not_that_spike | (no subject)

Beth Junior's propped up in his lap and he's got the book out so she can see it. It's a stupid book, but it's also kind of funny and he figures it can't hurt to read to her, no matter how much or how little she actually understands. At least the colors are bright and the words have an easy cadence to them, so he keeps on while Beth's brushing her teeth.

"A green dog over a tree." That's ridiculous; he points to a green dog flying a yellow helicopter. Dogs don't know how to be pilots... not that he's going to burst Junior's bubble on that one or anything. Somewhere deep inside he still holds onto this stubborn idea of a house on Venus with the three of them, maybe a big dog like he had when he was a kid, working in the yard with his NO DAMN SYNDICATE OWNS ME t-shirt declaring his status proudly.

Yeah, right: as if.

"A yellow dog under a tree. Look, Junior, this one's reading, just like we are."

He covets the dog's hammock.

"Two dogs in a house on a boat in the water." The dogs' house has a diving board: that's practical. "A dog over the water. A dog under the water. A... knock at the door. Hold that thought." Setting aside Go, Dog. Go! for the time being, he scoops up Little Beth and, after a glance at the bathroom to make sure Beth's got all the privacy she needs -- that bathroom door never gets closed quite all the way in here any more -- he moves to the room door. They're not expecting anyone, but people have been known to drop by. It's probably Elaine.

"Yo." He pulls the door open about halfway; Beth Junior turns her wobbly little head with a curious but huge grin that serves as its own damn welcoming committee. She's so precious, so sweet, so innocent. He hopes that never changes. And then it's his turn to smile. "Hey. Great, you found the place." Taking just a moment, he sets the number 8 back up on its bottom, but it's going to fall over onto its side again any second now; he's so used to that. "Come on in."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"No, we don't need anything. I know it's rather odd to find yourself in a situation like this. In my experience, there is always an ulterior motive to any action. I assure you both - we have rooms we don't need, and we like being able to help people stuck here enjoy their lives in a comfortable home. Ingress, why don't you say goodbye for now. You can come back later, perhaps, or wait to visit when Beth and Spike have moved in."

"Okay," she says, reluctantly leaving the baby. "Spike, maybe you can be one of my teachers once you move in. I like learning fighting stuff. Bye bye!"

She waves, taking Tom's hand as he reaches for the doorknob.

Holding little Beth up so they're cheek-to-cheek, Beth grins and waves bye to Ingress.

Junior smells vaguely like baby powder, and she lets out one of the biggest yawns Beth thinks she's ever seen from her before.

Cradling the baby close, she straightens and takes a step closer to Spike.

"Well--" She has to be honest. "--I almost don't know what to tell you, Tom." But it's one time she feels absolutely certain she can speak for Spike, too. "But we appreciate this a lot."

"Catch you tomorrow. And... you're on, Ingress, so long as it's okay with Door and Tom."

Bang.

Every once in a while something so damn unexpected happens that he's not quite sure what to do about it; this is one of those. Usually it's not a good thing but this time... well, shit, it's great. As the door closes behind Tom and Ingress, he runs a hand through his hair and turns to Beth.

"Shit, Slim. How 'bout that?" Junior's all tuckered out; he reaches for her. "Let me change her and get her settled and... then we can start figuring out the next move." But first things first; taking care of Beth Junior. Until she can take care of herself -- and beyond -- that's going to be top priority for both of them.

As he moves with the baby to the changing table, he gives Beth a wink. This... is going to be great. He's unintentionally made the perfect thing happen for them, and he couldn't be more pleased if he'd done it on purpose.