4.

Tintin settles into Captain Haddock's arms, feeling warm and content. Amazing how little really changed when the Captain learned the truth, except that he became able to help Tintin to guard his secret, and look after him when his time comes each month. It actually brought them even closer.

But much has changed since then. Most of all this- their relationship. Tintin had never known what it is like to really love, and he adores the way this feels- to love Captain Haddock. To be loved.

If Tintin were to reflect on it, he thinks that one of the most important things in their relationship is their acceptance of one another. He does not like it when Haddock drinks, but he has never judged him for it. And now the Captain has come so far in his recovery, hardly ever drinks more than two or three glasses in a day.

And Haddock accepts him entirely as well. Not only his body- although it did take some getting used to for the sailor, Tintin knows, once they finally made the decision together to be intimate- but his thirst for adventure as well. Tintin had once taken it for granted how much the Captain goes through, how he follows him so selflessly, but not anymore.

So Captain Haddock has his flaws, and Tintin knows he has his own, but these are really a part of what makes them who they are. And even though it can be difficult sometimes, trying, he accepts that, and feels wonderful knowing that his Captain does as well. Being accepted, body and soul- there is no way to describe how that makes him feel.

Presently, the two have just gotten back from a lovely dinner party. They are still dressed in their suits, though they've taken their shoes off and undone their ties, and they lounge contentedly on an antique couch together, happy to be home. The party was nice, of course, but now that it's over, it's a relief to have some time alone.

Tintin rests the back of his head against Haddock's chest, looks up at the other man's face. Haddock laughs softly, and Tintin can feel the vibrations in the sailor's chest. It makes him give a little laugh in turn.

Haddock tells Tintin how handsome he looks this evening, in that fetching suit, and Tintin chuckles modestly. It's true, he insists, he's never known a man to be so handsome.

"You think so?" Tintin asks.

"Have I ever lied to you, lad?" Haddock counters.

"No." Tintin replies, smiling. "Thank you, Captain."

"I didn't do anything," Haddock says. "Just telling the truth."

Tintin shifts, turns himself over onto his belly so that they are lounging front against front, with Tintin still on top of Haddock. The journalist puts one hand on the back of the couch and leans up to look the Captain in the eyes. He puts his other hand on the back of the sailor's head, fingers twining in smooth black hair, and kisses Haddock on the lips. He feels the Captain's strong arms slide over his back to resume holding him as he deepens the kiss.

When they part, they look at each other for a moment, before Tintin settles back down on Haddock's chest and belly, feeling accepted, and content.