Babysitting

The door bell rang and Jedediah quickly hurried to answer it. He opened the door and saw his best friend Octavius, standing there smiling “C'mon in Tavi!” He ushered to the other male.

“Thank you Jedediah. Good evening Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith” Octavius greeted Jed's parents as they were readying themselves to go square dancing.

"“Hey Toga boy!” Jedediah's younger brother– Peter, who had the same type of clothes as his parents– waved to Octavius, the brunette seemed to not mind as he is used to Jedediah and sometimes even Peter calling him a couple of nicknames. Jed seemed to mind although.

“Pete, y'know not to call Tavi like that” he scolded at him, Peter just rolled his eyes “But you can?” he clapped back at his older brother.

“Now now boys, don't quarrel. Especially not in front of Octavius” Mr. Smith said telling off the two brothers “Oh, no need Mr. Smith, I'm quiet used to seeing them argue with each other from time to time” the young man said as a smile was placed upon his lips.

“Still, y'know well not to tick Jed off like that Peter” the oldest brother– Austin– said to Peter. He was also wearing clothes for square dancing.

“Octavius, Jedediah, you two sure you can handle young Ira? I can call the babysitter if--”

“Maaaa, me an’ Tavi got this alright” Jedediah said as he went his way to the couch and gently picked up Ira and cradled him within his arms.

“And you need to relax, we'll take care of everything. I'll even look after Jedediah” Jed furrowed his eyebrows and gave Octavius a stank eye. Mrs. Smith just chuckles “Alright then, we'll be home by 9, try not to do anythin’ yer father wouldn't do”

“Sally!”

“Bye you guys, we got everythin’ under control here” Jedediah and Octavius fare welled the four of them. After they lock the doors, they make their way to the couch and sat down.

Jedediah still had Ira in his arms sleeping, he whispered soft lullabies to the baby and drew small circles on the boy's back.

“You really like him” Octavius couldn't help but say, Jed looks at him with reddening cheeks embarrassed “Was it that obvious?” he jokingly asked, Octavius couldn't help but chuckle.

“Can i hold him?” the brunette asked, Jed agreed and carefully gave instructions to Octavius on how to hold a baby in his arms.

The blonde was giving Ira to Octavius to hold “Hold his head.. Yeah, like that” he smiled and gazed upon the cutest sight he has ever seen.

Octavius was holding his baby brother, the Italian couldn't help but smile and coo at Ira.

Jed leaned closer to Octavius and kissed him on the cheek. Octavius suddenly became red and looked at Jed surprised “Can't i kiss you when no one's around?” he asked as he smiled sheepishly “My dear, it's best if you don't kiss me while i hold Ira” Octavius’ voice dropped low, seeming like he was gonna do something to Jedediah if only he wasn't holding a baby.

The other chuckles “Maybe later darling, we still have to look after chubbs here”

Ira was a small and slightly chubby baby, he was the cutest baby Jed and Octavius had ever seen– Peter was cute as well, but they have no vivid memories of the boy being a baby– Ira had reddish hair that he inherited from his mother, chubby pink rosy cheeks, and blue diamond eyes that resembled Jedediah and his father's.

The three of them were silent, until young Ira started to cry “Oh dear” Octavius mumbled, cradling the baby gently back and forth “Maybe he's hungry..” Jed quickly stood up and went to the kitchen counter and prepared some warm milk for the baby to drink out of.