guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[Celestine, indeed, does not know or care what is going on, because her eyelids are heavy and the adjustments made her even more comfy, so it’s very easy for her to fall asleep.

...so she just kinda slips off into dreamland and sleeps for the rest of Hendrik’s time babysitting.

Which is, you know, still a while, all things considered....]

[What a good baby. Two days now (well, technically, one full day) and no considerable issues. He can only hope things continue like this for the foreseeable future.

He folds up his spotted coat so it can be washed later (he wouldn't be nearly so presumptuous as to toss it in Jasper's laundry) and considers putting the jerkin on alone. Maybe if he has to step out.

Once he's assured that Celestine is asleep, Hendrik considers what he can do with his time. He had hoped to do some training today before everything had gotten so chaotic last night, but he's not about to duck out to go to his room or the training hall. Besides, even he knows it's not a good idea to swing a sword around someone else's room.

So ... what can he do?

The answer comes quickly enough. If he can't train with a weapon right now, he can at least train his body. Pushups, sit-ups, and the like. Jasper wouldn't be terribly bothered if he used his floor, right?

So that's what he does. Pushups. Start with 100 with both arms, 100 with one arm each, end with another 100 together for a set of 400 pushups. Three sets.]

[It’s still a few hours before Jasper returns, because he was picking up a whole lot of things! So many things. He just kind of... practically barges into his room with a huge sack slung over his shoulder, as he looks over his shoulder to address the carpenters who he’s employed to set up Celestine’s crib.]

Right, so I will let you in and show you where to set things up, but do try not to be too loud because there is a young baby—-

[...and then he turns... to look over... to see how Hendrik’s doing...

...

...

Okay he should not stare. He will not stare. He was already kind of staring.]

...and be careful not... to trip over Sir Hendrik, if you... will...

[A few hours sees Hendrik getting through several exercises and stopping to rehydrate along the way. By the time Jasper walks in, Hendrik has his legs over the side of the chaise so he can do sit-ups with his legs elevated. Being halfway through his second set of 300 sit-ups has Hendrik drenched in sweat but quite alert, and he looks over at Jasper from his place on the floor, more than a little confused.

And then he sees the people behind Jasper and he's soon scrambling to his feet to not look utterly disheveled in someone else's personal room. The sweat and heavy breathing doesn't help matters much as he runs a hand through his hair.

Being half-naked helps even less.]

Er... Welcome back.

Good to see you have been keeping yourself occupied, Hendrik. I suppose I should be happy I did not see you using my daughter as a weight.

[...it’s meant to be lighthearted teasing, but Jasper is tired enough from the long day that it comes off a touch snippier than intended. He is kind of smiling, at least. Kind of.

...also in fairness one of the carpenters is one of the bull-masked shirtless musclemen that seem to be everywhere in Erdrea, and after processing for a moment he nearly drops the crib frame he’s holding in excitement.

“Cor, I didn’t think I’d also be meeting General Hendrik today! When we’re done here, could you maybe give me your autograph and some workout tips?”

Jasper rolls his eyes, but takes the momentary diversion as an opportunity to set the big sack of baby supplies down and check on his daughter, who is still sleeping peacefully. ........goddess she’s so fucking cute.

Anyway, right, he needs to take care of everything else. He’ll begin walking over to his bed area and talking over his shoulder again.]

There is currently a table where I would like the crib to be placed, so let me go and move it aside.

[Hendrik is about to stammer out a reply to Jasper when the excited muscleman bloke calls out to him, and he stands there, mildly perplexed and wondering if he should probably put on a shirt. He retreats closer to the windows to get out of the way as the carpenters carry in the sectioned pieces of the crib, belatedly deciding to carry the chaise out of the way so there is more open room for maneuvering.

Just what Jasper wanted on a busy afternoon, right? Muscular men, some half-naked, working and grunting in his personal room.]

[...

Like. He’s not... unhappy about this........

...but he can’t really stand around and gawk because he needs to move the table next to the chaise and start unpacking his big old bag of baby supplies.

...and, well, he may as well ask Hendrik how the day went while he’s doing so.]

So, you did not have any problems, then? She seems content as she sleeps, and you do not seem particularly grim, so I presume it went well.

[Glancing between Jasper and the sleeping baby in the corner, Hendrik decides to dismiss the initial confusion and focus on reporting.]

No issues, no. I had to request assistance with milk from the maids, but Celestine was happy enough to listen while I read for the good part of an hour.

[He frowns a bit in thought. Was it less than an hour? Tough to tell. In any case...]

She did fuss when I walked out of sight, but I presume she has done the same to you.

Ah, yes, I should have mentioned some of those things, but really, they just seemed... well, I had been barely letting her out of my sight myself, really.

[he knows she will probably not explode if he looks away for five seconds.

but what if she does.]

But yes, I am very happy that she enjoys when people read to her. She seems generally very agreeable to most things as long as she has at least some attention being paid to her, though I suppose we have all only known each other a day.

[let’s see... OH... THERE THEY ARE, THE OUTFITS...]

Ah, look at this hat I found her!

[IT HAS A LITTLE BABY CHICK FACE ON IT....]

[In Hendrik's amazing amount of experience, babies do not tend to explode the moment no one is looking. But it does seem like a good idea to be skeptical when one's first child is at risk.

Hendrik glances over to the carpenters to watch them start working before focusing on Jasper, watching as he starts scooping out baby supplies. He blinks at the particular hat that Jasper pulls out, slowly smiling as he looks it over.]

I hope this is the first of an entire wardrobe you found for her.

[It is completely unfair that there are no instantaneous contraptions that can capture one's appearance as a handheld portrait.]

Oh, well, of course. It would not do if she did not have several outfits to wear, and I did attempt to plan ahead a bit for when she has grown.

[look, he got a few pairs of little mittens, too! And a fancy bonnet for formal occasions! And some other little hats and gowns and whatnot...!

There is also a cozy-looking portable bassinet that he pulls out, then places on his desk next to the sleeping baby’s current crib and thinking...]

Ah, but I do not wish to disturb her. I will move her once she awakens, I think.

[Goodness, Jasper really went all-out for his first shopping trip for the baby. He looks so enthusiastic as he showcases the various little accessories and clothes that will need to be put away in their own place eventually. It's highly commendable. And cute.

...Er.]

She has slept a good while. Perhaps it is still too early, but you will want to have a rough schedule for her sleeping as she grows older.

[Yes. Focus on other things. Such as gesturing at the working carpenters.]

It is also good to see if she is a light or deep sleeper.

Hm.

[He ponders. She looks so cute and content, though...]

If she has not awakened by the time I have put everything in order, I shall wake her up then. She does seem as though she has slept through the current racket, at the very least...

[the clothes are out, as is the bassinet... now for the hygienic supplies, and, of course, an assortment of cute little toys....]

[Hendrik nods in approval of Jasper's decision; it's a reasonable way to approach it, especially given what little is known about Celestine's behavior other than apparently being a rather calm baby. He finds himself looking forward to learning more about what she is like, whether it be witnessing it himself or hearing about it from Jasper.

He picks at the little gowns and accessories that were bought, noting they are loose or big for Celestine's current size. The little booties and mittens will definitely be helpful if Jasper ever takes her outside... Not that he would blame him if he decided to keep her indoors. She has many years ahead of her to learn what winter and cold weather are.]

Ah. You were able to find stuffed animals.

[Well. Stuffed monsters. It's funny how stuffed monster toys, like slimes and platypunks, are rather popular despite being dangerous to children.]

I did speak with a well-recommended nursemaid who should be in for a proper visit tomorrow, and she told me that babies do not truly appreciate them until a certain age, but it cannot hurt to have them waiting in the wings.

[there's also a rattle not unlike the ones typically carried by khalamari kids... and a mobile of normal animals of various kinds. So there's a little bit of everything!

And of course he already took the extra milk to the kitchen, ssso.]

I imagine I will think of other things to pick up as time goes on, but I feel this should be a good start.

Yes, they do know they can hold objects for ... awhile. But it can become something familiar. For comfort.

[Of course, some children then become overly clingy with their toys, but ... that can be averted. He's pretty sure, at least. It's been a long time since he's been around children with that particular habit.]

She is very fortunate. I can just imagine how many girls have sought after your attentions, and your eyes are only for her.

[...Perhaps not the best topic while there's others in the room, but Hendrik's thoughts have wandered to the maids who had fawned over Celestine.]

I am sure she will appreciate the company, at least. She does seem to love it so.

[or at least tolerate it well! He does smile fondly thinking of it...

...and hah. He does chuckle a bit, even if...

...don’t look too closely at Hendrik...]

Ah, she truly will be the envy of Heliodor. Admittedly, it may have been nice to have someone else by my side for this, but... well, I suppose you have made a decent equivalent thus far.

[The remark about being a "decent equivalent" fills Hendrik with more warmth and pride than it probably should, and he lifts his chin a little higher as he smiles.]

Mm. If I am to be present anywhere in her life, I will strive to be a good role model for her.

[Perhaps an uncle or a godfather or ... a life companion to her father? They have known each other the majority of their lives, after all.

Only two of those have actual titles associated with them, though. What would she call him otherwise? "Sir"?]

You had best keep her from exploring under your bed lest she find all those Digests, then.

[To Jasper’s credit, he at least keeps his voice low enough that the carpenters won’t hear it... even though hey! It looks like they’ve finished, and they’re headed on over to the two of them.

“Right, then, give it a look over and let us know if it’s to your liking, sir,” says the non-masked carpenter, and Jasper nods and heads over. ...and the bull mask guy is also on his way over with an invoice for Jasper’s desk and an extra scrap of paper for Hendrik........]

[Seeing Jasper head over to inspect the finished baby furniture, Hendrik busies himself arranging the little accessories bought for Celestine. After an awkward moment of remembering he should probably put on his shirt, he heads over to retrieve it from the chaise, only to be intercepted by the masked bodybuilder and handed the scrap of paper.

He shoots a perplexed look at the other man for a split second, then remembers what had been asked for and walks over to Jasper's desk to look for a quill.]

Ah, an autograph, was it?

[“Would you please, Sir Hendrik?” says the masked bodybuilder imploringly.

Meanwhile, Jasper looks over the cradle approvingly and begins counting out a handsome sum of gold. It’s ornate, but not, like, tacky, and the craftsmanship is extremely high quality, so he adds some extra gold on top of the agreed upon price. The carpenter thanks him and wishes him and his little one well before heading for the door. He tells his partner to hurry it up and stop bothering Sir Hendrik before heading on out. Jasper, meanwhile, heads on over to Celestine’s chest and goes to gingerly pick her up without awakening her...]

And workout tips...? Ah, I suppose I can write something down.

[The scrap of paper is rather small, but Hendrik has put a lot of work into making his autograph neat and legible no matter the size. (It's an embarrassing fact if he really thinks about it.) After blowing on the ink a bit so it dries, he writes on the back of the paper about eating bread and rice before training and meat and vegetables after. And some more stuff about steady weight increments for strength training.

...It's one of the things on which he can actually offer advice, even if he has to put it all down in shorthand.]

["Cor! Thanks a lot, Sir Hendrik!" says the bull-masked carpenter, giving an excited fist pump as he excitedly takes the paper. "I can't wait to show all my mates!"

...ah, and he notices Jasper with the baby... so he kind of lowers his voice a bit, with a bit of a self conscious double take...

"Oh, and good luck with your little one, Sir Jasper! I hope she likes her crib!"

...the other carpenter pokes his head in and gestures exasperatedly for him to leave, and he does, but with a wave... Jasper bemusedly watches the two go out with a wave, then looks down at Celestine, who grunts in annoyance and wiggles a bit.]

Ah, did we wake you, then?

[Hendrik casts Jasper a slightly chagrined look as he sets aside the quill and sees the two carpenters out, shutting the door behind. He then walks over to join his friend in staring at his baby daughter, distracted away from his thought of grabbing his shirt to put it back on. He smiles when he sees she's awake, watching her wiggle and open and close her fists.

The look on Celestine's face draws a faint laugh from him.]

She reminds me of you waking up for morning roll call, back in training.

[Jasper actually does kind of chuckle at the comparison as he gently rocks Celestine to soothe her a bit from her slightly rude awakening.]

I am certain you can see why I wanted to let her sleep a bit longer, then.

[He turns back to his daughter with a smile.]

But come now, Celestine. I have awoken you for a far more pleasant purpose than roll call. Let me show you your new lodgings.

[He gently sets her in the bassinet and waits to see her reaction.

...

He is not going to insist Hendrik put on a shirt because hahahahahaha.]

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