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"Baby Series 3"Written By: Karina Rating: PG Spoilers: None Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine. Pairing: Stephen + Helen Butterworth + Duo Notes: Challenge 98. Baby Series 3 #61. Takes
place at approximately the same time as Refuse It and These Hands. Many thanks to ShenLong for her work betaing
this fic.
No Secrets Duo watched as the toddler wobbled around the conservatory. It was warm here; perfect to bring Stephen for some exercise without exposing him to the chill of the weather. The child was oblivious to their presence, lost in his own world of discovery. His birthday was fast approaching and for his age Stephen was well advanced. He was a bright child, inquisitive, a sometime chatterbox with a definite attitude. Helen shadowed the child, an ever present guiding hand to keep him out of trouble. “Do you ever regret it?” “Regret what, Duo?” “Giving up your nursing career to become nanny to 'sweet cakes'?” “Heavens, no. I find Stephen to be a delight and life is never boring here. My training comes in handy for treating minor hurts and I have a competent staff to work to my direction.” “You fit in well.” “When I was assigned to oversee Milliardo’s recovery I did not think for an instant I would remain as a member of the staff. I like it though.” “You are not just staff, you are family.” “Thank you. Milliardo is far from what I expected. To see him with his son… That is the real man.” “He loves the little munchkin.” “He is not a man who gives of himself freely to others, he’s been hurt too often, I think. Stephen he sees as being safe to love unconditionally.” “He’s not an easy man to deal with.” Duo sighed. “He’s not the demon everyone sees though.” “Far from it and he’s not oblivious to how people see him. The man has a brain and he’s not afraid to use it.” “I just wish he would cooperate a little more,” Duo murmured, not intending Helen overhear him. The woman glanced at the young man as the leaves of a bush trembled a little ahead of the child exploring the verdant growth. “He is not oblivious to the advances of yourself or Mr. Chang. Merely resistant. Have patience, Duo, he’ll come around.” Helen obviously knew what he and Wu Fei were trying to do. Pagan was right about there being no secrets in the palace. They were not going to be able to keep their liaison with the King quiet, merely discrete. Their relationship would be accepted if they observed the polite rules of society and did not flaunt their association in public. Sanc’s citizens were discrete with their personal relationships and, regardless of gender, discretion was expected. “Some days it looks impossible.” “You fail to appreciate what you have if it comes easily to your hand. Have patience.” The bush ahead of Stephen trembled again and caught the child’s attention. With an ‘Ooohh’ of delight he determinedly approached the plant and Duo barked a laugh as Nelson leapt out at him. With a shriek Stephen overbalanced and the kitten landed on his head and Helen hurried forward. “That damn cat is always doing that!” ~ * ~ |
