Work Text:
“Lanke? What’re you doing up here?” Thomas jumped, slamming his book shut and quickly turning around from where he was sitting. Standing over him was the first mate. “I couldn’t find you in your cabin. Hershtik said you might be ‘round here somewhere.”
The midshipman quickly got to his feet, straightening his jacket. “Sorry, sir. It’s hard to get a moment alone in such a small cabin so I thought it best to come to the main deck for some fresh air.”
William chuckled. “You don’t need to apologise. I was just worried, that’s all.” Looking at the boy, he noticed that he was fiddling with a small book. “What’s that?”
“Uh…” Thomas seemed a little embarrassed but he trusted William enough to let him have a look. “It’s a sketchbook. Just a silly pastime for when I get a spare moment.” Handing it over to the officer, he watched carefully as William flicked through it. He was pleasantly surprised when the other smiled.
“You’re a good artist, Lanke.”
Slightly flustered, Thomas muttered, “Thank you, sir.”
“You draw lots of plants. Is that another pastime?”
“My mother spends a lot of her time in the garden. She used to tell me about different plants when I was little.” William continued to quietly leaf through the sketchbook; he found the little sketches and doodles quite endearing. Once he reached the end, he closed the book and handed it back to Thomas who quickly took it back and held it close to his chest. “I should go back now,” said Thomas. “Sorry you had to go looking for me.” As the boy left, the first mate smiled to himself again; a quick detour to his sister’s room was in order before he returned to his duties.
“Lanke? Could I have a quick word?” The other midshipmen left as Thomas joined William once more.
“Is there something wrong, sir?”
“No. Nothing’s wrong, Lanke.” From behind him, William pulled out a tatty book. “I got to thinking after our conversation earlier on and remembered about this book.”
Thomas read from the book’s front cover: “‘Bibliotheca Botanica’?”
“I thought you may be interested?” He gestured for the midshipman to take the book. Thomas took a moment to admire it, flicking through the first few pages. “If not, I can always take it back.”
“Can I really borrow this?” The officer nodded, giving the other a soft smile. “Thank you for lending me this book, Dad!”
Dad . Uh oh.
Thomas froze, his eyes widening slightly. Oh god, he didn’t just call the first mate ‘Dad’ did he? Fuck. Fuck! Fuck ! He didn’t dare make eye contact; would he be mad? Amused? Maybe he didn’t hear him? The midshipman was sure he was turning bright red. Run; that’s what he should be doing right now. He should be running away, up to the main deck and off the side of the Obra Dinn into the water, never to be seen again. It was the only way he’d save himself from the embarrassment. But still, he was frozen to the spot.
William finally spoke after what felt like an eternity. “It’s no problem, Lanke. I hope you enjoy it.” He didn’t even seem to acknowledge it. Thank god, thought Thomas. With a quick nod, the midshipman finally scampered away, rushing to his cabin and joined Charles and Peter as if nothing had happened. Even though it was all very embarrassing anyway, he was glad the other midshipmen weren’t there otherwise he wouldn’t have heard the end of it.
Abigail jumped when her door burst wide open. “Oi! You can’t just barge in here!” she snapped before realising who had actually invaded her room; her little brother, William. “Will? What in God’s name is wrong with you?” The officer stormed in, heading straight for the window and resting his hands against the sill. Abigail couldn’t tell if he was laughing or crying. “God, Will. First, you’re taking my books, now you’re acting all weird. Pull yourself together!”
“He called me ‘Dad’...” muttered William, still looking out the window.
“What?”
As he turned around, Abigail could see the widest grin wiped across her brother’s face. “He called me ‘Dad’!” repeated William, giving a hearty laugh.
Abigail began laughing too; she could never imagine her baby brother being a father. “Who did?”
“You know the midshipman?”
“The one that threw up?”
“No, not him. Thomas Lanke, the one with the slicked back hair.”
“Aw, that is just so adorable!” The two siblings laughed again. “Wait. Is he the reason you took that book earlier?”
“Maybe…”
Abigail smiled. “Well, if there are any other books he wants to borrow, just let him know that he can always come and ask his new aunt.”
Thomas grumbled. “God, Pete. It’s not that funny.” He couldn’t even remember how it happened but, much to his dismay, Peter finally found out about his unfortunate slip-up and wouldn’t let it go.
“I don’t know about that, Tommy. Why don’t we go ask your dad? Maybe he’ll think it’s funny.” He continued to cackle obnoxiously until the two midshipmen heard someone clear their throat. Turning around quickly, they looked up and saw William.
“Something must be quite amusing, Milroy. We can hear you from the mess.”
“Sorry, sir.” said Peter, still stifling his chuckles.
“So,” William started as he turned to the other boy. “How’s the book?”
“It’s really interesting,” responded Thomas. “I’ll make sure to get it back to you when I’ve finished.”
The officer smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He rested a hand on the midshipman’s shoulder. “I’ll see you around, son .” And without another word, William left, leaving Thomas a stuttering, bright red mess again.