guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[He knows now of the friction between His Majesty and his friend, so the way Jasper phrases his hopes both makes sense and saddens him.

...And yet. Something about what he's said strikes him as odd.

...

It takes him a long moment to realize what it is.]

I... Now that I am thinking about it, I do not think His Majesty's approval is needed for you to be appointed as Lazarite's successor.

[...

you know... you know... he'd been distracted by thinking of all the things that could go wrong that he hadn't thought through the strategic implications of how this could go right.

It's true. If the "king" did go out of his way to censure Lazarite, it would probably look really suspicious in a way that would be difficult for others to write off. Then, maybe, he could have an easier time exposing the demon... or, if the demon didn't take that risk, he'd get the promotion he wanted.

Either way, it's a win for him, and it does cheer him up a bit.]

Well, do let Sir Lazarite know that I am open to a meeting to discuss the possibility at any time. I do have a new responsibility to take care of, admittedly, but it is not as though other knights do not manage to balance their families with their careers.

[Hendrik is still trying to think through his rather complicated tangle of facts. Lazarite had opted not to officially be named the new chief of staff because he still intended to retire as soon as possible -- even if that was three years ago now. Lazarite did not necessarily need his approval for choosing a successor; Lazarite was keeping him in the loop primarily because he and the chosen successor would have to work together.]

I will pass on that information when I see him next -- either tomorrow or the day after. I am sure he will be mindful to give you enough to arrange for a sitter.

[He shifts his attention back to Celestine in her bassinet for a moment, then looks at the toys he's still holding. He makes the bold move to put the platypunk toy in a rounded corner of the bassinet by her feet, its tail curled around its base. He'd considered the teddy bear, but the platypunk had less of a chance of falling over.]

[Oh... another new... friend? Celestine is interested, but it's not quite clear what kind of interest it is yet. Maybe when she has motor control outside of wiggling...]

I am sure he will, as well. He always struck me as a reasonable man, but he has certainly been... dealing with much over the past few years.

[...hmmm...]

And I do have one lined up, but I am hoping to have her walk me through a few things as well...

[He smiles when he notices Celestine's eyes following his hand as he puts the toy in the bassinet, carefully reaching over to play with one of her tiny feet.]

Ah, yes, I am sure there is still much to learn. Babies develop quickly in the space of a few weeks.

[He tilts his head as he thinks.]

There must be books available as well. But my mother seemed to learn everything she needed to know from family and friends.

I did hear something about two weeks being old enough for her to be on her chest for short periods, and that that is necessary for proper growth, but I am not certain I want to do it unsupervised.

[He watches Hendrik play with her and smiles when she wiggles and lets out a squeak. It’s not a distressed squeak, so it’s fine...! It’s very cute.

...

b...oth of them. Goddess. Why is the large wall of muscle so adorable... he’s like a former puppy that’s grown into his very large paws, yet has effectively the same personality...

...anyway, he uh. He should continue on that line of thought.]

I suppose there is no shortage of people to ask, at the very least. People do so love her thus far.

[Not wanting to overstimulate the baby, Hendrik only plays with her foot for a little while before reaching up to give her wispy blue hair an affectionate strike and withdrawing his hand. He's still smiling when he turns to look at Jasper.

It ... takes him a moment to remember to say something, those gold eyes looking at him with an unexpected warmth. Not that he can't be warm, but it's an expression he's seen little of in years.]

Mm... Yes, I am sure you will have your pick of a number of volunteers. Myself included, should our schedules align.

You will at the very least need to stop in and say hello every so often. She seems to have taken a shine to you already.

[Celestine burbles positively, almost as if in agreement, and Jasper strokes her hair as well.]

I imagine it would do you both good, given how much you already clearly adore her.

[...he kind of wants to tease Hendrik about making time to find a nice girl and start a family with her, but he can’t do it. Not now. Somehow, it was easier years before, when he still kind of... maybe felt a certain way... in roughly the same amount... but...

...

He should probably get over it at some point, shouldn’t he...]

I am sure it is only a matter of exposure. She may have protested more had she understood I was reading a history book to her.

[...Not that there's anything wrong with history books! They just do not seem like usual fare for reading to babies and small children.]

But I would be happy to stop by whenever I am able. Besides Celestine, I am sure I owe you more than a few visits.

[His smile is apologetic even as he looks away, setting down the rest of the stuffed toys close to the bassinet and busying himself finally putting on his shirt.]

Well, she is my daughter, after all. She may very well have enjoyed them even if she did know you were reading her history books.

[Jasper begins arranging the stuffed animals around the bassinet for... well... aesthetics, at the moment. They look like a bunch of fluffy sentinels keeping an eye on the baby, really.]

You do practically owe me interest at this point in that regard.

[Hendrik grimaces a little at Jasper's agreement with him owing interest, but it's hidden as he tugs his shirt over his head. He should really think of ways to make up for the completely unnecessary silence the past few years.]

Then... Hm.

[He glances back in the direction of the windows in Jasper's room. There's still light out, so it's not terribly late into the afternoon yet.]

Perhaps I can, ah, interest you in a meal?

[It's not quite a pun, so it's not quite the lowest form of comedy, right?]

[...Jasper kind of squints at Hendrik in an attempt to figure out if that was a pun without actually acknowledging it. If he acknowledges it, it will encourage him.

...still... man, though...]

Oh, of course. Though, I do have to wonder if we ought to arrange something for her...

[maybe they can take her? Should they...?]

[There is a moment of nervous tension that's doubly heightened by his attempt at a joke. Unsure whether or not he wants the joke acknowledged, Hendrik ends up simply attempting to keep a straight face while Jasper squints at him.

It's. It's difficult.

Jasper is fortunately merciful, turning his attention to his actual question. He averts his attention to Celestine, who is seemingly wide awake and looking up at them.]

It would be unwise to take her somewhere too noisy. Perhaps we can pick up something from the kitchens and take her somewhere different but quiet?

[Though that does beg the question of where to go...]

I suppose we could just bring it back to the room and keep her by our side, though that seems a bit dull and it might be nice to give her a change of scenery.

[HMMMMMMmmmmm...]

All of the spots that come immediately to mind are outdoors, which... well, perhaps in the spring, but certainly not now. Granted, given all the knight trainees have left for the winter, the dining hall itself may very well be sedate enough...

Ah, that is true. There may be a few around into the evening if they could not arrange to head home right away, but certainly more sedate than usual.

[The senior knights were to keep an eye on them in the meantime, so they would at least not be causing any restless trouble.]

It would be a good opportunity to get Celestine more milk for the evening as well.

She does not seem terribly shy, at the very least, so if anyone is around it will likely not disturb her too much. It is also close enough that if she is upset, we can bring her back here easily enough. I am sure she ought to be hungry once we have finished eating, as well.

[...hmmm... he leans over and looks her over.]

Though, are you hungry now, I wonder...? You do seem happy enough at the moment. It would be nice for all of us to eat together, at least.

[Celestine wiggles a bit...! That seems like a yes, he guesses.]

I am still unsure of her age in comparison to what I remember as a child, but I remember a neighbor's baby who was always attached to a bottle anytime they were awake. I suppose this means she is a little past that age?

[He looks at Celestine again. She doesn't appear to be an unhealthy baby.]

She has not eaten in over two hours, so now or after our meal would be good timing.

[He's rather hungry himself, but it's far less of an issue for him to grab his jerkin and find something to eat if he's suddenly ravenous.]

She has never refused food when I have fed her, and I do think she has only cried out of hunger once that I have observed thus far...

[...because he fell asleep.

...ah, just thinking about it makes him try and stifle a yawn...]

Well, I have worked up an appetite myself, so we may as well leave now.. I will pick you up, then, my dear...

[He gingerly picks the portable bassinet up out of the circle of plushies and tucks it under his arm, then looks around for the bottle of milk that was already here so he can use it up...]

You are not going to take advantage of the outing to introduce her to some of her new clothes?

[It's meant to be a tease, seeing how he was so pleased with his selection of clothes for the baby. Regardless, Hendrik walks over to retrieve his jerkin and slip it on, waiting for a decision from his friend. He'll be more than happy to grab the door should Jasper decide just to leave right away.]

...Oh, I must. At the very least, she needs a hat lest she catches a draft.

[He brings the bassinet over to where he laid the clothes out, and looks them over, before picking out the chick hat and a white gown. He very gingerly picks her up so he can change her clothes, and then once the gown is on, he puts her hat on and sets her back in the bassinet.

There are a few confused squeaks as he does so, but once she's dressed, she seems... well... generally baffled by the experience, as most babies are, but she isn't upset, at the very least.

She also looks very cute, and Jasper's... trying not to clutch his chest... from how adorable...]

[Hendrik watches as his friend fuss over his daughter, feeling a warmth in his chest at the sight. Has Jasper ever looked so touched and pleased with something?

But perhaps he shouldn't be marveling over something like that. Of course having a family would make Jasper happy, after going without the majority of his life.

He's sure it would be the same for himself.

He walks over to look at Celestine, snorting in amusement at her wide-eyed, baffled expression. It's made especially funny by the chick hat and the tuft of blue hair peeking out between her brows.]

She looks quite confused. And very cute. Excellent choice.

Ah, I am sure she will not be confused for long. She will get used to it, I imagine.

She will certainly continue to be adorable, though.

[He smooths out some of the fabric and picks up her bassinet again, then nods.]

Now I believe we are ready.

[Stepping back with a nod, Hendrik leads the way over to the doors, holding one open so Jasper does not have to juggle between the bassinet and the door. Then it's off to the dining hall, which is not all the far away from their rooms and still close to the kitchens.

The winter months tend to be quieter in the castle to match the slowness of the city beyond the walls. There are still occasional visits from foreign nobles carrying proposals and treaties for the king's attention, but the general air is peaceful.

When they were much, much younger, these winter months were when he and Jasper would be at their worst together, whether it be inside or outside of the castle.]

[Jasper always somewhat preferred the quiet of the winter months, even if he had mixed feelings about the season in general. The only people around were generally his favorite people or, at the very least, people he didn’t dislike, and it was a little easier to relax and let loose because of that. There are a few guards somewhat lazily patrolling who offer Hendrik a salute as the two pass, but it’s a fairly uneventful walk to the dining hall. When they get there, Jasper sets Celestine down on the table, and... ah, one of the kitchen cats that’s particularly fond of him has promptly spotted him and made a beeline for his legs. He does chuckle a bit at that as he bends down to scratch him behind the ears.]

...oh, well, everyone is just demanding my attention today, are they not?

[Oh no. When one of the kitchen mousers strolls into the dining hall, Hendrik gives it considerable breadth. While his cat fur sensitivities are rather inconsistent, he doesn't want to risk dealing with sneezing fits for the rest of the day.

So he leans against the table on the other side, watching Jasper settle the bassinet on the tabletop.]

Is there anything specific you are craving? Perhaps the staff will have the ingredients to take a request for dinner tonight.

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