tiller? Guilt had haunted him more than anything. ?It?s a new year, Horatio,? Archie brushed off the subject with what Horatio assumed was false cheer. ?Perhaps things will be different, for both of us.? He looked up this time, turning to give Horatio a small smile over his shoulder. Dear God, Archie?s moods of late were as variable as the winds at sea. But he was right; it was the first of January, nearly three years since they had met. It had rained that day as well. The memory pained him, but Horatio was glad to hear Archie speak of new beginnings. ?Aye.? Horatio took advantage of the moment and began running his hands over Archie?s shoulders, stroking up and back over the broad curves through the blanket. ?I endeavor to lead you into no further misery,? he said dryly. God knew Archie had suffered enough at his hand, struck during the Papillon raid and then sent back to prison in the name of his honor. It was a wonder Archie did not despise him. But Horatio could not even bear the thought; he leaned closer and put his cheek to Archie?s. ?Do you remember how we used to kiss?? Archie tensed, but Horatio slid his arms around him from behind before Archie could edge away, drawing him back against his chest. It hurt, the way Archie had behaved as though he had forgotten, as though it had never happened, until Horatio had begun to wonder if Archie?d had a