comfort in that. ?I?ve missed you.? The plain words sounded odd and inadequate ? pined and mourned was more like it ? but they were the only words that came out. ?And I you.? Archie seemed to brighten nonetheless, turning all the way to face him. ?I must be in love with you; I?ve gone half mad.? Horatio?s chest tightened. He had thought receiving his commission to be the highest honor in the world, but there was nothing solemn in his heart now. He felt giddy and elated. ?I feel the same. I?m certain of it.? Some might call that a sin, but he had no time for the superstitions of men and hoped Archie did not either. If there was a god, He had brought them together knowing what was in their hearts. ?What?? Archie tilted his head, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. ?No portside mistresses?? He snuck a hand free of the blanket, reaching up to touch Horatio?s cheek. Horatio shook his head, his skin heating despite himself. ?Did you suppose for one moment that I would think to replace you? I didn?t even try.? Archie said nothing, only continued to stroke his cheek, his expression turning tender. Instinctively, Horatio leaned into his touch, closing his eyes and nearly shuddering with relief when Archie?s mouth found his. It was like taking nourishment again after a famine. He remembered how hungrily Archie used to kiss him and found it was his turn to do so now. His