guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[He frowns wryly at Jasper's talk about overworking. Should he use that 'pot calling the kettle black' saying? ...Maybe not. It's entirely possible he'll mess it up somehow.

But his thoughts on that matter quickly fade when Jasper seems readily prepared to answer his own thought on naming his daughter. Hendrik blinks at the name, as well as the explanation, for a moment feeling like he missed a part of the conversation along the way.]

Celestine?

[Well, he personally likes it. It brings to mind the skies and the heavens. But naming after family members... The only one he even knew about was--]

Your mother?

[look, Jasper takes vacations every so often. He can work as hard as he wants. A week off instantly wipes out everything negative that would result from overwork and he can go back to doing all-nighters. That's how it works, right?

...

If he believes in it hard enough, maybe it will be true. In any case, he nods.]

There really would not be anyone else. Honestly, they do not look that much alike from what I can tell at the moment, but most infants look basically the same regardless...

[...]

But that does not matter in the long run, really. It is still a nice name.

If babies were named by how they first appeared when they came into the world, I feel there would be many children with the same or similar names.

[He's not going to expand beyond that; he's sure his creativity (or lack thereof) will fail him.]

I think it is a wonderful name. And a beautiful sentiment.

[He averts his eyes to the slumbering baby, her tiny hands balled into equally tiny fists. Considering he never got particularly close to the Darkspawn while they were in Dundrasil, he thinks this is the youngest baby he's been around since King Carnelian presented Princess Jade to Jasper and himself.]

I am allowed a bit of sentiment every so often.

[Jasper goes back to finishing up his pudding. He still feels a bit self-conscious about it, but only Hendrik will, you know, get it.

...so would the king, but...

...damn it, ever since Hendrik brought it up, he really wishes he could ask him for advice. But he’s sure it would go nowhere even if it was actually him. He’s kind of morbidly curious about what the demon might say? You know, as a poorly advised lark? He doesn’t feel like drawing the demon’s attention to the fact that he has a small, vulnerable person with him any more than necessary, though. Even if he... knows already.

...oh, that was a not insignificant amount of time spent zoning out. Uh. He looks over at the chest he’s stuffed some blankets into and ponders.]

...I should get her an actual crib, as well, but I really cannot say I want to take her back out into the cold.

[The pensive silence that follows Jasper's remark about sentiment is a long one -- long enough for Hendrik to lean back and look over at that wine bottle again. He should probably address that at some point.

Especially since Jasper has more on his mind than ever.]

I believe what you have will serve until she is a little older. A crib seems more suited for when a baby is moving around more.

[He's fairly sure he didn't spend much time in a crib himself, based off what his sisters had said about carrying him around everywhere and playing with him.

After a moment's hesitation, he reaches over and taps that bottle of wine.]

I hope you will find help before you have to resort to drinking straight from the bottle again.

[...you know, Jasper has been feeling so positive about Hendrik so far in this conversation, and then he has to be reminded that he’s, well, Hendrik...]

...Hendrik, I am not going to leave my daughter in some hastily thrown together substitute for any longer than I have to. She deserves a comfortable bassinet that I can put in a nice crib for her to grow into.

[...annnd he grimaces in annoyance as Hendrik taps the bottle.]

Furthermore, I am not nearly as overwhelmed now as I was before, given that I actually have a plan for the future.

...

[he said that he didn’t need any favors, but...........]

...in any case, I may have to do some investigating outside the castle tomorrow for the sake of furniture and several potential nursemaids I can look into, so would there be... a few hours you could look after her, perhaps...

[It’s said a bit hesitantly, since he feels vaguely ashamed about having to ask, but............... it’s better than dragging her around in the cold, he guesses!]

[He almost asks what's wrong with the makeshift cradle, but... Well. Jasper has always had a particular tone to his voice as he's growing more annoyed. His reading of that tone is proven right when Jasper grimaces a short while later.

So he leans back with a faint sigh, lifting a hand in submission. He's not going to argue with Jasper when he's already annoyed.

Perhaps that's why he doesn't react immediately when he hears the request. Or perhaps it has something to do with Jasper's lack of requests throughout all of this, and the awkward realization he really has been butting into the situation this entire evening.]

--Oh! Er, of course. I would be honored.

[Maybe it's simply a testament to Jasper not having any other options, but it's still a big deal to be entrusted with a baby.]

I have to be present for the inspection of the barracks in the morning and seasonal dismissal of the knight trainees at noon, but my schedule should be open after that.

[In the past, the king personally offered gratitude to the trainees and their instructors before any breaks, but that responsibility was transferred to him not long after his promotion. It quickly cemented in his mind that he did not like giving speeches.]

I do not think I would trust anyone else with her at this point. Afternoon will be fine, as I cannot see myself being terribly functional in the morning...

[For all his issues with Hendrik, he is Jasper’s oldest friend, and he actually knows literally anything about taking care of a baby. So he’s the logical choice here.

...though, he does find himself getting a bit pensive when Hendrik brings up the seasonal dismissal.]

...it really is that time of year again. I have not been paying as much attention to the trainees, so I had not noticed whether or not they were dismissed already. The king is making you handle it all, then?

[...should he point that out? Ugh, damn it, this is all so complicated...]

[Hendrik scratches at his beard as he relaxes, the conversation returning to a milder tone pretty quickly. He's glad that Jasper addresses a thought that he hadn't brought up; it really does feel like an honor, to be told he wouldn't trust his daughter with anyone else right now.

...They really have been working in different circles since his promotion, haven't they? He's already acknowledged that they don't see much of each other, but he finds himself reminded that Heliodor's army is quite large.]

Yes, His Majesty has handed over those duties to me. In truth, the instructors handle most of it; they try to schedule the dismissal ceremony when I am back in the city. I just have to say a few words.

[He tries not to make it sound like a burden; it's a duty from the King, regardless of how uncomfortable he is making speeches. He tried to keep them very, very short because reciting something longer made it terribly obvious how uncomfortable he was, and that wasn't something he should show to aspiring knights.]

Well, I imagine it is a good example for them. It goes to show them that even if they are extremely awkward while trying to string a speech together in front of others, they still have a potential road to greatness.

[Even if Jasper is going for a bit of gentle ribbing, he finds his thoughts floating elsewhere. It’s another instance of the demon not being fucked to pretend more than he has to, be presumes. Maybe there’s some plausible deniability with Hendrik’s status as a hero, but how long is the deniability going to be plausible?

Someone else has to notice at some point, right?

He finishes eating his pudding, then... pauses a bit. He should probably finish up with that makeshift bed, but he doesn’t just want to set Celestine down...

...

oh, wait.]

In any case, do you want to hold her while I make a few adjustments?

[Maybe they should do this now in case Hendrik causes her to wake up and spontaneously burst into tears and he has to find some other person to watch her....]

[Hendrik grimaces at the ribbing before smiling faintly; it's nice to know that Jasper still remembers how even the idea of public speaking made him uncomfortable.]

Yes, well, I am trying to be a good role model...

[He trails off. Really, he's trying to emulate the seriousness that he's seen from Jasper since their childhood. Trying to be a good role model makes perfect sense when you've had good role models yourself.]

Oh, yes, a good idea. Better to find out tonight if she is uncomfortable with me.

[He moves to stand, figuring it would be easier to hand off the baby if he moves away from the table.]

I am certain you are doing your utmost, Hendrik.

[It’s always something Jasper admired about him, even if he’d never admit it. Hendrik would never consider giving anything less than his best.

...Goddess. He was still dumb and earnest. That was ultimately what made Hendrik charming, but... it was concerning, given everything that was happening behind the scenes. He’d have to look out for him.

But in any case, Jasper also stands up and cautiously adjusts his daughter (his daughter, holy shit) so her head and body are both supported and holds her out for Hendrik to take.]

I have gotten the impression babies can be somewhat fickle in their affections; otherwise I would not be so concerned.

[...He imagines his presence would be comforting, actually. It seemed like it would be nice to be held in Hendrik’s big, strong arms, right up against his beefy chest...

...

...uh, wait. Wrong train of thought. Even if that would be nice.]

[Something brightens inside of Hendrik at that faint praise; it's one of those moments of unprompted kindness that seem to run counter to Jasper's stern behavior, and it makes him feel good to hear it.

Why did he ever let work get in the way of this friendship? It's ridiculous, in retrospect.

He hesitates briefly before taking the baby (Celestine -- he had to get in the habit of using her name) into his arms. If she looked like a perfect fit against the crook of Jasper's arm, she looks tiny in his arms, especially when he cradles her close to his chest. Up close, he can see her faint eyelashes and how her hair fluffs up a little over her forehead.

There's no way he could hope to fight down an enchanted smile, even if he wanted to, when her tiny fists open and close against his chest.]

...I said it before, but she is truly adorable.

[Jasper cannot help but smile at the two of them, because... it really is a precious sight. She really does look even smaller and more delicate in Hendrik’s arms, and it’s so cute to see him so charmed...]

She is absolutely precious, but I suppose that is to be expected. She has clearly inherited my cunning, and it appears the devious little thing has doomed us both to a life of eternal servitude.

[...oh, right, he can’t just stand here as his heart turns to gooey, warm mush looking at the two of them. Hm, right, chest. Fold and organize the spare blankets so she can’t accidentally get twisted up in them... maybe add one or two more. He wants it soft and comfy for her.

...now where does he put it. He was thinking right by his bed, but the window might give her a chill and like hell he’s putting the baby on the floor... maybe... his desk? That’s close to the fireplace, but it’s pretty far from his bed... hmmmmmm.]

I do not recall you being so cunning you could persuade in your sleep. But I suppose the possibility is there.

[His eyes flit over to Jasper at his little joke before he returns his attention to Celestine.

...He's not actually sure how long he stands there, holding her and carefully rocking her once in awhile. Jasper has to prepare his makeshift cradle for her, of course, so he steps away to do that...

When he glances back over at his friend, he notices his roaming eyes and thoughtful look.]

What are you thinking about?

Even if that were the case, it is generally expected that children will surpass their parents at some point, is it not?

[...because even for the sake of a joke, he's not going to say he can't... but hm. Hmm, hmm, hmm...]

Well, I suppose you can lend your expertise to selecting a suitable location for her to sleep tonight. I am not sure where it would be best to set her for now.

[...he'll probably need to do some rearranging when he gets a proper crib, but...]

I do not want her too far from my bed, of course.

Surpassed the first day you met her. Heavens, Jasper, do not sell yourself short.

[He makes the amused remark even as he considers his friend's quarters, wandering over in the direction of the divider. It really hasn't changed much over the years, so he looks over at the other furniture available in the room.]

If you move the table or the chair over here, you could have her situated at the foot or the bed or against the wall.

[He then looks at the dividing screens that Jasper uses to section off his room.]

You could probably use a divider or something similar to give her a little area of her own.

She does presently have the physical advantages in that department, in terms of being very small and adorable.

[and then Jasper's inferiority complex expanded to his baby as well.]

Ah, about the divider... I was thinking about adding that to the list of things to pick up tomorrow. Putting the table against the wall ought to work, though.

[He'll start moving the supplies and food to the desk, then, so he can start moving the table.]

[Hendrik follows Jasper back to the center of the room, mostly to get out of the way when it comes time to move the table. He slows down when he hears the baby lightly fuss in his arms, turning his attention to her and watching as she turns her head against his chest. He murmurs a quiet "Apologies, little one" to her and stays still for now so she doesn't have to deal with his lumbering movements.]

Given the weather, I would suggest you look for hats for her tomorrow. I, ah, would hope they sell such things along with the furniture.

...ah, yes. I imagine I will want a few changes of clothes for her regardless.

[Good. The table is cleared off. It's fairly light, so he can pick it up and move it without much difficulty and/or scuffing the floor, so he'll start over... and when he sets the table down against the wall, a thought strikes him.]

...good Goddess, Hendrik. I can dress her however I like and she will be powerless to object, and she will likely not care what it looks like anyway so long as it is soft and comfortable.

[He thinks a little longer about it. He hasn't really paid that much attention to baby fashion, but... he's pretty sure he's seen some babies with really cute hat designs in passing in the past...]

Well, I hope the outfits they have on display are suitably adorable so that I may be permitted to go mad with power. They must have animal hats out there...

[...oh, wait, he can see her wiggling a bit. He heads on over to... well... hover awkwardly a bit, actually...]

Is she doing alright? Should I take her back...?

[Keeping an eye on the baby in his arms, Hendrik watches as Jasper carries the table across the room. He raises a brow as Jasper starts chattering happily about baby clothes, for a brief moment considering just how surreal this entire evening has been. While it doesn't make up for the years of not interacting, it oddly enough comforts him to know they can still talk like this.

He snorts a little at the mention of animal hats, but doesn't get a chance to comment before Jasper is drawn over to by her wriggling in his arms.]

Ah, she did not seem to like me walking around, so I stopped. Once you set up her bed, I can give her back to you.

[Celestine's little fists open, gripping as much as baby fingers can to the front of Hendrik's coat.]

...I just remembered something about needing baby mittens as well. Apparently one of my older sisters scratched her face as her fingernails started to grow. Another item to think about buying.

Ah, I see.

[Jasper relaxes a bit at the clarification.]

I am glad it is nothing serious, then.

[.........she's so cute...... wait, no, he can't get distracted, he needs to take the chest over to the table. So, he'll do that, but...]

I will put that on the list as well.

[......little mittens........ ah, this sounds so cute... but in any case, he pauses after making an adjustment or two, then looks back to Hendrik.]

Should she be bathed before I put her to bed, do you think...?

[Hendrik considers, finding himself finally realizing that Jasper is asking for his recommendations for the baby. It ... probably shouldn't be too surprising by now after he's asserted himself all over the place tonight, but Jasper's never asked for his advice before this.

His brows knit together in as he thinks back.]

I do not think so, no. Not when she is asleep. There will be plenty of opportunity once she wakes up.

[He smiles wryly as he carefully walks over to join Jasper by the table so he can offer Celestine over to him.]

Before you know it, she will keep you very busy when she is awake.

[Jasper gingerly takes Celestine and looks her over. She’s calmed down and seems to have gone back to sleeping peacefully, though he rocks her a bit to be sure.]

I am certain I would be able to smell if she needed changed, at the very least.

[...he tries not to sniff too loudly, as that would be kind of weird even if it’s for her general well-being. She does not smell off at the moment, at least.]

And I am certain she will occupy most of my time. Well, I suppose it cannot be that much worse than some of the chores we had to do when we were children.

[...then again, he’d done his best to avoid stable duty. Though, that made it a perfect punishment for when he and Hendrik were actually caught getting into trouble, so it happened perhaps less often than it could have but more often than he would’ve liked...]

[Of course, the "perfect punishment" also turned into a, uh, life skill for taking care of a horse. Or maybe that was Hendrik's brain trying to find some positive in a literal crappy situation.

...Aside from that...]

It sounds like you have already found some upsides, in any case. I am sure you will find her the cutest outfits available.

[It's funny to imagine Jasper enthusiastically jumping into such aspects of parenthood.]

Do you think you will need anything else for tonight? Not simply for her, but for yourself.

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