longitudinal | inbox;

Burning into your heart. I like that. My father was the Captain on my ship. He has very much stayed burned into my heart.

I would go to war for Koby and Tim. You’ll feel the same in time. But bold of you to think that I only have one desire, one interest. I’ve sailed to many ports, of course. And I have sampled many that each port has to offer. Most are dear friends now.

But if you insist, it will be quite entertaining to prove you wrong. I enjoy a challenge - one that’s stubbornly won.

Your father, yet! That is most extraordinary. I can only imagine the unique challenges that would present, but I feel the rewards must have been extraordinary.

In no time at all, really. Mr. Laughlin has become very, very dear to me over these past weeks.

I cannot say it will be worth the trouble, but I admit to some stubbornness.

Hardly any challenges at all. He was a kind man and ran his ship like it was our family home.

Tim reminds me of home sometimes. Reminds me that the earth is still under my feet when I feel like I'm lost at sea. Koby reminds me that he waves won't swallow me up and everywhere I look, he's the north star waiting for me. Hold them close.

But for all that they're both stubborn enough that one has to get very creative when they pout their lips and dig their heels in. So I think I'd be more than a match against your stubbornness.

I admit I cannot begin to imagine. But it sounds ever so delightful. Your father sounds like a remarkable man. Are you an only child, sir?

You understand, then. How it feels to have someone so integral to your world that you can scarcely remember how it feels to have not known their light.

Ah, but they are young yet. I've several years experience in heel digging.

My father adopted me.

[ it's easier than telling the story as it really is. ]

Your stubbornness has you right about one thing, yes. I do not know what life would look like without either of them.

And in spite of that, I enjoy a challenge. Dig your heels in and see how hard I can pull, won't you?

Ah, that is in some ways more remarkable yet. It speaks of a choice to love.

Truly, I hope they remain with you always.

Somehow I think you understand that pulling is not always the best method. You seem a canny sort.

I hope they do, too.

[ it's easier than to think about his father - to dive into that choice of love and all it brought with it. that his father took him in and his father's wife left him for his choice to command his ship with nothing but a street whelp under his arm and come home when he could. ]

Canny? I'd like to think so. Pulling is only a means of distraction. Catch your attention, keep you distracted. That or I could just keep pulling - there are many who like that, too. Tell me, should I coax you with sweets and apples, or shall I pull the leads until you kick back? Both are very appealing, you know.

I'm to tell you, am I? It rather seems like that might ruin your fun.

It takes an awful lot to make me kick back. I don't like to do it.

If you're not interested in telling me, then you could show me. Or should I try and figure it out on my own? I'm quite good with my hands, sir, so be careful what you wish for.

I won't pull too hard, then. Only as hard as you'd like to pull me. I can be quite stubborn, too.

[ pot, kettle, etc. ]

As am I. A surgeon must be. I suppose we would discover who has the more precise touch.

I am beginning to see that.

I suppose we would discover many things, wouldn't we? But you're right - a surgeon's expert hands probably hold nothing to mine. I've only pulled ropes and climbed ladders. More rudimentary, but more tricksy!

But I'd imagine you know exactly where to pull to bring a man to his knees, don't you?

I think removing musket balls is rather tricksy as well. But I feel you are stronger than I.

In theory. Admittedly I could use more practice.

Is it really about physical strength? I don't think so.

But I would be happy to assist you - practice is very important for surgeons, isn't it? Imagine a navigator leading a ship when he hasn't had enough practice.

Thankfully I know my way around very, very well.

One can always use more practice, it's true.

A talented man, then.

I like to think I am adequate at many things at the very least.

The real question - if I pull too much, do you think you could put me in my place?

How do you mean, sir?

You don’t like to be pulled and pushed too much. What happens when you have a wily sailor who enjoys the rocking of the sea?

Sailors can be a fun bit of trouble, don’t you think?

Oh yes, seamen are most enjoyable!

It seems we're in agreement.

And here you thought you wouldn't be one to catch my eye. But we both enjoy sailors, so it's settled.

Indeed!

I'm sorry, what have I just agreed to?

I suppose you'll have to wait and see!

I told you that I'm quite tricksy, didn't I? Sailors are never straightforward but always reliable.

You did, sir.

Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

You could pick the day or I could simply surprise you.

Catch you unawares.

I admit the thought of a surprise makes me slightly nervous. I'd have no time to prepare.

Then at your own pace.

We have all the free time we could want here. Koby will attest that I spend most of my time at the lake or in my bed. Well, when not with him.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

that icon is killing me

boy needs his tea

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject