Voyage Home

Callum opened his eyes slowly in the soft darkness about him. He felt weak, drained still from all that had gone on. The past few days had been so taxing to him, and when the night had come, last night, after taking supper in the tavern, he and Dustin had retired up to their room, Callum had undressed and sank into the soft bed and went to sleep almost immediately. He now rolled his head to his left. Dustin was there beside him, apparently to be sleeping soundly as was his norm. Callum smiled softly at his love and turned his head back to stare up at the ceiling.

The room was somewhat dark. There was no real light yet as the dawn had not quite come. Callum slowly moved and rolled out from under the bed coverings, sitting up on the edge of it, his feet silently touching the floor. He rested his arms on his thighs and leaned on them, his head down slightly. He sighed softly to himself.

“Are you alright?” Dustin asked in the quiet of the darkened room. Callum turned his head slightly to look in Dustin’s direction.

“I suppose I am. Did I wake you?” Callum asked softly in reply.

“No.” Dustin said softly. He moved and came over closer to Callum, touching his waist with one hand. Dustin’s fingers were warm and soft, making Callum smile to himself at feeling the touch.

“You’re never awake before the dawn, unless we’re in a battle aboard ship. Having trouble sleeping?” Callum asked.

“Yes. I really haven’t slept much.” Dustin said above a whisper.

“What troubles you?” Callum asked and turned more, reaching out his own hand, placing it on Dustin’s exposed shoulder.

“All of it, I suppose.” Dustin said, “I had thought and hoped that it might all be over, but I have this feeling that we are back to where we were before in this.”

“In what way?” Callum asked softly, turning on the bed somewhat, bringing his right leg up to be able to face Dustin more.

“With Upton, his escaping on that Dutch ship. I know you said that your friend was there on it, but do you really think he would do anything about Upton?” Dustin asked.

“I have put it out of my mind. I do not really see what you are concerned about, Dustin. As far as I’m concerned, it is over. Upton’s plans have been stopped to my way of thinking. We can finally go home once Christian is able to travel and leave all this behind.” Callum said.

“You really think so?” Dustin asked.

“I do.” Callum said, tenderly rubbing the soft skin of the shoulder he was touching.

“What of the inquiry Captain Arvin spoke of?” Dustin asked.

“I think it is just a formality that Hood has to perform to keep the politicians off him. I am not worried about that either.” Callum said, “We have done nothing wrong in any of this. In fact, we have done more than any other would have to be sure.”

“No, you have. There is no ‘we’ about it.” Dustin said.

“I beg to differ. I could not have done what has been done without you, my love.” Callum said, “What really is it that has you troubled?”

“It just feels as if…there is something else…something that’s out there…waiting, watching. Do you know what I mean?” Dustin asked. Callum gave a half smile. He leaned forward and down and kissed Dustin on the cheek.

“I think you have become accustomed to all this intrigue we have been in as of late.” Callum said softly.

“Perhaps, even though I hate it. I don’t know, maybe you’re right.” Dustin said softly.

“Why don’t you try to go back to sleep for a bit.” Callum said.

“What are you going to do?” Dustin asked.

“I will dress and go downstairs, try and get a bit of coffee I suppose.” Callum said.

“Why don’t you come back to bed with me?” Dustin asked. He moved and slid back in the bed a bit, “Please?” Dustin asked and lifted the coverings. Callum smiled and moved slowly, coming back to where he had been before next to Dustin. He settled into the soft bed and felt the rough cotton of the sheets on his skin. Dustin came closer to him, snuggling into him at his side, “This is what I want, to be just like this.” Dustin whispered as he put his face to Callum’s cheek. The kiss was soft and tender on Callum’s cheek, making Callum smile in the dark.

“Yes, this is what I want also, to be like this, but at home in our own bed.” Callum whispered, closing his eyes. He settled next to Dustin in the softness of the bed, the warmth of the sheets and the coverings, feeling Dustin close to him, nestling.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Callum opened his eyes as the morning light was coming in from the window behind the bed and was filtering in through the curtains bathing the bed with a soft glow. He drew in a long breath through his nose and let it out slowly. He looked about from where he lay and slowly realized where he was. He could feel the weight of Dustin against him, the softness of the warm skin and it pleased him to be here like this with the love of his life. He slowly moved and got out of bed, lifting the coverings. There was a soft rap on the door of the room. He got to his feet and went to it, opening it just a bit as he was nude.

“Thomas. Is everything alright?” Callum asked quietly. Thomas nodded and Callum opened the door a bit further to let him in.

“Crawford is here. He is tending to Christian right at this moment and said he will be with you shortly to take your stitches. I thought I had better give you a bit of warning.” Thomas said softly. He looked Callum up and down quickly and then to the bed and the sleeping Dustin.

“Thank you. He should probably take yours out as well I would think.” Callum said.

“He already has when I was at the Admiralty. You seem to be the only hold out.”

“Ah. Alright.” Callum frowned, “I suppose the coffee will have to wait then.”

“I’ll go downstairs and see that it is brought up for you.” Thomas said and smiled. Callum looked at him and raised an eyebrow a bit.

“You’re up to something, what is it?” Callum asked.

“I am in need of new shirts.” Thomas said and raised his good arm a bit. Callum looked down and saw the large hole in it from the musket ball and chuckled.

“Well, we simply can’t have that, now can we? I seem to be running a bit short of shirts myself. Perhaps we should visit that tailor we saw last time here.” Callum said.

“I think we must.” Thomas said.

“Alright. I’ll get dressed and be ready in a few moments for the good doctor. We can go and do a bit a shopping after Arthur is done.” Callum said. Thomas smiled and nodded his head. He turned and went toward his door, taking the door knob from Callum’s room, closing it slowly, letting Callum walk toward his clothes. Dustin was waking as he reached the end of the bed.

“Was that Thomas?” Dustin asked in a sleepy voice.

“Yes. Arthur is here already and is tending to Christian. My turn is next apparently.” Callum said as he stepped into his long pants.

“I should be up myself then.” Dustin said and tossed back the coverings of the bed. Callum watched the defined, tanned body of his love, standing and stretching his defined arms. Callum noted the lines, the definition of him as Dustin was bathed in the morning light from the window behind him. It made Callum pause in getting dressed. Dustin turned and reached for his own clothes but saw the look, “What is it?” Dustin asked looking over his shoulder.

“Nothing.” Callum said softly picking up his shirt. Dustin smiled at him as he turned to face him. Callum smiled back.

“It is obviously something.” Dustin said as he pulled his own pants on.

“I just…thoroughly enjoy watching you.” Callum said, then put the shirt over his head, his arms through the sleeves, letting the shirt drop down him.

“I see.” Dustin said softly. Callum looked at him again.

“You are truly a sight to behold, Dustin.” Callum said. Dustin came around the end of the bed and came close to Callum as they were locked on one another with their eyes.

“Then perhaps tonight we can do something about that.” Dustin said as he stepped even closer.

“Hmm, perhaps we should.” Callum smiled. They kissed briefly, staying close with one another, “I do love you so, Dustin.”

“I know, and I love you as well, Quintan.” Dustin kissed him again. He gave a brief smile and picked up his own shirt, putting it on, dropping it over himself. He turned and went to the upper edge of the bed, quickly making his side of it before sitting on the edge to pull on his stockings and boots. Callum moved to the other side of the bed now and did the same as the knock came at the door. Callum turned and went to it. He opened the door and smiled briefly.

“Good morning, Quintan.” Crawford said, standing there holding his black bag.

“Good morning, Arthur, do come in.” Callum said, holding out a hand to show entry as the other was on the knob of the door. Crawford stepped into the room as he gave Callum the once over.

“You look a far sight better than yesterday I must say.” Crawford said.

“You mean dressed?” Callum asked as he closed the door after his old friend.

“No, I mean rested.” Crawford said and caught sight of Dustin, “And how are you this morning, Dustin?” Crawford asked as he moved across the large room. Dustin stood after stamping his last foot in his last boot.

“I am well, thank you, Doctor.”

“Good. The only sensible head in the bunch I would say.” Crawford said as he came to the desk in the corner between the two windows of the large room, “Alright, Quintan, why don’t we have you take up this chair here in this window so I can see and have at you then.” Crawford was opening his bag and pulling out his instruments, placing them on the desk, tweezers and scissors and the like. Dustin never liked to really look at them as they made him grimace, some of them actually made his stomach turn when he saw them, “What does one have to do around here to get a cup of coffee I wonder?” Crawford asked as he rummaged around his bag still.

“I’ll see to it, Doctor.” Dustin said.

“There’s no need. Thomas said he was doing it.” Callum said as he came up next to Dustin silently, “If this goes well enough, Arthur, I’ll provide breakfast for you as well downstairs.”

“You damn well will.” Crawford said as he looked over his shoulder at Callum, “Now take this chair and place it in the light and get your shirt off. We’ll do your shoulder first.”

“You love giving orders, don’t you?” Callum asked as he reached for the chair. Crawford raised an eyebrow. He smirked once.

“You should see it when I have old Fitzwarren on a table to treat his hangnails.” Crawford said as Callum placed the chair.

“I might pay money to see that.” Callum said with a smile as he lifted his shirt.

“It’s quite entertaining really.” Crawford said. Callum handed Dustin his shirt. There was a knock at the door. Dustin turned to go answer it as Callum sat down. Crawford got behind him and started to look close at the knitting, “It’s an excellent job, whoever did this.”

“I told you I should introduce you. Our local surgeon in Birmingham, Dr. Stivers, an older man. I have spoken of him before.” Callum said.

“He should be teaching his skills somewhere. Tis a pity to be cutting artistry like this apart.” Crawford said as he cut with a pair of scissors.

Dustin had opened the door. The girl had a tray in her hands carrying coffee along with cups. Thomas was behind her. They both entered the room. She blushed when she saw Dustin standing there. He smiled briefly and nodded, getting out of the way for her, opening the door wider. She set the tray on the chest of drawers as Thomas came in. Callum looked up as Crawford was pulling out pieces of stitching from the back of the shoulder.

“Well I see he’s hard at it.” Thomas said.

“Yes, more pieces of me and more scars for addition to the road map.” Callum said with a grimace. The girl did not look, but shifted her eyes toward Dustin, “How is Christian?” Callum asked.

“He is sleeping. Our dear doctor here thinks he might be fit enough to travel in a few more days’ time.” Thomas said.

“Is that so?” Callum asked.

“Yes. I would like another week if at all possible, Quintan.” Crawford said as he pulled another piece out.

“Whatever you say, Arthur. I will not rush it, for Christian’s sake. I will send a letter home to let them know of our delay here.” Callum said with a bit of a grunt.

“That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say in quite a while.” Crawford said, “Alright, your shoulder is done. Let me clean it then we’ll do your others below.”

“Christian had said something about General Emery as well to me and about reporting to the Garrison.” Thomas said, “He became rather agitated about it.”

“You let me take care of that, Thomas.” Crawford said as he went to a basin on the chest of drawers, pouring a bit of water in the basin. The girl was pouring coffee for all. Dustin was trying to take over to have her leave but she kept on and he was becoming slightly agitated over it, sighing and rolling his eyes. She handed him a cup and smiled softly at him, he frowned slightly at her. She paid no attention to it, “I will write the General a letter and explain the Captain’s condition,” Crawford said as he wringed out the cloth and went back to Callum to clean the shoulder, “that should hold him over and stop any court-martial proceedings from him not reporting for duty.”

“Well that would help, thank you, Doctor.” Thomas said as he was now handed a cup of coffee by the girl. He nodded toward her, she nodded back.

“I know General Emery. He is a fair man, bit of a braggart and a windbag, but fair.” Crawford said.

“Coffee, sir?” The girl asked a shirtless Callum as she held out a cup on a saucer in front of him. He smiled at her as he took it from her.

“Thank you, Angelica, you are truly a life saver, my miss.” Callum smiled. He took the cup and saucer and practically downed it in three long pulls as she walked away returning to the chest of drawers.

“You know, I can do this.” Dustin said in a whisper to her ear. She poured the last cup for Crawford, not looking at him. Thomas was standing behind Dustin and was looking over Dustin’s shoulder watching the whole thing, he could hear everything as well.

“You don’t need to.” She whispered, “It is the least that I can do for everything that you all have done for me and my family.” She set the pot down and went toward Callum and Crawford, carrying the last saucer and cup.

“Let it be, Dustin.” Thomas whispered to the back of Dustin’s ear. Dustin just watched her.

“She doesn’t need to linger about.” Dustin whispered.

“It is good for her, she needs to do this.” Thomas said, “I also think she likes you.”

“Don’t tease, Thomas, you don’t do it very well.” Dustin said as he turned and glared at him.

“You can see it in her eye, Dustin. I’m not teasing.” Thomas said in all seriousness.

“I’ve had enough of this. I’m going downstairs.” Dustin said above a whisper and went to the door, setting his cup down on the tray. He went around an open-mouthed Thomas and reached the door, opening it.

“Dustin…” Thomas said after him.

“Where is he going?” Callum asked as he looked after Dustin. Thomas turned and looked at Callum.

“Downstairs apparently.” Thomas said, “I think I’ll go next door and check on Christian.” Thomas set his cup on the tray as well as the girl came back to the chest of drawers.

“Alright.” Callum said. He could tell that something was not quite right with all of this.

“If you will excuse me, sir.” The girl said, giving a slight curtsy. Callum nodded.

“Of course.” Callum said.

“Alright, let’s have at those others now and I want to look at that leg of yours as well.” Crawford said setting his empty cup down on the little desk.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Callum came down the stairs and walked into the tavern portion of the inn. He stopped and looked about. Dustin was sitting in the corner at the table by himself looking down at its surface apparently lost in thought. He had a coffee cup in hands turning it back and forth just staring at it. Callum looked over at the counter and saw the older man, the owner of the inn coming toward him.

“Good morning, Captain.” The old man said with his usual smile on his face.

“Morning.” Callum said softly.

“Would you care for breakfast, sir?”

“Something light if you wouldn’t mind. My stomach is not in much agreement this morning with me after my friend the doctor has visited me it seems.” Callum said.

“Of course, Captain, understandable.” The older man said.

“Has Mr. Perkins had his?” Callum asked.

“Yes, Captain.” The older man said in a rather guarded voice. Callum raised an eyebrow.

“Is there something wrong?” Callum asked.

“Uh, apparently there was a bit of a…disagreement between my daughter and Mr. Perkins.”

“Was there? I do apologize.” Callum said.

“No apology is necessary, Captain. I have no doubt that my daughter was being forward with Mr. Perkins. She speaks of no one else, you see. I am certain it was no fault of his.” The older man.

“I will speak with him as well. As I said when we came, I wished to cause no problem here in your house my good man. You and your family have had enough.” Callum said.

“You are most kind, Captain, to think of us.” The older man said.

“It is your due and your right.” Callum said.

“I will get your breakfast, sir.”

“Thank you.” Callum said and smiled briefly. He turned away from the older man and went over to the table in the corner and sat near Dustin, who was still lost in his thoughts staring at the empty cup. Callum watched him for a long minute. There were no other patrons in the tavern, they were very much alone, “The weight of the world it seems.” Callum said. Dustin did not look up. Callum cleared his throat and Dustin finally looked up and saw him sitting there.

“Quintan.” Dustin said.

“Hello.”

“I am sorry. I was thinking.” Dustin said.

“Obviously. You didn’t hear a word I said.” Callum said with a feigned smile.

“I apologize, what were you saying?” Dustin asked.

“The building is actually on fire.” Callum said calmly. Dustin went wide eyed and went to quickly get up. Callum calmly grabbed his wrist and stopped him from moving, “Now that I fully have your attention…Mr. Mills tells me that you and his daughter had words, is that true?” Callum asked. Dustin expression was one of not only shock but anger, now rolling into regret. He sank back into his chair, “I’ll take that as a yes. You want to tell me what is going on?”

“I told you yesterday.” Dustin said.

“Tell me again, perhaps I missed it.” Callum said.

“Their constant doting, especially hers.” Dustin said. There was almost a growl in his voice.

“Ah, I see it now.”

“I don’t think you do.” Dustin said as he saw the older man approaching with a plate and his usual smile, “As a matter of fact I don’t think you have any idea at all.” Dustin said giving Callum a side glance.

“And I think you have no idea what is really going on, my love.” Callum said in a low voice. He clasped his hands above the table and smiled wide at the older man as he reached the edge of the table, “Mr. Mills, that smells wonderful. It seems that my stomach has returned to me with your wife’s cooking.”

“Indeed, Captain. I am happy to hear that, sir.” The older man set the plate down in front of Callum with his usual broad smile. Callum looked at it and then up at the warm face.

“I was wondering, Mr. Mills, my friend Dr. Crawford will be down to join me shortly. I promised him breakfast as well as part of his payment of his services to me.”

“Say no more, Captain.” The older man said holding up his hands, “I know how much the good doctor enjoys his breakfast. I will go and see my wife straight away.”

“Thank you, my good man.” Callum said watching the older man walk away toward the kitchen. His gaze shifted toward Dustin, “I wish you to understand something, my love.”

“You are going to lecture me about them aren’t you?” Dustin asked.

“No. I am going to tell you about someone else during my sailing aboard the sloop…a girl.” Callum said as he turned his attention toward his plate. Dustin looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“A girl?”

“Yes. Actually, she was married with two small children and was rather fetching. I was with Abel Collingwood and two of the Marines when we came across her and had to destroy her home, which was a communications outpost for the enemy.” Callum said as he cut into his ham steak.

“And you are just now mentioning this to me?” Dustin asked with undivided attention.

“Yes.” Callum said without looking at Dustin, “The reason is…because over the course of time, Dustin, in our lives, no matter how long they may be, there will be people that will cross our paths, both male and female, friendly and unfriendly. It is how we deal with that and them that defines us.”

“I don’t understand, Quintan.”

“It is very simple, Dustin.” Callum said, setting his fork and knife down on the plate, turning slightly to face Dustin in his chair, “I love you deeply, I always will, and nothing will ever change that. We were involved with intrigue and circumstance with these people, swept up in the moment as it were. You were instrumental in trying to save her life. You are a very dashing and handsome young man, there’s no denying that. Any young girl would be swept off her feet with that. Think for a moment. You’re perfect marriage material, except for one thing, one small detail.”

“I see your point.” Dustin said above a whisper, “What should I do?”

“This will not end unless you end it, this doting as you call it. But I would ask one thing of you, be respectful. They deserve that. None of this is their fault and there should be no hurt behind it.” Callum said. He picked up his fork and knife and went back to his breakfast but watched out of the corner of his eye. Dustin was thinking hard obviously to Callum and then Dustin nodded his head a bit.

“I will go and speak with her and I will be respectful, Quintan, you have my word.” Dustin said softly.

“Your word has always been good enough for me, Dustin.” Callum said with a half-smile and then gave Dustin a wink. Dustin smiled in returned and got up from the table, heading toward the stairs. Callum watched him until he was out of sight, then focused fully on his breakfast.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Callum sat the little desk in their room, penning a letter to Martha. He was writing without much detail as he knew she would fret so knowing everything that had gone on in the past few days. He would wait to tell her everything when they returned home. He did have to mention to her why they were staying and labeled it as an ‘incident’ as they were waiting for Christian to be able to travel. He turned his head as heard the door to the room open and then close softly.

“There you are, my love. I was beginning to wonder where you had gone off to for so long.” Callum said as he continued to write with his closing. He noticed that Dustin did not reply to him and looked in his direction. Dustin was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring down at the floor, “Is something wrong?” Callum asked. Dustin lifted his head.

“I did what you asked and spoke with her.” Dustin said.

“It must have been some speech. You have been gone for a while.”

“She’s in love with me, Quintan. She told me herself.” Dustin said with narrowed eyes.

“I think we have all pretty much realized that, Dustin.” Callum said as he turned in the chair to face Dustin, the quill still in his hand, “You seem bothered by it all. Surely you knew, even with what I had said downstairs.”

“Yes, but…”

“Are you trying to tell me something else, Dustin?” Callum asked. Dustin looked a bit shocked.

“No, why?”

“You have that look is all.” Callum said. Dustin eased and lowered his head a little, “You seem a bit distressed.” Callum said and Dustin lifted his head to stare at him.

“I suppose I am. I feel as if I cut out her heart with a dull knife. I didn’t mean to.” Dustin said, “I was respectful as you requested, but nonetheless, it seems to have…hurt her.” He was near the verge of tears Callum could see.

“Where is she now?” Callum asked.

“I don’t know. Downstairs more than likely.” Dustin got up from the bed and came toward Callum, going by him and standing in the window beside him looking out into the alley and the street, “I apologized to her for not feeling the same way as she does. She said she understood but she had that look, a blank and empty look about her. It was as if she been trampled by horses. I feel very saddened by it all. I wish we could go home.”

“We will soon enough.” Callum said as he turned in the chair and went to his letter. He dipped the quill in the ink, tapped the tip and signed his name at the bottom, “We must wait for Christian as you know, but I have another thought.” Callum said. Dustin turned his head and looked down at the back of Callum beside him.

“What is that?” Dustin asked.

“You could go home ahead of us if you wish. You could take the coach.” Callum said softly.

“Do you want me to leave you, leave them?”

“If you are speaking of Thomas and Christian, I can drive the carriage home. As far as leaving us, it might be best to distance yourself from this…situation.” Callum said.

“Are you trying to be rid of me, Quintan?” Dustin asked, his voice had a slight tone to it. Callum did not look at him as he folded the letter carefully to be able to write the address on the reverse side.

“Of course not. I was merely thinking that you might feel better about this if you were to go home straight away, out of sight, out of mind as it were.” Callum said as he poured a bit of melted wax to seal the letter after addressing it.

“And what of her?” Dustin asked.

“What about her?” Callum asked in reply, “Do her feelings matter that much to you?”

“I suppose they do.” Dustin said softly as Callum blew on the wax to set it. He set the letter down on the desk and sat back in the chair.

“I had a feeling that they might.” Callum said as stared at the letter, “You have true compassion and caring for others no matter they be friend or foe, Dustin. That is one of the things I love most about you.”

“Life can be difficult when others are involved, can’t it?” Dustin asked softly as he put a hand on Callum’s shoulder resting it gently. Callum reached up with his opposite hand and touched Dustin’s hand.

“It can, yes.” Callum said softly as there was a soft knock on the door. Dustin moved, taking his hand from Callum’s and his shoulder to go to the door.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Callum recognized the tailor’s shoppe as he opened the door, the bell above ringing to announce their arrival. Thomas followed Callum in, turning slightly to allow for his arm splint, Dustin followed behind, closing the door after them making the bell ring again.

“Good day, gentlemen.” The older man said as he came toward them all, “How may I be of service?”

“Good day to you, sir.” Callum said, “I doubt you recall us, it has been some time since we were here last.”

“You do seem familiar to me, sir.” The older man said as he wrung his hands a bit in front of his apron and looked a little apprehensive.

“My name is Callum, Quintan Callum. Lord Fitzwarren had commissioned you to make tunics for me some time ago.” Callum said and then a smile came across the man’s face.

“Of course, sir, now I recall, Commodore Callum.” The older man said bowed his head slightly.

“Not any longer I am afraid. However, we are in need of your services. We seem to be a bit short in our supply of clean shirts.” Callum said with a slight cock of his head.

“Of course, sir.” The older man said and held out a hand to show the way, “There are several choices that you could make, if you wish. Right this way, gentlemen.” They followed as the older man led them over to a large table covered with shirts, folded and neatly stacked. The older man kept his eye on the three of them and Callum noticed that he seemed to want to say something.

“Is there something on your mind, my good man?” Callum finally asked the older man.

“I do not mean any disrespect, sir, but are you no longer in the service of His Majesty?” The older man asked.

“I am not. I have retired to private life.” Callum said, “Does that surprise you my good man?”

“It would seem, sir, a man of your youth and from what I recall of what Lord Fitzwarren had said of you that you would be retired from service.” The older man said carefully.

“Not by his choice, I assure you.” Thomas said as he was looking over some of the shirts. The older man looked at Thomas for a moment and then back at Callum.

“Suffice it to say, it is a rather long and sorted tale.” Callum said.

“Well then perhaps I could show you something else other than just shirts, sir.” The older man said, making Callum look cockeyed toward him, “You have an air about you, sir, an air of respect and dignity. Perhaps a change of style might suit you rather than just the ordinary shirt and vest.”

“I feel a sales pitch is coming in my direction.” Callum said and gave a slight smirk.

“You should at least listen to what he has to say.” Dustin whispered into Callum’s other ear.

“Alright, what is it that you had in mind?” Callum asked turning his attention toward the older man, who was all smiles now.

“If you will come with me, sir.”

A few minutes later, Callum emerged from a large changing room, stepping out into an open area of the shoppe where the older man met him. Callum was pointed toward an elevated platform that was surrounded by full length mirrors. He stepped up on it and stood still as the older man moved about him, checking the new suit Callum wore for fit. Fingers adjusted and pulled on tails and lapels of the trim dark navy jacket. The long pants were of the same cloth as was the vest. The shirt underneath was ruffled more on the breast and the collar was quite tall, forcing Callum’s long tail up and over it. There was a slight chuckle behind Callum. He leaned slightly and saw Dustin and Thomas behind him in a doorway through the mirror.

“You could certainly run for Parliament with a suit like that, Quintan.” Thomas said trying to control another chuckle. Callum raised an eyebrow.

“I rather like it.” Dustin said, “He was right, Quintan, in what he said. You do have an air about you, more than dignified I would say.”

“Down right regal if you were to put a finger on it.” Thomas said. Callum adjusted his stance a bit on the platform, grasping a lapel with his left hand, putting his right leg out a bit more and tilting his jaw back a bit, “Now that’s more like it, that look right there. I think you have it, Quintan. You could be Squire of the county looking like that. I’d vote for you.”

“You would be easy enough to drown with only one arm, Thomas. All I need do is get you down to the Thames.” Callum said and gave Thomas a look through the mirror making Thomas chuckle again.

“Thomas is right, Quintan, you look very regal dressed like that.” Dustin said. Callum saw the look in Dustin’s eyes, a longing, almost lustful. Callum smiled back at him in the mirror as the older man adjusted the long pants a bit.

“Thank you, Dustin.” Callum said. Callum looked back at himself in the mirror as Thomas leaned closer to Dustin.

“He does look rather fetching, doesn’t he?” Thomas whispered in Dustin’s ear, Dustin nodded and licked his lips slightly, Thomas smiled wide, “Just make sure you get him out of those clothes before you drool on him first.” Dustin lowered and shook his head then chuckled softly.

“I think you could stand for a new suit as well, Dustin.” Callum said as he adjusted the lapels on the jacket, “We could be a matched set as it were.”

“I would have no place to wear it, Quintan, but thank you anyway.” Dustin said.

“Come now, I think we could think of someplace you could wear it.”

“Certainly not in the pasture, which as you know is where I spend most of my time at home.” Dustin said.

“Well at least give it a try.” Callum said, he looked in the mirror and caught Thomas’ gaze, “And I would have you outfitted with one as well, Captain Tomlin, if it weren’t for your arm.”

“I thank you dearly, my friend, but as Dustin pointed out, I have no place in which to wear something that is so elegant.” Thomas said with a slight nod.

“Come now, there is such a place, and I seem to think that you live in it, Thomas. I recall taking supper one evening at Harbroughs and you and Christian were finely dressed, leaving your neighbors slightly underdressed for the occasion.” Callum said, changing his stance slightly.

“Yes, I recall that as well.” Dustin said looking at Thomas with a raised eyebrow. Thomas pursed his lips as if he had been slapped slightly.

“It was a special occasion as you well know, the both of you.” Thomas said, “Besides, it was Christian’s idea, not mine.”

“Very unsporting of you, Thomas, with Christian not here to defend against your accusation.” It was Callum’s turn to smirk now. He turned and looked at Dustin, “I would very much like to see you in one of these.”

“I don’t think so, Quintan.” Dustin said as he raised a hand to stop Callum.

“We have nothing but time on our hands. Do it for me, please?” Callum asked and gave Dustin that look, that boyish look that Dustin loved so much. Dustin sighed slightly. Callum leaned toward the older man slightly, “If you would outfit my companion, my good man?” Callum asked, the older man looked back at Dustin.

“I think I have just the thing for his slighter frame, yes, I’m certain I do. Would you come this way, young sir?”

Another few minutes and Dustin emerged from the large changing room. He was led to the same platform that Callum had stood upon. Dustin looked into the mirrors and for the first time in his life, he looked at himself as he had never looked before. The transformation was almost shocking to Dustin himself. The suit was a lighter blue, not as dark as the one Callum wore, and the fabric almost shimmered in the light. The jacket was cut almost perfectly, the square cut of the bottom hem was just above Dustin’s hips, right where it should be. The tails were not overly long, but were about mid-thigh in length, again, almost perfectly cut. The long pants were snug and revealed Dustin’s muscle tone in his thighs as well as the length that he possessed. The high collar of the shirt, surrounded by a broad necktie, met the tall collar of the jacket, and with the ruffles of the shirt breast, it was very constricting to Dustin, being used to slightly loose-fitting clothing.

Callum and Thomas returned to the room, coming through the door and stopping as they both looked at a brand-new Dustin. Callum was almost wide-eyed at what he saw, the love of his life standing there, and almost swallowed hard at seeing him. The brown of Dustin’s hair accented the color of the suit even more, the long tail hanging over the back, and the light of the wall sconces set Dustin into a soft glow radiating a true sense of beauty. Callum heard a slight gasp coming from Thomas.

“He’s breathtaking.” Thomas said above a whisper, “And here I thought Christian was the true beauty of our group.”

“Does it look alright?” Dustin asked as he turned and looked at Callum and Thomas. Thomas nudged Callum in the ribs, bringing him back to reality, “Is it that bad?” Dustin asked.

“Say something before he cuts and runs.” Thomas said above a whisper to Callum.

“Words escape me at the moment.” Callum said and swallowed hard. He blinked twice to make certain it was really Dustin, “I have never seen anything that was more perfect in my life. It more than suits you.” Callum said and Dustin eased a bit. Callum stepped forward toward the platform, “The question is, do you like it?” Callum asked.

“It is a bit tight, but I suppose it is because I am not used to wearing such things.” Dustin said, Callum nodded in agreement. His eyes looked Dustin up and down.

“Turn around for me, if you would.” Callum said. Dustin turned slowly round for him. Callum’s eyes were everywhere at once, taking it all in, “Absolute perfection, my good man.” Callum said to the older man, making the older man nod slightly and smile, “Might you have another that would fit him, in a different color as well?”

“What?” Dustin asked with a bit of shock.

“I believe I might, sir, if it would please you.”

“It would indeed, very much.” Callum said, his voice of authority was there.

“If you would excuse me, I will only be a moment.” The older man said and walked away and out of the room.

“Quintan, you can’t be serious.” Dustin said and stepped forward once. Callum took one of Dustin’s hands in his own and smiled warmly.

“Thomas said you were breathtaking, but you are more than that, Dustin, you are…stunning. I had no idea you would look like this. I have always admired your beauty, you know that, but this is beyond. Words almost fail me at seeing you like this.” Callum said softly. Dustin returned the warm smile, taking his other hand and lifted it to Callum’s cheek, cradling it gently.

“So, you like what you see?” Dustin asked.

“Well I do.” Thomas said as he stepped forward. He stopped next to Callum as Dustin lowered his hand from Callum’s cheek, “It is really too bad that Christian is bedridden for now. He would be positively beside himself seeing you like this, Dustin. You know he’s always fancied you.”

“It is good of you to say that, Thomas, thank you.” Dustin said, still smiling, “Perhaps when he is better we can give him a showing of his own then.”

“Yes…perhaps.” Thomas said and narrowed his eyes a bit not sure of Dustin’s true meaning. The older man returned to the room and came to them and stopped.

“If you would come with me, young sir, I have another suit to try if you wish.”

Another few minutes and Dustin stepped out of the large changing room. The suit he now wore was a deep grey in color, more subdued than the first, but just as regal and elegant to Callum. He and Thomas watched as Dustin stepped up on the platform and was adjusted by the older man. Callum noticed that in all the different views that the various mirrors provided, Dustin was just absolutely stunning as before. The deep grey did highlight his tanned features, but it was the mixture of those features as well as his brown hair color that set it all off.

“My word,” Thomas said above a whisper, “I am beginning to think you could put anything on him and he would be captivating.”

“I agree.” Callum whispered and hissed through his teeth. He not only fell in love with Dustin all over again, but was almost beside himself with his lust and wanting of this young man. Callum’s eyes took in the complete spectacle that was before him on the platform and he growled softly in his throat, but not from notice by Thomas, who looked at Callum and smirked.

“It is quite apparent that you two will not be getting any sleep tonight.” Thomas said, mostly to himself.

“What were you saying?” Callum asked absently.

“Nothing really. I was just remarking about the color of the cloth.” Thomas said with a clearing of his throat.

“Yes, it is rather fetching, isn’t it?” Callum asked.

“Indeed it is, my friend, indeed.” Thomas said with a smirk.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I think I will go upstairs and check on Christian, perhaps have a bit of rest. This has been a rather busy day.” Thomas said.

“Yes, it has been.” Callum said as he closed the foyer door of the tavern and inn, “I think we shall have something to drink and then go upstairs to change before supper.”

“Right.” Thomas said as he eyed them in their new suits and raised an eyebrow, “Mind you, just stay out of trouble you two.”

“There can be no trouble in just a drink, Thomas.” Callum said with a smirk. Thomas turned and went for the stairs as Callum and Dustin went into the tavern portion of the inn. They stopped and looked about for a moment. It was a bit crowded with patrons, mostly older men, sailors by the look of them.

“I feel out of place.” Dustin said softly to Callum’s ear.

“Nonsense. Let us have that drink, shall we? I think we have earned it after today.” Callum said and stepped forward two steps, Dustin behind him. All eyes looked in their direction and silence almost fell about the large room. They were eyed as strangers, gentlemen, for a long moment.

“Captain,…Mr. Perkins…” The landlord, Mr. Mills said from behind the counter now noticing them. He went a bit wide-eyed taking them in. He came around the counter quickly and came toward them, “forgive me, I almost did not recognize you both in your fine clothes.”

“Understandable, my good man.” Callum said and smiled toward the warm face, “We shall have a drink and then go up and change before supper.”

“As finely dressed as you gentlemen are, ale will not suffice, Captain. Please, have a seat at that table and I shall bring you both something.”

“Thank you.” Callum said and looked over at an empty table near the corner. He stepped toward and Dustin followed, both taking up chairs, Callum’s back toward the wall, Dustin to his left. Conversations started again as they sat, voices sounded muffled as those about them turned their attention away. The landlord, Milles, came to the table with a small tray. He set it on the table before Callum and Dustin. A crystal decanter contained an amber liquid, two small glasses were on the tray as the older hands took them and started to pour. Callum heard voices growing louder to his right, Mills looked once in their direction and then back to what he was doing.

“I be sayin I was there! I knows what I’ma talkin about!” One man said and smacked his flattened palm on the table hard.

“I be thinkin you be havin it bad for an officer that did little for ‘is ship an crew!” Another at the table said.

“Drunken talk, gentlemen, please pay it no mind.” Mills said softly to Callum and Dustin as he finished pouring from the decanter. Callum looked two tables over. There were four men sitting at it, all clearly getting angry over the loud conversation. Callum narrowed his eyes.

“Renner was a fool, a damned drunken fool! If’n ye be there, ye would know that.” The one said and clearly angered his fellow at the table, who stood.

“Take it back, take it back right now or I be wiping the deck up wit’ ye!” The man said and Callum started to get up hearing Renner’s name but felt a hand on his sleeve. He looked over and Dustin was shaking his head at Callum.

“It’s alright.” Callum said softly and smiled briefly. His eyes shifted toward the landlord who looked nervous, “I can calm this.” Callum said and stepped toward the table of men. They paid him no mind as Callum stepped up beside the man that was standing, “Good evening, gentlemen.” Callum said and all eyes shifted toward him, “I’m afraid your voices are carrying. Perhaps you should be discussing this elsewhere.”

“Who be you?” Another man at the table asked. Before Callum could answer him, another looked up at him.

“A dandy to be sure. A gentleman by the looks of him.” The last man at the table said, his accent clearly Irish, “They were havin’ a private conversation, you’re interrupting it. Why don’t you go back to your table and leave it and them alone.” The look on the man’s face was clear to Callum, very clear and Callum smiled out of the corner of his mouth.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure, believe me, but as I said, your voices are carrying and disturbing others.”

“Beggin’ your pardon,…Your Lordship.” The Irishman said and still had that look on his face. Callum knew exactly what was on his mind, “Your dandy friend is waiting for you,…sir.”

“He is no dandy…and not knowing who you are, nor do I really care, I would wager that he is twice the man that you are.” Callum said and tensed a bit. All eyes went wide as the Irishman stood and slid his chair back to another table.

“Would you care to be sayin that again,…Your Lordship?” The Irishman asked, never taking his eyes off Callum.

“Oh damn.” Dustin whispered and stood. He put a hand on the landlord’s arm and gently pulled him toward him out of the way.

“I don’t want any trouble here, Mr. Perkins.” Mills said.

“I think it’s a bit late for that.” Dustin said in a low voice.

“Would you care to step outside to discuss this further?” Callum asked.

“Why? Do you need a little time to find your courage?” The Irishman asked. Callum glared at him and balled up his fists.

“I have fought Irishmen before and have found the few…wanting.” Callum said flatly.

“Wanting? Wanting, is it? Well, I be wanting to wipe the floor with you now.” The Irishman smirked but Callum was elbowed in the ribs by the seated man to his left. Callum grunted as the first hit to his jaw spun his head to the left, from the man that was standing. Callum snapped back, saw the man to his left rising, he flattened his palm of his right and drove the heal of it into the seated man’s face, knocking him backwards still in his chair. Callum sent his right elbow back into the midsection of the standing man, doubling him as the Irishman came over the table. The last man stood and went to leap at Callum but was tackled by Dustin.

“Gentlemen, please!” Mills cried out but the sounds of fighting muffled him.