doctor-durantâ:
âYou flatter me so, you know that?â Thaddeus questioned, their own voice rather quiet. âI could read you anything from these to poetry, or historical texts. Whatever best suits your fancy. I want to make you happy in any way that Iâm able to.â They grinned down at their intertwined hands, lifting them up so that they could press a chaste kiss to the back of Jasperâs hand. It was clear to see how apprehensive the cook was in the way he was speaking, but Thadd didnât let it alter their expression. Any concern they had in this moment was purely to do with Jasperâs well-being. So instead they stood there patiently, watching his face even despite the fact that his eyes had been closed for some seconds. They pulled their hand away from his purely for the sake of bringing both of theirs to cup Jasperâs face on either side. âPlease look at me, love,â they requested, tracing gentle patterns on his skin with their thumbs. âI would never hold any ill will towards you or anyone else in a situation like this. So long as youâre happy and healthy, thatâs all that matters to me. We can take this in whatever direction you would like, but I do know that I want to be with you, properly. YouâreâŠâ They trailed off. âThe love of my lifeâ came to mind as soon as they doubled back upon saying it. âYouâre important to me, Jasper. And Iâve waited this long.â
Jasper was unable to deny the request when they asked him to look at them. Hazel eyes raised from their spot that he was focusing on the ship floor to Thaddâs. It was his favorite set of eyes to look at and Jasper found himself blushing for no reason at all. That was just how it was when he was around the other, he tended to become a blushy mess that was a bit clumsy. Perhaps it had been because he wanted to find an excuse to see the other whenever he could but now he didnât even need those excuses to see them. âI do not want to make you wait any longer.â he said softly and a smile started to stretch across his face feeling relaxed at the fact Thadd wasnât upset at what he told them. Not that Jasper ever thought they would be, he still had been nervous just because what if.Â
Leaning forward, unable to stop himself he closed the gap between them and stole a quick yet soft kiss to their lips. Pulling back, however, he froze when he realized something important. âThough I should tell you something first, before you decide if you want this with me or not...â It never got easier to say things like this out loud, to talk about his past so openly especially with someone he was starting to love. Yet Jasper knew that he needed to tell them, not to hold this from them if they were going to move onto whatever they were becoming. Thadd deserved to know. âI was married before....it was a matelot situation but we were in love...â a clear to his throat as he tried to keep the tears that were suddenly threatening to spill over, at bay. Unable to look at them as he said this next part, he glanced to the side and whispered, âhe died...âÂ













