[Hendrik gasps and shudders his way through Jasper reaching for his hand, turning his head away as dry sobs finally eke out of him. Each one struggles out, Hendrik's self-restraint in tatters but still too stubbornly in place to let him simply cry as he had done as a child. Like it or not, he is still surrounded by his wounded men.
He can't look at Jasper as he squeezes his hand as best he can; though his other hand isn't injured, his breathing is still labored.
He says nothing and cannot truly appreciate the gesture in the moment, but the touch buoys him in a time where he feels there is absolutely nowhere to go but down.
In time, he's finally able to settle back against his pillow, pale and exhausted. He stares at the ceiling, trying to piece together thoughts and not quite succeeding.]
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He can't look at Jasper as he squeezes his hand as best he can; though his other hand isn't injured, his breathing is still labored.
He says nothing and cannot truly appreciate the gesture in the moment, but the touch buoys him in a time where he feels there is absolutely nowhere to go but down.
In time, he's finally able to settle back against his pillow, pale and exhausted. He stares at the ceiling, trying to piece together thoughts and not quite succeeding.]