Fic: Ever After

[muddlingalong]

This is just my little take on some things, HH-wise. It started as several little bits jotted down, which eventually got joined together and other bits added in. I've probably deleted at least as much as I've actually left here. I wish I was a good enough writer to explore some of these ideas further, but skill not withstanding they demanded to be

Comments

[anteros_lmc]

Hello. That was well timed. I just finished Mr Midshipman Hornblower minutes before you posted this :)

This is lovely. Quietly moving. I love the idea that Horatio and Archie's relationship is founded on silence. And the poignancy of before and after is just heartbreaking.

Every morning that he awoke to the feel of a real bed beneath him, and a warm body beside him, for one glorious moment he forgot there was before and after.
Beautiful but almost unbearable.

It had to be Archie, didn’t it? Who else would possibly be in his bed?
Who else indeed?

There's some really lovely writing here thank you for sharing this. I hope you'll consider posting it over at following_sea, I'm sure others would enjoy reading this too.

[muddlingalong]

That was good timing then!

This whole thing started with the idea that it was the silence that really cemented their friendship. And the split was partly me trying to reconcile the HH we see in the Archie movies with the HH we see in the Archie-less movies.

Its good to know it works for someone else, I've read and edited this so much its hard to tell anymore!

[anteros_lmc]

This whole thing started with the idea that it was the silence that really cemented their friendship.
And that's a very good place to start. It's what's _not_ said between them that speaks volumes. I've got an unfinished piece that treads similar ground, must get my act together and finish it.

I've read and edited this so much its hard to tell anymore!
Heh, I know exactly what you mean! Sometimes you've just got to let the words go.

[esmerelda_t]

Only Horatio allowed Archie his silence in comfort. Only Archie allowed Horatio his silence without question. Quiet companionship was what Archie most wanted, and what Horatio had most to give, and in the silence their friendship blossomed.

I love this bit to, well, bits. It's just so them.

Very enjoyable fic, nicely written and and covering some new ground, please take Anteros up on the suggestion of posting at Following Sea!

[muddlingalong]

Thank you! Yay comments!

They just seemed to have such a solid friendship, on such an equal footing, and I don't think it would have turned out like that if Archie hadn't had some rough times.

[shezzawatto]

Lovely to see the blossoming of HH fanfiction from a new contingent of writers.
This was delightful. The others have already expressed my thoughts - it's an unusual take - the importance of silence to Hornblower. I'd never really reflected on it before. And how paradoxical that Archie, the chatterer is the one who can give Horatio the silence when he needs it. You've nailed each personality really well.
If you continue in this career as you've begun it, I see great things for you!
Thanks for the entertainment.

[muddlingalong]

Thank you!

I shall endeavour not to disapoint.