Quick Author's Note: Taking a break from writing longer fics with this mini one I started on a five hour flight. Enjoy!

The legend says that only a true Haddock could solve the mystery of the Unicorn. Technically, if it weren't for the lad, the legend and treasure would have been lost, and Archibald Haddock III would have died a lonely, drunken old man. Now, Haddock is not one for sappiness (unless in a jovial, drunken stupor) but he admits that he's grown rather fond of the boy, probably the closest he's ever had to a son. He hasn't said anything yet, lord knows he doesn't intend on kicking the bucket anytime soon, but after all the adventures they've had together, Haddock had decided that no one could be trusted with the Haddock estate and legacy more than Tintin.

Unfortunately, Haddock is currently reminded yet again that if the boy doesn't get a sense of self-preservation in that red headed brain of his, there won't be anyone to inherit Marlinspike Hall.

The rain had soaked his hat and seeped into the inside of his jacket, much to the captain's chagrin as he entered the hospital. The reception room was relatively quiet, save for a few nurses and visitors loitering about.

A dark-skinned woman with short curly hair and round-rimmed glasses sat at the counter, the clicking of her nails on a typewriter echoing throughout the room.

Haddock cleared his throat. "Excuse me, ma'am, but I'm here to visit a patient."

The nurse eyed him disinterestedly, the remnants of the downpour dripping down his clothes and making small puddles on the tiled floor. "Name?" she asked in a bored, nasal tone.

"Er, Haddock, Archibald, here to see Tintin...the reporter." It occurred to him at that moment that he doesn't even know the lad's full name, but then again, most people simply knew him as Tintin.

"Relation to patient?"

"Uh, emergency contact."

The nurse signed something illegible in a book before handing him a slip of paper. "Second floor, fifth door on your left."

"Thank you," Haddock replied, placing his hat back on with a wet squelch, and walked briskly to the elevator.

…

Admittedly, a broken arm and a few bandaged wounds weren't so bad compared to past injuries. Tintin had been shot before and broke two ribs, but at least he would be back on his feet soon. Although, typing his latest report would be a bit of a challenge with only one hand free.

He gave a heavy sigh and winced at a slight jolt of pain from the side of his chest.

Snowy, who had been napping beside his leg, perked up and whined in concern.

"It's alright, Snowy," Tintin reassured, scratching the back of the dog's ears. "Just a bruise."

A light, rhythmic knock sounded at the door before it slowly opened with a creak.

"Captain!" Tintin greeted, relieved to see a familiar face.

"Tintin!" The creases knotted in the captain's brow alleviated slightly as he smiled before noticing Tintin's sling and immediately frowned. "What in blistering blue barnacles happened to you?!" Haddock exclaimed, dropping into the chair next to the bed.

"Oh, uh, I had a run in with a mafia gang in London," Tintin replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. He was used to all kinds of scrapes from his adventures, but he wasn't used to someone being so concerned for him. The Thom(p)sons were kind enough to ask about his health, but it was more of a professional level between them. "I was doing a report on the string of jewelry store robberies in the city. Turns out they were planning to steal the Crown Jewels next."

Haddock's expression matched one of a parent regarding their child's scraped knee with disapproval and worry. Tintin had half a mind to sink under the covers until the captain gestured to the cuts and bruises lining the boy's face. "Hope you gave them a rough time as well."

"Yup, Snowy had a go at some of the robbers too, didn't you boy."

The little terrier yipped and wagged his stubby tail, recalling how he bit a good number of ankles and some hands that day.

That earned a chuckle out of both of them, though it sent another jolt of pain through Tintin. He clutched his side, earning a grimace from Haddock.

"How long until you're cleared?"

"A couple days at least." He wiggled his fingers sticking out of his cast. "But the doctor says I'll have to keep this on for about three weeks."

Haddock felt oddly relieved at the thought of Tintin being out of danger for three weeks. The thirst for adventure was unquenchable, Haddock understood that, but with his own voyages out to sea and Tintin's excursions around the world, he wasn't always around to look after the lad. Oftentimes, it seemed that whenever the reporter finished one escapade, he instantly jumped into another one. Maybe a broken arm will actually keep him from getting kidnapped again.

"Something on your mind, Captain?"

"Hm?" Haddock cleared his throat, unaware he had been staring off into the distance. "Aye, just uh, don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon, what with this weather and all." The rain outside had become a thundering typhoon. Gallons of water sloshed against the windows in an incessant downpour. "Tintin."

A small knot formed in the pit of Tintin's stomach. Judging by the captain's expression and sobriety, it was clear he wasn't just frowning about the rain.

"Yes?"

"This isn't going to be a common occurrence, is it?" Haddock pointed at the sling. "This is twice now that you've ended up in the hospital."

The time Tintin had almost died from an assassination attempt had nearly given Haddock a heart attack. Ever since that incident, Tintin didn't have the heart to tell his friend that he had actually ended up at the hospital several times before they met. "I hope not." He tilted his head to the side and asked, "Why?"

Haddock cleared his throat, turning his attention to petting Snowy. "What, can't a man be concerned for his friend's wellbeing?"

Tintin looked between Haddock, Snowy (who now insisted on belly rubs), and the pouring rain outside. In the far distance, the faint sound of thunder could be heard as lightning occasionally flashed across the sky.

"Just...be more careful next time, alright lad?"

'Careful' was a bit of an understatement, considering Tintin's profession. Underneath the drenched clothing, the captain was exhausted. He had recently returned from a long voyage shipping freight across the Pacific when he received word that Tintin was in the hospital. As if the bags under his eyes weren't a telltale sign, he had pulled his chair closer and rested his arms atop the bed, sagging forward.

Snowy had curled up and rested his head against the crook of Haddock's arm, snoring softly.

Tintin felt a twinge of guilt. It was close to impossible to keep himself out of harm's way, but he didn't realize how much of a toll it took on the people who traveled with him. Maybe it was best that he lay low for a while, especially considering that the mafia leader had sworn vengeance on him specifically. Tintin gave the captain a reassuring smile. "I'll try, I promise."

Haddock let out a sigh, smiling in return as he let his head rest above his arms. "I'll hold you to it. Next adventure I'm coming with you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."