[ It had all started smoothly enough. He'd been breaking his fast in the Community Hall with a cup of strong black coffee when Kate had arrived; one thing led to another and when he found she had plans to go foraging in the woods, of course manners and his duty as a gentleman demanded he offer himself as escort.
The walk had been pleasanter by far than might be expected, thanks to their grim surroundings, but conversation with Kate flows easily, now that he's grown more comfortable in her presence. It's still strange, but not impossibly so, and he's been lonely here in this place without any of his fellow midshipman and other officers, without Matthew and Styles, who have been so steadily by his side for so long.
He blames himself, of course — or will, when he has a moment to think. He hadn't thought anything of Kate going out on the ice in search of a quicker way across one corner of the little pond. Only when he hears the sharp report of ice cracking and her subsequent scream does he realize his folly.
Horatio sprints for the ice, flinging himself onto his belly as he reaches out to her, fingers grasping for hers. ]
you lying next to me— AU-shaped
The walk had been pleasanter by far than might be expected, thanks to their grim surroundings, but conversation with Kate flows easily, now that he's grown more comfortable in her presence. It's still strange, but not impossibly so, and he's been lonely here in this place without any of his fellow midshipman and other officers, without Matthew and Styles, who have been so steadily by his side for so long.
He blames himself, of course — or will, when he has a moment to think. He hadn't thought anything of Kate going out on the ice in search of a quicker way across one corner of the little pond. Only when he hears the sharp report of ice cracking and her subsequent scream does he realize his folly.
Horatio sprints for the ice, flinging himself onto his belly as he reaches out to her, fingers grasping for hers. ]
Take hold of my hand, quickly!