the Dalaverse

This one is for sinister_beauty, who requested Horatio/Archie and the word 'fluffy' ('preferably Horatio petting Archie's hair for some reason or another'). I got all that, but Horatio did hold out on me a bit, so it's more pre-H/A set after "The Duchess and the Devil."



Patience


“I must admit,” said Archie, running his hands through his hair, which was blessedly clean and free of vermin, “the atmosphere of this bloody place is much improved after we’ve had an opportunity to wash up. Cleanliness is one thing the salt air has never been good for.” He reached out to ruffle his companion’s still-damp curls. Horatio scowled and swatted him away. But when Archie leaned over the basin to wring out a rag, he was surprised by a murmur and a gentle touch.

He raised his eyebrows at Horatio, who turned a dull red and snatched his hand back. “What was that you said?” Archie was careful to keep his voice light, careful to give no sign at the sudden surge of hope fostered by this unexpected affectionate gesture.

“Your hair, it’s – fluffy,” said Horatio, eyes cast down at his lap, twisting the hem of his shirt. “Soft. Like down.”

Biting his lip, Archie reached for one restless long-fingered hand. “Horatio...”

“Don’t, Archie” said Horatio sharply. He turned away and began dragging a comb through his hair, cursing at the snarls.

“All right,” said Archie quietly after a moment, resisting the urge to take the comb from him and do it right. Horatio wouldn’t thank him for pressing the matter, and Archie was determined to let him be.

For now.