guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[Hendrik watches with a small smile as the maids continue talking about how cute Celestine is. It's wonderful that there's a pleasant source of positivity in the castle ... even if it is strange to think of a baby as a morale booster. She was more than a morale booster, after all.

...Coffee would probably be preferable over tea, but tea is certainly welcome after only wine. He carefully takes a tart from the platter and starts in on it, commenting quietly.]

I hope all the attention does not make you uncomfortable.

Do not fret. I have not found it particularly irksome.

[If anything, it feels like a nice change of pace from almost feeling like he’s invisible to everyone. Well, perhaps that was an exaggeration of sorts... but at the same time, it was better than it had been.

He thinks about it a little harder as he eats some cobbler.]

I will admit that I was concerned her presence would be an issue, but it had turned out well for everyone, really.

An issue with whom? The staff?

[He watches at the maids reluctantly pry themselves away from Celestine, nodding to them as they take away the dinner dishes for washing.]

I suppose she could become a distraction, but that would be a personnel issue, not her fault. You cannot very well keep her in a corner all day.

[What a sad existence that would be.]

Well, people are not always kind to children with only one parent around, regardless of whether she is or is not an inconvenience.

[He knows that from experience...]

Everyone has been kind to her so far, though, so there is no cause for concern.

...Ah.

[Right. Right. Things like that did happen while they were younger...

He continues eating quietly for a little while, but he can't really feign an appetite for dessert. After finishing the tart, he sips at his tea.]

Well then, I wish you good productivity tomorrow while you work on that proposal tomorrow. I look forward to seeing what comes of it.

I do, as well.

[....he gets a little more cobbler.]

Do you have any plans for after this, then? I will be starting on work, of course, but I am sure Celestine would not mind spending time with you, at the very least.

For this evening...?

[...]

No, no plans. I have meetings and a review of the armory tomorrow, but the rest of today is free.

[He glances over at Celestine over the brim of his teacup as he drinks.]

I would not mind staying over longer, but I cannot help but think she will be sleeping soon.

Edited 2020-09-29 09:52 (UTC)

Ah... that is true, I suppose.

[He looks over to Celestine, who... yep, she gives a big yawn.

...

Jasper also yawns as a result.]

...

That might be true for the both of us, actually... perhaps I ought to take a nap after I get my research materials together.

[He can't help but chuckle as father and daughter yawn, nodding in approval at Jasper's plan.

...He may also have to stifle a yawn himself. Contagious things, those yawns.]

Yes, you should get some sleep while she is also taking a nap. It is hard to be productive while you are yawning every other minute.

Well, I considered asking you to perhaps check on us about four hours from now to make sure I have awoken to feed her and get to work, but it almost seems as though you may require a nap as well.

[It’s more of a jest than anything, since Hendrik hasn’t been up on and off all night making sure a baby is fed, but you know.

...then again...]

On the other hand, I have possibly asked enough of you today.

My offer of assistance is still quite new, Jasper. I do not mind helping out if you have a need.

[There is an obvious issue, of course.]

If checking on you in four hours will help you in establishing a schedule of some sort, I would be happy to drop by. It need not be long at all; once I have confirmed you are awake, I can leave you to your work.

I believe it will, yes. I feel as though I did a reasonably good job keeping up with her last night, but I did eventually find myself sleeping just a bit too long during the last break before the day proper started.

[...he looks kind of guilty about that...]

So it would be helpful to have another set of eyes on that sort of thing.

...Ah. Yes, that is understandable. Especially for when you are usually sleeping.

[Well. Presumably when Jasper is usually speaking.

... ... ...]

If it would help, I can check in for the next few days. In the evening.

[While he's available to do so.]

Ah, I would not be opposed to that at all. At least for the next few days.

[...]

And when conditions are better, I ought to take you for lunch or dinner out of appreciation for your assistance.

That may be awhile yet, to avoid overwhelming Celestine.

[But he smiles at the prospect, pouring a little more tea for himself.]

I look forward to said better conditions, though. Perhaps we will have other things to celebrate by then as well.

Well, I hate to put it off for so long, but I imagine between the weather and Celestine being a bit older, spring should be a good time, should it not?

Mm. Indeed, that may be the best time to do it. When I am not on a mission.

[He's never really looked forward to these campaigns, considering the reasons why they have to be sent out so often, but now he's somewhat disappointed to know they will be obstacles in a way.

But it's a sacrifice all knights under his command take for their country. Who would he be to not stand firm, as their commanding officer?]

Well, I am sure I will have a better idea of your schedule in due time, all things considered.

[.........he grabs a pear tart just to try it.]

Until you are sent out, however, I suppose it would not be too much of an issue for us to meet during meals again.

...Ah, yes, that would be nice.

[His meals were largely eaten alone, with the occasional meal out with similarly single senior knights. There were also the parties he was expected to attend as the head of the military, but he barely counted those in the first place considering he did more social drinking than eating during those events.]

My evenings should be clear for the time being. We would have to align schedules for any earlier meals.

[He appears amused by Jasper reaching for a tart.]

Not a sweet enough dessert for your palate?

Yes, of course. Dinner would be fine, at the very least.

[...hopefully the king doesn’t decide to show up again for dinner. Holy fuck, man, he doesn’t want to deal with the “king” more than he has to.]

I feel like I want to try it regardless, just for the sake of it.

[He takes a bite and thinks about it...]

No, not quite. I do not hate it, but I would not eat more.

[A faint chuckle escapes at that food critique.]

I do not think you could possibly truly hate a sweet dessert, my friend.

[He leans back in his chair a bit, fingers drumming on the table.]

If you are finished, I can walk you back to your room. So you do not have to worry about the doors.

[He feels the need to explain, as if he's somehow insulting Jasper with the implication of escorting him.]

Doing things one-handed is not too difficult... but I would rather not take any risks I do not have to with the little one.

[doing things for the sake of baby is more dignified. He sips the last of his tea and smiles.]

You know, I almost wish to put on some sort of challenge wherein contestants attempt to make a sweet dessert I actively dislike.

A contest where everyone has to meet your high standards? One that involves food? That seems like something you might enjoy to the point of overindulgence.

[That is to say, it sounds perfectly ridiculous and he wonders if he might end up roped into it somehow.

He stands up with a slight stretch, rounding his chair to walk to the other side of Jasper to peek at Celestine. She still seems rather awake considering her earlier yawn, but looks can be deceiving.]

Ready to head back, little one? Time to head home.

[It's a little silly, considering they live in the castle, but he's talking to a baby who really can't understand him, so...]

You say that as though it is a bad idea that I will regret.

[He won’t, is what he’s saying.

Celestine is at least still looking around in that kind of dazed way that very young babies do, but she could nod off at a moment’s notice on account of being baby. He stands up and picks her bassinet up and slings it under one arm. Once that's secure, he picks up the bottle with his free hand since Hendrik is offering to handle doors anyway, then smiles at Hendrik’s statement before looking down to talk to her.]

Do not fret, my dear. Though the road home may be perilous, we have an accomplished escort guiding us there.

[...it’s fun talking to a baby who has no fucking idea what he’s saying, alright.]

I feel this one will grow up with a flair for the dramatic, under your care.

[It's a clear tease following the way Jasper speaks to his daughter, Hendrik's mood light enough to be able to enjoy his own (non-pun) joke. He strides to the large double doors to hold one open.]

What perils may there be on the way? An unlit patch of corridor, a slightly wet floor?

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