guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

I do not think anyone would hold light paperwork against you in this situation, but... Do not get carried away. I suppose that is all I can say there.

[He would undoubtedly do the same if he saw his responsibilities building up over several days, so he can't criticize his friend.]

...Are you already thinking of your old age? We only just became adults less than a handful of years ago.

[Well. More than a handful. But that sounds better than "three years short of a decade."]

I will not. I am liable to just fall asleep in the middle of it if I have reached the end of my rope, so you need not worry.

[...and he was joking, but you know... he does find himself getting a bit pensive.]

Well, it seems I have found myself thinking about the future a bit more than I used to, for whatever reason. I could not imagine why.

[He very gently jostles Celestine to bounce her a bit to keep her from getting bored with the conversation.]

[Hendrik chuckles at his friend's dry humor, watching how he makes the effort to keep Celestine entertained. It would be easy to get caught up thinking about his own future with that topic, so he averts his thoughts to the closer future instead.]

Before you know it, she will crawling about and looking for her own entertainment, grasping for anything in reach. You best be ready.

Oh, I am certain she will. It is somewhat bittersweet, I suppose.

[He looks down to smile fondly at the happy baby.]

On the one hand, it is very exciting to watch her learn and grow; on the other, it will be a shame when she no longer desires to sit still long enough to be my dear little assistant.

Just wait until you can give her a quill or paint and a piece of paper. You may have your little assistant for awhile yet.

[His smile lingers even as he curls his toes in his boots, attempting not to shift from foot to foot.]

Are you in need of anything else while I am here?

[It seems like Jasper is prepared for the evening, but he asks anyway. To be helpful. To have more of a reason for visiting.]

Oh, now that is something to look forward to. I suppose she can have a vacation until then.

[...and you know, he is thinking about that question... he doesn’t want Hendrik to leave, necessarily.

...

On the other hand...]

Well, I should ask if you have rested at all. I would not want to see you felled to disease and exhaustion as well.

[Hendrik falls still at the pointed remark, clearing his throat in a self-conscious manner.]

I suppose I have been remiss in that regard. I took a short nap after the doctor and nursemaid arrived, and another more recently. However, to be fair, I am still operating on an expedition schedule.

[...That's a terrible excuse and he knows it.]

That would make it even more essential that you get some rest.

[...

There’s definitely a part of him that feels cheered by the fact that Hendrik went so far out of his way for the two of them, though it’s mixed with guilt and shame over the fact that it was even necessary to begin with...]

...

Forgive me for imposing on you so much last night, Hendrik.

[The apology takes Hendrik by surprise, and he shakes his head quickly to assuage that guilt.]

I am happy to help, Jasper. You should know that. It pleases me greatly that you place so much trust in me.

[His brows knit together in vague concern. Should he say what is on his mind...?

...Yes, he should. It's not about what makes him happy; it's about what will provide security for Jasper and his family as things become increasingly uncertain. Who knew how much the monster population would grow come springtime?]

However, I do not believe it is a good idea to rely on me going forward. You should look for someone who can be there reliably for you and Celestine.

[...oh. Well. It’s not like he never thought about how it’d likely be more manageable if he had an actual spouse or partner instead of how things were now, but...

...

Yeah, it probably would be good to stop pining after Hendrik, wouldn’t it. Or, at the very least, to try and get to work on moving on from the idea. It’s... not going to happen, in all likelihood.]

...I simply was too stubborn to talk to the doctor or the nursemaid for options regarding overnight help. That is all there is to it, and it will not happen again.

[...he looks stubbornly at his empty soup bowl as he says it instead of at Hendrik.]

Of course.

[His smile is touched by both nostalgia and endearment, and he relaxes a little without Jasper's eyes on him.]

Your stubbornness and ability to assess yourself are both excellent traits. I simply want to be sure you are getting the assistance you need.

[The smile loses some of its strength, and then disappears completely, as he averts his gaze to the foot of the bed.

Priorities change with new roles. Sometimes there is an adjusting period. He knows both to be true.]

Please be sure to take care of yourself as well. Or...

[No. He cuts himself off. He had already worried about imposing too much.]

Or what?

[Jasper looks back up, a bit of a mischievous smirk on his face.]

Shall you tie me up and force me to take care of myself, Hendrik? How utterly dreadful a thing to imagine.

...really, though, you need not worry overmuch.

[Hendrik blinks rapidly at the unexpected teasing, feeling his neck and face heat up at the very ... improper thought. There's also no small amount of confusion as he tries to understand how those two remarks together make any sense.

He opens his mouth. Shuts it. Um...]

I, ah-- I shall, regardless. You cannot stop me.

...

[Jasper kind of... squints...]

You... are feeling well, are you not, Hendrik? You look a bit flushed.

[........or did he..............]

[He shifts, just barely stopping himself from rocking backwards at that accusatory (accusatory??) stare.]

I am-- I am perfectly well, thank you.

[His fingers twist at his sides, begging to curl into stressed fists. Can he deflect this?]

The only one not feeling well here is you, Jasper.

[Yes. Amazing.]

...you were presumably up all night, Hendrik. If you are not feeling well, you should just talk to the doctor before things get particularly bad.

[...........]

Unless you want the two of us looking after you as well...?

[Hendrik doesn't answer right away. It's ridiculous, but somehow it is appealing to imagine being looked after like that.]

I will talk to a doctor should I start feeling unwell. But, as I said, I am fine. Truly.

[... ... ...]

You could not look after me while you are sick, in any case. So Celestine would be left in charge.

Hm... that would be a bit beyond her, even if she would make quite the adorable little nurse.

[He tickles Celestine beneath the chin, and she giggles and wiggles.]

So you will at the very least have to keep yourself well until I am in good health.

[Some of the nervousness drains away when he hears Celestine giggle; it's remarkable to think about how much she's grown and how expressive she's become.]

...I can do that. You will be back on your feet in two days or so. That is not long at all.

[He doesn't mean to make it sound like he's promising to get sick, but it sure does sound like it.]

[...yeah you know it kind of...]

Do not go out of your way to fall ill, though. I have enough to worry about without you catching your death.

[...he’s already feeling kind of tired from the conversation...]

Ah... Of course not. I would hate to take you away from your priorities.

[His eyes flit from Jasper's face to Celestine, who wiggles and looks up at her father with her limited vision.]

In any case, you are right. I should rest -- and so should you.

Yes, I believe we all should.

[Jasper pushes the tray away a bit, then moves Celestine to his lap so he can face her more directly towards Hendrik.]

Say goodnight to Sir Hendrik, Celestine, and tell him you also wish for him to get a good rest.

[She makes a few burbles before sticking her hand back in her mouth.]

...I am sure you got your intentions across, my dear.

[Hendrik smiles at Celestine and her father, charmed by how they interact. Jasper had really become a wonderful parent, stepping up in ways he wouldn't have expected in their shared youth. He's happy for him. Truly.

Maybe he'll be able to have a family of his own after they eliminate the Darkspawn and get the monster populations under control again.]

Goodnight to both of you. Rest well.

[He steps back until he clears the foot of the bed before turning around to leave.]

[Despite otherwise feeling otherwise... not very good, Jasper does feel his mood lightened by the end of things, even if he does have... questions.

...

He’ll deal with those when he is well. For now, he will just give one last goodbye.]

I hope to see you in good health tomorrow, Hendrik.

[...oh, he probably should get up and arrange things so Celestine can go back to her bassinet while he sleeps... eh, he’ll do that in a second. He likes spending time with his kid, so sue him!!!]

[There are no further words said in farewell as Hendrik slips out the door, a sigh escaping as he carefully shuts the door so it makes no noise.

He blinks when he looks down the corridor to see King Carnelian standing there. It's an automatic gesture to lift a hand to his chest in salute, head bowed as the king approaches.

"Spending more time with Jasper and his child, I see." Considering his lofty tone while on the throne, Carnelian's voice could be considered mild now.]

Ah. Yes, sire. I wanted to check on their well-being, with the current weather.

["Your dedication to them is admirable. You only recently rekindled your friendship with Jasper, correct?" Carnelian nods slowly when Hendrik nods in the affirmative. "Do be sure you are not doing so for the wrong reasons. 'twould be terrible if you felt beholden for reasons of guilt."

Hendrik shakes his head.]

Not at all, sire. I genuinely enjoy my time with them.

[The look that Carnelian gives his general is strange and unreadable. It makes Hendrik vaguely uncomfortable. "In any case, you just returned from your expedition, Hendrik. Be sure to get some rest."]

...Of course, Your Majesty.

[Hendrik bows his head as the king departs, another sigh passing his lips as soon as he is outside of earshot.]

psl time: single dad au edition

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