It wasn't long before Ignis told Prompto that he would have to go for the night. He had spent most of the night teaching Prompto various things to keep in mind when raising a baby. From feeding to knowing what to do when Scarlet would eventually cry and just what the cry was calling for. Prompto made sure to start writing down a lot of the notes into a notepad, knowing he for sure wouldn't be able to remember every single thing.
"Thanks Iggy," Prompto said. "But one last question."
"Yes? What is it?"
"What about sleeping? I know we are going to get a crib soon, but for tonight? What will I do?"
"Hm, the best option would be to let her sleep on a mattress on the floor. It isn't too likely she would roll off, but it is best that she is closest to the ground when sleeping just to be on the safe side."
"I uh, I don't have an extra mattress. I mean, I got my parents' bedroom, but who knows when they will just randomly decide to come home."
"Would you like me to bring you-"
"No," Prompto said, cutting him off. "You've already done so much for me so far. I think I can figure out something though."
Ignis hummed as he looked at Prompto. "Are you sure? I don't mind."
Prompto held up his hand and shook his head. "It's fine, really. If I do need any more stuff right away I will let you know. But we can go and buy a crib tomorrow right? So it will just be one night like this."
"I suppose so. If you are sure, then we can leave it at that."
Prompto nodded, feeling a little more confident than he had before. He looked down into his arms, smiling at the little sleeping face of Scarlet. He couldn't deny how warm and happy he felt when he looked at her. Holding this little baby, knowing he was going to care for her, it gave him a new feeling.
A feeling of purpose. A sense of maturity that he could prove to himself that he could handle. Even if he was young, he wasn't going to let this go. He had convinced himself in front of Ignis, and if he could prove himself to Ignis then he figured he could do just about anything.
"Alright, if you believe you have it settled, then I shall take my leave. But first I should wake Noctis."
The two looked over to the couch, seeing that Noctis had fallen asleep on it. He had fallen asleep some time ago when Ignis had begun a discussion over what foods Prompto should be feeding Scarlet.
Prompto laughed "Guess he was more tired than he had thought he was. You going to wake him?"
"Of course. It would be easier than trying to carry him all the way to the car and then into his apartment. He isn't a child anymore."
"Sure he isn't," Prompto snickered.
"Yes, he is a child at heart. But he still has quite a bit to go before I can call him mature. But that time will come soon," Ignis commented as he walked over.
Prompto stood up, continuing to hold Scarlet carefully. He was as steady and as quiet as possible so as to not accidentally wake her. Walking over to the couch, Prompto watched as Ignis shook Noctis's shoulder lightly.
"Huh?" Noctis yawned as his eyes fluttered open. "I'm awake… I'm waking…"
"It's time that we return you to your apartment. Prompto and I have settled all we need for the night and will resume more tomorrow."
"Oh, already? You sure you'll be fine, Prompto?"
With a nod of his head he held up Scarlet slightly. "I got this, dude. If I do need more help I'll be sure to call."
Noctis pushed himself to his feet and walked closer to Prompto. He looked concerned for a moment, but then he smiled a little. "Well, if you're sure. Good luck. You're a dad now, so congrats."
"A dad, yeah. Wow, crazy to think about it. But hey, you're an uncle," Prompto replied. "Scarlet is going to need all the love from her uncles that she can get."
"Sure thing," Noctis said. "She seems like she'll be a good kid, especially in your hands."
"Yes," Ignis added. "I must say I do agree. You have strengths Prompto, and I'm sure you can put them to good use to raise this little girl."
Prompto grinned widely. "Thanks guys."
Prompto saw them to the door and once they were in the car, he closed the door and headed back to the kitchen. He set Scarlet carefully down into her carseat before he headed into his room. He stripped the bed of the pillows and sheets before pulling the mattress off.
It hit the floor with a thud and Prompto pushed it into the corner of his room. He set up the sheets and comforter along the edge and then placed his pillows nearby. With a sigh, he changed into his pajamas and brushed his teeth quickly.
Afterwards, he went back to the kitchen and scooped up Scarlet and carried her into his room. "Okay Scarlet. You are going to hopefully sleep well. Iggy said babies your age should sleep pretty soundly through the night."
He kissed her forehead lightly before he laid her down in the center of the mattress. Prompto then adjusted his pillows before walking out of his room and going into his parent's room. He stood there for a moment, freezing up at the sight of the empty bed. It had been empty for months, looking like it was starting to collect dust.
With a quick sight, he went over and ripped the comforter off as well as the pillowed. He brought them back to his room and placed the pillows right next to his own. Now that he could lay down with a bit more of a comfy feel, he flopped down and wrapped himself up right next to the mattress.
"Goodnight Scarlet," he whispered before he closed his eyes, hoping for a good night of sleep.
Before Prompto even opened his eyes, he was first met with the sound of small whines. He pushed himself to a sitting position, groaning slightly. A line up of pillows was not the best way to sleep at all.
"Scarlet?" Prompto asked quickly. "Hey, are you okay?"
He held her close and checked if she needed a diaper change or not. As far as he could tell, she smelled fine, but he knew he should change her just to be safe. He stood up, carefully rocking her in his arms as it seemed to help calm her down a bit. As he went to the kitchen to grab the diapers that Ignis had brought for him he started to slow down.
"Wait… I don't even know how to change you! Ugh… this is going to be a struggle… KupoTube don't fail me"
He looked down and saw that Scarlet was trying to suck on one of his fingers, covering his finger in drool. "But hmm maybe you need food first? Maybe you are just thirsty? Hungry? I didn't set up the milk stuff last night either… at least I don't think so."
He walked over to the kitchen and looked at the list of food Ignis had left him with instructions and options for what would be best. After reading it a bit he turned to grab the diaper bag like he had originally intended and headed into the bathroom.
"Okay first things first, we change you up and then get you something to eat, okay? And probably some milk too. We are going to start off this day with a good start!"
As Prompto pulled up a KupoTube video on how to change a diaper, it started to sink in just what it was that he was doing. He was changing a baby's diaper. He was changing the soon to be his baby's diaper. He was doing what a parent would do, and now that he was in the moment, it all felt so real yet so unreal at the same time.
He couldn't even explain it to himself how he felt, but he knew part of it had to be excitement. This was going to be the start of a good day, and he wasn't going to let go of that feeling.
Thus began day 1 of parenting.
And another cute little chapter before the real fun begins! How will prompto survive?
