Barbatos's heart

Daddy/Daughter Bonding 2

A/N: Wendy is about 9 months old in these little scenarios. I kind of forgot to mention that in "Overprotective Dad" and "Mommy's Off". Thanks for reading these btw. I'm living for daddy Barbatos. This part is kind of jumbled but whatever. Anyway, enjoy part 2!!!

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It was time to go to Wendy's baby play date at the library. It wasn't so much for the babies as it was for the adults, mainly the mothers to get together. Luckily, Barbatos was able to bribe Diavolo to go with him, not that it took much convincing, with Aurelia gone, Diavolo felt lonely. Plus he got to hang out with his best friend and goddaughter so it was a win-win for him.

They walked into the library, which was now redecorated to be babyproof. There was a big baby fence surrounding the main area and blocks and other non-chokable toys scattered around on the ground. Wendy was just starting to crawl and she showed what the new parents were going to get into once she hit the ground. "Wow, she's a fast little thing." Diavolo whistled. "Great... Another thing to worry about." Barbatos sighed. "Elaina said she was starting to crawl, but I didn't think she'd catch on this fast." He added. Diavolo chuckled as he went to sit on a nearby couch. Diavolo and Barbatos sat and chatted together as the event went on. The mothers sat nearby staring dreamily at the two men.

"She's growing so fast," Diavolo stated. "Yes, she is... Too fast. It feels like only yesterday that she was born. Now she's crawling. Soon she'll be walking and she won't need me anymore." Barbatos moped. "That isn't true Barbatos. Your child will always need you. I still wish I had my mother around." Diavolo shared. Barbatos felt bad, neither he nor Diavolo knew what it was like to have loving parents. Barbatos never knew his, Diavolo lost his mother when he was young, and Diavolo's father, well he was...terrible. "We have an opportunity to give Wendy a happy life, with plenty of people who love her," Barbatos whispered. "Exactly." Diavolo agreed.

The play date went on without a hitch. The mothers eventually wandered over to the men to thank them for bringing Wendy. Barbatos was able to swap some recipes with them and Diavolo was able to pick their minds about everyday happenings in Devildom. Now, it was time to pack up and go home. "So what are your plans for the rest of the night?" Diavolo asked. "Oh... When we get home, it's bath time." Barbatos confirmed.

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"Okay, my little waterlily! It's your favorite time of the night!! Bath time!! Are you ready baby girl?" Barbatos cheered as he lifted Wendy above his head excitedly. "Aaaaaah" she shrieked happily. Wendy loved playing in the water. She continued to baby babble as Barbatos got her little baby bath cushion set up. He grabbed a few little bath toys, gifted to her by her Auntie Aurelia. Her favorites were the little pink ducky and the orange baby shark that swam around when wound up.

Barbatos tested the water by stepping in and setting Wendy on the cushion. She was able to sit up on her own in the regular bathtub now. Barbatos would put on his swim trunks and sit in the shallow tub with her while they played together. It was one of his favorite things. It was also the only real time he got to spend alone with her when Elaina was home. Bath time was always their thing.

Wendy didn't actually like the "bath" part of bath time. She would scream something awful while being cleaned. Barbatos made sure to get all of that tough, boring stuff out of the way first, so she could have a better experience playing afterward.

"Barbatos!!!! Barbatos, what is going on in there?? Why is Wendy screaming!?" Diavolo knocked frantically on the bathroom door. All he could hear besides Wendy's crying was Barbatos's heavy laughter. "She's fine! She is not too fond of bathing."

"I thought she loved water though!"

"She does. Hey, listen... I need some help. Can you please come in here?" Barbatos pleaded. Diavolo cautiously opened the door, not knowing what to expect on the other side. He didn't expect to see Barbatos in next to nothing, sitting in the tub. "Heeeeeeeey, you're in the tub with her. That's adorable!" Diavolo said cheekily. "How can I help?"

"I just need you to hold her still while I finish washing her up. She likes to squirm." Barbatos chuckled. He was happy his friend was willing to help but he was also embarrassed that he had to see him like this and was teasing him.

The two men eventually got everything under control and Wendy was finally over her little fit. She was just staring at Diavolo with fascination. "Heh, she likes you." Barbatos grinned. Wendy was very talkative toward Diavolo. She kept making noises. "Oh! Is that so? ... *gasp* Oh, you do? ... Yeah! Your daddy is silly isn't he? ... I know!" Diavolo chuckled.

"Why does everyone pretend she says that!? I am not silly....!" Barbatos sassed. "Oooh yes, you are! B, you have a baby now. You're going to have to do some silly things. It's going to be a normal thing, and you shouldn't be embarrassed every time someone comes across you being a 'dad'. This is what dads do. They baby talk, they play games, they make their kids smile."

Barbatos pondered Diavolo's words. Wendy seemed to respond to the prince's childlike personality. He was quite good at making Wendy smile and talk. He wasn't afraid to look foolish in front of everyone. "You're right my Lord. Will you teach me?" He asked. "I think you're doing quite well, B. I don't think you need my help, I just think you need more confidence." Diavolo grinned, turning to leave the room.  "Y-yeah... You're right. Thanks!"

Wendy watched as Diavolo closed the door behind him. She turned her head to stare at her dad, looking like she was on the verge of tears. "Oh... Wendy darling, please don't." Barbatos whispered. Her nose started to crinkle and she started making little whimpers. "Let's play with princess ducky! Quack, quack, quack!" Barbatos grimaced at how stupid he sounded and sighed. It was going to take time to get used to it, but if it made Wendy happy, he was going to do it.

"Who's my special angel??" He asked in a cutesy voice. "You are!" He exclaimed, tickling her tummy. Her face changed suddenly and a huge grin replaced the frown. She let out a high-pitched squeal and began to giggle. "Yes, yes you are daddy's wittle angel!" He smiled as he booped her nose. She grabbed his finger and shook it while babbling like she was with Diavolo earlier. It was like she was telling her dad a story.

Diavolo stood on the other side of the door with his ear pressed against it, listening to his dear friend taking his advice. He couldn't help but smile. Barbatos was a great father and he was so happy that he got to help him out today. Barbatos was a part of his family and now that family was growing even more. This is the life he had always wanted for himself and his friends, a happy life. "Good job buddy, I knew you'd be a great husband and father. You were always there for me." He spoke softly as he happily walked away. Although he had rescued Barbatos, somewhere along the way Barbatos surpassed him in maturity and Diavolo felt as though, for half of his life, he was more like a father to him than his actual dad was.