Log: Tending the Twins

[ambitious_muse]

Who: Sigma Ai, Agent York (Native), any Ai siblings who are at home
What: Babysitting the little siblings during Delta's appointment
Where: Ai household
When: Friday morning (8 May)
Warnings: none

Before he picks up the twins from school, Sigma finds everything he should need. Paper, pencils, crayons, and even a few stickers, so they can decorate the room with "Get Well Delta" cards. Dishes, cups, and favorite juices. A rogue ball of string in case York wants to help the twins play the "secret agent" game that he proposed on their second date.

It's a lot for one morning of babysitting, but Sigma really wants this to go well. Delta needs it, and more importantly, he hasn't seen York since before finals. It's time to sit back, have fun, and pretend that nothing is wrong.

Thankfully, the twins are pretty docile by the time they get home. Both of them have been cranky in Delta's absence. Now, they just seem resigned. Sigma hopes York will help him cheer them up.

Comments

[depthlesslock]

York cheers as Iota makes it to his side and the kid looks so proud of himself. Now it's Eta's turn and she's doing well so far.

[ambitious_muse]

To her credit, Eta doesn't borrow her brother's strategy. She climbs under the coffee table instead. Clever kids, Sigma thinks.

Then she's made it and begs York for a high five and it's his turn. Sigma takes a deep breath to steady himself. The first few steps aren't bad, but everyone is watching him and it makes him self-conscious.

[depthlesslock]

York also cheers for her as she makes it through and returns the high five with a grin when she holds her little hand up.

Then, of course, it's Sigma's turn and York watches attentively as his boyfriend twists through the strings.

[ambitious_muse]

He finds a rhythm and sticks to it, ducking and leaning with every other step. He's almost to the end when he makes the mistake of looking at York. Distracted, he ducks just a little too shallow and his shoulder brushes one of the strings.

[depthlesslock]

Sigma might not have the trained fluidity York sees in the other For Hires, but damn. The man can move. So when he sets off one the strings and the twins cheer at his side, York smirks as he orders Sigma back to the beginning to start the show over again.

[ambitious_muse]

Smiling but trying to pout, Sigma goes back to the beginning. He hadn't meant to mess up, but seeing the pride on the twins's faces made it worth it. He makes it on the second attempt.

[depthlesslock]

The twins whoop when Sigma makes it through and it's obvious they're delighted at making it through first time when he didn't. York grins widely.

'Nicely done,' he says, winking.

[ambitious_muse]

"Thanks," he says. "It's an ingenious game."

Iota tugs at York's shirt. "Your turn."

"Actually, why don't you go, Io? Give York and me a minute." He slips an arm around York's waist and turns to watch.

[depthlesslock]

York sends a knowing grin at Sigma, slipping closer and wrapping one arm around his shoulders as Iota sets off back through the threads with the determination.

[ambitious_muse]

"Try not to use the furniture this time," Sigma teases, leaning into York.

[depthlesslock]

'Picky,' he teases, squeezing Sigma's shoulder.

[ambitious_muse]

"Maybe," he says, "but they'll keep doing the same way if I left them and they'll get bored more quickly."

Iota doesn't stop, though, ducking the strings without touching them.

[depthlesslock]

'I can easily add or move strings,' he points out. 'Raise the difficulty level.'

Iota's doing very well. For a five year old, he's very nimble and careful.

[ambitious_muse]

Iota makes it to the other side, barely missing a string. Eta follows in after him.

"True," Sigma says. "Maybe I'm just lazy."

[depthlesslock]

Iota chees on his twin from the far side of the room as she picks her way through the threads.

'Nah. You've just never done this before.'

[ambitious_muse]

"Learning from the master," he says, squeezing York's side. "Though I don't think Louisiana would pay for this kind of lesson."

[depthlesslock]

'Pity, I'd say it's a good skill to have,' he returns the squeeze. 'Tell her it improves you spacial awareness and maneuverability.'

[ambitious_muse]

"She does want to teach me stealth," he admits.

Eta reaches the other side. "C'mon, Sig!" she calls.

[depthlesslock]

'Somehow, I'm not surprised,' he says. 'Now go on, show me how well you can slip through the threads.'

[ambitious_muse]

"Not surprised?" he says. "Oh fine, I'll ask later."

He steps forward and into the threads. It's easier this time, but he takes it slower, just to get the twins excited.

[depthlesslock]

York just grins and enjoys the view as Sigma works his way back through the threads.

[ambitious_muse]

Iota and Eta cheer and give him high fives when he successfully reaches the other side on his first try.

"Your turn," he calls back.

[depthlesslock]

York also cheers when Sigma makes it safely across, then starts picking his own way through again.

[ambitious_muse]

Sigma watches York's expression. He's so calm, as if he does this every day. Now that Sigma considers it, he probably does. It's fun to see this side of him, even if it's only a glimpse, and a very safe one at that.

[depthlesslock]

York makes it to the other side and accepts the high fives from the twins.

'How about we make it a bit harder?' he suggests.