ıllıllı 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 12/17: 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 3.1 - Asher, Rodriguez ıllıllı
Transcript of Event below Cut:
FERNANDA
It has been an especially bitter cold day out, and by the time everything was taken care of around the farm, no one was happier to have done everything possible to expedite the building of their indoor little oasis than Fer herself. After a long week at the office, and an even longer day out in the fields, it was going to feel so great to just jump into the warm water of the pool for a nice, relaxing swim.
Or, at least that had been the plan. She'd left Dylan downstairs as she went up to change, but as she passed the open door of Cat and Artie's room. She had to stop and double back. In the midst of the usually furry babies, there were some decidedly fur_less_ babies too. Two of which were sat between the TV stand and the bed attempting to eat the console controllers and one was holding a brush, desperately trying to reach a canvas three feet too high. "Dylan! I think I'm going to need a hand up here...or two..."
DYLAN
A day by the pool was a *fantastic* idea. Unlike the other, Dylan was not looking forward to actually getting in the pool but lounging nearby with a drink hopefully. The *children* were somewhere else, busy with ..whatever, and Dee was at the hospital. Peace and quiet was hard to come by in this household - something that Dylan learned since the first day she stepped foot to this place.
She was busying herself on her phone when she heard a call from upstairs. Even though there wasn't anyone around her, the half-demon still let out a dramatic sigh as she dragged herself upstairs at a very casual pace. "What is it, darling? It de-" She stopped at the door once she saw just what she was looking at. "...Sweetheart, since when do you smuggle babies?"
FERNANDA
No sooner had she called out to Dylan, then she'd had to rush in to catch an infant Cat -whose now much tinier legs are very much not ready to fight gravity- from crashing back down after she'd attempted to pull herself _up_ to the canvas using an easel that Fernanda was now realizing was exceedingly unsteady itself. "Whoa there, okay. Well...glad to see you're still determined to finish a piece once started," she managed as the baby used the boost to immediately get back to the canvas.
As Dylan made an appearance in the doorway, Fer let out a mirthless laugh and said, "I think _that_ would fall closer to _your_ family business, hun. _These_ babies are somehow, my cousins...and by that I don't mean that I suddenly have more cousins that happen to be infants, I mean these are the _same_ cousins you've grown to know and love, but they are _now_ infants...Oh, please gran Julian before he gets himself baby-murdered by baby-Artie!"
DYLAN
The half-demon looked over to where the baby - apparently Julian - was. Other than Fernanda, Julian had oddly been the one she got along with the most so to see him trying to wiggle away from the other infant was almost hilarious. "Isn't this just children's play?" She asked, not really want to pick him up in general but since the faerie was about to attack him, Dylan walked over to hold him up... Almost like the scene from the lion king except she didn't hold him up as high up in the air.
"They.. need better fitting clothes." Dylan had the decency to also grab the oversized shirt when picking the kid up. "As much as I would love a shopping spree - shopping for babies are not on that list."
FERNANDA
Fer watched as Dylan actually took the time to debate whether to do as asked or not, and were it not for the infant in her own arms, she may have genuinely considered grown-up-murder herself. Instead she walked over and crouched down so she could scoop up Artie herself. As she stood back up she looked at Dylan and said, "Okay, first off, please hold my cousin properly. Considering you've managed to convince him you care, I know you can mimic things well enough to do as I'm doing with the girls. Second, you either join in on the baby shopping spree _or_ you get to stay here and watch them on your own as _I_ go on the shopping spree myself. And no, me heading out to the shops with three infants by myself is not one of the options."
DYLAN
"...You want me to.. do what?" She looked up with wide eyes, genuinely alarmed by the notion. "Darling, he's not my type - and definitely not at this age." She joked as she looked at the baby in her hands. This distance between them was already enough yet the mermaid wanted her to carry him *closer*? "You oddly have some sense of faith in me handling your relatives..." Dylan muttered to herself. First she brought her to the farm itself, and allowed her to stick around. Now she was expected to be careful with Julian. Damien would have a day with this if he witnessed this.
"I am not watching three babies alone - along with 3 furries." This is at least the one thing she's adamant about. She was hardly a babysitter. "So very well, I suppose I can tag along.. your shopping spree." She sighed dramatically as she carefully turned the baby around. A very uncomfortable groan came from the half-demon herself as she bundled up the baby more tightly in his now-oversized shirt and cradled him.
FERNANDA
"I find it hard to believe that anything would be your type, regardless of age, but for the record, such jokes would likely get you thrown into a jail cell faster than you can say 'No _Karen_, I didn't mean it'," Fer pointed out, already making her way back down stairs. Setting the girls down on the living room floor, she went into the kitchen and came back with three plastic grocery bags and a roll of paper towels. "Sorry love, but we'll have to improvise until after we get done shopping. Can't risk you peeing all over an already easily irritable half-demon in the backseat of my car," she whispered as she fashioned temporary diapers for them.
Turning and wordlessly taking Julian from Dylan so she could do the same with him, she then handed him back and proceeded to guide them all to her car. She was certain the backseat was not Dylan's first choice, but she was hardly in the mood to care. The drive to the nearest store that would have everything they would need was longer than she'd like, but it would make for one stop shopping. Opening the back door again, she said, "Alright, Luke was nice enough to post a list of essentials in the group chat, so this shouldn't take long. Please refrain from sneaking things into the cart...I mean _you_," she added looking at Dylan.
DYLAN
She frowned when Fernanda actually said that it was hard to believe that anyone would be her type - Had she not notice all her flirting attempts? Then the half-demon wondered if she was losing her touch because she had been turned down almost every time by the mermaid herself. Actually stunned to silence, Dylan blinked and before she knew it, they were at the store.
"Darling, please. What could I possibly sneak into the cart? The good drinks can't even be *found* here, much to my dismay." She looked down at Julian next to her. "I suppose I could get the carts." Dylan slipped out of the car and scurried off to fetch them the cart. Coming back with it, she never wished more than to have some sort of power that could float the babies into the cart without her carrying them.. "In you go." She quickly grabbed Julian, not wanting Fernanda to scold her again. "...Do they all fit in this seat?" She had a feeling that she really did need to carry one of them, and already she was not looking forward to it.
Dyl paused at Dylan's question and looked from her to the cart and back. As clearly that was getting her nowhere, she added, "Well, there are _two_ baby carriers in the cart, and there are _three_ babies in our care. I know you're mainly meant to be the face of your company and are used to paying people to do the math, but surely even _you_ can figure this one."
Turning to close the door, she looked back over with Artie already on her own hip and stated, "I'll spare you and carry the Artie myself. Now let's get a move on. If Aunt D comes home to three babies with fevers because we brought them outside in less than appropriate attire for a Pennsylvania winter, she'll kill us both."
It had taken the better part of an hour, but they were finally making their way back in through the front door, Fer balancing two babies and several bags, with Dylan being trusted with the third baby and the rest...the mermaid dare not look behind her to actually witness _how_ the woman was managing that. "Just drop the bags wherever, but _please_ do not drop the baby."
DYLAN
For someone who had been very reluctant to do anything related to this baby situation, she was faring pretty well with Julian and the other half of bags from shopping. Once she did drop the bags down, she walked into the living room and collapsed - carefully - with Julian onto the couch when a ping sounded off from her phone.
Reaching for it, she only bothered to see the preview on the lockpage. A message from Nox in their group chat with the words. "DYLAN HAS A BABY. -Image" The half-demon did not want to deal with him right now, nor think about what Damien probably thought about all this and therefore, tossed her phone onto the coffee table.
"Carrying your cousin is not quite the exercise I expected today." She sighed, "I need a drink." The baby beside her let out a sound, "I think Julian agrees with me, darling."
Dyl set the girls down on the carpet and immediately went about sorting the contents of their purchases. Once done, she picked out a onesie for each baby and then set a fresh diaper on each.
By the time Dylan spoke up again, she was already turning on her knees to finish up her assembly line of sorts with her youngest cousin. Looking at the boy gave her brief glimpse at what her own child might look like and the mermaid found herself momentarily overcome by the thought.
Shaking herself out of it, she took the baby and began to work as she said, “If you manage to get me three bottles mixed up, I’ll mix _you_ up the best three drinks of your choosing once the babies are down.”
DYLAN
The half-demon just watched as the mermaid skilfully prep everything, ready to change all her cousins. She never had to deal with babies - and definitely didn't have any family members who suddenly turned into babies, but Dylan couldn't help but wonder what would happen if either Damien or her happen to get this.. misfortune. Probably hire a nanny.
Her eyes snapped to Fernanda at the mention of drinks. "Best drinks, are they?" She hummed. To think the other was trying to bribe her, but considering how stressed out she looked, Dylan decided to play nice. "Very well, I have high expectations for those drinks." She got up and grabbed a bag to go into the kitchen. You best believe she googled how to mix three bottles up.
Dyle only ever stocks up on the best when it comes to liquor. It's her little indulgence and she apparently put herself through her nursing degree by bartending so..." she shared as she got Julian properly dressed, and then set him off to go join the girls causing the poor ferret to lose its little mind.
By the time Dylan came back with the bottles, all three babies were rubbing at their faces and starting to get fussy, so she settled them into a carrier each and then handed them the bottles. She pointed at Julian's carrier and said, "Gently rock it, like this." Demonstrating the action, Fer hoped the babies would be out soon enough.
DYLAN
"So all I'm hearing is that *Dee* is guaranteed to make a good drink." When Dylan got sent to get the bottles ready, she just stared at her phone for the longest time. Surely making three bottles shouldn't be too hard. The fact that she was even going along with all of this was almost comical. Even after the mermaid passed them to the baby, she was actually.. worried. They were Fernanda's relatives after all ... and Julian might have been growing a bit on her.
"...Should we get you some of those automated rocking ones?" Dylan already pulled out her phone and started searching up options and she did not care if this was only a temporary thing. Manually rocking them when there's three of them didn't seem... fun especially when the tiniest one looked like she was about to cry.
FERNANDA
"Manage to get on her good side, and you _might_ just get a chance to find out," Fer shot back, without even bothering to turn in the other woman's direction. Just the fact that Dylan hadn't immediately peaced out on her the second she saw the babies, had more than earned the woman a spot on Fer's own good side. She highly doubted she'd have been able to manage three babies on her own, with zero tools. At least now she had some basic supplies, including formula, bottles, and binkies to keep them pacified..._oh_, that's why they were called pacifiers...
The question had her glancing over, just in time to see that Dylan was already managing to multitask by rocking Julian and looking up the items on her phone. It was a good thing the demon was invested in her search or else she might've spotted a rather soft look being sent her way that may well scare her off before the babies were actually asleep. And the mermaid couldn't afford that. Get a hold of herself she replied, "That was the idea, but the store we went to didn't have any inniño es una canción infantil para dormir de #LeoncitoAlado que a los niños les encanta. Espero que la disfruten, la hicimos con mucho cariño. Si te gustó te pedimos dar LIKE, SUSCRIBIRTE o dejar tu COMENTARIO. ¡Muchas gracias!
DYLAN
The half-demon hummed a response to the store not having any because she just saw one that looked decent enough - it looked like it'd do the job and with how fussy Fernanda already was with the baby, Dylan made sure that it looked safe enough - not that she would ever buy anything that lacked in quality. "Okay, I got three, should be here soon." She shot a quick message to Dallas to get her to pick these up. "And relax, these got like a bunch of safety awards, reviews and whatnot." She rolled her eyes, "These -" She held her tongue from describing the family as 'gremlins' "kids won't die from them. Scouts honor or whatever."
She let out a sigh and almost grimaced at the site of the teeny one who was toeing the line between wanting to cry and holding it in. "Oh lord." She muttered under her breath and was very relieved to see the one she was rocking already sound asleep.
Dyl you didn’t have to do all that,” she replied in earnest. “You could’ve just sent me the link and I’d have gotten it sorted with Dee later. It’s already very kind of you to have stuck around to help. I’m sure this is hardly how you foresaw your evening going,” she added with a slight chuckle. A more mirthful chuckle followed after as she said, “I would never dare expect Dylan Waldorf to pay anything below quality standards.” Granted she would never expect Dylan to do quite a list of things she’d done tonight already.
The blonde continued her singing and rocking up until she was certain that both girls had caught up to Julian and were actually asleep. It was only as she sat back that her brain had enough bandwidth to be self-conscious. “Sorry,” she whispered, “Julian’s mom used to sing it to us, and it was the first thing that came to mind.”
DALLAS
She didn't know what to expect when Dylan told her that she'd be working for her since she wasn't going back to the DJ booth anytime soon. Picking three automated baby bouncers were *not* one of them. Especially since she didn't even know Dylan had three kids - and she surely wasn't a charitable person if it was anyone else.
Thankfully her sister came with her because how was she supposed to get three boxes to a location *just* so she could teleport them to wherever Dylan was.... which was the farmhouse for some reason.
"Um.. we have your ..bouncers." She knew there'd be kids.. but seeing Dylan and them in the same room was .. bizarre.
FERNANDA
The mermaid was startled by the sudden sound of a new voice, but she managed to keep herself in check long enough to gesture for the newly arrived pair to keep their voices down. "I didn't realize that Amazon now offered same _hour_ delivery," she whispered, as she stood and led the girls away from the now sleeping babies.
Once a fair distance away, in the kitchen, she sighed in relief and then gave the girls an appreciative look. "Thank you, for being so quick. Honestly, this probably could've waited until morning but _someone_ is clearly terrified of having to physically rock a baby anytime soon. Fingers crossed, and they'll sleep through the night anyway because we still have to actually assemble these, and I owe Dylan some drinks."
DYLAN
She rolled her eyes as she followed, "Darling, please - they needed to be here asap. Who knows when your cousins will wake up." She took a look at the boxes, "Luck has nothing to do with it. Dallas can get those sorted out." She paused, "And if her sister's willing to help out, then you're more than welcome to. Oh, set up the baby monitors too."
"And yes, the drinks you promised." If they were alone, Dylan wouldn't care about looking giddy at the thought because she was going to be served drinks personally by Fernanda herself. Her eyes flickered to the mermaid once she realised that she was actually looking forward to something simple like this.
Dylt had started as a simple night in, had turned into quite the _task_ once their father had decided that completing Dallas' delivery would make for 'great bonding'. She said nothing as her twin led the way back over to the living room and the women were left to their own devices behind them. Using her powers, she made quick work of the packaging on all the items....granted, that also kind of took with it the instructions, so they spent some time hunting that down online.
They were half-way through the last rocker when -and who knew how many random whispered conversations- when a question dawned on her. "Hey, do you think this was an isolated incident to just the merkids or do you think it affected others?"
DALLAS
Dallas really dread getting a message from Dylan most of the time simply because they were usually a delivery run. The woman could not wait for more than a day whenever she purchased anything and this time was no different. However, these automatic baby... seats were not what she expected from the woman.
She also didn't expect that Kala and her would spend so much time hunting down the set up instructions for said chairs. As she moved the last rocker to a suitable spot, the older twin looked over to her sister at the question, "...Do you think her friends are also affected..?" Which meant... there was a chance that Tomi might be a baby... "Should you check..? I mean, you're babysitting one of them..."
DALLAS
Almost as if on queue, her forearm burned slightly and as she rolled up her sleeve and pressed the index and middle finger of her opposite hand over the enchanted ink, she received the details she was looking for. "Message from my boss, apparently the firefighter paladin looped her in to the fact there was a mishap with the runes of the wards on the Nexus. So seemingly every supernatural under a certain age has reverted. Considering Cat is twenty and we're twenty-two, I'm guessing it tops off at twenty....no idea how long this will last though."
It took her a minute to catch up the last bit her sister had said, so as she was mid-way to setting up the baby monitors, she looked up with a look of incredulity as she asked, "You don't reckon Leo would still make me watch Peyton if she's a baby right? Like, her parents aren't going to be letting a baby loose around town....right?"
DALLAS
She tried to let that information sink in. To think there was an age limit.. or maybe they fixed whatever mishap that was before it affected more people... Either way, Dallas frowned, "..Lucky us, I guess?" Turning into a baby and forgetting about adult problems seems appealing, but people might frown at that train of thought.
"...I don't know about letting a baby loose, but maybe they'll need you to look after the kids if they need to step away for a bit..?" She shrugged, "...I hope Dylan is going to get me to babysit.. simply because she doesn't want to." Her eyes rolled. She also heard that the demon had been spending most of her time at the farmhouse.... surely the oldest mermaid had something to do with that. "...Although I think we're sorta their temporary baby monitors right now..."
KALA
“There’s no telling what the after effects of this may be, how long it will last, what we would remember as babies or what we would remember about _being_ babies when it goes back…With that many variables, I’d say the sarcasm can be saved for later because we dodged a major bullet,” she pointed out. As someone who was always fiercely independent, nothing would be worse than being made reliant on other people for _everything_.
Kala shook her head as she said, “Nope. Not happening. I’m a guild member not a nanny. Besides, between the lot of them I’m sure they could all comfortably come with some arrangement amongst themselves for getting babies watched if they want a free night or whatever,” she pointed out before glancing over at the older women. “Granted, _your_ boss may volunteer you just to guarantee she gets more baby-free time with the mermaid.”
DALLAS
Kala did have a point. There was a lot of unknown anomalies and they couldn't really rule out the chance that they might still change later. Maybe the older you were, the longer it took for the magic to.... hit you. "Aren't you curious about how everyone looked as a baby?"
The dj smirked when her sister was very adamant about *not* being anyone's nanny. "Maybe Peyton might be the quietest she's ever been?" If she had to guess, it really did seem that the cat shifter was growing on Kala. However, even Dallas wasn't dumb enough to actually point that out. At the topic of her own boss however, had her rolling her eyes. "I'm surprised she's even sticking around one, much less *three*. She's really got a thing for Fernanda.."
DALLAS
“If I ever did have such a curiosity, I’d simply ask to see a baby picture. That being said, do I strike you as the type of person to be interested enough in other people to ask for such things?“ It was a rhetorical question. Of course she didn’t ask. If push came to shove, she’d just use her guild resources to get what she needed.
Kala found that exceedingly unlikely. It was hard enough to get the girl to be quiet at an age where she was mostly self-sufficient. Very unlikely she would be quiet now that she would require someone’s help for _everything_. “Somehow, doubtful, and I don’t do well with crying things. Babies, adults, pets, whatever.” She was surprised she’d even managed as well as she did with Dallas…Sparing another quick glance over at the duo she said, “Maybe their human halves are drawn to each other or some cosmic shit. This town is fucking weird like that.”
DALLAS
As her sister.. ranted(?), Dallas picked at the cloth of one of the rockerse they built, not really knowing what to say. Her Kala seemed very against babysitting and that was understandable. Dallas just never really saw the other rant about something. Sure, many things annoyed the other - like Peyton herself, but Kala actually sounded pissed this time even though there was actually a chance both their bosses would tell them to keep an eye on the babies.
When she was asked a question, the older twin remained quiet because it didn't feel like Kala was expecting an answer anyways. "Um.. Are you.. okay?" She asked as she stopped playing with the cloth and focused on her sister instead. "Isn't it like.. a good thing though? At least she's not really up to no good..."
DALLAS
Kala actually took a moment to consider the question before actually answering. “I guess not,” she replied honestly. “At least, not as okay as I thought I was….about a couple of things, I suppose. But this is neither the time nor place. We’re on the clock, after all.”
She wasn’t looking to outright swerve her sister, but now that she was actively thinking about it, she needed time to sort things out herself before she could share. “You think we can get in on the drinks action for our good work?”
DYLAN
She had been leaning against the kitchen island with anticipation. It was nice to hear that Fernanda didn't go back on her word. It was even better when her assistant had brought help to build those rockers so that neither of them needed to. "Darling, while Dee supposedly have good bartending skills, did she happen to pass these skills over to you?" She teased, since she was promised 'three of the best drinks'.
Though she wasn't at all listening in on the twins' conversation, the sudden words 'drinks' did catch her attention. However, she was not going to take the initiative to invite them because that would defeat having some alone time with the mermaid. "Will you be drinking with me?"
Dylle the mermaid had been honest, Dee really was the best drink mixer she’d ever met, the mermaid may have unintentionally downplayed just how well she herself had taken to the craft. Well, with some lessons of course. “I suppose you’ll have to be the judge of that yourself, as any opinion I hold of my own skills is entirely subjective.”
As she opened the liquor cabinet and began to work, she laughed lightly at the question. “I would love nothing more, but it would be highly irresponsible of me to be anything other than sober with three babies in the house,” she replied. Turning back to face the woman, she handed her a slim glass with a mint garnish and said, “We’ll start off easy with a classic mojito.”
DYLAN
Dylan playfully pouted when the mermaid didn't tell her about her own skills. However, watching Fernanda work was already impressing her. It seemed that Dee did pass down a few tricks at the very least. "We've got 2 babysitters in the room right now." Well, one who was under her brother's paycheck. "They're still on the clock and besides, I don't think a drink or two is going to hurt - or are you telling me you're a *very* lightweight?"
Her eyes looked down at the glass, and with a smirk, she picked it up and observed it. Nothing seemed out of place, it smelled as it should and so, Dylan took it to her lips. "Mm.. " She hummed as she mulled over the taste. Not wanting to give Fernanda the satisfaction right away, Dylan only shrugged, "I suppose this isn't too bad."
Dyl simply raised a brow and said, "Those two lovely ladies eventually have to go home. I know them through my cousins and Artie, and if they're not home soon their dad is likely to come looking for them. I personally do not want an angry dragon shifter at my door." At the mention of being a lightweight, Fer neither confirmed nor denied, instead stating, "You're tolerance and mine are vastly different just based on genetics alone."
Rolling her eyes at the response, she cleaned up before pouring herself a glass of water. "Well I do hope that you manage to get through it if even it's just passable, because I'm not about to be wasting Dee's liquor."
DYLAN
"Wouldn't it be fine if they tell their daddy dearest that they're staying over?" Besides, weren't the twins adults already? Dylan couldn't really picture their father being so protective of them if he knew where they were. They might not trust a Waldorf but this was the farmhouse. On the topic of their tolerance, the half-demon didn't reply since she wasn't sure how mermaids handled their alcohol.
"Relax, I'll finish the drinks - Unless you want to take a sip, because you're more than welcome to share the drink with me." And to prove it, she took the glass to her lips again. "So what will the next drinks be?" She asked while playing with the garnish.
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FERNANDA
The mermaid rolled her eyes and said, "Tell you what, if you can manage to _ask_ them nicely and they agree -of their own free will and without fear of retaliation from _you_ later- then I don't see why they can't help out for _a bit longer_." It ultimately wasn't like she was trusting the babies to strangers. There had been some friction recently with Dallas, but overall the twins had proven themselves to be trustworthy enough. Granted, she also didn't want to push her luck. Cat especially could be exceedingly wary around strangers at this age.
Fer fixed Dylan with a mock look of endearment as she said, "Aw babes, sharing the free drink _I_ mixed for you with me already? How sweet." Rolling her eyes once more, she smirked as she said, "I'll allow myself one drink, but considering I know what comes next, I think I'll hold off for a bit. As for what's on the menu, that's for me to know and you to find out once it's in your hand."
DYLAN
"Retaliation? From me? Darling I would *never*." She sighed, dropping it. "Very well, I suppose I should ask them - after the drinks." Dylan would rather hire a nanny even if the twins didn't want to stay and she somehow had a feeling that Fernanda would rather watch over the kids herself. "Should hire a nanny."
Her smirk then widened at the implication. "Oh? What comes next? Do enlighten me." She chuckled, "You *are* the barista, the strength of the drinks is your hands." While Dylan wasn't a fan of surprises, she was willing to happily sip on her drink while she waited for the upcoming ones. "It's just less fun to be drinking alone."
Dyl snorted at the mention of a nanny. "Hard pass. As someone who was practically raised by a nanny, even though I had a very present and able mother right there, I would rather keep the care of the babies mostly between myself and Dee as much as possible. There's also the fact that young Cat never did take well to strangers, so to avoid a lot of unnecessary headaches, the most I may come to consider is a babysitter. And even then it would be someone the kids already know." Her tone left no room for argument.
Fernanda simply shook her head cheekily as she continued to wait until it was time for a refill before moving on to the next drink. "Keep whining and I'll just have to pull out the bottle we got especially from the Bridgeport. Even Dylan Waldorf can't complain if she's face down on a mattress, black-out drunk."
DYLAN
She couldn't share the sentiment - though she almost grew up the same way, her fondness for children continued to cease to exist. And she will not admit that Julian as a baby... is somehow growing on her. Never. "Cat not liking strangers?" She frowned, that sounded like the opposite of the ... *very* enthusiastic girl she knew. Dylan was sure that girl would befriend the whole town if she could. Or so it seemed. "Fine... no nanny. Maybe babysitter... But I see you're very keen on personally handling this." She sighed rather dramatically, as if it was a shame they couldn't just hire someone.
"Was I whining?" She hummed as she took a long sip of her drink before peering over her glass. "Normally I would say that's a challenge, but I'm well aware on the bottles served over there. I will have to pass on that. Black out drunk doesn't seem to be a good look for me." She now looked down in her empty glass, "So what's next?"
FERNANDA
At the doubt clearly ringing in the woman's voice, Fer could only chuckle wryly as she said, "Yeah, it's a far-cry from the Cat we currently know and love, but it's far easier to try and befriend every stranger you meet when you have the proper physical ability to turn and run in the opposite direction if things go south. She always was far more conscious of how small she was when she was younger....probably because my uncle was constantly reminding her of it." The mermaid grimaced at the thought of Cat's father, before turning to face Dylan. "I think we've been working together longe enough for you to know I'm very much a fan of a hands-on approach. If you want something done right, do it yourself."
She nodded at the rhetorical question, "Quite blatantly at that." As she began to work on the next drink, she raised a brow and let out a low whistle. "Oof, sounds like you're speaking from quite some experience, Miss Waldorf. Here's to never having to be the one to deal with what sounds like _quite_ the mess," she said, handing her the next drink. "Negroni. You'll find that the _type_ of gin really does make all the difference."
DYLAN
That right there sounded like a story - but Dylan could not find it within her to ask for further details. However, if there was anything she could relate to, was that she too, had a shit father who was constantly reminding her of a flaw. "Delegating a task to another at times could still be useful - because then those hands could be used for something else entirely." The half-demon was constantly sending someone to do her bidding anyways, there were only a few things she was 'hands-on' about.
"And I expect nothing but top-notch quality." She smiled as she slid the drink closer to herself, giving it a brief observation before taking a sip from it. "It looks like Dee's collection of alcohol isn't as lacking as I thought." She had been sceptical at the beginning but Fernanda did a good job, not that she'll admit to that.
FERNANDA
Fernanda let out a low laugh as she said, “I can assure you I am far better at multitasking than I ever have been at delegating. I’d rather do one too many things and _know_ that if one fails it was in my control to have done it better, than to delegate and cede that control over to someone else entirely…I’m sure my therapist would have something to say about it, but it’s worked out for me so far.” She was intentionally oblivious to the blatant alternate meaning to the woman’s words.
Getting anything even remotely resembling praise from Dylan was a miracle in itself. That she’d gotten this far was a feat. That the woman seemed to be closing the distance between them with each drink? Completely and entirely unheard of. “Well, I did save the best for last.”
DYLAN
"You take on too much work." While she understood what the other meant since she also had a company to run, she doubt the mermaid was dumb enough not to know when one took upon too much work for herself. And so, she let the topic slide even though that was *not* the purpose of her bringing it up in the first place. It was clear Fernanda was determined to handle the babies herself anyways.
She knew this drink was already stronger than the last, but something told her that the next was going to be a lot stronger compared to this one. "Is it also the strongest out of the three?" She asked. Dylan was taking her time with the drink. Even if her tolerance was still higher than the average, it was never wise to speed through a drink.
FERNANDA
"You're not the first person to say so, but I'll fully admit you _are_ the last one I ever expected to hear it from," she chuckled. "It almost sounded like you cared there for a second, Waldorf." Fer wasn't stupid. She'd been around the woman long enough to know that sometimes shining a spotlight on a positive trait was the fastest way to make it go away. But if she was ever going to foster some sort of comfort level in Dylan with her human side and the range of emotions that came with it, highlighting the traits to let her know they were noticed and providing positive reinforcement -which in her case could vary based on the situation from actual words of affirmation to sarcasm and flirting- was the best way to go.
The mermaid just nodded as she cleaned up from the previous drink and began to get some things set up for the next. "It's an oldie, but a goodie. _And_ with my own personal twist on the mix, it's bound to make an impression. Whether good or bad will up to you to decide after."
DYLAN
"What? That you take on too much? *Please*, we get to hire people so that we can do *other* things." Her eyes rolled, "You simply just don't take advantage of that apparently. A shame really." She focused on her drink afterwards, neither admitting nor denying that she cared. Of course, this might also be the place where she'd say something snarky but instead, she enjoyed the rest of her drink while she watched the mermaid worked on the next drink. Dylan wouldn't be able tell you why she wasn't willing to push Fernanda's buttons as much as she *could*. Hell, she even let Aunt Dee kick her out without much of a fuss... and even had Julian help her be let back in.
Just thinking about it had Dylan down the last bit of her drink before sliding the empty glass off to the other. "Have you.. *tried* this personal twist before?" She laughed as she straightened up on her seat, running her bangs back from her face.
FERNANDA
A scoff of her own came out as she said, "It's called work-life balance. You do work things during work hours, and _other_ things during non-work hours. It's honestly not as difficult to manage to do, if you ever decide to give the work bit a proper go, that is." The woman's silence on the matter of caring spoke far more than the sarcastic lies she'd have actually voiced, and Fer felt herself smiling easily at the thought. It seemed that whether Dylan wanted to admit it or not, she was coming to care about the mermaid and her family by extension -to a certain degree of course- and that was honestly..._endearing_.
At the question of whether she'd tried her own twist she let out another scoff and said, "Honey it's my go-to drink." Taking the now empty glass back, she replaced it with the last drink. "A classic margarita on the rocks, with a salt rim. The twist comes in the form of specially distilled mezcal instead of tequila." She turned back to pour herself of just said mezcal. "What makes it special is it's ability to rival even Bridgeport's strongest liquor. _Salud_."
DYLAN
"I balance my time well enough." Dylan rolled her eyes with a scoff. "I'm there when it's necessary." The business was the only thing her dad had some form of expectation from her, Dylan was not going to mess that up. Maybe it was also out of spite, unwilling to allow the patriarch to find another flaw. Her eye caught the smile Fernanda had, and did not want to question that either because something told her that she didn't want to know what was so amusing.
She looked down at the new drink - suddenly very intimidated when she heard that it had an ingredient that rivalled Bridgeport's liquor. Of course, she wouldn't show that so obviously on her face. "Specially distilled Mezcal.. How intriguing." She smiled and raised it up towards the other before taking a good sip herself. Either she was very light handed with the previous two or this one was.. vastly stronger. Perhaps her brother might have an easier time with this, but Dylan had a limit unfortunately. In the end, she had to cough. "I don't suppose you poured a bit more mezcal than you normally would?"
FERNANDA
"You're there when _you_ feel it's necessary," Fer was quick to correct. "I've had plenty of conversations with your employees, and don't bother asking for names because let's be honest with ourselves, you wouldn't know who I was talking about anyway. Which incidentally, proves my point. _Although_, I will say I do appreciate the fact you've provided me with your direct line so I can reach you whether you're at the office or not. Makes a lot of things go by so much smoother." It was already a difficult task to begin the proper dissolution of the longstanding working relationship between the Rodriguez firm in the ocean and the Waldorf firm on land, but if she had any hope of legitimizing her family company, it was a necessary evil.
Taking her shot with no chaser, and then watching the face Dylan was trying -and failing- to hide, had the mermaid looking back over at the jigger when asked about amounts. "No, looks like I used the same amount I always use," she replied. "Granted, I'm usually making these for myself and not company so I may have unintentionally been a little heavy-handed."
DYLAN
"If that is all they're saying about me." Dylan did not need loose lips working in her company, whether it was on the legit side of things or not. While she wouldn't make a fuss since the people were just complaining about her absence, she was less forgiving if someone were leaking secrets instead. However, because of that, she wondered if Fernanda would actually reveal it if it did happen.
"Oh, look who's appreciative *now*?" She smirked, knowing just how annoying she had been by pestering her everytime they met. Even people at their offices were bound to be accustomed to the bantering. This mermaid had been surprising her since the day she accepted to work together. "Alas, you only make business calls on it. I'm rather hurt." Though her tone was anything but.
"I must say, I didn't think you'd drink it like water." She was impressed to say the least. Instead of commenting more on that, she focused on her drink, oddly liking it the more she drank even though she could feel her cheeks warming. "So you're saying that this is the amount you usually pour for yourself?" Very impressive.
FERNANDA
“My reputation precedes me,” she said in response. “I’m sure they know that if I took ove my family’s company _after_ they were involved with yours, I’m sure to have done my homework and already figured out what I needed to know.”
Fer only scoffed at the response. “There’s a big difference between having a means to reach you, and having you try to turn my board room into your own personal catwalk,” she shot back. The mermaid raised a brow and simply said, “What would be the point of making personal calls if you’re usually already at my house?”
She glanced at the empty shot glass and shrugged. “I suppose once grows a certain tolerance.” She would not, however, be taking a second shot. “Yes, makes for a great way to unwind after a long day of dealing with insufferable business acquaintances and such.”
DYLAN
"I think it took everyone by surprise when you decided to collaborate with my company. With how our board meetings go, we were under the impression that you wanted nothing to do with me." She pointed out with a quick glance over to the other.
The demon was well aware that she was now always found at the barn - to the point that even Nox and Damien didn't even need to ask about her whereabouts anymore. Was she spending too much time here? She never really spend the *day* at someone's house, it was usually the night so all of this was rather .. strange for her. "Isn't that to say you don't need my number in general?"
Her eyes steeled when hearing about 'insuffereable business acquaintances'. "And who has been getting on your nerves so much that it requires a drink so often?" She kept on a smile, wondering if the other hand grouped *her* along with the other nuisances. "Perhaps I can lend a hand in dealing with them?"
FERNANDA
“To be completely honest, it wasn’t a choice that I had much of a say in. Talks were started long before I took over, and a fully drawn contract was already signed and in place,” she admitted. Fer did let out a small sigh as she smiled and said, “_But_ I have learned to make the best of a bad situation.”
“You _just_ pointed out all my calls to you were business. When do discuss business are kind here?” Was the simple rhetorical response.
The mermaid shook her head and once again and reiterated, “I’m not providing any names. I can handle my own problems on my own. But I appreciate the concern.”
DYLAN
Fernanda had a point, there was a contract signed, and they were not at the point where Dylan would even entertain the idea of letting the other go with little to no consequence. "Hmm, I wouldn't think being in a situation with me is that bad." She chuckled as she made it through two-thirds of her drink.
Her eyes rolled when the mermaid refused to give her names. That wouldn't stop Dylan from assigning someone to poke around regardless if Fernanda wanted her to or not. "Simply curious." She denied. Perhaps part of it was because she was itching for some trouble and these sounded like they could be potential playthings.
FERNANDA
Fernanda's soft smile easily shifted into a knowing smirk. They'd both been tip-toeing around the elephant in the room pretty much since Fer set foot in town, and maybe it was the shot of liquid courage she'd just knocked back, but all the mermaid could reply with was, "I have just as many resources as you do, Dyl. I _know_ what my uncles are like and how they ran the business before I replaced my mother. I _know_ the businesses they work with. Getting in the metaphorical business bed with the Waldorfs is nothing _but_ trouble with a capital T."
She just raised a brow and said, "Ooh, you should save that one. Makes a great product line name."
DYLAN
Her eyes rolled when Fernanda went on about how her uncles ran businesses. She, too, was aware how they ran it and needless to say, Fernanda was a great improvement when it came to their partnership. "Mm, metaphorical bed.. " She laughed, "But anyways, we are not *trouble*." She said that with a smirk on her face. "We haven't had any trouble so far." However, she will refrain from commenting on the uncles - she was simply glad she did not have to deal with them any longer.
FERNANDA
"The only bed I'll ever venture to get into with you based on how you've chosen to behave yourself," she stated plainly, as if detailing the most obvious of things. "You keep repeating that, but just because the matters have not been trouble _for you_, it does not mean they weren't trouble in general." It was a _fact_ that she knew and could not ignore. Regardless of how Dylan personally presented herself, and how lovely she'd been today in helping her...there was a marked difference between Dylan her friend and Dylan her business associate and as long as the latter existed, the former would never be anything more.
DYLAN
"Oh? And how have I chosen to behave myself" Perhaps the drinks were getting to her, but Dylan's smile faltered ever so slightly. "Are you saying that *my* trouble have been bothering you?" Surely these weren't just the annoying business acquaintances she was talking about earlier. It was as if that had been the wake up call to sober her up - to a degree - her eyes steeled at the idea that people had been messing with what's hers.
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FERNANDA
The mermaid saw on reason to _not_ answer the question. "Today? Patiently," she said with a smile, "Graciously, dare I say, even _caringly_. To which my gratitude will never be enough." There was a pause before her smile fell a bit and she said, "Every other day, however, you are downright baffling. You are hare almost daily, which makes me think you have a reason to return, but then are constantly antagonistic to my cousins and derisive about our lifestyle and the things that are actual passions for the members of this home...So, until you you can make up your own mind, metaphors are the only things we'll have."
At the manner in which Dylan asked her about the other troubles, Fer knew she'd made a mistake in even broaching the subject. "It's not important. Not right now. Things have been addressed, and if and when they arise again, they will continue to be addressed. By _me_."
DYLAN
That was not the answer she expected. Least of all, that she had behaved *caringly*. However, before she could even retort to any of that, Fernanda continued and was .. truthfully honest with her which was something she was still not used to. It took everything to not give away any expression because it seemed that the woman herself was either ignoring it, or simply didn't know that *she* was majorly the reason why she kept going to that barn. No one will hear from her lips that her fashionista friend had become partially why. "It's not like I stopped them from doing whatever they considered their hobbies and-or job."
Nope. This was already on Dylan's radar. She was going to get someone to investigate this. Of course, this wasn't out of concern, but curiosity - or so she told herself. "So it's still important." She pointed out. "You know it'll arise again." This was how those people worked.
FERNANDA
A harsh scoff fell from Fernanda's lips at the simple response. "Your father didn't stop you from taking over the company, but you can hardly say that his words during the board meetings don't make the job all that much harder to get through. Being expected to continue to do something you love after it's been brought to your attention that some consider it useless and laughable, is hardly something you can do with the same joy as before."
The mermaid took in a deep breath and held it as she rolled her neck around, not releasing it until she had dropped her head to stare at her own feet for a moment. When she looked up her look was steeled. "I _know_ it will. I've _known_ it would since the moment I took the position I did. I have three young ones -now even much younger than before- to consider in my day-to-day, and I refuse to allow myself to live in fear of what will be a problem for a later day, lest it trickle down to them. And I _will_ take care of it as I have done times before."
DYLAN
No matter how good her poker face was, this topic had always been a weak point. Her eyes steeled when her father was suddenly brought up since this was perhaps the last thing she expected. "I thought his constant nagging would have given away that there wasn't much of a choice." Her eyes rolled as she straightened her back, all playfulness gone from her demeanor. Her father only gave her the company simply because he didn't want to give it to *Damien*. Dylan was damn sure that he wouldn't have handed her the job no matter how much she begged if there had been another candidate.
With a sigh of defeat, the half-demon leaned back in her seat. The mermaid made it very clear that she won't do anything about it unless absolute necessary even if she had the means for it right now. Who was Dylan to change her mind? "Very well." was all she said before getting out of her seat and straightening out her outfit. Guess she'll have to stick with the plan of investigating it behind the scenes. Not that she wanted to go back to said three young ones, but Dylan understood that Fernanda was exhausted. "I suppose it's time to dismiss my subordinate for the day, otherwise you'll think I'm keeping her here against her will." A light tease before she walked back into the living room regardless if Dallas was actually struggling or not.
FERNANDA
"My point exactly," she said with an edge of frustration. "You know that someone considers you taking over the company to be a 'bad thing' and it bothers the fuck out of you regularly. Would it really be that difficult for you to understand that the same applies to the three youngest members of this home? Especially when, if you got to know them a little better, you'd come to realize they also _don't_ have the best relationship with their own fathers..." If she were completely honest, Fernanda wasn't entirely sure why she was suddenly so hellbent on Dylan realizing she had common ground with her cousins or even pointing out how she was hurting their feelings so that she'd stop...well, she was partially aware, but that very well may be a moot point now...
As Dylan made her way around the island, Fer moved to step in her way and reached out to take the woman's hand but, stopped short. Instead, after a beat, she just closed the distance and wrapped her arms around the other's middle as she burrowed her face agains her chest. "Thank you. I know the conversation took a turn, but I really do appreciate everything you did today."
DYLAN
The half-demon could only understand that the mermaid thought she was being a bully to her cousins, but she was not sure why the other was so insistent to get her to *relate* to them - that they had more in common than what meets the eye. Reluctant to vocally give in, Dylan admit that it was indeed embarrassing and shitty to know that the whole board knew that her father didn't like the way she ran things, and the fact that she wasn't the intended heir. "I'll tease them less." is all she said about it.
She had been on her way back but again, for the nth time tonight, she was taken by surprise. When Fernanda grabbed her, she didn't know what to expect. Hell, she thought the younger woman was about to drag her ass out of the house. Instead, she was wrapped in a hug. A hug. This .. was very unexpected to the point that Dylan didn't actually know what to do. The only hugs she got was from Nox and she never reciprocated those, and often she shoved them away.
Awkwardly hugging back with a hand gently patting her the other's back, Dylan's voice was quieter, "I don't think I did anything except hold Julian at the store."
FERNANDA
Even though she was almost certain that Dylan believed her response was going to be taken at face-value, and considered a throw-away phrase meant to placate the mermaid, Fer knew better. Just the fact that she was willing to even _say_ anything that could remotely be taken as her having considered the other person's words spoke far more than the few words she'd actually vocalized. "I'm sure it'll be made easier by the fact they can't actually talk back at the moment," she replied.
Fernanda wasn't actually expecting the hug to be reciprocated. If anything, she was selfishly using the hug to provide herself an anchor for the first time since walking in to a room full of babies...or well, if honesty was the name of the game, she'd been in need of an anchor long before that. The mermaid was perfectly content to not have been pushed away, but the gentle pats had her genuinely smiling for the first time in a good bit that day. It wasn't the extent of the effort made, it was the fact that Dylan was clearly _willing_ to make one.
"Considering I had two other babies to deal with, that is a full one-third of the job," she said, not wanting to sell the woman's efforts short. "Besides, you also got me some rockers, had help come in to give me a break...I wouldn't hold it against you if you opted to not return until things are back to normal, but I'm pretty sure Julian, and even the girls and the fluffies would miss you..._I_ would miss you..."
DYLAN
Dylan could only focus on the fact that almost every sense was being invaded by the mermaid. The last person who was willing to hug her like this had been Kieran, which felt like an eternity ago. And even then, it didn't feel the same as this. "I wouldn't say that'd be a lie." Her words were light, and even without looking, one could feel the smug smirk she had on.
Her smile did falter at Fernanda's next words. It was odd, hearing praise for something she didn't even thought was a big deal. And for once, she was thankful that her face was hidden from the other. "... You are a strange woman." She chuckled softly before pulling herself back enough to have her arms still around. "One normally wouldn't say they'd miss a Waldorf." On the contrary, there was only a handful of people who had ever said that, and only one would've been genuine about it. However, she was somehow more affected when Fernanda said it than when it was from her previous ~~pet ~~ girlfriend.
"It's almost believable that Julian might, but the rest of your household? I doubt it." She chuckled as she stepped back from the hug. It was more so that she wouldn't do something stupid, like kiss the woman when Fernanda had clearly drawn the line just a moment ago.
FERNANDA
At the smug remark, all Fer could do was grin and say, "Aaand, you're done." Not that she pulled too far away however, knowing in the end that this was just Dylan's way of trying to keep up the mask of being aloof and unfeeling. Though the mermaid originally only ever saw that mask slip during board meetings involving the woman's father, she had to admit it was much nicer to see it practically fall off in her own home.
"I never said anything about missing a Waldorf," she was quick correct. "I said we'd miss _you_. As a woman in your position as head of a business, you of all people should know that it's the specifics that make all the difference." Fer could only chuckle as she went ahead and stepped off to the side so Dylan could make her way through. "You vastly underestimate just how engrained you've become in the daily happenings of this house," she began, sliding her hands in her pockets as she glanced over at the other, "Why it is you choose to do so, however, is a question only you can answer."
DYLAN
"Hmm, as if you aren't surprised by the number of people who don't read their contracts before signing." No, this was not her admitting that there were questionable documents in her company's archives.
Making her way back on her original path towards the living room, she didn't comment about the effect she had on the barn house. "Dallas." She called out the moment she stepped into the room, but then paused because she remembered Fernanda's words from earlier. "...I won't hold you here tonight but starting tomorrow, you can come by at least twice a week to help out." That should be enough to give the mermaid a bit of a break within the week, "And you can bring your clone if she wants to come." She was certain the sister was here solely because Dallas was here, and not because she wanted to play with babies.
KALA
Kala had been doing her best to keep Dallas busy, partially afraid that if her sister was left to her own thoughts too long, she'd get emotional again, and then proceed to make noise and wake up the babies. If anything, she was probably far more relieved at the sight of Dylan making her way over than even her sister was.
She'd only been paying attention half-way to what the woman was telling Dallas, however, as her phone had gone off and the message had been from Leo. Catching onto the last bit, she chimed and said, "Would love to, it's been a blast. _But_, my actual boss just sent me a text and apparently I have my own baby situation to help out with so, have fun."
DALLAS
Dallas knew Kala didn't have to be here but she was thankful nonetheless. Neither of them are good with kids but it was nice to know that she wasn't alone doing this while her boss went to flirt. Dallas was also thankful when Dylan eventually came back to find them and while she didn't know what happened in the time they were gone, but she was surprised that she wasn't ordered to be the babies' permanent babysitter.
"..Yeah, I can come in two times a week.. If Ms. Salazar can let me know what days.. My schedule lately.. has been my boss' schedule." She looked over at the mermaid, to the demon. After seeing a nod from Dylan, her hand reached out to her sister. "We'll.. be out of your way for tonight then.."
FERNANDA
She kept the quip of Dylan basically admitting she didn't read their contracts to herself, feeling it wasn't worth the argument it would likely lead to. Instead she followed behind as the other approached the twins, and was left gaping as she considered how to best interject without coming across as if she was directly rejecting what was clearly Dylan's attempt to help...because _that_ would also not end well.
"Uh, well, if you're looking to make some extra-cash or need to keep busy, then I would greatly appreciate the help on Mondays and Wednesdays. Sundays and Tuesdays are Dee's overnight shifts," she settled on explaining. Still giving Dallas the choice, while not outright rejecting Dylan's offer. As the girls began to make their way out, she said, "Be safe and text me when you get home please." Turning back to Dylan all she could say was, "I can barely wrap my head around baby mermaids, I can't even begin to imagine what a baby dragon shifter would get up to."
DYLAN
Dylan let the two of them figure out the schedule because if she had her way, Dallas would be a permanent babysitter everyday - which was apparently not what Fernanda wanted. Regardless, at least Fernanda was open to use her subordinate as extra hands even though neither of them heard what the DJ's experience with kids were. "...Would she not be the size of a lizard?"
She couldn't help but snort at the mental image she had of that. "I don't recall the other one had any shifting abilities so one lizard and one minion." Walking over to Julian's rocker, the woman grimaced a little at the slobber she spotted. "Oh god.." She muttered under her breath. "They're going to need more bibs if they keep slobbering like that."
FERNANDA
The mermaid furrowed her brow and gave Dylan a look like she’d just stated two plus two was five. “Just because something gets younger, that doesn’t suddenly make it change species. A dragon and a lizard are not the same thing. Not to mention even as babies, dragons can still set things on _fire_.” She did not envy Mr. Xanatos at all. “Worst that could happen with Julie and Cat is they get wet, gain a tail, and lose two chonky little legs they aren’t really using right now.”
She rolled her eyes at the lovely nicknames Dylan had for the twins. Of course, Fer hadn’t really expected Dylan to stay after the girls left, so when the woman proceeded to then move over to approaching Julian…to say it took her a bit to wrap her mind around it would be an understatement. “Uh, yeah I got several packs,” she half-stammered out. Handing her a bright pink one she added, “He’d never forgive me for anything less. He may already be upset it’s not Balenciaga or something.”
DYLAN
"...po-tay-to, po-tah-to." She waved it off. They were all reptiles in some form or another, so what if one could breathe fire? "Then we should be thankful that they aren't babies, otherwise we would need to ban them from coming." She didn't think the twins would have other reasons to visit this lot if it weren't for an errand.
She stared at the bib in her hand without almost disbelief. Clearly the mermaid thought that she mentioned it because *she* wanted to change it. However, she let it go when Fernanda brought up the next topic. "Well, we can easily appease that. Might as well update their closet while we're at it." While While she didn't think the brand actually made baby gear, Dylan was very good at persuasion when it was necessary. Dylan grimaced at the used bib, holding it with just her index finger and thumb and quickly handing that over to the mermaid.
FERNANDA
Fer simply rolled her eyes as clearly Dylan was feeling a bit more back to her usual self of waving everything off as trivial, unless it affected her directly. "I think if they were babies, they wouldn't really have the means by which to come all the way out here to begin with," she pointed out.
It was almost comical how Dylan suddenly seemed to regard the bib as if the mermaid were handing her a live-bomb. She was even more amused at the idea of an infant Julian rocking his favorite brands, but the amusement was replaced at the sight of Dylan _actually_ taking the bib and making an attempt to clean up her cousin. What was it about this woman right now that doing such simple things -and clearly not wanting to do them- that had Fernanda second-guessing just about everything, if she were honest. "And here I thought someone like you would be far more comfortable with other people's saliva," she remarked instead.
DYLAN
It didn't really register in her mind as to why she was even bothering with Julian's bib. All she could think about was to avoid getting any of that slobber on *her*. Getting the new bib on him wasn't the issue, the fact that she had to deal with the used one was stressing her out. "Not like this I'm not." She mumbled as she held it out since she didn't know where she was supposed to put it.
"I think we should just get disposable bibs." She muttered because she wanted to set it aflame if she didn't get this to the nearest trash can. Returning her attention to Julian, Dylan made the mental note to add a few more of his favourite fashion brands to the list when picking out the new swag. Might as well doll him up when he can't talk fashion with her. "...Do they all drool like this?" She cringed before turning around to look at Fernanda again.
FERNANDA
"That just means you haven't been a good friend and helped out your wasted buddies after a night out," Fer pointed out with a teasing tone. Taking the old bib with little hesitation she snorted before just saying, "I got reusable ones for a reason. We can just toss them in the wash and they'll be good as new. Much less waste of money and resources. Besides, this is just drool. Wait for one of them to spit-up."
Taking the opportunity to go ahead and get the girls into fresh bibs as well, Dylan's question was unexpected but amusing. "Uh, it doesn't seem like it. Julie just tends to sleep with his mouth open."
DYLAN
Somehow Dylan felt that she was being made fun of for 2 aspects: Not ever having to personally help someone out, and not having a friend to actually go be wasted with. "We're definitely burning *those*." She didn't know if that was going to happen but with the way the mermaid was describing it, it looked like Dylan should expect to see them soon. Using a bit of money and resources might be necessary.
She looked at the baby again, "...Can we tape his mouth shut when he sleeps?" Even Dylan wasn't sure if she was joking or not because she felt another shiver going down her spine from seeing the drool. Taking her mind off of it, she pulled out her phone and started to make a list of the things she needs to replace, including the bags and gear they would need. It was essentially a large overhaul.
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FERNANDA
Blue eyes rolled for what felt the millionth time. “We’re not burning anything. Hanu and his crew have their hands full with everything a Northeast winter brings,” she said, clearly not trusting that any attempt at fire would go sideways with Dylan involved.
The glare she shot the other woman would be enough to freeze hell, but to ensure her point came across she stated, “Do. Not.” She went about making sure their diapers were still good before standing up herself and walking over to Dylan. Raising an eyebrow as she caught a glimpse of the other’s phone, she asked, “Whatcha doin’ there?”
DYLAN
Leave it to Fernanda to put a stop on all her fun... and suggestions to stop the kid from drooling. Dylan looked up from her phone and gave the younger woman a weird look, "Compiling a list of everything I'm about to replace." She said it as if were obvious. This was honestly an excuse to go on a shopping spree - If she was going to be seen with these kids, then obviously they had to be equipped with appropriate brands.
"Was there something else you wanted?" The question was tossed out casually but there was a speck of curiosity to see if there was anything she could gift the other. Somehow the idea of buying material things for one Fernanda Salazar felt very different from all the other times when she gave presents for her 'sugar babies'.
FERNANDA
At the question of there being something she’d like, Fer simply responded with, “Yes. For you to please delete the list, you’ve already done more than enough in getting them the rockers. There’s genuinely no need to get such items when they’re just babies. Weather the diaper is carried in a backpack or a Dior bag, they’re just going to shit in them all the same.”
Heaving a sigh, she took hold of Dylan’s arm and guided her so they could share a seat on. The couch facing the babies. “I want to make it clear that I’m not rejecting _you_, okay? Just the expensive things you want to get. They don’t need a Gucci baby carrier, they need you and your arms to carry them. And I’m honestly more than satisfied with having you keep me company once in a while.”
DYLAN
She was almost appalled by the idea of deleting this list but before she even got to fight it, Fernanda pulled her to the couch. 'They don't need a Gucci baby carrier' That alone had Dylan's eyes widened. "Uh, the fact that they need to be carried around instead is exactly why we should get that baby carrier. Besides, isn't the point of putting a baby in one of those is so that you can free your *hands* to do other things?" To think that Dylan Waldorf was actually trying to argue a reason to get a baby-related item. What universe was this?
"The shopping is the most exciting thing out of this baby situation, and have you seen these? Look at these Burberry onesies? They could be matching! All three of them." She mumbled as her thumb hovered over the trash icon. Her mood was then made better by the simple confession that her presence was enough. "...You say the strangest things sometimes, darling."
FERNANDA
She was almost certain that if she kept conversing with Dylan, her eyes might just detach from their optic nerve with how often she had the overwhelming need to roll them. "Carriers, strollers, slings, all that stuff is great and serves a purpose," she conceded, "But they don't have to be _Gucci_ or _Louie Vuitton_ or whatever in order to serve that purpose. The rockers you so generously provided are from a chain store, and they're serving their purpose exceedingly well." Of all the arguments she envisioned herself having with Dylan upon first meeting her, _this_ was definitely not on the list.
"If shopping's what you're after, I obviously can't tell you what you can and can't do, but I would definitely encourage you to consider maybe shopping at Target or Macy's even. We don't even know how long they're going to be babies for yet, and even then, kids go through size changes like crazy in the first two years," Fer noted. She only smiled in return at the comment and said, "Well, you've been _doing_ the most surprising things lately, _querida_."
DYLAN
The words 'they don't have to be' only meant that 'they could be' to Dylan's ears but she shouldn't say that aloud because she was going to get another glare from the mermaid. There wasn't an argument that Dylan seemed to be capable of winning where the mermaid was concerned and oddly enough, she wasn't too upset over it - a bit offended that she was told to shop at Target or Macy's, but that was about it. "Fine.. No brand names for anyone."
It also didn't help that Fernanda continually to compliment her - this time with the addition of the affectionate way of addressing her. She was well aware that she had been doing a few things that were uncharacteristic of her but she enjoyed being here despite being surrounded by a few people that she would not give the time of day if it weren't for the woman in front of her. Still, a Waldorf would not admit to that so instead, she just sat back with a light shrug. "If there's resources to take advantage of, we should make use of them." The extra help being one of the examples.
FERNANDA
Fer hadn't unhooked her arm from Dylan's since she'd brought her over to the couch. And once the other relented -at least for the moment- she simply beamed at her as she then used her free hand to pull the throw on the back of the couch of the the both of them. As Dylan sat back, so did the mermaid as she said, "Resources _should_ be taken advantage of, but not _exploited_. Now come on, we've still got at least few hours to kill before Dee gets home." As she mentioned this she grabbed the TV remote as she pulled her feet up onto the couch -leaning into Dylan in the process, but making no move to remedy that- and as she began to flip through the different apps on the quiet TV she asked, "What's your favorite movie?"
DYLAN
She was just watching Fernanda get comfy next to her, and the surprise of it all was that she was actually sort of.. leaning into her? Her mind actually went blank as she was processing this so when she was asked about her favourite movie, she continued to stare at the mermaid before her brain finally caught up to her, "While I do enjoy a movie here and there, I don't actually have a favourite. There hadn't been one that I watched more than once... We could just watch whatever's new."
FERNANDA
Fernanda was looking at Dylan expectantly, figuring the woman might be thinking about her answer, but after a few moments her look became one of confusion and even slight concern when Dylan just seemed to stare back at her blankly. She had been about to ask if she was feeling well when the woman finally spoke, and though still skeptical, she just nodded and turned her attention back to the TV. "Well, I guess we can just start with one of my favorites of the season: Home Alone."
She very highly doubted that Dylan would find this to be of any value, but at least it was a time for them to pass the time.
DYLAN
She had not seen the movie before, nor did she think she'll have interest in it. There were always other ways to pass time, but Dylan didn't feel the urge to move from their spot. Moreover, it was Fernanda's favourite so maybe she could give it a shot - or so she thought. The entire time the movie was playing, all she could focus on was the younger woman sitting next to her. If one were to ask what the movie was about? She could not answer you.
With how Fernanda was leaning into her, however, Dylan felt she should move her arm so it's more comfortable... and so she freed her arm... only to toss it over Fernanda's shoulder casually with her eyes *glued* to the screen. "That kid's resourceful."
FERNANDA
The last time she had seen the first Home Alone movie had been back in the summer when her cousins -and a begrudging Artie- had decided to celebrate 'Christmas in July'. Not that it mattered much, the movie on its own was fine, but the nostalgia of watching it with the kids growing up was would always guarantee it had rewatch value. There was a brief moment she considered some hot chocolate, but found she was far too comfortable to move.
As it stood, the longer the movie ran, the more comfortable she found she felt. So by the time Dylan's arm went from being pinned between them, to being tossed over her shoulder, the mermaid just took the opportunity to sidle up to the woman's side properly. If asked, she could claim it was to leech her warmth, but Fer had always been an honest person and would likely just say it was because she had wanted too. What that meant, exactly, could be figured out later. "That kid is Julian's physical traits, Cat's height and creativity, and Artie's penchant for mischief all rolled into one. And something tells me they're not losing that just because they're babies."