Work Text:
“Come on, Hal! You’re making it too easy!” Hans yelled behind his shoulder.
Henry gritted his teeth and leaned even further onto Pebbles’s neck, urging her on. Her hooves thundered under him as she hit the ground with terrifying force. The wind slapped Henry’s face, brushing through his hair. He narrowed his eyes on Hans, one step ahead of him, and watched Willow slow down whilst Hans was too busy gloating back at Henry. Henry grinned as he pushed Pebbles as fast as she could go and passed the shrine two steps ahead of Hans.
Henry straightened, and he let giddiness wash over him as he dropped his reins and raised both hands above his head in victory. He closed his eyes as he let the wind wash over him, following Pebbles’s hard gallop with muscle memory alone. Closest he’d ever come to flying.
Despite his loss, Hans’s beautiful laugh echoed behind him. He turned to him with a grin as their horses slowed to a walk, snorting from excitement amongst their heavy breathing. Henry kept his reins loose so she could catch her breath.
“You know what they say about gloating, my love,” Henry said.
“Oh shut up, who’s gloating now?”
Hans tried his best to appear cross, but the gleaming of his eyes, the healthy flush of his cheeks, and the unbidden joy written all over his features betrayed him. Hans was never as happy as he was atop a horse, free in the wild with nothing but the trees and the birds. And by gods, was he beautiful when he was happy. Hans’s grin grew wider under Henry’s blatant staring.
“Enjoying the view?”
“Very much so,” Henry said earnestly.
Hans chuckled. “Well, I know I’m pretty, Hal, but what do you say we go to the creek, cool these horses off?”
Henry followed Hans onto a smaller path, now too narrow to ride side by side. His reins still loose on Pebbles’s neck, he let his hand brush over the bushes they passed, disturbing droplets of water from the morning dew. He allowed himself a deep breath, enjoying the sweetness of freshly bloomed flowers filling the air mixed with their horses’s sweat. It was their first time out in months, despite it already being early summer. Hans has been confined to town for the entirety of spring. Hanush had been relentless, he had refused to give Hans any freedom until Jitka was with child.
It had been a rather gloomy spring for all parties involved. As it turned out, Jitka was very sweet. She had not been any more thrilled than either of them about this affair. She’d also figured out the truth about Henry and Hans so fast it was embarrassing. But she hadn’t cared, on the contrary. She just wanted her freedom to do as she pleased. Hans was all too happy to allow her anything she wanted. They were a good match after all.
“Hal?”
Henry startled and looked up. They had arrived at the creek, and Hans had already dismounted. Pebbles was grazing peacefully, entirely ignoring Henry still sitting on her back.
“Sorry,” Henry said as he jumped off.
“Where were you?”
“Oh, nowhere.”
Henry removed Pebble’s saddle, dropping it against a tree before guiding Pebbles into the shallow water. Careful not to get close to the treacherous edge that dropped into deep waters, he sprayed some cool water onto her legs first. Hans followed suit with Willow, and for a while, only the birds and the calm water falling against the rocks and into the lake below broke the silence.
Henry had been staring at the lake and was startled as cold water hit his back, splashing all the way up to his neck. He turned around to Willow, hitting her hoof repeatedly into the water, spraying everything around her, and Hans already laughing. The arse had seen it coming enough to step away. Oh, it was on.
Hans, still laughing, released Willow as he took a step back. “It wasn’t even me!”
Henry sprayed Hans right in the face mid-laugh, and before they knew it, the horses had scurried off back to shore, and they were both laughing like children trying to throw the most water at the other. Hans cornered Henry at the edge that dropped into the lake, and so, his cheeks hurting from so much laughter, he raised both hands in surrender. Hans, however, continued to advance slowly with a far too gleeful grin.
“Hans,” Henry warned. Hans took another step. “Hans, I can’t swi-”
The word was cut off with a, frankly embarrassing, shriek as Hans tackled him and they fell underwater. Henry briefly panicked as his breath got caught off by the water, and he thrashed around as they got deeper and deeper. Henry opened his eyes through his panic, and Hans was right there. His arms around him, his body actively kicking through the water, and Henry was suddenly weightless as he realized they were already going back up. He relaxed all at once against his lover and allowed him to get them back to the surface.
Henry gasped as soon as he was above the surface, needlessly breathing in as much oxygen as he could. Still gripping Hans’s neck with one arm, he used his other hand to wipe water out of his burning eyes. When he opened them again, Hans was no longer laughing, only looking at Henry with an adoring smile. His eyes, blue as the sky above their heads, were watching Henry carefully, glinting under the sun.
“I got you, Hal,” he murmured. “I always will.”
Somehow, Hans was keeping them both above water, and what a way to find out he trusted Hans with his very life. Henry smiled as he pressed his forehead to his.
“I know.”
Henry doesn’t know who moved first, but it didn’t matter. He surrendered to Hans’s kiss, and with his lips and his hands in Hans’s wet hair, on his neck, he tried to show Hans how much he loved him, how much he was a part of him. Hans’s touches on his skin were a burning contrast to the cool water. When they broke the kiss, Henry leaned over and let his breath tickle Hans’s ear.
“If you tell anyone I shrieked like that, I will kill you,” he whispered.
Hans’s laugh echoed around them, and Henry grinned. Sweetest sound in the world.
Henry walked backwards as he led the pony around the fenced yard. He was really trying not to snort at the scene unfolding in front of him, but it revealed itself to be an impossible task. The all-mighty Lord Hans Capon of Pirkstein was actually side-stepping, intervalled with jumps, arms held out towards the four-year-old giggling atop his first pony.
“Careful now, Hynce, keep holding her mane!” Hans said.
Who knew he would turn out to be such a mother hen?
“Hans, you know you can just… walk, right? We’re hardly moving.”
Hans glared at him before startling and snapping his gaze back to his son. “And what happens if he falls and I’m walking?”
What kind of logic even was that? “Aye, because whatever that is is definitely what’s keeping him in the saddle.”
“I can ride on my own, Father, I’m big now!”
“Of course you are, darling. I’m just here for encouragement,” Hans said, a little breathless.
“Alright, Hynce, like we talked about. Stand tall, and just like on Pebbles, arms to the side,” Henry said.
“Whoa, slow down a minute,” Hans interrupted as he grabbed onto Hynce’s hips. “He’s not a trickster, Henry!”
Henry armed himself with patience as he gave Hans a look. “It’s just to learn balance. He’s done it before, he is fine.”
Hans tsked. “On the same horse as you held him, it’s not the same!”
“I am fine!” Hynce whined. “I can do this!”
“See? He’s fine,” Henry said with a grin.
Hans glared at Henry again, but eventually let him go. His hands hovered a few inches from him, but still. Henry focused back on Hynce. Nobody could have ever denied he was Hans’s son through and through. The same blue eyes, the same blond hair, though he had inherited his mother’s curls, making him look even more boyish than he already was. He stood tall on the black pony, stretching his arms out straight to the side. Joy unbidden on his face. Briefly, Henry no longer saw Hynce but a young Hans, wild and free, galloping towards Trosky, away from Maleshov, towards their hunting campsite.
“Henry, look, I’m doing it!”
“Aye, you are. Great job,” Henry grinned.
When Henry glanced at Hans, he had melted entirely. He was walking normally, finally, his hands carelessly lying on the pony’s back. He only had eyes for his son, and Henry’s heart swelled at how much pride Hans carried in that single look.
Hynce’s nursemaid walked up to the fence, so Henry stopped the pony. Hans glanced at what Henry had seen and grabbed onto Hynce, picking him up in his arms.
“Come on, little guy, time to go with Kira,” Hans said.
“No!” Hynce whined. “I want to ride more with Henry!”
Henry took a step towards them and booped his nose. “There’ll be plenty of time for more riding lessons. You be good now.”
Hans put him down even as Hynce was still whining. When his feet touched the ground, his little hand grabbed onto Henry’s hose.
“Tomorrow?” Hynce asked, looking up with hopeful eyes.
“Only if you’re good,” Henry promised.
Hynce beamed before he ran off towards his nursemaid. “Thank you, Henry!”
Hans raised both arms up. “Hello, what about me?” he complained.
Hynce ignored him and grabbed Kira’s hand, walking away. Hans half-groaned, half-whined as he dropped his forehead onto Henry’s shoulder. Henry glanced around, but at this hour, there was no one to be found at the training pen. Still holding the pony’s reins with one hand, Henry wrapped his other arm around Hans and kissed the crown of his hair.
“Ease up, my love. You’re doing great.”
“I love him so much. And he loves you so much more!”
Henry breathed out a laugh, shaking his head with fond exasperation. No matter how old Hans got, he never lost his inclination towards dramatics. “That’s just not true, and you know it. He’s just being a kid.”
Hans took a sharp intake of air as he looked up to watch the disappearing form of his son past the town’s gate. Henry didn’t release his hold on him and soothingly stroked his arm.
“He won’t grow up like I did, Hal. He’s already lost his mother, and I… He will know love, and he will know affections, I don’t care how unnoble it is.”
“Oh, my birdie, he does. He already does,” Henry said, kissing his hair once more.
Hans leaned into the touch, letting his head fall into Henry’s neck. “Promise me that if something happens to me, you will take care of him. Please, don’t let Hanush rob him of that. Even if you have to kidnap him to do so, I don’t care.”
Henry’s heart hurt. “Of course. But nothing will happen.”
Hans looked up once more, staring into Henry’s eyes as he reached over to touch his cheek. “But if it does. Please, Henry.”
“Hans, I have sworn to protect him as I have sworn to protect you. I will always look out for him, you have my word. If something were to happen to you, I would love him enough for both of us and Jitka.”
Hans nodded rapidly, relief washing over his features. He leaned over, but Henry leaned back slightly and looked around them once more. There was still no one to be found, so he gave his attention back to his husband and kissed him tenderly.
Henry let out a deep breath of contentment. He was lying on the grass, the sun heating his skin comfortably as birds sang overhead and the gentle river waterfall lulled him into a sense of deep peace. And best of all, his hand was burrowed deep into his lover’s hair, petting it gently. Hans was lying on his side with his head on Henry’s stomach, stretched out like a lazy cat in the sun. Which, really, in this moment, he was.
“Are you happy?”
Henry smiled, his eyes still closed. “Right now? Aye. Are you?”
“Well, let’s see,” Hans said as he shifted on his back. “I’m lying in the sun with the love of my life. In about six months, I’m going to be a father, which is just… wow. And my forced wife turned out to be very… independent and a friend for us both. I’m only missing two things.”
Henry’s smile grew as a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun coiled in his belly. “What’s that?”
“To finally be allowed my birthright, for starters. But most importantly…”
Hans let his voice trail off as he sat up and settled on his knees. Henry opened his eyes, blocking the sun in his eyes with a hand as he looked at Hans curiously.
“Sit up, my darling.”
Henry did, shifting to sit cross-legged in front of him. Hans took Henry’s hand in his, caressing the skin with his thumb, eyes downcast. He nervously cast a glance around him, even though they both knew there was no other living soul for miles. Henry frowned as he tilted his head. It wasn’t much like Hans to be nervous like this. At least not so openly, as Henry noticed his shaking hands.
“What’s wrong, Hans?” Henry asked, trying to shake off his sudden unease.
“Nothing, I…” He took a deep breath before meeting Henry’s eyes. “Henry, will you- Will you marry me?”
Henry froze. “You’re already married,” he blurted out.
He regretted his words instantly, feeling dumb. Of course, he knew that. But Hans didn’t get upset, he only laughed.
“Aye, I’m aware. I’m also aware we can’t go in front of a priest. But this, you… Henry, I…” he paused and squeezed Henry’s hand. “I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. In a truer capacity than you just being my knight. I want to live our truth.”
By your side. The words turned and echoed in Henry’s mind. In all the time they had known each other, it was always Henry swearing to be by his lord’s side. He had integrated it as his truth, his identity. No matter what, he would be by Hans’s side. He had said it when they had left for Trosky wearing his colors for the first time. Made it a promise after Hans’s near-death, sworn to it in heated whispers that night at Schudol. And finally, Henry had vowed it, on his knees in front of his Hans, his hair shining in the sun filtering through the church's windows as he granted Henry knighthood.
Now, Hans was kneeling in front of him, his hair shining unfiltered this time, vowing to Henry. Hans’s eyes were gleaming with water, and it did nothing to hide the adoration in them. And Henry wanted to cry. His throat was so tight from all the emotions threatening to spill out of him, and he swallowed it back down with difficulty.
“Yes,” Henry said, and even on this one syllable, his voice cracked. “Of course, my birdie, of course I’ll marry you.”
Hans released a wet laugh as his free hand shot to quickly wipe at his eyes. “Good,” he said. “Because I already had these made.”
Hans released his hand to search his pocket, the sudden cool air on it making Henry realize just how warm Hans was. Hans retrieved a small linen package and untied it to reveal two gold wedding bands. Henry stared at them with disbelief. After Skalitz, he had been quite certain this wouldn’t happen for him. A home life, marriage, children.
“Confident, were you?” Henry said, mirth mixing with unshed tears.
Hans smiled too. “Well, you know I’m not one to assume, but I was fairly sure.”
“No, my lord,” Henry snorted. “You would never assume. You never assume your fire will be made, or a servant is there to fill your wine, or your name will open any door…”
“Alright, alright,” Hans interrupted with a laugh. “Point made.”
Henry picked up one of the rings with awe as he looked at the inscription inside. Audentes Fortuna Iuvat. He smiled once more, and his cheeks were aching. What else could ever be written on their wedding rings, what other vow could they ever make?
“Won’t people talk? How did you even have these made without question?”
Hans discarded the linen, holding on to the other ring. “Two different jewellers in different towns. No one will dare say a thing. They’ll assume it’s my normal wedding band,” Hans said as he removed the ring that had bound him to Jitka, throwing it in his pocket.
There should be a lot of dark feelings there. There certainly had been no shortage of them before Jitka was with child. Ugly jealousy had gripped Henry’s stomach for months, and it had not been aided by how obviously miserable Hans had also been. Henry should be angry that people will assume Hans’s ring was Jitka’s. But now, he found there was none. Hans and he would know the truth, and really, what else mattered? There was no room in his heart in this moment for any dark feeling.
Hans reached out to lift Henry’s eyes to his with a gentle touch to Henry’s chin. “And if anyone asks you, I expect you to look very sad and avert your eyes until everyone learns they shouldn't ask you.”
Henry’s smile returned. Hans had truly thought it through. “Consider it done, my lord.”
“Don’t call me that, Hal, not now.”
Henry let his forehead meet Hans’s. “But you are, Hans. You are my lord, my love, my heart. My birdie. They’re all true to my heart.”
Hans’s breath was hot on Henry’s face right before they kissed. There for a second and then gone as Hans retreated. “Wait, wait. We’re doing things out of order.”
Henry chuckled and nodded as Hans took his hand once more. “My sweet Henry. Will you take me as your sinfully wedded husband?”
Henry had the urge to smile even as he was already smiling so wide, it hurt. He looked over Hans, the playful glint in his eyes, his lips still reddened and plump from their earlier kissing. He was so beautiful. Henry felt the rush of his love for him down to his very core as he nodded.
“I do.”
Henry felt the ring sliding on his finger, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Hans. He wanted to drink in every piece of him, this was the sight he wanted to see before he died. When Hans looked up, Henry took his hand in turn.
“Hans, will you-”
“I do, Hal, I do!”
And that did it. Henry laughed with Hans’s enthusiasm, and as he did, tears fell from his eyes. He unsuccessfully blinked them away as he slid the ring on Hans’s finger, and as selfish as it was, a part of him felt deeply satisfied to replace what was there before. To claim him, keep him as his. His. His.
Henry was still staring at the ring when Hans’s lips crashed onto his. The sweetness of the apples they had shared was still on his lips, and Henry drowned in it. He wrapped his arms around Hans, pulling him in until no space was left between their bodies. Hans half-fell onto him, and Henry lay back, allowing Hans to settle on top of him. His hand found purchase in those soft golden strands as they deepened their kiss. His lord, his love, his heart, his birdie…
“My husband,” Henry breathed against his lips. “My everything,” he finished.
Henry was drunk on the words, and the effect on Hans was something Henry would die and kill for. Hans whimpered and his hips bucked against Henry, sending a rush of pleasure through him. Henry grabbed onto him and flipped them over, gently setting Hans down on the grass. Looking into his love’s eyes with a devotion he burned with, Henry intertwined their fingers. The rings clinked against each other, the sound almost as sweet as Hans’s laugh.
Henry stood at the end of the bed with a deep smile, looking at Hans brush Hynce’s hair off his forehead, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Now, you remember tomorrow I won’t be here, and neither will your nursemaid, so you will be good for Henry, yes?”
Hynce looked thrilled by the idea. It may have something to do with the promised sword lesson. Henry wasn’t ashamed to admit he absolutely spoiled that boy. He couldn’t help it. Hans constantly scolded Henry for it, but it never had any heat. It only took one pleading look from Hynce to make Hans fold. Only six years old and he already had them both wrapped around his finger, the menace.
“Yes, Father, I promise.”
“Good lad,” Hans said as he kissed his hair. “Sweet dreams.”
Hans stood and walked towards the door.
“Good night, little man,” Henry said as he turned to follow Hans.
“Wait, Pa! I want a kiss too!”
Henry froze and sensed Hans doing the same next to him. He turned back to Hynce, barely aware of the way he was clutching his own chest.
“Pa?” Hynce repeated hesitantly.
Henry startled as he realized he’d just been standing there, staring at him. He smiled and approached the bed, kissing his hair. He ruffled them for good measure as he straightened, making the boy giggle.
“Good night, Hynce,” Henry said again.
Eerily, he walked out of the chamber, Hans on his heels. As soon as the door had closed behind him, Hans beamed before he grabbed Henry into a fierce embrace.
“Good god, Henry!”
Henry hugged him back, pulling him close in a bruising grip. “I… Hans, this… I…”
Hans chuckled against his ear. “Crazy what one word can do, eh? Where did he even get that one?”
“I told him of Martin.”
Henry buried his face into his husband’s neck. Henry was trembling from the whirlwind of emotions rushing through him. In his most private thoughts, he’d always thought of Hynce as his own but had never dared to claim as such out loud. He loved him as a son, that was certain. But at the end of the day, he was Hans’s and Jitka’s son, not his. Even if she had died when Hynce was still so young.
Hans whined. “How am I supposed to ride to Talmberg now?”
“Don’t remind me,” Henry muttered. “I’m not thrilled you’re going without me.”
Hans took a step back with a chuckle. “My retinue is perfectly capable of keeping me safe on a few hours' journey, Hal. Hell, I’m perfectly capable of defending myself against the off-bandit. I’d rather you stay here and keep our son safe.”
“Hans…”
Hans furrowed his brows in a severe line as he pursed his lips. A perfect copy of the face he made when he tried to be stern with Hynce. It amused Henry more than anything, just like it amused Hynce. “If you say one word to contest this, Henry, you will not be happy dealing with me these next few weeks, I promise you.”
“Alright, alright,” Henry said in surrender with a smile. He took a deep breath as he looked at the closed door behind Hans. He’d never dared claim Hynce as his son, but Hynce had. “I… You know, I never thought I could ever love someone else as much as I love you, but…”
Hans’s smile was so beautiful as he reached out to touch Henry’s cheek. “I know, my darling. I know.”
Henry leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. He wasn’t afraid of onlookers here. After Hanush had died last year, they had moved to the upper castle. Hans had promptly forbidden access to the wing containing their bedchambers to any servants until they were clearly sent in by him or his bodyguard. “For the safety of his son”. Whatever they had thought of the rule, no one had said a thing. It meant Henry and Hans were free to share a bed without fear, free to touch and love openly. Within these walls at least.
The next day, after seeing Hans off, Henry took Hynce to the kitchen, holding his hand. If he was going to play with wooden swords with him, he better get him a snack now. The boy got real grumpy when he was hungry. Which was all the time. A fact that never ceased to amuse Hans for some reason.
Henry let the boy go run off in the kitchen as he turned to the old kitchenmaid and asked for the food. She glanced at Hynce, running around giggling, as she packed it up.
“He’s hyper today.”
“Aye,” Henry said. “Lord Capon is off to Talmberg for the day, and I promised to teach him some swordplay so…”
She smiled as she added apples to the basket. “His lordship really trusts you with him, doesn’t he?”
“Aye, well, Young Hynce is my lord too. I have sworn to protect him just as I am sworn to protect Lord Capon.”
She hummed. Hynce came tumbling down from the pantry with cake smeared all over his face. Henry groaned. Just what he needed, a sugar rush on top of his endless energy. Hynce held up a handful of it to Henry.
“For you, Pa!”
Henry blanched. Oh fuck. He hesitated between the need to correct him and the agony the mere thought of doing so brought Henry. He really didn’t want to confuse Hynce, nor hurt him. He also couldn’t have him go around calling him his pa without an explanation.
“Hum… You have it, Hynce,” Henry said as Hynce was getting impatient.
“Aw, the poor lad,” Eva exclaimed as the boy walked off.
Henry looked back at her with a hesitant smile. “Sorry, I’m around so much, he’s just a bit confused.”
“And no wonder! Losing his mother so young, and you take such good care of him. No wonder,” she repeated with a shake of her head as she closed the basket and handed it to Henry.
Henry took it with a grateful smile and saw his opportunity. “You know, I hesitate to correct him, he’s been through so much already. I reckon it’s best to explain when he’s old enough to understand.”
She tilted her head in compassion as she tapped his arm. “Of course, of course. But what of his lordship?”
“Oh, Lord Capon agrees. It was a bit of shock and a laugh, the first time he did that, let me tell you. But his lordship doesn’t want to confuse the boy, and seeing as I’m his right-hand man and there all the time anyway… What’s the harm, eh?”
She frowned. “He truly doesn’t mind? Lords generally don’t take too kindly to that kind of thing.”
Henry shrugged. “He may be my lord, but as you know, Hans and I are friends, too. Lord Capon is quite invested in his son, he doesn’t want him hurt. Neither do I.”
“You have a good heart, Henry,” she said as she patted his arm.
Henry smiled at her before he turned to call Hynce and walk off. He felt a bit guilty manipulating her like that. Eva had been good to him when he first arrived in Rattay. He knew her well and liked her. Most servants didn’t bother using titles when talking to Henry, they had been friendly with him far longer than he had been a knight. That’s how Henry knew this story would have reached the ears of every servant and commoner in Rattay by tonight.
They stopped at a trough to clean Hynce’s face and hands off, and Henry watched him run ahead of him in the direction of the pen, giggling at nothing as he went. He already dreaded the day Hynce was old enough to understand he could only call Henry pa in the privacy of their home.
Crouched in the grass, Hans breathed in deep. As he exhaled, he released his arrow, and it flew right above the stag’s head. The stag spooked, and Hans had been about to curse, but was interrupted by another arrow flying past him and lodging itself in the stag’s heart. It swayed on its feet as it tried to run away and dropped onto the ground with a loud thump a couple of steps later.
Hans watched the blood stain the orange and red leaves beneath it for a moment, giving a quick prayer and thanks for the sacrifice. Stags were majestic creatures. They deserved respect. Then he stood and faced Henry behind him.
“Way to steal my kill!” Hans teased.
Henry gave him a look. “You missed.”
Hans gasped. “Watch your tongue, blacksmith’s boy! I do not miss.”
“Uh-uh.”
And Hans couldn’t do anything but laugh. “Alright, alright. Well done, my darling, that was a fine shot.”
Henry smiled at him as he gathered his quiver and gave a small bashful thanks. Hans looked away to hide his own smile. Henry flustered oh so easily under praise. He walked over to the stag and gave a sharp whistle as he appreciated its size.
“That’ll be more than enough for the feast. What a beast.”
“Are you looking forward to it?” Henry asked as he stepped next to him.
“Aye, quite so. You'd better enjoy it too, Hal, it’ll be our last for a while. Jitka’s only got a month or so left.”
Henry leaned over and nuzzled Hans’s hair, his hand settling on Hans’s lower back. “Why does that include me?”
“If you think for one second that you won’t be expected to care for that child, you are sorely mistaken.”
Henry chuckled, his breath tickling Hans’s ear. “I’m only teasing, my love.”
“You better,” Hans said as he turned from the stag to kiss Henry.
Henry kissed him back, holding him close with his free arm, a smile still on his lips. Hans soaked it up before he retreated with one last kiss to Henry’s cheek. With a blissful sigh, Hans leaned into him as he turned back towards the stag. They needed to bring it back to the horses, first and foremost. He walked towards the beast and assessed it for a moment before grabbing onto the horns.
“Well, come on, Henry, put your back into it.”
Henry stared at him in disbelief. “You’re going to help me? You? ”
“Don’t sound so surprised. And have you looked at it? I know you’re strong, but I hardly think you can drag it on your own to the horses,” Hans narrowed his eyes. “Unless you can?”
Henry shook his head rapidly and walked over to grab onto it. “No, no, definitely not.”
Hans had a strong suspicion Henry did think he could have done it on his own. But he’d rather not tire Henry out just yet. He had other plans for his husband’s stamina. Not to mention they still had a long way back to Rattay, and the woods were still filled with bandits. Punctuated with loud grunts and swears the whole way, they slowly dragged it back.
Hans got winded rather quickly, and the cold air did nothing to stop the sweat falling into his eyes from the effort. As soon as the horses were in sight, Hans’s knee buckled as he let himself fall to the ground, shifting only enough to land on his back and away from the stag. He breathed heavily, and when Henry lay down next to him, breathing just as hard, Hans looked over to find him just as disheveled.
Hans chuckled. “Still think you could have done it alone?”
“I never said…”
“Please, Hal,” Hans interrupted with a grin. “You were thinking it.”
Henry laughed. “And I was very wrong.”
Hans grabbed a handful of leaves and tossed them straight at Henry to tease him. Henry protected his eyes before he threw his own handful towards Hans. He hardly got any time to think about revenge before Henry had rolled and settled on him with a beautiful smile. He gently brushed the leaves off Hans’s face and hair. His hand lingered.
“I love you, Hans.”
And just as every time he heard these words, Hans positively melted. His heart quickened as he leaned into Henry’s hand. “And I love you.”
Henry kissed him. Gentle as a lamb at first, peppering tender kisses on Hans’s lips, then his cheeks. Hans giggled before he grabbed onto Henry’s overcoat and pulled him in for a real kiss. He slid his hands around Henry to pull him as close as he could, sliding one of them under his layers until he reached hot skin. Henry left his lips to press open-mouthed lazy kisses down his jaw, sliding a leg in between Hans’s.
Hans nuzzled onto his hair, smelling the smoke of their campfire mixed with sweat and remnants of lavender soap. It was intoxicating. Henry reached a sensitive spot down Hans’s neck, drawing a small moan out of Hans. He tilted his head down on the forest floor to allow him access as Henry bucked his hips on his thigh. Henry’s desire was already evident, and Hans knew he wasn’t faring any better. He gripped Henry’s hair with his free hand, driving his nails into Henry’s back with the other.
When Hans opened his eyes, he was met with the sight of the stag and froze. Henry only bit one more time before he caught on and leaned back.
“Hans?”
Hans dragged his eyes back to Henry. “You know, as much as I’d love to take this further, doing that right next to the stag might be too much for me.”
Henry glanced behind his shoulder and froze in turn. “Right. Forgot.”
A laugh caught in Hans’s throat as he slid his hand out of Henry’s clothes and pushed his husband’s gaze back on him by grabbing his chin. “Let’s go home first, aye?”
Henry smiled and nodded. He placed one last kiss on his lips, barely there before it was gone, and stood. Hans looked at him, but instead of following suit, he raised both hands up with a grin. Henry shook his head as he exhaled a fond laugh. He grabbed both of Hans’s hands and pulled him up.
Getting the stag on their hunting travois was no easy feat, and Hans almost cried when they had to lift it up to tie it to Willow. Christ, how much did a stag even weigh? When it was finally in place, Hans dropped to his knees to catch his breath once more.
“I think I should ride with you. Willow is going to struggle enough as is,” Hans said as he looked at his horse.
She was a warhorse with a heavy build, and this was why he had chosen to ride her on this trip. But she was not a laborer's horse, and he felt a bit sorry for her. If he had known they would get on the trail of a stag, he would have brought a third horse. But as it was, they only thought they’d get a deer or two. Henry, sitting a few paces off, looked at the horses and nodded.
They both stood, and as they walked to Pebbles, Henry gestured for him to get on first. It was Henry’s horse, so really, Hans should have been the one to ride in the back, but he wasn’t about to refuse the opportunity to ride comfortably in the saddle instead of behind it. Or the opportunity of having Henry’s arms around him. He got on while Henry looped Willow’s reins over her head and handed them to Hans. He freed the stirrup for Henry to get on and helped his momentum by grabbing his arm.
Once settled, Hans allowed himself a deep breath of relief before he urged Pebbles to walk on. They’d have to go slowly, it wouldn’t be easy for Pebbles to carry two grown men, either. Hans didn’t mind. Not when Henry’s warmth behind him surrounded him like a cocoon, protecting him from the cold. And they were both in a great mood, even if a bit exhausted.
Hans loved these moments. These moments of quiet where he could just let himself be. Enjoy Henry’s company without restraint. Out here in the woods, it didn’t matter that they were two men. Or even a Lord and his knight. They were just two lovers having a lively chat after a good and successful hunt. Every once in a while, Henry would let his chin rest on Hans’s shoulder or drop his forehead between his shoulder blades in laughter. Hans soaked up every touch, even as goosebumps followed them all. He suspected he’d spend his whole life soaking up each and every one of Henry’s touches.
When they finally reached the upper castle’s courtyard, Hanush met them as they dismounted. He looked over their catch and let out a similar whistle to Hans’s earlier one.
“One shot too. I’m impressed. Who killed him?” Hanush asked.
Hans opened his mouth to answer, but Henry cut him off.
“Sir Hans. You should have seen it, Sir Hanush, it was mighty impressive.”
Hans tilted his head as he met Henry’s eyes in confusion. His husband turned his back on Hanush to untie the travois and gave Hans a wink with a teasing smile. Hans felt his ears burn. He didn’t correct Henry and accepted Hanush’s clap on his shoulder alongside his praise.
Hans glanced at his son as he slowed his horse to a walk, the other two following.
“So, Hynce,” Hans started. “Now that you’re going on your first hunt. Do you prefer the sword or the bow?”
Hynce gave him a look. “I’m not stupid, pa. I know what you’re really asking.”
“He’s onto you, love,” Henry snorted.
Hans chuckled as he petted his horse’s neck. Hans still couldn't believe his own son called him a peasant moniker. He’d started about six months after calling Henry that for the first time, and Hans hadn’t had the heart to do anything about it. At first, he had thought it might get confusing, both he and Henry being referred to the same way, but it really hadn’t. Hynce had a different intonation when he called for Hans. He was only twelve and already carried that same fond exasperation towards him that Henry did. Hans ought to reflect on his character honestly, but so long as it remained fond, he didn’t particularly care to.
They made their way to their usual camping ground. It was odd coming here with someone else. So many memories with Henry here, so many hunting trips. So very little of them spent actually hunting. Hans’s stomach churned at the thought of it all coming to an end soon. He dismounted and took care of the horses whilst Henry took Hynce to get the camp ready. He shook off the thoughts as he patted old Pebbles. Henry rarely rode her nowadays, she mostly spent her time in a field, enjoying some peace. Hans hoped she still had some good years in her. Henry’ll be devastated when her time comes. Mutt had already been hard enough.
With a stubborn unease clinging to his stomach, Hans walked over to the camp. He paused, and a warm smile crept on his face as he took in the sight. Henry and Hynce were kneeling by the fire, Henry’s arms around their son as he taught him how to make sparks. The pure joy on their faces as he managed it for the first time was a sight to behold. Hans hoped they had done right by him. He knew Hynce’s upbringing had been uncommon. It had not been a proper nobleman’s childhood, but it had not been a commoner’s one either. Something in between, perhaps the ideal combination of Henry and Hans both.
Later that night, Hans sat back down on the log next to Henry, handing him the new wineskin he’d just fetched. Hynce was long asleep, buried in furs under their open tent. Henry turned towards Hans, straddling the log as he passed him back the wine.
“What is it?” Hans asked when he realized Henry was staring at him.
“You’re getting some laugh lines, my birdie.”
Hans frowned as a hand shot to his own face. He wasn’t sure if he was trying to hide them or feel them, but Henry removed his hand, replacing it with some open-mouthed kisses instead.
“Well, that’s entirely your fault,” Hans muttered. “You make me laugh too much.”
Henry smiled against his skin. “Mmh, but it’s so beautiful.”
Hans’s eyes fluttered closed as he leaned into Henry. He wrapped his arms around Hans, pulling him close.
“What’s wrong, Hans? You’ve been tense all evening.”
Hans sighed and glanced at Hynce to make sure he was asleep. “I’ve had another letter. I’m afraid I won’t be able to remain neutral much longer.”
Henry’s muscles tensed around him, and he ceased tracing Hans’s arm up and down. “And have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“No. You heard what your father said last month. And with what happened to Hus… I need to make the choice that’s going to keep my people safe.”
“War is brewing either way. No matter what choice you make, you won’t be able to guarantee safety to Rattay.”
Hans straightened, leaving Henry’s embrace. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out, and he closed it again.
“What do you want to do?” Henry asked in the silence. “Forget about me, or your other allegiances. Which side do you believe in?”
“It doesn’t matter, Henry!” Hans said, snapping his gaze towards him. “My preference has no weight in this.”
“Doesn’t it?”
“You’ll leave me, won’t you?” Hans said, ignoring his question, voice so small he wasn’t sure Henry could hear him.
Henry froze. “What?”
Hans started shaking, cold seeping into his bones. “If I decide that the safest path forward is with the Anti-Hussites, you’ll leave me. After everything… I know it.”
Henry was silent for a long time. Hans didn’t try to push for an answer. He already knew it. He was so tempted to declare allegiance to the Hussites, join Zizka once more, if only so he wouldn’t lose Henry. But Rattay was surrounded by so many mining towns. It was a major risk to do so, and he couldn’t ignore that. Signing the petition for Hus was already a risk. The last thing Hans needed was for Rattay to be burned to the ground like Skalitz had. He couldn’t put his son at risk, Hans couldn’t. No matter how much he loved Henry.
“If…” Henry started before pausing and trying again. “I’ll stand by you as long as I’m convinced you’re making the choice you believe in. Not the one you’re being pressured into by our neighbors.”
“And what if what I choose is different than what you want?”
Henry studied him for a moment. “I think that right now, you’re too afraid to make a decision you truly stand for.”
“Of course I’m afraid!” Hans raised his voice, standing up. “Do you know what it’s like knowing I stand to lose you all the while having the safety of hundreds of people in my hands? If Rattay gets raided, I… For God’s sake, you of all people should understand I can’t let my son lose his home.”
Henry’s calm didn’t waver, and he simply looked straight at Hans. “And you think siding with the anti-Hussites will protect Rattay?”
Hans deflated entirely and dropped back on the log. “No, I… I don’t know. It’s… I just don’t know, Hal.”
Hans took a shaky breath. He was right, Hans knew he was right. Fear was leading most of his decisions recently. He hated being so close to another war, one in his lifetime had already been enough. And this time, he had so much more to lose. All Hans wanted was to keep his family, his people, his town safe. He didn’t care about the politics of it all anymore. He hadn’t for a long time. He leaned back into Henry, and his husband did not hesitate for one second to embrace him once more. Warmth returned to Hans, and his tremors eased. Hans wanted to leave it at that for now, but he needed to know. He opened his mouth to speak.
“Hans?” Henry said at the same time.
Hans delayed his own question. “Yes?”
“Things might be rocky for a while. But I need you to know that push comes to shove, Hynce comes first. He’s my son. At the end of the day, I will choose his safety and well-being over anything else, and I need you to know that.”
Relief flooded through Hans as he turned in Henry’s arms and wrapped his own arms around his neck in a bruising embrace.
“That’s all I need to know,” Hans whispered.
It wasn’t, really. Hans wanted to know that he wouldn’t lose the love of his life by putting his town’s safety above politics. But he also knew he couldn’t ask it of Henry. The assurance that Hynce would come first was enough for now.
The next morning, Hans woke up to Hynce staring at the roof of their tent. Henry had somehow managed to embrace both of them in his sleep, his arm sprawled over Hynce, and his hand was tangled up in Hans’s tunic. Hans stretched carefully.
“Morning,” he whispered. “Have you been awake long?”
“A while,” Hynce said. “He won’t let me get up.”
Hans breathed out a laugh. “Aye, he does that.”
Hans propped himself up on his elbow and moved to gently shake Henry awake, but Hynce stopped him before he could by grabbing his wrist.
“Pa?”
Hans hummed as he withdrew his hand.
“Is Henry leaving us?”
Hans blanched. “Why would you say that?”
Hynce bit his lip as he nervously looked over to Henry. “I heard you fighting last night. I couldn’t hear everything, but a bit.”
“Oh, darling, it’s…” Hans's voice trailed off.
He couldn’t guarantee Henry wouldn’t leave. He’d seen firsthand how lost in his anger he could get, how fixated on revenge. He wouldn’t lie to Hynce and give him false affirmations.
“Well, first of all, we’re not fighting, we’re just… Navigating through something difficult. What matters is that he loves you very much.”
Hynce tsked and crossed his arms. “I’m not a child. Don’t give me platitudes, I know there’s a war. Is he leaving us because of it?”
Henry’s hand tightened its hold on Hans’s hip, and Hans flicked his eyes up to find Henry awake and looking at him. His eyes had watered, and Hans’s chest tightened.
“I don’t believe he is,” Hans murmured, looking straight into his husband’s eyes.
Henry’s hand squeezed harder, into a somewhat bruising hold. “No. I’m not,” he said to Hans. “No matter what.” Only then did he switch his gaze to Hynce. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Henry pressed a kiss to Hynce’s hair, and their son’s relief was all over his features. “Ok, good because you still haven’t taught me this “master strike” you keep boasting on about.”
Henry chuckled. “And you’re still not ready.”
A while later, Hynce had gone ahead to find a hunting spot himself, whilst Hans and Henry waited back. Hans placed his hand on Henry’s arm and waited until Henry looked away from Hynce and met his gaze.
“Did you truly mean it?” Hans asked in a low voice.
Henry took a deep breath. “I did. I know you’ll make the right choice. But if you happen to make one I disagree with… Well, it doesn’t matter. My family is what matters, always has been.”
“That’s exactly why I’m afraid, Henry. I know what it would cost you. I had a front-row seat to everything you went through, remember?”
Henry turned towards Hans and placed both hands on his shoulder. “Listen to me. My family has always been what drives me. You and Hynce are my family now, and I made a promise.”
“Never to run from a fight, I know.”
Henry shook his shoulders gently. “Hans, you’re not listening. Aye, I did promise that. But I made another promise that’s more important. To you and Hynce. You are my family.”
Hans closed his eyes, letting the words sink in. He realized suddenly that he had been incredibly stupid. Hans was smiling when he opened them again.
“You’re right, Henry. We are a family. So when we get home, we’re going through all the information we have. We’ll make the choice together,” Hans said. “I can tell you when you’re letting anger cloud your judgment, and you tell me when fear is clouding mine.”
Henry was his advisor. He didn’t need to shoulder it alone. This should have been his first instinct. It would have been if he hadn’t been so afraid to lose him. Henry smiled before he pulled Hans into a hug.
“Sounds like a plan, my love.”
Hans smiled against his neck. Surely between the two of them, they’d make the right choice. He pressed a kiss into the warm skin as Henry’s hand came up to brush through Hans’s hair.
“Is this why you come back empty-handed half the time?” a voice said behind them.
Hans snorted as he turned to face his son. He walked over, Henry following close behind.
“Something like that,” Hans said as he ruffled Hynce’s hair.
“Hans!” Henry chastised.
Hans sent him a teasing smile before he turned Hynce around and guided him through the clearing. “Let’s go get your first kill, then.”
Hans didn’t need to see Henry to know the exact shade of fond exasperation he used to shake his head. It didn’t take long for them to be crouching behind a bush, a couple of hares in the field in front of them. Hynce drew his bow.
“Take your time,” Hans whispered. “Deep breath, release on the exhale.”
His arrow flew and hit his target dead on. Pride blossomed in Hans’s chest, and he grinned.
“Well done! First try too, you’re definitely your father’s son,” Henry said from Hynce’s other side.
Hynce beamed as he looked over to Hans. “Can I skin it too?”
“Oh, you'd better go to Henry for that. I’m told I do a botchy job of it,” Hans said, sending a look to Henry.
Hynce turned his gaze on him. Henry's smile was every bit as proud as Hans felt.
“Of course. I’ll teach you. Go on and fetch it.”
Hynce didn’t need to be told twice and ran out. Henry reached out, intertwining their fingers. He brought both their hands to his lips, pressing a long kiss onto Hans’s wedding ring. Henry’s eyes gleaming with water, he then pressed their hands to his chest as he looked straight at Hans. A silent vow, a plea, a declaration, all of it at once. Hans squeezed back, the faint clink of their rings echoing his vow back to him.
Draco_senpai Thu 14 Aug 2025 03:55AM UTC
Comment Actions
Aiyanna_w Wed 20 Aug 2025 05:02PM UTC
Comment Actions
Augathra Fri 15 Aug 2025 05:03PM UTC
Comment Actions
Aiyanna_w Wed 20 Aug 2025 05:03PM UTC
Comment Actions
intacognito Sun 17 Aug 2025 02:05PM UTC
Comment Actions
Aiyanna_w Wed 20 Aug 2025 05:03PM UTC
Comment Actions