No. 29 - ALL WORK AND NO PLAY

@whumptober2021

@whumptober-archive

“You’re still not dead?” | too weak to move | overworked

Finn had spent all week at work, and the week before that, and the week before that too. Despite the Daniels’ help, Jess was struggling. She had assignments and cases to do, on top of trying to look after Amelia. She wouldn’t change her daughter for anything, but she just needed a break. Just ten minutes to herself.

They were meant to have the Saturday off together, a rare occurrence anyway without their schedules acting against them. Instead Finn had pressed a quick kiss to her forehead and left her alone in bed, blaming some work emergency. He promised he’d be home for tea, and that he’d make it up to her another day, but she knew he wouldn’t be back before dark.

With their day ruined and Amelia somehow still asleep, she figured she might as well crack on with some of her work. It wasn’t going to do itself, after all. She could catch up on sleep later, once her casework was done. Just in case, she kept the baby monitor nearby, waiting for Amelia to wake up and start her demands. With a glass she wasn’t sure didn’t have wine in, she sat down to work.

Sheila had told Fao Jess was having a hard time, Finn working more and more with less time at home. He had the Saturday off, unlike his brother. He was alone though, Ely on shift as well. With Jess struggling, he decided to go over to see if he could give her a hand with Ameila, let her get some work done.

He let himself into the house, hesitant to call out in case Amelia was sleeping. He couldn’t find Jess anywhere obvious, so headed into her little office space.

“Jess?”

She jumped, spilling her glass. “Fucking hell, Fao.”

“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t want to wake Amelia if she was sleeping.” He said, glancing down apologetically. “Forgot I walk quietly.”

“Instead you give me a heart attack.”

“Sorry. Sheila said you were having a crappy time, with Finn doing overtime. Do you want me to take Amelia for the day?”

“I’d be fine without interruptions.”

“Sorry, sorry. Look, why don’t I take her, and then you won’t have any more?”

“I don’t need your pity.”

He folded his arms over his chest. “Really? You think this is pity?”

“I think you sneaking in here and planning to take Amelia is pity, yeah.” Her voice wavered.

“I wasn’t going to take her without talking to you. She’s my niece, I just wanted to help…”

“I don’t need your help, I just need to get this done.” She stood, arms folded. “I don’t need any of your help. I can do this myself.”

“Sure. But you don’t have to. Surely getting your work done would be easier without Ameila needing something every five minutes?”

“It would be easier if Finn wasn’t constantly at work and my work gave me half an hour to myself.”

“Hence why I’m here.”

She groaned in frustration, turning away from Fao as the tears started to fall. She didn’t need their help, she had to do it by herself.

“Come on, let me take her out to the park or something. A few hours, give you some time to rest?”

“I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s not pity.”

“How am I meant to do it, Fao?” She turned to face him. “I’m trying my best but I’m not getting anywhere.”

“That’s what family is for, Jess.”

“I…I know that. I’ve just got to do it.”

He moved closer. “Come on, if the roles were reversed you’d want to help me or Ely out.”

“Of course.”

“So let me give you a hand?”

“Thank you.”

“I can do the housework, too? Put some washing on, change your bed, make dinner? So you don’t have to stress.”

“No, no. That’s too much.”

“I don’t mind. I’d just be sat at home doing nothing, might as well make myself useful.”

She hesitated. Finn couldn’t cook, and it was safer that he didn’t. “Tea might be nice.”

“Yeah? I’ll sort things for you.”

Jess moved forward, wrapping her arms around Fao. “Thank you.”

The hug surprised Fao, but he wrapped his arms around Jess. “I’ve got you, don’t worry about it.”

“Finn’s lucky to have you for a brother.”

“I’m lucky to have you as a sister in law.”

She pulled back to wipe her tears away. “God, I’m sorry. You came over to help and I’ve just broke down on you.”

“Hey, it’s alright.” He said. “Break down all you like.”

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I never realised it was going to be this hard.”

“Finn being gone so much doesn’t help.” He said gently, squeezing her shoulder. “You’re doing an amazing job.”

“It’s just the icing on the cake.”

“Yeah. It’s rough. I hope he’ll get back onto a proper schedule soon.”

“I’m proud of him, he’s always wanted to be like you and he’s doing it. I just… it’s hard.”

“God, it’s so hard. I couldn’t do what you’re doing.”

“She makes it all worthwhile, you know? Her little smile makes it all better.” She sighed. “Her screaming in the middle of the night doesn’t though.”

“She’s gorgeous, but she’s just as high maintenance as her dad.”

“Maybe more so.”

“Probably.”

“Takes after me too.” She tried to joke.

“Only the good bits, I’m sure.”

“Days like today, I’m not sure I have any good bits.”

“You do. Have you had any decent sleep? Why not give yourself a couple of hours?”

“I haven’t got time.”

He hugged her again quickly, and then pulled back. “I’ll stop distracting you, I’m sure you’ve got so much to do. Just shout if you need me though, yeah?”

“Thank you, Fao. For everything.”

“Anything for family.”