#rivervale_lodge

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And so it is, Frank and Jaymes share coffee in the lodge, having a rare brother to brother talk. Jaymes is sighing over his coffee, "So we learn what sex the baby is today."

"Mm." (Yes?)

Embarrassed hurmph ("It's Tove") a cough "I think I may have overplayed my hand with her." (Sigh into cup "And now I might pay for it")

"Well." (Yep.)

"Well, you know." A shrug ("I told her I had ordered a son, as a bit of a running gag." ) Fond smile ("Already got a great daughter after all") then eye roll mmph ("But now that I face the real thing, I don't know what I'm hoping for. I thought Dagmar might see less rivalry if it was a brother not a sister, but then again, even a baby boy is still a boy and she's not fond of what most of us grow into.") firm nod ("She's working on it")

Frank gives Jaymes a steady look. (Healthy.)

"mmm" He sips his coffee ("Boy or Girl, healthy...yeah. I think maybe I'm focusing on the sex because I don't want to think about what if something is wrong with him or her? Something I can't protect the baby from?")

"Dagmar is healthy. Physically."

"mmph" Concern Then frown "She's cutting gym class. "

"Why?"

"Don't know yet. We only just learned," A frown "I have a worry but I don't know how to approach."

Indeed, Jaymes look of worry means it's one of those things that can't be physically fought. Life would be easier if he could just step in front of some threat and shield his baby girl.

"That is the only thing she is cutting?"

An unsure shake of the head, miserable, "Not sure how to approach her on it, to ask. To insist."

A grunt. (Not easy, but dad-duty.)

A nod "Yes. " A frown ("Baby is stressing her out. Tove feels guilty. So do I. Does no one any good, but there it is.")

"Cutting class because of the baby?"

"No, cutting herself and skipping class to hide it." a sigh "And that because of the baby."

"Have to talk to her."

Mmph ("Yes.") Then a sigh ("She's may say hurtful things to deflect or defend herself.") Then mmmm? ("Your daughters ever lash out to create space? TRY to drive you back?") the unspoken message being that the fact the daughters might want, or need, the space feeling kind of hurtful too.

Now his look is utter disbelief.

Blink ("What?")

"You have met Jessica?"

"mmm hmm" He nods "Seems a reserved girl" Then brow ("So she knocked you back, metaphorically speaking?") Then a sympathetic mmmm ("My sympathies. I know she loves you, but it stings.")

"Yes." (Part of raising kids. )

MMMPH ("You're the one who got me into this, I remind you.") A long swallow then begrudging mmph ("Thanks.")

A grunt. (Welcome.)

A begrudging mmm then "Thanks for the talk." Never mind that most would have thought it a spotty conversation at best, then "How are you?"

"Can't complain." (Good.)

He takes a drink of coffee. "Siv is exploring House Fiona."

(And I'm not sure how I feel about that....)

Brows lift ("I can understand some apprehension there") then a shrug ("But the House will be lucky to have her I imagine.")

"Yes." (Damn right they will.)

A smile then a nod "She's good." ("Your daughter is not just good at things, she's a good person, and would not knowingly shame you or your wife. You've taught her well. And she is prepared should she go this path better than perhaps you realize.")

Grunt. (I know. Still have concerns. Part of raising kids.)

Grunt (I get THAT)

Sip.

Savor.

Then "New sidhe guy is going to help me with night shifts if he checks out with the Chief."

" 'Bout time."

Grunt huff ("You too? Apparently I'm the only one who didn't realize this was a need")

"You were too close to see it." Sip "might help Dagmar."

"yes." A nod "One of the reasons. She wants me home at night. Tove does too." Then a pause "I wanted it too. Just wanted to provide more."

"Balance. You being there is important too. You don't get time back." The voice of experience.

A nod "I'm learning."

"Good."

"Beats the alternative of not learning I suppose" SHrug.

"Definitely."

(Of course he -is- Liam.)