Adventures in Babysitting (Devs)

[Midori Hawkins]

“Tory, please stop dancing around.” The near-four year old was practically bouncing as they left the car, jigging up and down on his mother’s hand.

“But Deeeeev’n!”

“Yes, Devon. We’re only staying for a little while, though. Remember?”

“Yeeeees.” Tory continued to practically vibrate as they headed up the steps. Midori was only bringing him over so that he could see Devon’s place prior to having to stay there for a few hours. The art teacher had volunteered to babysit while Eli was tied up in the library. Midori had been endlessly grateful, and even more so when he had offered to have Tory come to see his place before he was unceremoniously dumped there.

The toddler was currently clutching his thank you present – one of the birds from his handmade coloring book, fully colored in. It wasn’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but it was sweet. Midori had her own thank you in her hand, as Devon had refused the idea of being paid multiple times. Instead, she had a Tupperware container of mixed cookies for him, which Tory had helped make.

She climbed the steps with her excited son in tow, ringing the bell and letting Tory’s hand go to wait for Devon. “You’re going to be good, right Tor?”

“Always!”

They’d see about that.

[Devon Wentsworth]

Devon had tidied up his house.

Well… as much as he was capable of tidying it with only a two day warning, anyway. The beer bottles had all been taken for recycling, the work-in-progress art pieces had all been put up in the studio, all the random thingums and doo-dads had all been put away, the DVD’s of questionable moral content had all been very much put away, and everything else had been man-tidied out of sight. As long as no one looked in any of the cupboards or drawers, Devon’s house actually looked neater and tidier than it had done since he had first moved into it. He highly doubted it would stay that way for very long, but for the time being he was rather proud of himself.

Devon still wasn't quite sure why he had volunteered to babysit Tory. Sure he liked the kid and they always got along rather well, but... this was a grown-up job. Sure he taught at the school, but they were all teenagers who could (mostly) survive if Devon took his attention off them for two minutes. He would be lying if he said he wasn't a little anxious about the idea, but Midori was his friend and she deserved a break sometimes. Besides, it couldn't be that difficult, right?

At least Ferris was next door if it all went horrifically wrong.

The doorbell rang just as Devon was shoving the last handful of - what the hell were they? Springs? Where on Earth had they come from? - into the oddments drawer in the kitchen. Bliss bolted in the direction of the door, mewing her little head off, as Uno retreated under the sofa in the living room. Scooping up the ginger and white overgrown kitten so she didn't try to run off outside like she normally did, Devon answered the front door with a bright smile, Bliss clinging on to his Poets of the Fall shirt. “Oh hey, you found it! Come in, come in.” Stepping back and holding the door open so Midori and Tory could enter, Devon gently fussed with Bliss' head as she wriggled and squirmed to try to get to the new people. “This is Bliss; I think she wants to say hi.”

[Midori Hawkins]

Had she known the state of Devon’s place prior to bringing Tory over, Midori would have been both skeptical about bringing her son over, and immensely grateful to him for putting anything questionable away.

He was still her hero, at least for the day she needed him. She didn’t have to worry about tugging her toddler along with her. She was supposed to be helping her brother move for a few hours, and she really didn’t want to dump Tory on her sister in law. Katie already had own daughter, and was nearing the end of her second pregnancy. There was no need to add to the stress at Corbin’s place. It was easier to just get in, help Zach, and hope that the experience was less painful than she was anticipating it to be. Her middle brother delighted in tormenting her, even now.

Glad the weather was warming, Midori had just wrapped up in a good sweater, and was carrying a few of Tory’s thing in her duel purpose backpack and purse. Experience had taught her that she could never be too prepared. At least he was potty trained. No more diaper bag to lug around.

“Hi Devon!” She greeted him warmly, grinning at the sight of the little kitten. Tory went barrelling in, hugging Devon’s leg enthusiastically. “Hi hi hi!” The toddler grinned up at the teacher, clearly not at all disturbed at being in the new location. Before he forgot, he lifted the colored bird and waved it around. “For you!”

“And this,” Midori said with a little smile, offering out the Tupperware full of cookies. “... I’ll trade you, if you want? Bliss looks like she might explode if she doesn’t get to say hi.” She knew that feeling all too well. “She’s adorable.”

[Devon Wentsworth]

“Heeeey lil' man!” Devon's grin was bright as Tory barrelled into his legs, the Brit leaning down to cuddle him gently, keeping Bliss safely to the side so she didn't get squished between them. “How've you been? Keepin' good for your mum?”

In truth Devon had never really had all that much experience with younger kids, but Tory was awesome and well behaved despite his seemingly limitless energy, and Devon liked to think the kid was as fond of him as he was of Tory. That certainly seemed to be the case, based on how enthusiastic Tory's hug seemed to be.

When Tory presented Devon with the picture the art teacher gasped dramatically, gently taking the picture from him and looking it over. “Wow, that is amazing! You're getting really, really good! Did you do that all by yourself?” When Tory announced who the picture was for, a momentary look of genuine surprise crossed Devon's features. He had not at all expected to be brought presents, and certainly not ones that had clearly had such time and thought put into them. “Thank you so much, mate. Here, come on in, you can help me chose where to put it on the fridge.”

Standing to the side to let Midori and Tory enter his house properly, Devon closed the door behind them and smiled warmly at Midori. “Awww, you didn't have to bring me anything. Thank you, though.” He gave Bliss another gentle scritch on the top of her head before offering the overgrown kitten over to Midori, who immediately began purring and mewing and loving all over the stranger. Devon chuckled softly. “I wish my other one was as welcoming. Uno's... around, somewhere. Probably hiding. He's a grumpy old man.”

Taking the tupperware box with another quiet thanks, Devon led the way through to the kitchen. It was open plan and neat and tidy, pictures in frames dotted all over the walls and even the walls themselves bearing vast brightly coloured designs. Because hey, canvas can be too small and limiting sometimes. Devon put the box onto the counter and headed over to the fridge, selecting one of the magnets from it and offering it out to Tory. “Where do you think it should go?”

[Midori Hawkins]

Tory absolutely lit up as he was swept into the cuddle. Devon was so much fun, and the fact he loved to cuddle was a bonus. “Always!” His response was practically a chirp as he returned the snuggle.

“He couldn’t handle staying still for ten seconds on the way over. Didn’t stop talking about it, either.” Midori shook her head, but her expression was amused. “He’s got some serious hero worship going on.” She honestly didn’t mind. Really, it was nice seeing him make connections with other adults, other than his uncles and aunt, his mother, and Eli. Since he didn’t have a real sense of a relationship with his father, she made do with what she could. That included hero worship of the art teacher.

Especially when he was so good with him. It was a rare thing to see, it seemed. Adults without kids never seemed to know what to do with them. Her brother was a great example. He’d taken to Tory the way someone might take to a poisonous snake. Even now, when Tory was out of diapers, walking, and talking, he still didn’t tend to like having much to do with his nephew. Devon seemed like the polar opposite.

“I did!” Tory answered the question with a clear sense of pride. “Just for you!” He was always pleased with himself when making coloring offerings, even when it was just to his mother or Eli. “You’re welcome!” Hey, he knew his manners. His mother wouldn’t have it any other way, even if he needed reminding now and again.

Midori took the kitten gently, grinning as she purred and nuzzled closer. She was only too happy to give the little creature the attention she clearly wanted. “I like their names,” she said as she brushed her fingers over the little kitten’s ears and scratched all down her back. She hadn’t had her own pet to get creative with for a while.

She followed him, Bliss still in her arms, to the kitchen, glad that he seemed to like the cookie offering. He’d certainly gotten creative with the decorating – something she hadn’t expected, but now she’d seen it, it made perfect sense. “Wow. It’s like art exploded in here. It looks great.” Her own home was a little more mundane in terms of decorating, but she was okay with that. Just as she was okay that Bliss was content to continue to cuddle with her.

Tory gingerly took the magnet, studying the fridge carefully before pointing up near the top of it. “Right up there!” It was out of his reach, but he wanted it high so that everyone could see it every time they went to the fridge.

[Devon Wentsworth]

Devon wondered if he got along with Tory quite so well because he himself still often felt like a little kid at heart. Sure he had all the responsibilities that came along with adulthood and a certainly much more... mature eye for certain aspects of life, but Devon still got excited over the small things and things that others his age might not get quite such a buzz from. Like the crayon maker he had been experimenting with in his studio that morning in a brief break from the manic tidying.

“Aww, I'm glad he was excited to get here.” Devon's smile was bright as hugged Tory before gently inching away from the boy so he could stand upright again. He smiled down at Tory. “We're gonna have fun when you come round proper, aren't we?” In truth Devon wasn't entirely certain what adventures they would get up to, but it would likely involve either colouring or baking something. Or possibly both at once.

The thought that Tory had some sort of hero-worship thing going on for him was a little unsettling, but at the same time it was just a little awesome too. Whilst he would never in a million years consider himself a good role-model (nor would anyone who actually knew him in his less well-behaved moments) it was kind of good to know that he could at least be trustworthy enough and likeable enough to have earned some form of respect. Even if it was through the rose-tinted vision of a toddler. The tiniest hint of colour clouded Devon's temples. He put it down to his house being warm.

Devon's smile stayed honestly bright as Tory said that he'd done the drawing on his own, and Devon gently took it from him and looked it over properly. “That really is amazing. You keep that up, you'll be famous one day!” Sure it was mostly just coloured scribbles on the page now, but with enthusiasm comes talent, and the kid clearly had the want to do it by the bucketful.

Leading the way into the kitchen, Devon gave a quiet breath of a laugh as Midori mentioned that she liked the names of his cats. “Thanks. They're a... They're named after two of my favourite songs by a band I've loved for a long time.”

Despite how often Devon found himself being fed next door he did love cooking, baking in particular, and he spent a fairly decent amount of time in the kitchen. It was a place he enjoyed being, and he smiled with a hint of pride as Midori complimented the room, his ego enjoying the gentle fluffing. “Thanks. It took me a while to get it how I like it, but I'm pretty proud of it.”

As Tory took the magnet and pointed up to where he wanted the picture to go, Devon inwardly weighed up the options. He could take the magnet back off Tory to put the picture up near the top, but that hardly seemed fair after just giving it to him. He could ask Midori to lift up Tory so the boy could do it himself, but Christ, Devon did still have some modicum of dignity. That left one choice...

Knowing full well just how much he was going to pay for this later, Devon knelt down and hoisted up Tory, doing his best to ignore the protests coming from his aching joints. He breathed slowly for a moment, making sure that his voice would come out as normal as humanly possible. “There ya go! Stick it right on up there.”

[Midori Hawkins]

If Devon’s logic rang true, then it was a complete mystery as to why Tory’s Uncle Zach didn’t like being around the toddler. He was still a child himself, that was certain. Well, at least Devon liked the kid. And Midori trusted him more than she trusted her brother. The chances of him trying to use the little boy to try to pick up women, or flat out ignore him in favor of talking on the phone or playing video games.

Well, she could hope, anyway.

“Excited’s an understatement,” Midori said with a little roll of her eyes as she watched the boys. Hopefully he would be a little more toned down the next time they came around. So far, he wasn’t giving her a lot of hope with that as he continued to jig up and down around Devon’s feet.

“Soooo much fun!”

Well, at least he wasn’t scared about being left at Devon’s place.

The praise over his coloring made him even happier. And just a sliver more hyper. Tory giggled and attached himself to Devon’s leg in a tight hug. “Famous like you?” Because being a teacher automatically made Devon famous, at least in the toddler’s eyes. Besides, someone as good at drawing birdies as Devon? Definitely famous.

He let go in order to let Devon move on, still practically dancing behind him as he revelled in the praise. It wasn’t that he didn’t get praised at home. Devon’s was just... special.

While her toddler padded around, Midori continued to snuggle with the happy little kitten. A small part of her wanted to go kitten, simply to play with her. Maybe even coax Uno to not be such a grump, or else just relay exactly why he was so grumpy to Devon. But that wasn’t what the visit was about. This was about ensuring that Tory was okay with being left with Devon and babysat in a place that wasn’t his house. As she tickled under Bliss’ chin, she tried to identify the songs and match them to a band. Sadly, she couldn’t find a connection. “Which band’s that?” Maybe if he gave her a better known song, she would have gotten it.

The recruiter smiled as Bliss wormed her way up higher, purring and rubbing her cheeks against her neck. If only all animals were that affectionate. Happy to indulge the kitten in lavishing her in attention, she almost missed Devon lifting Tory to place the picture. Cuddling the kitten, she couldn’t help with wish that Tory’s father was as good with him was Devon was. It wasn’t the first time she’d thought about that. It seemed that almost everyone was better with him than Daryl was. If for nothing else, for simply being around. Sure, she tried to send texts or emails when something important happened, but... even she had to admit those were getting further and fewer in between. What was the point when he didn’t even make the effort on his end anymore?

Maybe she was just feeling a little cold over the whole thing. She really didn’t need to be. She had friends and family around that were just as good as having a father around for the toddler, right?

Oblivious to his mother, Tory squeaked happily as he placed the picture under the magnet, tacking it up before twisting to hug Devon tight around the neck. “Now you can see it ALL the time!”

[Devon Wentsworth]

Tory's excited antics put Devon in mind of Bliss at feeding time, when the excitable kitten would bounce and skitter and mew in excitement. It was a good feeling to see the toddler so obviously enthusiastic, and it did help to quell some of Devon's anxiousness about Tory coming around when Midori went to help her brother move. At least it seemed like he wouldn't have to worry too much about Tory being afraid of being here.

In fact, if the current mood was anything to go by, getting the kid to go back home again might be a bit more of a challenge.

Devon laughed at Tory hugged around his leg, gently ruffling the toddler's hair. “Even more famous than me. People will line up to see you draw, and with the money you could buy a HUGE wooden birdy all of your own.” Whilst Devon had sold a fair number of art pieces in his time that had all fetched a decent price, he knew he could never in any way be considered famous. It wasn't that he didn't have the talent; he simply preferred to teach and work on his own pieces without any of the pressure that would come along with being an actual artist. Agents, dealers, auctioneers, publicity people? No thanks. He'd take decorating cupcakes with his students over all that mess any day.

When Midori asked about which band had created the songs the cats were named after, Devon cautioned himself not to ramble. Music had always been a deep passion of his, and he was only too aware that it was a passion not everyone shared. “Oh, Muse. My brother first got me to listen to them back in '99.” Devon could remember that clearly – the Showbiz album had just come out, and Uno had been the first song he had heard from it. That was a huge part of the reason why he classed that as his favourite of their songs. “I fell in love with their sound pretty much straight away, and I've been kinda hooked since. I can play a fair few of them now, but ah... Not as well as I would like.”

Devon's joints were complaining mildly at the effort being placed upon them, but the Brit ignored them as best he could as he held Tory up so the picture could be stuck to the fridge, where it would most definitely be staying. He smiled brightly and laughed softly as Tory hugged around his neck, and Devon hugged him back as best he could without the risk of dropping him. “Yeah I can! Thank you so much, lil' man! That is an amazing present.”

As they were talking Uno finally decided to make an appearance, the huge grey tomcat padding slowly over to the food bowl. He sniffed at it, realised it was only cat biscuits and nothing more exciting, before turning and giving what could only be described as a disgusted look to the gathered humans.

[Midori Hawkins]

Tory was excited for numerous reasons, but the most important one was, quite simply, Devon. Topped by the fact he was a toddler, and easily excited, and you had... this. Bouncing, dancing, and being rendered incapable of standing still. At least he wasn’t being a complete chatterbox to top it all off. Or perhaps that would come later. When he wanted to, he could talk someone’s ear off. About anything.

The toddler stared up at Devon, eyes wide. There were artists more famous that Devon? That was news to him. Still, the idea of a HUGE wooden birdy was appealing to him. He’d seen a book once that Eli had with HUGE, tall wooden poles with faces and birdies on them. Maybe that was what Devon meant. “I’ll still make pictures for you! Always!” Because Devon was awesome, and therefore needed to be graced with dozens and dozens of toddler works of ‘art.’

“Oh!” Muse, she recognized. “They did that song, umm...” She ruffled Bliss’ fur as she thought. “Supermassive Black Hole! Right?” No, she was not going to tell him why she knew that particular song. She just did. And not from any vampire movies, no. ... Shh. “You can play them? On what?” Her talent had always been for dancing, not for any actual instrument. Her musical talent started and ended with the ability to follow a rhythm in a somewhat graceful manner. And singing, but that wasn’t exactly going to be demonstrated outside of Tory’s presence, or when she was alone in the car.

Tory snuggled a moment longer before wriggling in his silent way to ask to be put back down. Mostly because he’d seen a cat. Bigger and darker than the one his Mommy was currently holding. “Kitty!” At least he’d finally grown out of the phase where every animal had been referred to as ‘Zero’, because that was the dog he lived with. “Hi kitty!” He waved at the grey tomcat, grinning at him. He was used to cats simply because his mother sometimes changed into one. She was always gentle with him, so why wouldn’t all cats be the same, right?

[Devon Wentsworth]

Devon couldn't help the slightly silly grin that crossed his lips when Tory said he'd always make pictures for him. As strange as this situation felt for someone quite as superficial as Devon could be, he could not deny that it did also feel pretty good to have someone like him quite as much as the kid seemed to. Sure he had his brother and friends, but Tory was different. Kids were blunt and openly honest and could be exceptionally cruel with their remarks that were untainted with the social politeness developed with time. Tory's clear and obvious like of him was oddly reassuring in a way that Devon would never quite be able to describe.

“I'd like that! Maybe one day, if I'm lucky, they'll cover my whole fridge.”

As Midori mentioned the Muse song that she had heard of, it took Devon everything he possessed to not roll his eyes. Sure any publicity for a band that he loved was amazing, and he couldn't deny that it had helped launch the band worldwide on an even more monumental scale, but... Why the hell did it have to be those movies? The concerts had almost overnight become filled with ridiculous tweens in their 'Team Edward' shirts, and it had really done a lot to dampen the original atmosphere of the gigs. Granted the obsession had calmed over time, no doubt helped by so many people realising just how fucked up those stories were, but... Gah. Still, at least Midori had heard of one song. “Yeah, that's the one. It was on the Black Holes and Revelations album, which was pretty good overall. It has Starlight on it, which is what Uno probably woulda been called if he was female.”

“I play drums. Not as well as I'd like, but, yeah. They're down in the basement.” Devon's drums were his pride and joy, and he did know that he had real talent with them. But, much like with his artwork, he was a perfectionist and nothing ever seemed quite as good as he'd like it to be.

When Tory wriggled to be put back down Devon was only too willing to oblige, setting Tory down gently before uprighting and hoping Midori didn't notice the slightly strained look on his face as his shoulders complained at him. “Be careful with him, mate. Uno can be a bit grumpy.” The big grey tom looked at the toddler with seeming disinterest, large tail curled tight around his paws where he sat. Devon doubted the cat would actually cause any harm to the boy, but he kept a close eye on the pair just in case.

[Midori Hawkins]

Tory was very blunt when he wanted to be, and sometimes that wasn’t the best. Like the day he’d point blank told his Uncle Zach that Mommy said he was annoying. While it wasn’t exactly untrue, it hadn’t exactly been something she’d wanted blabbed to her brother in that fashion. Thankfully Zach had laughed it off, but he’d later made all kinds of verbal shots at his sister, making her remember why she’d called him annoying in the first place.

Still. She was now a lot more careful what she did and didn’t say around her son.

“Yeah!” Tory was quick and enthusiastic in his agreement, bobbing his head up and down in excitement. The idea of the art teacher’s fridge covered in his pictures made him very, very happy. Granted, lots of things made the toddler happy, but this was special. Midori was just relieved he didn’t seem scared or concerned about the possibility of staying with Devon at his house, even for a few hours. Maybe that would change when Midori actually left him there, but for now she was relaxing about the idea.

As Devon did a good job of covering his dismay, the recruiter had no hint of it. Even if he had shown it, she was still very much occupied with playing with Bliss. It hadn’t even been her fault about the movies. After a few of her female student recruitments had ranted and raved about them, she’d had to watch them. They were... interesting, to say the least. But they seemed to have good soundtracks. “Maybe I’ll have to borrow a CD from you, or something. I liked their sound the first time I heard it.” Or she’d YouTube them later, if Devon had some pointers for good songs. Which it sounded like he did.

“Oh! ... Oh, God. Don’t let Tor near them. I’d hate for him to wreck them.” Toddlers were often anything but gentle. “So you’re artistic all around, though, hey? Art, music... it’s pretty cool. I never had much in the way of talent for either.” Which made her envy Devon, but only slightly. “I don’t suppose you’re willing to show us sometime?” As long as she was with him, she had confidence that she could keep Tory at bay.

Finally, she set Bliss back down on the floor in favor of watching Tory inch across the floor towards Uno. He’d heard Devon’s warning, yes, but the kitty was so big. And so soft looking. He had to touch him. Thankfully, he knew how to approach strange animals. While it was fine to crawl all over Zero at home, he had been taught from a very, very young age how to deal with strange animals. Sure, those lessons stuck, but stranger danger with people? Not quite as sticky. “Hi kitty!” He waved before sitting on the floor near Uno, reaching out to gently try to touch the cat’s back. They didn’t have a kitty at home, but he liked them all the same. “Good kitty.”

At least Midori had heeded Devon’s warning. She stepped ever so slightly closer to her son, ready to move if Uno decided to get angry and swat at him. “Is he always grumpy, or is it just with new people?” Though her communication skills were rudimentary at best, she could probably manage a small talk with the cat, if Devon was worried about it. ... If he wanted her to. “At least you have Bliss to make up for him. She’s so sweet.”

[Devon Wentsworth]

Tory's obvious delight with the knowledge that he could cover Devon's fridge in pictures actually made the art teacher rather happy, and he smiled easily and ruffled the kid's hair. He knew that Rome and Ferris would probably make some snide digs about it, but he didn't really care. Tory was a great kid and Devon liked his company.

As Midori mentioned maybe borrowing a CD Devon's smile was bright and he nodded quickly. “Sure thing. I've got all their albums and loads of B-sides and mixes; any time you'd like.” He chuckled softly. “Only if you actually want to, though. Sorry, I know I get a bit wayward talkin' about the things I like.” Devon's brain-mouth filter had never exactly been refined, and seemed to only be getting worse over the years, but at least he had manage to learn to apologise when he realised he was getting a bit too carried away. Largely because Cade had taken to smacking him across the back of the head whenever he failed to shut up.

Midori's little panic about the drum kit getting damaged was met with a polite smile, and Devon's shrugged his narrow shoulders. “Eh, I wouldn't worry too much. They're pretty nice and I custom painted them, but Uno seems to have a thing for knocking them about and trying to use them as scratching posts. I'm sure Tory couldn't do that much more damage.” Although even to Devon's ears, that did sound a bit like a challenge. Perhaps it would be wisest to at least keep the kid supervised near them. Devon brushed off the compliments with another small shrug, but a bare hint of crimson pooled around his temples. “I would be very happy to show off some time, if you want.” And it would indeed be showing off. There were few things that Devon liked more than having a bit of an audience, and it was a quiet thrill that he so desperately missed. He felt a pang of homesickness for his old band, but quickly tried to dismiss it.

“He's always grumpy; was before I got him. The lady at the shelter said he'd been owned by a st-” Devon halted, amending his word choice due to the presence of Tory. “-A not very nice person, and pretty much ignored. He's not so bad with my neighbour, freakily, but in general he's pretty miserable.” Uno sniffed at the approaching hand, hackles rising slightly, but he made no actual move to bat at or bite the kid. "But yeah, Bliss is a sweetheart. She's always there when I get home from work, wanting a cuddle as soon as the door is opened. Kinda nice, y'know?"

[Midori Hawkins]

In Tory’s eyes, the idea that the art teacher would even want his artwork was an amazing concept to him. Devon could do some amazing artwork himself, and cover his own fridge in it. But he wanted Tory’s art. That made the toddler happy.

And while Rome might have given a dig or two, they would be far from malicious. Honestly, he’d find the whole thing adorable.

“Oh, good! So you’d know what to recommend, then.” Honestly, Midori was nothing if not bad at trying to find a good place to start with bands. But if Devon knew them as well as he seemed to, maybe he’d know best. “It’s okay. I’m the same way. Only it’s usually to do with Tory.” Yes, she was a proud mommy, and it sometimes took a lot of effort to stop talking about her son. She couldn’t help it, though. He was just so... perfect.

... And Devon seemed so remarkably relaxed over the idea that Tory could likely destroy his drum kit with a few specialized toddler moves. She didn’t know whether to be impressed or just... yeah, no, she was impressed. “He’d probably be very gentle if you asked him to. You’d just have to watch him. Gentle starts meaning different things to toddlers, the longer it’s been since you last said it.” Which was why almost every interaction between him and an animal was usually peppered with that word. “I’m sure we’d love a demo, though. Right, Tor?”

“Right Mommy!” Tory beamed up at the adults before his sights were reset onto the big grey kitty.

As Midori watched the cat and the toddler, listening to Devon the whole time, she tilted her head to the side slightly. “... I could talk to him. If you wanted me to. Reassure him that he’s in a good place now?” Maybe it would work, maybe it wouldn’t, but she’d try if he wanted her to. “I wouldn’t mind.” Plus, she’d probably get some kitten playtime with Bliss, which was a bonus.

[Devon Wentsworth]

Devon nodded quickly at Midori's question, left hand idly fidgeting with the black and white checkerboard stud in his ear lobe. “Yeah, easily. I could, maybe, make up a CD of them, if you wanted? Leave it in your cubby at work or something?” Devon gave a small, slightly awkward shrug at the suggestion, half expecting it to be just brushed off. He was happy enough to do it, of course. It just felt a little strange offering to, for some reason.

He chuckled softly, the action breaking the sudden awkwardness a little. “I bet if anyone had a kid like Tory, they'd never stop talking about them either. He's awesome.” Devon admittedly had very little experience with very young children, but he had heard plenty enough horror stories to realise that Tory was nowhere near as unpleasant as they could be. The kid liked art and cats and had always seemed to be pretty well behaved. What more could a mother ask for, really?

“Ah, I'm sure he'd be fine. Besides, he'd probably get bored of it quickly when there's owls to draw and cats to play with instead.” Devon's drums were his pride and joy and he had spent a great deal of time customising them and getting them to look perfect... it was just a shame that Uno was such a bastard sometimes. It was hard to keep the paintwork looking its best when the cat was so adamant on using it as a scratching post. “I'd be very happy to give you a demo any time, you just have to ask.” Saying that Devon could be a bit of a show-off at times was something of an understatement.

Midori's suggestion caused a slightly surprised eyebrow raise from Devon and he turned his head to her. “Oh, you don't have to do that. I don't want you doing anything maybe weird or uncomfortable; I mean, I don't even know why he's like that, and if he gets angsty I don't want him attacking you or anything.” The thought of Uno attacking Midori, regardless of what shape she was at the time, was somewhat more distressing than Devon would have ever expected it to be. The sudden mental images of her as a kitten being mauled by the miserable grey tiger-wannabe were not pleasant at all.

[Midori Hawkins]

The offer was actually... really sweet. Midori smiled up at Devon. “That would be amazing! You know them best, so I trust your taste.” She tipped her head to the side in thought for a moment. “You could just tuck it into the mailbox at work, because I’m not always in the office. I’ll find it. It’ll be nice to have something new to listen to for travelling. Only if you have time, though!” If she really liked what she heard, she might have to impose on him again and borrow full albums to download to her iPod.

She grinned at him at his declaration of Tory. “I think so too. Don’t even care that I’m biased.” Then again, she’d seen posts from moms on parent forums that seemed to want to strangle their kids at times. Sure, Tory could be trying sometimes, but overall he wasn’t awful. Granted, he had also been brought up with a fairly clear set of expectations, rules to respect, and schedules. Midori had done all she could to try to get him to grow up with a decent set of manners. After prolonged exposure to the general disrespect the vast majority of the teenage population of Hammel... she really didn’t want to him go down the same path.

“Oh, probably. Bliss is going to be extremely well loved while he’s here.” Not to mention Devon’s art supplies. At least Devon didn’t seem all that daunted by that plan. That was a good thing, because there was nothing worse than leaving a toddler with someone who wasn’t quite as sure. Like her middle brother. Which was probably why he was never, ever called upon to babysit. “Maybe when I come to get him afterwards? If you show him now it’s going to be impossible to get him home again.” It was already going to be hard enough as it was. At least Tory wasn’t scared.

Truthfully, Midori could handle herself in most situations. Hell, she’d trained with a girl at Hammel that could shift into a very, very large lizard who was prone to bouts of anger. Especially when she had ended up with a puppy on her ankle. (In all fairness, Willow had deserved it.) “I wouldn’t mind. Cats aren’t too hard to read, and I’m fast when I need to be. If he’s worrying you at all, though, just let me know. And if he’s going to be a jerk about it, at least Bliss would have a playmate for a bit?” Maybe it would be an easy fix with Uno, and maybe he was just a bit of a jerk cat, and had been since kittenhood. It was hard to know.

“So you think you’ll be okay with him for a day? I’ll send things with him to eat, and his stuffed dog. If he gets scared or worried at all, just give him that. Other than that... he’s pretty good about letting you know when he needs things, and he’s completely potty trained.” Hey, it was important information. “And he listens pretty well. If you don’t want him touching something, or if he’s bugging Uno, just tell him no. He might pout, but he’ll stop.” Was that everything? It seemed like a lot, but not enough at the same time. “... And I’ll have my cell phone if you need anything. Promise. You really are the best for doing this.”