Disclaimer: Canon characters belong to their creators, but I take full responsibility for the kids. Unless they break something, then they belong to my muse.

Story Summary: Matthew says those four words every parent dreads.

Ages: Matt (7)

Can I Keep It?

"Can I keep it?"

Vala groaned when she heard the softly spoken request. Not another one, she thought. She tried to brace herself for what she was going to see but nothing could have prepared her for the...creature in her seven-year-old's hands.

"Matthew Nicholas Jackson, what is that thing and why is it in my kitchen?"

"It's a bullfrog, Mommy. I found him by the pond. Can I keep him? I promise to take care of him."

Vala knew she was a goner the moment her son looked at her with those crystal blue eyes. She never could resist them, whether they be on her children or their father. Damn Daniel Jackson, she thought sourly. Knowing she was going to capitulate only served to irritate Vala further so she tried to remain stern.

"Don't you think it would be happier outside, darling?"

"No, Mommy. He likes me and I like him."

"Yes, but-"

"His name is Atticus, by the way."

Oh boy, he's already named the thing, she thought. Taking a deep breath, she tried another tack. "What about his family? Don't you think they'll miss him?"

"I looked, there weren't any other bullfrogs by the pond. He was all alone."

Oh no, the Daniel eyes and her pout. She was raising a little con artist, but she decided to give it one more go. "Darling, don't you think we have enough pets already?"

"You're one to talk," came Daniel's voice from the kitchen doorway. She gave him a 'so-not-helping' glare but he ignored her and sauntered over, placing a chaste kiss to her lips. "You started this whole mess in the first place."

"Me?!"

"I didn't bring home kittens three years ago."

"Those innocent little kittens were left in a box on the side of the road. What was I supposed to do, leave them to die? Besides, I thought you liked Sebastian and Freddy."

"I do, I'm only pointing out-"

"And it was really you who started it all. You brought Rufus home before I ever found those poor, defenceless kitties."

"You wanted to get a dog and we agreed that the kids should have a pet. One pet, not eight!"

"You're going to blame the others on me? I'm not the one who let Lilah bring that snake back from Jack's cabin!"

"No, but you let Rhen trade her doll for two lizards."

"Oh, please. You barely know Nut and Geb are around."

"And Cleopatra is noisy?" he asked incredulously.

"She's a snake, Daniel."

"Okay, okay. What about Robespierre? You're the one who told Lilah she could have one of Cassie's bunnies."

"But he's so cute. And you know Cassandra couldn't keep the whole litter. I was trying to help her out."

"Fine." Daniel said with a roll of his eyes. "We're both to blame."

"Does this mean I can keep Atticus?" Matthew asked hopefully.

"It is his first one, darling." Vala whispered to her husband.

"First, but not last, I fear."

Vala laughed and shrugged before turning to her son. "Of course, you can keep him, darling. There should be an old terrarium in the cellar. Have your father help you retrieve it."

"What?!" Daniel shouted but walked away, mumbling, as Vala simply returned her attention to cooking dinner. "Let's go, Matt."

"Thanks, Mommy." Matthew said as he came around to hug her, never letting go of Atticus.

"Yeah, thanks, Mommy." Daniel muttered sarcastically.

"You're welcome, darling." Vala told her son, ignoring her husband. "Make sure you keep Atticus in your room, though. And wash your hands when you're done."

"Yes, Mommy." the boy said and raced from the room with his father in tow.

Vala blew out a long breath. She wasn't raising children, she was raising zoo-keepers.

The End