How wonderful life is while you're in the world

[leitstern]

Where: Heliodor.
When: Four months into reconstruction.
Summary: Little moments of comfort.

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[leitstern]

[Jasper rolls his head back to face the ceiling, taking his lead from his friend. He can scarcely think about those years; his thoughts of them being hot and vivid. So he turns his back on the matter.]

Yes. Certainly - you would be welcome to try.

[And he rolls off his own back, drawing the covers across him, turning onto his side. Positioned with his back to Hendrik while shunting back to occupy the middle of the bed.]

[standvastig]

[Presented with Jasper's back, Hendrik is unsure what to do. Was this Jasper's way of saying they don't need to speak more tonight? Is he simply tired and ready to sleep? Did he offend in some way?

His toes twitch under the covers in much the same way his fingers do, and he chews on those internal worries for a moment before shuffling over in the bed, draping an arm over Jasper's side -- in askance more than anything else.]

[leitstern]

[The bed feels empty and silent.

Jasper doesn't know what to think; is unsure of what to say. The expectation it would be romantic had stuck with him more than it would. His brow furrows and the corners of his mouth turn down - does it feel wrong because of something he expects? Granted, he is experienced in a dozen different matters, but none of them involve affectionate relationships.

Hendrik seems to be facing the same problem. Though bold and unsure, his touch is needful of his presence - the rapport and camaraderie they share - and has the good grace to be still. Every second sees him growing used to the position until he clasps the dangling hand affectionately.

It feels welcome.]

I am unlikely to spring to life and run off, Hendrik.

[His voice is a mumble. Half occupied between the sleeping and waking worlds.]

[standvastig]

[Hendrik's arm doesn't have to linger for long before he's rewarded with a reaction from Jasper, though he releases a breath he didn't know he was holding all the same. He smiles and inches closer across the bed, not quite pressed against Jasper's back but allowing his arm to drape down along his stomach so he can gently press his palm against his chest.]

It would be rather sprightly of you, languid in bed as you are.

[He's allowed to joke now, isn't he?]

[leitstern]

[Jasper shifts once again and rolls both shoulders before checking his hair, one hand sneaking around his back. Fingers clench at strands; nearly poking and prodding his friend. Truth be told, he rather enjoys being this close after years of experiencing the opposite. Though he doesn't acknowledge the hand pressed against his chest until the last second - when he gently lifts it away.

He moves it to his shoulder. Problem solved.]

It is too late for jokes.

[Hendrik's humour? That's another problem.]

[standvastig]

[There is a faint chuckle, but Hendrik relents with a sigh, careful not to move his hand after Jasper positions it presumably somewhere more comfortable. He lifts himself only long enough to ensure his pillow is under his head before settling down again, a connection between them without his own physicality smothering his friend.]

Goodnight, Jasper.