of your division, also. They could likely use exercise and drilling on their guns."

The warm smile appeared before him. After the last few months, it was a sight more welcome than he would care to admit. Horatio was still in what would hopefully be the final stages of recovery from a near fatal wound he had sustained in a minor encounter with the French. After the initial surgery to remove the bullet and subsequent transfer to a shore hospital, he had been moved to his family home in Kent to recover under the care of his physician father. Complications had arisen and he had almost been lost. He was still weak from his ordeal, but had needed to return to the sea and usefulness. Now, assured that he would be going back to the job he had come to love, he rose, leaned down for another kiss in thanks and made his way to his own berth to prepare for the upcoming watch.

Two hours later Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower was climbing up the ladder that masqueraded as stairs to the quarterdeck to be greeted by the Officer of the Watch and several Midshipmen.

"Sir, it's good to see you up and about again." "We've been wondering when you might decide to grace us with your appearance, sir." "You're looking right chipper, if I might say so, sir." "We knew that it would take more than a Frog bullet to get you down, Horatio."

He smiled at the sallies, basking in the welcome and the joy of being back where he felt most at home. Ever since joining the Navy at the rather advanced age of seventeen, and first setting foot aboard a ship, he knew that he had come home. It was being back among family to be surrounded by the men he sailed with.

The watch passed uneventfully, the weather was calm, the sea quiet, the enemy not to be seen. Lieutenant Bracegirdle and several of the Mid's made a point of venturing over to him to exchange pleasantries and to comment on his healthy appearance. None of them mentioned how his uniform hung on him. Where he had always been slender, he now could only be called gaunt. Always having been fair skinned, he now appeared almost gray. The circles under his eyes were far too pronounced and he seemed to sway against, rather than with the rhythm of the ship. More than once he was seen to surreptitiously grasp the railing in an effort to steady himself against the Indefatigable's rolling. By the end of the watch he it was apparent to those who knew him that it was only effort of will which kept him on his feet.

When he reported to the Captain's Cabin at the end of his watch, he did everything he could to conceal his fatigue from his commanding officer. The attempt was pointless. Pellew knew him too well. He could see the drawn face, the slight tremble in the hands, the obvious effort it took for the young man to even stand upright without swaying.

"You've made a good start back, Lieutenant. If I may, I would suggest that you retire to your berth to rest before you run that gun exercise we mentioned earlier."

"Thank you, sir, for your concern, but I assure you that won't be necessary. If you'll excuse me, my division is waiting for me at their stations."

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Hornblower. Sit down, if you would." Turning back, Horatio sank into one of the straight-backed chairs surrounding the main table, his exhaustion now at the point where he likely would have stumbled had he attempted to walk. Pellew joined him at the table, taking a seat opposite his officer.

Pellew hesitated, not wishing to in any way have the young man think he found his need for rest a weakness. Finally, he spoke quietly. "Horatio, I understand that you wish to resume your duties and that is to be commended, but you must consider your health in this. I must insist on this." The young man began a protest, but was cut off before the words could leave his mouth. "If you won't consider yourself, think of the other men on the ship. Think of the worry you cause your men, you know how they care about you. They see you as a combination of good luck charm, superior officer and younger brother who constantly makes them proud."

"Sir, you exaggerate…"

"Horatio, if nothing else, think of me. I was beside myself when you were injured and then to find you at your father's recovering was to have you returned to me. I couldn't bear to lose you now after the months I've been without you."

"Edward, You know that I'd do nothing to cause you pain, but don't you see that I must do some work aboard? If I'm to continue as a mere passenger, then I would have you put me off at the next port we come to. I feel more than useless now. Every time I put my head above deck, I have six people asking me if I'm alright or can they get me something."

"They care about you, surely you must realize…"

"I'm not an invalid, Edward and I'll not be treated as one."

"Horatio…"

"Damnit, I'm the Second Lieutenant on this ship and I would perform the work I'm qualified to do."

"Horatio…"

"If I wasn't considered ready to resume my duties, I should not have been permitted to return to the ship. The Admiralty doctors have certified me fit, Edward. I would like to work."

The Captain looked appraisingly at the man sitting before him. That he was destined to become one of the great Captains was obvious, that he could perform his duties was not in question. His mind was as sharp as ever. It was his body that was betraying him now. It cried out for rest and more convalescence. It needed good food and quiet to recover from the ordeal it had been through. However, the point he made was a valid one. Had he not been believed ready to return, he should have stayed ashore.

There was nothing for it.

"Yes, you're right. Return to your duties Lieutenant."

Pellew turned beck t his paperwork, his face angled down so as to hide his expression. The expected "Thank you, sir" followed by the door quietly opening then closing didn't occur. He looked to his left side. "Yes, is there anything else?"

Hornblower hesitated, his courage failing him. Taking a breath, he proved unable to continue. His eyes not quite focused on Pellew's face, his features a blend both thoughtful and sad. "Forgive me, sir, it's nothing. If you'll excuse me, I should report to my division."

Edward looked at him for a moment, deciding not to press whatever was obviously bothering the younger man. "Very well, carry on, Lieutenant." Within what seemed like minutes he heard the sounds of guns being moved and the shouts of Hornblower as he ran his crew through their paces. The noise continued far well over two hours before ceasing. With the silence, he could feel the muscles that had unconsciously been tightly held begin to release, knowing Hornblower would finally be returning to his berth for the rest he desperately needed.

A further two hours had passed when he heard the knock once again at his door.

"Come."

First Lieutenant Bracegirdle entered.

"Might I have a word, sir?"

Pellew nodded. "Yes. Is something on your mind?"

"Forgive me, sir. I'm not one to gossip or mind the business of others, as you know, but I fear for Lieutenant Hornblower. If I might suggest I know that you two are-friends-sir, Perhaps if you were to speak with him he would be willing to ease more slowly back into his duties."

Pellew looked closely at Bracegirdle. All right, obviously he knew at least something about his relationship with Horatio, but how much? Was he really merely concerned the lad was intent on resuming his duties before he was ready? The Captain knew that himself and despaired of it.

"Did something occur with Mr. Hornblower this afternoon to raise your concern for him?"

"Yes, sir. I was just at his berth to ask if he would be interested in joining me in a game of chess and he was not only white with fatigue but also vomiting with exhaustion. I am concerned for him, sir, very much so. The lad is just skin and bones, Captain. I believe that you care for him, and if you do you must speak to him for his own good."

Pellew leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. After a moment he rose, crossed the cabin and opened the door. Addressing the marine outside he asked him to pass the word for Lieutenant Hornblower to report to his cabin immediately. Turning back to Bracegirdle he spoke. "Thank you, Joss. I shall talk with him. I think that it might be better if I were to handle this alone, if you don't mind."

"Of course, sir, not at all." With a small satisfied smile, Bracegirdle left the cabin before Hornblower could arrive.

Five minutes later another knock at the door. "Come."

"You wished to see me, sir?'

"Yes, Lieutenant. Please be seated."

Horatio took his usual seat with his back to the cabin door, Pellew at the head of eth table, next to him. "I'll be blunt, Horatio. Some of your fellow officers are worried that you're attempting to return to your full duties too quickly and that by doing so you endanger not only your own health, but also the welfare of the ship. I say this plainly, Horatio, so that you know what the other's observations are. I'm led to believe that you were close to collapse after that gun drill. Surely you see that I can't have this."

Hornblower mutely nodded his agreement. Then, "I think that it might be better if I were to return to my father's to regain my full strength, sir."

Pellew looked out of the great windows at the stern of his cabin. He had been afraid of something like this. For Horatio to say such a thing was a statement and an acknowledgement that did not come easily to him. That he would even say such a thing was a testament to the level of his exhaustion. His eyes were closed and his head lowered, his hands limp in his lap. He was admitting defeat.

Nodding his agreement of what was the only course to pursue, Edward spoke quietly. "I'm expecting a dispatch vessel within a day or two. I would suggest that you prepare your belongs so that you can be transported on her when she makes contact."

"Yes, sir."

"I'll reduce you to light duty until then."

"Yes, sir." He spoke tonelessly, completely defeated.

"…Horatio, you will regain your strength quickly at home. You know that you will. We'll be back in Portsmouth in a very few months. You will rejoin us then. I'll hold your position open for you."

"Yes, sir. Thank you." His eyes still hadn't left the table in front of him. "If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll return to my berth to pack."

"I'd appreciate your joining me for dinner this evening with some of the others, perhaps have a game of whist after, if you would."

"Captain, Edward, please…no."

"I'll expect you at seven bells, Lieutenant."

"…Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Sighing, rising, the young man turned and left.

At precisely seven bells that evening, Hornblower knocked at the Captain's door. He was admitted and immediately saw that Lieutenant Bracegirdle and a new Midshipman he hadn't yet learned the name of were already seated and sipping glasses of wine.

"Can I get you a glass, Mr. Hornblower?"

"No, thank you, sir. I've no head for spirits, I'm afraid."

"In that case, please sit here, if you would and I'll have my servant bring in our meal. You've met Mr. James, have you not? No? Mr. James, may I present Lieutenant Hornblower, the Indefatigable's second officer." The new Mid appeared to be about sixteen, very blonde and thin.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir, I've heard much about you from the men. They hold you in high regard, sir. Everyone is pleased that you've recovered enough to return to the ship, sir." He seemed somewhat shy during this speech, but determined to overcome his handicap.

"That's kind of you to say, Mr. James, but I'm no more esteemed than any other officer aboard." Edward and Bracey exchanged a look. Horatio was not in a social mood this evening, evidently. The Mid visibly deflated at the dismissal

Pellew sat at the head of the table in his usual place as the servant brought in the roast chicken and the new potatoes with fresh peas. They were still close enough to their departure that the food was fresh.

"Excellent, as always, Captain. You must let my wife in on your secrets with the fattening of these birds. They really are quite the best I've had."

"Thank you, Mr. Bracegirdle. Is the meal not to your liking, Mr. Hornblower?" Horatio looked up from his plate. His food was barely touched.

"No sir, it's very good. I simply am not terribly hungry, I'm afraid." Pellew started to say something when the Mid spoke before him.

"I've heard about some of your adventures from the other Mid's, Mr. Hornblower. Is it true that you boarded a fire ship and steered it away from the fleet in Gibraltar?"

Pellew broke in before Horatio could discount it. "Yes, that is true, Mr. James. Lieutenant Bracegirdle and I saw it with our own eyes. Were it not for the Lieutenant, I'm afraid that the Indy would likely be lying at the bottom right now."

"Sir, is it also true that Mr. Hornblower captained a plague ship?"

"Yes, that's right. Did quite well by it, too, delivered both the supplies she was carrying and the entire crew safely back to port."

Horatio was watching Edward during these last two speeches. Was it his imagination, or was the Captain looking at the Mid with special interest? This could explain some things he'd been wondering about.

"Mr. James, when was it that you came aboard? Is Indy your first ship?"

The youngster glowed at the attention from Hornblower. "Yes, sir she's my first ship, well, other than my uncle's fishing boat that is. I would help crew for him from the time I was about ten. I only came aboard about two months ago, when you were still recovering ashore, sir."

"And how do you like her so far?" The servant removed their plates, Hornblower's almost untouched, and replaced them with a bowl of fruit and a tray of cheeses in the center of the table which were also ignored by the second Lieutenant.

The young man almost seemed to glow. "She's everything I hoped that she would be, sir, and the men and the officers have been wonderful. Captain Pellew has been ever so helpful, he's even given me special lessons in navigation."

Horatio's gaze slid over to Pellew. "Yes, he was kind enough to help me also when I first came aboard. He taught me quite a lot that I knew little about, in fact." At this last bland comment, Pellew's expression went hard.

"Well, you were a willing student, Mr. Hornblower and easy to teach."

"Thank you, sir, and you are an exceptional tutor." Though spoken calmly, Hornblower's voice had an edge to it.

Bracegirdle realized that the comments were coming close to insubordination and attempted to divert the direction the evening was taking. "Gentlemen, would anyone care for a hand of whist? Horatio, I know what a keen player you are and Mr. James here is coming along quickly in the game. Captain, shall I fetch the cards?"

The tension momentarily broken, Pellew forced a smile. "Yes, Josh, I would enjoy that. Gentlemen?" The other men agreed and the cards were quickly shuffled and the sides chosen. Hornblower and Bracegirdle played against the Captain and Mr. James.

Though fairly even matched at the start, Hornblower played with a ruthlessness that was almost inappropriate for a social evening. He and Bracey took every rubber and claimed several pounds that had been put up as the pot. Throughout the course of play there had been very little conversation, each player intent on his cards and the bids, though Bracey noticed that Horatio's attention was split between Pellew and his own hand. He would spare an occasional glance at the Mid, but largely seemed to discount the youth. The young Lieutenant seemed to be also looking inside the Captain as they played, intent on missing nothing. Not an expression or comment went by that Hornblower didn't notice and seem to file away for future reference. It occurred to Bracegirdle that Horatio was angry with the Captain about something, furious, in fact and was barely keeping himself in check. Hornblower was one young man he would rather not have as an enemy and Josh wondered what, if anything, would appease him. Well, this was Ned's problem and he would deal with it in his own time. Bracegirdle decided that he would stay well clear of this.

Finally the game ended as the Captain stood, stretching a bit from the hours he had spent at the table.

"That was quite pleasant, gentlemen, I thank you for the diversion. Can I offer anyone a final glass of brandy before the evening ends?"

"Thank you, Captain, but I have the watch in a few minutes and, Mr. James, I believe that you are the Mid on tonight, unless I am mistaken."

The young man also was standing. "Yes, you're right, sir. Thank you, Captain. The meal was excellent and I was honored to be included in the evening's cards. If you'll excuse me, I've got to prepare for the watch. Mr. Hornblower, it was a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Hornblower nodded without saying anything as the two other officers took their leave. He was now alone with Pellew and wondered if that had been arranged beforehand with the Captain and Bracegirdle. Pellew walked over to the sideboard, pouring two glasses of port. He turned back to the table, handing one to Hornblower.

"Is he your new lover?" The question was asked calmly, matter of factly.

Edward hesitated.

"I see."

"No, Horatio, you don't see. I've made no advances to him, nor have I bedded him."

"Are you waiting until I leave the ship out of some perverted sense of honor?"

Pellew sat cattycornered from Horatio, scant inches apart. "Stop this instant. I'm not interested in that child, and I resent your inference that I am. I've taught him navigation, nothing more."

Hornblower retreated slightly. "Edward, don't you see? It doesn't matter. I can't satisfy you now. I would that you were with someone who can. If it's that boy, then so be it."

The Captain sighed, worn out with attempting to cope with Horatio's drawn out recovery. "I'm at a loss, really I am. I love you, you know that I do. I am in despair that you must needs return to shore to resume your convalescence, but I am heartbroken by the fact that you seem to have given up. I don't understand that, Horatio, not from you."

Horatio bent his head down, his eyes not meeting Edwards. "Don't you see? If I leave the Indy now-when I leave the Indy in a day or two, I'll not return. The Admiralty will never allow the ship to be short of officers during wartime. I'll be replaced and then I'll be placed on half pay and grounded until I'm declared fit. Then I'll be posted to some other ship somewhere. There are constant openings coming up now, you know that as well as I do." His eyes finally were able to meet Pellew's. "We'll not be together after I leave this ship, Edward. This is the end for us, don't you see that?"

So, that was it.

"Horatio, that's not true. You know that I'll do whatever I can to keep your position open for you here. It's quite within my power to request a temporary replacement, you know that. If that's denied for some reason, I'll do whatever must be done to see that we serve in the same area. I'll not let you go that easily."

"You miss my point, Edward. You've not touched me since I was injured, you avoid me and I don't blame you for doing so. I can't-satisfy you. I'm not capable of that now. I would that you have someone who can be to you what I cannot."

Fed up with going in circles and tired of the depression that was threatening to overwhelm Horatio, Edward stood, taking the young man's hand and puling him to his feet. "Enough of this." Still holding his hand, Edward led Horatio into the adjacent sleeping cabin, firmly shutting the door behind them, lit by just two candles that had been left by the Captain's servant.

"I wish that you stay here with me tonight."

Hornblower stared at him. "I can't, I'll be missed. Someone will look for me."

"No, they won't, you've been relieved of duty, have you not? You have no place to be, no obligations to fulfill, no one will expect you to be anywhere." Horatio's face was a study in confusion mixed with fear.

"But, I told you, I can't…I've been unable since I was hurt."

"You needn't do anything other than sleep if that is your choice."

"Edward, this will accomplish noth…"

"Are you telling me that you wish to return to your own berth?"

Horatio stared at him, knowing that whatever answer he gave would make a difference in what happened to them next. "I wish to stay with you. Please."

Edward smiled. "Well, then, it's late and we should prepare for bed, had we not?" The young man nodded and started to remove his clothing, when he had gotten himself stripped to waist he managed to look across the small space separating them and saw that Edward was now naked. He slid himself into the large double bed that had once been intended for a merchant ship's master and his wife and held the covers back for Horatio to join him. Sliding down the rest of his garments, the young man joined him under the blankets.

They moved close together, embracing, Edward hard and aroused, Horatio equally excited, but soft. Horatio felt himself being rolled onto his back, Edward's favorite way of taking him. He knew that the Captain always liked to watch his face as they made love, wanting to see the many expressions which played over his features, liking to see the thrashing of his head as he approached climax and the final expression of calm after they had satisfied one another.

Fine, so be it. If he could not achieve his own release, he could certainly allow Edward to know pleasure. He pulled the older man down to him, caught his mouth in a long kiss that he deepened and allowed to continue as they caressed each other's tongues, and explored each other's mouths. Their hands roamed over skin and muscles that had been too long without any contact between them.

Horatio found that as Edward pressed his weight onto him, he was beginning to automatically thrust upwards toward his lover. Though he remained soft, his body still sought it's own conclusion. He felt his legs being parted by Edward's hands stroking his inner thighs, felt his prick being stroked and rubbed, felt his sack being massaged and the balls being gently manipulated. Next he felt warm fingers sliding down to his arse.

He whispered a simple "Yes" into Edward's mouth, moved his own hands to help his lover know what he wished from moment to moment. His legs rose up around Pellew's waist, encircling him, holding him close. They rocked like this for several minutes before Horatio stayed them, pulling slightly back. His breath coming hard, he managed to gasp out, "Yes, but first we need the…" He was answered by an equally whispered "I know, I have it here, love."

Edward raised his head from Horatio's kiss long enough to take the small jar that was sitting in the wall recess which held personal items. Opening it, he poured some of the Bayberry scented oil onto his palm and from there over his fingers. Moving Horatio so that his hips were raised up, he stretched his opening so that any discomfort, especially after a period of almost six months of celibacy, would be minimized. Horatio watched calmly as he was prepared for his lover's entrance then, taking the small jar in his own hands, he poured some out himself and coated Edward's thick member which was already weeping in readiness.

"Edward, now, please."

The captain shifted his position so that he would be better placed to enter the young man's body and, once placed, gently pushed home. He saw the split second of pain on the face beneath him, only to see it replaced by a small welcoming smile accompanied by a sigh of happiness. Feeling the long arms come up around his back, the hips started to rise up to match his own movements. It had been too long without, he knew that he wouldn't last long. Too soon, he was beyond control and feeling himself spill his cum into his lover. Collapsing onto the young man, his breathing coming hard, he knew that this had been the right thing for him to do. He knew that Horatio had needed to know that he was still wanted, whatever that he might not be quite ready himself.

They lay there, still joined, for long minutes. Finally, Horatio, still stroking and caressing his back, spoke softly into his ear.

"I was wondering if you might do a small thing for me, love."

Raising his head so that he could see his lover's face, Edward gazed down at his beloved. "Yes, anything, you know that there is nothing I'd not do for you."

He hesitated. "Would you-use your mouth on me?" He seemed almost embarrassed to ask such a thing. "I think that I might be able to-if you did, I think it would work."

Edward became aware that Horatio's erection was pressing into his belly between them. He smiled at his lover. "It would be a pleasure, Sweeting."

Gently withdrawing from the slender body, he kissed the beloved mouth carefully and quite thoroughly then slowly moved his way down the skin that was still slick with sweat. Down to the breasts, the hairless chest and the brown nipples that he had always enjoyed to suckle. He lingered over them for almost too long, judging from the movements of Horatio's hands and the barely controlled groans he couldn't quite hide.

Moving further down he knew that Horatio might not be able to sustain his arousal as long as he had been able to before his injury, so without further prevarication, he took the swollen head into his mouth, carefully pushing the foreskin back with his lips and gently sucking on the sensitive glans. He had been correct in his thoughts, it was just seconds before the hot fluid was surging into his mouth and being swallowed. He continued to suckle the organ until it had returned to its flaccid state, then he slowly and tenderly moved back up so that his head shared the pillow with his love, their arms embracing each other, their legs tangled and caressing one another.

He felt Horatio gently brush a stray lock of hair that has escaped from his queue back with his long fingers. "Thank you, Edward." He kissed the older man's forehead. "Thank you."

"Will you stay onboard? I'll put you on light duty. It will be all right, Horatio, you'll see. When you're ready, you can add the rest of your duties."

He smiled. "I thought that was what we just did." Then, "Why wouldn't you touch me all those months? Even after you saw me at my father's, you wouldn't come near me. Were you really that afraid that you would cause me harm?"

"Well, yes. You were so badly injured, Horatio, you must understand. That combined with having your father in the next room would dampen anyone's desire."

Horatio refused to respond to the attempt at a joke. "I thought that you no longer wanted me. I thought that you were repelled by my injury and the weakness. I thought that you no longer loved me."

Edward moved onto his side, his head held in his hand as he looked down at his lover of three years. "I can't imagine not loving you, Horatio. You are my soul mate. I've told you this before and it still holds true. When you were injured I feared that I would lose you, to have you back aboard is a joy to me. Surely you know that."

Horatio clung to his fears. "I thought that you had taken another lover. In a way, I wanted you to. I didn't want to think of you alone when you could have someone else. When I saw that new Mid last week when I reboarded Indy, somehow I knew that he was the one you had chosen."

Edward merely shook his head. "No. I want to grow old with you, you know that. You have no reason to doubt my feelings for you. You've my word on that."

Horatio's hand came up to stroke Edward's shoulder. "And after I'm transferred to another assignment? Then what? Will you still wait?" He said it as a challenge.

"When we're separated, I'll still want you. I can't imagine not wanting you."

Horatio seemed to decide to let the matter drop, at least for now. "As I'll still want you, Edward." His eyes were closing, against his will. "Forgive me, Edward, I need to rest now."

"Of course, but wait just a minute if you can. I've been waiting to give you a present that I've been holding." He opened the fitted cabinet in the wall adjacent to the bed, taking out a small package and handing it to Hornblower. "Here, open it."

Sitting up, Horatio unwrapped the small bundle, hardly larger than a letter. Inside was a key. He looked at Edward in confusion. "What is this?"

"A copy of the door key to the cottage. I've had the deed transferred to include you in equal ownership, Horatio. I know how you love it there. It seemed right that you should know that it's as much yours as it is mine."

The young man seemed overwhelmed. "But, Edward, I couldn't possibly..."

"You're not to worry about the expenses. I've taken care of that part of things. This is a gift to you that we will share. This way, after we are separated by assignments, you will still go there whenever you wish, even if I'm unable to join you."

In the dim light, Edward could see the dampness in Horatio's eyes; hear the huskiness in his voice. "I've nothing for you, I could never repay something like this, Edward, you are too generous. I…"

"No you are the one who gives me more than I could possibly repay, Horatio. It is I who are in your debt, more than you know." He gathered the young man in his arms and settled them down together, spooning, as was their custom. Horatio pulled Edward's hand up to his lips, kissing the fingers.

"I do love you."

"And I, you."

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