How Green Becomes Wood

"It depends on what your focus is," Daizi admitted. "I'll leave you be, and I'm afraid you might be right about glitter, from what I know about it. I'll get you when it's dinner." Then she started to walk off, before pausing and sticking her head back in, "Alec?"
 
Alec actually smiled a little ad approached her. "I nearly always need a hug, especially from you, but I'm okay. I still won't turn one down, though." He hugged her gently, trying not to show that, yes, he did kind of need this hug.
 
"I won't," Daizi winked, going back downstairs and leaving him be for a while. If Alec needed anything more than that, she knew he knew he could come to her, but for now she'd take over keeping Ivy occupied so Dark could cook dinner that night.
 
Alec watched her go before closing the door. Then he sighed and laid down on the bed. He knew he could go to Daizi. A part of him wanted to go to her. Another part of him, though, wanted to wallow for a while. He wanted to figure this out for himself, as stupid of a thought as that was.
 
Downstairs, Daizi scooped Ivy up and brought her out into the garden for some fresh air. It wasn't lost on her how rapidly September was approaching, so she wanted Ivy to has as much time playing outside as possible before the chill set in. It was a nice enough night, and they didn't come back inside until Xander was home and dinner was on the table.
 
Xander got home, took a quick shower, and then came into the kitchen to see if he could help with dinner. He was mostly too late, but he could put out the silverware.

Alec came down shortly after with a smudge of permanent marker on his cheek. He smiled at Daizi and Dark and tickled Ivy before sitting down to dinner.

The twins completely ignored each other outside of polite requests to pass something.
 
Both quietly noting the tension, Dark and Daizi did their best to fill the silence, while Ivy cooed, babbled, squeaked and gurgled in a ploy to get as much attention as possible. Daizi found it easy to fill the space, talking about how excited she was for the Bridal shower on Sunday--not because it promised to be a great party, but because she was really happy for her friends. Dark agreed it probably wasn't going to be the most enjoyable event they'd ever go to, but it would be good to have time with only adults. Despite not yet understanding everything her parents said, nonetheless Ivy began to fuss after this statement.
 
Alec couldn't help snickering at Ivy's distress. "You still want us to babysit, right? We don't mind at all, just making sure. It'll be fun just being us again."

Xander mumbled something in the realm of affirmative but didn't really look up or engage.
 
"If you can, we would both appreciate it," Daizi told him, tickling Ivy under her chin to catch her attention, "We'll pay you both. I know you had said before you'd do it just to see your father in his lavender suit, but... you should probably be actually compensated."

"Hummingbird, say 'ah,'" Dark murmured, attempting to cajole his daughter into having another bite of food, before glancing at the boys, "We should not be home particularly late. It is not that kind of party."
 
"Two dollars an hour?" Daizi asked, furrowing her eyebrows, "That hardly seems fair to you and your time. How do you make a profit on your buisness if that's what you charge? We know how much work she is."

"There is no point in negotiating," Dark said, not looking up. He already knew they were going to pay the boys higher than a measly two dollars an hour, regardless of what they said. If they outright refused to accept it, they'd get that extra money with their Christmas presents or placed in their savings accounts. "Sunday I suspect we will be home well before ten, but I believe we will be home later after the rehearsal dinner and the wedding itself."
 
"How about two an hour plus all the snacks we want?" Alec asked, grinning. "And that will stand for all future wedding-related babysitting times because weddings are special."

Xander nodded. "Sounds good to me."
 
Daizi opened her mouth to protest a frankly unfair wage, but Dark simply said, "It is a deal."

"I hope you negotiated for a better wage with Tristan," Daizi said, "My darling Ivy-Qadira, do not take lessons from your brother, always demand to be paid what you are worth."
 
"I get a much better wage at the flower shop, rest assured, and flowers to bring home," Alec said happily. "Which reminds me, I arranged to pick up some flowers tomorrow as a gift for Sloan. I got a good deal, too! And instructions for her so she can keep.them alive longer."
 
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