for jollyboat: anywhere you go

[whisted]

He doesn't quite fit.

Horatio had known, of course, that he wouldn't. Even if he had managed to make his way onto a ship years ago, everyone would have known he was odd. Perhaps it's for the best that he's clearly just a bit skittish, just a bit uncertain of himself unlike the other young men his age. Perhaps that would distract the human mind from looking to see just why, exactly, this one didn't seem to be quite entirely right.

It was, nonetheless, one thing to know and another thing to live. Being bundled in heavy unfamiliar fabric is surprisingly uncomfortable. The uniform is far more restrictive than the clothing he had forced himself to become accustomed to while hovering around the port. The sensation of being on a boat, despite the familiarity of the sea, is throwing his stomach through something of a loop. He can't shift and change direction. He can't twist along with the waves, comfortable and easy, or cut through below the discomfort of breakers tugging in the wrong direction. It's unnatural, here on a warped version of the surface. It's twisting something uncomfortable in his shoulders, almost dizzying as he tries to find his feet under him.

This is what he wanted, and it doesn't quite fit.

For the most part, feeling his skin in the sack slung over his shoulders is reassuring. His fingers can worry against the familiar softness with each odd rush of discomfort. This, after all, is the back-up plan. This is the fail-safe if everything falls completely to pieces and he needs to throw himself simply back into the sea. This is the piece of himself which will always fit properly, no matter where he is.

That's why it's resting at the top of his sack as he scrambles up properly into the ship. That's why, in the bluster of humanity, the young selkie doesn't notice that his skin has spilled out onto the deck.

Comments

let them be

[whisted]

Being enough for Archie is one thing. Being devoted singularly is one thing. This... This has Horatio's head shifting side to side against the pillow.

"I'm... okay? In person?"

To meet the Kennedys, at any rate.

such good ones

[jollyboat]

“You’re wonderful.”

Which may tend just slightly towards overly charitable, but is still mostly honest.

“And they’ll be kind, for my sake, if nothing else. My mother is incredibly sweet. She really will like you.”

protec plz

[whisted]

It's a bit nerve-wracking, but it's easier with that gentle reassurance. It's also easier when he can shift and nestle himself back in against the warmth of Archie's shoulder.

"Soon, then."

they’re in a p. good place now at least ; ;

[jollyboat]

“Only if you like.”

Because Horatio’s early brief uncertainty can’t help but make him fretful. He’ll affirm the words with a light kiss to the selkie’s hair as he snuggles in.

i always worry

[whisted]

The option is comforting. The kiss is comforting.

It's enough to relax Horatio properly back into himself, spine giving a pleased little stretch as he does.

"It would make you happy?"

that’s very fair

[jollyboat]

He thinks he might be just a little bit in love. He certainly thinks Horatio is without a doubt the most beautiful creature on earth.

“You make me happy,” he answers honestly, “This’d just be— extra, if you wanted to.”

/quiet protec

[whisted]

The sounds of his language are more difficult in this throat. There's a very pleased soft noise like the bark of a seal on his tongue for a heartbeat.

"Maybe one day, then."

And maybe, one day beyond that, he would ask his own mother to meet this wonderful young man.

plz

[jollyboat]

A quietly content smile.

“One day,” he agrees easily, before asking with obvious eagerness, “May I— kiss you again?”

[whisted]

The smile is reassuring. Hopefully lifting his lips toward Archie is reassuring as well.

It's hard to imagine saying no to a kiss, now that they're allowed.

[jollyboat]

It's entirely reassuring. It's absolutely something that has him beaming before he's shifting down to kiss Horatio again.

Absolutely has him humming contentedly when they part for breath, snuggling in close.

[whisted]

This would be such a nice place to simply stay. This would be a lovely place to luxuriate.

But it isn't terribly long before Horatio is squirming.

"We should get ready."

[jollyboat]

Of course it earns a tiny sigh, but Archie does nod and properly let go of Horatio. Shifting back garners a brief yawn.

“S’pose you’re right.”

[whisted]

"Be-- easier now."

It wouldn't be so exhausting to hide this ache. There would be at least one person they didn't have to pretend with.

It's not much, but it's something.

[jollyboat]

“‘s true.”

It’ll be nice to be able to feel like he can be honest with Horatio, if no one else.

“‘m— really glad, Horatio.”

[whisted]

Hearing Archie happy is lovely. It distract Horatio slightly even as he begins folding himself back into his clothes, squirming to offer up a light peck on the lips.

"--me too, Archie."

[jollyboat]

"Good."

So he'll steal one last quick kiss from Horatio before shifting to go get properly dressed, as well.

[whisted]

They do have to hurry into their clothes. They do have to pull themselves properly into rights quickly and make themselves presentable enough to tumble down the stairs.

Horatio can't help stealing another kiss before they actually leave the room. He can't help sticking close at Archie's side when they do come scrambling down into the tavern.

He also can't help plucking at Archie's sleeve the next time they're alone on a watch.

[jollyboat]

The kiss is going to make him smile. The closeness does, as well.

The careful tug at his sleeve definitely does, a curiosity in his grin as he turns to Horatio.

[whisted]

He presses a finger briefly to his own lips. He gives one more tug before turning to walk toward the rail.

It's a quiet night. It's a night when they can be properly isolated leaning quietly together for a moment.

It's a good night to nod casually down toward the waves, where a pair of mermaids have been lazily following along beside the ship with an idle curiosity.

[jollyboat]

He follows with easy trust and curiosity. He absolutely is lingering a touch closer than is proper when they settle again.

Archie is incredibly good at keeping quiet, but the sight indicated to him can’t help but earn a soft, surprised exhale. One hand catches in silent excitement at Horatio’s sleeve as he shifts cautiously to get a better look.

[whisted]

It's impossible not to catch lightly at the hand on his sleeve. Even under his protection, after all, it's difficult to say what the creatures circling below might do if Archie went tumbling into the water.

The sea is wild. Her creatures are as well. Even Horatio, stuffed into his uniform and marshaled by so many rules, can't help being struck through with the same quiet danger.

The mermaids do nothing to hide the razor-sharp teeth of their full smiles. Their voices, natural and unbending despite the human at the rail, are a rush of noises which blend seamlessly into the soft symphony of the ocean at night, long delicate fingers lifting to wave coyly at the sailors.

[jollyboat]

He glances over his shoulder nervously before tentatively waving back. He leans in just a hint closer to Horatio to murmur the question.

“Can they— understand me?”

[whisted]

Even to human ears, Horatio is certain the bubbling noise Archie's wave inspires is clearly a laugh.

"They can." His own voice is barely a breath. He expects they'll be left alone well enough as long as they don't call attention to themselves. "The sirens teach them."

This particular pair might have been taught by Horatio, but that was neither here nor there.

[jollyboat]

“‘nd can they— hear us okay? Talking this quietly?”

He doesn’t want to risk much louder than this.

[whisted]

"They can." Which doesn't stop him from clicking his tongue at the creatures below to properly catch their attention. "They're just coy, sometimes."

With the amount he told them about Archie, Horatio suspected they would be too curious to be properly aloof.