I'm Not Here - Sun Paoyu & Sun Hao
Bright golden topaz beamed up at the ruby-framed complexion, small, squishy hands reaching up to open and close in an attempt to grab at the fascinating locks. When they neared, the infant’s fingers wiggling in anticipation of catching their prey, Fan’s senses were made aware of a gentle poke to his cheek. Curious orbs turned to look, rosy lips opening in a wide smile as joyous laughter bubbled forth.
Hao watched the two of them fondly, an elbow using his knee as an armrest s he leaned his cheek on one hand. ”Ah, but then you would be the only one responsible for his late-night tantrums and his picky eating habits.” A chuckle emitted from the younger lord, the upward turn of his lips never faltering.
"Do you think so? I agree with you for the most part, although I often see Lai when I look at him." Yuanzong mused as he took in his child’s features for a time uncountable by human means. "I suppose we will just have to wait and see, hm?"
A son like Paoyu… It was an interesting thought and not unpleasant in the least. ”And if you yield a child in your likeness? That would make for three of you, and I do not know that a single clan could handle so many clones of one person.” The joke came out hummed and light upon the air, his expression brightening even more. ”I wonder how Lai would handle such a son, though? Having a shut-in brother is one thing, a shut-in child another, I would think. Who knows — maybe it would help her develop some tolerance for you?” Though it was likely that any other children born to him would come from other women, the only image the prince could summon was with his soon-to-be wife.
It would be nice, really, being able to share and cultivate a love of literature and poetry with his own child. Perhaps the one Jiwei held would come to appreciate such pursuits himself? The future was such a mystery, and one that he awaited with hopeful patience.
The voice of Sun Quan’s heir pulled aureate hues to settle on sparkling greens, his expression softening further. Paoyu appeared honestly happy and relieved, and it sent a feather-light feeling coursing through Hao’s veins. A small, heavy weight sat in the pit of his stomach at the mention of his beloved uncle being in pain, but to have been of assistance to the young man at all was enough to help him push the feeling into the background. Deep tones came out quietly and filled with warmth as he responded:
"Then I suppose that means I should interrupt your days more often, hm? Perhaps Fan’ér will feel like accompanying me, as well?” A faintly tanned hand reached to brush the child’s thin bangs back, gaze lowered and slightly unfocused on his son’s image.
A silent smile fell over his lips, eyes sliding to their corners to gaze at the soft-expression that held fast to his nephew's face. It was so strange... the two of them had sat so silently in their youth, staring across from each other and doing little things here and there. Yet it was in their older years that they were beginning to get along so well. To really know one another.
"I would like your company on most days. The ministers seem to respect you a touch more. I could use the instruction." The jest was soft on his voice as he held the child, leaning down a little further to allow the silken strands to land in those grabbing hands. He didn't mind the pull; he'd gotten much worse from his sisters in his youth, after-all.
"You know, it's funny," he began, turning to rest a proud glance upon Yuanzong's visage. He was such a good man to those around him, such a good father to the young boy in his arms. Someone that even Jiwei would look up to. "If I were to relinquish my claim to the throne to anyone, I am certain it would be you."
He shifted, settling the infant upon his lap, head still bent forward to allow him to play with the dangling crimson strands. The look on Jiwei's face was content, glowing even, and certainly reminiscent of the Wu Emperor, Sun Quan.
"If there was any other man I could follow... Yuanzong. I could follow him, I think. I could get behind the gentle ideals he has placed forward to help the people he once knew. But for now... I think I am more than happy simply making those ideals reality. Bearing the burden for one who has had too much happen in such a short amount of time." Green eyes moved to settle upon Hao's face, a kindled gentility held within their depths that shed light upon all who looked. "I only hope I can truly do those ideals the justice they deserve."










