Just a small ficlet. This is my first attempt to make a more serious MML fic. Granted, it's not too serious, and it's an AU, but definitely more contemplative. I'll have to write a more canon compliant serious fic sometime.

"Milo, no tugging," Balthazar gently chided the baby in his arms. "I did not spend decades growing this mustache so it could become your plaything." Milo's arm dropped, resting on a fluffy green blanket embroidered with flowers. He grinned up at Balthazar, toothless gums a bright pink. "Very well," he sighed, unable to resist planting a kiss on Milo's forehead. Milo giggled as the gray bristles tickled him.

He has a power unlike anyone I've ever seen, Balthazar thought, pulling away. How is it possible for someone to be so helpless yet destructive at the same time? The shadows will not get you, I swear to the Guardians above. You shall learn to control your powers with time and patience, little one.

He placed Milo in his lap, wondering if Orton had ever felt so inadequate when he raised Melissa for their very brief amount of time together. Orton always had a brooding streak, but Melissa seemed to bring him out of that pit of despair he was always wallowing in. One of Melissa's smiles was worth more than all the jewels of the earth, the harvest, and his power over time, Orton always said.

At the time, Balthazar scoffed at that statement. He loved Melissa as much as Orton and everyone else did, often being in charge of her when Orton was busy. Sentimental sap, Balthazar lightly rubbed Milo's belly, thinking it was just plain nonsense. Poetic nonsense.

However, now he was starting to see truth in Orton's words. Milo gurgled, blowing a tiny bubble before it popped in his mouth. He laughed, going crosseyed as he attempted to hold the saliva bubbles in his mouth. "I see Dakota has an influence on you now. For the love of our gracious Queen, please do not mimic his spontaneous singing habits," Balthazar murmured.

Milo simply yawned, his eyes drooping. He nestled into his caretaker's warmth. Balthazar laid on his side, adjusting Milo so he could rest in between a soft, feathery pillow and Balthazar's chest. "Would you like a lullaby?" he asked softly, gently running a finger across Milo's cheek. Milo blinked sleepily, curling into a tiny ball.

"I will assume that's a yes," Balthazar said. Clearing his throat, he began to sing.

"Once there was a firefly,

Soaring to the stars so high,

Lighting up the night,

The sweetest sight,

The sky aglow,

Love always flows,

His heart belongs to her,

The two just a blur,

Filled with longing he waits,

For their love was fate.

His time comes,

Their song is sung.

Together at last in the stars,

Watching over us from afar."

Milo had fallen asleep halfway through the lullaby. Balthazar wrapped one arm around him, pulling up the covers with his free hand. "Good night, Milo," he yawned as he drifted off.

"I love you."

I got the idea for the lullaby from Princess and the Frog, in case it wasn't obvious.