sranks | two dumbasses get voluntold into adopting a child

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??]

[Cassandra bounces up a bit as if to encourage Linhardt to pat her on the head, but once again it isn't long before her attention is drawn back to Octavia.

Hubert doesn't have time to respond before Octavia's words are out there and her gaze is on them and... oh no. He knows exactly where this is going and he's already flushing with embarrassment again.]

I don't know if that would be necessary—

["There would be one with me in it?" Cassandra asks at the same time, mouth falling open in awe. "I want to see it!"

...Of course. Hubert looks to Linhardt for help. He doesn't usually mind Octavia's work at all - she's very talented - but there's something really embarrassing about sitting for a... family portrait with a girl who is their charge for the next eight years. She's not their daughter.]

Yes, there would be! I'd be so utterly happy to paint you three together! You're all so delightfully picture-esque together, I must admit, and--

--Mother, please, such a thing truly wouldn't be necessary! Perhaps simply a painting of Cassandra herself would be nice, if you wish to paint her.

[Octavia huffs a tiny bit, crossing her arms a bit as she looks between them both and Cassandra. Her look does kind of deflate...]

Well, I would not mind that at all, truly. If that is what you wish...but...

[Octavia's look settles on Cassandra.]

Well? What would you like, darling?

[...Mother can't be serious. She literally can't be trying to use their charge's opinion against them? It's not like that will work. Linhardt is certain of that, even when he uses his free hand to place it in an almost crossed arm motion.]

Edited 2019-10-25 04:12 (UTC)

[Oh good, Linhardt's suggestion is a good one. It solves the problem without getting them involved at all. Cassandra gets a picture of herself, Octavia gets to paint, and they don't have to be horribly embarrassed.

And then Octavia proves that she is entirely too smart for her own good as she tries to turn the girl against them. Hubert manages to keep his expression neutral, but it is a struggle to keep the surprise (and exasperation) off his face.

Cassandra mulls it over, tipping her head to the side as she stares very intently at the painting hanging on the wall. She frees her hand from Hubert's and points at the portrait. "I want one like that." She tugs on Linhardt's hand and then grabs Hubert's again and tugs on his as well. "All of us."]

I really don't see...

[But he trails off at her pout, and he has no doubt that Octavia's making a face too so with a long-suffering sigh, Hubert finds no option but to relent.]

...Very well. I suppose I can allow it, just this once.

[Linhardt really isn't expecting this to go in such a direction, really. He's fully expecting that he'll be able to resist their charge even if she wants that, and Linhardt's struggling to keep his expression neutral, and then...

And then Cassandra points to that picture, and she says all of us, and he doesn't even look to see Cassandra's face--he sees his mother with a bit of a puffed expression, perhaps a bit annoyed, and Linhardt feels his resolve crumble as Hubert says those damning words and Linhardt sighs as well.]

I shall agree to this as well, then. But only once.

Once is all I need, boys! Oh, thank you so, so much! You'll make that girl a very happy child!

[Ah, there's the pep back in Octavia's tone! Octavia pumps her fists in the air excitedly, clapping and opening the door to the kitchen finally for them all; Cadmus is already at the table and seems to have been waiting for a bit, and he hails them all inside.]

Ah, good evening. I'm glad to see that your return trip saw the both of you safe and sound. [...Of course, Cadmus almost instantly sees their little addition, and he looks...well, he looks both surprised and kind of concerned?? Um.] ...I...had not realized that you had all decided to bring an extra little guest. Would one of you be willing to explain what is going on?

[...Hubert, please get this before Octavia goes off on a long story, this can only go stupid if she speaks up first.]

[Octavia leads them into the dining room and as they arrive before Cadmus, Hubert stoops into a bow. It's still something he's working on training himself out of, shhh. Of course, Cassandra sees this and decides that she wants to bow too, but she doesn't want to let go of either of their hands, so the result is... her awkwardly bobbing her head down before straightening back up with a grin.

...It's kind of cute.

Anyway, Cadmus wastes no time in addressing their new guest and Hubert is quick to cut in before Octavia can start saying things no one wants to hear.]

This is— ["Cassandra Lily Adeline!"] —yes. She's been put into our care for the time being. She'll be staying with us. I've already asked... Octavia if it would be acceptable to prepare a room for her for the duration of her stay.

[...We'll have to tell them it'll be eight years, but for now this is fine.]

I can provide you both with all the details once she's settled in.

[He doesn't think she'll really care if they talk about it in front of her, but it's sort of awkward to discuss her like she isn't there.]

[...Oh no, Linhardt looks over when Hubert and Cassandra bows and he can't even hide the little grin on his face. Cute...

Either way, Octavia is a little surprised to be cut off, but Cadmus listens to Hubert and nods his head. That does make some sense, at any rate, and he certainly won't disapprove at any rate.]

I see. If Octavia has given her approval, I see no reason to deny such a thing. We'll do everything we can to ensure that this little one will have a nice place to sleep. [Cadmus will look down at Cassandra though, his face neutral before he goes down to one knee and smiles at her.] And it is a pleasure to meet you, little Cassandra. Do try to be a good girl for these two, won't you? They're going to do a good job of looking after you, I'm sure.

Father, I do believe you're lavishing too much praise...

[Linhardt does wind up shaking his head a bit, but he chuckles none the less. Still, it is nice to be relied on? It's very nice, really.]

Only as much as I feel you two deserve. Hubert, you were already an incredibly responsible young man when I met you, but Linhardt...you've truly learned to follow his example quite well. I'm proud of you both.

[Okay, that gets Linhardt to look away, a little embarrassed--]

I agree entirely, you know! [Octavia's comment is easy, and she looks to Cadmus and goes over to loop an arm around her tall husband.] Isn't Cassandra just the most adorable little moppet you've ever seen, though?! Oh, I simply can't get enough of her! She's precious!

She is a rather sweet looking child, I will certainly agree. [Cadmus does clear his throat though, gesturing for the table.] Come now, let us all eat together.

[Dinner went well, despite Cassandra's lack of table manners and her fascination with everything on her plate. Hubert corrected her when he could, of course. Conversation was light and everything went fairly well, and once they were all done, Octavia swept Cassandra out of the room to go get her settled into her own room so the three of them could talk.

Explaining the situation to Cadmus wasn't easy, but thankfully it goes well enough. He seems to believe them, and he was certainly accommodating in allowing Cassandra to stay with them. The rest of the evening went as well as it could given that Linhardt and Hubert still don't know anything about taking care of children, but thankfully Cassandra fell asleep pretty easily after Octavia read her a story.

Unsurprisingly, Linhardt and Hubert don't require long to fall asleep either, and Hubert wakes up holding his husband close. That's not particularly unusual, but he's reluctant to actually get up and get today started, because once he does, he won't have time to be this close to Linhardt again. He'll be busy with Cassandra and dealing with all of that and honestly, he just wants to stay here for a little longer.

He presses a slow kiss to Linhardt's temple, gently running a hand through his husband's hair. It's still early enough where he doesn't have to leave the bed, so he's going to take a moment for himself.]

[Linhardt really is thankful that everything is going...well enough, at least--living with Cassandra is going to certainly be an experience, but his mother was more than apt to help get her settled while they talked to his father last night. Father at least believes them, and is more than happy to allow her to stay with them. That his parents are so willing to help is definitely something Linhardt can appreciate more than anything...

Even when the two of them have no idea what they're doing. It's something that starts becoming clear as the evening goes on, but the evening goes well perhaps in spite of that. Especially when his mother offers to read Cassandra a bed-time story to help get her to sleep. They aren't long for this world either, and Linhardt is fast asleep at first; dreaming of a nice, peaceful life with his husband, down by a lake, fishing until sun up...

The kiss against Linhardt's temples gets his eyelids to flutter open, and the softest of chuckles to escape.]

That tickles, love...

[It's soft, and still full of sleepiness as he cuddles closer to his husband and presses a lazy kiss onto Hubert from where he's nestled into the other man.]

We can stay for five more minutes, can't we...?

[or five more hours. linhardt could go either way!!]

Good morning, my dear.

[The pet names are easier now, never quite as sarcastic as they once were. He presses another kiss, to the top of Linhardt's head this time.]

Mm, yes we can spare another five minutes. It feels as though I may never get enough time to spend with you.

[He twirls some of Linhardt's hair around his fingers, watching the way it catches the light streaming in through the window. It really is the same shade as Cassandra's...]

We can't ignore the rest of the world forever, of course.

[Even though right now, he really would like to.]

[Linhardt always loves hearing Hubert's voice in the morning, especially the pet names and kisses; even when he's barely awake, the sound soothes him, and he wants nothing more than to fall asleep all over again to the sound of it, and just how warm he is.]

Oh, I couldn't agree more, you know. That's why I treasure every single moment like this...and every extra five minutes you allow me to bask in your warm presence.

[Linhardt's eyes slide closed when he feels Hubert's hand playing with his hair, the gesture as comforting as ever and making Linhardt move to cuddle even closer to Hubert.]

I know...I know... [Linhardt whines a bit; he knows that they've gotta get up soon, even if Linhardt sounds like he really really doesn't wanna. Getting up out of this warm bed means that they have to deal with the reality before them and like...don't wanna...] ...Surely we can stay a little longer. If she's gotten my penchant for sleeping in, it shouldn't be too much trouble, right?

[linhardt oh my god y'all got a world to save in eight years]

[That gets a soft laugh out of him and he gently tugs on Linhardt's hair.]

None of that, now. If we start finding excuses to avoid our... responsibility, then we'll be forcing your parents to deal with her. That's hardly fair, is it?

[Still, his other arm is wound tightly around Linhardt, and he's not moving just yet.]

You aren't the only one who wishes we could remain here, however. I love you more and more every day, my dear, and leaving your side in the mornings is by far the most difficult task of the day.

Hey--!

[Linhardt winds up huffing a bit at the tug, eyes opening the slightest bit--it doesn't actually hurt, but it is still a little whiny. He doesn't wanna though...still, the remark about making his parents deal with her is a fair point, even if Octavia would probably raise another child in a heartbeat even at her age. This is for his dad's sake, more than anything.]

Alright, alright, that is fair...as much as I would like to sleep in, that isn't fair to them. And...her, too.

[Linhardt guesses, anyway. Linhardt has gotten over a lot of his selfishness over the years working with Edelgard and Hubert to bring about this world, but there are some things he was still this way about...and this new responsibility was certainly going to test his limits.

Linhardt doesn't make to move either. Especially when such wonderful words escape from Hubert's lips.]

Oh, love...I feel the same, you know. If I could spend an eternity sleeping by your side, I would be a happy man. But sometimes it is worth it to get out of bed, because then I get to learn all sorts of new things about you that make me adore you even more. They reaffirm my decision to marry you entirely, and they make me so very happy that you're mine...

[The laugh that leaves him this time is almost breathless, as if he's somehow been caught off-guard by the words. He resumes running his hand through Linhardt's hair gently, though he's hardly paying attention to that and only focusing on his husband.]

I will never tire of hearing it. You made the happiest man in the world by marrying me, and being by your side every day only serves to make me happier. I cannot possibly imagine a life without you in it. My beautiful, perfect husband...

[He doesn't usually get this sappy at any point, but early in the morning is definitely the best time to be disgustingly sweet. Usually if he goes this far, he embarrasses himself and that's what forces him out of bed, but that doesn't seem to be happening just yet today. He really does love Linhardt, and sometimes he's not sure he says it enough, or shows it enough.]

[Linhardt can't say he minds the sappiness at all, and especially the hairplaying; it gets a very contented noise out of Linhardt, and if anything it only serves to help him wake up a bit more as he winds up chuckling brightly, moving his head up so he can start peppering Hubert's face with gentle, lazy kisses.]

Nor can I. [His words come between the many kisses, and he's already laughing.] I would never want to imagine a world without you. Without my wonderful, handsome, delightful husband, who I love so very much...

[Linhardt's honestly having the time of his life, and it's only the morning. He knows Hubert isn't ticklish by now, but he really does love lavishing his husband like this. It'll be worth it to see just how embarrassed Hubert is once he's satisfied.

...Even if they are so wasting time at this point, but it's worth it!!]

Edited (ICON...) 2019-10-26 17:51 (UTC)

[He loves when Linhardt's this affectionate, those sweet little kisses earn a delighted hum from him before he pulls Linhardt in to kiss him properly. It's slow and gentle, not meant to go any further, but meant to display all the affection he can.

Of course, they aren't going to be able to stay like this forever, and it's once they need to break to breathe that he finally pushes himself up on an elbow, still drawing his other hand through Linhardt's hair.]

Regrettably, we can't remain in bed all day. I'm afraid it's time to get up.

[Linhardt's more than happy when Hubert pulls him into a proper kiss, wrapping his arms around Hubert and showing every bit of affection in kind. It's always so nice to just be able to kiss like this; it doesn't have to go further, and it's more than enough to get Linhardt to smile until they need to break for breath.]

I know, I know...let's get ready to start the day, hm?

[Linhardt will get up and stretch himself out a bit, before his ears perk at the sound of something--the sound of...well it sounds like someone is doing something in the halls, with various hops and the like and...

...Linhardt shakes his head a bit as he realizes what that might be. He's very thankful that his parents prefer expensive things you can put on the walls rather than vases or the like, because he's pretty sure skipping in the halls would be a huge problem otherwise...but for now, it gets a bit of a smile from Linhardt.]

It seems like Cassandra has already started hers off. Come on, let's get dressed.

Perhaps we should have been quicker to wake up...

[Oh well, they'll know for tomorrow. And every day after, for the next eight years...

Anyway, Hubert gets up as well, stretching a bit before moving to get dressed. He's quick and efficient, as he is every morning, and spends a bit of time fixing his hair to his liking. Once all that's done, he sweeps over to the door and heads out to find Cassandra, still in her nightclothes, skipping up and down the hall. It seems like she's looking for something and when she catches sight of him, she perks up.

"There you are!" She beams at them both, and stops in front of them.

Hubert clicks hit tongue against his teeth at both her state of undress and the state of her hair.]

Come, let's return to your room. You need to get dressed before you start the day, and we need to do something about your hair.

[It's sticking up at all sorts of odd angles and given how thick and wavy it is, it's going to tangle terribly...]

[Linhardt's pretty quick to get dressed as well, though he winds up spending a bit of time on his hair as well; he rather likes making sure that it's well taken care of, after all. He'll soon join Hubert when he sweeps off to the door, only a step or two behind when Cassandra comes up to them with such a cheerful beam and...

Well. He wasn't expecting to be endeared this early in the morning. Linhardt winds up chuckling some as Hubert insists on getting her dressed and her hair fixed. Honestly, Linhardt's already looking at this and thinking of a way to tackle it...]

Yes, he's quite right. You really do have a case of bedhead, but...we can help you with that.

[lin, oh my god

"Bedhead?" Cassandra repeats the word, though she seems to get what it means after a second. She points at the top of her head, though, before gesturing to them. "How come you two don't have bedhead?"

...Okay, Linhardt's trying really hard not to laugh--he could be honest with her, really he could, but...]

It's magic, you know. You'll understand when you get older.

[Without even thinking, Linhardt winds up holding out a hand for Cassandra--and before he can think to take it back, she winds up clamping on. He can't say he minds, though.]

Let's be on our way, then.

[That gets a smirk from him, they probably shouldn't be teasing her like this, but it's fun and he's certainly not going to complain if Linhardt wants to get a little playful. Cassandra grabs Linhardt's hand when he offers it, and waits expectantly for Hubert's as well. He takes her hand without a second thought.

It isn't far to her room, and once they're inside Hubert ushers her over to the vanity.]

Do you want to handle her hair or her outfit?

[...she's old enough to pick out her own clothes, you know...]

[Oh, they probably shouldn't. But it is fun!!

Linhardt smiles when Hubert takes her other hand, and together, they're off! Hubert ushers her over to the vanity easily, and Linhardt winds up going over to open the window in her room to let some of the air in--mostly to get a good idea of how cold it is...]

I'll handle her outfit--it is a touch chilly out today, and I imagine she'll want to go outside. You may have better luck with her hair.

[Especially since it's so wavy and thick...if anything, it'll be like taking care of his own for Hubert, Linhardt surmises. He'll close the window shortly after and go pick out something for her to wear, clearly not caring about the fact that she...can probably pick her own outfit out...

Either way, he'll pick out something cute; a nice, ruffly black dress, a small amber-colored shawl, some black stockings, and some shoes that she can run around in. Still, he will looks to Hubert while he likely works, looking to both him and Cassandra while holding the outfit pieces.]

How does this look, you two?

[Hubert nods at that, and selects the brush off the vanity to get started. Cassandra sits still, watching their reflections in the mirror and only wiggling a little bit when he catches the brush on a particularly unruly knot.]

You have to be sure to brush your hair every day. It's long and thick, so it will tangle easily. It will hurt far more to take care of more tangles if you aren't careful.

["Okay." She sits still and watches him work out the tangle; he's perhaps surprisingly gentle with it, paying careful attention to the thick waves in her hair and getting them to settle a bit. It's still unruly - much like his own hair - but thankfully hers doesn't start to curl until the ends. He imagines it would be similar to his own if she were to cut it short...

They both look up when Linhardt addresses them.]

It looks nice. ["I like it!"] Will you need any help getting dressed, Cassandra?

[She wrinkles her nose a bit, and then points at the stockings. "I can't get those on." Fair enough, he supposes. They do seem like a bit of a hassle, and he knows Lady Edelgard had difficulties with them when she was small.

He does look to Linhardt at that. It's not like it would be particularly difficult to get her into the stockings, but it is a little awkward, he supposes.]

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