It had been five days, eight hours and twenty-six minutes since Oscar had come into Dante’s life. Translated into new parents language that was one hundred and twenty hours of taking care of Natasha, Oscar, a ship which he was supposed to be on leave from, and one lizard that seemed to be taking the whole business of the living souvenier better than Natasha thought possible. It was only one hundred and twenty hours of pure chaos because Dante was lucky enough that Nat, Oscar, and Bruce all slept at the same time once or twice. Natasha was pulling her weight as a new mom but Oscar and Bruce cared less if either of their parents ate, drank, slept, or played with anyone other than them.

It was late in the Knight quarters as a small cry rang out in the room. Feeding time again. The new family could set a clock to the baby. Natasha didn’t stir hearing Oscar cry. In fact, she just let out a small snore to punctuate it. The one who did react was Bruce. Jumping up on the bed, Bruce ran up Dante’s body until he was lying on his chest with his nose pressed to his father’s.

Dad. Dad, it’s up. Again and it needs you, Bruce said letting a snort of air wash over Dante’s face as he breathed on him. Get up and fix it before it wakes up mom, Bruce stated. As if to move Dante along faster in the endeavorer to silence the mini human that had magically stowed away from the beach trip he allowed his tongue to wash over Dante’s left eye as he flicked it out.

Feeling Dante stir, Bruce ran off his father and down to the end of the bed. Come on. Move it. It needs that thing in the bottle. Hopping down Bruce got to the door before he realized he was alone. Scampering back, Bruce stood up next to Dante’s side of the bed and stared at his father. You know....Mom is usually much faster than you at this, he said and flicked his tongue out again so that it half entered Dante’s ear canal.

Seeing that this properly aroused his father, Bruce headed back to the door. Yeah mom is much faster at this than.....watch out for the stool....and the chair…and my ball, Bruce moaned watching Dante navigate the darkroom. Sitting in the kitchen area Bruce studied Dante as he moved to the replicator. Um Dad....are you giving Oscar coffee. Mom tends to give him the white stuff in....okay that was for you, Bruce watched zombie Dante fumble with the replicator. The only other time he had seen his dad this out of sorts was when he and Mommy Kelly came back from that golf match. Dad had a black eye and Kelly was on crutches but he could still function the replicator. Noticing that his Dad had finally replicated the tube with the white colored liquid, Bruce scampered to the small crib holding the whining human.

Using the slats as a makeshift ladder, Bruce shimmed up the side of the crib and peeked his head over. Yo stop. You are so going to wake up mom. He’s coming. He is just old and it takes him a while sometimes, Bruce assured the tiny infant.

It never takes mom this long, Oscar sniffled. And I am so hungry.

Dude you are always hungry. Wait until the put you on the once a day dinner plan like I get. They always ask why I am bouncing around at dinner. I just want to counter that they had two other times they stuffed thier fay…hey wait…where are you going, Bruce blurted out seeing Dante lift the tiny bundle from the crib. Slinking around the couch, Bruce ran and jumped up on the end and gently moved towards Dante and Oscar. As long as he approached the baby slow, Natasha and Dante let him get close. As if walking on eggshells, Bruce approached his dad and the baby as if he were stalking prey.

You’re funny Bruce, Oscar said with a half-grin that let milk dribble from the edges of his mouth. But you think you could help me some?

After two seconds of observing the situation, Bruce knew exactly what to do. Turning his body around slightly he placed the tip of his tail under the bottle and lifted it some. Dante had to be counting ceiling titles because there was no other reason for his Dad’s head to be lolled back like that with an open mouth. The sounds coming from his lips sounded like small snore but then again it could be Italian. When Mom made mad, Dante would often whisper things under his breath. Maybe he was just venting as the humans called it only silently with his eyes closed, breathing deeply.

Can you lift it a little higher, Oscar asked sucking hard on the rubber nipple of the bottle but losing more than he was getting.

I got you, little brother, Bruce wiggled his body and lifted the bottom of the bottle until the angle and height was sufficient for Oscar to eat. You know you really should try to give Mom and Dad a few hours between needing to fill your tummy. When Dad is not half-asleep he is amazing. He plays balls and takes you for walks. Dad will let you curl up with him during rugby games and lets you hang out with him during guys night. He never finishes all his dinner without sharing a bite or two and stops Mom from making you wear stupid clothes she thinks are adorable. Oh and if Mom gets to you first and puts you into one of those sweaters that is going to make all the kids laugh at you, Dad steps in and handles her only that is the only time he really puts his foot down. Mom is great and Dad only wants to make everyone happy. You are lucky you stowed away on our shuttle. You are going to love Dad when you get a little bigger, Bruce said.

Yeah, Oscar yawned and closed his eyes. I think I got a good one.

Bruce and Oscar Knight.

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