#fallcrest:plotdrop

+Cut To - Next day

BRAXTON

In the early morning, Braxton looked like he was getting ready for battle, making sure that anywhere they were going to will be well-equipped with baby stuff. He even rented a SUV in order to fit 4 baby seats and already had a stroller that could also carry them all at once coming its way.

But for now, Braxton was walking into the gym with a baby strapped to his chest, and another strapped to his back while he pushed a stroller containing two even younger babies. Thank God there was Nix to cover because he had a feeling that Aleja was going to kill him if he left her on the floor alone. However, now that he was at the gym with four sets of eyes staring back at him, he couldn't help but wonder, "... How do I strap 4 babies onto me... ?"

RIKKE

It had taken a bit longer to get out the door this morning, mostly because she wasn't quite used to sharing a living space with so many people. She wasn't complaining though. It had been rather reminiscent of being back home to have such activity at the top of the day. Regardless, she and several of the others had been convinced that they should just go about their regular day, and honestly it made the most sense.

The only person that was up as early as herself, had been Luke -which to be honest, she couldn't be entirely sure the woman hadn't just remained awake- and as they'd had a chat, she'd given a suggestion that _now_, as Braxton walked into the gym, made sense. She eased the weights back down and reached into her duffel before walking over. "Luke said you'd be likely walk in today while trying to juggle all four infants." She glanced down. "I'm glad she was only partially right, as carriers and strollers often work better." She then reached out to hand him a garment. "To answer your question though, this might help. We keep them at the station in case we need to move multiple babies at once."

BRAXTON

His eyes lit up when Rikke offered him the garment. "Oh You're a lifesaver! Luke too! I can totally wear that yess." He already predicted that he won't be moving as much as he normally would but all he cared right now was to carry all four babies with him. "God y'all know me so well." Without hesitation, he put it on and got his babies all set up onto him. "Now we're talking. I'm going to wear this everyday now. Do.. you have a spare? You know, in case something happens?"

He slowly twirled around, making sure he was all set. "Yess, kiddos, time for work." He looked up at the Paladin, "Honestly, no one is going to listen to a word I say today because I bet you their attention is all on these four. Oh, since you're here, did Nix come in with you? She's helping out while Luke's still banned from coming back to work."

RIKKE

It never ceased to surprise Rikke how well Luke knew her 'siblings'. It seemed that in the end, it wasn't blood or even a shared name that made a family, but just the caring of one another. "Oh don't worry, we've got plenty. Our superiors seem to think that we face far more emergencies that require us to carry up to six babies at once than we actually do. Which, personally, I think is a _good_ thing, but I suppose that's not shared by all," she joked.

The Paladin had half a mind to inform him that most folks at the gym didn't pay him all that much attention anyway, unless he was leading a class, but she didn't think it would be kind to his current happy mood. She briefly began to consider what to say instead, but her face was overcome by a look of confusion at his next words. Phoenix _was_ here already, but the way he seemed to equate that with the fact she herself was here... "Yup, she's in the studio. By the way, you'll want to keep an extra keen eye on your little bundle there," she said, deflecting to Tomi. "She is feeling _mighty_ upset with you, and though I don't sense hostility towards the other kids, she does still have her powers so any bites to any one and we're all in trouble."

BRAXTON

"Yess, much appreciated - Truly. Like whoever invented these, genius." He grinned as he continued to carefully sway so it was almost like rocking the babies even if he was only doing it for fun at the moment. "I'm definitely not going to be doing any exercising in these but my god, this is sort of fun to wear."

His eyes immediately fell onto his daughter, seeing the small pout on her face. "Ahhh... Kiddo...." He cooed as he lifted her into the air, "I know! I know, I did promise first thing today! We'll go, we'll definitely go. Look, we can go like right now, and see if Erin's still home. It's still early." He looked over at Rikke, "...Is she still home?"

RIKKE

Watching him muck about, she took note of his statement of not doing any exercising with the vest on. "I don't know, I think squats would be a very practical thing to do with that...actually, I would probably _insist_ that you try and get some squats done in that thing," she teased...mostly.

Being able to sense a charge's emotions was both a benefit and curse. "Oh my," Rikke said as she shook her head to regain her own bearings. "They are still very much capable of their big-people emotions but it does not do well in their tiny-people bodies. Yes, Erin is still at the cabin, but so is Lyra...so there's that."

BRAXTON

Now he had to figure out whether he wanted to go to Keagan or Lyra. Keagan scared him, and he wanted to give Tomi time with her girlfriends... Lyra wasn't going to leave them alone - he could almost guarantee it. Instead of making a decision, he lifted his kid so that they were eye to eye. "Sky first or Erin first? Well, Sky and Miles together, or Erin and possibly Lyra."

"Something tells me that you're going to be very upset with me if I don't let you stay with them..." Braxton admitted though he was a bit sad about it since he wanted to spend time with his kid too, but whatever will make Tomi happy, he was all for it. "Um.. do you know who she picked?"

RIKKE

The Paladin had already gone back to the nearest machine, figuring her work there was done until she heard him ask her a question. She looked at him skeptically and said, "I can sense their emotions, I'm not a telepath. She was less angry when both names were mentioned, so there's no real decision to be made there. If it helps, Luke should also be at the cabin. She promised Keagan that she would do her best to work on gauging what emotions required intervention and which were just base level for any Calvetti....no guarantee Luke stuck to that though."

PHOENIX

Since she arrived at the gym, the witch had been making sure everything was ready to go for both her classes as well as the few she was subbing in for Luke while the other was still on leave. It wasn't until she doublechecked for the tenth time did she re-emerged from the rooms.. only to find Rikke and Brax (and the kids) all standing there.

She smiled at the sight, seeing Tomi being lifted up into the air - despite the small frown on the kid's face. "While Luke might help keep Lyra away from the kids, we all know that it's pretty hard to actually keep her from anything." She gave her 2 cents, "I know I've already failed at it more than enough times since the tour." From the pattern, Nix would say that Tomi will get upset either way if he tried to take her home again but she refrained from actually voicing that.

RIKKE

Rikke turned at the sound of the familiar voice, having honestly lost track of the witch once they'd managed to actually arrive at the gym. Nodding in agreement, she said, "Far be it from me to really think my input matters all that much, what with being the one with the least 'Lyra Experience', but I think if manage to get Erin and Tomi down to the basement, you and Teagan should be able to at least keep her corralled upstairs. Especially since she's constantly forgetting Teagan is human and she's a _wolf_." The paladin was still hesitant to allude to being part of the family as she wasn't sure who all knew what or even how the family would feel.

BRAXTON

He grinned at the sounds of that. "As long as Teg is there, I think we have a better chance. So off to the cabin we go!" He slid Tomi back into her spot. "I'll be right back." He looked over to Nix and then around to see if Aleja was also here. "If anything comes up, you can call me - I'll speed back." He nodded as he slipped back into his office to get the kids back into their respective seats. "Okay, I swear I'll be back as soon as I can - I honestly think that if I run into Keg, she'll never let me take Sky so Tomi might.. have... to stay with her for a bit..." He would rather if Tomi stayed with him, but he just wanted her to be happy especially since he hadn't really been there for her the first time around.

Since leaving home earlier, he was almost impressed with how fluent his actions were of getting the babies in and out of the car and then into the stroller. "Okay.. Let's hope that Lyra's not the one opening the door - she may be the only one who can hear us right now.. Well, and Luke can probably sense T, ain't that right?" He poked the babies all in the tummies.

TEAGAN

Teagan had most definitely not been expecting to just see a mass of light disappearing before his eyes when he walked back into the living room. “I legit I just left for less than a minute to grab a drink,” he groaned. He may be on ‘Lyra Duty’ for the most part, but he was also on ‘Spooky Duty’ per the Calvetti Agents.

His attention was refocused the second he saw Lyra pull the most quintessential wolf move and perk up her head to signal someone approaching. “_I’ll_ get the door, Erin I know you said you’d rather not, but feel free to use magic if you have to,” he said referring to Lyra being kept at bay. Opening the door just as the first few knocks came, he beamed and said, “Hey! Come in, come in. Let’s warm the kiddos up.”

BRAXTON

"Teggggg, my man - am I glad to see you." He grinned as he rolled the stroller in. "Let me tell you, the babies were hype to get out - I don't know if they were just hype to see someone else other than me, or just in general." He laughed before getting the babies all out of their seats. "I even got this thing from Rikke earlier and it's a lifesaver, like you wouldn't believeeee. Helps me carry all the babies. Where's Erin?" He was already looking around because one more second of not seeing the girlfriend, one more second of Tomi being upset."

TEAGAN

He wasn’t surprised in the least when Brax replied and then just kept the verbal train going. Teagan focused on helping him get the strollers inside without incident instead, honestly happy, after the last week, to see that some things really _did_ stay the same after all.

Not even the last question was enough to faze him, given that Keagan had had _a_ time trying to get Skylar out the door this morning without too many tears. “Oh, living room. It’s also where we’ve got seemingly the entirety of the Target baby section, so we can get the other three sorted out too,” he said with a wink as he led them over.

BRAXTON

"Erinnnn!" He called out as he made his way towards the living room. The way his eyes lit up at the sight of the witch - and definitely for different reasons than Tomi, "There you are." He grinned as he held the kid towards the kid, "She missed you - and Sky - a lot, but I haven't stopped by the station yet.. so here we are!" He rambled on even after handing over his daughter.

He then went over to see what Luke (Because it's most likely Luke) got for the babies, and indeed, it really did look like he was at Target right now with the amount of things in this room. "Oh wow, Okay. Let's.. get the kids settled first." The beta wolf started getting each baby out of their strollers. "Look guys, look at allll the toys we have here - and clothes - How much stuff did you guys get??"

ERIN

As a familiar voice rang out, calling out her name, the witch wasn’t quite as surprised as she would’ve been by the same action two days ago. Getting to her feet she smiled and headed in the man’s direction, meeting him part-way, her own arms outstretched and ready to scoop up her brunette tiny. “Oh love,” she cooed as the girl immediately nuzzled into her neck, “I’ve missed you too. Sky’s only been kept pacified by the fact she has her two-“ Erin caught herself, and pivoted her statement, “-uh, _aunts_ from out of town and her uncle to keep her busy.”

She smiled once more and took Tomi to sit on the couch with her. After a few minutes of focusing her attention on one of her two best girls, she glanced up and laughed lightly at the question. “Luke wound up at Target unsupervised so…not entirely sure.”

BRAXTON

"I guess Tomi is going to stay here until Sky comes home.." On that note, he wasn't even sure if he could bring Tomi back to his place again. Braxton took out a stuffed animal that caught his eyes and held it up against one of the babies. "Look, this is literally bigger than all of you." He chuckled, holding it in place so that it doesn't accidentally fall on the mini twins.

"Well, you guys are for sure bound to have everything then. Definitely don't need to worry about missing something." He laughed, ""I'll have to go back to the gym eventually.. but I don't know if Tomi even wants to leave with me." He pointed out considering just how much Tomi was nuzzling into Erin - opposite of how she was with him last night.

LYRA

Lyra had been compliant for the majority of this visit, so far. She'd had plenty of opportunity to start making remarks the second she heard the familiar truck making its way up the drive. but she had refrained. Even managed to remain tightlipped when the Tomi practically lounged at Erin like her own father was on fire...but there was only so much restraint she could muster, even _if_ she was currently distracted by playing with the other babies. "I mean, it's not like the girl was living with you _before_ she was a bab- eeee!"

The wolf rubbed at the spot where Teagan had elbowed her. "What? I'm just stating facts. Besides, we've established that they've managed to retain at least some form of their usual memories. Clearly their likes, dislikes, and wants etcetera are all still there. On the other hand, she _is_ still a baby so technically can't put up much of a physical fight if you wish to take her with you." It was almost laughable to see the baby in Erin's arms whip their little head around and give her a proper glare.

BRAXTON

Despite all the shenanigans Lyra was always up to, she had a point most of the time - surprisingly enough. This time was one of those times. Brax kept his eyes on the babies who were tugging on the stuffed animal in his hands. "I can't believe I'm saying this but Lyra's right.." He looked up to give Teg a smile for his effort to shut her up. "T's home is here with Erin and Sky after all, and it's real shitty of me to take her with me just because she's a baby now." At the glare, Brax pointed towards the kid, "See - she definitely doesn't want to go back with me so really, the only choice is to let her stay here?"

He groaned as he scooted back a bit so that his back could hit the couch, "Honestly, I don't know what would be the right thing to do. Because they're still babies so technically that sounds very irresponsible of me to just leave her here despite.. all the preparation that Luke did to literally house everyone's kid at this point."

TEAGAN

Teagan swiftly placed a hand over Lyra's mouth before she could continue to provide her input. "It's not something that comes with any kind of instruction man. There's no real precedent for young folks reverting to babies, much less for them to still retain their knowledge of being older. I think that as long as each one of them is safe and well-cared for, there's no real right or wrong answer. Even if that kid's glare would have you thinking otherwise," he joked. "Ultimately, she's your daughter, and your move is rooted in her best interest, so even if she's upset it won't last forever." At least he hoped.

LYRA

Lyra only wiggled out of Teagan’s grip after he assured the beta wolf that he’d be forgiven eventually. “Buddy, even though I haven’t personally been here to be eye witness to all of this but I’m pretty sure that it’s not the first time Tomi slept somewhere else *away* from Sky - maybe a first from Erin since they’ve started dating but ya know, I’m sure they’ll understand since they’re just babies so really, there’s nothing to be moping over about. Maybe.” She chuckled as she gone over to the other babies and picked one up. “Escape from Braxie!” She almost squealed as she took a few steps back away from said man. “Oh these little nuggies! Knowing how tall the Bean gets, I’m going to enjoy the time I have now when you’re all smaller than most of us.”

ERIN

The witch couldn't help but feel guilty about this in some way. Here was Brax, getting a second chance to be with his daughter as a baby and she herself was in some way, even if completely unintentionally, preventing him from getting that same pure joy out of it that Keagan was clearly getting. "I think it's just a matter of me having a wee talk with this one like I did with Sky this morning. So much has happened in the last week alone that I'm sure the idea of being out of each others' sight for too long can be a source of anxiety, and with them being tiny babies, they can't right process it all. But much like when they were teenagers, Tomi was able to manage her time between being with me or sky and being with her siblings, it's no different now." She glanced down at the baby to make sure her point got across.

Glancing over at Lyra at the antics she said, "Sky's always said that Miles outgrew you early on, so it might not last long."

BRAXTON

He gave the young witch a small nod, not going to hold high hopes because Braxton already half expected Tomi would rather stay at the ~~Mansion~~ Cabin. With the remaining twins, he dangled toys above them to attract their attention. "It didn't take any of them - except Sky - to outgrow you, Lyr. Your only hope was and still is Sky. Enjoy it while it lasts." He snorted. "Where is Luke?" It was odd not seeing her around to greet the kids at least. And him. Mostly the kids though.

TEAGAN

It took speed he didn't know he possessed but he managed to get to Lyra before she made a move to attack Braxton with on of the many stuffed animals in arm's reach. "I would think that as the Beta of a whole wolf-pack you'd have a bit more tactical knowledge about launching attacks on the enemy's home turf," he managed before setting Lyra back down on the couch. "Luke was here but then suddenly orbed out somewhere. My best guess is that she's either with Keagan and the girls or with Rikke and the paladins somewhere."

BRAXTON

"I'm just speaking the truth." He raised his hands in defense, "Did you forget their growth spurts? Like sky rocketed - it's like one year they were all beans, and the next they were... not." He chuckled at the memory when all the adults noticed that the gap in height was getting more noticeable by the year. "Oh.. Just now? I literally was with Rikke before I came here. See, I really would've stopped by the station but I also like.. 4 kids, and Keg has 2 so that'd be.. 6 kids at the station - that's a lot of kids."

LYRA

She managed to wrestle herself free from Teagan, and made her way to sit properly on the couch. It was to give the impression that she understood and would behave, but really it was just so she could get some space and head start in case she had to run at some point. All for the sake of providing some honesty to these people. She should be sanctified for her work, really. Glancing down at Braxton she simply stated, "That was one very longwinded way of saying you're scared of my sister."

BRAXTON

"Yes. I am scared of your sister. She has been kicking my ass since I was born." Brax admitted without missing a bit. It wasn't news at all. Who doesn't Keagan scare?? He has been SO glad that Luke's been around to act as a buffer for the most part - he prayed for his brother when said buffer was out of commission. "I also don't want to interrupt their time together! The fact that she took them to work when the cabin still had so many people says it all."

LYRA

"EXCUSE ME! Are you implying that a house that isn't even _yours_ is crowded?? Like, have you seriously just demonstrated the gall to have the _nerve_ to even suggest that my presence is a detriment to my sister's ability to bond with her babies and her baby-daddy?!" It took a full ten seconds of silence and a look at the faces Teagan and Erin were sending her way for Lyra to realize something within her little rant may have been TMI...but she couldn't really be bothered to figure out what just now. She was far too offended by Braxton's words.

BRAXTON

He held his hand up in defense while Lyra went off on him. And then silence followed.. Which then Brax had to rewind back a little to process what the younger Calvetti said. "I didn't say you were a detriment to Keg bonding with her babies and he... " He paused, looking *very* confused, "... But doesn't Keg hate Dick's guts? There's no way she'd want to *bond* with him especially when his bum is all the way in ja-" His eyes narrowed as he looked over to the other people in the room. "Am.. I missing something?" After a short pause, his eyes slowly widened almost as comically as Joey Tribbiani did in Friends. "............Who's the baby daddy?"

TEAGAN

There wasn't a real way around this, and it sucked that even though it wasn't something to be ashamed of, it was unique enough that it still had to be somewhat of a secret. _Especially_ given the fact that by telling Brax who the 'baby daddy' was, they'd be -by extension- providing him with a lot more of Keagan's private information than he believed the woman would ever be okay with him knowing from someone that wasn't directly her. As Erin excused herself to give the babies diaper changes -magic worked wonders in carrying four babies- he turned to glare at Lyra with narrow eyes before simply stating, "We're going to say me for now, and you can either take it at face value or venture to ask Keagan face-to-face as that's really more _her_ business to share than ours."

BRAXTON

"....O....kay..." He didn't really know what was going on but if Teg said don't pry, it's best that he didn't - especially when *Keagan* was involved. it was obvious that Teagan was *not* the father but he did not want to give her another reason to beat his ass when she scared him enough already. And as curious as he ever was, his survival instinct was enough to stop him. "No mentioning in front of Keg.. got it.." He made the action of zipping his lips. "Uh.. Babies. Do you think Erin needs help?"

LYRA

"The way she managed to easily slip her way out of this conversation leads me to believe she's fine," Lyra piped up, not looking the least bit affected by the fact _she_ was technically the cause of the conversation taking an awkward turn. "Besides, she's well practiced in the art handling multiple things with only two hands." If the grin now on her face was anything to go by, she was actually _glad_ to have managed to make the conversation even more awkward.

BRAXTON

Although he had known Lyra for most his life, the woman had quite the talent to make someone go speechless. "I don't... Teg.. You have such a skill." He turned over to his buddy with new appreciation all over again because he was literally the only person who could handle little Calvetti. "I.. don't really have much of a plan for today other than going to work - which I don't think is the case anymore.... so you guys don't mind if we uh.. chill here until maybe Izzy comes home?"

RIKKE

There had been little reason for her to stick around the gym after her usual workout was completed and, with her shift at the station not set to start until late in the evening, it seemed like the most logical choice to just orb back to the cabin. The paladin hadn't really bothered to think too much about what she may or may not come back to, but the sight of the Beta on their floor while Teagan acted as a human shield between him and Lyra was...about as expected as one could get in this place.

"I can only speak as a guest, but I don't see Lucas having an issue if you decide to hang out here. If anything, I think she might prefer it so she can bring Skylar back and keep her from wanting to try and fight people due to lack of Tomi."

BRAXTON

"I guess we'll stick around until they come back" He pulled out his phone to shoot Izzy a message about their whereabouts. The throuple were literal magnets, can't and shouldn't be pulled apart for any reason and he was making the effort to *not* add onto the list of asshole-y things he had already done - whether it was intentional or not. Shooting out the text quickly, he took a proper seat on the couch once he was partially sure that little Calvetti wasn't going to destroy his ankles. "...I should tell Aleja that I'm not heading back in for the day.."

RIKKE

"Oh I think she figured that one out on her own already," Rikke shot at him as she took a seat on the floor and begin to do some light post-workout stretches. "I was exiting the showers on my way here when I saw her talking with your sister, and it seemed they were discussing how they would address the two classes you had left today. I'm not really big on the whole eavesdropping thing, by the way, your sister is just really, _really_, loud."

BRAXTON

"Oh. I-Okay.." It wasn't his intention to leave everything without even a warning, but it seemed that they expected as much when he walked out of there with all four kids. The faerie and those who covered his shift needed a raise for putting up with him. "Right..so I guess they're not really expecting me back - I should really figure out my own schedule. I did not anticipate coming over this early."

RIKKE

"I am far from one to have much experience in childcare, but as a Paladin I _do_ have experience with magic being temperamental and doing all sorts of things," she began, "So in all honesty, I have zero idea as to why you all chose to try and go back to any semblance of your normal routines _one_ day after your teenage and young-adult offspring reverted back to infancy. We ourselves," she said meaning the Paladins, "haven't fully disconnected from the 'hive-mind' -as Lyra calls it- since it began, in the hopes of finding everything we can. I mean, no offense, but how dangerous would it be for you to be in the midst of crossing traffic with four babies hanging off you, only to suddenly have them become four _almost full adults_ instead?"

BRAXTON

Brax didn't know if it was meant to be a rhetorical question or not but he opted not to answer it. Everyone was apparently a workaholic, including him, but also didn't want to leave the kids alone. However, Braxton did feel a bit embarrassed when Rikke pointed out the situation. "I guess we were a bit too excited to experience things that we've never done nor were we capable of the first time around.. so our priorities are a little.. out of order." And given their positions now compared to back then, Braxton didn't know if it was harder or not to stay away for too long - they didn't even know how long the kids were going to stay like this. "I'm starting to think I'll need to make daily visits..." A daily dose of Sky and Erin for Tomi. Braxton must admit that he was incredibly glad that the Dawsons were staying over at their place because Sean got to see Ryllie majority of the time.

RIKKE

The man's words led to a sad smile, that she of course proceeded to try and hide with the help of her stretching. She had spent so much time prioritizing being a Paladin above everything else, that now that her own true memories were back, it was easier to fall back into that role than to try and view and process the world through the lens of the woman that she had been before... Even now, upon hearing him, it was certainly true that if given the chance herself, she'd have opted to spend every waking second with her son. "It's understandable to want to take advantage of the time, but we would prefer that it be done safely. In all honesty we're all trying to figure out if maybe there's a centralized location where we can have all affected families stay so we can keep a collective eye on all the affected kids at once, but that's still something we're working through." Rikke figured such a plan would also help with the groups of kids that wanted to be together at all times...even now.

BRAXTON

+Cut To - Next day

KEAGAN

It didn't seem reasonable to bring the babies to the station when there was suitable babysitters literally at home right now. However Keagan could not bring herself to leave them behind once again even if they did keep both Luke and her away all night. So she just waltz straight into her office with them without batting an eye towards all the stares she was most likely receiving from the rest of the crew.

With her babies set up next to her, Keagan quickly got to work to catch up on everything she had missed - vacation be damned. With her attention alternating between her babies and her work, she didn't even look up at the door when she heard the knock. "Are you here for me or the babies?"

ANDY

It was odd to walk into the station and see a flurry of activity that was less 'crisis' and more 'gossip'. It was even more odd to walk towards her temporary office and note that the door was already open, but as she made her way up to the doorway both of her unvoiced questions were answered at once. Mick _had_ warned her that Keagan was likely to not go a single week without at least one visit to the office, so that part was almost expected.

The babies to her side though? Not quite as much. Even _if_ Leo had opted to take hers in for a staff meeting the very next day after they reverted, she would've expected more...uh..._maturity?_ from the actual Chief Deputy. Or maybe she was just unaccustomed to parents caring that much for their kids... "Uh, technically neither. But since you're here, I suppose we can talk shop and what not."

KEAGAN

Recognizing it as Andy's voice, Keagan looked up and motioned to the chair across from her, "Sure, have a seat. I know, I'm not supposed to be here yet." But taking a month off just mean there was a lot ot catch up on in the first day back - that was not ideal for her. "I'm sure you have everything handled." And Mick hadn't called her or anything so it was safe to say that .. all was well, for now.

A squeal came from her side and Keagan turned over to see Sky latching herself onto her sister like a koala. "Baby.." She chuckled softly, "Loosen your grip a little. Your sister is right here, no need for that death grip." Keagan uncharacteristically pulled out her phone and took a picture of it before sending it to Luke. "Okay, we can start. What have I missed?"

ANDY

It was one thing to ignore the scent of an infant. After all, as Quin and Ripley had come to help her figure out, it turns out scent may be how regular vampires hunted but, it was far from how _bezerkers_ did. They relied far more on the sense of sight, being able to rely on it to lead them directly to a bloodsource like a laser. Or, well, more like a shining beacon.

As such, Andy felt confident in being able to maintain her composure as long as she maintained eye-contact on her boss...?... but all it took was the squeal to have her snapping her head in the direction of the babies and the brightness with which they shone had a dull ache starting up in the pit of her stomach. Losing quite a bit of her confidence, she opted to just smile and say, "It's fine, there's not a lot of sensitive information to discuss and if you're setting up shop for the day, I'll probably be heading back to the hotel soon." She did her best to keep her tone light, but she already knew eyes were bound to have betrayed her.

KEAGAN

While she knew Andy wouldn't do anything to harm her babies, her maternal instinct to protect flared - with her own eyes glowing as well. She managed to hold back her growl but still moved to put her body in the line of sight.

"I think it'd be in our best interest that we can hold this converstion off for another day - Or I could read it off a report unless there's something that requires my attention right now but I'm sure you probably had everything handled and I'm just.. unintentionally micro-managing." She admitted.

ANDY

"I may not be someone who grew up in this town with the rest of you guys, but I think it's still fair to say that there's very _little_ that you ever do without _intention_." The observation was less on the micro-managing, and more about how the woman eased her way between her and the babies. Not that Andy could blame her. She often still wondered how Leo could trust her as much as she did...

"I can definitely have a report to you by no later than COB today," she added, being suddenly very happy for the sound of an incoming visitor -well, visitor_s_ but Andy was sure the other person was being brought down to the office against their own wishes. "I'll see you _next week_," she said cheekily before heading off and simply nodding a greeting at the giddy lab technician dragging a confused -and unamused- medical examiner.

NIKITA

When she heard from others that Chief Deputy brought her baby twins to work, Nikita was bound to visit as soon as she could. Not wanting to get scolded by her however, she quickly worked on a good portion of her wok for this morning.

Without question, she dragged Kyle along with her the first chance she got. Using the moment Andy walked out to slip into Keg's room, she was literally shaking with excitement that if she weren't careful, her ears would pop out. "Oh my gosh, look at them!!"

KYLE

Kyle considered herself very lucky. The morgue had it's own entrance out the back of the station, that was mostly meant to afford her the ability to meet the delivery of any bodies to the loading ramp and into her 'office', but that she had been using to avoid the vast majority of her co-workers since....ever. As such, she didn't have a way of knowing that Nikki would be bounding into her office and then immediately dragging her off in the pure midst of some rolling waves of murmuring.

"I could have been elbow deep in someone's chest cavity." The words were barely above a whisper and honestly said to no one in particular as she knew well Nikki would _not_ be paying attention. When they got the Chief Deputy's office and she heard faint gurgles and babbles, Kyle peeked in to see what Nikki was so excited over. "Oh...those aren't cats."

NIKITA

"Nope, n-no cats. But l-look! Babies! Twins. Oh my god, they're so cute." She was vibrating on the spot with excitement. The only reason why she hadn't already gone up to play with the twins was because Keagan hadn't said anything yet and she didn't want to scare the babies - although she was told that they did retain their memories.

"K-Kyle.." She whispered, "They're so tiny..." The moment Keagan told her that she could approach only if she got her work done, Nikita already got in close. "Their hands.. oh my gosh, I .. i think they're smaller than my panda hands..." She was so tempted to shift right then and there.

KYLE

"Infants feel rather out of place in midst of a sheriff's station," she stated. Granted, it was she herself who felt out of place around infants. Or really children in general. She'd never really dealt with them, even when she was one herself.

Unlike Nikki, who immediately made her way over to the babies, Kyle opted to just watch them from afar. Not only would she not really know what she was meant to do with them if she engaged, but what if she did something wrong? They were her superior's children. Granted she didn't get much time to ponder this when a bright light filled the room and a woman materialized out of it. "Glistening..." she whispered, a look of deep curiosity already on her face. "_What_ is that?" she asked Deputy Benson with no preamble or concern for the fact the other woman was clearly still very much right there.

KEAGAN

She watched as Nikki get giddy over her children, and honestly, she understood because she was the same - in a less outwardly enthusiastic way. "Lucas." She greeted with a smile, having a feeling that she knew why the other orbed into the office. "That is Lucas."

She turned to the other, "Is it because I uh.. got a little angry? The babies are fine. There was just a little incident - sorted now though.... Wait, did you leave Lyra alone?" No matter how old her sister was, Keagan (and the rest of the family) still believed she needed supervision.

LUKE

She had honestly tried as hard as she could to ignore the sudden ‘flare up’ she’d sensed from Keagan, but when she received no word after two whole minutes, Luke just opted to pay a little visit. “Hi. I’m a Lucas…that’s about the only _certain_ ‘what’ I can answer right now,” she introduced.

She was in the process of nodding to answer Keagan’s first question, before then shaking it at the second. “Teagan and Erin are at there. Erin’s in charge, so what was the incident?”

KEAGAN

"I think this will be a common occurrence for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, you won't accidentally orb in front of someone who has no idea about supes." She lifted their twins into her arms and walked over to Luke.

"I got a little overprotective, when I don't think I needed to be." Her eyes ventured over to the other two in the room. "Nikki, I know you'd want to play with the babies, but they might bite and we don't want to take any risks until we figure this out."

LUKE

“I…need to start working more with, what your boss has dubbed, the Fallcrest MENSA chapter. Need to figure out what I am before I can begin to work on control. Though for the record, I think for as many times as entire brain was scrambled about, the universe can allow me to wipe a few minutes from Mundy…_kidding_!”

Luke wanted to look somewhat repented, but having her girls back to being so close to her made that impossible. She could feel their giddiness at being at work with their mom after having work be the thing that kept her away for so long, it was hard not to keep a grin on her face even as she glanced back at Nikki. “Keg- uh, Deputy Benson is right,” she began, correcting herself as it clicked that folks outside the cabin-sphere weren’t quite up to date on…anything about their family. “You make too cute of a red panda to risk a werepup bite changing that.”

KEAGAN

"Mm, if there was anything to take from what Old Man Grey did, is that one should *not* mess with the memories." She sighed before her attention was also drawn over to the babies. "I'll be sure to let you know when the babies are asleep - but even then, I'd advise you to not get your fingers anywhere near Sky.. the kid uh.. tends to sleep-eat?" She chuckled at her own kid's antics. "You might be safer watching over Miles."

Keagan gave Sky a look because she could almost sense how affronted the baby was from her stare alone even if she didn't have a Paladin's power. "Yes, I'm talking about you, baby. You almost ate your sister's cheek, remember?"

KYLE

Though Nikki had managed a few words between pouting, the hunter hadn’t been able to look away from the tall redhead that had seemingly just appeared before them. Granted, at the mention of the babies having their powers and one being a biter, she did instinctively reach out to usher the shifter behind her.

“I thought the Nexus had only activated _three_ Paladins with charges in town?” Came the question without preamble. “Also, the last time we met you were one of the pack’s token _humans_…Wait, you mentioned Old Man Grey, does this have anything to do with Evan shimmering into the morgue the night of the invasion?”

KEAGAN

Her eyes looked over to Luke, wondering who should answer the question. "A lot had happened." Was the short answer. Keagan lifted both the twins up into her arms. How was she really going to work today when she was constantly distracted by her children.

"But as you can see, Lucas here can umm.. well, orb. A little too well in my opinion." The latter was meant to be a joke, seeing how she was only upset for a brief moment and she came over.

LUKE

Maybe it was the accent or lack of obviously discernible emotion in the woman’s voice, but being hit with rapid fire questions like that made Luke wince a little. It was rather authoritative and, the fact she had also just been full-named three times had her feeling like she was in trouble.

“Uh, I wasn’t personally at the meeting that led to Evan shimmering over -kind of got caught up _elsewhere_- but from what I know that had to do with something _mostly_ unrelated to me. When I have specifics about-“ she gestured to herself by running a hand up and down, “-_this_, I’ll be sure to fill ya in.”

NIKITA

Though Kyle had stepped in between her and the babies, Nikita still poked out from behind to watch the babies interact with their mom. She only heard off hand from others about how Keagan were often away when the twins were growing up so watching this interaction just had her absolutely beaming.

She could watch them all day but then, the conversation brought her attention back to reality, "...I..It sounds like a lot happened.. More.. More than we know of." From what they just saw, Luke obviously gained some supernatural powers even though a Paladin would have been their last guess. "... But it's nice to s-see you're walking around again."

LUKE

Luke, for reasons she didn’t wish to analyze at this very moment, had been expecting for Kyle to either argue with her over the matter or call her a liar or anything, really, _except_ that the young woman would just give her a nod and let it go. Taking her word at face value, apparently.

She turned her attention to the other woman currently peeking out from behind her protector, and managed a smile. “Thank you,” Luke replied, earnest appreciation clear. “I know it wasn’t exactly all on me, but I do feel pretty bad for having given folks a bit of a scare. I’m just glad the girls are safe and that Keagan won’t be scaring anyone else in town. At least on my behalf.”

KEAGAN

On her part, Keagan drew her attention away from her daughter once more to give Luke a small glare - one that easily implied that she wasn't offended by it. However, it was short-lived as she already turned to the other two in the room, "Kyle, could you please make sure Nikita gets her reports done? I do understand that the twins are adorable, but *work*, Nikki." She chuckled at the pout coming from the shifter, but Keagan already expected them to come by again later in the day again - maybe even a few times.

In a semi-sitting position, the Chief Deputy leaned back onto her desk. "It's been quite the morning, isn't that right, Miles?" She cooed before giving her a light peck to the forehead - which did earn a little whine from Sky.

LUKE

Luke just grinned in response to the glare she received, turning to look in the direction of the odd pair as they both agreed to Keagan’s requests and made their way out…for now. “Still can’t get over the fact those two are basically besties for the resties. I suppose there must be some truth to the whole ‘opposites attract’ thing,” she chuckled.

At the sight of Keagan interacting with the girls, Sky being contented when she got her own kiss, Luke smiled. Though it was short-lived as the older woman’s comment prompted her to ask, “So what actually constitutes this ‘incident’ that seems to have made your morning so long?”

KEAGAN

"I wouldn't say it was a long morning... Just unexpected?" She shrugged, "I must admit, it may have been my fault - I'm not supposed to come in since I'm still on leave. But Andy came in today." She was already wincing internally just remembering how she reacted. "Her eyes glowed at the sight of the twins, and I did not react well despite knowing she wouldn't do anything to harm them."

"I should go apologize to her when I see her later." She sighed, "Nothing really happened other than that - Do you think I overreacted? She didn't do anything and I believed that she wouldn't have done anything."

LUKE

Luke didn't even bother disputing the semantics of her statement, knowing that it would really do nothing at all except give Keagan's obvious attempt at stalling more fuel. She was proven right as Keagan found herself having to continue speaking and eventually wound up providing Luke with the details she needed. She let out a sigh of her own, before stating, "Well, first lesson here -which I'm sure will be completely ignored- is how we don't always need to be in places where we aren't _expected_." It was Luke's way of pointing out that if Keagan hadn't been micromanaging, this could've been avoided. "That one goes for me too, and learning to manage this orbing thing," she was quick to add.

Luke offered a sympathetic smile. "Do I think it was an overreaction? Yes, if you plan on sticking to the whole 'truly believing she wouldn't do anything' bit. But I think _any_ parent would've felt protective in that situation, and I'm sure Andy understands. Regardless, I conversation without babies around may be beneficial."

KEAGAN

"I'll .. try not to come in after today unless Mick calls me in. I just.. it's weird *not* to be working." She conceded eventually. This really had been her fault since she shouldn't have been here in the first place. "I'll find her afterwards - can't exactly call her back, now that she went to the hotel." She shifted Miles so that the baby was leaning into her complete as she gave the kid a hug. God, she did not ever want to let them go to the point that she was almost amazed that she managed to go back to her job all those years ago.

"Miles, I'm sorry but you're going to be trapped in a hug for the next little while." She spoke softly to the baby as she rocked slowly from side to side. "I can't get enough of this."

LUKE

"I'm no expert, but I think the fact that you legit can't help yourself from being at work...is in itself a sign that you have an unhealthy relationship with work." Luke knew full well the line of conversation she was following made her a giant hypocrite, but they'd have to work on one parent at time. "You spent so much of your time hiding in your work -as have I, I won't deny it- that it's become a personality trait. In your case, I think it might high time you take a step back and maybe consider what such a lifestyle has cost you and if the price is something worth continuing to pay."

Skylar was never one to be left behind in the cuddle department, so Luke had to do very little as the tiny ginger practically maneuvered herself to be held like her sister was. "I think after eighteen years with Sky as a sister, Miles is more than used to being trapped in a cuddle."

KEAGAN

"Hmm, yes.. I agree, I should take this time to.. be less of a workaholic." She had another chance with the twins, Keagan really shouldn't let this slip again. ".. but I'll have to at least stay here for today since I did just.. make Andy leave." She sighed as she thought about her actions again. "It wouldn't be fair for her to make her go back and forth. With her speed, I'm sure she's already at the hotel." She looked around her office before turning to her twins, "I'm definitely not willing to lose more time with my family.. I've been away for far too long. I know that.."

Keagan let out a soft sigh as she continued to nuzzle the baby. "They've been really good all morning, though I think it was because there were so many things capturing their attention. But, I think I can get wrapped up early so that you're not all stuck here with me."

LUKE

Luke listened as she spoke, but didn't make to actively provide much more input. "I don't think anything that comes out of my own mouth on the subject could truly be considered _objective_, but suffice it to say that I think Andy will appreciate you at least giving notice if you're going to be coming in on your days off," she quipped. Luke had always been careful not to overstep with regards to Keagan's career and her choice thereof, especially because she knew her input would always be biased and tinged by her own desire to have the woman close. She wasn't really one to take the fact they were now even closer as a family than they knew as an excuse to change that. Keagan would always be her own person.

"If memory serves me right, as long as they're together and they have something to keep them occupied, they'll be fine. Trouble will come if and when one of Miles' sensitivities is triggered, which will then upset Sky on her behalf, which leads to crying from Sky that is in itself a sensitivity for Miles, and it's a vicious cycle."

KEAGAN

"That.. is fair." She chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind for the next time, but the goal is for me *not* to come in altogether, wasn't it? Or at least that's what I *should* be doing.. especially since we've been given a second chance at this... " She watched as Sky cuddled with her other mother and it just brought a smile to her face. How she stayed away for so long was really a mystery because right now, there was barely anything that could pry her away from all her girls - she literally brought them to work with her, and would probably continue to do so if she didn't have vacation days either.

"I think they were very distracted by everything in my office for a little while because I wouldn't think paperwork is what appealed to them, and then Nikki came in with Kyle." She smiled, very amused to how Luke was so accustomed to their routine even years later.

LUKE

Luke walked over and wrapped her free arm around Keagan's shoulders, bringing her two other girls to form one big family cuddle. Partly because she knew the girls would enjoy it -especially Sky- but also somewhat selfishly for herself, because the last one had been while Luke was in a hospital bed. "I can't say that getting to enjoy such small luxuries as getting to hug all my girls at once is much more appealing in your office than it was in a hospital room, but it _is_ a step up," she remarked, before placing a gently kiss atop the brunette's head. "Habits are hard to break, but if you want something bad enough, I know for a fact that you will always find a way to get it."

Luke chuckled lightly and said, "As long as you remembered to bring the bag I packed you should be alright. It's all about finding the right balance with these two. Under or over stimulation is the enemy. Also, if they've retained a good chunk of their memories as teens, then they'll probably have tools of their own to not completely freak out on you. _And_ don't read too much into if if Sky babbles away and Miles doesn't even manage a 'mama'. It's not personal."

KEAGAN

As expected, once Luke engulfed them into one big family hug, Keagan saw Sky's little hand reach out to Miles. It was endearing to see those little digits trying to grip on the her sister's arm... Or hand, she couldn't really tell. "We'll just have to make sure the next time is at home, or just somewhere suitable." She turned to reciprocate the kiss, this time one for the lips. "This would be a good direction to go with."

"You've really mastered the balance of keeping *both* kids occupied at the same time thing. I must take a page out of that guide book." Really though, she was thankful the twins had Luke by their sides. All the times she lost for being away from family, she was going make up for them now. "When is Sky not babbling away?"

LUKE

Luke took note of the wriggling and shift the baby so it was easier for her to coordinate her tiny hand with its target. "Home is always an option, though depending on who else is home at the time, it may be less of a family hug and more of a family _pile up_," she noted. There would be zero way that Lyra would see them and not join in, at the very least. She smiled into the brief kiss and agreed. "Well the girls certainly seem to be taking to it well, all things considered. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't entirely sure how receptive they would be to the idea of us a family unit. I knew they loved me as their _aunt_, that was a given, but nothing is ever guaranteed and all that jazz."

Luke could only laugh lightly at the comment. "This is _technically_ my second go around. At least this time I know that to avoid hours of fussiness and crying, I should make sure clothes have no tags, and Sky is always within arm's reach of her sister." The way Keagan's comment made the babbling redhead stop dead, was enough to make Luke laugh as she gave the kid a squeeze and kissed her head. "It's okay, Chicken Strip, you just have opinions."

KEAGAN

"Home is a good option - even better if Teg is there to hold Lyra back. Bless him for being the only one who can keep Lyra from.. most things." Keagan used her free hand to take sky's other hand, absolutely melting at how small that hand was compared to hers. "Luke, I'm pretty sure you're literally their favourite person. Isn't that right, girls?" She pointed the question towards the twins, giving both another kiss. Keagan was already holding back herself from giving both the babies an onslaught of kisses. Maybe later.

"Sky needs to be in arm's reach of at least *someone*. When is she ever alone?" She laughed at the stare the baby was giving her. "Yeah, I'm talking about you." She continued to tease before giving her little cheek a gentle squeeze." Her smile never dropped as Luke assured her that there was nothing wrong with her babbling away. It was almost comical how abruptly Sky stopped talking, "I'm kidding, you know I love hearing what you think. Babble away, Sky."

LUKE

“Teagan has quite a way with her. Whether Lyra ever comes around to realizing that it’s probably for a reason well…I mean it did take _you_ a while to figure out why for the Christmas Miracle in October,” she teased. Her smirk eased into a timid smile as Keagan mentioned being the twins’ favorite person, anxiety spiking a bit when she actually asked the kids directly. “I think I could live with them implying I’m not their favorite if it meant their actual favorite person is their mother,” she began before slightly furrowing her brow, “Well, their original mother, you know _you_….I’m going to stop talking.”t? It was a small price to pay.

KEAGAN

"Well.. Unlike us, they *did* date at some point." She rolled her eyes at the mention of the Christmas Miracle in October, the incident that everyone was now *very* certain as to why it happened in the first place. Her brows only went up higher in amusement as Luke tried to explain that she was fine if Keg was the kids' favourite, but failing to actually say so. "It's not a competition, Luke, besides I'm not their only mom as you pointed out."

Keagan's eyes rolled again - this time less playfully than the last, "That hadn't changed over the years. No one wants to be around him. For good reasons." However, with the sight of her babies, nothing could faze her right now. The sight of the two of them together, especially with Sky trying her best to latch onto her sister just kept the smile on her face. "I should really wrap up here so we can spend the rest of the day together, how does that sound, girls? Hm?" She said this yet she did not budge from her spot. "Just who do you two take over, hm? Being so cute."

LUKE

"Yeah, and it was _Lyra_ who called it quits and hasn't really gotten around to giving it another go," Luke replied. Teagan could take care of himself and had never been one to need anyone to fight his battles, but every once in a while, Luke felt the protective sister streak. Now wasn't the time to delve too much into it, but she knew first-hand what it was like to be the one waiting and she'd hate that to be her brother. "Isn't _everything_ a competition for a Calvetti?" she said cheekily.

"Luckily he was hardly ever the one holding them anyhow, so it's not like it was a common occurrence. These little bits spent most of their time with Aunt Ook," she provided, with a small smile, hoping to ease some of the worry she knew would rear itself at the mention of Richard. Turning Sky around in her arms just enough to allow her to actually manage to latch onto her sister, she simply laughed. "I think as long as they're together and have at least one of us around, they could care less about the venue," she pointed out. The latter question made her snort as she said, "Well, you keep saying that _you_ are so _not_ cute, so...I suppose that just leaves one other option," Luke glanced down at the girls and said, "They get it form their _daddy_." The eruption of giggles was more than enough confirmation that they were indeed in on the joke.

KEAGAN

"Are you going to try and knock some sense into her then? Lyra also has the same Calvetti stubbornness but surely she's aware that Teg's the only one she listens to... sort of. She listens to him way better than to any of us at least." The whole 'Lyra forgetting she's a wolf especially when Teg's involved' was always amusing to her. "*Some* things don't have to be a competition. This is one of them."

Keagan could not express enough just how thankful she was about Luke being in her life, in the twins' lives. "He was probably trying to impress someone." Because that felt like something he'd do. Bonding with the kids? As if. Instead of focusing on the asshole, she just watched as Sky interacted with Miles. "Well, nothing changed over the years. Now she's even got 2 girlfriends stuck to her side." She gently nudged the taller woman with a groan, "Don't ever say that around Lyra." She snorted, "But yes, I thought we already confirmed that. Mini-Me's and all."

LUKE

Luke paused for a moment before answering. "I suppose not. I mean, it's not like it's something that's out of my reach or anything, but it's not really any of my business. They're both still my best friends and neither has broached the subject with me, so it would be overstepping to do so," she admitted, albeit reluctantly. "Which, incidentally, is what I had to remind myself of this morning when I saw Nix and Rikke heading off to the gym together..."

She groaned at the memory. "Usually he was just trying to get under my skin by reminding me he was the actual parent and I was just a quote "glorified nanny" for the girls." Saying these things out loud to someone else really did highlight just how not right her family's actions towards her were...yikes. Luke could only chuckle at the thought of Skylar having wound up with two girlfriends, "Sometimes there's too much love for just one person." At the mention of saying this around Lyra, her face fell slightly. "This is why we can't have nice things," she grumbled. "They're mini-_us_. The sum of the best of both of us...and some of the not so best too," she laughed.

KEAGAN

"Maybe dad will do it without us prompting it, and *maybe* by then, he'll stop trying to push *you* to her." Keagan snorted, remembering all the times Jarrett kept bringing the topic up. Her brows went up with curiosity. "As long as you weren't going to tease Nix, the girl has enough of that from Lyra. I wouldn't be surprise if Rikke's opinion of my sister is getting lower and lower by each encounter."

Her eyes flashed briefly at the reminder of how much of an asshole that man was. The audacity of him doing all the things he had done will always make her blood boil. But this is not the time for that. She was surrounded by her favourite people in the world, and that really was all she should be focusing on. "Enough about him. I'll say it again and a gain, I'm glad you were there for our girls because there's no question where all that love comes from. It's a good thing she's found people to share all that love with." She chuckled, "They're literally a good blend of us, aren't they?" That thought was always on her mind as she watched the girls grow up, it was very entertaining to see what traits they took from which parent.

LUKE

"I think he really just wanted me in the family," she remarked, a smirk firmly in place. "I'm almost certain that considering how much of her life has been spent in stasis, Lyra is proving to just be a really fascinating specimen for Rikke. Though I do wish Lyra would lay off a bit. Nix is like the only friend she's managed to make on her own and honestly she really cares about her, so if Lyra keeps making it awkward and Rikke loses that, I'm gonna be like, totally not happy with her."

A sheepish look crossed her features as she glanced down at the pair, a dopey grin on her face as she admitted, "This one night, like a week after you found out you were pregnant, I came home and found you sleeping on the sofa. My sole intention in even walking over to you was just to put the blanket off the back of the couch over you but," she paused realizing she was rambling, "Anyway, basically I ended up crouching and just staring at where your belly was for I don't even know how long, and I promised that if whoever was making their way to this world via you made it all the way, safe and sound, _I_ would make sure that they remained safe and sound out here."

KEAGAN

Keagan almost snorted at that understatement. The whole family wanted Luke in the family the moment they *met* her, even Lyra literally adopted her the first day. "She'll lay off at some point - especially if she knows Nix is genuinely upset over it. She may be a pain in the ass, but she would not want to make Nix mad.. or cry."

Keagan smiled, "That's very sweet of you. And I can't thank you enough for keeping to it especially when I wasn't around. These two got to grow up, becoming the amazing women they are today. I do regret that I missed out on so much, but hey.. something good came from the seals breaking for once.. gave everyone a second chance.." She raised Miles higher so she could press her cheeks against the tinnnny little baby cheek. "I don't know what I was thinking back then, I can barely let go of them right now. Coming into work was a bad idea - I don't even know what i'm going to do if the twins aren't back by the time I officially have to go back to the office."

LUKE

Luke nodded, but her face remained concerned. "I know that Lyra would never do anything to actually cause someone she cares about to be upset, _on purpose_. The problem is that Lyra very often doesn't realize she's gone too far until it's already happened." Just off the top of her head, Luke could already recall some disaster blind-dates that wound up causing the girls to be more upset than Luke herself.

Luke tightened her hold on the shorter woman and once again rested her head atop the others. "We were all legitimately different people back then. Our choices were made based on the experiences we'd had up until that point. The old saying does go 'hindsight is twenty-twenty' for a reason," she chuckled. "Besides, the girls turned out to be the amazing young women they are because of _you_ as well. Your time with them while growing up, may have been limited and not as consistent as one would've liked, but it was impactful. A true example of quality over quantity." Luke laughed at Keagan's antics, and how Miles' face practically screamed 'great. my mother's an older version of my sister'. "I'm sure that _if_ that becomes an issue, we'll find a way to make it work. Nikki seems rather keen on helping you with childcare."

KEAGAN

"Yes.. I do know that very well. I can only say that I can try to make sure she doesn't tease Nix too much - and hopefully Teg can reel her in enough to give the two their peace. Sending her back to mom isn't really a threat anymore so we'll need to figure something else out."

What Luke was saying held a lot of truth, and nothing could be done now that everything's in the past. "It's not as if I'd change anything if it meant the girls turning out being who they are now." She sighed, "Whatever we did, it turned out for the good." She chuckled before turning to give her kid another kiss to the cheek before quickly giving Sky one too so that the older twin didn't feel left out. "Okay, do you want me to hand you over to Luke, Miles? Your eyes are *screaming* for help." She laughed when she spotted the face the baby was pulling. "As long as the babies are not in the lab.. or the morgue, I suppose that could work out. And thankfully, we got rid of that pain the peach so we won't be exposing all his negativity to the kids."

LUKE

"Fingers-crossed," was all she could manage. There was no stopping a Hurnado, one just had to hope it decided to change directions. "Speaking of your mom, has anyone told her about the babies?"

Luke managed a small shrug and said, "I think even if we did change certain things, people will always find a way to be who they're meant to be no matter what. These girls would have been amazing with or without my involvement because they're just naturally amazing little people with good hearts. And a good heart will always get you very far in life." She chuckled at the hint of a frown on Skylar's face in the brief moment she believed she would not be getting a kiss like her sister. "Well, you may feel like this is a second chance for you to get to see them as babies, but clearly this is also a second chance for _them_ to get to enjoy having you around and wrapped around their tiny little fingers." She glanced at Miles and said, "I think she's just getting used to the idea of twice the physical contact. If she's not crying, she's not upset."

At the mention of the places Keagan didn't want the babies to go, Luke just said, "I actually think Miles would love to go to both of those." The mirth drained from her tone, however, at the mention of negative people around the kids. "They already had to deal with negativity the first time around as babies, I don't want _anyone_ even remotely distressing around them now."

KEAGAN

"....I'm sure Lyra already told mom and dad first chance she got - probably sent them several pictures. Who knows, maybe that will get them to take a flight back." She had no idea if her parents were actually going to visit but Keg would not be surprised if they show up at the door again. "...Or maybe she hadn't yet because mom hadn't texted me....I'll do it when we get home."

"Yeah.. they're good kids.. so good." She chuckled when Luke said that she was being wrapped around their little fingers. "Oh? And what is it that you girls think you're going to get away with? Hm?" She said this as if she hadn't been spoiling them already all these years. "Miles, I hope you get used to it soon because I don't think I will stop hugging you anytime soon." She smiled when she heard Sky let out a giggle. "Your sister thinks it's funny." She'd 'threaten' her other kid with hugs too but that might not be as much of an issue with this little one. If anything, Sky would probably welcome it.

"No babies in the morgue or labs." She repeated. "We'll deal with them before they get the chance to even step within proximity." Keagan pulled away and walked back around her desk to her chair. "Since I did unintentionally kick Andy out for the day.. I should at least wrap up this much." Nothing was going to stop her from hugging her child while she worked.

LUKE

"See, you're proving my concerns are valid even when the topic is different. You're first instinct was to think that surely Lyra had already told half the planet, because that's what Lyra does: She talks." Taking a moment to take a breath before she agitated Miles unintentionally, she then added, "Your mom's going to go off on you about the fact she and Jarrett were an 'afterthought' since they weren't told until a day after."

"What? Allowing them unrestrained access to the Chief Deputy's office isn't enough, you want them to test their luck and try something else? Because trust me, _they will_. Especially given that they're little brains are still technically working with some knowledge of their teenage ways," Luke warned. She would know firsthand just what this duo was capable of. "If you want Miles to give into the cuddles, you'll have to allow her at least one visit to the aforementioned morgue and labs. It's practically written already all over her face....Sky would very much _not_ like to join in on that part of the field trip."

It was at times like these, when she saw just what lengths Keagan was willing to go to in order to keep hold of Miles as she continued to work, that she wondered just _what_ was it about her assignments before that made it so seemingly easy for her to leave? But that would be a question for another day. "Would you like me to leave? I know you've no shortage help if you need it."

KEAGAN

"Okay, I get your point.." Perhaps the family had let Lyra get away with too much that the girl was a Hurrnado through and through. With that thought in mind, she decided that it may be a good idea to notify her mother even if Lyra already leaked the news. Using a photo she took of the four of them, she quickly sent it to Ianthe. "Let's try and quell one issue first.."

Keagan sighed, already feeling weak at the argument. It was expected that Miles would literally do the opposite of what they're told. "As long as they don't touch anything, I'm sure Nikki would love to give Miles a tour. Sky can stay with me if she doesn't want to go. Just.. don't touch anything, don't let Miles touch anything." She gave Miles a little bounce with her leg, "Okay? Don't grab anything in sight like your sister and we're good."

The Chief Deputy looked up from her file and actually hesitated. "I feel bad if I make you stay at my office of all places, but unless.. you want to help keep an eye on the babies?"

LUKE

Luke gave the older woman an unimpressed look. "Please, as if there has ever been a point in time in which I wouldn't want to help with these two," she said, already walking over to make the swap so Sky could stay with her while she and Miles went off to find Nikki and do some 'minor' exploring. "I told you I'd always have your back where the girls were concerned even before they were born, and I don't intend on waiting until finding out I'm _also_ responsible for them being here to go back on that. Even in the slightest." She dropped a quick peck to the woman's lips as she hoisted Miles back up with her. "Gotta keep it PG for the kids. Last thing I need is to have them go back to normal and then be surprised with some random song they co-wrote about parental trauma via PDA."

KEAGAN

The happy squeal Sky did when she was passed off to Keagan just had her chuckling softly. "Hey baby girl." Almost immediately, she showered her kiddo with kisses, which only resulted in more squeals. She then leaned up naturally for the kiss, slightly disappointed that it was so short. Sky let out yet another squeal from seeing her parents kiss. "I... think a song will be written regardless though." She sighed, knowing all the random songs that they've done.. that weren't released.. *yet*. "Are you visiting the lab? I'm less worried because Miles is less.. handsy but make sure she doesn't ..touch anything in there." While she was concerned about what the two might get into, Sky was distracting her so much when the baby started cuddling into her.

LUKE

"Seems someone was jumping at the bit to take advantage of her what her sister was clearly just tolerating. Man, I wonder who she gets that soft, cuddly personality from?" Luke would normally watch the teasing in public -much less Keagan's _work_ - but the children being between them made her a bit braver. "As long as they're nothing like _mine_....I uh, I think it'll be fine...it _should_ be fine..." She and Miles hadn't even moved a step away and the two shorter members of the crew already seemed to be in their own little cuddle bubble. The taller pair both turned to face each other at the same time, with only a shared nod as they began to head out. "Okay then, well we'll leave you guys to your _hard work_ and we'll go ahead and goexploreandtoucheverythingwelayeyesonkaybye." She was already half-way out the door when a sharp babble made her double back briefly.. "Binky," she gave of explanation.

NIKITA

Once Kyle and she were 'dismissed' from the Chief Deputy's office, much to her dismay, she had to return to her lab to finish up the reports she was working on. All this so that she could go visit the babies again once they wake up - hopefully. "T-they were just so cute.." She gushed again as she looked up from her microscope. "I just want to hold both of them, o-one on each side and just give.. give them the biggest hugs.. But.. I.. I don't think Miles would like that..." She chuckled softly before returning to the microscope, only to jot a couple of words before looking up again and the sound of the door opening. "Ooooooh b-baaaaby!"

LUKE

It wasn't terribly hard to find where she was meant to be going. The building itself wasn't huge -not like the police stations she'd been in while in Philly or Jersey city anyway- and everything was pretty clearly labeled. A bright smile took hold at Nikki's response to seeing Miles. It would always warm her heart to see how so many people genuinely cared for and wanted to have the girls around. Knowing the twins would always have a network of people to rely on had made the idea of moving back to Fallcrest an easy one in the end. _And_, it was also the driving force behind wanting to keep BH productions homed in town even as their popularity grew.

"We got a little restless, and while Sky is more than happy to just cling onto her mom like a ginger koala, Miles and I would very much appreciate a more educational look at things."

NIKITA

Nikita wasn't surprised at all about how a certain twin was glued to her mom. When was that girl *not* snuggling against someone? The shifter was confident enough to say that that kid was never left alone at any point in time since she never *seen* Sky alone, which was an amazing feat of its own. "E-Educational look? " Going back to the topic at hand, Nikki looked around her lab, wondering what she could or could not show. "I... Well.. Um.." She chuckled, "I.. I don't know if it's all that interesting.. Most of my time is waiting for test results." She motioned over to a small machine that was spinning a few test tubes in a circle.

KYLE

Kyle wasn't entirely sure if a civilian was really meant to be anywhere near this lab -let alone an infant- but, no one had bothered to question why most of her own time was spent in a lab that wasn't her own -once her work was done, of course- so she was not about to cause any ripple effects by bringing that up right now. Besides, as Nikki proceeded to guide the pair around the lab, she caught sight of the baby using some gestures she recognized as American Sign Language. "Huh... my mum taught me British Sign Language when I was a baby because she noticed I was still pretty nonverbal when I should be at least trying to speak." It was spoken as an observation, with her inflection not really giving much of anything away on her thought process behind said observation...as usual.

NIKITA

Nikita was pretty sure that if Luke made it all the way to the lab meant that Keagan gave permission - more or less. Surely Keagan knew they were here.. right? The specialist focused on explaining what she could about things in her lab before Kyle's comment got her attention. Honestly, the sight of Miles signing to her was incredibly adorable because her hands were *tiny*. The more she watched the kids do any sort of activity, the cuter she thought they were. However, understanding that Miles was not like Sky, she was not about to go crowd the kid. "Did you w-want to see a close-up on one of these samples?" She walked over to one of her screens and swiveled the monitor nearby towards them. "This...This is the s-sort of things I look at everyday."

LUKE

It took a one-time explanation from Nikki for Luke to be able to make heads _and_ tails of the reports that were currently out in the open, and the newly triggered Paladin found herself looking immediately away. They were almost certain the reason Keagan found their wandering around relatively harmless was because they weren't meant to actually _understand_ any of the confidential case material...A quick exchange of knowing glances between herself and the tiny in her arms let her know that Miles may be a baby, but the kid had the same thought.

Kyle's comment came as a welcome 'out' -of sorts- as Luke glanced over with a small smile and said, "Yeah, that was actually kind of similar to why I decided to learn ASL along with the girls back when they were this size the first time around. I myself was actually prone to selective mutism and didn't really start to develop proper speech until I got sent to the school's speech pathologist in school. Figured this would give the girls a leg up just in case, and it actually turned out really well....though I think Sky only uses it with Miles now to discuss 'secrets' and whatnot." Turning back to face the other two, she almost burst out in laughter at how focused Miles was on the screen and every little word Nikki mentioned as she described each aspect on the screen.

NIKITA

"That's .. that's really cute." She could imagine the twins just interacting with each other through sign - and was almost giddy all over again because now the twins had little baby fingers. Looking down at the baby, she chuckled softly at how much Miles was concentrating on her screen. Honestly, she always welcomed those who were fascinated with her research. To most, one rarely knew what they were supposed to be looking at. They just wanted results so it was always refreshing to explain in detail - well, enough details that wouldn't give away integral information. Her bosses would have her head if they found out. "W-What else did you want to see?" She asked the baby.

LUKE

The immediate sign from Miles after Nikki asked after what she wanted to see next, had Luke shaking her head and shifting her to sit properly on her hip. "Nope," she said, signing back for emphasis more than anything as Miles' hearing was hardly an issue being a wolf...or at least part wolf...? "She signed 'body'" Luke heard coming from Kyle, to which she could only nod and then turn back to Nikki. "And that is our queue to wrap-up this lovely field trip. There are many things I know Keagan would forgive me, but having let Miles actually witness a dead body that is likely an open case...probably not at the top of that list." There was a sound of contempt that came from the youngest person in the room, but all it did was pull a chuckle from the elders. "You can grumble all you want, Stip. If we're going to take a trip to Kyle's neck of the woods, you'll need better motor skills." Luke looked up to glance between the two others and said, "Thanks guys. She's been itching to scope out this place since she was originally this size, so I'm sure even if she didn't everything she wanted, she'll be more than happy to infodump on whoever she manages to get."

KEAGAN

Leo

It had been a hectic morning to say the least. Not only had they babies not slept solidly through the night, but they also did not wish to go back to sleep once Julia and Leo’s alarms went off for work. Between the two, they did manage to get them changed, dressed, fed and settled along with a quick breakfast in for themselves, before Jules had to head for the hospital.

Now, it was nearing lunch time, and Leo was wrapping up a full staff meeting with Emmy in a carrier at her back, and Levi in one resting on her front. The tiny boy was sound asleep, but she could feel Emmy doing _something_ with her hair. Honestly, as long as she was content, Leo didn’t much care. Turning to the room she asked for questions before dismissing the meeting. Of course, not everyone left. “Yes?”

Thyra

During the meeting, she had a feeling that her boss wasn't in the best moods however, Thyra could not help but focus on the two babies she was carrying with her. "Your- Um." She pointed to the hair but gave up on that and walked right up to Leo to at least try to dry the hair a bit from.. Embry chewing on it. "Maybe we should get Emmy something to bite on." She suggested before letting the kid grab her hand.

"They are so cute." It was natural instinct to just coo at the babies. "I just want to pinch her cheeks but I also don't want to make Embry cry - or bite me." She joked before playing a little tug-o-war with the kid with her finger. "I've got most things handled, so if you want to just hide in the penthouse with them, no one will question it."

Andy

Andy had managed to walk in as everyone else was filing out of the meeting room. It had been made pretty clear that her services wouldn't be required all that much down at the station pretty much as soon as she walked in, but she'd hung around a bit just in case. As she made her way over to the remaining duo and the tinies, she grabbed one of the straws on the long table, and unwrapped it before offering it to the kid as a trade-off for Thyra's finger.

"Yeah, no. Made hybrid supernaturals aren't the best of ideas in my experience," she said in response to the idea of a fully-powered baby werewolf biting the shifter. "Oh, I'm sure Leo appreciates your offer so very much, but she likes micro-managing just a little more."

Thyra

Thyra's face lit up even more when a certain someone walked into the room. "Andy!" She greeted, waiting for her finger to be freed before immediately giving the Head of Security a tight hug. "If Leo's going to be micro-managing with two babies on her, I don't know how much work is going to get done. Surely everyone's going to be distracted by them." She, for one, was going to be.

Her attention returned to Andy, "I thought you were going to be at the station today? Not that I'm complaining because I do appreciate you being here instead very, very much." One could easily tell by just the fact that their boss still was there with them in the room but Thyra did not let go of the other.

Leo

"Well then I would hope everyone is also going to be too distracted by them to realize the gap in the salaries," Leo shot back smoothly. "I hire only the best and babies is all it takes to derail my well-oiled machine then I'm not going to compensate anyone for that, now am I." Obviously, it would take quite a rather _severe_ lack in work output for her to actually dock anyone's pay, but it never hurt to remind people she was aware of the power she could wield -even if the one that forgot more often than not was herself.

"My guess is that I'm not the only one who took her babies to work with her," Leo noted, before making a face and saying, "Thyra, honesty? Right in front of my babies??"

Thyra

She looked up with almost an understanding look, "Ah, I would have thought Luke would have them since she can't go into work." One would also point out that Keagan's on vacation but Thyra knew by now that not much could keep the Chief Deputy from working. "Leo, we're just hugging." She chuckled, "It's not like we've never done so before."

Easing back a little without actually letting go, "Well, I suppose we-.. I should go before our boss here docks my paycheck." Thyra teased before quickly leaning back up to kiss her girlfriend on the lips. "Will... you walk out with me?" She asked Andy, sneaking a peek over at Leo and back.

Andy

"If my brief encounter with the Chief Deputy is anything to go by, I'd say that much like our boss here, it'll take quite the feat to keep her away from her babies," Andy noted, eyes managing to avoid said boss. Or rather, her current companions. She'd managed to hand Embry the straw without looking directly at her, but even that was enough to show how bright she'd appear.

From the corner of her eye she managed to catch as Leo waved them off, and gladly took the offered respite as she walked Thyra back to her office. "Thank you," she said as soon as the door to the manager's office closed behind them.

Thyra

When she made her way in, she spun around and waited until the door closed before wrapping her arms around Andy again. "Hmm? For what? For wanting you all to myself?" She joked before rested her cheek against the taller woman without saying anything more. The shifter could tell that Andy had been avoiding the babies - which was most likely why she returned to the hotel sooner than expected. After all, she knew the security could easily find herself something to do at the station even if Keg was there.

Andy

As soon as Thyra’s arms were wrapped back around her, and the shorter woman’s head rested neatly against her chest, Andy closed her eyes. She shut out her main sense and as she nuzzled into Thyra’s hair, she let the others take over. The strong and steady sound of the woman’s heartbeat humming in her ears like a song, and the scent that was uniquely the shifter engulfing her sense of smell. In that moment there was only Thyra. “Thank you for knowing what I need if that’s changed drastically since the time you were duty bound to do so.”

Thyra

Leo probably had a feeling this was going to happen the moment Thyra left with Andy but still, the shifter made no movements to break this embrace. "We may have met because of our duty, but it's not because of it that I care about you." She smiled, "Do you think Leo's going to actually dock my paycheck if we stay like this for the rest of the day? Because I really want to."

Andy

Thyra’s words resonated not just physically as they were spoken somewhat against her chest, but emotionally as well. Her parents made it clear when they opted to let her ‘die’ rather than continue to claim her as their child that their love _had_ conditions. “Why?”

The question was out before she could stop it but, now that it was Andy felt there was no point in taking it back. “As cliche as it sounds, I’m quite _literally_ not the same person you knew before. And to that point, I was absolutely _awful_ to you when I first got here. You’ve witnessed first hand what I’ve become- Why do you still care?”

Thyra

Thyra must admit, she did not expect that question at all. She listened as Andy list out the reasons. "You're still my Andy."

She squeezed her arms tighter as her eyes looked up into the other's. "I love you because you're you." She hummed as she swayed from side to side as she pondered her next words. Sure, physically, the witch was no more, and Andy had gone through so much too. "but.. honestly, there is nothing in the world that would ever make me stop *caring* about you." She chuckled, "I won't lie, our reunion was a bit rocky, but that was to be expected."

Andy

It was the possessive nature of Thyra’s remark that made the difference. Because Andy knew, without having to ask, that it wasn’t a means for her to claim ownership -like her father and grandfather might do- but a means to emphasize how she understood there were layers and facets to Andy as a person but they all still made up a person Thyra _wanted_ to care for. A person the blonde wanted to _love_.

When the shifter hugged her tighter, she reciprocated. Letting out a soft sigh Andy finally spoke again as she almost whispered into Thyra’s hair, “Oh to be loved by the likes of someone as beautiful as you, inside and out, is surely one of the universe’s greatest rewards…and worth every trial it’s taken me to get here.”

Thyra

Thyra blushed at the flattery words, "When were you such a romantic?" She smiled, wanting to stay in this position forever. Would Leo actually fire her? Perhaps. Pulling away enough to look up at the taller woman, the manager let out a sigh, "When is your shift today? I personally don't want to budge from this spot, but alas, I would like to keep my job. One day, Leo's gotta schedule us for the same shift.."

She then remembered, "Do you think you'll ever need to look after Levi and Emmy when they're still babies? It's probably a verrrrrrry small chance with how much everyone's been attached to their kids, but you never know when they need a babysitter... Should they call for Kala instead?"

Andy

The brunette could only smile half-heartedly at the question, wondering how romantic her words actually were versus how much Thyra herself was romanticizing them, given that the blonde was truly the romantic of the two. "Uh, I don't actually have a shift at the Radcliffe today. I was meant to be at the station. So...I won't tell if you won't...?"

The thought had already crossed Andy's mind many times over in the time between her first meeting with the babies and now. "I'm sure they'll do their best _not_ to need anyone to watch them, but Leo and Julia are still full-time working moms so...it may come down to it. I would _prefer_ that they keep Kala as their default stand-by, but I do understand that it's actually part of _my_ job description."

Thyra

"Would it be selfish of me to ask if you want to keep me company?" She chuckled but eventually released Andy from being captive in her hug. "I'm kidding - You basically have a day off. I'm not going to ask you to purposely stay at the hotel - where we are majority of our time already."

"Well, if Leo does call you instead, you could still get Kala to help or me.. but yeah, I think they'll probably want to spend all the time with the kiddos as much as possible - maybe we don't have to think about it altogether. I also have a feeling that the babies are all going to get together at some point...so there is that."

Andy

"I personally would have zero complaints," she replied, but didn't push to keep the shorter woman wrapped around her. Andy may have the day off, but Thyra certainly didn't. "It's not like I have anything else on my 'to-do' list. I mean, I there is a reason why I happily agree to three full-time jobs..." Keeping busy was her best coping mechanism as of yet.

Almost as if on queue, Leo barged into the office as she held Levi out at arm's length. It didn't take heightened senses to know what the issue was. "Oh my- wow. Uh- both? At once?" Her boss nodded, and Andy busied herself clearing some space on Thyra's coffee table. "Brings a whole new meaning to 'in the middle of some shit' ya know."

Thyra

Her eyes snapped to the door to see her boss walk straight towards the coffee table. Thyra guessed that it was because her office was the closest but she did not expect it turning into a change room right off the bat. Once Andy cleared off her stuff, she grabbed the essentials and the changing pad and set up the work station.

"Are we missing anything? I feel like we've got everything." Thyra's office was one of the few locations they made sure had a few of baby things in case of emergencies."

Leo

She was aware that it may have come across as panic, which Leo was completely fine with, but the entire chaos she created was more out of the desire to _not_ have to be the one to change the diapers in the first place _while_ simultaneously ensuring that the Manager's office didn't become the scene of some workplace sex because honestly, not cool. "Yeah, I think the only thing missing is the desire to actually open the 'packages'. I mean if they smell this bad _through_ the diaper.... Hey Andromeda, any chance that the smell will overwrite your desire to eat them long enough to do the honors?"

Thyra

"Won't you eventually have to change the diapers yourself?" She asked Leo, "Unless Julia's the one always on diaper duty " Her nose cringed at the stank seeping from the baby and immediately, she stepped closer to Andy. "I think we should.. hurry up, Levi looks like he's about to cry." She pointed at the kid on her coffee table. "Literally, this might be where your speed skill is going to shine." She smilled as she wrapped her arm around the taller woman's waist again - because she can't seem to keep to herself.

Andy

Andy wasn't sure when things went from 'keep the vamp away from infants at all times' to 'vamp is designated diaper changer', but she had to admit that seeing Levi on the brink of tears was enough to make her put her own issues aside and take to handling the 'business'. She went ahead and retrieved Emmy from Leo's back, and laying both babies side-by-side, she made quick work of getting them cleaned up and back to comfortable in no time. How she managed to do it all with Thyra latched onto her like a koala, that was a mystery for another day. "Okay, I think they're much happier now...can't say the same for the person who has to deal with the aftermath in their bin."

Thyra

"I'll have cleaning come by to pick up the trash, and maybe invest in one of those trash cans where it allows you to put a filter for the smell." If it meant that the kids were going to be in her office a lot more often, Thyra would get herself a designated bin for the diapers if she had to. With her arms wrapped around Andy, there were less chances of her being accidentally bitten by the kids as much as she wanted to play with them. At least until Emmy and Levi were a little older again. "Look at them, now that they've got clean bums." She chuckled at the smiles the babies were giving them. "I want to pinch their cheeks but I don't think they'll let me." Already, Embry made a noise that she guessed was a 'no.'

Leo

Leo was nothing if not happy to see smiles back on her babies' faces, but had little time to savor the moment as her phone pinged with a reminder. "Oh, I have a lunch meeting with one of the board members I need to get to," she said, before glancing down at the babies and then up at the pair. "Considering that I'm almost ninety percent sure that not much clerical work was going to be done here today, I'll be leaving these two very special packages with you for the next hour or so. Andy, please don't eat my children and Thyra, please don't smother them. I trust you can strike a balance between the two of you." She quickly bent down to give kisses and say goodbyes to each baby before standing back up and saying, "Good luck" as she made her exit.

Thyra

Thyra almost beamed at the idea of being left with the children for the next hour or two. She did give a small pout when warned not to smother them - which she was not doing. She was simply showering the kids with *love*. "We'll make sure your babies will be fine when you pick them up later." The moment their boss walked out the door, Thyra give the two bundles a group hug. "Ughhhhh, you two are so cute." Though she was still hugging the babies, she turned her head enough to look up at Andy. "How are you doing?"

Andy

Andy was less amused by the surprise babysitting gig, but she _had_ just mentioned such duties were still part of her job, so it wasn’t like there was much point in complaining. She did however manage a small glare at the warning not to eat the children.

It was all worth it though to see Thyra so immediately happy being snuggled up with the two littles. “I’m alright. Focusing on the overpowering scent emanating from your trash can as a distraction.”

Thyra

“…Does that mean we won’t be cleaning out the bin until the end of the week in all the places where the babies might be?” She teased before her nose wrinkling at the scent. “We should invest in those bins with the filters - or an incredible amount of Febreze.” With that, she actually went to grab the spray bottle she had around and sprayed in the direction of the trash. Unable to help herself, she picked up both kids - one at a time - and started slightly bobbing up and down with them. “You two cannot get any cuter, I swear.” She whispered.

Andy

"It's definitely an option, but I think _my_ tolerance for it might not become the biggest issue..." Almost as if to prove her point, Thyra immediately followed up with suggestions on how _not_ to have the smell linger. Rolling her eyes at the display of spraying the trash can, she just shrugged as she watched the blonde proceed to then pick up the babies. "I suppose it'll just be an intensive form of exposure therapy. I mean, I managed to grow to be pretty alright around Levi at his usual age within a couple of weeks, surely I can handle some babies for- uh...we have no idea how long this is going to last, do we?"

Thyra

"Not that I know of - if someone does know, word hadn't gotten to us about it. Would it be bad if I hope this gets to stick for a little while, not long because I'm sure the kiddos want to go back to their actual ages, maybe. If they get stuck like this, then it's like what responsibilities? What adulting? But they also need to be supervised the whole time." She chuckled at the sound Emmy made, "Oh? Are you agreeing with me? Or are you complaining that your babysitters literally became babysitters?" She gently tickled the baby's side as she spoke.

Andy

"I mean that makes sense, we don't really have a horse in this race," she reasoned. There was a small shrug, though she made zero move to close the distance between her and the three babies in the room even a fraction of an inch. "I suppose most parents would hope for the same. They're looking at the opportunity to take on parenthood from a young age, but this time with the knowledge and experience they've gained along the way. For others it's a second chance at seeing their kids in a way they never may have thought they would. Like, look at Leo alone. She loves Emmy and Levi with all her being, but it had to be at least a little bit of a bummer that she missed out on things like first steps and such."

At the noise coming from the older baby, Andy couldn't help but smirk as she said, "I think she's more upset that her girlfriend is still the same age and hasn't been around as often since Leo scared her off."

Thyra

Gently caressing the baby's cheek, she smiled at those blue eyes looking back up at her. "I'm glad you kids didn't lose your memory when you regressed. Hopefully you get to remember the time you've spent with your parents this time around." She spoke softly as she wondered what it was like to experience childhood all over again - except you aren't. "Leo is definitely loving this whole situation." She was very happy for her boss and Julia for that very reason.

"Where is Evan? I haven't seen her around in a while." She saw those little blue hues glow up at the mention of her girlfriend, followed by a sound that Thyra could only assume that it was to prompt Andy for an answer.

Andy

Andy opened her mouth to answer the question, only to close it as she was immediately interrupted by the slightly bigger tiny human in Thyra's arms. Making a face at the girl she said, "You are _way_ more bossy as a baby than you've ever been as a teenager." After another noise of complaint she held her hands up in surrender and said, "I'm getting there, I'm getting there. Evan's been working with the rest of the FC MENSA chapter to do both follow-ups on those that had to be provided with the serum and to continue informing people that were listed in Old Man Grey's ledger that they were likely the victim of _something_. She's also been working with Jack and the Paladins to try and get as much information as they can on the whole baby-gate thing. Sorry Tiny, but you picked a girl with a pretty nifty brain, so you have to share."

Thyra

The shifter could spend the day just watching Andy interact with the baby. It was true that Emmy was a lot more vocal as a baby but she couldn't help but find it adorable, although the explanation did earn a pout. "Yeah.. Your girlfriend is very smart so we need to borrow her brains to get everything settled. Hopefully she will get some time to spend with you." That is.. if Leo was going to allow that. She had a feeling that the parents were also part of the reasons why she hadn't been around. "In the meantime, you're stuck with us for the next little while. Your brother...." She looked over to the younger baby, "...is drifting off to sleep." She chuckled as she reached over to brush his little cheek with her thumb. "You guys are so tiny.. Look at Levi, his head is the size of my hand."

Andy

"That can either mean you just have small hands or he has a massive head," she stated flatly, earning another round of accusatory babbling from the older baby. "They're just facts, Tiny. Though I take you're decision to defend your brother's honor as a sign that _you_ are going to be fighting nap time as well as me." It wasn't until she was reaching for the pacifier clipped to the girl's onesie that Andy realized how close she'd allowed herself to get. There was a stutter to her movements as realization caused hesitation, but she pushed trough and picked up the pacifier to gently place it in the baby's mouth. Though the girl continued to make some noises, she did take the binky and seemed to begin nodding off too. "Well, we'll see how long this peace lasts."

Thyra

She visibly melted at the sight of Emmy's eyes drooping - and that Andy was giving the kid the pacifier herself. The baby made it more amusing when it was clear that she was trying fight against the sleep, and obviously losing. "Oh baby..." She chuckled softly as she gently stroke the kid's head, urging her to fall sleeping. When she believed they finally did, Thyra stood back up and went back to Andy to resume her cuddles. "It wasn't so bad, was it?" She asked, "I don't want to jinx it so I'm not going to say anything."

Andy

Andy wasted no time in using the opportunity of Thyra stepping in to ease Emmy to sleep to take at least five steps back. There were at least ten different thoughts all trying to take center stage in her mind, the one that won out was how _happy_ Thyra looked with the babies. How easily the woman took to them, and how her own humor seemed to make it to where they easily took to her as well. This of course led to the obvious thought of: what if Thyra wants children?

Luckily the blonder herself was back in her arms before _that_ can of worms could pop open. Wrapping her own arms around the smaller woman she hummed in response. "I don't believe there's really such a thing as 'jinxing' things where babies are concerned. Kids just unpredictable little humans by nature. I'm sure once they've recharged they'll be ready to keep us on our toes until their mom comes back."

Thyra

"Then we should take advantage of the peace and quiet we have right now before they wake up again." The good idea would be to do what she's actually supposed to do, however the shifter liked her current position very much. "On the other hand, I sorta want to move the kids back to the suite.. because we bought them so many outfits - we literally could have a fashion show. Like that overall! I want to see one of them wear it. It'd be so cute. Of course, they'd have to be awake for it and I don't want to interrupt their nap."

Andy

The vamp listened, arching a curious eyebrow at the suggestion they take advantage of the reprieve, and then arching it even higher at the fact they weren’t going to use it to change sleeping babies. “Okay, so we can get back to the suite with little to no trouble if I speed us there, but if we’re not doing a fashion show and we’re clearly _not_ going to be doing any daily work…how _exactly_ are we ‘taking advantage’ of this time?”

Thyra

"...I'm taking great advantage right now." Her arms tightened as she said that, "I'm getting very good quality Andy time and what better way to spend the peace and quiet we have now?" Her eyes playfully narrowed, "Did you actually want to do something more.. uh.. productive? You know what? One thing at a time, let's get the babies to their cribs."

Andy

Andy was glad to not have to actually answer that rather pointed question, as it was rather open-ended and honestly quite suggestive for what Thyra normally sent her way. Instead she smiled, and with great care vamped both babies and their newest 'nanny' into the proper elevator to access their suite. As the doors opened, she eased back into average walking and gently led them all into the nursery. "I'll settle Emmy, if you take Levi," she offered.

Thyra

"Okay.." Not wanting to wake Levi up, she whispered as softly as she could as she walked towards his crib. The height of the crib was too high for her, however, she managed to get Levi down without waking him up.. and without falling in herself afterwards. "Aww look at him!" She whispered with giddiness. The sight of the babies getting settled comfortably was too cute, her hand just unconsciously brushing over his little cheeks. "I don't think these two can be any cuter." She eventually pulled away to go back to Andy.

Andy

No sooner had the words left her own mouth than regret immediately begin to spread through every fiber of her being. Regardless, she didn't want Thyra to be distracted from her enjoyment of all of this, so she went ahead and did as she had stated. With great care -and a lot of self-restraint- she carefully picked up the baby girl in her own hands for the first time, and did her best to focus her eyes on the crib itself instead of the almost blinding glow being emitted from every single line the baby's vascular system right now.

With some effort, but nothing too jostling, she was able to get Emmy settled down and without waking her. Stepping away with purpose, but not with haste so as to not draw attention to her obvious retreat, Andy watched as Thyra continued to look at little Levi with nothing but adoration and awe. "I'm sure once you get them into a few of those outfits you picked you out for them, you'll be proving yourself wrong."

Thyra

When Andy mentioned about getting the kids into the outfits, she twirled around to meet Andy's eyes - feeling excitement all over again. Oh the anticipation to get the kids all dressed up in the little outfits they got them. Leaving the kid alone to sleeping, she slid back to Andy to take her hand and leading her out the room. "They're going to be so grumpy when I do so.. Let's hope they get plenty of rest before then." She's hoping they'd be in a good mood enough to let her change them that many times.

"SO." Her arms slinked around the taller woman's waist again, "How are you holding up?" Thyra felt that she may have asked Andy one too many times whenever she was around the kids, but she truly was worried if her girlfriend was feeling uncomfortable because of the kids.

Andy

"I don't think you'll have too much trouble from Levi, if any really. Dress-up is his favorite game to play and Julian is bestie for a reason. Emmy, on the other hand...you should hope that Evan happens to drop in at some point before they wake up," Andy stated. She could practically feel the question coming as soon as Thyra's arms wrapped around her. Andy was sure the fact she was physically tense didn't help matters. "I'm fine," she reassured, though who she was reassuring was up in the air. "These are just growing pains for whatever the hell I am now, just like we both had all sorts of other growing pains as a witch and shifter growing up. All shall pass...eventually."

Thyra

"Hmm, then it's very likely we're going to get a slightly grumpy Emmy. I haven't seen her in a *long* time - I think Leo is actually happy about that." She chuckled before nuzzling into her girlfriend, a very satisfied smile on her face. "Mm.. Eventually." Though she wasn't completely convinced, she trusted Andy and let the topic drop. Pulling away, her hands reached out for the others and guided her straight to the couch. Cuddling while half-sitting/half-lying down was better. "Should we watch a movie?"

Evan

Evan had managed to keep herself busy enough at the library during the day, and in the ‘Meeting of the Minds’ -as Quinn took to calling it- the rest of the time. She’d hardly had time to sleep and eat, let alone pay the hotel a visit. But, with the weather keeping the library slow, she managed to slip back downstairs so she could shimmer to the Avraham suite.

As she solidified behind the couch in the living room, she simply took in the cuddle-fest as the women both pretended to pay attention to the movie on the screen. “Ugh, you guys are disgusting. Get a room,” she grumbled before heading into the nursery, where she could already hear little babbles.

Thyra

+Cut To - The very next day

Fernanda

Dee had, thankfully, been rather quiet on the fact that she’d come home find her and Dylan asleep on the couch. Well, really just the fact that she’d found Dylan still here at all, honestly. Instead, her priority had been for her the mermaid to give the babies a diaper change, feed, settle them back down, and work out a plan for how they would work together until this thing blew over.

As it happened, Fernanda would watch them herself during the day on Dee’s dayshifts and would watch them overnight on Dee’s night shifts and vice-versa. And the be best way to get this done was to work from home. So as she got the trio settled into their large playpen, she went to answer the door, already having a feeling who it would be. Swinging it open all she said was, “We could’ve had this meeting via zoom or even just a phone call.”

Dylan

Dylan only smiled when the door opened, revealing the mermaid. Her mood had been an all time high even when she left the barn house to get herself presentable - one could not be seen wearing the same things twice, especially within the same week. Although it wasn't a surprise, it did not sit well with her to know that their meeting was going to be via zoom.

"We could." She said as she walked in, only to be met by a gaggle of babies. "But I would rather have it in person." Omitting that this one of the very, very few meetings she looked forward to in the day. "Are you trying to get rid of me, Salazar?"

Fernanda

The mermaid had to admit that it was nice to be met with a _genuine_ smile from Dylan -as opposed to her overly saccharine 'I'd kill you if I could get away with it' one- even if the admission was made only to herself. In silence...for now. Instead she returned the smile and stepped aside as the woman made her way and -Fer could've sworn- almost immediately in the direction of the babies.

As she closed the door, the mermaid rolled her eyes. Turning to face Dylan as she flatly stated, "Yes. That is exactly my master plan. I am aiming to get rid of you, hence why I opened the door to my home and then stepped aside to let you in. You have now walked right into my yeeting trap."

Dylan

When she got near Julian, she pulled out a Burberry baby blanket and laid it on top of the kid - not exactly tucking him in with it. It was unfathomable to not have *something* luxurious just because they were babies. "Then there's no problem with having our meeting in person." She grinned now that it was verbally confirmed that she wouldn't be kicked out.

She walked over to the take a seat herself. Even if they didn't talk about work, that was fine with Dylan. The half demon simply enjoyed the peace and quiet they have, and not have people badgering her about contracts and all.

Fernanda

It seemed like her eyes were going to get their workout in today, as she once again felt them roll of their own accord at the sight of the blanket. "Honestly, it's nothing short of a waste of money. The girls are already making their way over to see what the fuss is, and Julian's still too kind to not share his new 'toy'. If you wanted to burn the bibs for a little drool, I'd hate to see what you'll try to do with this blanket after it becomes a chew toy for three babies and three pets."

The mermaid took her own seat on the living room floor, her laptop setup within arm's reach of the playpen. Glancing up, she brought out her tablet as well and asked, "What topic were you looking to start off with?" If the half-demon was looking to use their meeting as an excuse, Fer certainly wasn't...that she'd easily admit.

Dylan

"Darling, it was just something I picked up while shopping." She waved her hands as she watched the two girls making their way over. "It's his, so he can do whatever he wants with it." She said nonchalantly, though she now wondered if she should have picked up 3 of them so that all of them had one. "It's clearly of good taste and choice that they all would want it."

Her eyes fell to the mermaid on the floor, wondering if she was serious about discussing work - "I suppose we could go over the agenda." She sighed as she also took a seat on the floor, leaning on her elbow on the coffee table. However, unlike the other, she didn't bother with her laptop. "It'd be more fun if we don't talk about work though."

Fernanda

"All three were also fighting over one of the dog's chew toys not five minutes before you knocked, so make of _that_ what you will," the mermaid pointed out. She could already tell that it would be rather pointless to try and reason with Dylan that babies were simply that, _babies_. Taste was a literal thing to them, and associated with whatever they managed to get into their mouths.

Dropping her eyes to her tablet, she pulled up the agenda and without bothering to look up asked, "So am I to understand that Dylan Waldorf went out of her way to pay me and three babies a visit under the guise of a personal work meeting but, was really just looking to make a _personal_ call?"

Dylan

"So I really should have gotten them one each." She smiled, as if that was the only solution. "Darling, it's just a blanket - maybe it'll survive until they revert back to their actual ages." As an exaggerated gesture, the half-demon even crossed her fingers. "And it's fuzzy." As if that was a good reason to keep it.

Dylan kept her eyes on the mermaid with a smile on her face. "I wouldn't say I'm here for the babies exactly." As if that was ever going to be a thing she'd admit. She didn't want to admit that the kids were even growing on her in their usual forms, much less as *babies*. "Must we talk about work?" She reached out and held onto Fernanda's tablet at the top with just a thumb and index finger.

Fernanda

"Do you know how much work it takes for the farm to produce enough profit to afford _one_ of those blankets? It's not about the item, it's about learning the value of a dollar. If _you_ can't be bothered to care about cost or the fate of the blanket, at least pause to consider what the person who worked to make might make of just handing their work over to children." Even as she finished her statement, Fer was already resigned to the fact that her pleas would fall on deaf ears.

"Well if you're not here for the babies, and you're clearly not here for work, thank I'm left to assume..." she trailed off as her tabled was lowered, before she glanced up at Dylan with a mischievous grin. "...that you're here to help me get the fuzzy boys ready for a walk."

Dylan

Her brow arched as Fernanda went on about the blanket, which did have her stunned a little - and confused. "Darling." She started once she felt the other was done with her piece. "It's a baby blanket, who else would it be for if it's not for literal babies? It's just a blanket - not like I went and beyond and got the duvet option, which frankly, I should've now that we're talking about dexterity."

Her brow dropped back into a frown, "What?" Her eyes lowered to the furries nearby. "They have a whole field to run about, I doubt they actually need to be *walked* - so no, you know I'm definitely not here for *that*." She snorted as she leaned back away from the coffee table and shifted her weight onto her hands on the floor behind her.

Fernanda

Fer just pinched the bridge of her nose. "Just, no more getting things for the babies with a price tag over twenty dollars," she sighed. Getting Dylan to understand what the value of a dollar was would have to wait for another day...or preferably a time when three babies weren't her priority.

The mermaid scoffed, already getting up to gather up the harnesses and leashes, as well as the strollers for the babies. "They still enjoy getting to see the sights beyond that. Besides, the babies are overdue for a stroll of their own, getting some fresh air, and hopefully tiring out enough for a nap."

Dylan

The look of horror that washed over her face at the sounds of getting *anything* less than twenty dollars. However, Dylan wasn't going to comment any further with how tired Fernanda seemed to be getting. Somehow, she still was willing to listen to the other and stop from getting anything for the gremlins. Reasons that she was unwilling to deal with at the moment.

When the mermaid was actually following through with it, Dylan just sat there and watched as the other got ready. "...Seriously?" They literally just sat down too. "If they need fresh air, we can open a window." She muttered but still got up anyways. "Wait, *beyond* that? How far are you going??"

Fernanda

The mermaid busied herself getting the boys ready, then handing charge over to Krylon of the other two while she worked on getting the strollers sorted. Once ready, she went ahead and moved over to the babies, tiny winter jumpsuits for each of them at the ready.

As she began to change them, she glanced up and said, "Yeah, seriously." One baby dressed and seated, she moved on to the next. "You do realize there are _four_ cardinal directions right? We don't have to _through_ the farmlands themselves to reach something else." Second baby down. As she finished with Julian she said, "I thought we'd hit the Queens. If the kids are still awake they might enjoy a treat...from _me_."

Dylan

Dylan watched as Fernanda got the babies dressed one by one. She was not about to say that the kids actually looked cute in their jumpers - she will *not*. On the other hand, when Julian was ready to go, the half-demon did move to lift him up into her arms so she could fix his little hood. Was she being biased? Perhaps - not that it'd be a surprise to anyone.

"I don't know, darling, there's a lot of land around here before we reach anything else." She spoke nonchalantly, focusing her eyes on the baby. "You.. are so tiny." She muttered as she observed Julian a bit more. With that, she walked over to the stroller to strap him in. It seemed that those winter ~~heels ~~ boots were a good investment with the number of times she had to be walking around in this place.

Fernanda

Fernanda managed to keep her remarks at bay when Dylan made a beeline for Julián and even managed to keep quiet when she brought the land around them. _But_, hearing her cooing at her cousin about how tiny he was, that was just too good not to highlight…in their own ‘special’ way of ‘communicating’.

“Awwww, as cute as is it is to see you be amazed by Julie’s current size, tiny is usually the default setting for most babies,” she said with a bright smile. Her tone was overly cheery, but clearly her words were dripping in sarcasm. As Dylan returned the boy to the single stroller she began to push the double out the door, the leashed furry babies leading, and said, “He’s the lightest, so I’ll assume he’s safe with you.”

Dylan

"It's just.. strange when they weren't this size just days ago." Her face may express how much of a tedious task this was - especially to need to walk a distance with these babies, but Dylan still pushed Julian's stroller.

Dylan didn't know if she was thankful that it was no longer summer, but the half-demon wasn't a fan of the cold either. "Honestly, we should invest in treadmills for the animals." She muttered under her breath. "How is this walk even beneficial for the gremlins? They're not even the one's walking."

Fernanda

"It's beneficial to the _babies_ and the pets alike, simply because it keeps me from being stuck in the same place while you make it your life's mission to test my patience." Fernanda took a step, before turning to face her and adding, "Which, incidentally, also makes it beneficial for _you_. Open air, a nice walk, keeps my head clear and makes it far less likely I'll decide you need to disappear." The mermaid, of course, meant more so in the manner of Dylan _leaving_ the farm, but she felt the possible threat of death might be something worth keeping out there. Made things fun.

"Come on, you can't possibly be complaining already though," she noted in a far more serious tone. "Surely your stamina can take a little light walk into town..."

Dylan

"So you're saying that it's only because *you* get to move around that it's beneficial for everyone around you." Dylan couldn't help but laugh at that - until the mermaid decided to ~~threaten~~ warn her that there will be consequences if she continued to press her buttons. "Oh? Disappear how? Will you be using those so-called resources to make me disappear? Such a drastic decision."

That tone of hers had Dylan straighten her back. It was a tease for sure, and Dylan shouldn't give in so easily to it, but the smirk on her face said more than enough. "Wouldn't you like to know what my stamina's like?"

Fernanda

"No. There was never an emphasis on it being 'only' beneficial for one specific reason," she was quick clarify, "And if you know how much a loathe having my words twisted and then an attempt be made to weaponize them against me in the workplace, let me just make it clear that I despise it being done even more so in my personal life." It may have been a means to tease the mermaid, but it was best to make certain things clear and established sooner rather later. "Perhaps." Whether this was in regards to using her contacts or her agreeing it was drastic, was left up to Dylan's interpretation.

"I have no such curiosity," she replied flatly, "But I suppose the question will be answered by the time we reach the bakery regardless."

Dylan

Dylan did know just how much the mermaid loath it which was why she only gave the other a playful shrug, backing off for now. As fun as it was to press someone's button, the day was early..ish. Instead, she took a look around them as they walked. Surely her brother and especially Nox would not believe she was actually walking so far on her free will. With babies, no less.

"With how far this barn is from everything, it's going to take us half a day just to get there, and another half back." Was she being dramatic? Always. But she she was still pushing the stroller. "Perhaps I should have invested in a e-scooter." Surely she could still push a stroller while riding on one. Taking out her phone, she started scrolling to see what she could order from the *Manhattan *since they were visiting the sister bakery.

Fernanda

The mermaid knew better than to expect an actual apology, but it was enough that there was a pleasant silence that followed. The sounds of winter were in full swing and it was honestly a joy to hear as the babies all cooed and gurgled in joy to the sights.

"I'm sure the fact that you manage a way to complain about just about everything has probably proven to be an attractive quality in the past -because otherwise I don't see why you'd have kept it as a habit- _but_ I assure you, that it is not attractive in the least to present company," she pointed out, before taking a quick look at the woman's phone. "You so much as take a sip of alcohol, and you're on your own the rest of the day. I prefer clear minds around the babies when not in the safety of home."

Dylan

Dylan was not so narcissistic that she didn't know when to stop messing with the younger woman. And so, she obliged and stopped complaining - for now. Instead, her eyes rolled and showed the mermaid her screen. "Food, darling. Substantial food." While she could admit that the Queens had a good selection for pastries, the half-demon didn't have much of a sweet tooth. "You act as if I can't live without at least a glass of wine." Returning her attention to the screen, she continued to scroll, "Did you want anything as well? Since we're heading in that direction anyways." She asked as she added a couple things to her cart.

Fernanda

The mermaid simply looked her dead in the eye and replied with a direct, "And can you?" She continued to push the double stroller, happy to have the boys keeping pace on their respective leashes. The question made her smirk as she found she couldn't pass up the opportunity to tease the other back some. "Oh? Is Dylan Waldorf suggesting we have a lunch date now?"

Dylan

"How rude. I can have a little more self-control than that when I choose to be.." An angry mermaid was a scary mermaid. Dylan had definitely come across worse, but she was still finding herself obliging to most of the other's requests. "Would Fernanda Salazar be willing to go on a lunch date with a Waldorf?" She didn't look up from her phone, "Besides, if it were a date, I could do a little better than the Manhattan while being accompanied by animals and toddlers."

Fernanda

“It’s not rude when the question is merited based on the display of past behavior,” she reasoned without missing a beat. “Besides, you clearly just said the self-restraint would be demonstrated at your whim. How am I to know when you’ll be in the mood if it benefits my babies?”

Fernanda gave her a curious look at the question. “I have to admit, based on your behavior up until now, I would’ve expected a more forward response, _but_ I do greatly appreciate that it has been made a request instead. _And_, as such, I would love to join you on a lunch date….but obviously all my kids are included, furry and bald alike.”

Dylan

"And do you see me drink a glass of alcohol every single time? No~" She pointed out before letting the latter question be left unanswered because 1. she was not going to admit that she didn't want to be kicked out of the barnhouse *again* and 2. she was not going to admit that she's been behaving.

Her eyes did leave the screen at that because she did not expect the other to agree to it being a lunch *date* albeit bringing all the kids and animals along. "Would you really?" There was genuine surprise in her voice when she asked again. It wasn't often to see Dylan Waldorf hesitant but the mermaid was constantly surprising her.

Fernanda

"Just because something doesn't happen _every single time_ doesn't negate that it has happened on a _majority_ of occasions," she swiftly pointed out. "Besides, I don't know why you're suddenly so defensive about the matter, you're normally nothing if not a giant braggart about how you can have more alcohol than anyone at the farmhouse and still not be drunk. Has this suddenly not become a cool thing?"

If she had any hesitations, her resolve was immediately worn away by the genuine surprise in the woman's tone as she asked for clarification. "Of course I would! You've been exceptionally less of a pain in my a- _neck_ than usual, and honestly I rather like this new version of you. You should let her out more often."

Dylan

"That seemed to have gone out the window when your go-to drink was that last one you served. You drank that up like it's water. As much as I hate to lose, seems like my tolerance has nothing on *yours*." She said it matter-of-factly.

With how Fernanda was explaining, Dylan didn't quite know what to do with that description of her. New version of her, and also that she was *less* of a pain in the ass, she honestly had no idea what that meant. She figured that there was some sort of difference since she was actually found around toddlers - something she was thankful that her brother and Nox was not around for. However, this was not the time to be sorting all *that* out. Instead, she just gave her phone over to the mermaid. "You'd have to actually choose the meal first if you want to go on that lunch date."

Fernanda

The mermaid made a face at her and said, "Oh excuses. All that tells me is that you've not been allowing variety into your drinking and now you have consequences."

The silence that followed spoke volumes more than Dylan's actual words ever had. And even though she intended to archive every bit of it, there was really no time in this current moment to parse it all and tray to decipher a meaning. Instead she just chuckled when she was finally told to choose a meal. "Oh come on? You technically asked me out. So pick something, and impress me."

Dylan

"I just have a refined taste." She rolled her eyes. "Not everyone needs a shot of that each day."

Retracting her hand, she looked back down at her phone. It wouldn't be the first time she ordered for someone else - although most of those times, it was just because she wanted it as well and could care less if the other person liked it. With Fernanda, it was a different situation even if she had a feeling that she'd be find with whatever she chose. Dylan Waldorf being nervous? One would never have imagined it. "Very well." One should never back down from a challenge and with that, the half-demon started ordering a few things she deemed acceptable. "They should be ready by the time we get there, whenever that may be." Would she ever stop complaining? Never.

Fernanda

"I don't think it can possible be _that_ refined, if you're over at your brother's clubs every other evening," she remarked without missing a beat. The mermaid held zero against the staff of either establishment, but she knew from conversations overheard between her cousins and the other scoobs that, at least according to Dallas, the patrons tending to leave much, _much_, to be desired.

"If you're already going to be complaining before the lunch date even starts, do not for a second think that I am above retracting my acceptance to join you." It was the only warning she'd be offering.

Dylan

"Au contraire, my brother has quite the collection at his bar. however, it is not my fault the people in this town do not appreciate." She quipped back. Dylan wasn't oblivious about the type of people coming and in of her brother's establishment - it's not like she was there to socialize with the guests anyways.

Dylan was not going to push it any further now that they were almost there. (But honestly, that was a lot of walking.) "Would you look at that?" She feigned surprise, "We're *there*!" The overwhelming aroma from the bakery just hit her in the face the moment she opened that door.

Fernanda

"I stand behind my original statement, and I'm sure you'll stand behind yours, so I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree. Besides, it's not like taste isn't entirely subjective by nature anyway," she pointed out. It was best to highlight how pointless turning this into an argument would be.

"And you survived the entire trek completely unscathed!" The mermaid teased. "Only one tiny hair out of place," she added before reaching up to tuck said hair behind the woman's ear. Smiling at her handiwork she said, "Now, what tasty treat are you looking to completely ruin our appetite for lunch with?"

Nox

They were on their break from having to stalk one Hartley Goodwin. Honestly, they had no idea what their boss saw in that teacher but there was nothing going on at all with her. Hartley did not lead an exciting life at all. If they were keeping an eye on her in case something happen, Nox was pretty damn sure nothing is ever going to happen. The most exciting thing was when her brother visited.

Wanting to cure their boredom with a good treat, Nox made their way onto the bakery when they spotted a very unfamiliar sight. Was that *Dylan* with *babies*?? Feeling rather giddy, Nox made quick work to get to the door in record time. "Why helloooo~" Their eyes went from Dylan to the baby she had with her. "Dylan, you never told me you've got kids. Does Damien know? Oh god, they're cute. *Dylan*."

Oz had gotten the text from her sibling to meet at the bakery not five minutes before, and was luckily not two steps behind them when they decided to approach Dylan and the children. "Nox, it's not polite to approach people's babies without their consent," she grumbled through gritted teeth as she not-so-gently pulled them back further by the arm. "Apologies. They tend to get a little excited when around something that shares about the same braincells as they currently seem to have."

Dylan

If she was smiling at the slightest actions Fernanda did to her, her reaction was the complete opposite when Nox came into the picture. Immediately frowning at their presence, her eyes focused solely on them even when their sister tried to apologize on their behalf. "Oh, I'm well aware.." If only her glares could kill - or at least scare Nox off as much as Damien did. Whether it was conscious or not, Dylan pulled the stroller towards Fernanda and shifted herself so her body was between the siblings and the family. "Nox, if you make a scene or do something more stupid, I'll kill you."

Fernanda

"No you will not," came the very adamant and defiant statement from the mermaid now standing behind three strollers and a demon. "At least in front of the babies, and certainly not within the walls of Hunter's shop. Besides, I'm sure Nox is smart enough to know that his paychecks aren't actually fully funded by two clubs in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, and if they don't I know that Oz most certainly does. So, to make a long story short, _everyone_ will be on their best behavior, or I guarantee that I will personally see to it that _death_ be the least of your concerns."

Nox had no idea that Dylan's mood bombed the moment she saw them, so as oblivious as ever, they continued to grin as if nothing's amiss. That and it wasn't the first time she ever threatened them. "Yeah, Dyl, no talks of death in front of the babies!" They gave Fernanda a weird look because of course the clubs weren't Damien's income. If it was even possible, the demon got even giddier. "Dyllie! Are you sulking?" They were going to give the other a poke in the cheek but their hand got smacked by said woman. "Owwww, okay.. okay.. geez. You are definitely hangry, aren't you? We should get you food."

Fernanda

It was the mermaid's turn to take a step forward and stand between Nox and Dylan. This town was small enough that through Kala and Dallas, she knew Oz and understood they were doing their best to contain their sibling. However, said sibling was as oblivious as ever, and was very likely to look a landmine full-on and still choose to sit on it. "Nox. Knock it off. You're welcome to try your luck with Dylan and her patience on your own time, but I will _not_ have you putting my children at risk by continuing to poke the sleeping bear while in the same room. Stick to your business or I'll have to ask Hunter to ask you to leave and honestly I'd rather spare my energy and save that favor for something much more rewarding."

Dylan

Already fed up the second his face showed up, Dylan reached out and gently pulled Fernanda back towards her and the babies, switching her attention to the mermaid. "Darling, let's just go get those treats you were talking about for the gremlins. I'm sure Oz here knows what to do. Besides, I don't want my food to get cold because of their idiocy."

Fernanda

She could feel the tension begin to ease in her posture as soon as Dylan's hands were on her. It had honestly been so long since she'd had anyone that made her feel secure and like they had something sturdy to lean on, that the small gesture of having Dylan pull her in towards herself and the babies, was enough to take her anger down from a raging inferno to a simmering annoyance. "Oz, thank you for attempting to intervene and Nox," she fixed him with a steely gaze, "I would recommend not underestimating me because then your responses just become patronizing and that would damaging to you and your employer _many_ different ways." Of course she knew the clubs were a front. There was very little that _wasn't_ a front where the Waldorfs were concerned. She was just glad, that in this moment, Dylan's concern for her and the babies didn't fall on that list.

Dylan

Seeing that the idiot finally backed off - with the help of their sister dragging him out of the bakery, Dylan leaned in to Fernanda's ear, "It's quite a sight whenever you get all fired up like that." Whether it was towards her or towards another, it always did bring a grin to her. Leaning back, she walked around one of the strollers and pulled Julian into her arms before walking over to the display. "...They all look disgustingly sweet." She spoke as if she was in a conversation with the baby while her eyes glazed over all the colourful pastries, some themed for the season. "This is why I ordered from the Manhattan instead.. Substantial food."

Fernanda

The mermaid felt herself begin to calm down as Oz managed to corral her sibling out the door, which proved beneficial to Dylan because instead of turning her scathing words on the demon, the blonde just wound up rolling her eyes as usual at the woman’s antics.

Opting to not fan _those_ flames, she turned to pick up the girls instead of responding to her comments. Though she did give her a look of offense on Hunter’s behalf at her remarks on the pastries. “Excuse you, Hunter happens to be the only baker in a fifty-mile radius that provides options for all major dietary restrictions, which means if you used your eyes to _read_ the menu and the labels instead of just for _judging_ you’d find something even _you_ like.” Vindication came in the sounds and look of approval Julian sent her way.

Dylan

Dylan turned to Julian and booped his little nose when he started babbling. "I see to have offended the fans of these treats." Her eyes looked back at the displays and gave out a sigh, "Well, we are here for these gremlins - did you decide on what you're getting them? Or shall I just buy out the whole store? Perhaps I shall." She hummed as she slowly turned in a circle to see what all that would entail. "We'll take everything."

Hunter

Hunter was normally the one working the back, coming up with new treats and also complicated ways to make them. If she was ever to give Chocolate Guy a run for his money, she'd need to up her game. That being said, she wasn't a recluse like Sage either. Working the front gave her the chance to flex her people skills, after all. As she had made her way to the front, she smiled at the girls in her friend's arms, and was about to smile at the baby boy when it seemed things took a turn.

Of course, before she could even say anything, Fernanda had come to her defense and now she was faced with the proposition of having the day's inventory bought out. "Uh...Well, I don't think _anything_ in mass quantities would be healthy for a baby. I mean, like, eve if it's carrots. Because seeing as how your opinion on my work is clear, they would be the ones enjoying the bulk. Besides, these are best fresh. No need to stockpile. I'll start the kids off with a complimentary round of fruit puree to get them something nice," she offered.

Dylan

Her eyes rolled when it looked like another person was stopping her from 'buying too much'. That really did seem to be the theme around here - one she was *not* a fan of at all. She turned to Fernanda, considering that she would know what the babies want. If anything, she was here to foot the bill, and to grab the food she ordered earlier. The food will have to wait since Julian still hadn't chosen want he wanted yet. "It'd be more convenient if we deliver everything here home." Anyone could take their time choosing what they want then. Maybe even for her to sneak a treat without anyone noticing. "But considering *that* won't be happening, I suppose we'll have to start with that." She said, giving the usual dramatics.

Fernanda

Her patience had already been worth rather thin by Nox, and at this point she had no idea why after they'd spent most of the day -day_s_ really- doing so well, Dylan was choosing now to revert back to her attitude of 'privilege'. The mermaid knew it was a front, and though she could somewhat understand why it may be useful in a board room full of old white men and, even understood that it was usually a means to tease Fernanda herself, it was honestly downright repellant when being used as underhanded remarks against not just someone in customer service, but a _friend_ of hers at that.

"No, it would _not_ be more convenient to buy out the store's entire stock, it would be _wasteful_. Because once home, and the kids have had their pick of the treats they could possibly manage to eat, the rest would go where, exactly?" It was a rhetorical question, so even if Dylan bothered to take a breath to answer, Fer was not in the mood to allow one. "_However_, if you really feel that flaunting your wealth by buying out the goods is something that is absolutely necessary to your survival, you're more than welcome to do so and donate the remainder to some of charities around town."

Dylan

Her mouth snapped shut when Fernanda interjected, clearly annoyed with how Dylan was behaving. However, instead of commenting on anything to further piss the mermaid off, she opted to just give the one on the other side of the counter a look, "I guess we're setting for the few then." The half-demon was definitely not fond of being scolded in public, and if it had been someone else, she'd handle it differently. However, this was Fernanda Salazar.. and she was also carrying said mermaid's cousin, so she shall behave. Thankfully Nox wasn't around to see this otherwise god knows what stupid comment they would have said.

Deciding to switch her attention elsewhere, the half-demon walked off to a nearby shelf as if to see what else this bakery had.

Hunter

Hunter had remained quiet once she'd said her piece, not wanting to really get into anything remotely resembling conflict with the brunette, and honestly being far too scared to interrupt the blonde. She waited until it seemed they'd worked things out between them before simply looking over at Fernanda and saying, "I'll just go ahead and bring a round of the usual to your table."

Dylan

Dylan was not going to test her luck any further so she just concentrated on looking at the other pastries with Julian until the cashier spoke about bringing things to their table. "I suppose my order should be ready by now." She muttered mostly to herself before moving the stroller back towards the other. "Shall we eat now?"

Fernanda

If it wasn’t blatantly obvious that the mermaid was unhappy with Dylan’s behavior, the fact she kept direct eye-contact with her as the older woman asked about their lunch and _still_ chose to say nothing in response and instead turn to address Hunter with a polite ‘thank you’, and genuine smile as she paid…well, that ought to have done it.

The blonde opted to remain quiet as she proceeded to strap the girls back into their strollers only glancing back at Dylan to ensure she’d done the same with Julian before leading them next door. It wasn’t until they had been seated, she’d had a nice chat with Sage, and they had been left to their meals that she finally acknowledged Dylan again. “Care to let me know what we’ll be consuming or would you like to _pay_ someone to do it for you?”

Dylan

She wasn't so self-centered not to know what the mermaid thought about her behaviour ever since the siblings came and left. It was even more apparent when the other didn't even bother to reply to her question. While she was constantly disappointing her father, somehow this felt.. different .. and possibly worse.

And of course Fernanda wasn't going to make it easy for her since she spent the entire time they were at the table speaking with Sage instead. The half demon also refused to look over to the babies because she was *sure* they were giving her some sort of look. One had never focused on her phone screen until today. "Did the chef not already explain that all to you?" Dylan picked up her eating utensils before returning her attention to the other.

Fernanda

"And we're done," was all she said before she began to stand. Making quick work of putting her coat on and getting the kids ready, she managed to them all settled just as Hunter was making her way in with the bags of treats. Luckily the tall blonde didn't hesitate to smile and agree to help her with the babies back to the farmstead. "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Enjoy your meal with a hefty side of passive-aggression, and don't worry about returning to the farmhouse. I'll be sure to email you the rest of the paperwork and save you the arduous trip."

Dylan

Her hands stilled for the briefest moment before setting her utensils down with a sigh. If the other was leaving, then there was no reason for her to stay either so she got up and dropped a few bills on the table. Her eyes caught sight of Julian and naturally reached out and fixed his hat. When she was done, the half demon straightened up and started for the door herself - not without pausing enough to give Hunter a glare.

There were many things about this that was pissing her off, but Dylan would not be able to say what specifically. All she knew right now was that even the presence of the other was irritating her. She was so annoyed that once she was outside the establishment, she didn't even bother calling for a ride or someone to shimmer her away. The youngest Waldorf was willing to *walk* home because she was not in the mood to run into anyone - especially her brother *and* Nox.

JACK

It was an immediate change in sense that had the Paladin immediately orbing over to her youngest charge. Which turned out for the best, because as Steve had been in the kitchen fixing a snack, she managed to arrive just in time to keep a rather sturdy ceramic plate to come crashing down on the- "Oh," she let out just above a whisper. "You're a wee babi..." Setting the plate down on the counter, she bent down to scoop up the little wein and said, "Well, that certainly explains the change in how you 'read'. Let's get ye to your sister- nope, wait. She said not to interrupt her. Let's go wait in the living room."

Which would be where Ren eventually found them when she came back downstairs. Glancing up at her most temperamental charge, from where she lay with the infant on the couch, Jack grinned and said, "Oi, I think I found something that technically belongs to ya."

FLORENCIA

Ren had finally emerged from her room after being cooped up with Kieran ever since they got home. Coming down the stairs, she was just going to slip by but then Jack caught her attention. Her eyes went from the Paladin to the baby in her arms, and letting those words sink in. "You well know that I do not have a kid - wait, did Kieran do so- " Her words were cut off when she took a proper look at the child.

"Steve?" She went up to the Paladin and took the baby into her arms, almost naturally bouncing on the spot. "Kier! Something happened to Steve....?"

KIERAN

After emerging from what had become their little decompression routine after work, Kieran had the intention to head towards the home gym. Not being on the force anymore was not going to be her excuse for not working out. Besides, she found that it certainly helped her in the long run, be it the exertion or the endorphin release. She could faintly hear Ren and Jack already arguing, but that was nothing unusual.

What was unusual was Ren calling out about Steve, which in turn had the seer rushing down taking the stairs two at a time to see what the problem was. She stopped short when she came up to Ren _holding a baby_. "When did that happen?" was the first thing that came out of her mouth.

FLORENCIA

"*How* did this happen?" She carried her sister over to her girlfriend, "She's a baby, Kier. A baby. My eighteen year old sister is a baby." That somehow earned an incoherent sound from said sister. "Oh you think this is funny, don't you?" Another sound. "Do you think we can reverse this somehow...?" She was more panicking because what if it was permanent. However, in the middle of her panic, a scent hit her nose.

"......Are you fu- Are you serious, Stevie?" She groaned as she lifted the baby in the air and immediately recoil with disgust. "Oh.... Jack.. I don't suppose you can orb over a diaper right now, could you?"

JACK

Jack had remained on her spot in the couch, mentally holding a conference with the other Paladins while Ren went through her usual stages of addressing a crisis. The yelling bit was the least productive, and the one Jack had become a pro at working through on her own. The request for a diaper, had her orbing off and coming back with a baby bag of supplies. "Yer mum keeps like three of these in the basement at all times in case she comes across a patient that needs some essentials before heading to a shelter, and I'm going to just stop explaining and hand this over to you. Best of luck."

She turned to the most level-headed of her charges and said, "The other Paladins and I believe that this is likely in relation to the latest seal breaking on the Nexus. The good news, it means that whatever this is, however long it lasts, it will _end_. All kickback magic is temporary. The bad news is, it means the wards around the Nexus failed at some point."

AVERY

The wolf had been in the bathroom when she heard all the commotions outside. Something about a baby.. and her girlfriend. Coming out of there, she went to the living room and spotted said baby. "Uh.. What is this?" She looked at the baby in the witch's arm. ".. Is that.. Maite...?" Her eyes widened so much that one would think they would just pop out. "Is my *girlfriend* a baby?! Oh no, that's going to get me arrested." She joked as she walked over to poke the baby in the cheeks. "Oh my god, those pictures did not do you justice, my baby girl. You look *absolutely* adorable."

She would ask if she could carry her but by the way Ren was holding her, it didn't seem the older witch was allowing *anyone* else to carry her anytime soon. "Uh.. should someone go check that out? That's bad news for sure."

DIEGO

"Jack! Kier! I have a hypothetical question," Diego called out as soon as he walked through the front door. Kicking of his slush covered boots and removing his coat and scarf, he continued talking, "So like if, let's say, by complete accident -_theoretically_- one of the runes around the Nexus was like _smudged_, maybe -just a little- but only for like a second or two and then immediately redrawn proper...would that like, have any _significant_ affect on things?"

As he finally made his way into the living room proper, he realized all eyes were on him and was about to ask why when he noticed the _actual_, living child in his sister's arms. "¡Ó Díos! Kier! Did you really make a test-tube baby?! Like, Ren's been scared you might try it now that you get to play mad scientist, but I never thought you'd actually go through with it....She looks just like Ren too- what?"

FLORENCIA

She had let out a groan almost the moment she heard his voice echo through the house. Somehow she had a feeling that Diego had something to do with it now that he had posed the hypothetical question. "What did you do, Diego?" She frowned as she walked right up to her twin brother and held up their baby sister. "Stop it, you seriously don't recognise Maite?!"

However, with that being said, she looked over to Kieran, "....You didn't make a lab baby for real, did you?" She asked... just to make sure since they were on the topic. Turning back towards her brother, the fire witch held the baby back into a cradle. "*Why* did a rune get smudged to begin with??"

DIEGO

When his sister rocked right up to him and questioned if he recognized the youngest of them or not, Diego actively squealed before clasping a hand over his mouth. "Stevie? How did-" he stopped mid-question as the realization dawned on him and he clasped _both_ hands over his mouth this time. Looking from the baby to his sister, to Kieran, to Jack, and back. All about three times in total.

The only thing that got him to talk again was the look of offense clear on the seer's face when Ren suggested she might actually believe her capable of hiding a build-a-baby workshop from her. "Ohhhhhh-kay. So, in my defense, I was actually out there making sure that the wards were still up and operational. I know with the holidays just around the corner it was getting busy for most other witches and demons to take a look so I wanted to be helpful....but I forgot that water doesn't just make up snow, it also seeps into the ground to make mud, so...when I went to check the last rune I thought it would be the easiest thing to just use my powers to move the water, so the snow, but that also moved the sludge beneath, and distorted the rune, this brining down the ward bubble entirely for like a second....or four...so babies huh?"

FLORENCIA

She motioned with her glare and a swift shake of her head, indicating for him to explain already when he suddenly cut himself. To think her own brother somehow 'wiped' away the rune even if by accident. "You're sure that .. the barrier's back?" Was she doubting her brother? Maybe. Ren had more faith in Kieran's rune drawings than his after all.

"Thank god our parents aren't here...." She bounced their sister in her arms when she saw her tiny little hands raised towards her. Ren smiled softly and held a finger over the kid, who then grabbed it. "You better hope she changes back soon because you're going to explain to mom why Steve's back in diapers. "Do we need to bring in a crib? We are not letting her sleep in *your* bed, Di, you'll crush her." She walked back to the couch and took a seat, laying the kid down on her back. "This is.. so weird."

KIERAN

Her face still very much sported the look offense at the thought that Ren assumed she was capable of hiding a possible test-tube baby from her, but she simply walked over to Jack and said, "Jack and I can go grab my old crib from the manor. I'm almost certain mother isn't using it anyway. On the way there, we can make a pit-stop to verify the barrier is back up and fully functional, though I think if it weren't we'd somehow know already."

Walking over to the sitting witch, she looked down at the baby from over the woman's shoulder. "As adorable as she is, I don't think you want to tempt the fates by letting her go commando much longer," she teased. "We'll be back in a few."

FLORENCIA

Ren gave an apologetic look when she saw that her girlfriend still had the look on her face. While she did believe that Kieran wouldn't keep anything from her - because that's what they promised - Ren really felt that a lab baby was possible with how smart the woman was. "Almost certain?" She looked up almost curiously, "What.. would she using it for..? Or who..?"

She leaned in to give Kieran a quick kiss before rolling her eyes. "Okay.." She sighed as she got out the necessary things and set them out. The fire witch definitely appreciated how much calmer Maite was compared to them because that just made getting her into the diaper far quicker and easier than she thought it would be. "That's a good girl." She whispered softly once she was done.

DIEGO

"Oh! You don't know? Kieran's got a brand new baby sister...of the canine variety," he responded only too giddily. "Adaline was feeling that the manor was a bit too massive with just her by her and the usual staff of fifteen all on their own, so I suggested she get a dog." He shoved his arm, cell phone in hand between the two witches to show off the pics of the Pomeranian. "She set the pupper in Kieran's old room, so it wouldn't surprise me if she also decided to repurpose the crib."

The look of 'murder' on Kieran's face was not lost on him as they orbed away, but Diego knew it wouldn't go past a look, so he just smiled and waved. Turning his attention to his sisters, he snorted and said, "She's a baby not a pet, _Flor_."

FLORENCIA

Of course, that woman got a Pom. "Since when were you such uh.. good friends with Adaline?" She frowned. Never did she think Diego would be exchanging pictures with Kieran's mom. At the same time, it was.. strange. "Of all the rooms she has in that manor of hers, she used Kieran's room?" Surely there were other unused rooms in that place, maybe even a spare guest room.

She gave her brother a scowl before ignoring his comment and continued to coo at her sister. "...Was she always this small?" Perhaps it was because they were also smaller back then that Maite didn't feel like this but now, Ren couldn't help but think she was even more fragile than before.

DIEGO

He shrugged but his brow did furrow as he tried to find the answer to that question himself. "I don't know, actually. It just kind of happened. I felt that it was a little sad that she only really had Kieran now to talk too since mom is still very wary, and you were likely to set her on fire if Kieran wasn't around so...Maite and I, being the coolest people in the fam, have just kind of been checking in on her. She wasn't the best mom, but she's trying now and it's mighty hard to try something when everyone around you is already telling you you can't."

Feeling his answer had turned a bit too serious -and personal- he instead focused on Ren's question about their youngest sibling. "Maite's always been the smallest, though I suppose being full grown adults this time around does put her tiny-ness into a new perspective- is she just going to stand there all night?" He interrupted himself as he gestured to the youngest Rendall peeking from behind the sofa, only her eyes and up visible, said eyes glued to the baby.

AVERY

It was bizarre seeing her girlfriend turn into a baby and it did nothing but highlight the age gap between them. From the group chat, only those who are twenty and below were affected... Yes, that gap was very obvious. Not to mention, there were still a few scoobs who haven't turned but were still younger than she was. "Oh man.." She mumbled to herself as she watched the twins fuss - well, one was fussing, the other not so much - over their youngest sibling.

The wolf flinched when Diego suddenly looked her way. Honestly, she wouldn't even mind if she stayed in this very spot the whole night because Maite was so small.. and so fragile of a baby that Avery didn't know quite what to do. "..... Maybe..?" She actually looked a bit sheepish but still, she emerged from her spot and walked closer towards them. "..I don't know how I feel.. about my girlfriend being a baby.. I mean, she's real cute.. like boop, i want to pinch your cheeks cute."

DIEGO

He glanced back over at Avery, his look far more sympathetic now. “Yeah…I suppose when you put it like that, it’s bound to be far more complicated territory for you than us. We’ve always seen her as an ankle biting gremlin, this is your first glimpse,” he said.

He also figured that Steve and Baby Rendall over there were past the ‘platonic’ stage of their romance by now, and it must be trippy to go from _that_ to a literal baby. “Indulge in the cute, and take it one day at a time,” was the best he could offer. He would toss in a joking warning about keeping her hands to herself, but she already looked like she’d puke if he did.

AVERY

The wolf continued to stare at her itty bitty girlfriend, and that feeling of unease simply grew the longer she stared. "...She *is* really cute though.." She whispered softly though she still hadn't actually approached the baby, or was it because Ren was holding her? "I don't know, Di.. This is waaay trippier than you'd think."

Avery actually let out a shuddering breath, trying to take this all in. Unlike the other three, she was not handling this as well as she could. "She's also.. so.. so small." If she was scared of hurting the witch prior to this, boy, did that amplify by a thousand folds right now. "And most of the gang's like that too.. Oh man, everyone's a baby... My niche! She's a baby too."

DIEGO

"Ey! There's a silver highlight or whatever you call it. You get to interact with your niche as a baby without being a kid yourself. You get like, the genuine aunt experience. You get to be her Luke!...but like, before it turned out Luke was actually Sky's dadperson," he suggested. His own words made a thought occur to him as he then added, "Erin and Evan! You can call them and see how thye're approaching the whole 'my girlfriend is now a literal infant' debacle. Surely they'd have a far more relatable input than either of us," he said indicating himself and his twin. "For sure they'd have better input than Ren, anyway."

AVERY

"Do you think she'll even recognise me? How does this baby thing even work?" She looked over to Steve and finally built enough courage to walk right up to Ren. "...Does Maite recognize me?" She asked softly as she gently poked at the baby's hand. "Or are you going to cry because you don't know who I am." She was almost whispering. "Because that... is a whole new level of rejection I would have ever gotten.......We are so creating a support group for this.."

JACK

After an adventure and a half, the Paladin materialized back in the home just in time to hear the wolf's question. As her charge began the process of sorting the items they'd returned with, she made her way down the stairs as she called out, "There's no reason why she shouldn't remember ya. From what the we've been able to sus out in the Paladin mental-group-chat -or _hive mind_ as some have called it in the past- there's been no adverse reaction from the children to the people they know. So far, it seems that though their brains have obviously biologically reverted back to infant capabilities, their memories are fundamentally the same. I mean let's face it, they'd kind of have to be. Baby Steve would _have_ to recognize Ren as her older sister, otherwise half the facial expressions she makes would have the kid terrified, no?"

FLORENCIA

The witch watched as the wolf walked up to them. She turned her body so that Avery can take a look at her sister a little better. At Jack's explanation, however, Ren had to look up with a glare. "Are you saying that I'd be terrifying to my own baby sister?" If she wasn't holding said baby, she might have actually went up to smack their Paladin in the arm. "I'm going to go up and see how Kieran's doing with the unpacking." She scowled as she headed upstairs with the baby - standing by the door of the room so that she wouldn't actually get in the way.

KIERAN

The witch had immediately taken to sorting everything they’d brought back. She figured she’d have at least enough time to set up her old crib by the time Ren came up with the baby, but seeing as how Jack rushed _downstairs_ …well she wasn’t exactly surprised to see her time was cut short.

Glancing up at the pair, green eyes brightened and she immediately smiled at the sight of how soft Ren was around baby Steve this time around. “Well you two certainly seem to be getting along far better this time,” she teased. “Clearly the same can’t be said about you and Jack..”

FLORENCIA

She looked down at her sister who was alternating her attention on both women. "She's my baby sister, of course we'd get along." She mumbled before readjusting her hold on her sister since Maite started shifting into her. "Jack seems to think that if Maite didn't recognise me, she'd cry." Her eyes rolled in disbelief.

"Anyways, how's the crib? Do you need help?" She looked over at the crib. "You used to be in that?" She asked softly.

KIERAN

"Well, in all fairness to Jack, if she didn't recognize you, that would make you stranger. And most babies don't do well with strangers, so.." She trailed off as she began to bob her head from side to the other, causing Maite to giggle and follow her lead by rocking her upper half to and fro as well. "It is such a welcome change of pace to have the Nexus magic give us something terribly cute instead of something just terrible," she noted.

At the question she turned her attention back to the furniture and said, "I've got the general outside framing done. Still have the bottom slats and the new mattress to put in- Oh! You guys can start digging through the stuff we bough, like the sheets and pillows and things." The softer question had Kieran looking at the crib in a slightly different light. "Yeah...dad actually built himself." Her tone was soft, but the tinge of sadness was still there.

FLORENCIA

The witch scowled slightly. She refused to think that her own sister would be scared of her regardless. But that scowl went away the moment the baby started to giggle, and a smile widened when she saw that Maite was trying to mimic Kieran. "Thank god. I do not want another day being stuck as a halloween costume - or have berzerkers invade town again." She complained.

Her eyes softened when she learned that the crib had such meaning to it. Without saying anything, she leaned in for a soft kiss to the older woman's cheek before giving her hand a light squeeze. "I had no idea he knew carpentry." Though she still wasn't the biggest fan of Kieran's parents, but him building the crib was a nice gesture. Letting go of the other, Ren went over to pick out the sheets and pillow they were going to use. "Should we run everything through the wash first?" She muttered as she took out a set.

KIERAN

She nodded emphatically and said, “I genuinely don’t my blood pressure can take any other major anything for at least the next three months. Also, I think my brain needs a break after everything we had to do to clean up after Old Man Grey.”

Kieran was more than appreciative of the gesture. “That man was full of surprises until the very end, and apparently even after,” she replied. It really did feel she learned something every week. She turned to look over at the items, stretching out a hand that then waved in the general direction of them. “All sanitized. So is the carpet, by the way, if you wanted to give her some room to roam…and no, I will not be doing our actual laundry with magic. You still have to use the washer and dryer.”

FLORENCIA

"I'm.. not going to say anything more because I feel like it might just jinx it." Ren gave a wry smile, "The old man seems to have flipped the whole town upside down and we can't even get him to pay for it." Her eyes rolled. One could think he got off lucky since he was killed before the town found him.

She pouted when Kieran told her she would not be doing the laundry the same way. "Fiiine." She whined as she brought over the sheet, waiting for the crib to be set up before laying out the sheet but since she was holding the kid, she couldn't tuck it in as well as she hoped. "Oh this is cute." She chuckled, not expecting the characters on the sheets.

KIERAN

As she continued moving about placing in the final pieces she said, "Yeah, please don't. Let's just count our blessings and not look a gift horse in the mouth." She let out a low whistle and said, "I don't know about lucky. From what Evan was able to see when she had to to go do her due diligence as the next-of-kin, he may have stepped on the very last nerve of the wrong person."

Taking a step back she could only raise a brow as she watched Ren struggle with the bedsheet. "Yeah, I figured she might like them. Also, just a suggestion, but you may be able to win the wrestling match you've got going with the mattress right now if you use _both_ hands. You know? Maybe let the baby down or hand her over?"

FLORENCIA

She rolled her eyes, "He's lucky because he suffered once and that was it. There are plenty of people who probably wanted a piece of him." While she wasn't an advocate of *torture* methods, Ren still believed there was more to be done since he affected so many lives regardless if he personally had beef with said person or not. "Thank god Evan Jr didn't turn out to be like him."

She looked almost offended by the idea of putting her sister down. "No, I will not." She laughed as she held the sheet up to the other instead. "I wanna keep holding her." Ren was already rocking on her feet as if the kid wasn't already pooped out already.

KIERAN

“I think the sentiment of wanting everyone who was wronged to get their pound of flesh is bordering on something that would ultimately be against the Geneva Convention,” she noted. Ren’s proclivity towards anger may be placing blinders on her current view, but her suggestions were increasingly nearing something that would, in practice, be literal torture. “Yes, we’ll she did have her mother for the most important years.”

Green eyes looked just as offended as the witch was _denied_ the opportunity to carry the baby. She took the sheet nonetheless and made quick work of fitting it in place. “She’s pretty much about to pass out, so you’re going to have to put her down anyway. We’ll discuss the multiple ways you’ve affronted me tonight later.”

FLORENCIA

She grew quiet when she saw Kieran looking at her.. which was then backed up by her words. Ren was in trouble because she didn't think before she spoke. Begrudgingly, she went over to laid her sister into the crib before tucking her in carefully, making sure she's comfortable and won't get cold overnight.

While she could probably say something, something told her that being quiet might be the best way for now - until Kieran addressed her again. Instead of going over to her girlfriend, Ren lingered around the crib, fiddling with the frame as she waited.

KIERAN

Kieran watched as Ren set the baby down, and the little girl almost immediately drifted off. Then she waited for the witch to turn back around....and waited, and waited. When it became painfully obvious that Ren was either avoiding any further conversation or was waiting for Kieran to point out where the metaphorical puzzle piece had to go -again-, the older witch just sighed and went to get ready for bed herself.

For all the progress she felt they'd made recently, it still felt like they were always taking four steps back because Ren still refused to confront anything and would rather be told what the misstep was, which in the end always left Kieran wondering if Ren even understood why it was a misstep to begin with.

FLORENCIA

The slight panic she felt when Kieran got ready for bed instead of starting the conversation. When she saw the older witch was in bed, Ren got in as well. With a small surge of courage, she shuffled in close enough to wrap her arm around the older woman's waist. ".... I'm sorry." She apologized softly as she nuzzled into the back of Kieran's neck.

The fiery witch knew she messed up somewhere - the obvious one was related to Ren hogging her younger sister.

KIERAN

The older witch knew she didn't have it in her to actually _stay_ mad, but that didn't mean she couldn't be upset for a while after. Even as she felt the fire witch slide into bed with her and warp herself around her, Kieran's gaze didn't budge from the spot she'd chosen on the wall across from her. All she did, at the woman's apology, was ask, "About?"

This far along, she needn't elaborate. They'd discussed many times over that apologizing without knowing what it is that you're apologizing for, renders the apology moot.

FLORENCIA

"...For hogging Maite, instead of helping you make the bed.." Ren had meant it jokingly since she didn't want to let go of her sister just to make the bed. With that being said, the fire witch would have happily given Kieran the kid if she knew that the other wanted to hold her right that moment.

She fell silet again because it was mentioned that it was 'multiple' times so the witch ahad to think back again. ".... Was it also because I said that you might have had a lab baby in the works?"

KIERAN

Kieran just let out a deep sigh and said, "At this point, it's honestly more about the fact that when you do something that's upsetting, you're quick to say the words 'I'm sorry' but don't bother to take the time to realize _what_ you're sorry about, which means you go on without knowing or acknowledging what you did wrong or why it was wrong."

She turned around to face the younger and said, "But yes, it's also about the fact you thought I'd keep a lab baby from you."

FLORENCIA

She laid there as she mulled over those words, though it was sidetracked when Kieran brought up the lab baby again. "I mean.. like.. you're obviously smart enough to create one if you wanted to.... and I don't know.. Maybe you were waiting to see some sort of results to actually happen before letting anyone know that this could actually be a reality?" She hummed, "... but then, because it's a baby we're talking about so I suppose you wouldn't *not* bring it up - at least the idea of creating one - especially when it's about making a family... "

The more she spoke, the more she felt like maybe she should just.. *stop*. After all, they had been working to tell each other everything. "....Are you upset .. because we said we won't keep secrets from each other anymore.. and here I am.. saying that you're keeping a secret?"

KIERAN

Kieran looked her in silence for a moment. "So, are we really just going to completely skip over the problem that I, as has become the norm, practically spoon-fed you so that you could -I don't know- at least pretend to address it...?" Another sigh escaped her as she said, "I know sometimes we all get sidetracked, but there's big a difference between 'ooh I saw something shiny' and 'ooh I'm going to actively talk about something else', because Florencia Maria Velazquez you are _not_ oblivious enough to have accidentally focused on the _wrong_ thing, you simply chose to focus on the _easier_ thing."

She turned back around settled into bed proper. "I don't think we're getting anywhere soon and we'll have to be up in a few hours to check on the baby. Might as well get some sleep."

FLORENCIA

"Kieran.." She called out when the other turned back around. It was clear from the voice just how tired Kieran was with her.. bullshit. "No.." She answered quietly, "We.. *I* shouldn't skip over it." She made a face as she remembered Kieran calling her out for taking the easy way out... It seems that she took a lot more than she realized from a certain parent than she'd want to admit. "I might.. not know every time when I put my foot in my mouth, but I know I've done something that upset you and.. I know that I shouldn't do it again." She fell quiet again as she thought back to the events earlier.

KIERAN

She let out a an exhausted sigh, but didn't feel up to turning around just yet. "Look, I genuinely don't think this is conversation that is getting us anywhere, and I would hate to say something I regret later because I spoke out or frustration, but I don't know whether I'm just not being clear or you're not listening to what I'm actually saying here. I'm aware that _you_ are aware that I'm upset. I know that _you_ don't want a repeat. The _problem_ lies in the fact that you never actually know what it is that you do wrong, and you always end up waiting for someone to tell you what it was. Maybe, doing a little work and trying to figure it out on your own once in a while would be a more effective way of helping you with not doing those repeats."

FLORENCIA

She wasn't going to push it if Kieran was adamant that this issue wouldn't be resolved tonight. The only thing she felt she could do at this point was to give Kieran her space, figure out what else she did wrong tonight.. and just think before saying anything in the the future - the latter being a bit hard to do since the witch knew she was pretty impulsive.

Instead of replying, the younger woman fell quiet as she just stared into the back of her girlfriend.

KIERAN

Kieran held out for all of five minutes, before turning around and wrapping an arm lightly around Ren's waist. "Please stop boring holes into my back. It's bordering on creepy and that's an adjective I'd really rather never have to use to describe you," she muttered. "We can come back to the conversation later, but I also don't want us to go to sleep like two strangers forced to share a bed, because I saw that too much with my parents and honestly, disagreements come and go but if they're really big enough to disrupt the status quo? I don't like to think about the outcome that usually leads to."

FLORENCIA

The moment Kieran flipped over, Ren felt relief wash over her. She managed a soft chuckle when she was basically called a semi-creeper just for staring. "That is definitely not a compliment for your girlfriend." Her voice just as soft considering the time of night. "Honestly.. I'm just glad you turned around." She admitted before shuffling in closer enough to put her face against the older witch's chest, wrapping her arms even tighter into a half-hug.

KIERAN

DEVIN

While Devin wasn't the most expressive person in the family, it had been incredible and almost unbelievable that she got to spend some quality time with *both* her daughters. Octavius clearly enjoyed it far more than anyone else in the family, beaming at everyone at always. It was also nice to see how attached Peyton was despite not having her feelings reciprocated to the same extent - but let's be honest, no one can possibly match the level of the Dawsons. Even Devin couldn't.

So when they were over at the ranch, Devin had expected.. a somewhat peaceful time. What she got instead, was 3 babies suddenly taking place of the children. The scene itself just rendered her silence for so many reasons.

One of which was that she literally sees the baby she left behind so many years ago. "This..." She rose from her seat and picked up her eldest daughter the same time as Oct picking up Peyton. "What is this?"

IZZY

It took everything in Izzy not to punch Brax in the arm when be he replied 'That's a baby' because, no shit that was a baby. Instead she just looked at him like he'd grown a second head until she saw the penny literally drop in his mind. Walking over, she scooped up Sean as Octavius scooped up Peyton and she gave her brother a quick once-over. "Well, at least they appear to be relatively healthy and unharmed otherwise..."

She trailed off as a thought suddenly hit her and she quickly handed Sean over to Brax as she exclaimed, "The twins!" and rushed upstairs to the nursery.

BRAXTON

Excusing himself with Sean, he followed Izzy up the stairs to seee how the twins were. It was honestly a good thing Izzy had the brain cells most of the time. "Oh.. they are real tiny." He actually let out a chuckle as he hovered a finger over one of the babies and letting her grab onto it with the wee strength they had. "Ohhhhhhh, do you think this is happening to the other people?"

Almost on cue, his phone pinged. Pulling away from the baby, he quickly checked his phone and spotted the group message. "Oh.. I think all the kids are affected." Then he raised the phone up to his mouth to record a voice message, "Is Tomi a baby too?" He asked.

IZZY

Just as Brax was catching up to her, Izzy had made her way into the nursery and let out a sigh of relief at the sight of her beautiful girls still in their cribs, if only -as Brax put it- very tiny. "Oh, I'm just so relieved to see that they're still _here_. If whatever caused this managed to shrink legal adults back to infants, I was terrified to think what it might do a pair of barely two year-olds."

She listened as Brax read the message and recorded his own, a thought suddenly occurring to her as he hit send. "Brax, honey, this means we're going to probably be dealing with a set of near newborn twins _and_ the Tornado Twins just as they begin to start walking....we're going to need baby-proof this entire place twice over, especially if we can't figure out how long it's going to last."

DEVIN

Octavius and she was just in awe at the pair of babies that were just cuddling against them. Devin did not hesitate to wrap her arms securely around her oldest daughter when she felt her lean against her. While her husband was always beaming, the smile he sent her way did suggest he knew how she was feeling. Not that she wanted to be biased with her children, but to have Amaryllis be in her arms again. That was quite the feeling to process.

Taking them upstairs, she appeared in the doorway. "How are the twins?" She asked since she couldn't quite see with the two adults blocking the view of the crib. However she could smell the younger set of girls and noted the shift in their scent as well. "Oh. They're even tinier." Somehow, she didn't expect that. "I'm assuming that this doesn't happen that often." She had heard stories about Fallcrest, but to experience a magical accidental like this was very different.

IZZY

Izzy couldn't help the bright smile at the sight of Amaryllis looking so clearly comfortable in her mother's arms. After all this time, she'd only ever seen the girl look this relaxed around her brother and knowing the story behind the duo, it had Izzy's already emotional state needing a deep breath to not become a mess. "Yes, sorry. They're okay. They're jammies and diapers are a bit loose now, but at least we have plenty of supplies to tide us over, and to go around of course. We're already risking a lot with three undiapered infants," she laughed, already moving to grab things from the drawers.

As Brax took on the task of trying to wrangle Sean into a diaper as he tried to escape over to Ryllie, she picked up her phone when the group chat dinged. Glancing up at Devin she said, "This specifically? No, but mishaps with magic have kind of become par for the course whenever the Nexus has a seal broken. According to the group chat, the Paladins think that's the most likely root of all this."

BRAXTON

"Babies.. are probably one of the best things that came from a seal being broken." He snorted as he laid back down onto the ground once he got Sean sorted out. Watching him crawl over towards Devin, Braxton only let a chuckle. "I might go pick Tomi up soon..." He was already excited to see his baby girl but he should at least get the current kids in the house sorted out first. "...Do you think Sean is going to cry if they take Ryllie home?"

Braxton rolled over to his back and looked up at the ceiling, thinking about the things he might do after picking Tomi up. "I might also grab more things along the way. Now that we have so many babies, we are going to run out of supplies real fast." He chuckled, "From the looks of things, only the kids got affected. My sister is still fine, but her girlfriend isn't."

IZZY

"We were just talking about post-seal break shenanigans a few days ago," she mused aloud, briefly distracted by Brax's sudden decision to mimic a teenage girl working on homework as he laid on the floor. If he stated kicking his feet she might have to call Col... Her attention, however, was immediately drawn away as she watched her now _baby_ brother make his way over to the other woman. A sad smile crossed her face, but she went over to pick him up before he tried latching onto things.

Seeing as the tiny ginger began to immediately reach out to the girl, Izzy glanced down at Brax and said, "It's probably about as likely as Skylar crying when you go pick Tomi up, so best of luck bargaining with Keagan," she replied as the man rolled over. "But much like anything else with a baby, he'll get over it."

DEVIN

When she spotted the red haired baby crawl towards her, Devin felt sorry for the other considering that she was very tempted to bring Amaryllis home with her. Of course, she wouldn't if the others said no - and she also wasn't sure how upset Ryllie would be despite her current cuddly state.

"If both babies don't want to be separated, then I suppose there won't be other choice than to leave Amaryllis here with you - I hope it won't be too overwhelming since you have 3 - well, 4 from the sounds of things, in one house house." Surely they all understood how exhausting it could get simply with one kid, much less five in total."

IZZY

Izzy glanced up at Devin once again, knowing full well the feeling of having to be separated from your kids. True, Sean and Tomi were quite older when she'd left for Philly, but it had hurt all the same. She couldn't fathom what it would be like for the blonde to see a fresh opportunity with the baby she missed out on only to have to already leave her behind.

"Ideally, I'd love to have Ryllie stay here with us for the first bit, if only for her own comfort of being in a place she knows and is comfortable. That being said, the ranch has plenty of extra rooms and space if you and Octavius would like to stick around here as well? I mean, it's not like it wouldn't be nice to have another two sets of hands to keep track of everyone."

OCTAVIUS

He had followed after his wife whilst holding their younger daughter. At the sight of the sisters together as babies simply warmed his heart and he could not stop beaming all the way up the stairs and into the room. What better time than now for Devin to bond with the daughter she never thought she'd ever see again until now. It was great yet slow porcess so far, and Octavius had to admit that the other being a baby now might be a very good stroke of luck.

"If you don't mind, we would love to stay! Babies all around." He grinned, wider when Devin looked over his way. "It's a good idea. The more hands the better, and Sean would be less likely to cry if Ryllie's around!."

IZZY

"Of course I don't mind," Izzy replied with a smile of her own. "Believe me, if the idea weren't appealing I wouldn't have offered. Besides, I do genuinely think that keeping Amaryllis in a place she's comfortable and has called home for a while now is much more conducive to all three of you being able to bond with her more."

Sparing a glance to the Beta that was still laying on the nursery floor, she looked back up and said, "And it would also ease my mind a lot to know that while I'm at work caring for other babies, mine are being looked after by more than just my new _rug_."

BRAXTON

The man was now on his back raising the kid up and down in the air, swaying side to side. "Yeahhh, you flying kid!" He chuckled. How he missed this - not that he didn't do the same with the younger pair of twins, but having Sean, and hopefully Tomi be petite size again? Surely this was a blessing because everyone was almost getting a second chance to do things right.

Eventually, he set the kid back on his chest and wrapped his arms around him. "Peanut, I forgot how small you were." He grinned before looking up at Iz, "I am more than willing to be the new rug if Sean is going to be down here chilling with me."

IZZY

The giggles that filled the room were nothing short of the sweetest sound she'd heard in a while. There would never be a question about how much she loved and cherished similar giggles from her younger girls, but Sean was basically her first born and there had honestly always been just _something_ about him that made it to where his happiness just radiated.

At the mention of his size, Izzy just looked at the baby endearingly. "Yeah, we're going to have to pick up stuff for him when we shop for the minis. As nicely as their diapers and onesies fit the kittens, he's basically swimming in his," she noted, before rolling her eyes at Brax's antics. "Rugs can't pick up babies from their friends' homes..." Rugs also didn't really _help_ with babies either so, she was wary of that offer.

BRAXTON

"This is why I said the van would've been a good idea because we can fit all the car seats." Not that they would have predicted this situation but at the very least, they would all fit in one car instead of taking two. "Oh man, I forgot Peanut here was smaller than everyone until that growth spurt." He chuckled as he did his best at making Sean's outfit.. less loose-looking.

At the topic of picking up his daughter, Braxton looked up at Izzy. "...Do you think Keagan's not going to let me?" He frowned as he sat up carefully with Sean in his arms and then fully got up from the floor. "I hope I get to spend some time with Tomes..." He looked down at Sean and walked right up to Izzy, "Look at him. Oh my god, his little baby hands are trying to grab onto my shirt."

IZZY

The nurse looked down at him with a furrowed brow. Not only had the topic of vehicles not been brought up but, they’d both had their respective trucks long before being back in the same town…? Izzy opted to just blink and let it go. There was enough to process as is.

“Well, he _is_ known as the ‘runt’ of the pack for a reason,” she said, not that she was ever too keen on that title. Not the least reason being that their own father had given it to him. Shaking her head slightly she chuckled at the man. “I meant more that if you were a literal rug, obviously they don’t drive. I’m sure that Keagan of all people would be more than understanding of you wanting a bit of a second shot at the baby days,” she reassured before practically melting again at the sight of Sean grabbing onto Braxton. “He _has_ always been a Stage 5 clinger…”

BRAXTON

"Peanut of the runt. Well, Bean of the runt. Sky was not happy when both Sean and T outgrew her before they even reached highschool." He grinned, "Ugh, loook at him... Look at *them*. Now I'm real excited to see Tomi and the rest of the babies. They're all going to be tinyyyy.. I should set up a kids area at the gym..."

Braxton smiled at the idea of getting to spend time with Tomi. This time being very different from when Tomi was still a baby.. and not reverted back by magic. "Do you think they'll remember anything? Or would they forget everything once they ..uh.. grow up again."

IZZY

It took one look to get him to drop the ‘runt’. This ma had the unique ability to make her regret speaking in less than ten seconds sometimes…”Ooh we should try to get them all together for at least one picture. Not to be biased but, they were already a group of very good looking young adults. I don’t expect they wouldn’t be equally as cute as babies.”

She furrowed her brow at his sudden desire for a kids’ area. “You already have one? Luke was in charge of it until Sky outgrew it, but it’s still there. Aves is also in charge of the kid drop-off, where people can get the kids watched while they workout…how long has it been since you did your own paperwork?”

The last question made her pause before admitting, “I don’t know. I would err on the side of caution though, and just assume they will.” Izzy reached over and took Sean from him. “Now go on, go get our missing twin.”

BRAXTON

It was clear as day just how giddy Braxton was on his way to the car. Leaving the kids with the Dawsons, he drove them over to the not-mansion cabin. He prayed that he wasn't going to be met by an upset Sky or Tomi. The last thing he wanted was for Tomi to bawl like the world was ending. "Okay.. okay.. Here we go.." He steeled his nerves as he gave the cabin door a knock... Only to be met by.. Not-Keagan which was all he could ask for.

When his eyes laid onto the sight of his baby girl being cradled, he visibly melted. She was exactly how he remembered but now that he was aware that he made this? That was another wave of emotions. The amount of wariness he had when he held her in his arm was far more than he needed to be but the baby was so small that he felt like he could just.. accidentally break her.

Braxton could not keep his eyes off of the baby even when they were on their way back. "Iz.. she's so small!" As if he hadn't already said this a million times at the cabin, and during their trip back to the ranch.

IZZY

Izzy would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little wary of possibly being denied the chance to take Tomi back with them. After all, they themselves had just agreed to host the Dawsons in a bid to avoid splitting up Sean and Amaryllis not fifteen minutes ago.

She had been pleasantly surprised to find her baby girl so well looked after already, and though there was slight noises of complaints when Erin had said her goodbyes, it had worked out well.

As they made their way back inside the house at the ranch, she looked back at him and said, “I was more surprised to see how comfortable she was with Rikke. Tomi’s always been the least fan of ‘new’ people. I guess maybe it’s their Paladin-charge bond? Do you think that will have Rikke orbing in if she’s upset?”

BRAXTON

He looked up for the first time at the question, "Maybe..? As her charge, she might have felt it - like, 'this person is safe' sorta vibe?" He shrugged, "Then we better not upset T too much." He chuckled, "I'm not entirely sure how the whole Paladin bond would feel, but I think Rikke would be able to differentiate the different levels of 'upset', right? If not, then I guess.... we should prace ourselves for a visit..."

Braxton went to the room where Sean was in but then stood by the door. ".....Would it be a good idea... to put them together right now... He might cry." He joked before actually stepping closer to the kid. "Look who we got, it's your sib!" He whispered softly as he showed at an angle, Tomi in his arms.

IZZY

She nodded at his words. He wasn’t the most eloquent, but his point made sense. “I’m sure with as much experience as she has, the woman’s bound to have system right? I mean, I can’t imagine she’d have been in such good spirits with _two_ of her charges being infants if she _didn’t_ know how to tell when a cry could be ignored….but I still think we should arrange to have Erin and Sky visit at some point soon…just in case.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Rikke, it was just the idea of someone randomly materializing in her home that was odd.

Being mindful of the baby, Izzy smacked him in the arm at the crack her brother’s expense. “Bold of you to assume he hasn’t already senses she’s here and won’t cry if you _don’t_ bring her in,” she noted. Izzy could only watch as the baby boy immediately zeroed in on his sister and began crawling over.

BRAXTON

"The more the merrier?" He chuckled, "Ooooh, they could have a baby sleepover! Well, maybe we should have more cribs in here, just in case they do come.. all of them? Doesn't make sense to leave out a baby. Baby huddle!!!" He lifted his daughter into the air, up and down a few times before going back to cradling her. "Oh, it looks like someone wants to play with you." He crouched down so he can set Tomi down carefully onto the floor. "Heyyyy here's your sister."

He smiled as he watched the babies interact before taking a seat again on the floor. "I need pictures of you two. More pictures of you too!" He took out his phone and started snapping away - making a few boomerangs, and taking a few short clips. "Ugh. Izzy.. my heart."

IZZY

“Friendly reminder that Erin won’t fit in a crib, so maybe we’ll want to confer with someone who has actual experience in renovating rooms before we make changes…or at least get a second opinion.” As irritating as Brax’s impulsiveness could be, the sight of Tomi and Sean immediately making their way to each other was far too lovely to _not_ take her focus.

Sitting on the floor beside the Beta, she pulled out her own phone and began to snap pics all around. Even the younger girls got in on the fun once they were up. “I always wanted to have a daycare’s worth of kids running around, but I guess crawling will do.”

BRAXTON

"Well.. if we made it... bigger, it might?" He joked, "And the ones we've entrusted to help build most of things are.. well, babies themselves. Kinda hard to ask them for a second opinion." He wiggled his brows, knowing full well there were others they could ask. "We could ask Luke - but she might renovate the place and turn it into Not-Mansion 2.0. I mean.. Although.. There is a space for one.."

He grinned as he showed his phone to Izzy, swiping through the pics he took himself. "And this isn't even the whole pack. Oh man, wait till every babies together in one place."

IZZY

“Okay, _babies_ hardly ever want to be in a crib, I highly doubt a college freshman does…although the way Erin is around Tomi and Skylar…I suppose I wouldn’t be surprised if she decided to pull a _you_ and just share a crib with them…” Izzy listened to his suggestion before saying, “Well, we may need to consult with Luke and Keagan about other things regardless. Tomi is fine now, but she may not be tomorrow, in the bright light of day.”

As she scanned through the pics Brax had taken, Izzy couldn’t help the clear look of utter adoration that crossed her face. “The fact we get to see these kids as littles all over again? And get to do it with no interference from deadbeat dads? I just can’t.”

BRAXTON

"Have you *seen* them be apart? Because I haven't so I think it's best to make some room for erin, and the 'rents in case they all want to stay over. It's going to be a party." He grinned, "I hope Tomi's going to be fine...." it'd break his heart if he can't calm the kid down the next day if she did decide to cry - Hell, maybe he'd cry too.

"Yeah.. To think we've been given this opportunity." He smiled as he already made one of the new pictures his wallpaper. "No deadbeat dads." He agreed as he looked over at the kids, still wrapping his mind over the fact that he and Kimi made that kid. Hopefully he won't mess up either.

IZZY

"Well, for the time being let's worry about how we're going to arrange these kiddos for sleep _tonight_. We can always sort out future sleeping arrangements later," she said, already looking around the nursery. "It's not really the best idea to have babies share a sleeping space before a certain age, but I think we can manage with the older bubs. The kittens can share one crib, the tornado twins the other, and I think I still have the mini-twins' basinets in storage, so they can sleep in those in my room...What was _your_ plan for sleeping?"

It was almost immediate how much happier Sean was this time around. He'd always been a happy baby, and more so when Tomi was around, but this time he had Amaryllis and it really seemed like nothing could turn his smile upside-down. Those four little teeth were on full display, and Tomi was even managing to be patient with Peyton and the minis..."They're just so happy."

BRAXTON

"The Dawsons are staying too right?" He was already excited for getting all the kids together. "...Should we have a divider for T and Bean? Because it's like 50% they'd sleep peacefully, 50% T might kill him." He joked before giving her a shrug. "Well.. It's like what you said, except I wanted to put all the cribs next to each other so they're sort of altogether - Unless you meant me.. I could.. take the couch unless.. you've got.. another suggestion..?"

"They are.." He smiled as he reached out to give one of the siblings a poke to the side. "And the plan is to keep it that way." The beta couldn't help but inch forward so that he could scoop the two pups into his arms. "Heyyyyyyy. I'm feeling left out here."

IZZY

Nodded, and simply stated, “Yes, hence the kitten comment. Because kittens are baby cats…” it was her way of calling him dumb without actually saying it. Looking between the babies she nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I think once they’ve fallen asleep I can manage to find a safe divider. Tomi may not intentionally try to hurt him, but Sean is still small.” She raised a brow as she listened to him explain his master design plan. “Okay, we’ll we can do that, though I did mean where you were planning sleeping _yourself_. The couch is certainly an option, unless you’re up for helping with feedings throughout the night…than I suppose you can share with me and the minis.”

Izzy could only laugh as Tomi immediately ’responded’ to the man’s complaints with a series of babbles that Sean then came in after to back up. “Sounds like they just put you in your place, sir.”

BRAXTON

"I think Tomi has a stronger grip now.. Or is it just me?" Brax wondered since Tomi didn't have her powers bound anymore. "Yeah, we'll definitely need a divider between them... Should we put Bean in .. I don't know.. baby hockey gear." He laughed, "Do they even make them in his current size?" His eyes widened when Izzy suggested he could share with her and the youngest. "..You wouldn't mind?" Those blue hues immediately softened, "Yeah, I'd be down to help with that.."

He looked down at the babies and decided to rub his scruff against the babies. "Are you guys complaining? Hm? Are you?" He laughed at the squeals before giving them a break.

IZZY

“Well I wouldn’t really know, given that you’ve been the only to hold her since Rikke hand her over so…” Was there tinge of jealousy? Hell yes. It wasn’t like _she’d_ denied him holding Sean. Speaking of which, “A divider should be more than fine. Tomi was never an erratic sleeper anyway, and I don’t see that having changed of she’s managing to share uh…_sleeping space_ with two other people.” It was awkward, to say the least, to even think about Tomi’s adult love life while she was currently a baby. Bless Erin….The question brought her back to the moment. “I mean, things have been going well and it would be something we’d ideally be doing at some point. As long as you can behave, I don’t see why we can’t do this one little thing to make traversing this sudden change a little easier.”

When he proceeded to go mess with the kids, Izzy just threw Octavius a look that silently said, “You’re the dad in charge”

DEVIN

As endearing as it was to see Braxton playing with the kids, Devin wondered if Izzy was going to be okay. Perhaps it was a good idea for them to be here with this many kids in the household. "We'll be in here so we can always keep an eye on them." Moreover, it sounded like Brax was more focused on playing with the children more than anything else. Perhaps, it really was a good thing Octavius and she were here.

Carrying over their daughters, she laid her down into the empty crib with her husband doing the same with the other baby. The moment Peyton was on the mattress, she was already reaching out for Amaryllis and Devin could feel her heart ache. That was just too cute. "I'm glad that we took this trip down here."

AYDEN

She didn't know what to expect when she got the messages about the youngest scoobs turned into babies. She could only assume that the parents weren't too upset over it, where as the ones *dating* them, like Avery.. who had sent a message in all caps about it, were conflicted. Knowing that Izzy was with Braxton, Ayden felt concerned to how they were handling it so she decided to head over for a visit - bringing food in case the adults haven't eaten yet.

"Hey." She smiled when the door revealed her best friend and she immediately went in for a hug. "How's everything going? ...Is Brax helping?"

IZZY

As wary as she may have been leaving the babies out of sight with just Brax, it was somewhat alleviated by the fact that Devin and Octavius would also be in the room. Also, she had a feeling she knew who would be on the other side of the door anyway, given that everyone else was pretty much either busy themselves or in this room. Taking the stairs two at a time, she never happier to be proven right as she saw her best friend and reciprocated the hug. "Hey yourself," she said before stepping aside, "Come in, come in. It's freezing out there."

She laughed at the question as she closed the front door. "Depends on how you define 'helping', but he's certainly much more eager to be more involved this time around."

AYDEN

Once she was inside, Ayden took off her jacket and hung it nearby. "It's times like this when I wished I got that innate body warmer you wolves have." She joked. "Mm.. I figured so I thought I might pop by to help out." Braxton always meant well, but Ayden did not trust him enough to know what he was doing. "Is he only playing with the kids?" Because that definitely sounded like something he would do.

Then it hit her that there were other voices in the house. "Oh, you've got extra hands around already." She mused although she had a feeling that they were busy with their own daughters.

IZZY

"It's great when we're out working on the ranch, but it can get a bit stuffy to still have to wear thick jackets to play things off around the town's mundanes," she noted, already walking over to the refrigerator to grab Ayden a drink. "It is very much appreciated, because as much as he claims to _want_ to help out more...I don't think that man can tell the difference between a baby's diaper and a sanitary pad," she deadpanned, before a thought occurred to her. "Speaking of such a mix-up, how is Avery dealing with her girlfriend being a baby? Erin seemed to be holding out well enough when we picked Tomi up but, I think that's because she had Lyra as a distraction?"

AYDEN

"I'm in my garage most of the time and I am so glad to have that HVAC system installed there. *So* glad." She chuckled as she followed Izzy over to the kitchen, grabbing a seat at the counter. "Well, getting him to do it - without help - is probably the best way to get him to learn." After all, Braxton always managed to pull through at times when under pressure... One way or another. "Well, she did send me this?" She pulled out her phone and showed the text message with all caps from the youngest Rendall. "I don't think she's.. dealing all that well, but apparently she sent home after a while since her sister in law brought the baby up to sleep."

IZZY

"And Irwin Co. is _exceedingly_ happy you thought of us to the do the job," she said, teasingly. Everyone knew that Izzy had less than zero to do with the contracting and construction company, although now with both 'heads' being babies...She shook her head. That was a headache for another day. "Yeah, that approach normally works with just about anything...but these are babies. So...I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Setting the drink down in front of her friend, Izzy lent in to read the message. "Wow, I feel for her, I really do..._but_ I can't bring myself to say I wish this hadn't happened," she admitted with a grin. "I really never thought I'd get to see what my first set of babies would be like around my new ones, and they're getting along so great."

AYDEN

"Who else was I supposed to go to?" She pointed out - as if all the Scoobs hadn't already been getting the Irwins' to be their contractors for most of their renos. "I can always stick around for a while in case anything happens? Like how much do you trust Brax can handle it." She was.. half joking? Maybe. She honestly wasn't sure herself.

She accepted the drink with a small thanks before warming herself up with it. Both her hands pressed against the mug, welcoming the warmth coming from it. "I feel bad for.. everyone whom they're dating but so far, it sounds like all the 'rents are loving it right now. Especially with the amount of shopping that was done - or so I've heard." She could hear that Braxton was still playing with them in the room above and let out a smile at the giggles. "Never thought we'd get to hear those giggles again." It was one thing to hear Kimi and Tilly giggle, it was another to heard Sean and Tomi giggle like that again.

IZZY

Izzy made a face before a look of realization dawned on her. "Sean and Tomi _have_ managed to kind of monopolize the game in town haven't they?" she asked, more rhetorically than anything, but there was no small hint of pride as she said it. "You are a lifesaver, and honestly if we couldn't get you the opportunity of having Avery toddling around after you, I can at least share my brood with you," Izzy said, knowing already that for Ayden it was less about the 'helping' and more about the babies..though not nearly to Brax's level.

She nodded in understanding. "I know it can't be easy for the older members of the various relationships right now, and I do genuinely feel bad for them, _but_ I can't bring myself to wish that it hadn't happened," she admitted. "To get to interact with Sean and Tomi with some actual know-how, for Brax to get to relieve this stage _knowing_ Tomi is his actual daughter, and for Keg- Oh my god, for Keg was gone for so much of the twins' first year?? She must be over the moon!"

AYDEN

"It seems so, they're good at what they do, so I'm not surprised if everyone wants to hire their services - although, it might be a bit tricky to do so at the moment." She pointed out before her eyes gave a hint of sympathy. "I would love to see Avery as a baby again - but that kid is a menace at any age. It's just that she can be responsible for her own actions now that she's an adult." She joked as she thought about the younger years of that girl. "Taking care of 2 kids at a time is already a lot of work, I can't imagine having to take care of four."

Ayden smiled as she thought about their mutual friends getting the chance to relive the bits they missed out and could not feel anything but happiness for them. "It really is a blessing of sorts." She was positive that the parents were all loving this right now. "We should get the babies together soon - one big playdate like how we used to do it."

IZZY

Izzy thought about it for a moment and said, “Well, for the immediate future we can just use the holidays to our advantage, and if by some chance this lasts longer, we can figure something out then. Hopefully just nothing that would require dad coming back to town.” Just the thought of that man around any of the children made her physically shudder. “I used to say the same thing about Tomi, but it turns out no matter how old they get, they always find a way to loop you back in,” she said tossing her friend a knowing wink. If Avery didn’t have a legit criminal record yet, it was due in no small part to Ayden’s involvement.

She let out a dramatic sigh, dropping her head at the mention of _four_ babies, only to snap it back up with a huge grin. “I’m sure it’ll be physically and even mentally taxing, but I am so looking forward to it, Ayde. The matching outfits, the tornadoes and the minis, the kittens??” Izzy let out an uncharacteristic squeal. Well, uncharacteristic to _most_. Ayden, Keagan, Blake, and Kimi had heard it all. “Brax is already planning a massive sleepover upstairs. I didn’t have the heart to tell him Leo or Luke could probably host better.”

AYDEN

"..Let's hope we don't need to come to that." Somehow all the Scoobs had a shit father - although Tomi's bio dad didn't even know he was the dad until recently. However Ayden was not a fan of the rest of them, including Joe. "And it seems worth the effort since all the kids grew up to be who they are now." She may complain, but everyone knew she wouldn't trade Avery for anyone else. She may be a menace, but Aves was her menace.

"Quite the bundle you have here." She was genuinely happy for her friend who looked thrilled that all her babies are literal babies now. "Speaking of upstairs, how about we head up? I haven't seen the kiddies yet.. and I don't know how Brax is faring."

IZZY

"If I know Tomi as well as I do, she has all of the bureaucratic stuff so well-organized that I should be able to take a look over everything and get things sorted. If not, I'll just ask you and Blake for help on memos and invoices and whatever else," she said, the look on her face clearly stating 'I'm a nurse'. She beamed at the mention of the kids being worth the effort. "I wouldn't trade a single day with them for anything."

Without much warning, she reached out to take her friend's hand and effectively pulled her up the stairs. "I really doubt things are too bad. There _are_ two other adults in the room."

AYDEN

It didn't surprise her that Tomi had everything organized. After all, she was also why Braxton can find anything in his life. "Yeah, let me know if you need any help, I'd drop by - My schedule might be a bit more lenient than Blake's so there's that." She chuckled. It was a given that all of the Scoobs were thankful all the kids grew up well, none of them being assholes like certain folks in this town.

Letting her friend lead her up the stairs, Ayden peered into the room to see the Dawsons leaning against a crib where she assumed both their daughters were sleeping in.. and then there was Braxton who seemed to be.. bullied by the four babies - well, Tomi mostly, while the other 3 giggled. "Hey guys..." She greeted, already softening at the sight of them all. "They're as adorable as I remembered."

IZZY

Izzy just grinned up at her, somehow always reverting back to her teenage self around her best friend. "Your schedule is _always_ more lenient than Blake's where I'm concerned," she pointed, making zero effort to hide the smug tone in her voice. The irony of how similar to Brax she could be around Ayden was completely lost to her as she once again let her brain be overtaken by thoughts of her babies.

It took everything in her not to just burst out into laughter at the sight of a tiny girl clearly calling the shots over a grown man, and it was only at the reminder that there were two babies already asleep in the room. Not bothering to drop the shifter's hand, she pulled her in further and brought her down to the floor so they could get in on the baby action. "Oh, whose my tough girl teaching her sisters and brother how to handle this big oaf? Huh?"

AYDEN

The older woman playfully rolled her eyes, not denying nor admitting that she may have a soft spot for Izzy - something that hadn't changed over all the years. Even now, she was being dragged away by the hand without voicing a single complaint.

She gave a quick nod as a greet to the man on the floor and reached out with her free hand to grab the baby girl's attention. "Are we sure her goal isn't to make Brax cry?" She laughed as she poked the baby in the sides. "Glad to know she can still handle her dad regardless of age and size."

IZZY

"Oh, Tomi's goal is always to make Brax cry. It was a lesson she learned from her aunt Avery basically from day one, and if I'm not mistaken, Avery herself learned it from...someone," Izzy said offhandedly, as she made her own way back down to the floor so she could check on the younger girls. Both seemed absolutely more than okay to be left to their own devices of attempting to make Brax cry, but Sean was quick to lose interest in Brax as he crawled over to her lap.

"Aw, I can always count on my baby boy to seek peace...even if he can never seem to keep it around him," she cooed as she scooped him up.

AYDEN

"She must have learned it from you." She easily quipped, "Because I don't think I've ever made him cry." She looked at said man, who seemed to be trying very hard to negotiate with the baby. Wanting to hold one of them, Ayden reached over and carefully picked up one of the younger set of twins - and then the other who followed.

"I think it might be a good idea that I came over, with four of them.. plus the Dawson's two, that's a lot of babies in one place." Again, her eyes went over to the Beta - the one she felt like she should have a bit more faith in.

IZZY

Izzy simply looked over at her friend and stated, "Just because you did not witness the tears, it does not mean they did not exist." As a matter of fact, she was almost sure that if Brax wasn't so caught up being told-off by his own baby, he'd be tearing up at the sight of Ayden right now. Whether because she was on the outs with Col or because she was clearly _not_ on the outs with Izzy...that would be up for debate.

"Yeah, and Brax is already planning on hosting a get together for _all_ the babies, so I say you go ahead and just move in for the foreseeable future."

AYDEN

She met those eyes, looking genuinely confused by that. When did she make Brax cry? Moving her attention back to the beta, she was trying to recall the last time she did anything to him. "I.. don't think I've made him cry before?" She looked back at Izzy curiously.

The shifter started to bop the babies in her lap, which resulted in a series of giggles. "A get together for all the babies is a good idea, but I thought Leo and Luke were going to do that? Also, I can drop by more often, I don't know if you'd want me to be permanently hogging your couch."

IZZY

All Izzy could do was stifle a laugh at the irony as she recalled just how close Brax had come to crying in _public_ over the topic of Ayden....in the middle of their _date_. "I'm only here to spill _specific_ secrets of an unaware man, not all of them," she teased instead.

"I mean technically they haven't said anything, but that may be because Leo and Julia are getting to see one kid as a baby for the first time ever, and Luke has Lyra to deal with. Also, bold of you to assume anything's been done to your designated guest room since I've been away. Seany here has been his usual, kindhearted little self and left all rooms the same," she said snuggling into the tiny ginger and earning a giggle.

AYDEN

"To think you're keeping secrets from me *at all*." She teased back but didn't press on it. Maybe she'll ask Braxton on a later day about it to see. As far as she could remember, she hadn't made the man cry in all the years they've known each other.

"Knowing them, it might happen sooner than later." Not that she thought bad of Braxton, but the two women always had the children's interest at heart with almost everything they do. "Lyra's still in town?" This might be her longest stay since their family stopped living in Fallcrest. "Isn't it just a general guest room?" She chuckled, "You know, for anyone who visits and decides to stay for a *few* days."

IZZY

"A girl has to have some secrets otherwise where's the mystery? Where's the draw? What keeps them coming back for more?" It was all delivered with her best impression of a typical femme fatale...granted, as a wolf, she was a literal fatal woman so ...

"I'm sure the fact that these kids rarely go an entire twenty-four hours without seeing each other will have a lot to do with that," she mentioned. "Yeah, at this point I think she and Nix might as well just admit they've moved in with Luke and Keagan, but as we learned many a year ago, no one tells Lyra what to do," Izzy laughed, before rolling her eyes at her friend. "Gee thanks," she said flatly, "I _know_ what a guest room is and we have a couple of those too."

AYDEN

"Oh, you're trying to be mysterious now? Oh okay. Sure." She laughed, "Fine, don't tell me. I won't ask anymore." Her attention went all to the babies she had in her arms. "Okay, so they are living here now? That's weird because last I checked, Lyra did not want to come back into town - JJ already left, right? I think he was first to get out of here when they all came to visit. Anyways, at least Teg and Nix is in town. There are people to keep an eye on her so that the rest of us can have peace."

Ayden let out a sigh and gave in, "I guess that means I don't have to go back home and back a few things over." She pulled out her phone to send a text to her staff, telling them to watch the garage for the next two or three days.

IZZY

Izzy simply raised a brow as she shot her friend a sly grin in response. At the topic of the Lyra, Izzy’s eyes widened comically at the thought of the wolf. “I think we both know the only thing _actually_ keeping that girl out of this town was the free housing with her parents, and the fact that her family wasn’t here. JJ and Teagan were off in Philly, Luke and the girls were in Seattle, and Keagan was somewhere secret so… But you are right in saying that they’ll be needing all hands on deck with that one.”

At the sight of the phone, Izzy new her win was clinched. Grinning broadly she said, “Yay! We have another proper adult in the house!”

AYDEN

There was probably some joke in there about how Lyra didn't like the rest of them enough to stay, but Ayden knew it wasn't the case. "And now everyone seems to be back in town, at least for the next little while... And we have a bunch of babies." THis was really quite the throwback in a way but also a new experience since they had more friends and family around. Honestly, Ayden was thrilled for everyone for getting to experience this the second time. "

"And who is that?" She asked, switching her hold on the baby so that the kid was sort of standing with Ayden's help. "Col?" He was the first to mind since his brother was also here.

IZZY

"Yeah, I don't see anyone being too eager to leave with the kids being back to babies and the holidays being in full-swing, and there's also the fact that technically the Council and Guild found a way to keep anyone within town lines magically immune to Covid. That last bit seems to have flown under the radar, what with the hunters coming in two weeks ago and all, but I wouldn't be surprised if word got out and _more_ people made their way here or to any of the other sanctioned super-towns around the globe." Izzy paused before adding, "Oh, I only got the inside scoop because of my job."

The wolf didn't quite know what to make of her friend's response, so instead she focused on how to reply herself. "I was _actually_ referring to _you_," she said slowly, "Given that you literally _just_ agreed to stay...I would assume that Col is currently at the Rendall home with Aves, but it's nice to see that you still remember him."

AYDEN

"I'm glad that everyone's getting this chance. I wish I could see Keg's face when she found out her twins are kids again." Speaking of parents who was getting another chance, Ayden looked at the man with his daughter. To her surprise, Braxton was look up at the two of them with an expression she didn't quite understand. "Do you want to switch?" She ended up asking instead because she could not begin to understand what ran though Braxton's mind half the time.

"Hm? Oh. I just thought you meant there was another proper adult coming on top of me staying." She made a face at that last comment, "Is there a reason why I wouldn't?"

IZZY

"Oh, check the group chat. Luke's already posted like four reaction snaps, which in itself should let us know just how focused and engrossed Keagan is with the girls because otherwise she'd have done something about the pics," Izzy chuckled. The question seemed a bit random, but Izzy just figured everyone one wanted some time with everyone else, so she just smiled and took her girl as she eased Sean over -who seemed a little _less_ happy about the arrangement.

She shook her head and briefly contemplated where she was going to go with this, but ultimately just settled on, "Nah, I guess I was just being facetious. It would take more than a week of not seeing someone you normally see almost daily to forget them."

AYDEN

Her brows rose before doing just that - pulling out her phone, she went to the group chat and saw pictures of her friend *beaming* at her twin girls. "I don't think I've ever seen her smile so bright before." She joked before turning to see the somewhat disappointed kid in her own arms. "Oh, Sean doesn't like me I see. Are you upset with me that I pulled you away from Iz?" She laughed at the small pout.

She, on the other hand, was a bit confused with the responses she was getting. "Right..." is what she settled on since she didn't know how else to respond to that. Luckily, her attention was pulled away by a yelp coming from the beta. "Uh.. I think Brax needs help handling Tomi after all."

IZZY

Glancing at the pics over her friend's shoulder she said, "Man, even as babies those girls look nothing like Dicky. Bless their little hearts." It was an open secret that no one in the pack actually cared for Richard, but man had he earned himself a target with his latest stunts. Glancing over, she reached out to take the boy back as her own girl was off and gone to her sister. "Oh, he's just a little shy again...or possibly upset that his girlfriend is now on the opposite side of the room and out of reach."

"We'll have plenty of time to chat later," was all she said, before watching Ayden head over to rescue Brax.

BRAXTON

Braxton had been distracted by his daughter during the whole time - which ended up with Tomi baby-scold him even though he wasn't exactly sure what he did wrong, but he was forever thankful when Ayden swooped Tomi up to save him. Finally getting off the ground, he walked over to Izzy and gave her a back-hug and resting his chin on her shoulder so he could peek over at Sean. "Bean, you'll get to see your girl soon after she's well rested. I think you should focus on surviving the night with your sister - that is the challenge." He joked before reaching out to poke the kid in the belly. "Iz, T has been yelling at me this entire time, I think she's mad that I brought her here from Keg's."

IZZY

Izzy couldn't help but put her suddenly odd mood aside as she watched her best friend literally have to swoop in and play rescue. A small laugh escaped her as it seemed that even though Tomi was more than happy to rest herself against Ayden, she clearly still had a few choice words left for her dad, before she turned her attention to her new 'grown-up' and seemingly began to just fill her in on whatever the issue was.

She'd been so caught up in the sight of Tomi trying to babble her point across to Ayden, that she was almost surprised when Brax came around, this stubble prickling at her neck. "Oh no, you need to shave sir," was her first comment. "No wonder the kids ganged up on you, their skin is very sensitive right now and you are a walking steel-wool pad." Was there a specific reason she was suddenly prioritizing and pointing this out? Izzy was sure there was, but she'd rather not open _that_ pandora's box right now.

Sean seemed to fully understand and though he still looked like the saddest little pup, he did stop fussing and just settled into the crook of Izzy's arm. "Oh buddy, I'm sure you'll feel better once you're also asleep. Something tells me you'll be fine and the only one that needs to worry about your sister is Brax," she turned to face him, "I told you splitting those three up was going to be struggle."

BRAXTON

Had Tomi always been this talkative as a baby? Or was this because they retained some memory of their older selves and the girl had a *lot* to say about him. But that was long forgotten at the sudden complaint about his scruff; his hand automatically going up to it and ran his fingers over his chin. "... Is it that bad?" He asked without actually lifting himself off of her.

"I guess I could shave a bit more often now, but I thought you used to like them, T." He turned, only to see that Tomi was already engaged with a conversation with Ayden, who seemed to just smile and nod at everything that was being babbled to her. "...I'll shave more." He mumbled as he turned back to the Irwins, "I think we should get all the babies together as soon as we can." Is all he could say about it because he didn't want to impose on the cabin because he selfishly wanted to spend more time with his baby daughter.

IZZY

"Four infants attacked you as a result of you scratching them with that scruff," Izzy pointed out with ease. "Yes, it's terrible." Again, why she was suddenly finding fault in something as innocuous as the man's facial hair...was a question for future Izzy to deal with because right now there were other matters at hand that required her full attention.

"You're either misremembering or she's retained her likes and dislikes from now that she's older. I'm no witch, but I'd bet money it's the latter considering she _really_ laid into you earlier," she noted, before smiling at the satisfaction of him agreeing to shave more. "I think we definitely should...hey, do you think that they can still understand _each other_? Like in Rugrats, where no one understood the babies but they had drawn out conversations amongst themselves?"

BRAXTON

He didn't think his scruff was such a big deal that all four kids - and apparently Izzy didn't like, but if they wanted him to shave it, he will. "Yeah, I guess they all retained those - like how the Bean wants to be closer to Ryllie and all. I wonder if they have all their memories intact too? Because basically, we're looking at them being .. like their older selves.. but shrunken down, instead of completely regressing all the way."

He looked over to his daughter, to the other set of twins, to the Bean. "I'm guessing they understand each other - did you not see the full fledge conversation they had just a second ago?"

IZZY

Izzy thought about it for a bit, and then said, "Well, considering that Tomi currently feels like she's having the most in-depth conversation with Ayden, while her aunt is literally just nodding and replying with 'go on', I think they probably regressed at least a little." Glancing down at Sean and how he was suddenly enthralled with her necklace she added, "See, he outgrew his fascination with shiny things when he was seven."

Izzy nodded in agreement with the beta. "Yeah, I suppose it _would_ have taken some form of proper communication in order to coordinate the take down of full-grown Beta."

AYDEN

"Come on, baby girl." It seemed that whatever Brax did, Tomi was still not done complaining about. Although she didn't have a clue to what she was complaining about exactly, Ayden still tried to reason with her, "Your dad said he was going to shave, and we'll make sure that you get to see Sky and Erin soon!" She looked over her shoulder to the other adults, "..I'm sure they won't mind if we drop by?"

She joined in on the conversation about whether the babies understood each other. "She's got a point though. The mini twins seemed like they were following every word Tomi was telling them on how to deal with Braxton."

IZZY

"Wow...I, obviously, can't be certain of what the heck it is you did, but that kid is still going on about it," Izzy noted as she heard Ayden begin to do her best to try and bring the tiny new wolf's rant to a close. But it seemed to only somewhat mellow the kid out when Ayden mentioned Sky and Erin, and when the attention was put back on her and Brax, she simply nodded in agreement. "Yes, all the clean-shaven faces and, Sky and Erin time you could ever want. After one sleep...please."

Izzy's face lit up as she said, "Maybe we can ask the scoobs what the minis are like once they're back....though...I suppose that would require they remember all of this..." She trailed off as the penny dropped. "We should really watch what we say and do around them."

AYDEN

Ayden found it adorable just how quickly Tomi settled down when it was promised - moreorless - that she'll see her girlfriends soon enough. Poor Braxton - it seemed that nothing he did was going to placate her tonight. "Let's get you some sleep first." The shifter walked over to the crib and carefully placed the kid in there before tucking her in. "Come on, baby girl, otherwise you'll fall asleep when we bring you over to their place."

She looked back with a strange look, "...What.. can't we say? Because if you're talking about profanities, it might be a bit late for that?"

IZZY

Although Izzy did find it ironic how Ayden had come in and managed to get Tomi under control and actually in her crib, settled for sleep versus Brax failing to even get her to want to stop baby-assaulting him...she also didn't think now was the time to be pointing such things out. Not only was Brax's ego already bruised by the fact the kid was not having it, but she herself didn't want to unpack what it meant that Ayden was so capable with her most troublesome kiddo.

At Ayden's question, she just waved her off and said, "Oh Lyra made sure they all knew a plethora of those before they were even in pre-school the first time around. That's not the issue I foresee. It's more like when we used to have 'girl talk' around them before, because we were certain they'd not even understand what we were discussing....yeah, I don't think Sean here would appreciate 'girl talk' now."

BRAXTON

He didn't know how to feel when he saw Tomi listening to Ayden way better than to him. Maybe he deserved it since he hadn't actually been acting like a dad up until recently - *very* recently. It was a very mixed feeling watching it all happen before him, and there wasn't anything he could do since Ayden pretty much did the job with ease. However, maybe he'll get better luck with the mini twins.

Turning his attention to the youngest pair, he lifted them with ease in his arms. "Maybe if we put them all to bed, you ladies can have your girl talk." The kids are just about to knock out on their own anyways so it might be good timing to call it a night. "If you want, you can go clean up while I get these kiddos tucked in - The Dawsons are here, like I swear we're going to be fine." He joked since he was aware that Izzy probably didn't completely trust him to be alone.

IZZY

"Yeah, that's not happening." The words left Izzy's mouth before she even processed the sentiment. "I mean, not that I don't trust you all to handle things, but I like to be present for bedtime any chance my schedule with the hospital will let me. Besides, four of the six babies in this room, and every single adult in this house, have _superhearing_. Girl talk's not happening tonight," was the final word as she stood up with an already sleeping Sean in her arms, and began to walk over to Tomi's crib.

AYDEN

At Izzy’s immediate rejection of the idea, Ayden looked up just in time to see Braxton looking rather sheepish on his part. At the same time, it didn’t feel like it’d be a good idea for her to interject either so she kept quiet. However, the beta decided to surprise her even further when he came over to *her* and passed the youngest pair of twins to her before excusing himself to clean up first. Her eyes swept over to Izzy briefly before carefully placing the girls into the crib. “Hey, hey. You girls have your own.” She smiled softly as she made sure they’re properly tucked in with their own blankets. Once she was done with all of that, she glanced around the room. “I should.. go make sure I have everything I need for the night.”

IZZY

She wasn't blind to the fact that Brax had effectively ceded the act of putting the minis to sleep over to Ayden and made a hasty retreat, but she also hadn't been exaggerating when she said bedtime was special and she avoided having to miss out unless absolutely necessary. After making sure that Sean was properly swaddled in so he felt 'hugged' all night and would sleep till morning, she glanced over at her friend.

"Yeah, that sounds good. I should go check in on Braxton anyways," she said, "Make sure Tomi didn't give him a concussion." The joke felt flat even as she said it. After getting the Dawsons sorted out in one of the guest rooms closest to the nursery, she made her way to her own room where she figured Brax would be after cleaning up.

BRAXTON

Since he excused himself from the group, Braxton went straight to Izzy's room and started to get himself cleaned up as he announced earlier. During the entire time, he was thinking about what he did and said because somewhere in that time span, he must have done something wrong. That and Izzy must be feeling tired from the long day they had with four kids to handle. Braxton also made sure that he shaved since that had been the first thing they mentioned.

Even when he was done with his shower, the beta could not stop touching his face because it felt weird after having a scruff for so long. The breeze was just.. hitting his face and it was just so strange. "Oh, are the kids asleep?" He asked when he noticed that he wasn't alone in the room anymore. "Uh, I made sure that the shower and all are clean after I was done, so no random strands of hair anywhere." He grinned as he started folding the clothes he had on earlier.

IZZY

“Okay, gross on the random strands of hair, but thank you for keeping things tidy. With Sean being a baby but his personality being mostly intact, I think he might have an aneurysm at the sight of mess and the inability to fix it,” she mentioned with a slight chuckle.

It was an attempt to keep things light, but Izzy was nothing if not direct. It was the trait that kept her friendship with Keagan, Ayden, and Blake as strong as it was. They were all direct and suffered from massive R.B.F. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know I probably got a bit weird there for a bit, but I just want to make sure you know it wasn’t because of anything _you_ did. You’ve been as good a help tonight as our little Krav Maga girl has allowed you to. I really do appreciate that you’re more than willing to step up this time, and I’m sure the kids just need some time to settle all of their grown up emotions in their tiny baby bodies.”

BRAXTON

At the apology, Braxton dropped what he was doing to walk over and took her hands gently in his, "Well, while it.. uh.. it's a bit discouraging, but it's sorta obvious that there wasn't much I could do.. so I figured that I should just remove myself from the situation otherwise T wasn't going to sleep if she keeps yelling at me. Can't say I didn't completely expect it. It sorta is because I didn't do my duty as a dad before .. that, and she always did like spending time with Ayden and Aves when they were younger." He sighed, "I'm also an idiot, so while I really hope that I won't screw up, I feel like it's inevitable for me to mess up somewhere even if I do put all my efforts into it. Like, I still can't believe my gym is where it is today too."

IZZY

There was a pang of guilt she felt when he took her hands in his and began speaking. It only grew as he proceeded to state how he felt _he'd_ be the one to mess things up. Izzy still refused to address the 'why' behind it, and instead swapped their hands so now she was holding his instead. "Braxton Walker Rendall, that gym is the biggest testament to the fact that it's not a lack of ability, it's a lack of will that often causes you problems. Yes, Tomi's likely not happy about how you acted when she was younger, but on the flip-side of that coin, if you ask Luke she'd probably rave about what amazing brother you were. The difference was just what role you were _willing_ to take on. And since this time, you're clearly more than willing to be her daddy, she's going to see it soon enough. Just give her some time. She did _magically_ morph from a legal adult back to an infant just a few hours ago."

BRAXTON

The beta only smiled when Izzy reassured him - as she had done numerous times before since they were kids. Of course, there was always logic behind her words and Brax did believe in them, that all of this was going to take time which was something he already expected. However, it still felt discouraging to have your own kid yell at you as a baby and have her mellow out just a bit once she was handed off to someone else. "That's really all I can do right now, give her time." he chuckled before slipping his hands out of hers and set them onto her shoulders, then proceeded to turn her around in the direction of the bathroom. "Meanwhile, I think you could use some Z's, so clean up and stuff."

IZZY

She didn't fight him as he pushed her in the direction of the bathroom. Izzy desperately wanted a long, hot shower -even if she knew that what she needed to scrub clean would not be achieved in the process... "Alright, alright. Who am I to argue against my Beta," she snarked as she finally made it to the shower. Once in there, instead of halcyon she found the opposite, so it was far shorter than she'd planned for. Regardless, she took her time getting making sure her natural hair got everything it would need to survive the tugs to come, and getting into her PJs.

As she came out of the bathroom, she tossed her clothes and towels into the hamper in the corner of the room before picking it up and saying, "I'm going to go ahead and take this down to the laundry room and check in to make sure everyone else is sorted."

BRAXTON

When he was left alone again, he slipped into bed with his laptop. While office work was his least favourite thing to do, he figured that he should get ahead in order to find more time in his schedule to be with the kids. Considering that there were four kids to look after, he also wanted to make sure that he could back up his claim of being there for Izzy and them. The point was to *not* burden Izzy with all the work after all.

He had no idea how long it was but he barely gone through a few emails before she emerged from the bathroom. He looked up, almost expected the other to be coming into bed, but instead found her holding the hamper. "Oh, yeah. No problem. I've got a few things to work on before I sleep anyways."

IZZY

The pang of guilty returned at his reply, but once again she pushed it down and did as she said she would. The task took less than five minutes, but it gave her something to do that felt productive. On her way back from the laundry room, she caught sight of Ayden's truck out front, and so she went ahead and deadbolted the door and set the alarm. As she made it to the second floor, she checked in with the Dawsons to ensure everything was all right. She made a pit-stop in the nursery just to ensure all was still calm. She made it as far as standing in front of Ayden's door with a raised hand to knock, only to drop it by her side and shake her head. Whatever she'd unearthed _there_ could wait. Tonight, Brax was waiting and the least she could do was not keep him up too long.

Crawling into bed, she turned on the baby monitor on her nightstand. "I know we're likely to hear anything in the nursery much clearer just with our wolf hearing, but it's a comfort to know there's a backup. Now go on, put that thing away. We're going to be zombies if the kids don't sleep through the night, no need to add to it."

BRAXTON

Braxton felt that he hadn't focused like that since highschool because he managed to get through a few things in the short time Izzy was away and so, when she returned, he put away his laptop and slid in further into bed. The moment his head hit the pillow, he turned to his side so he could face her. "See I was thinking about this.. What if we ask if one of the witches could sound proof the place - except for the rooms with the babies obviously. So we can hear the babies, but we can't hear anyone in the other rooms? That way we don't have to be worried about uh.. the kids picking up on things they shouldn't listen to."

"But you're right, we can think about all of this tomorrow. Gotta get as much sleep we can." He chuckled before leaning in and give the other a quick peck. "Good night." He whispered with a dumb smile on his face. "...It's so weird now that I shaved..."

IZZY

LUKE

Luke and the girls had all settled on enjoying a nice night in after the chaos of week before and finally getting the cabin back to its more usual number of habitants. As it stood, she, Skylar, and Tomi had taken up shop in the living room catching up on the Liverpool match, while Erin opted to keep Keagan, Lyra, and Nix company as they tried to figure out dinner.

As Luke went into the kitchen for more drinks at the top of the second half, what she saw made her assume they’d be ordering in again. She could not have been gone more than two minutes, but the sight she returned to made her question if she hadn’t managed to travel _back_ in time instead. On the floor where Tomi had been sat with MJ, an infant Tomi now sat basically _on_ MJ. As she turned to the couch she’d left Skylar on, her hands immediately let the drinks fall to the floor as she rushed over in time to dove the ground and catch a familiar redheaded baby as she tumbled over the edge of the seat. As she lay in a heap against the couch, Sky let out a giggle and all Luke could manage was to laugh back. “Think that’s funny do you? We’ll see how funny your mom finds it,” and as if on queue she glanced up to see said mother rushing in from the kitchen. “Look what I caught!”

KEAGAN

At the crash, Keagan immediately rushed into the living room to see what was up and stopping herself at the laughter before her hand instinctively flew to where her holster would have been. But when she processed what she was actually seeing, she could barely believe her eyes. "...What happened?" Because as cute as the babies were, something definitely happened and Keagan's brain just went on high alert because Skylar and Tomi were the only ones affected.

Moving to pick up Tomi off of MJ, it made her relax ever so slightly to see that neither kid seemed harmed in any way. "We should.. make some calls." She walked over to Luke and Skylar and immediately smiled when she saw the kid reaching out towards Tomi. "Looks like they still recognize each other.."

LUKE

Using Sky's very adamant attempts to get over to Tomi, Luke managed to gently set her down on the floor where she was free to crawl over while she herself worked to get out of awkward heap she'd landed in. Once she managed to sit properly upright, she brought a hand to rub at the spot she'd smacked on the couch frame, and used her free hand to grab her phone. "Gonna shoot out a text to group chat. We'll know soon enough who got babified and who's still good."

Feeling a knot begin to form just off to the side of where her stitches had been, she dropped her hand to avoid attention and then shot back up as she said, "Alright, looks like the kiddos don't quite have their feet under them yet, which means they're still on bottle-feeding. Also, those Liverpool jerseys are doing great to cover up their modesty, but they'll need diapers and proper clothing. I'll hit up the shop to get the essentials. If Brax gets in touch, let him know Tomi's fine."

KEAGAN

It was such a blur from when Luke grabbed her hand to when she orbed away as soon as she mentioned about getting everything for the babies. Keagan quickly whipped out her phone in time to see that other kids were also hit by the de-aging magic. "Come on girls.." She slipped the phone away before scooping both girls into her arms and walked back into the kitchen. "...We've.. got a situation." She balanced Skylar on her hip while she settled Tomi onto the kitchen counter - keeping her arm around the baby in case the youngest Rendall decided to be adventurous.

"Luke's off to grab us some stuff for them - decided to orb there." It was clear the other was getting very comfortable with her Paladin powers. Keagan would have thought taking the car would be better since who knows how much Luke was going to bring home. "Turns out most of the kids are now.. like this." She spoke before naturally giving her daughter a kiss to the temple.

RIKKE

The paladin had been in the middle of the locker room, getting ready to swap out her jumpsuit for her civis when she felt it. It was a faint twinge of sorts, as if something had _shifted_, but it wasn't until a few minutes later when she finally caved and focused on the sensation that she realized something was definitely off. Making quick work of tying the sleeves of her jumpsuit around her waist in lieu of a full change-out, she found a safe corner from which to orb over to the cabin.

It didn't take long after materializing in the family kitchen to see what the problem was. "Oh dear," she whispered. Bringing two fingers to her right temple, her eyes shined a brighter blue for a moment before she focused on the Keagan and said, "Jack reports it happened to her youngest charge as well. Best theory we can figure is that it's probably some of the kickback magic the breaking of a Nexus seal can cause, but that would also imply that the wards on the Nexus failed at some point..."

Rikke trailed off as her eyes focused on the youngest of her own clan. It had taken her a little bit to play catch up to all the discussion of genetics and such, but as the very same gaze of her own son stared back at her through her really-great granddaughter, she couldn't help but whisper, "The Holstein is remarkably strong in that one."

LYRA

"Oh my god!!!!!! Is that who I-OOoOoh!" Lyra giddly went from the fridge to the babies in record time. "Hi Nicheee..." Her voice, for once, was soft though filled with much excitement. Lyra already took out her phone and started snapping pics of them. "You little nuggets are so cute! Were you always this cute?" She picked up Tomi and started faux-dancing with her by swaying and swirling her around. "Keg, they're so small I can't even."

Then she stopped when a thought came to mind. Lyra went over to the baby who seemed to be reaching out towards the Paladin and easily distracted her by hovering the kid's girlfriend nearby. Of course it succeeded as Skylar switched her attention and started reaching out towards Tomi. Lyra on the other hand, just leaned in.... then leaned out with the baby, causing Tomi to be *just* out of reach from Skylar. "You want her girl? Oh yes you doooo Ohhhh OH!!! ohhhh."

RIKKE

It was beginning to become a far less startling thing to go from the volume of an average conversation, to Lyra volumes in the blink of an eye. Something to be said about exposure therapy, she was sure. Nonetheless, it did pull Rikke back out from her own head and back to the present. Pulling out her own phone, she checked the new messages in the group chat and relayed them to the group as they all tried not to encourage Lyra too much...though she hardly seemed to need it.

When she started mocking Skylar with Tomi, Rikke was immediately awash with the girl's emotions -which at least let her know that this was still a thing for them- and held out a hand to pause the short woman. "I would not continue to do that if I were you. Otherwise you are going to have not one, but _two_ **very** upset babies on your hands and presumably no real way to calm them back down just yet."

KEAGAN

There was already a whine coming from Sky when Lyra decided it was a bright idea to tease them. "Lyra." She sighed as she started soothing the baby the best she could to prevent the actual crying "Don't tease the babies, I doubt you really want to make them cry - like Rikke said, there's no real way to calm them." If Skylar was easily upset being separated as a young adult, god forbid someone try to do the same when they're just babies.

Looking over to Rikke who had been staring at Sky, Keagan gave a smile. "Would you like to hold her?" It did not surprise her at all that Skylar seemed to have another adult doting on her - that seemed to be a common effect amongst people. The only people unaffected were assholes, which there were many examples of that.

RIKKE

Rikke breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Erin step in and take Tomi from Lyra, and effectively flip the mood of the babies almost immediately. The pure joy that radiated from her great-granddaughter just at the sight of her girls together, in spite of the very odd circumstances, was exceedingly endearing. It also didn't hurt that she could essentially feel the joy as if it were her very own.

It was Keagan's voice that cut through and made her realize she'd been staring at the child. "Who? Me?" she asked, suddenly feeling exceedingly apprehensive. As much as she wanted to cave in and say yes, she also didn't want to make things worse for the group. "I- I couldn't. I mean, it's been literal ages since I've held a child -outside of emergency situations- and you know, I'm still technically a stranger to her I wouldn't- I wouldn't want to upset her."

KEAGAN

She nodded when Rikke asked if she actually meant her. "You'll be fine, and besides, look." She looked down at the baby who had switched gears and was now staring towards the Paladin with a smile, hands reaching out towards her. "I don't think you're going to upset her if she's calling for you. You're her grandmother, and she obviously knows that." She smiled while she carried her baby over to the other.

"Here." She carefully held Sky against Rikke, silently telling her to take her already "See, she's not upset at all." If anything, the baby had already sort of turned towards the taller woman, preparing herself for another cuddle session.

RIKKE

It was admittedly fining it harder to deny the offer with every passing moment. The sight of the child reaching out to her was the biggest thing chipping away at her resolve. The adamancy and ease with which she was denoted as the baby’s relative at all was oddly what put her most at ease. That bit of recognition that she did, in fact, have a right to hold Skylar.

So, as Keagan walked over and began handing her the baby, all Rikke could do was reach out her hands and accept the already cuddly bundle. From such a proximity it was exceedingly hard _not_ to be reminded of the last time she held her own son…but even as she felt the tears silently run down her face, the memory was brought with a smile. “I had to leave your great-grandfather when he just a bit younger than you are now,” she said lowly, “But I know I would do it again in a heartbeat to get the opportunity to hold you now.”

KEAGAN

She watched as Rikke got comfortable with Skylar in her arms, feeling rather smug since the kid already captured another heart without doing anything except look cute. Sky was truly loved by everyone and Keagan could not ask for anything better.

Leaving her with the Paladin, she walked over to Erin and Tomi. "So.. How does it feel to see your girlfriends as babies?" Feeling her phone vibrate, she took a look at her messages and gave a rather wry smile at it. "Brax figured Tomi's a baby too now." She sighed. "If Sky cries, we can pin it on him then."

ERIN

Erin glanced up and grinned at Keagan before replying, "I don't know, how did feel speaking those words in that specific order to ask your currently infant daughter's still very much grown girlfriend that question?" Was it a verbose way to get her point across? Yes. Did she regret it? No. All of this was odd -to say the least- and being made to focus on that aspect -even if unintentionally- was bordering on cruel.

Sighing, she relented and said, "It's weird, but they _are_ just so incredibly cute. I can't bring myself to be fully cross about the situation." At the mention of Braxton and the implication that he may be taking Tomi away, Erin couldn't help but give a pout that would've given grown Skylar a run for her money. Bringing Tomi up so she could press their cheeks together she whined, "Sky won't be the only one crying."

KEAGAN

She snorted at the reply she got from her daughter's girlfriend. This proved that there was some sort of age limit since there were still a few kids from the youngest generation of scoobs who weren't affected by the Nexus. "At least we don't think this is permanent." It was generally good news, but looking at them now, Keagan didn't mind if she got to spend more time with her daughter at this age.

"Again, we'll just pin it on him." She chuckled softly at the sight. "Still, it wouldn't be fair of us to keep the manchild away from his daughter." She looked over her should to see her daughter still gabbling with her grandmother as if they were in a very serious conversation. "That kid's already got Rikke wrapped around her finger."

ERIN

The witch made a face and said, "God I hope you're right." She bounced Tomi a bit as she mulled a thought over in her head, before finally working up the courage to say it out loud. "I hope you don't think it too forward or me to just kind of like bring this up, but if I'm honest, I already feel a bit self-conscious about the _current_ age gap between myself and the girls. I _know_ it's nothing major and that the important part is how our maturity levels are still relevant to each others, and of course there's no crazy disparate power dynamic _but_...every once in a while a comment on a post or video will make me wonder if I'm in the wrong....Of course, I would expect that if that were the case the first ones to say something would the parents of said other girls but...anyway, I just think that if they happen to remain literal babies for far too long, I may just develop a genuine complex....sorry..."

Now feeling more than properly embarrassed at having just hijacked Keagan and word vommitted all over her like she would her own moms, Erin barely even caught the conversation about Brax. She did, however, turn to face and watch as Sky seemed to be doing her hardest to hold a conversation with Rikke, in-between seemingly being overcome with the need to ferociously nuzzle her little self into the woman's chest for cuddles. "Well, she has one mother's commanding presence, and the other's almost effortless charm. Quite the combination."

KEAGAN

When the two became babies, and Erin didn't, Keagan already expected a topic about the very apparent age gap at the moment to come up, but not quite like this. She gave Erin her full attention as the speed the younger woman was going needed all the concentration. "Oh come here." She wrapped her arm around the other in a side hug of sorts without getting Tomi caught up in between them. "I understand what that must feel like." Although it wasn't really much of a secret, it still felt odd to talk about herself. "I was very much in the same position when it came to Luke." Granted, Luke was *underage*. At least Sky and Tomi were both legally adults.

"And from the way things had been going, age gaps.. seem to be a running theme in this family." She couldn't help but ruffle the witch's hair a bit before lifting up Tomi into her arms. "4 years isn't big of a gap especially if you think about it later as all of you grow even older." She paused, "You do know, Luke and I are six years apart, right?"

ERIN

Erin was more than happy to let herself be wrapped up in a hug. Especially considering it was coming from the least 'huggy' of the women in this house. She felt honored, but also mostly just happy to have a moment like this when it had been so long since she'd had one. "Really?" she asked in disbelief...or, well, what she _hoped_ would come across as disbelief. Skylar had after all run immediately to her and Tomi to share all the details of how her mothers had basically been mutually pinning for each other since basically ever. Not to mention that they had very obviously at liked each other a _lot_ once, because Skylar herself was a thing...

The witch could only laugh at having her hair ruffled by someone shorter than her, realizing things like these were going to be norm as a part of the family. Tomi also gladly went to her aunt, and just in time, because when Keagan actually told her the age gap between herself and Luke her jaw dropped so fast, she may have also dropped the baby. "I wouldn't have guessed, to be honest. I mean, I figured maybe two. Three, at most, because obviously you're Lyra's older sister and they're the same age, but you guys just vibe so well...If I didn't know Lyra was your _younger_ sister, I'd have guessed you and Luke were the same age to be honest."

KEAGAN

Her brows rose in amusement when she saw just how surprised Erin was to learn about the age gap. "I think that's just.. Lucas for the most part. She has always been a lot more mature for her age - I think at some point, my dad was a bit weirded out by how mature she was." She shrugged, "But it worked out I guess." She released the witch to catch a small drool coming from Tomi. "So yea, we've got a larger age gap than you and the girls. And I wouldn't worry too much about those comments you see. They don't know you guys after all. Besides, if both Luke and I had something against it, we would have said so a long time ago." She pointed out. If not Luke, Keagan would as she was apparently *very* straightforward but Erin seemed like a good kid.

"Though I don't know if Sky would listen even if we did. She got her stubbornness from me. And from what I've been told, that girl was heads over heals for you since day 1, it'd be hard to convince her out of anything." Would they though? Neither Luke nor Keagan wanted to see Sky upset.. ever, which definitely had a place as to why their daughter was so spoiled. "Tomi, honey.." She laughed, "You keep drooling, we should really get a bib on you as soon as Luke comes back."

LUKE

As soon as she orbed into the trees that bordered the parking lot of the store, Luke already knew it had been a mistake to make the trip on her own. She only proceeded to prove herself right as she entered and immediately deviated from the list of 'essentials' she'd shared in the group chat herself...like literally right before the glass doors had slid open in front of her. What really should've taken her a hand basket and maybe ten minutes -fifteen tops, given it was just an emergency, 'for the time being', kind of run- had her basically traversing the store from one end to the other...and then back again because the self-checkout machines were all at the beginning end and she really didn't want to risk any questions.

So, she wasn't entirely surprised to orb back to her living room and find that the party of folks had moved on over to the kitchen from the sounds of things. Nor was she surprised to sense that Rikke was now among the waiting ladies. "I'm sorry I took longer than expected. I really did go in with every intention of buying only the essentials for tonight but," she called out as she walked her purchases into the kitchen...or rather _rolled_ them, "I neglected to take Keagan with me and it ended up not quite as planned...sorry babe, Target is my weakness and you're like ninety percent of my impulse control in that place."

KEAGAN

The wolf had literally just finished telling her future daughter-in-law that Lucas was mature for her age, and then said Paladin orbed in with a *train* of shopping carts behind her. She was about to say something but instead, closed her mouth and shook her head. The sudden pet name did not slip *anyone's* notice - she could feel her sister's stare on her. "Did you get bibs? We definitely need one over here." She decided to switch topics and walked over with the baby. "...I think Sky might need one too - I guess sleep took over her need to talk." She laughed when she saw her daughter passed out in her grandmother's arms. Cuddles obviously won.

"Let's get the girls dressed.." She looked at the carts, not even daring to guess what Luke had bought. "...And bring an outfit for them - any outfit you might have gotten." She grabbed the one thing that was noticeable from the pile and that she had a hand for - the diapers. "Lyra, can you .. sort everything out in the meantime?" She asked as she started heading upstairs.

LUKE

“Yes,” she replied, immediately going directly to the cart and the specific bag they were in. As she opened the two-pack and handed one to Keagan and walked one over to Rikke, she clarified, “For the record, I _did_ manage to get all of the essentials on the list…I just also got some additional stuff.” As she turned back to Rikke, she was momentarily caught up in the sight of seeing Skylar sleeping so serenely in her grandmother’s arms. It was the past she’d never known holding the future she hadn’t known she had…

Keagan’s commanding voice as she provided directives was enough to refocus her attention. She walked directly over to another one of the carts and pulled out two little onesies, before walking to _another_ cart and managing to pick up two boxes. She followed after the older Paladin who had understood to head upstairs and said, “I’ve got some basic carriers here for them for now. I think I can manage to put together Sky’s crib in time to get her swapped over after her 3am feeding.”

KEAGAN

"I have a feeling that the amount of additional stuff is three times of the essentials." She laughed as she disappeared into the bedroom and setting aside the diapers. Carefully laying the kid down on the bed, she couldn't help but smile at the giggle coming from their youngest wolf. "Ohh.. At least someone's excited. My daughter on the other hand.. is pooped out." She looked over her shoulder to spot the baby. "Do you see her? Yeah.. that's your girlfriend."

With that, Keagan took the necessary stuff from Luke and worked on gently getting Tomi into her diaper - if she would cooperate a bit. It did take a bit of a struggle, maybe she was just rusty but eventually, the task was done. Well, one out of two.

"What outfits did you get for them?"

LUKE

After setting down the carriers, her brow furrowed as she mentally itemized her purchases and categorized them based on her own list of ‘essentials’ and the outliers. Speaking after a few seconds she said, “I’d say it’s more of a five-to-one ratio between essential items and funsies ones.”

It was definitely lost on her that Keagan had probably just been teasing her, but how could Luke be blamed when she was so taken with the sight of the older woman practically beaming with joy right now. She was taking to a simple diaper change with such eagerness, and it was her _daughter-in-law_. She could only imagine how the woman would be once she had more one-on-one time with their own daughter…well, with the kid being conscious.

The question snapped her out of her daze as she held up a onesie in each hand. “I figured go light and simple for sleep. So, [left or right](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaofxGe89o_S5OEqVFp2ebiSOwBj3Noq1D6Q&usqp=CAU)?”

KEAGAN

Once she was done, she showered Tomi with small pecks. Her heart just melting at the sight of Tomi giggling and she could not wait to spend time with baby Sky. She wasn't cruel enough to just take the kid away from Rikke after personally handing her over.

Looking up at the choice, her brows rose at what the shirts said. "Cute, you've got them couples outfit." She laughed, "Should we give the 'Part I Cri' to Tomi and the other for Sky?" She reached a hand out, motioning Luke to hand her one of the jammies before her own daughter caught her eye, "Sky... really passed out in your arms there." That kid was in such a deep sleep that Keagan doubt there was anything that could wake her right now.

LUKE

The Paladin could feel the absolute adoration being felt for her daughter from both Keagan’s _and_ Rikke, and it was almost overwhelming. Luckily it was tempered a bit by the conflicting emotions both women held. Both wanted to spend more time with the little bit but neither wanted to keep the other from her either.

After Keagan had Tomi all set, Rikke broke the stalemate by offering up Sky to Keagan, and then taking Tomi herself and heading back down. “At least we know Rikes can take a hint better than I could, apparently,” she joked.

Walking closer to the pair, she gingerly ran a hand over the baby’s head. “I can’t believe I even _remotely_ had any hand in this wonderful little girl coming to be.”

KEAGAN

Once Sky was back in her arms, Keagan's smile widened even further. Although the kid was still asleep, both mothers couldn't keep their eyes away from her. "She looks just like you, so there's no denying that." She joked as she eventually brought her eyes away from Sky and up towards Luke. "And from what Rikke said, the Holstein genes are *very* strong."

She leaned in and risked a gentle kiss on Sky's forehead. "God, she's so beautiful. I can't believe we get to see this again.. to hold her like this again." She mumbled, "...We should get her changed.. but I don't want to wake her up." She almost whined.

LUKE

Lucas took in the sight before her, and knowing that she actually got say ‘my girls’ and have it be true in every sense of the term…it was a lot, but in the best way possible. She gave a small chuckle at Keagan’s response before stating, “In my defense, I have no idea _what_ I looked like before the age of like three. There aren’t any baby pictures of me at this age. _And_ even after she got older, I went years without having a reason to even fathom it was a possibility…” Luke leaned down to place a gentle kiss to Keagan’s forehead. “I get to say she’s _our_ baby now…I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for such a gift.”

As Keagan did her best not to wake Sky, Luke just playfully rolled her eyes at the last comment and snarled, “Well, you know, I can’t exactly control that -that I know of- but if you happen to decide you’d like to test _your_ genetic chances again, just let me know.” She winked, before glancing at the baby again.

“I think I have an idea…” she said, before reaching for a blanket to spread across her chest. As gently as possible she placed one hand on Skylar’s head, while her other arm came up to her chest. Closing her eyes, she concentrated and in a fraction of a second, she’d managed to orb Skylar into her waiting arms, quickly wrapping the blanket around the now naked baby. Glancing at Keagan as the woman now held an empty jersey she said, “Okay, so step one is done. And she seems none the wiser.”

KEAGAN

"The red hair came from *somewhere*." She chuckled softly, leaning into the kiss slightly before she looked up again with a smile, "She's a gift for the both of us." She couldn't stop herself from giving the baby another kiss on the cheeks. Keagan was *obsessed* with their baby because how could she not? Skylar was such a beautiful child ever since she was wee little.

"Oh? You're already thinking of having another one?" She peeked up with a smirk, "I'd like to focus on the current baby for now." She already missed out so much the first time, she wasn't going to make the same mistake again.

Keagan didn't even had the time to say anything before her baby was orbed out of her arms and into the Paladins. Tossing the jersey off to the side, she picked up another diaper. "So.. I'm not doubting your skills, but could you orb her into the diaper and outfit? Come on, lay her down." She motioned back to the bed.

LUKE

“Well we _eventually_ solved that mystery,” she whispered back. “There’s just something about getting to do this again, only this time I won’t constantly feel like I’m fighting an uphill battle over every little aspect of her care because I’m ‘not the parent’, ya know? I get to enjoy my time with her and not feel like some imposter, stealing precious moments from someone else. I’ll get to be with _you_ as we watch her take her first wobbly steps and not feel guilty or like I’m just a place holder.” It was truly a blessing in disguise.

Luke raised her hands in defense and said, “Hey, I said it was up to you. But for the record, these beautiful little nuggets do tend to take a while to bale anyways.”

As she held the sleeping baby she glanced down and said, “I could probably just carefully lay her down on the diaper, and then orb her into the onesie laid out beside her, so for her there’s hardly a difference.”

KEAGAN

It was endearing to see Luke so excited and eager to spend however long this baby phenomenon was going to take. "I look forward to experiencing all those moments first hand this time." She looked down and then and smiled, "How I possibly spend all those years away from you, I have no idea..." She mumbled softly as she stopped herself from laying on the bed next to the kid. It was *very* tempting to spend every moment with Skylar right now.

"Even if we were to consider another one, we'd have to speak with Sky first. I don't think springing a baby onto her would be the best idea."

"I feel like there's some line we shouldn't cross when it comes to orbing but I'm not sure what it is yet." She chuckled, "Are you sure you can orb her.. right into the onesie? That sounds like it takes immense precision."

LUKE

"Oooh, my vlogging equipment is _sooo_ much better than the dumb camera on my old phone. I can take so many more pictures of you guys just being all Calvetti and aggro over lack of munchies all the time. Ooh, ooh, I can set up a mommy-and-me photoshoot for you guys in matching outfits. Or, or, I can grab like a fresh baby book for you to detail the little moments this time around or...uh...I could- I could stop talking, and just let _you_ tell me what it is you'd like me to do. Yeah, that one's fair."

Already feeling embarrassed by her rambling, and the idea that maybe Keagan thought Luke was trying to take anything away from the woman -which she would absolutely _never_- the subject of another baby suddenly seemed like maybe she'd overstepped on that front as well. "Oh, you know me, I often disconnect my mouth from my brain and stuff just comes out. Focusing on the present is honestly the best course of action." If it sounded like she was backtracking, it was only because she felt that's what Keagan wanted to hear. Truth be told, if asked under any other circumstances, the same woman who once claimed to never want a child in her life, would gladly admit to being okay with the possibility of another child...or three...or nine...

The embarrassment, the slight shame, and her own overthinking made it to where as light as Keagan's words were likely meant, they managed to pierce and completely take the wind out of her confidence sails. Looking somewhere between disappointed and sheepish, Luke just nodded and said, "Yeah, I think you're right. Now's probably not the time to be testing those kind of things out. Besides, Little Bit's never been much of a light sleeper." She then proceeded to ease the sleeping baby into the onesie. "You're more than welcome to go ahead and snuggle up with her. I can go back down and handle whatever's going on downstairs."

KEAGAN

Keagan only watched endearingly as the Paladin rambled on about the different options they could do for mementos. When Luke began to look rather sheepish, the mother wolf reached out and gently held onto the other by their upper arm. "Luke, it's okay. We could even do all of them if you want - also, I think it'd make more sense if you were in the pictures as well. You're her mother too so we are *all* going to be in matching outfits.

A brow rose when it sounded like the woman was backtracking on everything she said. "Hey, I didn't say there wasn't a possibility...it's certainly .. something to think about at some point." Her thumb ran circles as she talked - hoping that it'd ease at least some of the.. anxiousness the other was showing. "Do you want more kids?" She smiled, "A brother or a sister for Sky?"

Leaning in, she gave a gentle kiss to Luke's lips. "Since she's already been orbed once, I don't see the harm of trying to get her into her diaper and onesie. So stay with us?" Keagan slung her around around the taller woman's neck so that her thumb was now stroking against the back of the other's neck. "I'm sure everything is handled downstairs, we've got Rikke and Nix there at the very least." She joked since they all knew that Lyra was *not* the responsible one.

LUKE

She knew the touch was meant to be reassuring, but her instinct was tense at the sensation before easing into the hold. Were it anyone else, Luke wouldn't have given it a second thought, but if anyone in this house would notice the shift, it'd be Keagan... "Sorry, I just- Some pretty major things have happened in the last week and I guess it all didn't really _hit_ me until now. Which, I mean, timing right?" she chuckled. It was a bid to lighten the mood, but it came out a bit more uneasy sounding than she'd have liked. "Anyway, you're right. We're all going on this roller-coaster ride _together_," Luke said, a genuine smile softening the grip of anxiety on her.

The small circles were like a switch. Her brain went from trying to process hundreds of thousands of things at once, to just focusing on the here and now. Luke dropped her head to rest gently on Keagan's as she contemplated the question. It was means to draw more comfort, but also to hide what she was sure was a stupid look on her face at the mere idea of a possibility for them to grow their family. "I just," she began, "I see you with JJ and Lyra and I can't help but think that I'd love nothing more than for Skylar to get the same. I know she has her friends, but I don't know....maybe it's really just me projecting and wishing _I'd_ had more siblings...or better ones anyway..."

She was in the process of shaking her head when she felt a warmth on her lips, that was not only becoming all-too familiar but, certainly her favorite, very, very quickly. Nodding, Luke silently agreed to stay, a small chuckle bubbling up at Keagan specifically _not_ naming Lyra. With the baby now dressed, and still very much asleep, the Paladin grinned and said, "She clearly takes after her mom in the sleep department." She'd let Keagan choose which 'mom' that'd be.

KEAGAN

Keagan did notice the sudden tension when she first reached out however, she kept her smile and strokes steady. "And you can take all the time to process them. One thought at a time." If anything, there was always something major happening in Fallcrest. The way she had to process things at her own pace too when it was her first *day* at work. "And Luke, all the ideas you may have in store... We are very likely to do every one of them. I don't know what they could be, but I'm sure we'll get to them." Keagan chuckled.

"....Do you think you can handle a mini-Lyra?" She joked before giving a small nod. "Maybe giving Sky a sibling or two wouldn't be a bad idea. I would like to hear what Sky thinks about that. The kid can't answer us right now though." She looked over to the bundle between them.

Her brow rose at the comparison. "You call her "mini-me for a reason." She snorted. Those cheeks of their daughters were so rosy, Keagan could not help herself from gently pinching them. Still, the baby did not wake. "At least we don't have to be too careful about being quiet."

LUKE

Luke nodded along as Keagan spoke. "One thought at a time is just about all my battered brain can process without overheating and just turning off completely right now," she mumbled, before blue eyes met hazel and widened as she added, "...that was supposed to an inside thought...my bad." Honestly, the last thing they needed right now is to have to be reminded of that reason as to why the last week had led to some major adjustments. Taking the opportunity for a quick change in focus, she chuckled mischievously at Keagan's assurance they would do all her ideas. "Famous last words, Cal."

Brows furrowed in confusion as she replied, "I live with a mini-Lyra. Are you asking if I can handle a micro-Lyra?" She was ninety-nine percent sure the question was a joke, but there was still that one percent chance it was serious and a means for Keagan to begin the process of easing her off idea of younger siblings for the twins...Luke didn't even realize she'd been holding her breath until she was forced to take one so she could actually reply to Keagan's wish to give the girls the final vote. "For a second I really thought I was going to have to sow my wild oats by plowing different fields," she said before immediately adding, "Kidding. Very much kidding. I think the fact my little unicorns don't already have younger siblings is a clear testament to that."

There was no way Lucas was fighting on her that one, because she was technically right. She did however chuckle as she watched the woman go in for the babies' cheeks. "So that's where the cute aggression comes from," she teased back, before raising a brow at the last comment. "Wanky."

KEAGAN

Lucas' brain was definitely going through it as of late, the recent events being the latest source. If only she had been around, maybe she could've at least prevented Ricky's actions. She smiled softly, "Well, we definitely don't want that. If it helps, we've got two baby girls right in front of us to focus on." Her eyes then rolled when Luke's mischievous streak came back right after. "Sure but this is a rare moment so I don't see why we wouldn't take advantage of it."

"They also take after you. Let's not forget what the twins were up to growing up - or so you kept telling me." One would think there was at least one twin who was calmer, but the two of them were basically partners in crime. Even Keagan felt bad for every girl who Luke dated because they got in the war path of their daughters. Her eyes narrowed playfully before reaching over and lightly shoved the other.

"While I don't know if we can all handle a third Lyra, at the same time, I don't know if the kid could handle these sisters." She laughed as she watched Skylar's hand reaching out for her sister in her sleep. Her little face turning into a frown when she couldn't find who she was 'looking' for. "Here you go, baby.." She whispered as she carefully slid the kid over a little so that Sky could grab onto Mila. "I see nothing's changed."

LUKE

At the mere mention of the girls, Luke's focus was already completely enraptured in watching the rise and fall of their tiny chests, the small little twitches of their noses and the corners of their lips sporadically as they dreamt on. "I know I've been referring to them as my mini-mes and we even started a band called Copy and _Paste_...but it is still so overwhelmingly mind-blowing to think _I_ somehow managed to luck out and have even the most microscopic involvement in these _two_ perfect little girls being here right now...or at all really." If the awe in her eyes wasn't enough, the awe in her tone as she spoke should do it. Looking back up at Keagan, she held the same level of reverence for her as she did the babies between them. "Thank you doesn't even begin to scratch at the surface of the gratitude I genuinely feel for you. Not only have you been my best friend for so long, and you see _me_ in spite of all my attempts at mirages, but the fact that in order for me to get the chance to call myself a mother _you_ had to reciprocate my feelings and be willing to take such a journey with me -even back then- I just-" she stopped to swallow back the emotion in her throat before she risked waking the girls. "Words aren't enough, but I hope to be able to find a way to show my gratitude for the woman that is you some way, some how."

LUKE

Grinning all Luke had to say was, "You've officially been here to witness their day-to-day for almost _three_ consecutive months now. Surely you don't need anyone describing their personalities to you." At the narrowing of hazel eyes, Luke felt a spike in her heart rate -and was almost certain the mama wolf heard it- as such a look was usually followed with Keagan kicking someone's ass. She did find reassurance in the fact even Keagan wouldn't risk the girls for a fight, and could only chuckle as she was finally met with nothing more than a shove.

"There was a time when we weren't sure those sisters could handle _this aunt_, so I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt...if they so feel up for the task once they're back to being adults, of course," she noted. Luke watched as Skylar immediately managed to wrap herself around her sister, only to the proceed to try to..eat? Miles..."Babe, I think they might be hungry..."

KEAGAN

There was a reason why it was not a surprise to anyone when they revealed who was the biological parents of the twins. And there were *two* of them which was a blessing on its own. She felt the same about them lucking out. And as often as their family pointed out, it was very interesting to see what traits each twin took from both of them. Her lips twitched in amusement when Luke looked up, only to *thank* her - again. "I am just as thankful because they wouldn't be here without *you*." Keagan could feel it in her bones that if it weren't for Luke, the twins wouldn't be here - there might be children, but it wouldn't be *them*. "You're a big part of why the twins are who they are " She chuckled. "You don't have to prove anything, you're their mother. You've already done so much. Much more than you seem to believe."

She let out a soft snort after her shove. The twins both took after them without question. "Apparently your traits and my traits combining is just.. chaotic?" Not that it was a problem as evidence shown with how much the family adored the two girls. Her eyes looked down again, watching them in silence until another thought came to mind, "To think Miles got all your height." Right now, the babies were the same size more or less, but Miles did get that growth spurt in the end.

"It'd be interesting to see what sort of kid will come after these two.." The twins were a nice balance, Keagan could only imagine what a third kid would be like. As much as she'd like to keep pondering on it, Sky's actions caught her attention at the same time as Luke's pet name for her. "Oh baby." She laughed as she gently pried Sky off of her sister. "We should wake them up to feed them... Otherwise Sky might just.. inhale her cheek. Are the stuff still downstairs? I can go fetch them - and see how they're fairing with Tomi."

LUKE

Luke knew there was no point in arguing over the matter, and honestly it's not like mattered in the end. After all, Keagan was right. The twins were who they were because of the circumstances they were brought into, and that included Luke herself -in one way or another. So ultimately, it all came out in the wash. Also, there was really no 'arguing' with a Calvetti so... "Well, here's to my memory being up to par so we can keep up with them at this stage again," she chuckled.

"Makes sense. We balance each other out because of the traits we _don't_ have in common, if these two have a similar mix of traits between them, they'll be keeping us on our toes for the rest of time," she said, though there was zero reproach to her words. If anything, it almost sounded like she was looking forward to it. Probably because she was. At the mention of the height difference, Luke practically pouted. "Ugh, it's been one week and I don't think I'll ever hear the end of it from Skylar. I swear that kid seems to think I have much more control over things, like the divvying up of genetics in-utero, than I actually do."

"Hmm, I think the most prevalent and constant traits in our offspring so far have been kindness, loyalty, and chaos so...maybe this is meant to be a refresher of sorts, so we can both remember what it's like to have little spastic nuggets around and be sure ourselves before we pose the matter to the girls," she chuckled. At the matter of feeding the girls, Luke gently stood back up, and said "I think it'd be easier to just pop back downstairs and feed them there. If there's even the vaguest hint that they might be awake, there's only so much Rikke, Nix, and Erin will be able to do to keep Lyra from barging up here anyway. If you'll grab Miles, I'll grab Sky, and then you can hold my hand so we can orb down."

KEAGAN

"Are you saying that they don't keep us on our toes already? Because I'm not so sure about that." She laughed, "The mischief that they get up to - with you and Hunter at times." She was merely joking but some of those videos she saw did concern her from time to time.. Most of the time. Keagan was definitely glad that the girls' individual channels weren't in the same genre.

She shrugged, "She either thinks you didn't have much control over it or I just gave her too much of it." Her eyes rolled, "I don't want to admit to which side of the family her dramatics come from but my sister is Lyra." Keagan wondered if the trait just liked to zone onto one sibling per generation. All or nothing. "

Keagan smiled as she looked down at the two girls, thinking of the qualities they did have in chaos. How thankful she was they turned out the way they were and to know just how loved they were amongst everyone around them. "If we make it through .. however long this is going to last." The older woman stood up at the suggestion and picked Miles up carefully into her arms before reaching out her hand. "Lyra is still going to know where we are." She pointed out regardless if Nix and Teg were still able to keep the Hurrnado at bay.

LUKE

“Not my toes,” Luke replied nonchalantly. “My day job has kept me fit enough to keep up with them easily, and now I can _orb_. But baby brains? Completely unpredictable, along with their moods,” she said, a tinge of fear in her voice at the last bit.

“Do wish she’d been allowed the braincell during science class,” Luke remarked, before Keagan’s next comment made her groan and roll her eyes. “Why couldn’t she have gotten JJ’s genes,” she whined, knowing full well there was zero would change about either of her girls.

Luke scooped up Skylar and let out a light laugh as she said, “Jesus Cal, you make it sound like a pair of twins is going to be what takes us out.” Reaching out her owns hand, she gently took Keagan’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Lyra is only physically allowed to enter specific areas of the house thanks to the wards Erin and Tomi so graciously put up for me after I found out they’d done it to their own room…”

KEAGAN

"It seems that they're still somewhat aware of who everyone is, so that might mean they've retain their memories moreorless - but that might make them twice the handful than when they were actually this age." There wasn't much they could do as preparation since, as Luke said, the kids were unpredictable.

Keagan shrugged, "She.. strangely takes after Lyra quite a bit... Let's not have Lyra know that." She assumed her younger sister didn't know about it because she had a feeling Lyra would point that out at every opportunity. "At least Miles doesn't take after her as much?"

Within a blink of an eye, they were in the kitchen and the older wolf carefully sat Miles on the table. "They warded their own room?" Her eyes narrowed, already knowing the reason behind *that*. As long as it doesn't stand in the way of emergencies, Keagan was fine with that. "Here, can you make sure Miles don't fall off while I go grab their bottles?"

LUKE

“That just means we don’t get the reprieve of them not figuring out we’re practically wrapped around their tiny little fingers until two years in,” Luke half grumbled, though the grin on her face made it hard to make it a genuine complaint.

At Keagan’s words Luke simply made a motion of zipping her mouth shut and throwing away the key. As they materialized in the kitchen, Luke was already being assaulted be the sounds of their incoming visitors even as they’d managed to make minimal noise. “There wasn’t much they did in the way of hiding _it_, so…”

She moved in closer so she could place a hand on Miles even before Keagan asked, just smiling at the woman as she nodded. “Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll have plenty of willing hands offering assistance soon enough.”

KEAGAN

Keagan smiled at the *fact* that the two babies had every member of the Calvetti-Holstein family wrapped around their fingers, not just the two of them. "They are definitely spoiled for a reason - One would say that's our fault so we can't complain."

Her ears picked up on the noises coming from outside the kitchen and she was already bracing herself for the moment Lyra was going to *burst* into the room. Lyra did not walk into one, she blows in like the hurrnado that she was. "Preferably not Lyra's hands."

She hoped either anyone but Lyra came in first so they can prevent the youngest Calvetti from getting to the babies before they get the chance to feed them. Keagan went to get the milk prepped and carefully swapped a baby for one of the bottles.

RIKKE

The older Paladin had been able to keep Lyra at bay by using Tomi as a distraction, but once the baby had been picked up by her own parents...all bets were _off_. That woman was primed and ready to use any excuse to get back upstairs, but her plans were thwarted by Teagan and Phoenix at every turn. Eventually, it got to the point the woman forewent excuses all together, and then it required Erin to give a bit of helping magical hand. After all, Lyra was still a wolf -even though she seemed to completely forget that when Teagan managed to get a hold of her...

Rikke sensed her charges shift over to the kitchen at almost the exact same time that Lyra picked up their scent. The two witches and Teagan seemed to catch on just a fraction of a second after them, but the youngest Calvetti sibling was off, and so was Rikke. Using some quick thinking, she just orbed over to the kitchen, managing to arrive just in time to intercept the small woman by scooping her up in a bear hug. Ignoring the complaints from her 'captive' she turned to offer the two mothers a smile. "So, interesting night no?"

KEAGAN

It was almost certain that Lyra had a radar on them. Honestly, Lyra would perhaps be the best agent if she used her skill set on anything else side from *gossip*. She could already hear the footsteps running towards the kitchen and just as she looked up, she saw the eldest Paladin hugging Lyra to prevent the woman from taking another step towards them. A brow only shot up in amusement at the sight before sending Rikke an apologetic look.

"The babies were getting hungry so we're just grabbing them some milk. They're going to sleep afterwards." At the latter, she gave her sister a stern look, silently telling her that the babies should not be disturbed during that time. "I.. think you guys were having a harder time than us though."

TEAGAN

He'd taken off after Lyra as soon as he'd clocked the look on her face, but despite his many amazing attributes, he was still only human. And one with rather short legs at that so...When he finally reached the kitchen, it was to the sight of Rikke managing to have corralled the young wolf in a tight grasp. Though based on the look currently on Lyra's face, she wasn't exactly doing much in the way of fighting to get out of that _specific_ position...

Turning his attention to his nieces' instead, he smiled and said, "Looks like the pups are looking sleep _while_ they eat as well. They get that from Spooky. Girl once inhaled an entire party size bag of Doritos without once opening her eyes." Letting a small sigh, the short king just grinned and said, "I can only speak for myself, but things have become slightly more manageable since Erin noted that Rikke was technically Luke, but single. Even if the poor girl did mean it as a joke."

LYRA

Not actually fighting out of the hug, Lyra leaned in a direction slightly to take a peek at the youngest members of the family. "I think itty bitty sky is inhaling her drink - like look at that speed." If anything, Lyra leaned *back* into the paladin, smile adorning her face when Teg mentioned that Rikke was technically an available Luke, "We're definitely not saying that Rikke and Luke are the same person, but tall, hot, and seems to be capable of doing many, many things? Uh, yes please." No shame at all there.

"The Holstein genes are quite strong." She pointed out, physically pointing at Rikke, to Luke, to the twins. "Like *uncanny*." Lyra was enjoying being in Rikke's arms *very* much and did not care for the looks she may or may not be getting from everyone else.

RIKKE

Rikke wasn't entirely sure how she was feeling about the manner in which Lyra was reacting to being 'held', but if her arms around the small woman's waist were the only things keeping her feet off the ground and away from the babies, then so be it. It definitely helped to actually have the babies insight now as a distraction _and_ reminder of why she was enduring...whatever the hell this was. "Things that include orbing you directly to your parent's house in the blink of an eye, so maybe don't push your luck?"

There was a streak of pride that she couldn't help but feel at the validation of how her family genetics were clearly visible in her three youngest descendants. "I will say, this is probably the most women we've managed in such a close succession, generationally speaking. I was the youngest of many children, all boys. Three sets of twins though, so at least now you know where those two came from."

KEAGAN

While Lyra immediately quiet down since she surely didn't want to be orbed to their parents' place, it didn't stop the look on her face when Rikke mentioned about being the youngest of many children. Keagan could only let out a sigh and a stern glare. "Three sets of twins? Wow, I don't suppose you were part of those sets?" She asked, and immediately regretted because Lyra was *very* intrigued for the answer. "Feel free to orb my sister to my mom whenever you wish, by the way. You have full permission for that."

Her eyes looked down at both the twins, only to discover that the one in Luke's arms had consumed the bottle way faster - which really shouldn't be surprising. "Do you think she's still hungry?" The kid look like it might just eat the bottle if she could.

RIKKE

The Paldin was very close to just taking up the deputy on her offer, and orbing Lyra away, but that had the potential of backfiring in the sense that Ianthe could then wonder aloud if Rikke had been bested by Lyra...Not yet. "I, uh, was not. I was more of what modern folks would refer to as an 'oops baby'. The second youngest was twenty-two years older than I was, so needless to say, my parents were more than happy to let him and his wife take over where I was concerned once they found they couldn't conceive of their own. A rarity for werewolves, but back in those days not as entirely unheard of as it is now."

The blonde watched as Luke went about keeping the almost bottle in place, while fixing up a second, and then swiftly swapping them out without the baby even noticing. "And it is moments like this that remind this is technically not the first time these girls have been babies," she chuckled.

KEAGAN

Keagan looked up when Rikke answered the question about being an 'oops baby'. That seemed to be a common theme in the family, and she did not expect such a large age gap between the two youngest siblings. Moreover, did their own set of twins consider as oops babies? No one would have anticipated their arrivals. "Oh? Your family were wolves as well?" What a coincidence.

Luke was definitely more fluent in dealing with them and watching her swap bottles with ease further proved that. However, one could say that as long as there was food, Sky would have been oblivious either way. "I'm glad we got to get this chance again to experience it.. Although it's clear as day that Sky had always been about the food since day 1..."

RIKKE

A look of confusion came over her features before it gave way to realization. "Right, you guys would only have access to Holstein information going back to my arrival in the town. But yes, the Holstein pack was one of the most well known in wolf packs in the North. It originated in Oslo, Norway but when hunting got heavy the pack was forced to migrate through Sweden to Copenhagen, in Denmark. We lived on the outskirts of the actual populous in peace for several generations more until the hunters caught up with us. I was only able to escape to America because my own wolf never triggered, and due to the Paladin process, now it never will."

After such a topic, the eldest in the room was more than happy to have her attention brought back to the two, currently tiny, reasons that everything she'd been through was worth it. "Well, now we know it's not her fault. She just gets wolf-hunger from both sides," Rikke chuckled before tapering off and saying, "I'm just kidding. I don't actually know how that would work or even *if* it would work..."

KEAGAN

Keagan gave a look of sympathy for hearing that Rikke's family had been a victim because of hunters. "...Despite circumstances, I think I can speak for everyone here that we're very thankful you're with us here today." Because without Rikke, they wouldn't have the family they do now. "Who knows? Maybe the wolf gene actually got passed down in some way or another? At this point, I think anything can really happen." One would think that was a joke but her kids were literal babies at the moment, Keagan doesn't think anything could surprise her now.

"With that being said, I think Sky is just naturally a glutton. Miles did not try to eat her sister." She laughed before leaning to give both her girls a kiss on their cheeks, ignoring the small whine from Sky for interrupting her meal.

LUKE

Luke looked somber as Rikke related just how many links there were in the awful chain of events that ultimately, in an ironic twist, led to the family's remaining living members to their happiest point. Of course, that look was completely replaced as the mention of werwolf genes was reiterated by Keagan, her eyes immediately locking with Teag's across the room. They didn't a 'twin thing' to know they were both already thinking the same thing. Of course, both immediately went back to their respective tasks so as to not raise too many questions.

"I did have to put Sky on these like trainer plates back when she was like five. Kid kept eating so fast I was constantly wither doing the Heimlich or reassuring Miles that no, her sister wasn't gonna die from the massive bite she managed to take out of her own mouth," Luke shared, glancing down at the tiny ginger just going to town on her _second_ bottle. "At least she made a career out of it."

PHOENIX

She had walked in much later after the rest of the family caught up with Lyra - and was not going to acknowledge that her cousin was not even going to attempt to get out of the Paladin's arms. Thankfully they drew the topic from *that* and learned more about the other. From where she stood, it was easy to catch Luke and Teg shared a look together and Nix, again, feigned ignorance. Whatever mischief they were up to, she did not want to know. She was already having a hard time getting Lyra to behave.

"I think she might need it again with the rate she's going through that second bottle." She nodded towards the kid who was already 3/4's on her way to the end. "Didn't you just give that to her? I don't think anyone in the family is as fast as her." Like who did that kid take after?

LUKE

Luke opened her mouth and then immediately shut it again. "I value my life too much to give you the full Fallcrest Pack eating speed rankings at this moment. Teag and I have been keeping track since were seven, and then Hunter took over for me while I was in Seattle -though she had no idea _what_ she was helping Teag with- and then I took over for Teag when he hit Philly."

Glancing down at Sky, she tsked and said, "Oh, we're going to want to make sure we burp this one really well. With how fast she's drinking it down, she's bound to have ingested a bunch of air into her gut too. Oh! Lyra can help burp the girls!"

PHOENIX

Her eyes immediately went straight to her other cousin after Luke mentioned that she valued her life too much. It seemed that she might not be the only one who thought so either because.. by process of elimination.. it wasn't a hard guess as to whom was number one on that list. "Did you all just timed everyone when you go out to eat? Because.. Maybe we shouldn't eat together now." She joked.

Subtly - or not - she walked over and pulled Lyra along with her to where the babies were. "Oh look, perfect timing." The bottles were just about done. "You're up." She said, although she was willing to take one of the twins too and help out.

LYRA

Lyra had been far too busy taking advantage of how distracted the older Paladin had been while sharing to genuinely listen to what was being said. Her hands were busy roaming everywhere within reach, without squirming too much -though that wasn't necessarily due to lack of desire to do so...- but after the woman's threat to be sent to her parents' home, she made sure to never actually _touch_ her more than the 'restraint' called for. Just the _ghost_ of a touch, as her hand hovered a paper's width from the Paladin's skin. She was too busy making her own faces, smirks, and grins at her cousin once she caught up to them to notice anyone else's faces.

Without absolutely no hint of shame, Lyra actually, audibly whimpered when Nix managed to drag her out of Rikke's arms and away. As she was pushed towards the women and the babies a startled look, mixed with confusion crossed her face as she asked, "I'm doing what now?!"

PHOENIX

All the smirks and grins Lyra had sent her way, Nix was giving them all back to her now as she gently picked up a baby and gave her to Lyra. "You are burping them. You know how to do that, yeah? Here, have Sky." Anything to keep Lyra busy - that wasn't her hitting on family members.

"Here, I can take Miles for a bit so you guys can take a break." She offered and turned her attention to said kid even if she had a feeling that the parents wouldn't leave or at least wouldn't go very far. Nix didn't see them as often during the first time around but she could tell just how attached her cousin was. Which was good. No one in the family wanted to see Keagan be so far away from everyone.

LYRA

Lyra could only send her cousin a look that said ‘well played’, as she was informed of what she had been tasked with while distracted. It was obvious to anyone that Lyra didn’t even know how to hold a baby, let alone _burp_ one. “Uh,” she began, as Sky was placed in her arms, “I- no? Why would I know anything about de-gassing an infant? I hardly know about de-gassing myself,” she admitted.

Glancing over as Nix offered to take Miles, she looked almost offended as she asked, “Well why can’t I get to burp the less gassy one? I mean, like, what happens if you do it wrong? Does she like, blow up like a balloon? Can’t we just wait for her to like rip one real good one instead?”

KEAGAN

Deciding to give Lyra a small break from Nix's teasing, Keagan went over to her younger sister and helped her get Sky in a more comfortable position. "Pat.. Yep, like that." She demonstrated a few times before letting Lyra do the rest. "See, you can do it. She's not going to explode." Nix purposely put Sky into Lyra's arms, Keagan was not going to interfere with whatever the two cousins were doing to each other.

"She may be a baby, but you're not going to break her." She smiled at the way Lyra was holding the kid. "Look at how Nix is doing it - just burp the kid, Lyr."

TEAGAN

Having grown up with the woman, and being the one to remain in the most constant contact with her, Teagan was almost certain he could almost _hear_ the werewolf’s thought process…or at least make a really good guess. “K, if you hadn’t stepped in Lyra was two seconds away from yeeting Little Red right back at Spooky just to get out of displaying _how_ much she _didn’t_ know about babies,” he noted, to a round of snickering.

“And before you go off about me showing off my own baby know-how, not only was I here for my nieces the first go around, but I’ll be more than happy to help out again…very few people can single-handedly manage them both on their own….and by that I mean one.”

KEAGAN

Keg smiled her friend, "I could tell." Why else would she follow up and helped Lyra with Skylar. "At the very least, I had to make sure she doesn't drop her niece." She gave a playful glare at her sister, though one could say it was a warning. Though that look shifted to a confused look when Teg would assume she'd got off on him. "You're always welcome to stay. We can always use the help." She refrained from saying that they might need help with *Lyra* instead of the twins. Who better than have Teg who knew her sister best?

Taking the empty bottle from the counter, she went over to the sink. "I don't think Mick's expecting me to come to work tomorrow, but I should actually let her know." Though she was already contemplating bringing them with her.

LUKE

Luke rarely fixed anyone in the cabin with anything more than, what most describe as, 'a failed attempt at a glower, but successful execution of mental calculus'. This time however, even as her eyes didn't change much in the way of expression, the slight eyebrow she raised in Lyra's direction was more than enough to make her friend actually right herself and begin to burp the baby properly. "Yeet my children, and I will _personally_ orb you to rural Mississippi."

She didn't bother addressing Teagan's offer to help, because honestly that was a given and always welcome. But Keagan's comment did make her snort in laughter. "Puh-lease, don't act like you aren't already thinking of how you're going to keep Nikk

KEAGAN

Keagan was very amused by how fast Lyra got to burping Sky from Luke's glare. "I'm sure Lyra knows better to harm the twins with everyone here watching her." Once she was done with the dishes, she returned to stand beside Lucas and automatically leaned against her. And yes, she did have a soft spot for her baby sister.

Her eyes rolled, "I will have to head in *eventually* because I took way too many days off, don't you think? They gave me a vacation at the start. And then so many things happened after that. I should actually go spend time at the office when I can to catch up on things." She sighed, "I might have to ban Nikki from entering my office.

LUKE

As much as Luke appreciated the slight little display of affection, she knew the woman well enough to know that leaning against her right now was mainly a subtle way to ensure that she didn't opt for lunging at her younger sister anyway. "You assume that Lyra has mastered the art of forethought," she replied flatly, earning herself a look of offense being thrown at her over Sky's head.

Luke just laughed. "You make it sound like you've been out of the office for ages. Mick gave you a _month_ off. It's only been _one week_, and you've already gone into the office to micro-manage Andy on _three separate days_. I would know, because one of those days was yesterday when, I assuming, you suddenly remembered I had to go see Col and wound up bursting in his office as he was pulling out a stitch, scared the shit out of him, and caused him to _literally_ rip me a new one...uh, a new cut, that is." She pointed to the smaller bandage now in place, her powers still not quite full-on as her body still processed the 'aftermath' after-effects. "I'm not sure you screaming at him 'why is it still bleeding' as your initial greeting helped matters either."

KEAGAN

Usually Keagan would have complained that a month was too much because it felt weird not to be working. However, now that she was *home* and her babies were literal babies, she was more than thankful of the time. "Has it only been a week?" Because with everything it honestly felt like more than that. She nudged the taller woman with the back of her head when she was made fun of micromanaging. "I apologized in the end." She muttered, feeling rather embarrassed but not wanting to admit that.

"And he's a lot more jumpy than I remembered." Her eyes rolled but still, she felt guilty for indirectly giving Luke another wound. "Anyways! I guess I don't have to worry about distracting anyone at work anymore."

LUKE

Luke simply nodded, hoping this little realization would help Keagan understand why the redhead was still actively processing the fact she helped make _two_ babies...that were now suddenly babies again. "Yup...though I think I can understand why it might've felt like a year. Quite a list of things have happened and now there's a new surprise to contend with." She rolled her eyes at the failed attempt to defend herself by the _Chief_ Deputy. "If it worked out anything like it usually does at home, I'm sure Andy will have nothing but wonderful things to say about you."

Luke fixed her with a look and said, "His door had to be replaced, also he mentioned something about you and your mom practically threatening his life the last time he saw you guys so....I'd be jumpy as fuu- uh, -udge too." She then let out another snort of laughter. "Yeah you do. You're going to go back in at least twice a week between now and when you're officially back, and you're going to be taking the babies with you because you can."

KEAGAN

"This town definitely has enough surprises to keep everyone on their toes." That was .. not a good thing since she hadn't even been officially in her office for that long. Not that she would trade it again to go back into the field but she could swear she had more peaceful moments out there. "Hmm.. I guess if Andy has to page me, then that's when we should be panicking." Wit the things she had heard and seen so far, Andy was more than capable enough to deal with anything that came their way.

Keagan wasn't even going to defend herself with what happened at Col's but she will forever remain behind her stance that the Alpha was too jumpy. Surely, her mom would also say the same. "As if you wouldn't be taking the twins with you either? Lucas, you would be the one to teach parkour whilst carrying them." She sighed, "We should really work out our schedules so that someone's with them everyday when we do have work."

LUKE

"If Andy has to page you, it's likely because one of your deputies is being a pain. I think if _Mick_ feels the need to page you, then maybe they need some assistance," Luke pointed out, already knowing that Keagan was just going to use _any_ excuse to go into her office whenever she felt the need to. It was _not_ in that woman's nature to be still and relax. Hadn't been since they were kids, wasn't about to suddenly start now.

"Been there, done that," she replied with ease, reaching into her pocket as her phone buzzed. "If anything, you should be happy this time I would be doing it with prior....experience...." Her statement waned towards the end as she was distracted by the comment she read, before just putting the phone back. "Col can't legally clear me for work for at least like 4 to 6 months, so I don't think that will be an issue."

PHOENIX

She didn't know what she was more intrigued with: Luke teasing Keagan, or Lyra watching Luke tease Keagan. Either way, she was sure her cousin was *very* fascinated by the scene. "I think it's a good thing you haven't been called in, Keg." She pointed out, "It means that there aren't any problems, why would you jinx that?" She snorted, as if she herself hadn't been on an extended vacation herself under the guise of family emergency.

"You know what, Lyr? I totally understand now." She referred to how Luke had not been unalived by Keagan with the things she revealed. Carrying the twins while parkouring? That sounded like something her older cousin would not want. "So that means you get to be with the kids 24/7 for the next 4 to 6 months?" Because that lowered the chances of needing any of them - mainly Lyra - to babysit.

LUKE

Luke looked pointedly at Keagan at Nix's words as she nodded, clearly indicating that the younger cousin had a point. "Words have power," she added, though even as she said it, Lucas knew that there were many a way Keagan -or anyone in the room, really- could turn that right back around on her. She briefly looked over at the 'Burping Cousins' as they shared a look that Luke recognized as the same one she often shared with the twins, Teagan, Hunter, Tomi, and now even Erin and Rikke. Sean was far too innocent to conspire with. She didn't take the bait, and opted _not_ to ask for clarification.

"Theoretically, yes. But even though I can't be cleared for my day job, I still have a brand to ensure continues to remain relevant so when the girls get back to their usual selves they still have an active fanbase to do what they've grown to love. So no, you and the rest won't be getting out of babysitting duty _that_ easily. I may be confident in my abilities to _teach_ basic parkour to kids while holding my own kids, but I don't think there'a many shoots where it would be advised that I bring two babies along. Dangerous, dilapidated, haunted."

KEAGAN

"I really do not want to know that you're parkouring while carrying two babies with you." She sighed, but there wasn't a much of a threat behind those words. If Lucas did it before, there was a very high chance she was going to do it again this time around. Even if she knew the younger woman wouldn't put the twins in harm's way, it was still.. stressful to think about. At least she drew the line at haunted places since most of them were most likely abandoned and old.

While it looked like Lyra was finally getting used to burping Sky, she could spot the little frown and pout on her face and so, Keagan walked over to save.. someone from the other before the crying started. And since she was there anyways, she also grabbed Miles. Having a twin in each arm was.. pure bliss for the Chief Deputy. "God, they're so cute." She muttered before giving each a kiss on the head. "I think we should put them in the cribs so they can sleep."

LUKE

Luke was quiet for all of two seconds before she asked, "Would it be better if I had more with me?" Even she wasn't entirely sure if she was just kidding or not at this point, as her mind was already thinking about the different maneuvers that would work and keep the babies safe. "I mean, I can't do it at the course at the gym and I would be way too stupid to think that would be a good idea to post on youtube, for various reasons, but the house is safe enough..."

Taking in the sight of the very content smile easily spreading over Keagan's face as she got to hold both of her girls in her arms, and just be...it was all Luke could do not to just melt into a giant puddle of emotions right then and there. "They take after their mother," Luke said with a grin. Glancing down at her watch and noting the time she said, "Yeah, I think everyone could probably do with some sleep. Rikke, you're more than welcome to stay over. Nix can show you to one of the available guest rooms." Was it payback for the earlier remark? Of course it was.

PHOENIX

"....I don't think that was the direction she was going for, Luke." She glanced back to her cousin, only to see her shake her head exasperatedly - clearly not wanting to give the Paladin anymore ideas. Nix also didn't want to add fuel to the fire so she focused on the twins instead even if they weren't paying any attention to her.

A brow only perked when Luke seemingly gave another jab at Keagan. The amount of chances that her cousin had given Luke in a span of a couple of minutes was astounding that both Lyra and Nix could not stop exchanging looks.

Until Luke decided to get Nix to help Rikke, because that caused her to *avoid* the younger Calvetti the best she could while giving a subtle glare at the one who gave the suggestion. "... Sure. I can do that." She looked over to Rikke to see what her opinion of this was.

RIKKE

It had been an incredibly long time since Rikke had been able to witness -let alone be a part of- such a genuine, familial camaraderie that it was honestly not even a true chore to have had to wrangle Lyra as part of the deal. Sure, she had a kind of family relationship with Jack, Hanu, and even Maths, but that was a byproduct of their kind of career -both mundane and supernatural- while this? This was just family being _family_. Something she hadn't been allowed to be involved in since she left Denmark, really.

It didn't keep her from noticing all the little silent looks being thrown around, and if anything she found herself sharing a few with Teagan as they themselves found amusement in how sly the two younger cousins thought they were being. Honestly, if they had both just literally been holding the double _aftermath_ of Luke and Keagan having done far more than just throw quips at each other, what surprised them about the fact Keagan wasn't swinging yet?

The invitation to stay was unexpected, but wholly welcome and it was probably clear by the look on her face. "Oh, uh...I mean, if it's not too much of an imposition, I'd greatly appreciate that. As their Paladin it gives me the chance to more closely monitor them and try and sort out the ins and outs of this change, and as their relative who missed out on the first eighteen years, it gives me an excuse to be around," she admitted. The only thing that gave her pause was the glare that Phoenix suddenly sent Luke's way... "But, it's no trouble, really. I'm sure I can find my own way with some general direction..." Rikke trailed off a bit as she looked about. "...why is this still called a cabin, again?"

PHOENIX

She really should've known better than to tease anyone in this household because payback would be ten-fold everytime. When Rikke started insist that she could find her own way around, Phoenix shook her head and walked right over. "No, no. I can give you a tour while we're at it." She sighed, "That's what we've been saying but it started as a cabin and will forever be called a cabin, no matter what shape it ended up being - according to Lucas."

She started off in the direction of where the guest rooms were. Once they were getting near the rooms, Phoenix motioned towards them, "Take your pick - Lyra and I are in that one over there so depends how far you want to be from us?" Was it a joke? Even she wasn't sure.

RIKKE

She nodded and took the smaller woman's lead, though still apprehensive. Phoenix was the one person that didn't seem to take the news that she was Luke's ancestor quite so well, and now the suggestion of helping her to a room had the woman glaring at the redhead. At her words, however, she did join in on the congenial conversation. "Ah, that makes sense then. If growing up in this spot was home to Lucas, the term 'cabin' became less a descriptor of the building and more a word synonymous with home. It's rather similar to how I always address returning to the station as 'returning to the stables'. It's what I grew accustomed before, and now that I have my own memories back, it's become a habit," she chucked.

As they approached the rooms, she took note of how Phoenix specifically mentioned where she would be and distance. "I think given that you were here first, it's more of a matter of how far _you_ would like me to be, no?"

PHOENIX

"I don't know if the cabin was home for her, but I think all the renovations she did with Sky surely made it into one." Nix spoke too soon when she thought it was a good thing that they were keeping things light between them as they were finally left alone for the first time in a while. She still didn't know how to feel, knowing that the other was basically Luke's ancestor, and Lyra's teasing did not help at all with that. They eventually had to deal with all of that someday, but the shifter didn't think Rikke was going to bring it up right now in the middle of the hallway. "

She leaned against the wall behind her as she look down the hallway where her room was. "I'm fine with any room you choose, but the question is more so.. how far you want Lyra to be from you?" She looked back up at the Paladin, "I may be her roommate, but there is nothing on Earth that could stop Lyra from visiting you. We're just thankful all the rooms are sound-proof, though I could always add an extra layer for you if you want?"

RIKKE

"I think that just goes to exemplify that home to her is less a place and more the people she cares about. I'm almost certain they could've kept the cabin as it was, but as along as she had the twins with her, she'd have been okay with calling it home," Rikke noted before adding, "Though I'm sure the demolition and renovations were a much more fun approach to things." The entire place still felt like something out of a story to the Paladin, to be honest. In none of the times she'd been awake had she ever encountered something grand and yet cozy, whose design somehow managed to takin into account all of its occupants. From the low counters to the high door frames.

Her attention was drawn back to the witch as she spoke again, her answer only earning a low chuckle from the older woman. "I find far more telling than you might think how in one breath you've managed to state you're fine with whatever room I choose, _and_ also drag up your cousin and her habits. It's like tossing a snowball at someone and then immediately dodge behind a tree for either safety or to avoid the consequences of your actions," Rikke noted, before looking up and down the hallway and then pointing at the opposite end. "I think I'll take the hint though, and just head over there. Have a good night, Phoenix."

PHOENIX

"I'm pretty sure the demolition was one of the bonding moments she had with the twins. It's a good stress reliever - or so I'm told." She shrugged, "I think everyone is just impressed because it doesn't seem there is anything that she doesn't know how to do. If she doesn't, she actually takes the time to learn - or maybe it was just trial and error, but either way, Luke might give the Irwins a run for their money."

Her cheeks did flair a bit when the other caught onto what she was doing and had the decency to look embarrassed for having done so in the first place. "Wait.. that.." She looked down the hall, feeling bad that the other decided to choose one so far when there's really no reason to. "You don't need to do that. Honestly, you can choose one closer, I'll be fine with it." She made a point to end the sentence there unlike earlier. However, she was back to the first problem she had - not knowing what to say next. "I.. " She started before she realized that they were still in the hallway so she quickly pulled Rikke into the closest room and shut the door... And add an extra barrier just in case. "Sorry, it didn't seem like a good idea to have this conversation in the hallway when there's a very curious wolf in the house." She took a breath before trying again, "I.. am sorry if I had been making things.. weird and I promise, it's nothing you've done. You haven't done anything. I'm just.. I got *very* hyper aware when we learned that you're my cousin's best friend's... great grandmother. Like I was literally .. grinding against you on the dance floor - only to find that out. It just tripped me out a lot more than I realized.. Lyra's also no help if you consider her personality."

RIKKE

"Photographic reflexes _are_ technically something that we made paladins have as an ability, to help in adapting to whatever time we awake in faster, so I suppose something of that may have been passed down," Rikke noted, "Granted, it's all still so new it's hard to tell what powers she was born with and which were just now triggered so, she may just really like learning and trying knew things...?"

Rikke stopped when asked to wait, and listened as she was told to pick whichever room she'd like, but when it became apparent that Phoenix was having a bit of hard time getting words out, she just offered her a sympathetic smile and waved a hand as she said, "It's okay, Nix. You don't have to say anything. You don't owe me any kind of explanation, especially not this very mohhh-" Her words trailed off into a sound of surprise as the smaller woman suddenly pulled her into the nearest room. The surprise gave way to confusion -and maybe slight concern- as she sensed the extra magic being added, but that was cleared up at the reminder of Lyra.

Sliding her hands into her back pockets, more so because she didn't really know what to do with them, she listened to the woman speak, and the sympathetic smile returned as she glanced down to meet her eyes. "I too, am sorry if you felt ambushed into providing an explanation just now, that...wasn't _necessarily_ my intention. But, it _was_ starting to get really hard to overlook how awkward things had suddenly become and I guess-" she shrugged and sighed "-I guess I just panicked a little. You really are one of the only close friends that I've managed to make since -sorry for highlighting this- the 1890s, so the thought of losing that and not really understanding why was more than a little upsetting," she admitted. "The fact that you're a great dance partner is just a bonus as far as I'm concerned, and for the record, I was in stasis for the vast majority of the time between getting here and now."

PHOENIX

Nix only chuckled when their age gap was emphasized once more. "I get it, and I'm sorry. It *is* fun to have you around, hanging with us, with the twins - the fact that we get one more helping hand to keep Lyr at bay. You have no idea what a blessing it has been." She chuckled softly, "You've also been a really good dance partner too - It's just.. Like I said, learning that.. I basically *hit on* my friend's *ancestor* ... one that you're *both* part of the family tree as well - that's.. th-that's something to wrap my mind around." She gave a wry smile at her reasoning.

Her hand pushed back her bangs before her back leaned against the closed door. "But I am sorry - for causing you to.. well, panic because I should've .. spoke about this a lot sooner. The constant teasing from Lyra *really* didn't help things - but I shouldn't really pin the blame on her. I was pretty scared to confront it myself. Clearly - with all the avoidance." She rambled on.

RIKKE

She couldn't help the smile at the thought of being welcome and wanted as part of the fold, chaotic as it could clearly be. "I'll take Lyra duty any time if it means I get to be around the three people that are, essentially, the result of all my past sacrifices. Don't get me wrong, the knowledge that my existence as a Paladin means I keep others safe as my charges is a reward in itself, but seeing that what I went through has yielded _three_ supernatural...unicorns -for lack of a better term- is a unique experience all its own," she admitted, unable to keep the slight 'awe' from her voice.

At the mention of being hit on, her expression changed to one of faux confusion. "Oh, is _that_ what you were doing? I wasn't really sure what that was all about, been a minute since I've gotten to socialize. I just thought modern people were _overtly_ friendly in general," she teased, before her expression grew serious again, though a soft smile was still in place. "Take all the time you need. I know that _I_ am certainly taking it one day at a time. However," Rikke paused, ensuring she had the woman's attention, "I would like to ask -and I also think it might help your dilemma- that you please not just reduce me to 'a friend's ancestor'. I _am_ here. I am alive and I do have a personality of my own, not one that's been ascribed to me by whoever's reading about my life," she chuckled. "I'm related to Lucas and the girls, yes, but I'm also just Rikke."

PHOENIX

"I'm glad you think so because it's going to be you, me and Teg keeping an eye on her." She smiled, "Everyone was blown away when we learned that the unicorn twins were *literally* luke's kids. We were all wondering where half their traits came from because they for sure did not come from Dicky." She snorted. They always joked about it, so to think that it was true - that was a feat on its own.

Phoenix, being far from the confident dancer she was at the club, met the Paladin's eyes with a hint of bashfulness along with the lingering embarrassment. "Yes... I can do that. I *will* do that." It did feel like an insult to refer to Rikke as Luke's ancestor and already, Nix felt guilty for thinking so in the first place. ".. To start off with though, do you want to continue with the cabin tour? Or do you want to rest for the night?"

RIKKE

"Something tells me, for at least Teagan and I, it'll be _her_ keeping _both eyes_ on _us_." There was a cross between a grimace and a smile that followed those words, but the chuckle that came with it was genuine enough. Taking a deep breath, the mirth seeped out of her at the mention of Richard Benson. "I can't say I ever had the displeasure of meeting that man, but after what I had to see in the woods when we found Luke..." She trailed off as her jaw clenched tight enough for the tendons in her neck to show. The memory of the redhead's state, the pain in Keagan's eyes as Rikke states there was nothing she could do for the woman... Easing up on her jaw she just said, "Let's just say it's best we never meet."

Rikke had never been one to really push anyone's boundaries, so when the witch went bashful, the paladin took that as her sign to ease up on the teasing. Instead she just smiled and said, "All a girl can ask for is the effort." She thought about the question briefly before saying, "Cabin tour, please. If I'm going to be orbing Lyra from one place to another or orbing myself to get to her or others, it would definitely be nice _not_ to end up in a wall...?"

PHOENIX

"Oh that is a given, Lyra has eyes on *everyone*. Aunt Ianthe had always said that she would've made a great agent.. if only her motivation wasn't simply *gossip*." Her eyes rolled before her expression completely falling to a grimace, "You're better off not ever having to, not missing much anyways. I think I can say on behalf of everything that we're glad that he's gone from our lives." Not that Phoenix was around him all that often compared to everyone else.

At the answer, Nix lifts the barrier she threw up temporarily. "Sure, we can go floor by floo-ow!" From her attempt to find the door knob behind her, her elbow smacked right into it. The witch stilled with her eyes closed at the numbing pain, "Just.. give me a sec.. but as I was going to say, we can go floor by floor - the basement might have to wait until tomorrow, it's where the girls live, but right now, it's just Erin because.. well, *babies*. Anyways, this hallways is mostly guest rooms.. So far, it's just you, me and Lyra here."

Once the rambling was done, and Nix got her shit together, they stepped out of the room and the witch guided the other to most of the rooms on each floor, pausing long enough for Rikke to have a grasp on what they are before moving on to the next. By the end of the tour, they were now by the stairs. "Et voila, chez .. Calvetti/Benson/Holstein. And questions?"

RIKKE

"Yeah, not what I meant and you know it. A Paladin's senses are just as heightened as any other super with the same ability, so her little psuedo-rubdown did not go entirely unnoticed," Rikke pointed out. "Though, now I know who to go to when I need information...wonder what stories she'd be willing to share about you guys growing up." She would never go through with the implied threat, of course. Rikke would learn about Phoenix only what Phoenix wanted to share _herself_. Taking another deep breath she just said, "No use wasting time and breath over something useless."

Rikke had already moved closer towards the door, with the implication being that they would be exiting. However at the woman's cry of pain, her attention was immediately drawn over to where she held her elbow. As the woman continued to ramble on -likely to distract herself from the pain- Rikke was able to move her hand and see a sizable lump beginning to form. Without a word, she simply held her open hand over the area and allowed a her healing power to do the rest. The golden light that emanated from her hand fell over the entire afflicted area and the lump was gone in no time. "It's probably going to feel a little warm and tingly for a bit, but it should be all good now."

As they ended the tour, Rikke had to admit that there was still _so_ much about modern-day technology that she still had yet to get a grasp on, and it wasn't just the electronics aspect. She was massively impressed with the shower in the guest bathroom. Hot water had been quite the commodity in _her_ childhood... "Yeah, does this place come with a map?" she joked.

PHOENIX

"Lyra.. is not one for subtlety." Phoenix snorted at the thought that Lyra would attempt to *hide* anything she does. No, her cousin was loud, if anything. "We've always thought that Lyra should come with a warning sign because she absorbs information like a sponge.. and will also let the world know. On the other hand, if you're trying to dig up stories about me, I usually visit during summer break so there might not be as many stuff about me."

Although it was healed already, Phoenix still had her hand over the spot because.. the tingly feeling Rikke warned was there and it felt.. strange. She wondered how it'd feel for a Paladin to heal a major wound. It was one thing to watch her cousins have faster healing abilities, it's another to just to have the pain disappear just like that.

"We'll have to ask Erin or Tomi to draw one up. Last I heard, the sketches that Luke and the twins provide them are.. chicken scratch. It seems that drawing is one of the skills they didn't perfect." She joked, "Not to mention, the floor plan might change again when the kids are back to normal. Who knows? They're constantly renovating something." She paused, "If you do happen to visit the basement, it's going to feel like an entire separate house, so I guess.. brace yourself?" Now that the tour was over with, and they sorta talked things out, Phoenix didn't feel the need to escape at the first chance possible.

RIKKE

"I never would've guessed," she said flatly. "She usually so reserved," she said with a grin that belied the sarcasm. "A very _selective_ sponge, maybe. I think I've lost count of how many times different people have told her to stop hitting on Luke in front of Keagan." Rikke let out a light laugh and said, "Trust me, if I wanted any 'dirt' on you or anything, I'd have already gotten it. You're sacred Cousin Summers are safe unless you decide to regale me with those tales on your own."

Rikke chuckled at the slight dig at the girls' artistic skills. "Well, considering they have both a music room that is for instruments -of all kinds- and a music room that is for recording music, I would venture to say that their artistic skills just went in a different direction is all." At the mention of approaching the basement, Rikke just shook her head and said, "I...don't really think I'll be going anywhere near the basement unless there's an emergency. With all three girls being my charges, I can keep their emotions out of my own head as with any other when it's one-on-one, but when all three together, _that_ becomes a quite a bit harder. And to answer the question I'm sure is to follow, no actually, it has not gotten easier with two of them being babies."

Having noted that Phoenix had kept hold of her elbow throughout the entire time she was showing off the cabin, Rikke gingerly placed a hand of her own on the other exposed side of the elbow. "Is everything alright?" she asked, concern lacing her voice and taking over her face. "Did the healing not take or did I miss another injury?"

PHOENIX

"She finds it fun to tempt fate where Keagan's involved." Lyra had done many things that Nix would never dare to do. One could not begin to know what is going on in her mind and Nix was just glad there was only one of Lyra since it took three people to keep her at bay. "Fair, I suppose I could give them *some* slack. They did make a career out of it, and from what I remember, they *all* know how to play more than one or two instruments." Apart from all the jokes, Phoenix was pretty impressed with how Luke and the kids got that media gig going. They even got a tour out of it and all. "Well, if there's a good time, it might just to take a look when it's only Erin down there. Sky's upstairs and Tomi's with the Izzy and Brax."

Arching her arm a bit, she looked down at the spot where the bruise would have been before shaking her head. "Oh no, it's - it healed, see? It's all gone. Since I'm more witch than wolf, I'm not used to my own wounds to go away so quickly. Even if I try to use magic to heal it, it's not quite the same, and like you said, there's this tingly sensation." She dropped her arm, "This whole instant healing thing is sure handy."

RIKKE

"Is it really tempting fate, though, if we all pretty much know that the worse Keagan is going to do is just send her back home? If anything, I'd be more concerned about what Luke might do if she oversteps, but even then they've known each other so long I can't see the kid doing anything that _permanently_ harm the wolf." She was careful in her word choice, because there was zero doubt in her mind that if pushed far enough, Luke would not hesitate to toss Lyra over one of the landing railings... "It's apparently the direction the kids wanted to go, so Luke found a way to help them do it. I'm still new to fold, but from what I can tell, Lucas has been a parent to the girls even before she knew they were biologically hers." At the suggestion of checking the basement out while Erin was alone, Rikke just shook her head, blonde mop swaying to and fro in the process. "Nope. Rather leave them their sacred space."

Her focus now on the arm, Rikke's brows furrowed slightly as she still went ahead and gave it another once over. "Well, injuries aren't necessarily cut and dry -no pun intended- so just because the bruising on the surface is gone, it doesn't mean everything is fine...." Satisfied that the healing had worked, she added, "Though I suppose that'll be something to keep in your back pocket in case a door decides to attack you again." At the mention of the tingling she lifted up the elbow a little and proceeded to wrap both of her hands around it, applying some pressure. "The tingling is kind of similar to when your foot goes numb, a little pressure will make it feel weirder at first but, eventually it makes it pass by faster. Usually, the more times the person is healed the less awkward it feels, but if we get to _that_ point, then either it means we have a very accident-prone charge or we just suck at our job."

PHOENIX

"Hmm, and being sent to Aunt Ianthe is the last thing she wants." She shrugged, "Maybe she'll remember that she's a wolf if she manages to cross the line with Luke - that hadn't happen yet. I'm kidding. As long as Lyra doesn't do something that would put the twins in harm's way, I think she's safe?" As annoying as Lyra was, Nix hadn't seen her upset Keagan enough to have the older Calvetti retaliate. "Yeah, Luke's been taking care of the twins as if they were their own since day 1 - There's a *very* low chance of that changing now that we know for sure she is the mom - other mom. "

Phoenix allowed the Paladin to thoroughly inspect her arm to her heart's content. Her eyes focusing on her arm, then up to meet Rikke's eyes once she started explaining about the tingle. "I hope this isn't a way to curse me to be injured more often just so you could heal me." She laughed before giving a shrug, "I should make sure that I don't get injured around you, or you'll start thinking I'm very accident-prone. My elbow hitting the door knob clearly isn't doing me any favours."

RIKKE

"Only because it would keep her away from her main source of gossip, because let's face it, your aunt isn't going to do much more than Keagan," she said with slight snort of laughter. Honestly, anyone in the family retaliating against Lyra in earnest was a joke. "Now that you say that, I think I should keep a closer eye on Lucas for a while. She hasn't been through a full moon since her powers were triggered, but she's also not the kind of person to wait around and have something just happen when they can try and 'investigate' on their own." Rikke looked a little confused for a second before saying, "They need to figure out nomenclature, because mom and mom is going to get old fast."

Rikke laughed at the 'accusation' and began to ease off her elbow as said, "Trust me, a 'synthetic' Paladin's ability with magic is very basic. Such a curse would be well beyond me, and honestly the cursing I do involves certain words that can't be said in household with babies." As she eased her arm back down, Rikke just gave a small shrug and said, "Lucas and Miles are exceedingly accident prone, and they're still impressive in their own right. I don't see a few bumps and bruises here and there taking anything away from you."

PHOENIX

"Well, if she's away from the gossip, that's good enough for most of us." She chuckled as well at that. "Please, keep an eye on her. God knows what would happen if something happens happen to her. The least we could do is prevent Keg from murdering the hospital staff." As if it wasn't already proof enough during recent events. "She's already talking about going parkouring with babies.. I think that's a pretty fair judgement." She also paused to think about the name conventions, "That .. is something they need to figure out - we.. have the advantage of just calling them by their names."

"Who knows, maybe it's another surprise for all of us - Magic curses are a lot more trouble than they're worth. At least in my opinion. Clearly there were a few individuals who had a different sentiment about them." She said deadpanned. "With what they're up to, I can see why I wouldn't have them beat.. Maybe that's also another reason to keep an eye on them even past the full moon."

RIKKE

"Fair one," she eagerly agreed. "Oh, I would hate to have to find. I'm beginning to regret having shared the fact that our family were wolves, but on the other hand with how magic has been lately -like in general- and also the fact we still don't technically know all of what those three can do, it's better to avoid possible surprises. Which reminds me, I don't know if you were able to tell or not since you had Miles and both babies were asleep anyway, but they have actually retained their powers. So, seeing as you, Erin, and especially Teagan don't have wolf abilities, just be careful of any projectiles and avoid them biting you at all cost. I know the idea of keeping wolfsbane in a house full of wolves sounds like asking Supergirl to hold our kryptonite, but I think you might want to keep a stash in case of emergencies."

Rikke went quiet for bit, feeling that synth Paladins were the result of a magical curse all its own. She did manage to nod in agreement, because after all, she felt she'd know. When it became obvious that either her words had gone over Phoenix's head or she'd opted to ignore them altogether, she simply laughed at the suggestion and said, "Well, they are my charges after all, so that won't be too hard." Letting out a breath she said, "I think we should probably join everyone else and head to bed. Something tells me this baby adventure is only going to grow more chaotic."

PHOENIX

"Knowing Luke.. it wouldn't be too surprising to find her testing out just what is it she can do as a Paladin before letting the twins in on the experiment." Her nose wrinkled, " A third of the reason why Keagan's stressed is because of Lyra, another third is Luke and the remaining is the twins combined. Just all sort of chaos with the four of them." She joked before nodding at the warning. "We'll give them all the toys to bite on so they don't bite us." Her lips went into a line when wolfsbane was suggested, "I .. will think about it - I'd rather not put my nieces or anyone else in danger by having it around. Although - would my wolf side trigger if I do get bitten? I am related after all."

Julia

It was the weekly movie night and while she would love to be the one cuddling with her kids but as always, Levi and Embry had other plans - Evan being that other plan. On the bright side, the siblings were bonding and that was already enough to land a smile on her face. A kid on both sides of the half-demon, Julia almost felt bad for the girl constantly being sandwiched between them.

Having them alone for quite some time now, she figured they were due for a refill on popcorn which was when she decided to take come out of the bedroom to take a peek. At first she thought it was the movie they were watching, but considering it was a Disney movie that they all re-watched many, many, *many* times - she did not recall babies crying at this point of the movie.

Coming in, one could not describe her surprise when she saw 2 babies sitting (?), or laying down on the couch. "...Leo?" She called out as she stepped towards the babies, "Obie, stop sniffing at them.." She gently pet the dog before completely pushing him away. "*Leo.*" This time a lot louder.

Leo

Considering her kids often decided she was the _second_ best demon in the room when the librarian was over, Leo had figured she could slip out to the small office she had in the suite and get a jump start on pending tasks. With any luck and she might get to spend the full weekend with her family -something Thyra might argue she could do at any time if she'd just let the woman do her job, but...

As entrenched as she was in her work, as soon as she heard her name called out, she shimmered back to the living room. "I'm here, what's wroooohhhh..." Leo trailed off as she noticed the babies, one looking barely larger than one of Obie's dog toys. "Uh..." was the sound of pure confusion until she realized the oversized garments they were wearing. "Wait...is that- are they- oh..." The last bit coming as just above a whisper as she knelt down in front of the babies before glancing back at Julia, "Our babies are _babies_."

Julia

Julia was making sure that neither Levi or Embry accidentally rolled off the couch. "Yeah.. they are.. but *why*?" Should they be concerned? Was this permanent? Why did this happen? The amount of questions that flooded her mind though she was easily distracted by the sounds of her children's giggles. Reach out, she brushed her thumb against those rosy cheeks of her oldest kid. "...You're as cute as I remembered.. a bit older though."

Letting Embry take hold of her fingers now, she looked over at Leo, ".. I don't even know who to go to to ask questions. Do you have any clue to how this could have happened?"

Leo

As Julia made her way to Emmy, Leo slid over to where Levi currently laid. “I didn’t know people could come this tiny,” she whispered as she removed the boy’s now very comically oversized glasses. Glancing back over at Emmy, she had swallow back a lump in her throat before even attempting to speak again.

“Uh, yeah. Questions. I can start by checking in the group chat and seeing if any other parents are facing the same. Maybe one will have an answer. In the meantime, I’ll send Jon and Andy out to get baby…uh…things and stuff and whatever…”

Julia

'Levi's also tinier than most." She chuckled softly at the sight of him. Reaching over and gently poking his cheeks, that too also earned a giggle from this child. "To see the two of them together like this.. I.. never thought I'd see the day." With that, Julia moved Embry carefully to sit close to her brother. In the meantime, Obie started whining so Julia lifted him onto the couch too, watching him automatically snuggle next to the older kid.

This was really tugging at every heart string. "..Yeah.. we'll need a lot - they'll need to get a lot of everything since we have 2 babies on our hands.." Their tiny hands and feets made it hard for the blonde to resist showering them with tiny kisses. "God.. just look at you guys.."

Evan

Shimmering back into the suite's living room with an armful of snacks, Evan immediately dropped everything on the spot, eyes going wide as she took in the sight on the couch before her. She'd left her girlfriend and her new bestie for only five minutes max as she remembered the snack haul she'd left at her place with all their favorites....and now in their place were....

"Babies..." she whispered.

Shaking her head to give her brain a jumpstart, she also took note of the fact that Julia and Leo were crying- _Leo_ was _cry-eeng_... "Uh, is that- are they- So I take it solids are off the table for a bit...?"

Julia

"Yep... babies." Julia didn't want to budge at all. "It just.. happened all of a sudden." She looked over to Leo, "Did anyone have any idea? ... Did it happen to anyone else? As adorable as this is.. This.. can't be a good sign.. or am I just being too pessimistic?"

It was almost comical how big the clothes were now that Embry and Levi shrunk. "Obie, grab that blanket for me." She pointed over to the fabric and the pup intelligently dragged it across the couch for the other. Then she made quick work to wrap the kids with it. Despite being wolves, Julia still didn't want them to feel cold.

Leo

"She's too young for you bro!" Was the first exclamation that came out of her mouth at Evan's statement, but there was hardly any seriousness in her face to back it up as the younger demon just rolled her eyes. At Julia's question, she glanced back up from her phone and said, "Paladins' prevailing theory is that it's related to the kickback magic from when the last seal was broken on the Nexus. Which means, much with other kickback magic situations, at least it won't be permanent or really have any lasting effects. We don't, however, have a way of knowing how long it could last. I mean, we were once stuck as our halloween costumes for several hours and then once stuck as the opposite gender for like a month...."

Julia

Julia could feel the younger demon rolling her eyes even if she didn't look in her direction. "So it's temporary." She mumbled to herself, wondering if that was a good thing or not. The fact that Embry was sitting in front of her as an infant was truly a blessing. She was sure she was about to burn a hole in her kid's cheeks by how much she's brushing against it. And when Emmy laughed and smiled towards their way, god, how her heart melted.

"I suppose we should make the best out of it?" She pointed her smile towards Leo. "Like.. a lot of photos will be taken on my part, that is for sure." She

Andy

It had taken a bit longer than she’d like to admit to get into a routine with her new duties, but after a week she was feeling things were hitting a stride.

And then her original boss sent a message that she and Jon needed to check the group chat and shop accordingly…the last part confusing her more than anything. That is, until she read the chat.

Now, she stood at said bosses door, after Thyra giddily volunteered to be her co-shopper over Jon and they managed to speed through the list. Entering using her pass, she trudged into the living room with all of their bags and a hotel manger trailing. “I think this is half the store.”

Thyra

When she heard about shopping for babies, Thyra volunteered to go because baby clothes were the cutest things. And she was not disappointed when they arrived at the penthouse.

"Oh.. my gosh." she whispered, clutching onto Andy's arm with excitement. "Look at them, Andy!" She was basically melting at the site of them and she hadn't even held the babies yet. While she would love to run over and play with them, she was wondering how Andy was holding up. "Annnd no we didn't get half the store, maybe one-third of it. The diapers and other essentials are on the way up - there were a lot of boxes. We brought up the rest."

Andy

Over the last year or so, Andy had grown to mitigate her bloodlust by simply shifting focus away from her sense of smell. It wasn’t one she relied on too often, and it helped to not feel like she was dying of dehydration out in the middle of a salt-water ocean. But there wasn’t quite as much she could do about her _sight_.

As she was distracted, it was easy enough for Thyra to coax her into doing exactly as asked and _looking_ at the babies. Why the more youthful the creature the brighter and more alluring their blood shone, she didn’t know. But it was enough to cause her to stiffen and force herself to remain rooted to her spot. “Yes,” she replied eventually, “They are rather captivating aren’t they…I think I’ll go ahead and give Jon a hand with the boxes.”

Thyra

She could tell by the way Andy stiffened that being around babies was.. going to be a challenge. So when Andy said she might just go help out Jon instead, Thyra didn't stop her. "I'll go with you. We bought a lot - I feel bad that we're getting Jon to bring everything up." She chuckled softly and gave the babies a small peck on their cheeks before getting up to walk out with Andy.

"How are you holding up?" She asked once they were in the elevator. "With Emmy and Levi being babies." She chuckled, "Something tells me that you're talking about a different kind of 'captivating' than I would be." She smiled as she looped her arms around the other's.

Andy

The vampire didn't even register she was actually going through the motions of breathing -even though it had no point anymore- until she heard her own sigh as the elevator doors closed. She felt like needed to catch her breath, but she knew that wasn't a thing, and the more she tried to fight it and make herself stop, the worse it got. So she caved and just took in deep breathes as if they had a purpose.

"I..." Andy trailed off, not really sure what order her words were even in for a second. Clearing her throat, she tried again. "I to keep a measured distance from kids. I think I briefly touched upon it once when Leo first wanted me to watch Levi for them...it's...it's a whole thing, but the most imminent one is the fact that the younger the living being, the brighter -I.E. more alluring- the blood call is. But it's okay, I doubt I'll be left remotely alone with either infant, and if push comes to shove you're clearly more than okay with watching over them so-" The elevator dinged and she was off at top speed, loading everything into the elevator at once in less than a minute. "Shan't keep them waiting."

Thyra

Thyra could only imagine that Andy saw everyone with heat vision, except blood veins. While it was understandable that Andy didn't want to be around the kids too long, Thyra was sad that she had to avoid them in case she endangered them. "From the looks of things, I don't think they'll need anyone to help watch over them. Did you see Leo?" She smiled as she looked up to see what floor they were on, only to see the elevator filled before she even looked back down when the door opened.

"....That speed must be so convenient. Is that everything?" She double checked all the boxes to make sure they didn't have to go for another trip down. "We should leave a small stash of supplies in her office later, who knows if she decides to go do some work with babies in her arms." She snorted as she turned around with a baby's outfit in her hands, "Oh my god. I thought [this](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S1b06523e1987442e8145e4786e8b791dN/Anime-Baby-Rompers-New

Andy

As she entered into the elevator herself and felt her cells literally settle into normal time, she let out a breath and hit the right button. "It really depends on the task at hand...and who you happen to ask," she replied cheekily, already doing her best to slip back her mask of easy-going detachment and snarky humor. Thyra was clearly having the time of her life right now and the last thing she wanted was to in any way, shape, or form, become the reason she didn't get to enjoy herself.

The thought immediately struck her that she might as well do all she could to let the woman enjoy the babies while she could, as obviously Andy wouldn't be helping her get any of her own for various reasons...but she immediately nipped _that_ in the bud. And instead concentrated on the bright orange _thing_ the woman was holding up. "I guarantee you that _now_ is going to be the _only_ chance you will ever get to put Embry into something like that, and no, not just because of the size." Just then the elevator dinged again, and Andy proceeded to pull out the shades she grabbed form the car. "Alright, let's get this sorted out."

Thyra

"... I can already expect the amount of work load I'll have to handle." She snorted. It was a good day when she could just stay in her office and do paperwork while answering emails because that meant that there weren't any trouble going on in the hotel. But they came oh so rarely because there will always be a guest who needed to 'speak with the manager'. But all that didn't deter her from her initial concern.

"I don't want to stay here too long if you're finding it hard to be around the babies." She took Andy by the hand. "We can like.. just drop off their things and go home too, you know." As cute as Embry and Levi were, Thyra didn't want Andy to be uncomfortable around them. She didn't know how much of a lightbulb they looked to the vampire, but surely, it was alluring enough that the other excused herself so quickly to begin with.

Andy

“I think it will all depend on how long this goes on for,” Andy noted. “I’m certain tomorrow will be a full day off for Leo, but I most certainly don’t see her stepping back for too long after. I mean, she did ask for a dual baby carrier so….Just, don’t be surprised if your boss micromanages you from between a baby sandwich.”

She smiled at the suggestion and simply said, “It’ll be fine. Consider this as the equivalent of bringing your recovering alcoholic girlfriend to a party. It’s up to the addict to learn control and resist temptation, not the responsibility of the world around them to suddenly go dry. I’ll keep myself busy, and if it gets too much, I’ll just say so. And for the record, you don’t ever have to leave a party early just because I do.” The last bit was added with a wink.

Thyra

"...She is definitely taking the babies to work as often as she can. I *also* have the feeling that she might get to take the babies to work more often than Julia could." She shrugged, "I guess I'll be keeping an eye on them if Leo needs to step out... Let's hope our meetings don't clash because you and Jon are next." She snorted. It didn't seem right to get their employees to help out either, not that it'd be a good idea because she didn't know how the kids would react to that.

While she didn't think Andy would lie to her, a part of her wondered if she'd actually say something. Still, she smile and gave a nod. "I know I don't have to leave early but I'd like to go everywhere with you." She hummed before the elevator dinged. "Where are we even putting all of these things?" She asked once they arrived.

Jon

He'd managed to remain quiet during the majority of the ride back up -due more than likely to the fact he hadn't had to witness the pair during the actual shopping trip as well- but as they neared their destination and the hotel manager managed that final line, he just couldn't hold his tongue anymore. "Have I told you recently how _nauseatingly_ enamored you two are," he stated more than asked, though the slight grin on his face made it clear he had zero actual problems with it. "You're almost as bad as my step-daughter and her 'best friend' except in their case they're both entirely oblivious to it. You both, on the other hand....well, let's just say we need to work on some restraint exercises for at least the big meetings."

Figuring he'd done his 'fatherly' duty and embarrassed the women enough, when the elevators opened he simply said, "I'm sure we can just set them up in the living room. The mothers are likely looking forward to getting to go through every little thing themselves."

Thyra

The manager made a face at Jon, not embarrassed by his teasing at all because Thyra did not care about how nauseating they were being. "Leo already doesn't let us be in the same shift." She chuckled, "So I don't think you have to worry about us being in the same meetings."

Once the elevator dinged and the doors opened, Thyra grabbed a box and moved it to the lobby. While Andy and Jon could handle all the boxes themselves, she thought she could contribute at least a little bit. After dropping off the box onto the ground, she wandered into the living room to see that babies were now changed and was .. playing with the dog? Playing was a strong word. The babies could barely sit up straight and the dog was letting them lean against him. "Ohhhhh, they're so cute! See, I told you the outfit was adorable."

Andy

Andy, for her part, simply smirked and said, "Oh, Jon's just jealous _his_ girl is on the other side of town for most of his shift. It's okay, we'll get you guys one of those Portal things that are basically a giant facetime screen." She proceeded to pull out her phone and mockingly gesture to the screen as if explaining it to someone who knew nothing about technology. Act like a dad, get treated like a dad. House rule.

When Thyra proceeded to pick up a box and walk out, Andy and Jon just looked at each other and shared an eye roll, because of course she would. If her build would allow it, she'd have taken more than one just to prove a point -much like Jon was doing. Andy sped through the majority and made sure everything was offloaded -twice- before heading into the living room herself. The shades did fuck all when it came to the bright-neon pulsing of the babies' circulatory systems, but she smiled at Thyra nonetheless and nodded. "Hey, it's a good thing you got them matching ones because it looks like they both really like the uh, things and stuff."

Julia

Hearing them return, she turned in time to spot them walk into the living room one after the other. "Is Serephina still at work?" She asked after hearing Andy tease Jon. "We've been on different shifts lately that I barely get to see her. When I do, she's usually hunting down someone for their reports. I do not want to get in the way of that."

Her attention returned to the babies. "I can't believe that they're almost the size of Oberion." Julia shifted from her spot and leaned against Leo. "Look at her hand, it's like clutching his fur." She tried to ease the grip a little so that she wasn't tugging on the dog.

Leo

She opted to keep an ear out for the group after the way Any had set off. She knew the risk towards the babies was practically nonexistent, but she couldn’t imagine it was a pleasant experience for the woman regardless. They’d managed to get the babies changed and settled by the time they all came in, Jon politely nodding and answering Julia, Thyra being engrossed with the babies and Andy…

Her own attention was drawn back as Julia leaned against her and then directed the attention to Emmy. Chuckling she reached over to help by offering the baby something else to latch onto. “Obie has always been her cuddle buddy, I highly doubt that’s going to be changed by something as inconsequential as her new size. My poor boy, on the hand, can’t even sit up on his own yet. Little man is living up to his nickname.”

Julia

"With how unfazed he is with her just leaning on him like this, I think he might be the least surprised about Embry and Levi become babies again." Her focus switched over to Levi who was just looking at them but unable to sit up. "Hey buddy.. What are you looking at?" She chuckled as she took his tiiiiiiiny little bitty hand. "Did you also want to lean against Obie?"

Looking at the two in comparison, she was positive that Obie might actually be bigger. Embry let out a sound which drew her attention back and she saw that their baby girl was reaching out towards her two mother. "Oh.. What's wrong baby?" Since she was seated closer, Julia lifted Embry off the couch and into her arms, "I think she might be hungry."

Leo

Leo went ahead and sought out the items she’d need before stating, “I’ll get a couple of bottles ready. With any luck and they’ll be down for the night so we can actually sort through all of this.” Having found the items she needed, the woman headed to the kitchen.

Muscle memory from her time helping with the younger fosters had her back within minutes. She handed Julia a bottle before scooping Levi up into her own arms. She reached out and grabbed a pair of bibs, handing one to Jules. “Don’t want to ruin their new fits.”

Julia

She took the bib from Leo and carefully got it around Embry, who seemed unwilling to wear it at first but then relented when she spotted her younger brother also sporting one. The baby had forgotten all about it anyways when she saw the bottle in her mother's hand. Julia carefully held embry in her arm as well before giving her the bottle. "Oh they must be very hungry." She smiled as she looked over to the brother in Leo's arms.

The shifter also came over and knelt next to her before unintentionally distracting the babies. "Did we get a crib as well? Because I think we need to have that set up because the kids might want to sleep right after this."

Andy

The current chief deputy took that as her cue and immediately went to pick out to of the boxes from the pile of things. “Just let me know where you want them and I’ll get them set up,” she said.

When Leo pointed her in the right direction she took off without question. Thyra was clearly enjoying herself and this little build would buy her some time away from the babies.

Granted, her speed had her coming back out with the trash before the babies had even finished their bottles. “Both cribs are set. We got matching sheets and stuff to make it easier to do laundry and stuff. I can set up the baby monitors in there too if you want.”

Thyra

She had noticed that Andy didn't step anywhere near the babies and was doing all that she could to be away from them. Speeding off to grab the rest of the boxes, and now volunteering to get those cribs set up. But because of that, the shifter thought her girlfriend would at least take her time with the cribs. Instead, Andy came out even before the babies were done with their bottles.

Getting up from her spot, she walked over to the boxes and got the monitors out. "I can set them up with you." It probably require two people to do the job but she wanted to be with Andy.

Andy

Seeing as Thyra had already gone through and picked out the monitors, there wasn’t much Andy could do except nod and agree to the help. “It shouldn’t be too hard,” she mentioned as she led them to the room. “Much easier than the hotel’s system for sure.”

Once in the room, the woman stopped for a moment and took off the shades. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she closed her eyes and took a breath. Feeling a bit re-centered, she turned to face Thyra with a smile and said, “Alright, what’s first?”

Thyra

Once they were both in the room, Thyra turned around and snaked her arms around Andy's shoulders. "How are you holding up?" She asked, "Do you need anything?" The baby monitor could wait a bit. "We can go home right after this, yeah?" Lifting one hand, she brushed away the stray hairs in Andy's face and pushed them behind the ear.

"How many are there?" She glanced over to the boxes of baby monitors. "I heard the higher the better - are there any wall mounts? We could maybe install them like CCTV." She offered, pointing at the corners of the ceiling.

Andy

She had spent literal years in isolation, and even once she was 'free', there had never truly been the chance that she would allow herself to get close enough to anyone for her mood or state of mind to even be a topic of conversation. Yet here she was, back in the arms of one of the two people who had ever known her so well that really, answering with anything but the truth, just wasn't even an option. Her own arms came to wrap around Thyra's waist, that sense of being centered now also one of being _tethered_. _Secure_. "Well, it's not exactly the best situation, but I've definitely been in worse," she admitted, before shaking her head a bit. "I'll be alright. This right here is more than enough already. Thank you."

Glancing over at the packaging, she said, "There's six video monitors and two sound monitors. They do come with wall mounting equipment, and I think we both know I could probably have them up and the batteries in the receiver ready to hand over to the moms in less than five minutes, so why don't _you_ tell me what your plan was when you offered to help?"

Thyra

Her eyes travelled back to the vampire with raised brow, stuck in between feeling amused and disbelief. "My *plan* is that you take your time." She chuckled, "The babies aren't even finished with their bottles yet - and if they were, there's still a few things to do before they're brought into this room." She shrugged. "And maybe I wanted to spend a bit of time with you - and give you a break from having babies in the same room." Sure they could just get everything set up and then *leave* but Andy might insist that she stayed behind and Thyra didn't want that.

"Should we set everything up and leave? Because I'll be fine with that too." Pulling away, she reached over to grab one of the boxes to read the details as she subconsciously opened the box. "Well, I won't be the one trying to install the ones that's supposed to go up in the ceiling."

Andy

In a bid to try and keep the mood light, Andy asked, “Oh, and just how we’re you planning on getting me to do that? We’re you going to ask nicely? Maybe sabotage the process or provide a _distraction_?” The vampire herself was definitely trying to distract away from the fact she clearly had been speeding so much it caused some concern for the shifter.

At the mention of a break from the equivalent of human LED headlights, and a little alone time, Andy knew she wouldn’t be fighting back at all. “We can leave whenever _you_ feel ready or whenever the moms kick is out, whichever comes first,” she chuckled. Walking over, she took The opened box and began laying out the individual items. “I think I can handle the ceiling if you can handle to instructions.”

Thyra

"Would it not work if I did all of the above?" She asked back because.. she would definitely have done all three. "..Would you have let me do all three?" Andy could easily work around her so it really was a matter of whether or not she'd let her. "Maybe if I held you in place?" She shrugged.

The hotel manager grabbed the instructions and carefully looked through it. "Oh here's the screws for it." She passed the other the little packet. "How long is the power cord?"

Andy

Andy locked her gaze onto the soft blue eyes looking up at her with an emotion the vampire was still learning to classify, but simply smiled and said, "You could just look at me like this for two seconds and I'd be putty in your hands, and you _know_ it."

Taking the small packet, she got to work on the individual cameras first, opening the backs and reaching for a second package. "No cord. I figured it'd be a hazard for Leo to whirlwind her way around her babies and then suddenly trip over one. I got the battery operated ones instead, but since they aren't included I have to sit here and add them to each one." Though her tone made it seem like an arduous task, she was done with all of them by the time she got done speaking. "Instructions have any limitations on range or suggestions on positions from up high?"

Thyra

"But I always look at you like this?" She chuckled, "Does that mean you're just always putty?" She was sure the two mothers outside could hear their conversation right now but Thyra couldn't help it.

"Oh, did we get extra batteries? We should leave a few spares - not necessarily in this room though - for when they run out of juice." She scanned through the instructions to find the answers. "It looks like they recommend them to be 3 feet away - further if possible. "How far is 3feet?" She looked up and then around the room. "I think we can have one around here? And then one in the corner up there?" She pointed towards the two spots she suggested.

Andy

Andy fixed her with a look and simply said, “What do _you_ think?” As much as she made it sound like it was just a matter of being whipped, Andy knew it was more than that. She didn’t give into Thyra because she was powerless to do otherwise; she did it because Thyra made her feel safe and _willing_ to do so. Giving in, for Andy, was a _choice_.

“Yeah, while you were ooing and ahhing at all the outfits, I picked up like four packs, not to mention we keep boxes full of them in supply. “Three feet is about a full-grown Thyra, give or take an inch,” she deadpanned, but places the monitors where the woman indicated. “Alright, looks like the hardware aspect is set. We just have to put everything in their private wi-fi network, and it’s set.”

Thyra

The manager just beamed at the answer. She knew how much it meant for Andy to be willing to put her guard down, so there may be a hint of pride and giddiness to know that Andy felt safe enough to do so around her.

Her nose wrinkled at the jab of her height. "I told you, it's just that all of you are tall, not that I'm short." Once everything was set up in their place, Thyra took one last look around the room to make sure they're all set before giving her full attention back towards the other.

"So do you want to go home, or try again with the babies?" She asked, "Or we could stay here for a bit longer but they might want to come in eventually."

Andy

Andy rolled her eyes and tried to look annoyed at the hint of snugness coming from the blonde, but her the woman's smile was too endearing and she just turned around to do something else so her own stupid smile wouldn't ruin the 'aesthetic' of the detached vampire.

"Yeah, see the folks in this hotel are _hardly_ the tallest people in town, Peque. Some of them make even Jon look short, so I suppose you really didn't have much of a chance, huh?" she retorted with a mock frown. She let out a chuckle as she began cleaning everything back up so it was safe for the babies and there were no tripping hazards for the moms. "Well, we definitely can't hog a room that doesn't belong to us, but as far as the babies go, I'll leave it up to you. If you want to see if they're still up and up for another round of...whatever babies do, we can stay. I'll be fine."

Julia

The mother wolf had been doing her very best to keep herself focused on the babies and Leo. Anything to not hear the two flirt in their kids' room. One would think she'd get used to it after being around them for so long but she could *feel* the cavities forming. With a quick glance towards the room, she looked over to Leo, "I'm not sure if they're here for the babies." She whispered softly before looking down at Emmy who seemed to be struggling to sit up, or turn over. Julia held up the baby and the baby immediately leaned into the crook of her neck.

"Hey baby.." She whispered softly, "What's wrong? Are you getting sleepy?" She tried to peek but with the angle they were at, Julia couldn't quite see Emmy's expression.

Leo

"Oh I can guarantee you Thyra is. Andy is only here because it's her job. From what we've learned about her new powers, it can't be fun to be around a pair so young..." She turned Levi over on her lap and began the task of getting him properly burped but patting his back gently. Glancing over at the blonde duo she said, "Considering they just ate their fill, it is very likely they'll be ready for some sleep soon enough. Fingers crossed and they're both at the stage where they can sleep through the night or at least most of the night."

Satisfied when she felt the familiar rumble of a little burp, she flipped the little boy over to wipe the spittle from the corner of his mouth and then proceeded to bring him to rest on her own shoulder, much like his sister. "Come on, we can kick the lovebirds out and get to setting up a nice place for them to drift off in."

Julia

"Was Andy fond of kids in the first place regardless of her new powers?" She sighed as she soothed their baby girl's back, rocking her slowly which was deemed very effective when she could feel her baby being more still with each passing minute. "I think Emmy is already well on her way to sleep." She chuckled softly before giving her a kiss to the forehead.

Walking into the room, she smiled at the two women who were in their own little world no matter the place or time. "Don't mind us." She laughed, "We're just here to get the kids to bed - thank you for getting everything set up." She added before going over to one of the cribs to set the kid down. Embry for her part, started to twist and turn in attempt to get comfy. Julia could only watch with a big smile on her face. She never thought she'd get to see this afterall. "Leo look.. She won't let go of my hand."

Leo

Leo thought about for a fraction of a second before she said, “Actually, yes. She was always a big hit with the younger fosters whenever she came around. It’s why I was so comfortable entrusting her to watch over the kids even _after_ everything.” Feeling the even breaths of Levi, the half-demon chuckled softly and said, “Well she’ll be playing catch-up with her brother. He’s out like a light.”

Following the older woman’s lead, she too headed into the impromptu nursery. “Actually do mind us. A lot. Your help is appreciated but there are plenty of other rooms in the hotel for you two to stare adoringly at each other in,” she scolded, before turning to walk over to Jules. “She feels safe with you.”

Julia

Julia never questioned Leo's decision so if she trusted Andy even if the younger woman was somewhat struggling in the babies' presence, Julia should trust that too. "That also explains why you made her the babysitter." She hummed.

It was truly amazing how the two could be in their own world at any given time. Instead she just focused her attention to the cribs. It felt like a crime to pry Embry's little hand off of hers so she didn't. Hence why the mother wolf simply leaned against the crib and smiled endearingly at the kid. It was almost hard to believe that she once left this baby girl behind. "You really think so? Part of me thinks that she doesn't want me to *leave*."

Leo

As the pair bud their farewells, she returned her full attention to Julia. Her response was to be expected, as Leo knew full well how much Julia till struggled with a sense of guilt over having left Embry to the foster system. She also knew it wasn’t that could just be smoothed over with words, but she’d hoped that her reassurances over their time back in each other’s lives would have helped a bit.

Regardless, expected or not, the words still made Leo’s heart ache for the mother of her children. She reached out a hand to gently wrap around both the baby’s and Julia’s as she said, “She _knows_ you won’t leave. She wouldn’t have let you in as much as she has, while her normal self, otherwise.”

Julia

Julia mulled over those words, not because she thought they were untrue but there will always be a part of her who would somehow think otherwise. "You're right." She leaned towards the taller woman as her eyes fell upon the joined hands. If she were told she'd have this moment when she first stepped foot in the Avraham's home, Julia wouldn't have believed it. "Part of me think she might still be resenting me about it - I'm just thankful both of you allowed me back in."

It was without a doubt that they wouldn't harm Levi because he was just a kid but Julia was still grateful nonetheless. "Baby.." She let out a soft chuckle. "She's got .. a really strong grip." At that she could feel the kid's hand *tightening*. "... maybe this is a warning."

Leo

"Embry is as transparent a person as they come. Believe me, there was zero hesitation in letting me know how annoying she found me when we met and how much she'd rather shove pencils under her fingernails than have any sort of bonding time. If she still felt _any_ resentment towards you, you would _know_," Leo pointed out. The hunter still remembered just how much work it took for her to get Embry to stick around her during the first pride parade in town.

At the mention of the baby's grip, Leo took note and said, "Oh, that must mean they've kept their powers...hmmm...we may want to keep an extra eye on her. She still hasn't tapped into her witch powers, but as a baby who knows how much control she'll have."

Julia

"Yeah.. I remember when we met in person." Boy, she was ever so thankful Levi, who was ever the social butterfly, was around to break the ice. "Not sure who she takes after." She was just very thankful that everything worked out in the end. "But I still can't imagine her not liking you from the very start."

Her thumb brushed against the little digits as she thought about the strength the baby clearly kept. "... Did the girls buy any small stuffed animals? I think Emmy might need something to grab onto. Almost tempted to give her a strength grip with how hard she's holding on right now."

Leo

"Yeah...that was a memorable interaction," she said, though her focus in hindsight was the pleasant contact between her fist and that douchewolf's face. It took everything in her not to provide a sarcastic reply at the question of who Embry, a girl show spoke her mind and didn't feel the need to hold back her opinion, might take after... "Could just be her own personal flair," she said instead. Leo chuckled and said, "She _may_ have liked me, deep, _deep_, down, but that doesn't mean she wasn't annoyed. I mean, she probably thought I was just going to be another face that stuck around for a while and then shipped her off. I don't blame her."

Glancing around the room, she found a pile of stuffies and picked the one she felt would be the most 'robust' and therefore likely to survive the night. Handing it over she said, "I'm definitely already seeing why we've evolved to the point our powers have to be triggered by something and why we aren't all just born with innate magical abilities. Can also see why some parents may consider binding their children's powers if they trigger too young."

Julia

She made a face because she was *sure* they both found it memorable for various different reasons. Her ex-husband definitely didn't have a good time when he came home later than night though Julia knew he deserved whatever reckoning that came his way. At the topic of Embry thinking her time with Leo would end up like the other foster families just had her heart aching. This will always pick at Julia's guilt but she was thankful that the younger wolf was willing to open up to her. "And now she loves having you around - probably still annoyed though." She joked.

"...Do you think her witch powers will get triggered?" She thought aloud since triggering the wolf was vastly different from when a witch gaining their power. Her eyes fell to the stuffed animal that was already changing its shape at the spot where Emmy was holding it. "... She's not going to hurt herself, is she?" She reached in to give their daughter a small rub.

Leo

Leo shrugged at the comment and just said, "Like mother, like daughter." It wasn't like Jules and Leo had gotten off to the best start immediately either. Much for the same reasons that Emmy was hesitant to make any connections, so too was a teenage Julia. Though they were unfortunately kept from each other for as long as they had, the two would always be far more alike than they may ever want to actively discuss. Also, Leo knew she was just as annoying now as she was then so...

"I can't say for certain, but one of the things that made it to where Liam was as spoiled as he was from the start, _was_ the fact that his powers came in early. Granted, that doesn't necessarily translate to anything, but it was something else my parents could brag about....until I came along and with half my magic already presenting from birth. Scion genetics and all that jazz. _But_, being spontaneously changed from an independent teenager to a helpless baby could be enough of a catalyst to do it. May as well keep an eye out just to be safe." Looking down at the toy Leo said, "Herself? No. Some unfortunate other party? Perhaps."

Julia

She gave a wry smile despite it not being Leo's initial meaning. Julia was aware of how she was when she first met the Avrahams. Granted, she was taken in by Leo's parents which would have given a whole different experience in general. "Seems like she takes after me quite a bit." She commented, smiling softly at that.

"What didn't Liam brag about?" Her eyes rolled. "Well, I guess we should keep a look out for anything floating out of nowhere." She snorted. "I never did ask though, what sort of magic did Liam have?" For someone who seemed very likely to show off, Julia did not have much recollection of it. "Oh, you're right. Look at that grip." She laughed out loud at how distorted that thing looked right now. "Maybe she's letting out some anger we don't know about."

Leo

"Well, not like she can really take after anyone else the room, dear," she pointed out with a grin that was more of a mask at this point. Matters didn't get any better at the comment about what her brother _didn't_ brag about. "Well, considering his rather pertinent role in us having this conversation, at this very point, because of this very baby....That's for you to tell me, but honestly I think I could do without ever knowing."

Leo made a face at the question and then let out a breath as she reluctantly said, "Yeah, we'll want to keep an eye out for things being _set ablaze_ out of nowhere...Liam was a pyro...in any sense of the word, really." The woman let out a chuckle and said, "Oh she's definitely letting out some frustration there, but not all frustration is anger-driven...again, she was just a teenager only hours ago."

Julia

Julia had a feeling that she should perhaps drop the topic seeing that it was never Leo's choice of topic to discuss. It wasn't when they were younger, and it didn't seem to have changed now even though Julia hadn't be around them since. "Oh.. She might be a pyro? ... Maybe we should look at fire-proofing everything just in case?" She didn't even know when or *if* those magic powers would kick in, but it didn't hurt to be cautious about it. "Then again, is the whole ancestry pyros?" If there were more than just fire witches in the family, Julia felt like it was just a gamble of anything.

Julia gave her daughter's nose a light tap before resting both her hands on the barriers. "She might also be missing Evan, she did whine a bit when she shimmered out of here. But Emmy~" She shifted slightly to the side, "Look, Obie's here with you."

Leo

Leo shook her head. "No, mom's an air elemental. To which I did once ask her if in the end that didn't just work like telekinesis, and then she proceeded to remove all air from my lungs with flick of the wrist," she said, before adding, "But it was like only for two seconds. We can't blame lack of oxygen for my lack of thought most of the time." She hadn't thought about the moment in ages, and now having the ability to look back as an adult -and a mother herself- it was definitely not as simple or funny a thing as she may have thought. "I think it's good that my parents are getting to know the kids with proper supervision...and that they've dropped the whole insistence that we visit for the holidays."

She let out a chuckle and said, "Wow...did you just compare our daughter's girlfriend to her pet dog? Also, based on what she did to that stuffie, I would _not_ but Obie in there with her."

Julia

It really took everything for Julia not to comment on Leo being suffocated by her mother even if it's for 2 seconds. The only things she was ever thankful for, were that she got to meet Leo because of them and that she got to have Embry. They may be better now, but Julia was still not comfortable letting the kids alone with them. She also threw Leo a look, agreeing that it was such a relief that they weren't badgering them to visit as often anymore. "So there's two potential magic she might inherit." It was said aloud more as a note to herself.

A chuckle followed immediately after because of course, that was the thing Leo picked up on. "No, I did not but you're right. Obie, you need to stay out of the cribs." She looked down at the pup who was already trying to stick his nose into said crib.

Leo

"All things considered, the way magic has been evolving over time, I wouldn't be surprised if she managed to inherit both abilities, or something completely different that was a recessive trait from ages down the line. I think the Nexus being in play now has made it to where the restrictions that the more powerful supers, like witches and demons, have put in place no longer really hold much water. I mean, the Paladins aren't even tied to the Nexus anymore so...anything could happen."

Leo just grinned, knowing already that she would be letting the kids know about this as soon as they could retain information again. Walking over to Levi, she just smiled as she watched him sleep peacefully. She reached down and placed _his_ intact stuffie in a far corner of the crib, given that it was almost his size right now. "Well, at least we only have one baby to worry about...unless _you_ happen to have some non-wolf ancestors somewhere."

Julia

"That is true.. I guess I'm a little excited to see what the future has for her, for both of them. I missed out on her first full moon, maybe this is just me trying to make up for it." She admitted. Leo was right - anything could happen. Everyone did say that Fallcrest had enough surprises to last several life times. There was never a dull moment despite the size of the town.

"Uhhh, that I wouldn't know." She smiled, "This is going to be as much of a surprise for you and it will be for me." A tiny smirk graced her lips, "Do you think there's a chance I'll suddenly get some new power I didn't know about?"

Leo

Thinking back on the exact night of Emmy’s _first_ full moon, Leo had to tamper down on the anger that threatened to bubble back up. The mere thought that Leo’s own, biological father caused the girl to trigger… “I wouldn’t really say missed out on much, but to be honest, Evan would be the best one to talk to if you want details.”

Leo pulled a face again as she said, “I mean, technically, I think the guild’s working on a way to make it a bit less of a surprise…? As for gaining sudden new powers, need I remind you that the town’s wolf pack’s two token humans just turned out to be anything but?”

Julia

"Evan?" Somehow she thought Leo would be the one to tell her, or at least tell her to ask Embry herself whenever this baby effect was over. "Maybe once she drops by then. Or I can wait." Julia gave a shrug before shifting her thoughts to the two former token humans.

"I don't really know who might in my family tree; I never found out." More like she never gone out of her way to proactively find out. "...Isn't this exciting though? Now we have absolutely no idea if either kid have another set of powers."

Leo

"It's a long story, but I'll go ahead and loop you into the fact that Erebus and his lackeys were in town the night she triggered her wolf. Obviously, being that it was fer very first full moon, the likelihood of her remembering anything herself is slim, and I...can only recall up to a certain point. Enter Evan! Who has been saving our behinds and those of many in this town for ages but, people still try to compare her to her grandfather. I know the feel," she said making another face.

Leo furrowed her brow slightly and said, "I don't think Luke would've either, being that she was adopted as part of a closed adoption. Seems that unlike my father, the Bensons didn't keep a detailed a ledger of her birth parents...obsessively." She took a deep breath and said, "It is definitely something, I'll give you that. I mean, this could be one hell of a wildcard. Tomi! She's the descendent of a Scion, and how many generations did _that_ little surprise stay hidden for?"

Julia

"Erebus came into town?" That she did not hear about. Her eyes widened. That alone was not good news. She may not know him personally, but she heard enough about them to know that they would not get along, which was an understatement. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the rough summary of the night they had, "..... Did Erebus try to hurt the both of you?" She could only assume that said demon would have been in town solely for the Nexus because why would that man step foot in Fallcrest of all places.

"Luke and Tomi were really a surprise. Paladin, and half-demon, half-wolf? That's pretty impressive. How are they handling that anyways? I can't imagine what Tomi is going through.." Having her wolf triggered was already overwhelming on its own with the heightened senses. Julia could not imagine what it was like to add on other powers.

Leo

In all fairness to Julia, this conversation likely should've happened quite a while back. Instead of risking waking the babies though, she guided them back to the living room and took a seat in an armchair so she could face the woman. "Erebus and the Scions actually made it into town twice," she admitted. "I know, that's not a small thing to neglect to mention, but Emmy and I have honestly been so focused on everything positive that has happened to us since then that it really did just slip both our minds to mention it....and also, the first time isn't exactly a memory that Embry likes to go back to often."

Leo rested her forearms on her thighs as she leant forward, and clasped her hands together, a rare somber look on her features. "It was our first Halloween in town, as a family for me and her. It started off pretty great actually, she was dressed up as Supergirl and I was Wonder Woman...but things took a turn fast. The Scions came in wanting to begin the process of opening the Nexus and the first seal requires the blood of a Scion's own offspring..." Leo went on to explain how the magic released from the Nexus turned them into their costumes, buying her some time but causing Emmy to be overwhelmed. How the magic wore off at midnight, and how Evan had come in to help for the first time. "Emmy would probably rather tell you what she does remember about our encounter with Erebus the second time, but the first time is a touchy matter for her...because...she technically watched me _die_...And because up until then she had been oblivious to the supernatural world, she felt helpless as it all unfolded around her. Luckily Jon and Evan were there with her the whole time until I came back, but-" She had to stop as the lump in her throat finally refused to be ignored. Swallowing she said, "I know it's something that still burdens her....and I wish I could find a way to take it away, but I couldn't even manage to stay alive like a proper grown-up."

Julia

The fact that Leo didn't give a direct answer as to whether or not Erebus hurt either of them was concerning. However, she wasn't going to fault them for not telling her - she wasn't around then, and when they did reunite, lots of things happened since. "That would explain why no one ever said anything about it." How a wolf was triggered was rarely a good memory so she understood why Embry wouldn't want to think about it.

Julia's own blood froze when she learned that one of the requirements of a seal was the blood of a Scion's offspring. Her first thought immediately went to Leo but she held back on commenting since it was obvious that Leo lived to tell the tale...

Until Leo told her that she literally *died* and was then brought back to life.

".. You *died*?" The disbelief and pain in her voice of just learning that had happened. Her heart also ached for Embry for having to experience that when she didn't even know what was happening. The poor girl must have been so scared when her senses must have amplified due to the fact that she was Supergirl for Halloween, and then having to see Leo of all people die.

Her hands reached out and rested on Leo's, gripping them as a gesture for comfort and support. "That's not your fault, Leo and she knows that." She sighed, "I wish I had been there for the both of you.." Julia waited a beat before asking softly, "How.. have you been processing this? That.. That you died.." She almost cringed since there wasn't seem to be a way to ask this *and* she did not want to repeat the fact that it was her own father who tried to kill her.

Leo

All she could do was nod in response, knowing full well that the question on the matter was less one that required an actual answer and more one of needing to repeat it out loud to make it register. "Yeah...guess I only have eight lives left now," she joked, though there was little mirth in her eyes even as she did so. "I figured starting at the beginning would help make sense of her _actual_ first full moon a little more. Erebus essentially lured me out to the Nexus again, because the second seal required the blood of a Scion to open. He claimed that the blood had to be drawn in combat but I think he genuinely just wanted to get to finish what he started..." she trailed off a bit, before shaking her head and pressing on. "Emmy's wolf was triggered because she witnessed the fight between my father and myself and was probably overwhelmed by the fear that I wouldn't be able to come back this time if he was successful. Both of us woke up the next day, back at the hotel, no idea what happened until Jon mentioned an injured Evan shimmering us back. Incidentally, that's the night Evan got her scar. She faced-off against her own father, Azrael."

It was honestly a lot easier to just info-dump right now than it was to dwell too much on the memory of it all. So when Julia's hands found her own, Leo had to look down just to keep herself from giving over to emotion too fast at just how _real_ this made things. The question made her glance back up, and she just offered a wry smile as she honestly answered, "Uh...I have..._not_."

Julia

She had heard how cruel the Scions were but to hear that Leo had been sacrificed for their goal was just unfathomable - not to mention her daughter's girlfriend was also injured by another member. Julia could not imagine what it was like for Embry to watch all of this go down, on top of getting her wolf being triggered. "...Oh my god.." She expressed as there wasn't anything that could truly describe how she felt towards many elements of this.

It also didn't help to know that Leo, who needed to process things since they were kids, did not find the time to do so for this whole ordeal. Not that she wanted to ignore all that her daughter had experienced but that will have to come later - when she wasn't a baby.

Julia also didn't want to pressure Leo into anything so she smiled softly at the answer. "Understandable, it seems that things had been busy since then." She couldn't even begin to guess where they found the time to find *her* after all of that.

Leo

The half-demon could once again, only nod in response. There really wasn't much that she could say that wouldn't come across as empty platitudes or -in her case- inappropriate humor and sarcasm. She allowed for silence to take over for a moment, needing herself to let it sink in that what she just shared was, _in fact_, something that they had been through and not something they treated as a weird, Babadook.

"I've kept them busy," she admitted, when she finally spoke again. "The busier I stay, the less time I have to think about the past. It's kind of how I learned to function...." Leo trailed off, as the implication that this was also how she dealt with how their younger interaction went south was made. "It has been a bit harder to keep as busy as I'm used to though," she continued, "I've pretty much retired as a guild hunter. After everything that happened, I couldn't bare the terrified look in Emmy's eyes every time she saw me and Jon heading out, never really knowing if we'd be back. I couldn't do that to her....I still can't, as evidenced by the fact that I wound up in the gym with everyone else."

Julia

Julia nodded, understanding why Leo made the decisions she had. "I can't emphasize enough that I'm glad the two of you found each other. I'm.. also not surprised that you gave up being a full-time guild hunter just so you can be there for Embry - I'm sure she appreciates that just as much.. However, as amazing as it is that you always manage to put Embry before yourself, Leo, you got to take care of yourself as well."

The wolf was very concerned since Leo admitted that she did not even process with the fact that she *died* since it might end up biting them back in the ass as reality often liked to do. "... I, for one, am very grateful that they managed to get you back." Perhaps it was a selfish thought but Julia would have never thought they'd be here today if it weren't for Leo.

Leo

She was quite for a moment, as she listened to Julia. Leo scoffed a bit and said, "Yeah, I suppose I started training when I was so young, that by the time Embry came around, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to be on the other side of that coin. To be the one left behind while the person you care about goes off on some secret mission. I was reminded real quick though." She let out a wry chuckle before asking, "Is this the bit where you tell me I can't put the oxygen mask on other people if I pass out from not putting mine on?"

Leo glanced over at her and said, "Can't say I have any complaints about that myself. Of course, all credit goes to Evan -again- for being a walking version of the library of magic. If you didn't like her as Emmy's girlfriend before, I think she's earned some brownie points now."

Julia

Julia nodded when Leo spoke about forgetting what it was like to be the one waiting for someone's safe return. "That is pretty much what I meant, isn't it?" She chuckled. "You're just as important to Embry as she is to you. Only makes sense that you both are safe and sound if it can be helped."

She then let out a laugh, "You say that as if I didn't like her in the first place - but we're not talking about Evan, as thankful as I am for all her help. We're talking about *you*, don't think I didn't see you change the topic."

Leo

"I know, and you're right," she began, "But as the guardian, now parent, I just feel that it's up to me to just _be_ okay so I can be there for her when she needs it. Whether I have some natural caring instinct I miraculously got from my mother or whether it's the life-long training of 'others first, always', I couldn't say. Besides, it's not like it's had a noticeable impact on me. There's been no detriment to my work and I'd like to think that it hasn't affected how interact with those around me, especial the kids....I mean, I _have_ been alright with the kids, haven't I?" The last question was one she hadn't really thought about now, but as soon as it was in her mind the fear of having acted untoward either of her children and not noticed it...it stirred up a lot of old sentiments.

Julia

She waited until the ramble ended before speaking up again, "You've been more than alright with the kids." She reassured, "Weren't you the one telling me that Embry would be the first person to let you know if she didn't like something? Contrary to her initial opinions about you, I'm pretty sure you're her favourite person." She teased before going serious again, "Leo, I'm not joking when I say that both Levi and Embry love you. The amount of giggles from Levi alone could tell you that."

Leo

Leo listened quietly as Julia spoke, uncharacteristically managing to bite her tongue on most things she might've put up an argument for. Instead, she waited until the woman was done to move from spot on the armchair, to on her knees before the blonde, bending down to warp her arms around Julia's middle tightly as she rested her own head on the woman's lap. "I have two sets of parents and I know I _never_ want to be like three-fourths of the set, in _any_ way."

Julia

Julia automatically had one hand on Leo’s back with the other starting running through the woman’s hair. “I personally don’t think you’re anything like that - but I might be a bit biased in my views.” She smiled warmly at the sight, “Jokes aside, I do think you’re doing really well with the kids. That was never the issue.” The wolf pointed out again. There had never been any doubt that Leo would put the kids’ well-being first but the problem was that Leo rarely put herself first.

Leo

She felft herself relax into the other woman with each passing stroke through her hair, and touch down her back. It was enough to slow her mind down to a point where she could take in what Julia was saying and actually realize that her anxieties had caused her train of thought to be derailed. She was quite for another moment longer before muttering out, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to set up an appointment with a psych whose familiar with the supernatural world...maybe start learning to slow down and think of what something will do to me in the long run, and all that fun stuff that grown ups should do."

Julia

"I think that'd be a good start." She encouraged, "We can take it a step at a time. If it helps, we can even go to family therapy." Julia wants nothing more than to be supportive for the other. "Although we might need to wait a bit for Embry and Levi to revert back to their actual ages for that." Her fingers continued to run through her hair, "Whatever you want to do, I'll be right there with you, okay?"

Leo

Leo remained on her knees, but lifted herself up off the older woman, so that she look her in the eye. "Thank you," she began, earnest gratitude clear in her voice. "Thank you for my daughter. Thank you for my son. Thank you for being willing to form this makeshift, chaotic little family with me. And thank you for -miraculously- not having come to realize my obnoxious behavior was a detriment as time passed."

Julia