*Italic words are Spanish. Italian is bold.

Carlos and Tess got in a routine the next few days.

Carlos would take Tess to Old Woman Josie's for the day while he went to work after he feed her breakfast. She dressed herself thou. She refused to let him pick her clothes and he didn't want to fight with her. She fit right in with Night Vale's fashion anyway. He picked her up around four, sometimes five to take her home to eat supper. By the time supper was finished, it would be time for Amy to call. After that, he got Tess ready for bed and read her The Lightening Thief until she fell asleep. He would then work while listening to his recorded broadcasts before heading to bed himself two hours later to start the day over again.

The one thing that Carlos always had a hard time doing was Tess's hair. She hated getting her hair combed. She never sat still long enough for him to get all the knots out. He didn't dare try doing her hair more than a simple ponytail. Lucky for him, he could get away with just putting it into a ponytail and she didn't care either way.

Carlos was relieved when he learned Tess wasn't affected by the creeping fear went through town. He called Josie right after to see how Tess was doing. He was happy to learn that Josie and Tess were not affected, even thou he questioned why.

He got his hair cut like he planned to do weeks ago. He also had to get Tess's hair cut because she got ahold of a pair of scissors and cut her own hair. She got gum stuck in her hair was the reason she gave him when Carlos found her.

Amy was so going to kill him. It took her forever to grow Tess's hair long and now it looked like she will lose four to five inches. He was so dead.

On top of the death threats from the ex, Carlos was shocked when Cecil made a huge deal about the hair cuts especially Carlos's hair cut. Sure, it was shorter than Carlos would have liked, but he knew it would grow back. Cecil was not so forgiving and he pretty much ran the barber out of town for simply doing his job.

Even worse, Tess heard that broadcast and agreed with Cecil. Apparently, Carlos didn't look like daddy anymore. Whatever that means. Luckily, he didn't go off in a negative way about her hair. All he said was that he loved her haircut. It brought out her curls and reminded him of Carlos even more. He gushed over her hair and raged about his hair in a typical Cecil way.

Carlos didn't see much of a difference in Tess's hair though. Instead of past the middle of her back, it was three inches past her shoulders now. He could still get away with just putting it up into a ponytail, so he didn't mind her haircut.

After that broadcast, Carlos had to take Tess to go see Cecil. She was scared Station Management got him and she wouldn't see him again.

This was one of the rare broadcasts that Carlos let her listen to. Mostly, because he got too caught up in work and wasn't paying attention until he heard his name on the radio. Tess threw a fit when he tried to turn it off and so, she was able to listen to the show as a way to keep her temper in check.

Tess ran up crying and hugged Cecil when she saw him. Deep down, Carlos was relieved to see that he made it out okay. Even if he sent the whole town after the barber, Cecil didn't deserve to die. He also won't admit it until months later, but he really loved the way the other man had picked up Tess and held her in a very fatherly way.

After that, Carlos dived into his work and taking care of Tess to really care about anything else.

One day he realized he was getting too comfortable and Tess would be going back to her mom and he may not be able to see her again.

He blamed that and the added stress from work, for his crazy out burst at community hall. He still couldn't believe he did that and in front of Tess no less.

After calming down and a lecture from Diana later, Carlos felt pretty much back to normal.

He decided to relax more and enjoy the time he had with Tess while he still had her. Carlos worked on putting work and stress behind him when it came to Tess. That was harder to do than he thought.

His life revolved around science and he had to be constantly reminded that Tess's life revolved around him. He couldn't just focus on science anymore.

But he was working on it.

More days rolled by and life went on.

Then last night he talked to Amy. It turned out that her business trip would take longer than expected. She was going to be there for a few more weeks, maybe even months.

"I am so sorry, Carlos. I never would have imagined that it would take this long. I hope this doesn't inconvenience you too much." said Amy.

"No, of course not. I love having Tess here." said Carlos.

"You do know that means you have to plan her birthday party, right?" asked a nervous Amy.

"Ah, yea. I knew that." said Carlos silently cursing himself at forgetting Tess's birthday.

"Her birthday is August 23rd." said an unconvinced Amy.

"I know that." said Carlos as he wrote down the date.

"You have to tell me when the party is so I can get a few days off to come and see her." said Amy.

"Alright, I will." said Carlos before hanging up.

He was going to need help. He only had a few weeks to plan it.

Luckily, his coworkers knew what to do when he explained the problem to them. Rachelle planned the menu, Dave figured out a venue which happened to be Desert Flower Bowling Alley and Arcade Fun Complex. (Much to Carlos's annoyance.) Josh got the decorations. Diana found out the princess theme by tricking it out of Tess, since they all decided to make it a surprise party. Chris choose the music. That left Carlos with getting the cake, ice cream, plates, silverware, cups, invites, and presents.

Amy emailed him a list of Tess's friends that could come and asked him if he could buy her a present from her. She said that would be a big help, he didn't have too, and she would pay him back when she saw him. He emailed her back saying he can get the gift to help Amy out.

Carlos even invited Cecil (who was told it was a surprise and not to say anything on air about it), Old Woman Josie, the other scientists of Night Vale, some of the interns from the radio station that were still alive, and a few of residents of Night Vale. Not Steve Carlsberg though.

One of Tess's friends from outside of Night Vale was able to come. Nicky Myers was coming, along with his parents. Carlos actually knew his parents and was looking forward to seeing them again.

The day of the party was here before Carlos knew it. His team of scientists helped set up the party while he distracted Tess.

Carlos took her on errands and did chores around the apartment while she watched tv, or colored. When the time came to leave for the party, Tess was all for leaving.

"Hey, princess. Do you want to go do something fun?" asked Carlos with a knowing grin.

"Yes! What are we going to do?" asked Tess jumping off the couch.

"I was thinking about taking you bowling." said Carlos putting on his thinking face "Would you want to do that?"

"Oh yes. Please. I always wanted to go bowling." said Tess running up to Carlos "What's bowling?"

Carlos chuckled, "You'll see." was his reply as they walked out of the apartment.

On the drive over, Carlos prayed nothing bad would happen to ruin Tess's special day.

Carlos pulled into the Desert Flower Bowling Alley and Arcade Fun Complex parking lot with an excited toddler in the backseat.

"Daddy! Can we invite Cecil and Josie too? I just remembered they bowl." said Tess as they walked through the door.

"It's a little late to call them, but maybe we will see them here." said Carlos as he got their shoes and they made their way down to the secret party room.

"Daddy? Why is that room dark?" asked Tess pointing to the party room.

"I don't know. Why don't we go find out?" said Carlos as they walked into the only dark room in the building and turned on the light.

"SURPRISE!" yelled everyone in the room.

"Happy birthday, princesa." said Carlos to a speechless Tess.

"This is my party?" asked Tess looking around the room.

"Yes, it is." said a voice from behind them. Tess whipped around so fast it wouldn't be a surprise if she got whiplash.

"Mommy!" yelled Tess as she ran into her mother's arms.

"Hello, sweet heart. How have you been?" asked Amy.

"I have been great, mamma." said Tess.

"That's great to hear, sweet heart." said Amy.

"Tess!" yelled Derek walking up to them from the entrance of the building. Nicky pushed past his father before yelling "Happy birthday!"

"No fair! I wanted to tell her happy birthday first." Derek said jokingly.

"Too bad." said Nicky sticking his tongue out at his father, who in turn stuck his out. He was out of breath, so Carlos assumed they were racing to get in. Derek could be just as childish as Nicky, if not more.

Tess wiggled out of her mother's arms and hugged Nicky.

"I haven't seen you in ages." said Tess.

"And ages." said Nicky before they started laughing.

"Alright! Let's bowl." said Amy as she guided the children to the lanes with some of the adults following.

"Nice to see you again, Carlos." said Rose Miller walking up to him.

"Yea, like the children said it's been ages." said Derek Miller as he wrapped his arms around his wife and laying his chin on her head.

"It's been a while hasn't it." stated Carlos "I still see you are using Rose as a leaning post."

"I always will." said Derek with a wink.

"Care to introduce us to everyone? We were late after all." said Rose.

"I had a hard time finding this place. It was like this place didn't want to be found." Derek defended his navigation skills.

"Sure? Like in Florida?" said Rose "We were lost for two whole days and he wouldn't pull over to ask directions to Miami."

"Hm." said Derek "Shutting up now." which earned laughs from everyone in the room.

Carlos introduced them to everyone that showed up which were his team, Old Woman Josie, and Cecil. A few interns from the radio station came as well, but they left with the kid group to bowl.

Carlos and Derek went to help Amy with the kids. Old Woman Josie and the scientists followed while Rose stayed back with Cecil.

"How far along are you?" asked Cecil as he helped her carry a plate to the table. She had her hands full carrying a plate of food and cup of juice, so Cecil insisted on helping the very pregnant woman carry her plate to the table.

"I am not pregnant." Rose said with a straight face. Cecil's eyes got huge and a blush was creeping up before she started laughing. It was very rare to see the radio host shocked speechless.

"Kidding, I am almost full term." said Rose smacking him in the arm "You don't have to be so tense around me. I don't bite anyone, but my husband. That is for a totally different reason."

"So, how do you know Carlos and Amy? If you don't mind me asking." asked a blushing Cecil trying to change the subject.

"Oh, I don't mind. I was college room mates with Amy. Derek was room mates with Carlos." said Rose "Us four were best friends in college."

"By the way, you don't have to be jealous of Amy. You have a better chance with him than she does." whispered Rose.

"What do you mean by that?" asked a shocked Cecil.

"I saw how you looked at her and I also saw how you looked at Carlos." said Rose with a grin "You also blush whenever I say his name."

"What do you mean I have a better chance?" stuttered Cecil.

"Cecil sweetie, Carlos is gay. He 'dates' guys even though he hasn't been on many dates." clarified Rose after the look on confusion on Cecil's face.

"But how did…" stuttered Cecil looking in the direction of the bowling lane.

"A drunken night. They stayed friends afterwards." explained Rose rubbing her stomach "You'll have to ask Carlos, or Amy for details."

"Or not." she added when she looked at his face.

"So, you are a radio broadcaster?" asked Rose changing the subject.

"Yes, I am the voice of Night Vale and a journalist at heart." said Cecil slipping into his radio voice.

"Oh." said Rose looking at her stomach.

"Are you ok? Do you need anything? Is the baby coming? I can go get Teddy Williams. He is a doctor, you know? Do you want me to get Derek? Or Carlos? Are you alright?" asked Cecil in a span of twenty seconds. He started getting up before Rose put her hand on his arm, stopping him.

"Calm down." giggled Rose "Everything is fine. The baby just kicked suddenly. Nothing is wrong."

"Are you sure?" asked Cecil, his eyebrows frowned in worry.

"Yes, she seems to like your voice. She really started moving and kicking when she heard you talk. She is to the point in the pregnancy where she can't move all that much, so it surprised me when she kicked me so hard." said Rose.

"Alright, if you are sure." said Cecil, relief shone on his face after she reassured him.

"Do you want to feel?" asked Rose.

"Um." stuttered Cecil with a slight blush. He wasn't sure what to do.

"Come on. It is not that bad, or scary. Here." said Rose grabbing his hand and placing it on her stomach.

"I feel her." said a wide eyed Cecil.

"Well, duh." stated Rose "Isn't it amazing?"

"Yea, it is." said Cecil slipping into his radio voice a little and getting kicked in the process.

"I told you she likes you." giggled Rose after Cecil moved his hand away in shock.

"Why are you being so nice to me? You just met me. Not to be rude, or anything." wondered Cecil after some silence.

"I can tell you are a good person. I have heard pretty good things about you. I can tell you care about this town and everyone in it. Well, almost everyone." said Rose with a smirk "Also, Tess talks to Amy about you. Amy talks to me. She has been wanting to meet you. I have too, if I am being completely honest. Carlos, Amy, and Tess are like family to me and my family as well. I only want what is best for them."

"Oh." said Cecil.

"I am interested in you. Not many guys would have anything to do with Carlos, let alone want to date him." stated Rose with a shrug.

"Why?" asked Cecil. He didn't understand why anyone would not want to date Carlos.

"Where we come from, people aren't as understanding of same sex relationships. They are frowned upon by unfortunately most. Then there's the fact that Carlos is a scientist, work alcoholic, and a father to boot. Anyone who would want to date him that can look past the scientist part and work alcoholic part, can't look past the father part. Most people want to date someone with no children." said Rose "My Derek talks to Carlos and Carlos mentioned you in quite a few emails. He said you fell for him instantly and announced it on your radio show. I may have forgotten to mention that before."

"So, Carlos does talk about me?" asked Cecil with a slight blush.

"He does. He isn't good with issues of the heart. He uses his head more than his heart. Memories included." Rose said patting his hand "You have to give him time. He will realize it eventually that you are being true about your feelings and not making fun of him, or leading him on as a joke. I know you are not, but people have done that to him. I am glad you are in his life."

"Thank you." said Cecil.

"No, thank you." said Rose looking into his amethyst eyes just as Carlos walked in.

"Rose, your hubby fell asleep and the children decided to make him beautiful. Amy is taking pictures for future blackmail. But if you want to get some for yourself, feel free. I know I did." said Carlos with a smirk as he grabbed a bag.

"She also wanted Tess to change into her princess dress that Diana got for the party." Carlos said gesturing to the bag and walking back to the group.

"I have to see this." said Rose standing up "You coming Cecil?"

"Yea, of course." said Cecil a little of his Radio voice leaking through as followed her out of the room.

Sure enough, when they got there the kids were beautifying Derek like Carlos said. Nicky was applying lipstick. Tess was putting eye shadow on. Derek's black hair was put in ponytails all around his head and it looked like they had already put heavy blush on.

It amazed Cecil that the man could sleep through it all.

"Nicky, how many times do I have to tell you? Use medium pink lipstick color, not dark fuchsia. It matches his skin tone better." said Rose as she took pictures with her cellphone.

"Tess, I have a princess dress." said Amy holding up the purple dress. Tess squealed and ran over to Amy to put on the dress. She didn't even wake up the sleeping Derek. Nicky just shook his head and finished up before giving Carlos the lip stick.

Tess had the purple dress on with a special birthday crown.

Carlos and Rose helped the children bowl as Amy took pictures. The rest of the adults talked, watched the little ones, and bowled when it was their turn.

"I am so tired." said Amy as she collapsed in the chair next to Cecil.

" You haven't sat down in two hours and I bet you got off the plane and came straight here." said Cecil with a small grin "No wonder your tired. I would be too, if I was you."

"You must be Cecil. I am Amy. But I am sure you already know that." said Amy with an embarrassed grin and blush.

'Its nice to meet you, Amy." said Cecil holding his hand out for her to shake.

"Nice to meet you too." said Amy shaking his hand "I have heard a lot about you."

"So I heard." said Cecil.

"I figured Rose would talk to you first. She has been dying to talk to you." said Amy "I talked to Ms. Josie and she talked about you too. Like how you have been looking after for not just Carlos, but Tess as well."

Cecil's blush was all the confirmation she needed.

"Thank you." she said while looking at Carlos helping Tess bowl "If something happened to Carlos, I don't know what I would do. But it I am being honest with myself, if something happened to Tess…I don't think I could stand to even think along those lines."

"I am not in love with him." she added when she saw his face "I used to have a huge crush on him, but it changed into something better. I love him, but not like a spouse, or husband. More like a good friend, or best friend. It would be weird if it was like a brother and Rose is more my sister than my best friend, so Carlos takes over being my best friend."

"I don't understand…" said Cecil.

"Why I told you all this?" asked Amy to which Cecil nodded.

"I guess I want you to like me. You can become something more to Carlos and I didn't want you to dislike me. That could even turn on Tess and I don't want that." she said "Carlos may be blind, but I am not. I saw how you look at him and how you look at Tess. You love them both, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." said Cecil with a blush.

"Carlos is lucky to have you. Tess too. Best of luck getting him. I am cheering you on there." said Amy "Not that you need it, or want it. Carlos would be crazy not to fall in love with you and we all now he isn't crazy. He is a scientist after all."

"Thanks." said Cecil.

"I hope we can be friends." said Amy.

"We can if you want." said Cecil rubbing the back of his head.

"Good, I would like that. Its not very often someone takes a special interest in Carlos. It gives me a chance to dish the embarrassing stories I have on him. Even show pictures." said Amy with an evil grin.

"Oh, you are evil. Do spill." said Cecil.

"Off the record." said Amy "And I mean you do not breathe a word about what I tell you next."

"Ok, off the record and I swear I will not breathe a word." said Cecil as he leaned in closer as she whispered what she was so willing to share.

Carlos looked over and saw Amy and Cecil talking. He didn't like the look of it, but it wasn't like he could stop it either. He turned his attention back to Tess and tried to force the worry to the back of his mind.

"Oh, look at the time." said Rose as she glanced at her cellphone.

"Yea, it's time to eat and then cake." said Carlos which made the children run towards the room.

Rose stopped by her husband and gently woke him up. But not before taking pictures. Carlos noticed some of the interns and scientists had been messing with Derek even more. It looked like they were trying to throw food into Derek's mouth. They even drew on him with hopefully washable markers and balanced cups of water on him. They even surrounded the poor man with cups of water. Rose removed the cups balanced on him before waking him. It wasn't until he kissed Rose and left a lip imprint on her cheek, that he noticed the make over. He ran it to the bathroom after that and came out rather annoyed with a make up free face and hair tie free hair. The marker wasn't quite as washable as Derek would have liked, which probably annoyed him even more.

Carlos was paying so much attention to Derek, that he didn't see Cecil and Amy exchange numbers.

The rest of the party went without any trouble. Tess loved all the presents she got. Amy got her the rest of the Percy Jackson series and the second series as well. (These books were approved by City Counsel and strangely never stopped working.) Cecil got her a beautiful dollhouse with dolls. Old Woman Josie knitted her a few dresses and matching ones for Kitty. His team got her another science kit. The interns gave her clothes and shoes. Carlos didn't want to know how they figured out her sizes. Rose and Derek got her an art easel and play dough. Nicky was the one to thank for that last one.

Carlos gave her an art set. It had colorful sticks (pencils), colored wax (crayons), big sticks (markers), and finger paints that he invented and were accepted by City Counsel. Nobody could use pencils and pens that were not approved. Those were illegal. It depended on the day if you could use paper. For the days you couldn't, Carlos invented a substance that wasn't considered paper, but worked like paper. It was accepted by City Counsel as well.

After thanking everyone, Amy and Carlos packed up his car and hers as well since Carlos couldn't fit everything in his car. While they did that, Rose watched the children. By this time, most of the residents of Night Vale went home.

Rose and Derek where staying for the night and heading back in the morning. They had an hotel room, but when they called to make sure they still had rooms, it seemed the hotel lost the rooms and had no other rooms. Old Woman Josie said there was plenty of room at her house and offered to have them stay which they agreed wholeheartedly.

It turned out that Amy was staying with Carlos while she was in town at Tess's insistence and Carlos's approval.

Thanks for everything you did, even if it is just reading. Hope you enjoyed it!