sranks | two dumbasses get voluntold into adopting a child

[Oh. Oh, Linhardt didn't think to even ask about that end of it, still trying to process just the fact that she had given these to them, that this girl who knows nothing went out of her way to pick flowers, and...

Linhardt doesn't even get the chance to say thanks before she's off again, and he feels slightly worse for it. He winds up looking down at the flowers for a little while, looking at the beautiful blue flowers in his hands and holding them very carefully. Linhardt's certainly a little bit tongue-tied too from the kindness she's shown them.

Maybe...maybe, these eight years won't be so bad. He looks to the flowers that are in his husbands hands as well after a bit, words still failing him as he tries to process just what he's feeling. Linhardt is definitely failing, but...]

...Lily.

[The name comes as Linhardt looks over at the flowers in his husband's hand, and back to his own, before settling on his husband's and...well, the smile on Linhardt's face is softer than even he realizes.]

Do you think that would be a suitable name for her? I admit it is perhaps a little...on the nose, but...

[Look, some girls are named after flowers, right? It'd totally make sense and be cute, right??? But maybe she should have an actual real person name instead of just...a flower...please Lin don't be lazy...]

Lily.

[He repeats it, looking first to his husband, and then out to the girl in question.]

...I like it.

[At least part of why he likes it is because lilies can be poisonous, who the hell let this happen.]

But perhaps... [Hmm.] It was a common tradition in Faerghus and some parts of the Alliance to give children two names. Perhaps we should pick two, and allow her to choose her favorite.

[It hardly seems fair that she doesn't get a say, considering that she is old enough to have preferences for such things.]

I'll admit that I don't have another name in mind, however. Perhaps something a bit more traditional...?

[...he cannot get away with suggesting "Edelgard", can he.]

[hubert the goddess may actually, literally smite you for that

...and linhardt would judge a fair amount]

Is it? That would not actually be a bad idea...she does deserve a say in what her new name should be, yes. It would probably make her happy, too.

[Hmm...]

I'm afraid I do not either, but I have already picked out one...I think you should pick out the other. Just for fairness sake.

[...It's only partially out of laziness, but something about this idea is...actually making Linhardt smile. This feels special in a way he wasn't expecting it to feel, and what would be more special than both of them having names?

Who knows? Maybe the girl will pick both and she'll truly be a combination of them.]

[why do you think he didn't say it?? because linhardt would judge him.]

I suppose that makes sense.

[He considers, his gaze going back to her again as he runs through several ideas. Most he can discard immediately, but some he lingers on as he attempts to determine what would fit her, and what would be an acceptable name for him to give. It takes him longer than it probably should, if only because Hubert is always so thorough about everything, including this.]

...I have two options, and I'm not sure which one you'll like better. [He does look back at his husband at that.] The first is Adeline and the second is Cassandra.

[The first obviously has ties to Edelgard's name - Edeline is another spelling of the same name, after all. So that might be a bit... much.

The second... well, the first part obviously comes from Caspar's name. He's not entirely sure Linhardt would like a reminder of that, or if he'd prefer that his former friend be honored in some way.]

[good man, hubert!!

Linhardt looks back at her too while Hubert thinks, just kind of watching over her. A girl this young needs to stay out of trouble, after all, and...Linhardt certainly doesn't want to go out of his way, but he will if he has to if she needs help.

(He kind of wants to, actually, and he's not sure where the hell that feeling came from.)

Hubert speaks up and Linhardt's gaze is back to him, eyes widening at both options. They actually sound incredibly cute...Adeline is somewhat close to Edelgard, which is at least fair, but Cassandra...did he pick that for Caspar? Linhardt actually looks away a bit at that, but he is still smiling. He still thinks about Caspar sometimes; how things could have been if the boy were still around. Linhardt does miss him, and if he were around to see them both with this child...

He's sure Caspar would at least be amused. If not trying to get the child into all sorts of trouble. Linhardt's gaze goes back to Hubert.]

...All be told, I rather like them both. They're rather wonderful names, and truly, either of them would be wonderful for her to have.

[...]

I like Cassandra quite a bit, if I simply have to pick one of the two. I like them both in equal measure, however; Adeline is quite lovely as well. But...let's give her a choice between them all. I'm sure she'll appreciate the options.

[Adeline von Hevring, Cassandra von Hevring, Lily von Hevring, any combination of the three...all of those sound so lovely, really. It is her choice, after all.]

Edited 2019-10-24 21:22 (UTC)

[He knows Linhardt's picked up on why he chose the two names, and he's relieved to see that Linhardt isn't entirely opposed to either. He nods at his husband's words and turns his attention back to the girl to call her over and... then he pauses.

...How do you call over a child who has no name, um.]

Will you come here for a moment... [uhhh] young lady?

[Okay, so he sort of wants to die after calling her that, but she giggles and approaches, looking between them both (and their flowers) curiously.]

You do not have a name, correct?

["I don't think so."]

We would like to offer you some options. Do you like Lily, Adeline, or Cassandra?

Edited 2019-10-24 21:25 (UTC)

[Linhardt more than happily watches as the girl comes up to them, though...young lady...that sounds so foreign on Hubert's tongue, and Linhardt's hand goes to take one of his husband's while he talks to her, gently lacing their fingers together. Linhardt's certain that he's prepared for anything as he watches the girl think, really.

Of course, however, he's wrong.

"Hmm..." The girl mulls it over for a moment, before tilting her head and looking at them. "I like all three of them."

...

Linhardt expects her to elaborate on which one she likes the most but she. Doesn't, um.]

...We're glad to hear that, but...which one do you like the most?

["All of them." She says that like it's the most obvious thing in the world and dear gods Hubert help, he's looking at Hubert again like he's not sure? How to deal with this??]

[Lacing his fingers with Linhardt's is second nature at this point and he's all too pleased to do just that when Linhardt's hand finds his.

He was expecting this to be easy, but naturally, that's not how things are going to go. It turns out that there is certainly a downside to dealing with a girl this relaxed about everything.]

We need a name to call you, and calling you by all three seems like a bit of a pain.

["But I like all three!" She says, like she absolutely cannot pick.

Hubert sighs and tries very hard not to roll his eyes.]

I suppose you can have all three names if you want, but you will have to pick one for us to call you. [Hmm, what order works best...] "Cassandra Lily Aveline", perhaps?

[What a mouthful. Cassandra Lily Aveline von Hevring. He's not sure if it's more embarrassing or hilarious, honestly.]

[Linhardt isn't sure if he should be happy about how chill she is about everything or a little exasperated with her indecisiveness...and suddenly he knows exactly where she may have (definitely got) the indecisiveness from and Linhardt can't help but sigh along with his husband.

Still, the girl thinks about that for a moment... "Cassandra Lily Aveline..." She says, as she sees if she likes it--and perhaps unsurprisingly, she does. "I like it. I'm Cassandra Lily Aveline, now."

...Dear goddess above, why couldn't they be blessed with a decisive child. At least they only had three names in mind? Linhardt's thankful he didn't bring up the fact he was contemplating Iris too, but he does wind up smiling at her.]

Cassandra Lily Aveline von Hevring. Until you remember your own, that is what you shall be known as.

[...Okay, it's definitely more hilarious than embarrassing, especially hearing it come from such a small girl.]

Very well. We'll call you Cassandra most of the time, but the other two names are yours as well.

[That seems to placate her and she nods her head eagerly.]

For the time being, you will be staying with us. Is that acceptable?

[...He asks, like she has a choice...

Anyway, she bobs her head again. "Yes!"]

I suppose we should also determine where you'll stay.

[They can return to the Hevring estate at any time since his work here at the capital is done, and while it won't be a problem to fix a room up for her back there, it certainly will be a bit more difficult to find a room for her here in Enbarr... Hmm. Leaving her at the Hevring estate is a possibility, but sending her there on her own is absolutely out of the question. Even with trusted guards, he wouldn't allow it. If they've been entrusted with watching after her, then he intends to do just that and won't allow any harm to come to her.]

Linhardt, what do you think? Should we return home?

[There's always the tiniest pause before he calls the Hevring estate home, like he's still not sure he's really comfortable with calling it that.]

[That is a good question, honestly. Linhardt smiles when she agrees to stay with them--not like they were going to give her much choice anyway considering the Goddess's request--but Linhardt does give it some thought and winds up nodding his head.

Hearing Hubert call the Hevring estate home, though...that's something Linhardt will never get tired of.]

Yes, I do think that would be for the best. We would be able to accommodate her far more easily back home, and I imagine it would be much easier to look out for her there as well.

[She'd also be in far less danger, as he's sure Hubert knows. Hevring isn't a place that sees combat often, and even then, the estate will certainly be the best place for her to be at any time...

He'll look to Cassandra, though.]

...That, and I suppose if she's fond of the flowers here, she'll be quite taken with the flowers at the estate.

[She seems to perk up at that, and Linhardt's trying very hard not to smile.]

If our business is done here, then we should do that as soon as we can.

[...It's not quite hitting him like a brick in the face that his mother is probably going to lose her mind in the happiest of ways when she sees this...]

Yes, I agree. Should Her Majesty require my aid at any point, I can always return on my own.

[He greatly prefers being by Linhardt's side, of course, but Hevring is a far safer option. Obviously Enbarr is fairly safe as well, but there are plenty of shadows for assassins to hide in; he knows so better than anyone else.]

I will need to speak to Her Majesty before we leave, of course. I'm certain Byleth will tell her what happened, but I would prefer to discuss it with her myself.

[In truth it's because Hubert doesn't trust anyone to deliver information to Lady Edelgard, but this really is something he needs to discuss with her in person. She's not likely to believe it otherwise.]

Let's return and get started packing. I suppose we'll need to get Cassandra some clothes as well...

[What else do children require?? Oh man, this is going to suck...]

[...Linhardt's going to be babysitting a lot, isn't he. Goddess above, he will never know peace again. Linhardt realizes that very quickly, but he still nods in agreement with Hubert's words. That is pretty prudent after all, and one of them do need to be watching over her at all times. That's how kids work, he's sure, but...gods, they gotta go shopping for a child, this is going to suck.

They're at least able to pick out some clothes with Cassandra in tow while in town; for such a bright and cheerful lass, she certainly does like the sort of gothic style that she came into their lives with. They do of course pick out some other things that they think children should have, and while it's certainly an...experience...they do manage to get a reasonable amount of things that they think she'll need for the trip back, and to settle into life with them.

Hubert goes to have that talk with Her Majesty shortly after, and Linhardt winds up watching Cassandra for a bit. He's honestly not sure what to do with her when alone, or really how to talk to a child who seems...just like she doesn't have many thoughts in her head. That's an awful assumption to make, isn't it? The small talk is certainly a little awkward between them, but at the very least, Hubert comes to his rescue and they can both take the trip home with stride.

Perhaps thankfully, Mother had opted to let them borrow one of House Hevring's carriages--that's probably for the best, considering that they don't know if Cassandra would be ready or even willing to ride a horse. They pack everything onto the carriage, and they wind up having a nice and fairly quiet trip home while Cassandra looks out the window a lot.

This is all so new to her, Linhardt is realizing. She may be old enough to have things like preferences and the ability to talk and other such things, but she really is experiencing the world for the first time. She asks them questions about what they see occasionally, and they do take turns explaining a bunch of things to her, and it's...nice, honestly. It's actually nice enough to see Linhardt's mood boosted pretty effectively for the ride home, even if he's having a hard time trying to decide where it's coming from...

It takes them some time to get back to Hevring, and the sun is starting to set when they get back. It's very nice to be back in Hevring, at any rate; it's always felt like home, and perhaps even this little girl will be able to call it the same once she's used to it. She's looking around once the three of them are off of the carriage, and the servants help to take care of their things, but then there's a foresty green blur coming at them both and...

Well. It was at that moment that Linhardt realizes oh fuck, they have to explain this to Mother now.]

Linny!! Huey!! Oh, welcome home! [His mother's shouts for them as she comes rushing from her little table in front of the estate, more than ready to embrace them and hug them--practically tackling into Linhardt as he wobbles a bit, but manages to wrap his arms around his mother and keep them both steady while she kisses his cheek.]

Hello, Mother...it's very good to be home. Has everything been well since we've been gone?

[He's hoping that will distract her from noticing the new addition for a tiny bit...

Octavia nods her head, though, smiling easily.] Oh, yes, everything has gone very well! It was a touch lonesome without my two wonderful sons around the house, but oh! I'm so glad that you're back...

[Octavia will let go of Linhardt and go to hug Hubert next. Come on, Hubie, you're not escaping the affection either--] I trust that everything has gone well for the two of you, as well? Please, tell me all about it over dinner, everything is already prepared--

[...Aaaand that's about when she notices the little addition that's come along with them, Octavia practically having a ! appear over her head.]

...Oh me, oh my, and who is this sweet little moppet?

[Shopping for Cassandra is surprisingly easy; in comparison to her indecisiveness when it came to her name, she certainly has preferences in style and what she'd like to wear. That makes it easier on them, and Hubert can certainly approve of her taste. They don't only let her pick out the most goth clothes in the general vicinity, but there's certainly enough black in her wardrobe to make it obvious that she has plenty in common with him. They pick up some other things while they're out, though it's very obvious that neither of them have any idea how to take care of a child, or what a child would really require.

Hubert takes his leave for a bit to speak with Her Majesty about the whole affair. It's relatively quick as far as his meetings with her usually go, and she spends the whole time doing strange things with her face. He's never seen most of those expressions on her face and still isn't sure what to make of them. Regardless, she had no complaints with them returning to Hevring, and promised to send for him if she needs him.

He saved Linhardt from awkward small talk with Cassandra and together the three returned home. The carriage ride was nice enough, and there was something oddly charming about watching Cassandra stare out the window in awe and ask them endless questions about everything.

It's when they arrive and Octavia comes barreling at them that Hubert realizes oh fuck, they have to explain this to her now.

Linhardt manages to keep them from falling over and get through the usual greetings just fine, and then it's Hubert's turn to deal with Octavia's affection. He stoops a bit to give her an awkward one-armed hug (it's still awkward, it probably always will be awkward, but at least he's progressed this far) as she continues on—

And then she notices Cassandra, who is watching all of this unfold with seemingly no cares at all in the world.]

Ah, this is... ["Cassandra Lily Adeline!" She replies helpfully.] ...Yes. She's been entrusted to our care for the time being.

[They can get into the whole "Goddess-given mission against evil" thing later on, for now this is probably as good as it's going to get. He's certain Octavia is already aware of how strange it is for Cassandra to look so similar to them both, but hopefully she has the sense to wait to question them about her further.]

She will be staying with us. I hope it isn't any trouble to prepare an extra room.

[It's okay, Octavia loves his hugs, even if they are awkward!! They're hugs from her darling Huey and she wouldn't trade them for anything in the world, okay.

Either way, Octavia's eyes practically light up like an exploding Agnea's Arrow, and she finishes showering Hubert with affection to look at this beautiful, darling, absolutely precious moppet with a look that's full of pure wonder and delight and almost like she's going to cry, clearly having drawn several assumptions--]

Oh...oh my goodness!! Oh, what an utterly precious darling of a girl! Cassandra Lily Adeline...oh, it's such a pleasure to meet you!

[Octavia's look goes back to Hubert and Linhardt shortly after, but she heard them loud and clear and is at least...not asking questions yet. She's more than happy to nod her head, though!]

Of course, of course! That would be no trouble at all, my darlings. I shall get the servants on that post-haste! Her room shall be a wonderful place for her to rest her precious head by the time we are done!

Thank you, Mother. You have no idea how much this means to us... [Linhardt had absolutely no doubts that his mother would accept her easily, because That's Just How Octavia Be, but...] I'm sure that she'll adore whatever you are all able to do.

Think nothing of it, my sweet sons! After all, I would do anything for a darling new addition to our family! ♥

[...so yeah, about that whole sense thing

Linhardt feels like he's just been suckerpunched in the gut by his own mother--which, granted, is just the general Experience with Mother, but--] M-Mother, you greatly misunderstand, it's certainly nothing like that, we're simply watching over her--

[Linhardt continues rambling, but all the while, Octavia's look goes back to Cassandra as she opens her arms a bit to her with the most soft expression in the world.]

May I hug you, you wonderful darling?

[It isn't surprising that Octavia is quick to accept a child into the home and shower affection on her. Hubert had no reason to think she'd do otherwise, and he has no doubts that Cadmus will accept her easily enough as well. Everything should go well, especially since Octavia is saving the questions she surely has until later.

...And then she proceeds to say that and while Linhardt struggles to explain the situation to her, Hubert turns a brilliant shade of scarlet and looks away, hiding the lower half of his face with a hand. Ohhhh this is not how things were supposed to go she is not an addition to the family, stop that—

Cassandra is completely oblivious to their suffering, of course. She nods eagerly at Octavia and holds out her arms immediately. Perhaps she innately knows what a hug is, or maybe she's quick enough to have figured out what it is by watching Octavia interact with them both, either way she is ready for affection!!]

We should move inside. We do have to explain this to... [ohhhh man] ...Cadmus, after all.

[It still feels so weird to call him by name........]

[Linhardt's going red too, don't feel bad. His words wind up dying off as he watches his mother hug Cassandra warmly and firmly, laughing so brightly and delightedly. There's a part of him that wants to get her attention but she's so intently administering affection that she can't even hear them--

Meanwhile? Cassandra is absolutely getting that hug while Octavia absolutely goes and presses a little kiss to her sweet new granddaughter's forehead, before gently separating and beaming.] Oh, welcome home, you sweet, adorable little lady!

[Hubert's words are the perfect thing that helps get Mother's attention back to them, at the very least.]

Ah, yes, of course! He'll want to meet our new addition as well!

Mother, please, she's not an addition! She's simply someone that we're watching over for the time being...

[Octavia pouts a little bit at that, very clearly not convinced in the slightest, but she winds up letting it go for the time being. Hubert did wind up using Cadmus's name after all, and she could never be truly annoyed with her sons!]

There's no need to be embarrassed-- [Octavia looks at Hubert in particular as she says that, shooting him a warm smile as she chuckles.] --But! We will need to come inside post-haste, then--dinner awaits, after all, and I'm certain you all have worked up an appetite! Do be sure to keep an eye on the little one, won't you both?

You two should take her hands and help guide her around!

[Mother, why...Linhardt looks to Hubert, his own face red as a goddamn tomato as he looks at his husband. Are we gonna do this?? Help, how do we get out of this???]

Edited (wording) 2019-10-25 02:16 (UTC)

[Cassandra's giggling too, but when Octavia pulls back she lets her go easily, looking back up at Linhardt and Hubert.]

Of course we will—

[Aaaaand there Octavia goes, being embarrassing again. Hubert is tempted to try to hide his face again, but at least manages to refrain this time. He's definitely looking away once again, though.]

That really isn't necessary, it isn't as though she'll get lost that easily.

[Cassandra has absolutely heard Octavia, though, and she holds out her hands immediately. She waits patiently with her hands extended, looking from Linhardt to Hubert and back again.

Hubert glances down at her, trying to work out how best to argue with a child that this is absolutely not something they need to be doing. She won't get lost with all of them here, so she doesn't need to hold their hands and...

...She's not going to care about that at all, is she. She's a child, and children are not known for their logic. With a sigh, he gives in and takes one of her hands, getting her to giggle gleefully.]

[You know, Linhardt was absolutely hoping that Hubert's words would be able to get through to both of these girls and get them to stop with this nonsense. That maybe they could escape with this with some of their dignity intact?

But no, Mother's being an embarrassment and Cassandra holds out her hands before them, as if they're really going to take her hands? She'll be fine walking around the castle on her own, but the longer he stares at her, patiently holding out her hands to them, the longer he wants to give in. And shortly after Hubert does, Linhardt does too with the most put upon sigh in the world.]

This really isn't necessary, Mother, she'll be fine...

Nonsense, Linny! I'm sure that sweet little Cassandra will absolutely appreciate knowing she has two wonderful people looking out for her! [Octavia claps gleefully, before ushering them inside.] Come along now, with haste!

[...Thankfully his mother's haste is slowed by the fact that she's going to be talking a lot and essentially giving a tour, so Linhardt is just. Absolutely gonna talk while they guide their new little problem along.]

...So, have I apologized enough for how Mother is? Because I truly don't believe I apologize enough, Hubert.

[he is. so sorry holy shit]

[Cassandra certainly does appreciate this, swinging her hands in theirs as they set off. She listens closely to Octavia as they go, asking questions and taking in every bit of information she can get.

Linhardt certainly has the right idea to tune them out, and Hubert glances over at his husband when he speaks up.]

Your mother is hardly your responsibility, you have no need to apologize for her.

[...]

However, the apology is appreciated... She can be a little... much at times.

[It looks like he's struggling to hold back a smile, though. While he's not lying and Octavia can be incredibly embarrassing, he still does care for her and he's thankful he's been accepted into House Hevring so willingly.]

I know, but even so, I wish she wouldn't simply jump to conclusions like that...it's more than a little troubling, and she truly can be quite much...

[Linhardt does honestly look like he has the slightest bit of a smile growing on his own face, too. It wouldn't be his mother if she wasn't so high octane and full of energy at all points in time, he's certain...]

...But I suppose that it is worthwhile, isn't it? Mother really does have no shortage of energy and adoration, for any and all people, and she gives it out so easily. It's...very nice, truly.

[Like he finds it overbearing as hell, but she really does take to people so easily that it's...envious, really.]

It is. Her unique brand of caring is certainly incredible. Her kindness has always been appreciated.

[And now... His gaze drops to the little girl between them.]

I think it will be good to have her around to assist us. She knows more than we do about tending to children, and I believe her warmth will be appreciated as well.

[Cassandra already seems taken with her, after all. She's still hanging on Octavia's every word, completely ignoring both of them.]

It is. Even if she is forceful about it...she wouldn't be herself if she was anything less. Our wonderful mother...

[Linhardt looks down at Cassandra too, watching her absorb every single word his mother is saying. It's...honestly really cute, and kind of heartwarming? His heart is doing that thing again, like he's got a hex going on, but Linhardt's look is so soft as Octavia goes on and on about the place as they get closer to the kitchen.]

I do agree with you. She'll know better than anyone just what is needed to take care of this child, and perhaps help us ensure that she grows up well. It...would certainly be nice to see that.

[...oh no, he's going soft, help]

[That gets a soft laugh out of him - it's the sort that's still entirely too evil, and for a brief moment Cassandra's gaze finds his. She isn't bothered at all, just curious, but her attention is drawn back to Octavia quickly enough.]

Careful, don't get too sentimental.

[He's clearly teasing though, if the smirk is any indication.]

...I do agree, though. This feels much more manageable with your mother's assistance. I have no doubts she could manage this all on her own.

[Linhardt feels himself flush at the statement, looking at Hubert and almost dismayed before he winds up chuckling just a bit.]

I would never. Sentimentality is so deeply out of my league...

[Linhardt says that with mock offense, but he's...honestly kind of happy, even if this is gonna be hellish.]

Oh, she absolutely could. I imagine she would be able to take a whole orphanage and make them feel utterly adored within a single day... [...] I doubt we could ever truly emulate her example, but these years may not be so terrible with her around. It will certainly ensure Cassandra grows up well.

[Linhardt winds up using his free hand and just...gently pats Cassandra on the head, if the girl will let him. Linhardt's been bad at even saying thanks, but...it's an attempt. They're getting close to the kitchen anyway, after all, even if mother is stopping to talk about a painting on the wall...

It's one of both herself and Cadmus, and Linhardt as a small baby held in her arms. It's certainly regal looking, to say the least.]

--This painting has been around for a great many years--I certainly can't paint myself, so I had this commissioned by the most lovely artist!

[Octavia seems to get an idea after that, though, looking at the three of them and...oh no, oh no, Linhardt knows that gesture, the way she's creating a rectangle with her fingers and looking at them through it--]

That gives me a wonderful idea! Please, let me paint the three of you together sometime, when you are all settled! Oh, I would give anything to hang a picture of the three of you together in this house! ♥

[...Octavia has given them several paintings and portraits she's done but clearly one more for the pile is something they need, right??]

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