There's no hardship in returning to his proper duties. Horatio had always been more than pleased to serve, no matter the hurts and terrors and incredibly cruelties which so often accompanied the service.

Still, leaving a moment alone with this man always disappoints something buried deep in his core.

"Tomorrow night, then."

Boldness at sea is natural enough. Boldness on shore takes something more. Whatever it is jolts through Horatio briefly as he takes a step back, prompting him to bring the commodore's hand to his lips as he half-bows.

It's almost simple respect. Almost.