This is their life later on. The last two chapters weren't that good, so I hope this one will make up for it.
I just saw "Retribution" and it makes me sad :( This story is basically after the "Wrong War" and so you need to disregard everything after that, or else this won't make sense.
The honeymoon was over. Back to reality, and life on the ship. And new crew members. Horatio dreaded it when new midshipmen were bought aboard. He and Archie usually had to train them and watch out for them.
"It's just that they're so naive," he said to Mariette one day in there quarters. He was laying in her lap while she read.
"But were you not a midshipman at one point, Horatio?"
"Yes, I was. That's why I tolerate them now." he sighed. "Maybe I'm just getting old."
"Horatio, you're twenty three. Not old a' tall." he smiled
"Perhaps not." he relaxed, which was rare for him to do while on board. Just as he was getting comfortable, maybe enough to sleep, he heard the door to his cabin burst open, someone attempting to salute and give greetings, though it sounded more like a squeak.
"Yes Coldson, what do need sir."
But the midshipman only stared at him and Mariette, blushing violently. Then he heard a quiet sniggering. He stepped outside his door to find Styles, Oldroyd, and Archie, laughing.
" Well gentlemen," he said with a stern yet cheery smile "does anyone care to explain this to me?"
"Styles. It was your idea. You tell him."
Styles began to stutter. "Well, sir. I-I mean, uh"
"Styles. We've known each other too long for me to punish you for something like this, if you have a good reason." he said with his stern smiling crossing his arms.
"Well, sir. We thought it best to, you know expose 'im to it, without it being the real thing." he finished lamely.
Horatio turned to Archie who was still giggling.
"Is talking about me being intimate with me wife, Archie."
"Basically Horatio."
"Ah, well. A fine idea. But next time, warn me, so I don't think we're under attack from the bloody Spaniards or Frogs."
It was rare Horatio swore, but when he did, he got his point across.
Hehe, I think it's okay. I will welcome suggestions on this chapter and the pervious two. Well, I'll accept comments on all chapters, but I find them necessary on these three in particular.