sanctum Thomas Hamilton/Captain Flint 14255 words.
The rush of shocked realisation, like a cool breeze, comes later as James is hesitating on the knife edge of sleep, belated because it is hardly a surprise at all that he had thought the word love and meant it.
A sort of sequel to symposium exploring the early days of James’ and Thomas’ relationship. A big ol’ pile of fluff.
Thomas wakes with a cool breeze on his calves and the cries of gulls and dock men in his ears. He stretches languorously against a bed harder and shorter than he is familiar with, arching into each separate ache. Somehow even the scratch of coarse, thin linens feels luxurious.
He opens his eyes and James is standing before a cracked basin splashing water over his head. In the pale morning light his back is splattered with flecks of gold and if Thomas were more inclined to move at this hour he would like to reach out and explore every freckle individually. The image of James, desperate and writhing under slow, delicate touches drifts unbidden through Thomas’ mind, both desire and a memory. Instead, he contents himself with watching James finish shaving and admires the twist of muscles under his shoulders.
To the Honorable Justice Addington Thomas, Massachusetts Bay Colony.
I petition you under the advisement of your friend Mr. Richard Guthrie to bestow your favor and influence. You may know Captain James Flint by reputation through stories of his past misdeeds, but you might not know of his desire to repent. He is a good man, a decent man, eager to renounce his transgressions at sea and seek life in a part of the world willing to accept a man humbled and penitent. Were such a thing possible, would such a place exist? It is with this very hope that I write you today. I’ve enclosed a bill of exchange for £500 to be spent at your discretion toward procuring whatever permissions necessary. I only urge speed. He is caught in a dangerous plot with wicked men who will most certainly kill him when they learn of his betrayal.
Believe me, your obliged and faithful servant, Miranda Barlow.
shesaheroyousee 