It *is* complicated. Horatio being partly responsible for Archie's imprisonment makes Archie's bitterness towards Horatio saving him even more interesting. I definitely think Horatio has leaving!Archie issues, yeah. He *would* do the same for any crewman, but it's the way he does it that is so telling. His insistence of how Archie (near-invalid, midshipman Archie) will save them all is really kind of amazing.
What I think is that while they began as peers and friends, the friendship takes on a sense of the devotion of a lieutenant and Captain after Duchess& the Devil, where Horatio makes the decisions but relies on Archie, and Archie will 'take care of him'. And he keeps doing that, until he dies ensuring Horatio's life.
I think Archie would be very reticent re: sex, but he shows no fear of close physical contact with Horatio - in fact he initiates it a number of times. I know, that's different to actual sex, especially given what Simpson likely did, but I think it's interesting. Also the fact that Horatio's goodness - and inexperience - is blindingly clear. Would that matter?
Slightly related note; I love Horatio's "do you have a sweetheart in England, Archie?"
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branchandroot
as close as possible. Just in case, you know, he was needed.
Date: 2005-12-25 08:36 am (UTC)What I think is that while they began as peers and friends, the friendship takes on a sense of the devotion of a lieutenant and Captain after Duchess& the Devil, where Horatio makes the decisions but relies on Archie, and Archie will 'take care of him'. And he keeps doing that, until he dies ensuring Horatio's life.
I think Archie would be very reticent re: sex, but he shows no fear of close physical contact with Horatio - in fact he initiates it a number of times. I know, that's different to actual sex, especially given what Simpson likely did, but I think it's interesting. Also the fact that Horatio's goodness - and inexperience - is blindingly clear. Would that matter?
Slightly related note; I love Horatio's "do you have a sweetheart in England, Archie?"