A/N: this is my first HH fic, just something sentimental about Hornblower/Pellow's father/son relationship.

Realisation

"It is hard for a father to see his son grow up, Hornblower," said Pellow.

Hornblower frowned, not knowing what to think.

"I don't think I understand, sir."

Pellow chuckled in his mind, but he stopped almost immediately. If Hornblower never realised the meaning behind his words, then he would never realise that he did have a family left.

Pellow restrained himself from sighing, "I am sure you will understand in due time, Mr. Hornblower, you may leave."

Pellow said these words with as much dignity and cheerfulness as he could possibly muster. Who knew if he would see Hornblower again? In these dark times of war nothing was ever certain. But Hornblower had lived till now without any blood relatives and had been fine. Perhaps it would just hurt him more if he knew that his father was constantly by his side but never knew. Pellow felt pained, he didn't wish to hurt him but it would hurt himself. Hornblower will understand in due time, he thought to himself. He will understand.

*******

"It is hard for a father to see his son grow up, Hornblower....." Pellow's words echoed through Hornblower's head as he stood on the quarterdeck of the HMS Hotspur, watching the crew hustling and bustling below attending to their duties. Lieutenant Bush, noticing Hornblower's preoccupation was dutifully instructing the crew. This gave Hornblower time to think and reflect on his meeting with Pellow earlier. For a moment during that meeting he had thought that Pellow had gone insane like Capt. Sawyer.

Could it be......? Hornblower shook his head, that thought was utterly ridiculous. If Pellow was his father, then why didn't he tell him earlier, like when he was on the Indefatigable? Maybe he....." Hornblower couldn't think of a reason why Pellow would have kept it from him for so long. But then, if Pellow was really his father, it would explain why Hornblower was always his favourite midshipman even though he wasn't the biggest and bravest and why Pellow's good comments about him made him rise through the ranks much faster than others.

Hornblower's mind drifted back to his and Maria's wedding celebration party. Pellow had attended not because he had to give his next set of orders, but rather to congratulate Hornblower for his marriage. The order to search for the lost ship could wait. For Pellow it was only a ruse for him to visit Hornblower. Suddenly, his mind was a whirlwind of memories. All of these memories made his conviction more plausible. Pellow was his father.

Feeling a great desire to see Pellow, Hornblower summoned Lt. Bush, "Get ready the boat, Mr. Bush." A confused, aye, aye sir followed. But Hornblower had no time to waste.

As Hornblower stood in attention in front of Pellow, he started to regret the rashness of his actions. Pellow almost smiled in relief. Hornblower did realise and so soon, he thought to himself.

"What do you want, Mr. Hornblower?" barked Pellow. Hornblower winced slightly not knowing what to say.

"You have no time to waste, the Hotspur is leaving very soon."

Hornblower blurted out, "Are you my father?"

Pellow couldn't help but smile, his words carried no sarcasm, "So you finally realised. Welcome back, son."