Work Text:
At some point during this long, long journey, Swaine has begun to realise something: rather than just finding them irritating, he genuinely cares about Oliver and Esther. Now, he still finds Drippy annoying, but the two children, whilst precocious… yeah, he’s becoming somewhat protective of them.
They’re not just his party members; they are his friends. Ever since he found Marcassin and finally told Oliver and Esther about his past, Swaine has felt even closer to them. He always thought he hated kids, that he found them to be bratty and irritating, but… not anymore. Oliver and Esther are both genuinely wonderful young people, and will grow up to be fine adults.
Of course, he wouldn’t ever tell them any of this to their faces; that would be far too embarrassing. But as his behaviour towards them changes, becoming less grumpy and more caring, Swaine knows the kids recognise the change in their relationship without any words being spoken.