James feels the gentle pressure against his sleeve and glances that way- sure it is the hand of another overzealous would-be patron. But the fact it is Horatio, Horatio in a well-tailored suit that makes his pale skin appear a far healthier hue than the horrible dark clothes designed for the training room. James even manages a smile, strictly for Horatio, and then when the Capitol citizens seem to hesitate, a natural pause in the conversation, James at least manages to introduce him.
Although perhaps saying my very good friend, Horatio Hornblower was a little premature. Still, it seems to charm the people in front of him, enough for more glasses of overly sweet bubbly liquid to be brought round. James takes a glass out of politeness, although he makes no move to drink it. As covertly as he can, his free hand touches Horatio's back, just below his shoulders. It might be fine, but he doesn't like the way hungry eyes watch them, and he doesn't want to wake up tomorrow with no memory of what happened this evening, he doesn't want to take his eyes off Horatio or be separated from him.
If he's truthful, he doesn't much want to spend this evening stood around with these people, not even if Horatio next to him makes him feel less alone. He'd much rather be somewhere quiet with the other Tribute. The conversation happening around him is already little more than white noise.
"You'll have to excuse us, ladies and gentlemen. There's someone I want Horatio to meet..."
There isn't. But it will do, it gets them away and James lets his hand slip from Horatio's back, gentle curling their fingers together so he can lead him away. There are a thousand rooms in the palace, and while most of them are locked up, it doesn't take too long to find a little antechamber, where the buzz of music and talking is muffled. The lights aren't so bright and it feels... safe. As safe as they can be anywhere, he supposes.
That means he can breathe, and can offer Horatio a small smile. "I was beginning to worry that I was trapped here alone. Did Sir Pellew tell you about this plan they've contrived?"
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2017-08-02 06:56 am (UTC)Although perhaps saying my very good friend, Horatio Hornblower was a little premature. Still, it seems to charm the people in front of him, enough for more glasses of overly sweet bubbly liquid to be brought round. James takes a glass out of politeness, although he makes no move to drink it. As covertly as he can, his free hand touches Horatio's back, just below his shoulders. It might be fine, but he doesn't like the way hungry eyes watch them, and he doesn't want to wake up tomorrow with no memory of what happened this evening, he doesn't want to take his eyes off Horatio or be separated from him.
If he's truthful, he doesn't much want to spend this evening stood around with these people, not even if Horatio next to him makes him feel less alone. He'd much rather be somewhere quiet with the other Tribute. The conversation happening around him is already little more than white noise.
"You'll have to excuse us, ladies and gentlemen. There's someone I want Horatio to meet..."
There isn't. But it will do, it gets them away and James lets his hand slip from Horatio's back, gentle curling their fingers together so he can lead him away. There are a thousand rooms in the palace, and while most of them are locked up, it doesn't take too long to find a little antechamber, where the buzz of music and talking is muffled. The lights aren't so bright and it feels... safe. As safe as they can be anywhere, he supposes.
That means he can breathe, and can offer Horatio a small smile. "I was beginning to worry that I was trapped here alone. Did Sir Pellew tell you about this plan they've contrived?"