One Night in Gibraltar by Clonesgirl
Part IV: By Dawn's Early Light
The sky was just starting to lighten as Acting Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower slipped out of bed. The air was cool and he put on his dressing gown. Crossing to the window he observed that the ships in the harbour were only just visible in the gloom. However, there were signs of life in the house now and no doubt the servants were already up and about.
Turning to the bed, he observed his sleeping Captain who, even as he watched, rolled over a little toward the spot where he had been, as though reaching for him.
He is reaching for the place where I slept in his arms all night, he thought. Another thing they could never do on the 'Indy'. So many things they had done last night that they could never do aboard ship - and how wonderful a night it had been! But now he wanted to be aboard 'Le Reve' to ready her for her voyage to England, for the sooner she set sail, the sooner he could return to his Captain's arms.
As he took a step toward the bed, he felt the soreness in his thigh and paused, again remembering last night. Now that he thought about it he realised that his thigh was not the only place he was sore. Grinning, he hugged himself.
Lord, what a night! To say that they had loved each other in most vigorous fashion was a severe understatement. He would be sore for a week! he thought happily. They had surely put the night to good use and he was immensely grateful to Lady Dalrymple for inviting them both to spend the most wonderful night he had ever spent, no matter her motives - not that the good lady would ever know for he would never be able to express his true gratitude to her.
The sky was lighter now and he turned once more to the window, observing 'Le Reve' in the harbour. The dream, he thought. I will dream of you, my darling Captain, however many weeks we are apart.
Turning back to the bed, he slipped out of his dressing gown and slid between the covers to take his Captain in his arms once more. Lord, but he was so warm and comfortable to lie beside. The sweet and gentle feeling of embracing him in the early morning light was so lovely. Who knew when they would have such an opportunity again? He smiled as his lover sighed and warm arms rose to embrace him.
He is waking! Hornblower observed in delight. He leaned closer to place a soft kiss on his lover's forehead, the lines smoothed out in sleep, followed by each eyelid. His Captain gave a deep sigh of pleasure.
"Time?" he mumbled.
"Early, sir. Not yet dawn."
"Mmmmm..."
Edward Pellew took a deep breath and stretched his legs out before swinging one over his lover's to rest it between them.
"Sweet Horatio," he mumbled.
Without warning he froze, his eyes opening wide. "My God!" He closed his eyes, as though concentrating on some inner thought process.
Somewhat alarmed, Hornblower observed him, unable to fathom what was the matter. "What is it, sir?"
The Captain shook his head. "I dreamt... something. Something about the Spanish. Beware of the Spanish. That is all I can remember."
"I shall bear it in mind, sir."
The dream forgotten, his Captain truly observed him for the first time that morning. He saw the lovely smile on the lush lips, the huge eyes with their long lashes, the proud jut of that marvellous chin and the thick, dark curls, now somewhat unruly, falling to the shoulders. Even as he watched, the lovely mouth came closer to place a gentle kiss on his lips and whisper, "Good morning, my love."
Captain Pellew sighed with happiness and a little resignation, wrapping his arms around the slim, youthful body and stroking the long back muscles. Hornblower rolled onto his back, pulling him on top of him so that he now rested his head on his lover's shoulder. Burying his face in Hornblower's warm and lovely neck, he inhaled deeply of his lover's unique scent, memorising it for the time they would be apart. However, something seemed to be amiss with his leg for it was decidedly sore. Of a sudden he remembered.
"You bit me!" he exclaimed.
"We bit each other, sir."
His lover chuckled softly. Thank the Lord! he thought, hoping he would be sore for a month.
Eventually, they rose to wash and transform themselves once more into officers in His Majesty's navy. Lastly, they took turns to brush each other's hair and bind it neatly, each enjoying the other's touch and wishing they could do this every morning. As the sun rose over the eastern horizon they paused to gaze at themselves in a long mirror, both immaculate in their uniforms once more; officers and gentlemen who had just spent the most delightful and lustful night of their lives in this very room, and enjoyed every minute of it.
As one, they turned to each other, inspecting with their eyes, observing every detail of each other's appearance. The respective marks on their necks were neatly covered by their neckerchiefs. The only thing that appeared slightly different, Hornblower noted, was that their lips appeared soft and bruised.
"I do believe even our lips are worn out, sir," he observed.
The corners of Edward Pellew's mouth turned up slightly. "And that is not all - your Captain's member is limp as a rag doll and I dare say it shall continue to be for... Oh, I would estimate a month. Not to mention, between the bite on my leg and my... somewhat tender rear, I may not walk properly for a further month."
Hornblower returned the smile, knowing his Captain was not really complaining at all. "I am gratified to hear that, sir!"
"Such impudence!" He wanted to smack his young lover on his very attractive rear but settled for hugging him hard instead.
"How is your leg?" he inquired, concerned that he might have injured his dear one more than he meant to.
"Quite sore. And yours, sir?"
"The same. But it was what we both demanded, was it not?" Hornblower nodded. "Good. I pray that you have marked me for life." At his lover's amazed expression, he continued, "Yes, my dear sir, for life! For even though we be separated you will always dwell in my heart, my dearest Horatio."
Captain Pellew found himself enveloped in a bear hug strong enough to knock the wind out of him. "As you are in mine, darling Edward. And I shall dream of you! Oh, I pray I shall dream of you every night and we will be together in my dreams!"
The Captain pulled back to gaze at him in all earnestness. "You have told me of your dream of us and the ship; do you mean to tell me that you've dreamt more since then?"
Hornblower smiled. "Oh, yes! Before and since. The first was when you gave me command of the 'Marie Galante'. I dreamt of you and you were saying that her hull was damaged, and I woke to discover she truly was holed. That was the first of many. Whenever I have been in need of your guidance you would be there in my dreams, offering me advice and wisdom, and I was most grateful for it." He stroked his lover's cheek. "Other times I dreamt of your arms, your kisses, and I would wake up craving your touch, but that was before we were lovers."
His lover was intrigued. "And since?"
Hornblower grinned widely at him. "The same, except that now when I dream of your arms and kisses, I also dream of this..." he placed his free hand over his Captain's groin to fondle the quiescent flesh in most gentle manner, "...inside me. So hard, so good, and instead of waking up wanting you, I come in my dream with you." He stroked his Captain's face with tender hands. "And I wake to find it really is true." His lover kissed his smooth cheek very gently.
"You have never told me of this before!"
Hornblower was blushing a little. "I was unsure of what you would think of my dreams."
His lover tilted his chin up. "Of us!" Hornblower nodded. "And of desire." Again his lover nodded. "Oh, my Horatio, never be ashamed to tell me of your thoughts, your dreams. All of you is precious to me. I cannot say that I have dreamt of you with such tender passion for if I have I remember it not."
"Then perhaps if we both wish and pray for it."
Edward Pellew had considerable misgivings that dreams could really be true to life. However, if dreams were wishes, the evidence was warm and solid in his arms that indeed they could. How long had he wished for a lover to share his life with? He had waited a long time only to be given the most beautiful, most wonderful lover he could ever have imagined. Besides, Horatio was convinced of the truth of his dreams, even if they were only wishes, so who was he to argue?
"Yes, my love, I will do that," he agreed. "We both will."
"Then all is well, beloved Captain. We shall be as close in our dreams as we are now."
The Captain hugged his youthful lover, pressing the lengths of their bodies together.
"I pray so, my love. I pray so. And you will keep a record of your dreams for me?"
"Yes." He smiled. "Oh, yes, I will!"
Edward Pellew found that he did not wish to speak of future separations, not now when they had to part, even if it was only for a short time. Besides, he was loathe to contemplate the day, not too far in the future, when his lover would be taken from him; deservedly promoted by way of his skill and gallantry and consigned to history - and inevitable separation - by his Captain's signature. He would have to sign away his dearest love. He shied away from the thought. This was temporary only, six weeks at most and his dear one would be back aboard 'Indefatigable' and in his arms once more.
He took a deep breath and pulled back, Hornblower releasing him. Without a word both went to stand at the tall window to gaze down into the harbour at their respective ships. The sun's disk was now over the horizon, already shining into the room, and now illuminating the tops of the masts of the assembled ships. The day was dawning fair and the breeze would hopefully be up later.
As Edward Pellew cast his gaze to the window once more his breath was caught by a sky streaked with pale golds and oranges. In the harbour, 'Indefatigable' rested peacefully at anchor, 'Le Reve' only yards away. Reaching for his lover's hand, he felt the long fingers grasp his strongly.
The two men stood side by side sharing the dawn, the early morning sunlight glinting on the brass buttons and gold braid of their uniforms, their very closeness a palpable thing.
After long moments the silence was shattered by a knock on the door. Both men reluctantly turned away from the view, though their hands remained clasped.
"Who is it?" the Captain called out.
"Rivers, sir. Breakfast in 10 minutes, sir."
"Very good."
"Oh, and, sir!" the voice called out.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Have you seen Mr Hornblower at all? I can't get an answer from his room."
Gazing into his lover's eyes and smiling, Captain Pellew informed the servant that he believed he knew the whereabouts of Mr Hornblower and would duly remind him of breakfast.
Hornblower shook his head and grinned, his dark eyes sparkling in the clear sunlight while his lover found himself near speechless with wonder at the sight before him. After a while he mused, "My dearest Horatio, would that I were an artist so I could capture you as you are now in all your glory."
Hornblower shook his head, bringing his lover's hand to his lips to kiss the palm. "My adored Captain. You stand there with the sun shining in your dark, dark hair, a knowing smile on your dear lips, so handsome you take my breath away. My heart swells with pride to be by your side. You are my learned teacher, my generous mentor, my dearest friend and most wonderful lover. I live by your example, your principles mine. I pray only to live up to your perspicacity and your wisdom."
With tears in his eyes, Edward Pellew hugged his beautiful lover hard. "God knows what I have done to deserve you, sweet lad, but you are my pride and my joy." He pulled back to gaze on the beloved features of this person who was dear to him above all others. "Only come back to me safely. That is all I ask."
"You have my word on it, dearest Edward. You have my word," Hornblower whispered into his captain's ear.
With a final warm embrace and a gentle touch of lips, they went down to breakfast.
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