Because I don't know about you, but I need to catch my breath…
Besides, the Captain has a plan in mind, so don't worry, it will get even hotter. Really. Bwaaah-ha-ha-haaaa.
Oh and if squinched isn't a word, it is now.
…
The two of them drowsed happily in each other's arms for quite a bit until the Captain stirred first.
"Lad, you awake?"
"Mmmm, yes." Tintin answered, giving as much of a stretch as he could without encumbering the other man. Opening his eyes, he grinned widely. "So, what's next?"
"Lunch." The older man stated, and began to extricate himself.
Tintin gazed at him in confusion, he'd just eaten breakfast not more than – glancing at the clock he started in surprise – three hours ago!
'Oh. Well, I guess we do have to."
"Aye lad, much as I'd like to stay wrapped up in your charms, not to mention your arms, there are some things a body has to do, to keep doing what we've been doing."
Tintin grinned; he'd never heard his dear friend speak in such a matter of fact manner. Usually it was Tintin who pointed out the obvious, while the Captain threw caution to the wind. Must be rubbing off on the man. It was all Tintin could do not to collapse as giggles threatened to overtake him. Oh, he was definitely rubbing off on the man…
Shaking his head at the older man's look of confusion, he readily agreed that lunch was in order.
Quickly they dressed, and walked down to the kitchen, finding a repast already laid out for them by the ever accommodating butler. They exchanged a look, wondering if the man might have heard something, but knew the servant was nothing if not diplomatic, and would never tell tales.
Usually a light eater, Tintin found he was ravenous. He piled his plate, ate it all and went back for more. He noticed the Captain – a much heavier eater then he, doing the same.
Feeling full and not a little sleepy, he leaned toward Haddock. "So…now what? Go upstairs and…" he intimated.
"Now, lad o' mine, we take a break. I know you're a young buck all ready to jump right back in after getting his feet wet, so to speak. But I'm going to need a bit more time to recuperate, and." He stated, holding up his hand to forestall any argument – logical or otherwise – that Tintin might make. "And, I want to go to town and pick up a couple things. Things that I have a feeling you're going to like."
Tintin squinched up his face in disappointment, but he had to admit to being intrigued by the prospect of mysterious 'things'.
"Okay Mon Capitan. I will do as you order." He stated, pushing out his chest and snapping off a quick salute. "But don't be long, please?"
"Tonight, lad. After dinner. Or we might find ourselves being searched for, and possibly found. Nestor's discreet and incredibly loyal, but neither one of us wants to be interrupted in the middle of something wonderful, right? We were lucky so far, but can't count on that all day."
Once again Tintin found the older man to be entirely reasonable. Even if he was rather disappointed.
Quickly standing, Haddock bestowed a kiss on the younger man's lips, sliding his tongue inside. Pulling back just as it was beginning to get nice and intense, he peered intently into Tintin's own hungry eyes and gave a loud sigh.
Turning he left the room.
Heaving his own sigh, Tintin rose and gathered up the dishes, placing them by the sink.
For the rest of the day he pretty much wandered around. He had articles to type, books to read, research to be attended to, but nothing seemed to hold his attention. He could take a nap, but the thought of being in a bed alone didn't seem right. True, he could attend to himself, but knew that it would pale in comparison to what he'd experienced earlier in the day.
Finally he decided to go for a long walk about the grounds.
The shadows ran long when he returned to the estate, knowing dinner was in a half an hour. There had been several times when he'd wanted to return earlier, see if the Captain was back from his mysterious mission, but had held off. He knew that being so near the man without being able to do more than talk in useless conversation, gaze at him with carefully neutral expression, to not get too close so as to give into the overwhelming urge to leap at the man was going to be hard.
He had no idea how he was going to get through dinner.
Entering the house, he found the butler standing there. "Evening young Tintin, sir. If you will accompany me, dinner tonight is to be served in the main dining room."
Tintin gaped in surprise. The only time the main dining room was used was for formal dinners. Usually he and the Captain ate in either the kitchen or the small, casual room just off of it.
Reaching the room, he found his plate setting at one end of the table, and the Captain's at the other. He suddenly realized that Haddock had done this purposely so they were kept apart. Being unable to barely catch a glimpse of each other over the vast expanse of table, nor having to talk as the only way to be heard was to shout, they could concentrate on the meal at hand.
He wondered what Nestor might have thought, but then the man was used to putting up with something or another from the two of them. If the master of the house wanted dinner served in style, so be it.
Finishing the meal, he waited as was proper for the host to indicate that it was time to retire. He had no problem hearing the Captain give a huge yawn, and report that he'd had a strenuous day and was going upstairs, take a shower and go to bed.
And that's when Tintin left the room - Finally!