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It was another average club on another average Tuesday that ended with Thomas storming out of the room because he would be better off utilising his time to "work on his art". The other ghosts couldn't help but chuckle and roll their eyes at that.
"What on earth's got into him?" Captain started, after Thomas was clear out of the room. It was not as if this was the first time an outburst like that had occurred, far from it, but Thomas had been noticeably irritable that week and his exit was quite abrupt. "Surely his poems aren't more important than our group activities."
It was meant to be a lighthearted comment. One that would slightly poke fun at his friend, but nothing further. And so he felt a small pang of something in his chest when Pat added on, "You said it mate. I'm sick of him skipping out on our clubs because he thinks he has sumthin' better to do."
"I mean it'd be a different story if his poems were at least good," Humphrey added on from somewhere on the floor and the Captain definitely frowned at that.
"Now I never said—"
Two or three ghosts interrupted him as they all started piling on their own opinions about Thomas's poems. Heat started rising in his chest as the comments became more cruel, all while the others laughed it off.
"He's so bigheadeds 'n we don't even likes his writings."
"It's a bit embarrassing really, some of his rhyme schemes."
They were all so caught up in the moment that none of them noticed Thomas peeking his head through the door just in time to hear Robin do a rather mocking impression of him. "Look at me Thomas, thinking me better than everyone. I shot in chest and can't even write good 'bout it," while dramatically throwing his hand over his abdomen.
They also definitely did not see the hurt on his face as he retreated and they continued on their mockery of the man. Likewise, Thomas never saw the scowl that grew on Captain's face throughout the ordeal.
"I just can't believe he thinks that nonsense is worth anything," Julian snorted. "I don't know anyone that would put themselves through listening to that drivel willingly."
The Captain had had enough. He marched over to where Julian was smugly stood with his arms crossed and jabbed his stick into his chest, perhaps a bit more forcefully than intended. "Now that is QUITE enough out of you, sir!"
The room went silent and Julian stared at him with wide eyes, putting his hands up in defense.
"I will not allow our dear friend Thomas to be insulted in such a manner."
"What's it to ya?" Julian stammered out, stepping back a step from where the stick was digging into his chest.
Captain was breathing heavily but attempted to compose himself. He lowered his stick a few inches but kept it pointing in his direction. "Now just how would you like it—any of you—" he briefly looked around the room, "if your so-called friends spoke so rudely about something you cared deeply about?"
He willed back the tears that were threatening to prick at his eyes as he recalled the time his fellow ghosts were making fun of him in a similar manner. And then back to the time when the soldiers under his command did much the same. And then the time in secondary school when...
Julian sat down then, "Alright mate, I get it. Just didn't realise you'd get so passionate about Thomas of all people."
"Well I-" James faltered, suddenly feeling everyone's eyes on him. "Of course we're not the closest but he certainly does not deserve to be disrespected. You know he cares an awful lot about his poetry. And quite frankly, his poems are better than you're giving him credit for," his voice started raising again as he defended Thorne.
The rest of the ghosts murmured quietly in agreement, a few of them apologising half-heartedly.
"Now if I were you, I would be glad that he wasn't here to witness such a thing," he stated before straightening his jacket and marching out of the room.
As soon as he walked into the library, he was met with Thomas, who was sat in the window, turned away from him. “Ah, Thomas!” Captain’s mood was already brightened from seeing the other man.
The same could not be said for Thomas, who winced when he heard him. He turned around to face him but looked terribly sullen. Captain frowned, confused. His questions were quickly answered when Thomas spoke sharply. "Came to tell me how shit my poems are then, are you?"
Captain's heart sunk. He was hoping that Thomas hadn't witnessed any of that but clearly he had heard something rather nasty. He fiddled with his stick, looking quite ashamed. "Of course not, Thomas."
He strode over to the poet and took a seat beside him, despite Thomas looking like a scared animal who might run or bite at any moment. "So you heard, then?"
Thomas stared at his feet and clenched his jaw, as if he didn't stay as tight as possible then he'd begin to cry. "Heard enough, yes."
"I-" the Captain tried to come up with an excuse for his fellow ghosts but could really only speak for himself. "I like your poems."
Thomas's head whipped up towards him and his mouth gaped open. "Since when?"
"Always, I suppose," Captain's voice was soft and unassuming, as if the fact were obvious. "Now I'll admit I have not always been vocal about my appreciation of your art, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy your work, Thorne."
Thomas still looked skeptical. "But I saw you in there, while they were all making fun of me. And besides, I'm not sure I have ever heard you say you like one of my poems."
"I defended you in there, you know," Captain gave him a sad look. "Not nearly quickly enough though, I'll admit. I do apologise that you had to see that. I don't think the others hate your work either.. they just got caught up in the moment is all."
He continued, trying to find the right words to comfort Thomas. "And for myself, well.. I don't think I have ever really understood poetry, on a technical level I mean. But when you share yours, it feels nice," he gave a small, reassuring smile. "More than any of that though, I see how it makes you feel, and I think that's a wonderful thing Thomas. I admire the way you are able to express yourself with your art, truly."
Thomas's expression changed at that, his scowl finally falling away and being replaced with something like an understanding. "You do?"
Captain nodded and clapped him on the shoulder, "Of course!" and if Thomas was standing, he would've lost his balance at the unexpected touch. It was certainly the friendliest the Captain had ever been towards him and while that would usually unnerve the man, he could not help but feel safe in his presence after the earnest compliment.
"Well I'll admit I am a bit taken aback by your kind words Captain," Thomas responded with a shy smile as he turned his words over in his mind. "But I appreciate them nonetheless."
The Captain returned a smile of his own "Maybe you could compose one for me sometime, if you'd like."
As he looked back towards the Captain, he had a beautiful glow about him and he could feel a new inspiration humming through his veins. He just might have to.