Comments | prone_to_dying: prelude to a bloody stupid duel

prone_to_dying

prelude to a bloody stupid duel

Feb 24, 2006 00:37

Archie was rather determined not to make the same mistake with Horatio as he had with William. Namely to go along with this new idea of having a duel. Granted, they were on their way there and he'd agreed to be Horatio's second, but that was only because he couldn't stand the idea of his best friend sharing this horrible idea with either Ray or ( Read more... )

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strandedseaman February 24 2006, 06:53:59 UTC

"On the contrary, Archie," Horatio said tightly. "I have heard every word. There is nothing more to discuss. This Leoben has impeached Constable Fraser's honour, and since he will not defend it himself, I must do it in his stead." Of course, that was only half the reason, but he'd be damned if he was going to let on that Archie had the right of it. Horatio's pride had the better of him, and showed no signs of letting go.

prone_to_dying February 24 2006, 06:56:55 UTC

Archie sighed. "Which in layman's terms just means three things." He held up three fingers to illustrate his points.

"One. You're a stubborn git. Two. You can't stand the thought of me ever being right about anything. Three. You think he's a bastard so you might as well run him through even though he didn't really do much."

strandedseaman February 24 2006, 07:01:42 UTC

Horatio came very close to scowling, then seized the only statement upon which he could truly defend himself. "Of course I won't run him through. The man doesn't even have a sword. We shall have to come up with some other weaponry." Which left...what, exactly? Bamboo? Projectile coconuts?

prone_to_dying February 24 2006, 07:04:24 UTC

Archie did roll his eyes at that. "Like what? Spittle? Fisticuffs? Wearing a bonnet until he truly understands just how horrible he's made you all feel?"

strandedseaman February 24 2006, 07:07:12 UTC

"We can discuss our terms when I deliver the challenge, Archie," Horatio answered, the very picture of practicality. "Assuming the insufferable man knows how to properly accept a challenge," he added.

prone_to_dying February 24 2006, 07:10:42 UTC

Archie sighed. Maybe he just wasn't really British. He had none of this pig-headed pride nonsense going on. Sometimes he felt like he was missing out. But was it his fault that when God was handing out common sense, he took his fair share?

"Fine, but I really want to hear you tell me that Benton wants this. That some day he's going to turn around from making something useful for a child in need and exclaim 'Gee, chaps, remember when you went and made that crazy fellow bleed all over the beach? That was so thoughtful of you.'"

strandedseaman February 24 2006, 07:15:22 UTC

"Benton will not ask for what he wants," Horatio said, choosing his words carefully. "He is content to suffer always in silence. But the fact remains that Leoben's actions have hurt him, and Leoben should answer for it. The man is not even repentant!"

prone_to_dying February 24 2006, 07:20:43 UTC

Archie threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. "Maybe he's upset with himself and Leoben has nothing to do with it. Maybe he should suffer more vocally before you challenge people you don't even know to a duel, Horatio!"

Silently and with a great deal of anxiety, he added And maybe he won't appreciate you making it widely known throughout the island that he did in fact do things he shouldn't have with this fellow who looks an awful lot like Ray.

strandedseaman February 24 2006, 07:27:25 UTC

Horatio rounded on Archie. "Of course he's upset with himself, that is entirely the problem! Benton insists on placing all the blame of his own shoulders, even though the entire ordeal began with Leoben's actions."

Horatio paused, and when he spoke again his voice was tight, but not with anger. "I believe you are right, Archie. Benton should suffer more vocally, but there is apparently nothing that I can do to change that."

prone_to_dying February 24 2006, 07:31:23 UTC

Archie blinked and walked a little less close to Horatio. He hated British men. Truly. They all were bloody stupid.

"Let's get this over with," he said, not concealing any of his dismay. "And when Benton appreciates what you've done for him, you can say 'I told you so.'"

Which would be around the same time as pigs flew and spoons married other dining utensils.

strandedseaman February 24 2006, 07:42:32 UTC

Horatio was fairly certain that Fraser would be the very opposite of appreciative, but that did nothing to diminish the importance of what Horatio must do. "Benton will be defended, whether he wishes it or not," Horatio said stubbornly.

He stopped short as a break in the treeline revealed Leoben sitting with another islander. Horatio turned to Archie for the barest of moments, seeking some form of encouragement. Finding little, he took a few deep breaths, then straightened his coat and made directly for Leoben.

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