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

/pets

[jollyboat]

“I love you.”

It’s nice, how automatic and easy that is to say.

“‘nd I love being— wanted by you.”

/gnaws

[whisted]

"I love you." It's so lovely to purr against Archie's lips. "And I love loving you."

And he loves being allowed to duck his head in against Archie's neck, nipping and nuzzling without worrying anyone will see them.

[jollyboat]

"'s good, Horatio."

Not just the fact that Horatio is pleased to love him, though that's definitely wonderful to hear.

It's just that the kisses and the touches are definitely also very good.

[whisted]

Thank goodness Archie is beginning to understand pieces of his native tongue, because that's what comes to his lips now. It's another beautiful part of this time together, after all.

He can shift back and forth, crawling in and out of his skin without fear. He can speak from his heart, which just now is a series of devoted little growls. He can nip gently at the long line of Archie's neck to find his way back to a kiss, nimble fingers beginning to work their way properly into the young man's pants.

It's not the only sort of freedom in the world, but it's a deliriously good sort.

[jollyboat]

The touch earns a pleased little squirm out of Archie. Has him pressing his lips against Horatio's and reaching out to trace his sides eagerly and adoringly. Has him tilting his head to allow Horatio to continue to nip at his neck because it's a feeling that gets Archie warm all over.

There's definitely also a breathless laugh that escapes his lips as Horatio really gets to touching him properly. It's an entirely joyful experience, after all.

[whisted]

They'll get to laugh through this. They won't have to bite anything back or stifle any of their joy. This little pocket of space feels like the whole universe, big enough for a moment to contain the true extent of their devotion.

Every breath is a soft 'I love you' in one language or the other. Every touch as his fingers pull over Archie and every kiss as his lips find more and more skin to press against is an 'I love you' as well.

THAT ICON IS SO CUTE

[jollyboat]

What a gift this moment is. What a blessing it is not to hold back anymore, both in his reactions to the touches and kisses and in his words. What a joy it is, to gasp soft 'I love you's and moan out Horatio's name as loud as he'd like.

It's impossible for him to last long, in a moment like this. He's going to cling a little to Horatio's shoulder as he trembles; entirely affectionate gasps escaping his lips as he does.

isn't it precious ;e;

[whisted]

The sounds in Horatio's throat as he nuzzles and soothes are practically cooing. It's swallowed, in the end, as he scrambles back up to press a scattering of contented kisses against Archie's lips.

"...better?"

archie wants to kiss

[jollyboat]

"'lways."

It's an entirely pleased purr against Horatio's lips as he kisses him back. There's an entirely easy smile on his face as he holds Horatio a little closer.

"Love you."

plz

[whisted]

"Love you."

What a lovely thing to be able to simply say, without a glance over his shoulder or worry for his volume.

"So much, Archie."

always

[jollyboat]

The smile on his face is really a beautifully contented thing. It's something that shows such a level of calm that Horatio's possibly never seen until this moment. Shifting is a careful thing as he buries his face against Horatio's shoulder and breathes in.

"I like that we're able t'-- say it."

The murmur is a soft and happy thing.

(づ￣ ³￣)づ

[whisted]

The initial hum is simply a soft noise of agreement. It morphs, after a beat, into something slightly more thoughtful.

Horatio's nose nudges gently against Archie's temple as the thought crystallizes properly.

"...when we're old and grey, we will. Every day."

Re: (づ￣ ³￣)づ

[jollyboat]

Somehow his grin grows even brighter at that. Pressing a kiss against Horatio's shoulder is an entirely affectionate thing.

"We will."

[whisted]

"Cross my heart, Archie."

It's something to look forward to. It's something to keep them both going through whatever troubles still lie ahead.