(no subject)

[mylodon]

Title: Tea Party
Pairing: H/A Regeneration universe
Notes: This is for ladyhamilton.
I wish I owned these boys but I do not.



“It’s a what?” Horatio rolled his eyes.

“An aardvark. Its called Arthur to be precise.” Ianto smiled knowingly; he wasn’t going to admit it, but he particularly liked the television programme this character featured in.

“I saw a picture of an aardvark in Goldsmith’s History of the Natural World. That thing looks nothing like one. They don’t wear clothes for a start.” Kennedy stared up at the monstrous figure, high above them.

“It’s figurative, rather than literal.” The Doctor had eschewed his William Bush persona in favour of his Time Lord one and had remembered to employ the language associated with it. His fellow lieutenants, for so he always thought of them, hoped he’d remember to reverse the change back on ship. Assuming he decided to come back; Hornblower and Kennedy knew that his work in the war with Napoleon was almost completed and that they might at any point lose their most valued friend.

“And why is it there?” Horatio still did not feel that he’d had adequate explanation.

“It’s providing publicity for something; a company that specialise in making television programmes for children.” Jack sneaked a glance at Ianto and was pleased to see the hint of a blush. “You must be aware of the power both of advertising and the media.”

Horatio nodded sagely – he wasn’t going to demonstrate any ignorance in front of Harkness. He had been rather impressed with Boston so far and this Arthur thing had merely perplexed rather than offended him. It was like the statues of cows that seemed to pop up at every corner, bedecked in garish colours – one of them had even been painted to resemble a frigate – it added somehow to the charm of the place. He liked this city more than Cardiff and much more than London, which was definitely a wen on the face of England.

He had first seen Boston from the water, which William had thought appropriate; they had landed the TARDIS behind some disused buildings in Hingham, just in time to find somewhere to indulge in the strange combination of hollow bread rolls - and fillings that always fell through said holes - that constituted an American breakfast. They had dragged Archie away from the sign on the slipway that expressly proclaimed that there was to be ‘No bottom washing’, as he was making an exhibition of himself beside it with gestures and remarks in Hornblower’s direction. They were in quite a state when they at last located the ferry to take them into the city.

The approach to Boston was spectacular, buildings tinged with gold and rose rising up in the light of a glorious morning. They had disembarked and begun a gentle saunter along the waterfront, Archie like a small boy, taking in all the wonderful sights and almost throwing a tantrum when not allowed to go to the aquarium right now. It had taken Ianto to calm him down, explaining very slowly and patiently that they would be staying several days in the city, that they would make their way to a very nice hotel that evening, while The Doctor returned to the TARDIS, delivered their baggage there yesterday to be collected today, and found a better parking place for the blue box.

There would be ample time to see and do everything – the common, Old Ironsides, the aquarium, the market. The world was their oyster. Kennedy positively squealed at the thought, not least because he realised that Horatio was quite happy here. The thought of seeing the old frigate explained only part of that enthusiasm and he was eager to find out what else had caused him to be so relaxed and contented.

It couldn’t be the sense of freedom – Jack had gone on for ages about the relative liberty that Massachusetts offered compared to the rest of the United States of America – because Horatio didn’t really like the thought of being able to express his affection for Kennedy in public. He said it made them slapdash. It couldn’t be the sight of pastures new as Hornblower usually turned his nose up at them. It couldn’t even be the thought of staying in a modern hotel as he always said that was like sleeping in a stern lantern.

The hotel was certainly pleasing to Kennedy, though. He loved the glass and metal, admired the huge reception area with its light and air, played for ages in the revolving doors and up and down the little escalators and bounced happily on his and Horatio’s double bed.

“You’ll go through the floor if you don’t watch out.” Hornblower had taken a shower – one grudging condescension he did make to the twenty first century was the excellence of its bathing facilities – and was entowelled and dripping on the carpet.

“Not before you flood the place. Go and dry off and get dressed like a civilised human being; I have no intention of letting you seduce me until after I’ve been fed so you might as well cover up that torso of yours.” Archie affected to read the guide to the hotel’s facilities but was prevented by the arrival of a naked, wet lieutenant who seemed to have only two desires in life – making him shut up and kissing him until he couldn’t breathe.

“We have half an hour until we have to be downstairs and Ianto lent us his spare watch so we’ll not be late. Ample time I’d have said.”

“For what? Oh, do you think there might be something on the television; perhaps even featuring that aardvark?” Kennedy reached for the remote control but had it knocked from his hands.

“Don’t play coy with me, sir. I’ve not had a night ashore with you in months and not likely to again for a while, once William returns us to Plymouth. I intend to make every use of this here bed.” He kissed his lover again. “Whether you choose to co-operate or not.”

“Have you ever known me not to cooperate, Horatio?” Archie’s voice had grown deeper, softer – it was his special tone, kept for the couch or other opportune place. “But don’t you think we should shut the blinds or whatever those things are called?”

“Up this high? Only the aeroplanes could see us here and they’re the other side of the building – I checked. Let the light come in Archie – I’m tired of hiding in the dark.”

Kennedy smiled, drew his friend in for another kiss and began at last to realise what appealed to Horatio about this time – not anything to do with holding hands with Archie on the streets or dancing with him in a club, but being able to relax entirely behind closed doors without the worry of someone barging in, seeing what was transpiring between the sheets and running the pair of them up the yardarm. “Then make love to me in the light, Horatio and let me see how exquisite your face is…”

***

The Common was a bit of a disappointment; Horatio and Archie both knew that it would be nothing like the tracts of land they were used to, but they had seen commons in contemporary Britain – even Southsea had one which was a decent enough size – and this was small in comparison. And what Ianto perceptively called a bit touristy. Jack had to persuade them to leave their preconceptions behind and embrace the culture here. Kennedy was helped in this by a large salty pretzel and some lemonade – and a few jokes at Horatio’s expense concerning the mounted police and his friend’s expertise on horseback.

Hornblower had taken a bit more to mollify him; he had liked the statues and shown an unexpected interest in the history of the area but he did not approve of the swan boats, until he saw the absolute delight on the faces of the children who were using them. Their innocent pleasure was reflected in his face; he liked children although it was very unlikely he would have any of his own if the present status quo was maintained – and it made him glad to see the little tykes having fun. As long as they were well behaved and not actually mewling or puking.

The men dawdled around, enjoying the late summer sunshine, then set off to admire the ‘posh shops’ as Ianto called them.

“And what is a ‘Snow emergency’, exactly?” Archie looked up at the sign and could not figure it. He was used by now to seeing all sorts of rules and regulations displayed in regard to where one could or couldn’t leave one’s car, but not even in the wild western wastes of Cardiff had he seen such a prohibition. “And why can’t you park here during one?”

The question lay unanswered as he got yanked away by Hornblower to admire a jacket in the window of a particularly swanky shop. It was only when William had explained the actual price in pounds sterling that he had changed his mind about buying it. Not that he or Archie were hard up; they were making a nice amount of pin money, as Ianto referred to it, by bringing first editions and other artefacts back from their own time and letting Jones sell them off at auction. It gave them a tidy sum in their pockets every time a jaunt was proposed.

“What about this then?” Jack had spotted a poster advertising something called ‘Patience’. “You like the theatre, don’t you, Blondie?”

Archie came and studied the details. “I guess this post dates us – never heard of either of the composers. Is it any good?”

William smiled. “I saw it once in London; the original production, no less. Grossmith was very good; sang beautifully. I think you’ll enjoy the style.” He noticed the distinct look of unease on Horatio’s face. “You’d have preferred Pinafore, but beggars can’t be choosers. Let’s see if we can get some tickets for tonight.” And he sailed off down the road, singing something about becoming the ruler of the Queen’s navee.

One of the marvellous things about visiting the future – or so Archie thought – was that one had traversed a great chasm in time and had then to fill it piecemeal with the knowledge that one acquired. Some of the intervening events had not been revealed to them – quite deliberately so, as it was felt that they would not profit at this point from having all of two hundreds years history to digest – but they picked up bits and bobs about personalities and trends and developments. They knew that George had a granddaughter who had become a long lived and greatly loved queen, during whose reign the empire had expanded, industry had thrived and all sorts of strange things had cropped up, like the aesthetic movement espoused by certain poets.

Archie had read – and read about – both Swinburne and Wilde, Ianto having supplied him with the books on a previous visit. Their stories had moved him enormously and he’d been jolly grateful that he’d been born a hundred years previously, the world’s great advances notwithstanding. He spent all the evening at the theatre wondering which of these two men Bunthorne was supposed to be, while poor Horatio – who could not get his mind around modern day settings of period pieces – struggled to understand why an English Victorian poet was actually attending a twenty-first century American university. Ianto gave up trying to explain, suggesting that he just shut his eyes and enjoy the words.

It was William who had the sudden brainwave. “Horatio,” he remarked in the interval “do you remember that DVD we watched – well, I watched and you walked out in disgust over certain scenes?”

A flare was sent up in Horatio’s befuddled mind. “The one about the poet who got entangled with the ghastly young aristocrat? The one with the man who played me in those films?”

Bush nodded. “The poet was Oscar Wilde and that’s who Bunthorne is probably supposed to be.”

“That,” Horatio sniffed and rolled his eyes, “doesn’t surprise me at all.”

Jack admired the costumes, saying that they reminded him of a little planet ten light years away, although they didn’t possess eight arms as suitable to the aliens he had seen clothed in them. William sang along to all the songs, which ended up in his being nudged by all around him and the evening finished with rapturous applause for all concerned and Horatio as confused as ever. Harkness, whose relationship with the man was at last starting to thaw - mainly because he’d been asked outright if he intended to seduce Kennedy and had said that after fifteen refusals he was giving up – recognised that he needed cheering up and soon.

“Got a real treat for you tomorrow, Horatio. USS Constitution; you wanted to see it? I’ve organised a private viewing – pulled a few strings, used some connections…” his voice trailed off as he saw the boyish look of delight in this stern ship’s commander’s eyes. “I said you were experts on the navy of the time; they’d love to hear your thoughts about authenticity.”

“Then I shall endeavour not to disappoint them. Thank you very much.” He held out his hand for Jack to shake it, the first time he had ever made the gesture. Harkness shook the hand with pleasure and a huge smile and a sense of relief passed thorough all the party.

***

Three days later they sat by the quay, looking out on the bay and admiring the delicate rose colours as the setting sun caught the buildings and caressed them. The air was cooling but still pleasant, the very atmosphere conspiring with the suspiration of the water and the background noises of the city to produce a strange mixture of the natural and manmade that charmed and delighted those who experienced it.

A gentle voice began to waft through the air, crooning about some river that was wider than a mile; it was Jack, Jack who could sing like an angel but rarely bothered. Whether he was serenading Ianto or his friends or just the beautiful evening was never established, but they all listened, transfixed, as did any others in the vicinity. Archie’s head rested on Horatio’s shoulder as the song spoke of two drifters who were off to see the world; it could have been written for them, the words applied on so many levels.

At the end, an old lady who had been bewitched by the angelic voice asked for an encore, but Jack had simply shaken his head and whispered perhaps another time. They had risen, walked silently back to the TARDIS and taken a last look over the city.

“You shan’t be coming back for us for a while, will you?” Something in Jack’s eye suddenly connected in Archie’s brain with subtle messages he’d been picking up over the last few days. It had been like the last time he’d been at home before joining Renown, a definite feeling that this was making the most of time together, just in case. “William’s job is pretty well done back in our time and he has other things to do I suppose?”

Bush nodded his head. “And you two have a lot ahead of you these next few years, as has England. It won’t be easy to come and borrow you for a time.”

“Will you ever come back?” Horatio looked out over Boston, the only place he had really felt at home in this strange modern world.

“We plan to,” Jack shrugged, “but plans can get changed with circumstances. When the time’s right…”

“We’ve been very lucky. I suppose that it becomes untenable in the end, always trying to hide some of the more important things from us.” Kennedy inclined his head in genuine gratitude; he hated goodbyes, even though this one was really an au revoir.

“We shouldn’t really have taken you to see Old Ironsides. Seeing as you’ll be chasing her in a few years time.” William grinned. “But Jack insisted; he knew how much it would mean to Horatio.”

Hornblower smiled, yet shook his head. “All this bother, for us; breaking all the rules…”

“It was our pleasure and will be again.” Jack opened the TARDIS door. “But now you need to get back, as do we.”

They took a final look at the twinkling lights of the city, Boston wearing its night time face; they looked, enjoyed and vowed to remember.

You can download Cap’n Jack singing ‘Moon River’ here: http://www.yousendit.com/download/bWJyMWZBUzgzeUkwTVE9PQ

Comments

[lokei.livejournal.com]

I know you said this was for LadyHamilton, but it's my city too, so I'm pretending it was also for me. *grin*

If I could write a love song to my city, I would try to include a number of the things you've captured here: the way it looks from the water, the way history fits so easily in among the modern bits and pieces, the culture and the craziness. It's a city that loves the MFA and 'that dirty water,' after all.

And I love that Horatio can be comfortable in my city. Kennedy has that happy talent of being comfortable wherever he goes, but I love that Boston is a place Horatio feels at home. (mostly.)

*snicker* What, no snow emergencies where the boys are from? Trust me, Archie lad, we have plenty here. Ocean effect or no, we still get a lot of snow. Every year but this one. *sigh*

So what did Horatio think of the Constitution? And did they walk the Freedom Trail? *giggle*

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Well of course it was for you, too. I did hope that you'd like it.

I included all the things that we loved about Boston (oh, it's so lovely coming in on the ferry) - I'm so glad that they coincided with the things you like. I'm a Londoner and it knocks my city into a cocked hat; in fact neither 'Him Indoors' or I both feel comfy in cities any more, but Boston earned itself a second day trip. (And will get visited again in 2008, D V.) Suspect all these things found their way into the tale...

A snow emergency in Portsmouth would be if they got half an inch of the stuff.

Horatio was stunned at the Constitution, especially its hull construction. He amazed all and sundry with his working knowledge of life aboard ship as did Archie, when they could get him to concentrate. He regresses to 7 years old every time he comes to the 21st century.

I'm sure they walked the freedom trail but as we didn't I couldn't include it there wasn't room in the story.

[ladyhamilton.livejournal.com]

Hey, I didn't know you're from Boston! Awesome! Which part? I live in Somerville, and I made mylodon write this because I decided the boys should come see Boston. =)

[just-jac7.livejournal.com]

Another charming piece from the maestro *g* Boston sounds delightful.

Favourite bit *sighs*

Let the light come in Archie – I’m tired of hiding in the dark.”

Kennedy smiled, drew his friend in for another kiss and began at last to realise what appealed to Horatio about this time – not anything to do with holding hands with Archie on the streets or dancing with him in a club, but being able to relax entirely behind closed doors without the worry of someone barging in, seeing what was transpiring between the sheets and running the pair of them up the yardarm. “Then make love to me in the light, Horatio and let me see how exquisite your face is…”

I'm huddled at this moment in my computer room trying to decide if I'm going to brave the wild conditions outside, fight the masses in the car park and go do my big shop. It's pelting down and blowing a gale and is decidedly chilly outside...methinks I'll pass, make myself a huge cup of tea instead. This has been a very welcome distraction :-))

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Boston is lovely. And thanks for the kind words *blushes*

Glad this distracted you from the weather - it's a bit batten down the hatches for both of us, isn't it? (I got stuck in my car for ten minutes on Friday just waiting to go and pay the paper bill; it looked just like Horry-at-Spithead weather outside!)

[oxbridge.livejournal.com]

Have never been to Boston, but it's on my wish list and after reading this I've pushed it higher up the list! I love Archie's sense of fun and wonder, he'd be a great travelling companion. I loved the line "wet lieutenant who seemed to have only two desires in life – making him shut up and kissing him until he couldn’t breathe", suspect that may be one of the few ways to shut Archie up - so happily these desires coincide!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

It's a lovely place - and we were impressed with Massachusetts as a whole.

Archie would be such fun to go anywahere with; he'd be the man who'd be up for going in the penny arcades and eating fish and chips from the wrapper.

Coincidence of desires; I wonder how often Horatio has to resort to 'muffling by snogging'?

[ladyhamilton.livejournal.com]

I love this story more each time I read it! You already know what I like in particular, but as lokei said, you describe so much of what is awesome about Boston.
And JB does have a lovely voice- I just listened to 'Moon River', and am now awaiting my CD even more eagerly.
Thank you so much for writing this for me! I'm working on the Ptown fic, and will send you a draft as soon as I'm done. =)

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Thank you; isn't it great that the three of us have all come to appreciate the same things about that city. (And I only spent two days there - I have such vivid memories.)

I'm glad you liked 'Moon River' - my he sings that so well. Posted the CD yesterday, so I hope it will be there perhaps at the weekend.

My pleasure to bring this to your table. *g*

[jestana.livejournal.com]

Yay! 'Ratio and Jack are finally getting along! *grin* Hee! I liked the reference to 'Moon River'. It's one of my favorite Gershwin songs. I took a vocal music class about four or five years ago and that was one of the songs we learned. One of the students thought Ira was George's wife. *snort* Anyway, lovely fic! I love the fact that they picked things to do that would appeal to both Archie and 'Ratio. Such a sweet touch. *hugs*

P.S. I've made progress on the the latest Matthews/Styles fic. I've made it through Duchess and the Devil.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Getting along just about. I think the American air has made him mellow.

Thanks for the kind words - yes, the lads were very kind to our boys; they wanted to make that last holiday (for a while) special.

I'm glad you're writing again - you seem to have been a bit quiet, although it might just be quiet in this fandom.

PS. 'Moon River' is by Henry Mancini, I think.

[jesstercat.livejournal.com]

I'm glad Horatio liked Boston, I love it too! :)

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Ain't it wonderful? I don't like cities, but that place is just great.

[trusea.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think I have to go to Boston some day, it sounds like a lovely, lovely place.

Loved the bit where Archie and Horatio are in their hotel room. So sweet. *sigh*

And Horatio watched Wilde! He must be really offended by that film *g*

I listened to Moon River, and I think I melted a little... :)

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Boston is really very nice; I did not exaggerate its charms. But the painted cows are no longer there, alas.

And we stayed in that very hotel room (five of us so not romantic!)

Horatio was terribly offended by Wilkde, even though it wasn't him of course, just the man who played him, but such sophisticated logic is beyond him. He walked out at some of the Alfred Douglas bits.

JB2 singing Moon River could melt anyone. One of my faves (although 'Close Every Door' is wonderful, too.)

[calavarna.livejournal.com]

Love it, all of it, but I think I've just become fixated with the idea of Jack serenading Ianto. Very fixated. So fixated that I'm contemplating starting a petition so this actually happens *g*

Boston sounds lovely, I don't have an overwhelming desire to venture to that side of the world but if I did Boston sounds like the type of place I'd like. If Horatio the grouch is impressed it must be pretty spectacular *g*

Ianto lent us his spare watch
It's not a stopwatch is it? Because that'd be a bit too distracting to give them ample to get downstairs :P

And, as usual, awwwwww Archie.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Huge apologies for the length of time it took to answer this. Life, you know. *sighs*

I will sign that petition, under thirty different names if need be. I'd love to see Jack serenade Ianto (or even the Doctor). What should we have him sing? These suits are made for stalking?

I thought of you with Ianto and his watch; this was the spare and therefore NOT the stopwatch. I wonder where that was at the time? *whistles*

Awwwwww Archie indeed. How we adore him.

*hugs*

[sibilantwretch.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, this is my favorite of the Regeneration fics, I think. Glad Horatio liked Boston, it's such a beautiful city. And they got to see the Constitution! DAMN, I'm jealous.

mainly because he’d been asked outright if he intended to seduce Kennedy and had said that after fifteen refusals he was giving up

*snicker* *SNICKER*

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Thank you; Boston is so beautifl and I rather over indulged my memories in writing this.

The Constitution is awesome (not as much as the Victory but not far short).

Glad you snickered at the seduction line - I was proud of that!

[novascotiasam.livejournal.com]

Oh, I did so enjoy the sheer experience of visualizing the boys in Boston. And I'm still smiling over the Brides Boys doing Bath. Fond memories there.

Hugs to you ~ Sam

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Thank you; I could see the boys so clearly there, as I can in Bath (or in THE bath, but that's another matter).

When were you in Bath? And did you see any rugby there?

*hugs and more hugs*

[shezzawatto.livejournal.com]

Trawling through my "to do" list

Enjoyed this very much! Makes me want to see Boston.

“Then make love to me in the light, Horatio and let me see how exquisite your face is…”
Somehow this line packed real punch for me.
Thanks once again Ann.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It's a lovely city (well we liked it and HID is not a city person so it must be alright).

My pleasure, my dear.

Tea Party I

[allegro-mnt.livejournal.com]

#knew that his work in the war with Napoleon was almost completed and that they might at any point lose their most valued friend.#
Oh Mr bush can’t leave or Mr timelord or whatever his proper title is. I do like the idea he was ‘sent back’ to assist them. It is interesting to read this AU in tandem with the story where H and A watch the hornblower dvds (all sent back to you via the post now!!! Please do give a shout when they arrive – want to make sure they get there safely). B/c the whole idea sort of fits together – that A&E had to ‘hide’ the nature of h and a’s relationship and added all this about a ‘mr bush’ in to the mix to change it round (when in fact, I guess they added archie in since he’s not at all in the books and mr bush has a very important role). At any rate, what I’m trying to say (but not very elegantly) is that the whole idea of there being the 3 of them does seem a little out of place – it’s not in CSF so it almost feels as though something was ‘modified’ to have the 3 of them together – and how much more interesting that it was timelord!bush sent back rather than archiegetshigherratingsthanhoratiosowemusthavehim (though that is a nice thought too lol).

#a company that specialise in making television programmes for children.”#
It just occurs to me – which Arthur it is. I remember these stories but forgot he was an aardvark.

#he wasn’t going to demonstrate any ignorance in front of Harkness.#
Of course not. Horatio iwillfightforarchie’scharms Hornblower. Lol

#It was like the statues of cows that seemed to pop up at every corner, bedecked in garish colours#
Did you have pictures of these or did I make that up? It seems vaguely familiar.

And ahhhhhhhhhhhh the boston story!!!! *delayed reaction there*

#and much more than London, which was definitely a wen on the face of England.#
Don’t even get me started about London. They are days I love London and days I’m not as keen on old London and I don’t just mean the ‘city’. Even Westminster lets me down sometimes. I’ve felt quite aggressive about my love-hate relationship with the city. I suppose a lot of it is just still being in that adjustment phase.

#He had first seen Boston from the water, which William had thought appropriate; they had landed the TARDIS behind some disused buildings in Hingham,#
Oh that’s so cool!!!! Just as you all saw it from the ferry. :D

#in the strange combination of hollow bread rolls - and fillings that always fell through said holes - that constituted an American breakfast.#
Brilliant. I adore your descriptions of things through their eyes. So good. And I have to tell you the heresy – krispy kreme AND an assortment of bagel shops have thoroughly proliferated the wharf and even some of the train stations in the city!! It’s madness …

#‘No bottom washing’, as he was making an exhibition of himself beside it with gestures and remarks in Hornblower’s direction.#
*g* I’ll bet horatio was getting one of his morning urges for a shower, eh? And what was the sign regarding? I’ve not seen one of those before …

Re: Tea Party I

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

I do like the idea he was ‘sent back’ to assist them. It is interesting to read this AU in tandem with the story where H and A watch the hornblower dvds (all sent back to you via the post now!!! Please do give a shout when they arrive – want to make sure they get there safely

Will let you know when it arrives.
This whole area of speculation becomes more and more complicated; was the Dr sent back before the films were made? Did he know about them and provide some of the information? Did he go backand influence CSF, too? Ooh - we could diglayer after layer. But you're right about three vs two. Let's say the books hid the lover in favour of the friend.

Did you have pictures of these or did I make that up? It seems vaguely familiar

I have piccies! The one painted like Old Ironsides and another one at least. And I have a love hate feeling about London - so many good things and so many bad. But I guess most places ae like that. Krispy Kreme? *ugh!*

The bottom washing sign was about boats!

Tea Party II

[allegro-mnt.livejournal.com]

#The approach to Boston was spectacular, buildings tinged with gold and rose rising up in the light of a glorious morning.#
It is really pretty, isn’t it? I remember reading something about one of the buildings being really bright and there being (naturally) a court case about the sunlight that was now diverted or something from another building …

#Archie like a small boy, taking in all the wonderful sights and almost throwing a tantrum when not allowed to go to the aquarium right now.#
I adore, adore that image!!! Oh it’s so lovely.

#It had taken Ianto to calm him down, explaining very slowly and patiently that they would be staying several days in the city,#
Awwww. What is ianto like as a character? Is he like archie? I don’t know that much about him but I saw a picture on wikipedia about torchwood and there’s a chap who looks frighteningly similar who works at the reebok gym at the wharf. He’s very pleasant and wishes us all ‘good morning’ which really surprised me the first few times but I’m used to it now.

#the common, Old Ironsides, the aquarium, the market. The world was their oyster. Kennedy positively squealed at the thought,#
Ahhhhhhh, I love archie. And they really are seeing it all. You know, I’ve never seen the market – is a covered market like we have here or something else? We missed out boston when we went to the cape actually.

#The thought of seeing the old frigate explained only part of that enthusiasm and he was eager to find out what else had caused him to be so relaxed and contented.#
Mmmm, I’m curious now too.

# because Horatio didn’t really like the thought of being able to express his affection for Kennedy in public.#
Especially coming from the AOS context. Can‘t really blame him.

#thought of staying in a modern hotel as he always said that was like sleeping in a stern lantern.#
*g* lol. Such a way with words … oh he is a bit grumpier than brides!horry isn’t he? Just a bit? And it’s not your fault – it’s accurate. IN csf he sure is in the later books.

#played for ages in the revolving doors and up and down the little escalators and bounced happily on his and Horatio’s double bed.#
I love seeing archie so happy and fully enjoying everything. I don’t know why exactly. I suppose brides!archie does this as well. But it’s like that phrase: something of the nursery innocent about it that’s just so lovely to read. Aww.

#“You’ll go through the floor if you don’t watch out.” Hornblower had taken a shower – one grudging condescension he did make to the twenty first century was the excellence of its bathing facilities – and was entowelled and dripping on the carpet.#
Yes, Mr. Grumpy Guts. Come and spoil everyone’s fun whilst dripping water all over the floor. And oh that is so horatio – he’d love the power showers in the modern world.

#making him shut up and kissing him until he couldn’t breathe.#
For heaven’s sake … though I remember writing with you about this before and given their circumstances of having to be quick and take advantage of time as it comes due to the service, I really like how accurately you have the characters. It’s just so cool b/c it’s all consistent and together as it ought to be and so few writers do this flitting in and out of AUs and back into the original characters. Simply brilliant.

#Kennedy reached for the remote control but had it knocked from his hands.#
And even that little touch – h’s being so aggressive and ‘commanding’ about it. Yeah, there are shades of this darker sort of character or rather, he’s dark in a different way. So yeah. And kennedy is really different too given everything with jack and that we see so much more of his vulnerability in the films and such. OH really cool. I will still bore you with another essay before the end of this rotation.

#but being able to relax entirely behind closed doors without the worry of someone barging in, seeing what was transpiring between the sheets and running the pair of them up the yardarm.#
Mmm. Yeah and I think it would be such a difference for someone from the 19th century to realise. Amazing. Really well written.

Re: Tea Party II

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

I remember reading something about one of the buildings being really bright and there being (naturally) a court case about the sunlight that was now diverted or something from another building …

I can believe that - I think one is picked out in gold.

What is ianto like as a character? Is he like archie

Oh no - quite the opposite, except in his firece devotion and his own sense of right and wrong. Little boy lost meets ultra competent teaboy/administrator meets a man who makes a pass at Jack over a dead body. Quite complex, really. And don't tell everyone about the guy at the gym - they'll all be down there!

The market was a mix of covered and open I think - we didn't spend long there. A bit like Covent Garden (or how I remember it.)

It’s just so cool b/c it’s all consistent and together as it ought to be and so few writers do this flitting in and out of AUs and back into the original characters

You do make me blush. I just try to see the different sets of characters and work out where they are and what they think. By which I mean that AOS Horry and Archie would be de rigeur ddifferent from the same men in 1906 or 2006 because of their environment. And they would view things differently too. To me it's just a matter of logic. *slaps self for being pompous*

Tea Party III

[allegro-mnt.livejournal.com]

#And what Ianto perceptively called a bit touristy. Jack had to persuade them to leave their preconceptions behind and embrace the culture here.#
Oh they are so sweet and I think that is so completely how jack would deal with it and yeah, you capture their responses so well. I can almost hear it.

#Kennedy was helped in this by a large salty pretzel and some lemonade – and a few jokes at Horatio’s expense concerning the mounted police and his friend’s expertise on horseback.#
I forgot about that – that’s so funny actually.

#and it made him glad to see the little tykes having fun. As long as they were well behaved and not actually mewling or puking. #
Such a perfect interpretation of H’s character and yeah, his attitude towards children. So true, so true.

#“And what is a ‘Snow emergency’, exactly?” Archie looked up at the sign and could not figure it.#
Awww, poor old archie.

#he got yanked away by Hornblower to admire a jacket in the window of a particularly swanky shop.#
Never thought H would admire clothing … though he does have a vain streak. Do you think archie is vain? Do you think jack is vain? I’ll bet jack is a bit. I just don’t know about archie.

#by bringing first editions and other artefacts back from their own time and letting Jones sell them off at auction. It gave them a tidy sum in their pockets every time a jaunt was proposed.#
Creative solution to the money question.

#“You’d have preferred Pinafore, but beggars can’t be choosers.#
*g* so true, so true. There was a great article in the newspaper by niall ferguson about pinafore re the iran-sailor thing and how it was almost a bit too true about the way everything is run these days. Very cleverly written piece.

#And he sailed off down the road, singing something about becoming the ruler of the Queen’s navee.#
Yeah exactly! I’ve never seen pinafore but the article referenced the lyrics.

And what is patience? It rings a bell but I can’t place it …

#Archie had read – and read about – both Swinburne and Wilde, Ianto having supplied him with the books on a previous visit.#
Awww, I love the idea of Archie seeing and experiencing all the different literature of the ages. Wonder what he’d make of some of the modern stuff.

#He spent all the evening at the theatre wondering which of these two men Bunthorne was supposed to be, while poor Horatio – who could not get his mind around modern day settings of period pieces – struggled to understand why an English Victorian poet was actually attending a twenty-first century American university. Ianto gave up trying to explain, suggesting that he just shut his eyes and enjoy the words.#
So true about the two of them. Awww, poor old archie. And Poor ianto having to explain. Since when did he become horatio’s minder? Was this devised so archie and jack could have some quality time together?

Re: Tea Party III

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Oh they are so sweet and I think that is so completely how jack would deal with it and yeah, you capture their responses so well. I can almost hear it

Thank you. I have such a clear image of them walking through Back Bay....

Do you think archie is vain? Do you think jack is vain? I’ll bet jack is a bit. I just don’t know about archie.

Jack is incredibly vain - Archie is a bit i guess (and why shouldn't he be?) There is someone who writes a wonderful AU of H and A in the 'steampunk' era (late Victorian) where Archie wears velvet jackets and is a real fashion plate.

Creative solution to the money question

There is this practical streak in me that must address these issues...

And Poor ianto having to explain. Since when did he become horatio’s minder? Was this devised so archie and jack could have some quality time together?

I think they just paired up as similar souls - immaculate, precise, fiercely loyal - who are in the wake of these rather flamboyant other halfs...

hugs

Tea Party IV

[allegro-mnt.livejournal.com]

#“The one about the poet who got entangled with the ghastly young aristocrat? The one with the man who played me in those films?”#
Even Horatio doesn’t like ig’s acting? Now what does this say? *g* it is really funny to think about but yeah.

#Jack admired the costumes, saying that they reminded him of a little planet ten light years away,#
I love that line, both because it says something about the costumes and is just the sort of thing a charming time traveller would comment on.

#William sang along to all the songs, which ended up in his being nudged by all around him#
In the agatha Christie where he was a singer, he seemed quite good actually. The actor I mean.

#rapturous applause for all concerned and Horatio as confused as ever.#
Why am I not surprised? I’ve clearly forgotten my pledge to be nicer. Will try to be more restrained going forward.

#mainly because he’d been asked outright if he intended to seduce Kennedy and had said that after fifteen refusals he was giving up#
It’s like that phrase Aubrey says about nelson – go straight at ‘em. For heaven’s sake; he could be more delicate but this is mr I like to duel people so perhaps not. And jack’s response: did kennedy actually say no 15 times or was jack just being jack?

#the very atmosphere conspiring with the suspiration of the water and the background noises of the city to produce a strange mixture of the natural and manmade that charmed and delighted those who experienced it. #
Gorgeous prose – to be admired and praised. Ah, it’s just a pleasure to read.

#crooning about some river that was wider than a mile; it was Jack, Jack who could sing like an angel but rarely bothered.#
Ohhhhhhhhhhh jack singing moon river!! Hurrah. I remember your mentioning this.

#Archie’s head rested on Horatio’s shoulder as the song spoke of two drifters who were off to see the world; it could have been written for them, the words applied on so many levels. #
Exactly, exactly!! And I hope Ianto is on the receiving end of the song as well. Does Ianto mind jack’s promiscuity in the story line or doesn’t he really notice it?

# a definite feeling that this was making the most of time together, just in case.#
Aww, that makes me sad and sentimental even though it’s a story. Awwwwwwwwww.

#Horatio looked out over Boston, the only place he had really felt at home in this strange modern world.#
Aww, that’s very sweet; at least he’s found one place to be at home (cf Horatio!brides being at home with archie)

#Kennedy inclined his head in genuine gratitude; he hated goodbyes, even though this one was really an au revoir.#
Oh, that’s so sad …

#Seeing as you’ll be chasing her in a few years time.” William grinned. “But Jack insisted; he knew how much it would mean to Horatio.”#
Aw, that was really kind of jack. And I remember that – hornblower sees old ironsides in port and gets a good look at her.

#“All this bother, for us; breaking all the rules…”#
Aw – reminds me of what jack said to archie: you’re the type of fellow that makes a person want to break all the rules.

#They took a final look at the twinkling lights of the city, Boston wearing its night time face; they looked, enjoyed and vowed to remember.#
Oh what a lovely story. You know - it makes me really, really homesick for some reason. I suppose it is b/c of the 4th this week and I always associate it with boston b/c of the boston pops concert and the fireworks and all that. And the ‘twinkling lights’ reminds me of what john’s saying about the song about the lights in central park. Ahhh, what a lovely story to read. Thank you very, very much.

Re: Tea Party IV

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Even Horatio doesn’t like ig’s acting? Now what does this say? *g* it is really funny to think about but yeah.

In the strange place that is my brain, I can imagine the 'real Hornblower' as being much more handsome than the chap who portrayed him - perhaps tha's what's put his nose out of joint. Gangl and awkward might suit a young JB2...

In the agatha Christie where he was a singer, he seemed quite good actually. The actor I mean

Oh he is - he has three actor brothers and they can all sing, I think. The people did not object to the quality, just the volume.

did kennedy actually say no 15 times

He did. And there was a sixteenth time which was very funny....

Does Ianto mind jack’s promiscuity in the story line or doesn’t he really notice it?

In TW I'm not sure - he's still yearning for his lost girlfriend (IJ, I mean). Here? I think he's got used to it but I'm not sure he likes it.

And thank YOU very, very much, for the lovely feedback.

Hugs

[emeraldreeve.livejournal.com]

I love this! My favourite part:

Let the light come in Archie – I’m tired of hiding in the dark.”

Kennedy smiled, drew his friend in for another kiss and began at last to realise what appealed to Horatio about this time – not anything to do with holding hands with Archie on the streets or dancing with him in a club, but being able to relax entirely behind closed doors without the worry of someone barging in, seeing what was transpiring between the sheets and running the pair of them up the yardarm. “Then make love to me in the light, Horatio and let me see how exquisite your face is…”

And the ending is beautiful!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'd forgotten all about this. I was so smitten with Boston when we visited I had to get the lads there somehow.

Thank you so much.