A Girl, a Boy, and a Brat (Kiri, Kids, and more)

[Kiri Honeywater]

She backed out of the fridge with a jug of milk and caramel in hand. Eyes as wide as they could go. He was blushing and nervous and acting rather odd. Her mouth was so very dry and her hands shook. He couldn't be thinking about what she thought he was thinking about. No, not him. Unless Rae had gotten a hold of him.

Her face flushed deathly pale then went straight to cherry red. Kiri stumbled to set the milk and caramel on the counter. She didn't know what to say or what to do. She certainly did not want to jump to any conclusions.

"Um, I, um, if that's what you want. I mean. I can. I-i-i-if you want to." Slowly she turned around her head bowed her hands clasped in front of her. Her mouth was a dessert and she could barely breathe. This is what happens when a certain rock star tries to get a innocent fairy to think she wants to be sexy.

"But, um, I-um, I have to get the children's snacks ready!" She yelled jumping at the chance to change the subject. Fumbling hands picked up the caramel tub and a spoon to dish out some for each child onto a plate. It had been so long since they'd even held each other than to think anything drastic might be hinted at. No, he wasn't hinting at that. No.

"Oh, drats do they like caramel? Is one of the allergic to peanut butter? I can't remember!" Kiri slammed the spoon on the counter causing it to bounce and hit her chest sticking to the black dress front from the caramel. "Oh, drats!"

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke could feel his heart sinking like a ship in a storm. First it was tossed about like a ball on the stormy and turbulent seas, then it seemed to be punctured, and then sank beneath the crashing waves, along with whatever plan he had.

She was acting like she objected to the very thought of it, but that wasn't...right was it? She hadn't objected before...but that was when he initiated it...she'd never been the one to...initiate the contact. Perhaps...he was the one forcing it on her?

"You...um...you don't have to do anything if your uncomfortable with it..." Locke stumbled around his words, equally embarrassed now. "Oh...OH! Yes right, we should get the snacks ready!" Locke said with a nod, following her to the counter where she began to fret. Locke closed his eye for a moment and was about to declare that neither of the two children were allergic to peanut butter, but Cassidy didn't like caramel when the spoon bounced off and stuck to her dress. Locke's memory could recall the little tricks his mother used to say, so he wasted no time moving to the sink, and grabbing a cloth. After a moment looking around the kitchen he found what he was looking for and pulled a small bottle of olive oil to him, dampening the rag and capping the bottle.

"Should get it out without a problem." Locke said, and without even thinking he plucked the spoon off her her chest and wiped the excess away. It wasn't until he looked up at her with a grin that he noticed exactly how close he had to get to do that, the offending spoon still in his hand as his face went red to match hers.

"uh..." Ok boy genius, you saved the dress, what now?

[Kiri Honeywater]

She was about to say not to worry about it that she could just put glamor over it, or wash it later. Then he was up close and dabbing at her shirt with a wash rag, her chest, rag, him. Her face turned to the shade of a strawberry but his little uh broke her. She started giggling and at first she tried to stifle it, but soon she was giggling uncontrollably.

"Oh, Locke." Kiri giggled her hands going to rest on his arms if he stayed close to her. She leaned in close smiling at him. "You're so cute when you're lost for words."

Kiri reached for the spoon in his hand to set it aside on the counter beside them. Her cheeks tinted red again as she worked herself up to ask him what was on her mind. "Um, L-Locke? Since...we're already so close...can we..um...you know...We haven't in a long time...and if you're not...comfortable..." Trailing off she lifted hesitant, yet hopefully eyes to his.

The young Fae bit her lip eyes darting to the floor feeling far too nervous to continue talking. Maybe he'd pick up on what she was asking and she wouldn't have to talk anymore. That would be nice. Talking seemed to be a bad idea at the moment. If he said no she'd understand. They were supposed to be baby sitting, and kissing might be distracting, or inappropriate. Course from his experience in that horrible, dreadful place maybe he just didn't want to do that stuff. Or maybe he thought they were moving too fast, or he didn't like the fact that she went to save him. Some boys didn't like to be rescued...

[Locke F. Herald]

She laughed. She was laughing, well that was good wasn't it? She laid her hands on his arm and he felt the shock traveling up his spine that he knew had nothing to do with his powers. And then she asked, asked permission...was that what he was supposed to do? He'd always read that no words were needed, but maybe he was wrong. Not like he was super experienced in it.

"I think..." Locke said, a smile splitting his face again. "That would be the greatest gift you could ever give me..." Locke said, pulling his arms up to wrap around her. He pulled her close to him and locked at her, smiling brightly. But he did not pull his lips to hers, instead leaning in a tiny bit.

"And you said you didn't have a gift to give, well I look forward to this gift." He said, trying to retain his senses even though he was rapidly overheating. Too much build up, he was thinking about it too much. But still, she still liked him, so that was one major success.

[Kiri Honeywater]

"A kiss is the greatest gift?" She pouted her lip a bit saddened by that statement. There she was a smitten girl in puppy love thinking of a future with him, and he just wanted a kiss or two. No marriage, no children. Did boys even think of such things? Not wanting to ruin this lovely moment she smiled shyly at him. "Alright, if you say so."

He was talking so romantically, so unlike him, and so very thrilling. She was dazed by his sweet words as he leaned in close as her heart fluttered in her chest like a bird joyful for the coming of spring. Her Locke, everything she always wanted. Kiri continued to lean in close her eyes drifting close as she readied herself for the moment when their lips would meet.

Skin tingling, mind in a whirl, and lips begging for his forever. She was high on her emotions, and she never wanted to come down.

[ken]

"Are you going to kiss?"
"They're kissing!"
"Locke and Kiri sitting in a tree..."
"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Why, yes, Cassidy and Katrina had found Kiri and Locke, can't you tell? The two each held several DVDs in their arms, and both were beaming up at their new favorite babysitters (okay, second favorite after aunt Morgan, but it was really, really close; Aunt Morgan couldn't shoot lightning from her fingertips or talk to Mr. Waffles).

"Isn't it all gross and stuff to kiss?" asked Cassidy, suddenly intensely curious.
"Nuh, uh, Mommy and Daddy kiss all the time. So does Uncle Ken-ken and Aunt Angie," insisted Katrina with all the rightness inherent in a six-year-old.
"Yeah, but they're old, Locke and Kiri aren't old," Cassidy paused, then looked at his babysitters, "you're not old are you?"

Now both of them stared, wide-eyed. Obviously they were waiting for an answer to their question. And possibly a kiss. Katrina was definitely waiting for a kiss. Cassidy still thought it was yucky, and that Locke might need a shot afterward.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke had closed his eyes to await the meeting, and then the voices burst through his ears, and he sighed softly into Kiri's ear.

"I suppose exchanging gifts will have to wait a little bit." He whispered to her, giving her one final squeeze.

Locke was the one to break the embrace, albeit unwillingly. And tried to maintain his composure as he was now the focal point of two very interested little children.

"Ok then, that's enough out of you two." Locke said, bending down to be at the relative same level as them, keeping his voice light.

"Keep on their level to avoid intimidating them, speak kindly to keep them happy, but be firm to keep them from taking advantage." Locke thought through his skull. At the old comment Locke had to think, it was true, Kiri was just a few years younger then Angela, though thanks to her Fae blood and the way she acted you'd never guess it. Locke himself was even younger then the pairs older sister, though he acted much older. It was funny like that, he supposed.

Kiri acted young, he acted old. And they met in the middle.

"No I'm not old." Locke said, playfully swatting some of Cassidy's hair. "And your too young to know the answer yet." Locke said, trying to hid how nervous he was talking about his romantic life with a little kid. "When your older, but for now, why don't we decide what movies to watch first while Kiri grabs the snacks." Locke said, looking to Kiri with a smile.

He then started walking with the kids, pushing them the right direction to keep the squeeing and teasing to a minimum.

So close, yet so far. Once again his romance with Kiri was interrupted by kids that weren't his own, ai yai yai.

[Kiri Honeywater]

Blushing profusely she turned away from Locke and instantly went to the snack plates. Still not remembering who liked what Kiri opened up the cabinets grabbed four shot glasses, and dolloped a spoonful of caramel into two, and peanut butter into two. That way if one doesn't like it they other could steal it. She set the shot glasses onto their plates and headed to the living room.

"Okay, you two settle down while I go get your drinks." Kiri tried to sound all adult-like as she set down the plates onto the coffee table. Turning she smiled at Locke and winked.

"You can help the little devils pick out a movie." She waved at them as she left for the kitchen again. After grabbing some plastic cups she poured in the milk. They were having a healthy snack...giggling she went to the fridge and grabbed the strawberry and chocolate syrup. Kiri grabbed two more glasses, filled those with milk and had two strawberry and two chocolate. That way they could pick what they wanted and Lock and her could take whatever was left.

"Who wants chocolate milk? And who wants strawberry?" She called as she entered the living room with a smile.

[Locke F. Herald]

As they walked to the TV Locke looked into the den, to see Garion playing on the computer. He would have called to him, but he figured Garion knew very well what was going on, if he was interested, he'd come over.

So he sat down on the couch while the kids began shoving movies in his face, explaining each in as much detail as a child is capable of. After a few moments Locke pushed the movies back, so they weren't quite in his face.

"All right all right, I think I know a good way to decide." Locke said, looking over to the children again. "But it goes to the smart one. How many people live in this house right now that didn't last week?" It was simple enough, and he figured that at least one of the children could figure it out in short order, but enough to keep them busy for maybe 20-30 seconds.

He heard Kiri coming from a little ways off and smile, it was kind of funny how quickly she adapted to those motherly instincts, and here he though Fae were supposed to be childlike until they turned a hundred.

[ken]

Cassidy had demanded his strawberry milk and taken a seat on the couch, holding it and pretending he wasn't staring at the pretty Fae girl.

Katrina didn't have her brother's reserve. Taking her chocolate milk, she'd run over and tugged at Kiri, insisting that the older girl sit by her. Or, even better, let Katrina set on her lap.

Both youngsters stopped their antics as Locke asked his question. Katrina's face scrunched up, and she began counting on her fingers. Cassidy rolled his eyes, sinking into the couch.

"That's a dumb way to decide," he insisted, folding his arms over his chest. "I don't remember everyone who moved in here! There's, like, a hundred of you guys now!"

Really, both children loved all the company, and nearly every guest that now lived with them. They only ever looked uncomfortable around Micheal. Heck, they'd even taken to Rae and Eve, though they bothered the two girls almost as much as they did Locke and Kiri. Hence part of the reason that Rae had taken Eve out for the night. Valentine's Day was far too important to be spent around annoying children.

"Twelve?" guessed Katrina, having run out of fingers.

[Kiri Honeywater]

She giggled as the two young ones got their milk choice and smiled warmly down at the girl who began tugging at her clothes. Shaking her head she carried the tray of goodies over to the middle of the room to sit down. Kiri found anempty seat on the couch and quietly watched the children. To be honest she probably couldn't tell Locke the answer to that question.

As she tried to think of a way to pick a movie that was fun, easy, and didn't take up much time she arranged the plates on the coffee table. She set one near where Cassidy sat and another close to her because Kat had wanted to sit by her. Every once in a while she would look up at the two trying to figure out the number of people. Or she would give Locke a smile in silent laughter.

The chosing a movie thing between two kids was harder than she thought. She never really watched movies as a younger child and if they did she was the only one to pick. Having siblings had it's upsides, but she was recently finding out it had down sides as well.

"Why not have them find something? Like the first one to find something that falls off a tree, or the first one to find something with spots?" That would one get them out of Locke's hair for a few minutes at least, and it would prove to be a game. Children always liked games, right?

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke couldn't help but smile when Kiri acted like this. Kind, compassionate, motherly. She would make a fine mother one day, she'd also probably make an amazing wife.

As that thought moved through Locke's head his brain finally clicked on what he was imagining, and he quickly found something very interesting out of the large double windows. He listened to Kiri's planned game and nodded.

"Yeah, that sounds like a better idea...how about...you find something that is red, yellow AND green." Locke said looking to the pair. It was simple, it was easy enough for them to do, but complicated enough to keep them occupied for a little bit. And it was a competition, and if they were anything like their dear aunt, they'd love that.

"Well? Hop to it then children!" Locke said, making a sweeping gesture with his arms. In all honestly he wanted the children in bed, asleep, so he didn't have to deal with them, but he had to at least pretend to be happy with them.

He then looked to Kiri, looking hopeful. Maybe it could buy them a minute or two alone? He glanced at the clock as he looked at her, it was six. After this movie they'd put the kids to bed and be done with it. And they weren't expecting Holly or the others back till nine or ten at the earliest.

That was an hour Locke planned to make very good use of.

[Locke F. Herald]

-Time Jump so I don't have to deal with NPCing the kids for a prolonged period of time.-

When all was said and done they had settled down for one of Cassidy's movies, since he was the one more likely to throw a temper tantrum. Locke had a last minute brainstorm and instructed the two children to get changed into their pajamas, and then they could lay down under a blanket as long as they promised not to spill their snacks. Simply treats for simple minds after all.

Locke had used their absence to set the odds against the kids one step further, by warming their milk slightly. Luke warm milk, a light snack, lying warm and content under a blanket late at night, and watching a mind numbing children's movie. Locke was surprised how well the plan worked, with both children out like lights before the movie was even over. Cassidy with his head resting on Kiri's lap, and Katrina leaning on her shoulder. Locke looked up when he heard the soft snoring of the two children. He smiled broadly at Kiri.

"Well, we see who their favorite is." He said teasingly. "I guess we should take them to bed then..." Locke said, moving to pick up Cassidy. He was pretty sure he could carry him the little bit to him room, but Kiri carrying Katrina, that probably wouldn't be so easy.

As he hefted the young boy up, with his head over his shoulder, Locke looked to Kiri. "I can come back for her then, so you can clean up here right?" He suggested. After all, lifting was not something the fragile fae were known for.

[Kiri Honeywater]

Kiri was glad that the children had settled down, and even more so when they fell asleep. Problem was, sleep had also claimed the fae girl. Warmth surrounded her, her love was in her lap, a sweet child at her side, and everything was at peace. For many nights now she had now found peace those voices still plagued her, and finding Locke in that place. Visions of dark halls, medical utensils, and him on a metal table haunted her even if she hadn't found him in such a way. They were nightmares, not memories.

But this time sleep found her like a gentle kiss from one's mother. Only when Locke left her lap did she jerk away reaching for him as if he'd disappear. His name even fell from her lips in a soft whisper that sounded much like a wounded cry. Her eyes instantly filling with fear before he spoke of putting the children to bed.

"Oh, yes." Kiri sighed rubbing her face her frantic beating heart slowing. Kat had been startled away by Kiri's jerking and groggily rubbed at her eyes. The older fae girl cooed and soothed the young child's hair out of her face then stood taking the child's hand.

"I'll get her to bed, since I already woke her up. After those sweets she needs to brush her teeth." She smiled at Locke and started to lead little Kat to the child's bathroom. "But I can still clean up in here don't worry about it."

Off the two females went to ready the little one for bed. To think Kiri so young herself was playing mother with her boy friend. It chilled her and warmed her at the same time. No way was she ready for such a responsibility, but baby sitting was alright. Nothing life altering there. Though the thought of a someday with him only brought a slow, soft smile. A someday. One that would lead to a forever. That was a future to look forward to.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke found it slightly difficult to maneuver the comatose child into his bed. I mean, his hands were full, and it wasn't like Locke was strong enough to one hand the brat. He took a glance around the room for a moment while he was pondering this and took note of it. The walls with a set of cartoon wallpaper, various toys, merchandising and other treasures of a child. Locke didn't recall his room ever looking like this, but then again, he didn't have much of a traditional childhood. He looked back to the bed, with the large covers and comforter on it and a light bulb went on is his head.

He focused, feeling the air starting to charge, and with a very delicate bit of control, the static charge in the air lifted the heavy blankets on the bed up, and curved them down enough for Locke to work the young boy into bed. He laid Cassidy down, and the boy mumbled something in his sleep. Sighing in relief Locke grabbed the sheets and pulled them back over, tucking the boy into bed.

It was funny. When he was asleep, he wasn't anywhere near as annoying as he was awake. Maybe they should sleep all the time? That would be ideal wouldn't it? He moved to the door quietly and clicked the lights off, closing the door behind him.

The lack of noise from the washroom told him Kiri must be done with Kat and putting her to bed, so he'd go downstairs and wait.

Upon return to the den he found that he was done first, and it would be very poor manners to stop working before the job was completed. So he picked up the tray Kiri had used and gathered up the glasses. God why was he so tired? It was barely after 8! He ran them into the kitchen and began to load them into the dish washer, as an unbidden yawn escaped from his lips.