Day 28 – Babysitting

"Hello Uncle Mariku!"

Mariku stared at the little girl on his couch. Her large blue eyes sparkled and a big smile was on her lips. "MALIK!" Roared Mariku and his boyfriend came out of the kitchen.

"Ah Mariku, you're already home." He kissed him on the cheek. "I expected you later." Without saying a word, Mariku pointed at the little girl. "Oh Isis asked me if I could take care of Amirah for a few hours." He crouched down before Amirah and smiled at her. "And we wanted to go to the park just now, right?"

"Yes!" The girl raised her arms joyfully.

"We wanted to go out," Mariku noted.

"But not until tonight, until then Isis has already picked up Amirah." He stroked his niece. "Are you coming with us to the park?"

"No way," replied Mariku. "Just tell me, what's for lunch."

"Oh." Malik frowned. "I hadn't time to cook something and I didn't know you were coming home so early. I prepared sandwiches, but you have to come with us if you want one."

Mariku sighed. He looked between Malik and Amirah. "Alright, I'm coming," he sighed, and the girl jumped up and hugged him joyfully.

"I'm so excited that you're coming, Uncle Mariku." she squealed and Mariku looked for help, but Malik only smiled.

"Yeah, it's all right," muttered Mariku and pushed her away gently. He could not deal with small children and didn't know how he should behave towards them. They didn't see Amirah often, but the little girl really doted on him.

Together they walked towards the park. Malik took Amirah by the hand while Mariku carried the picnic basket. That wasn't how he had imagined his afternoon. Actually, he had thought he could have some sexy times with Malik before they went out for their date. He sighed.

"Look a little happier," muttered Malik and Mariku smiled at him over exaggeratedly. "Idiot!"

"Don't fight." Amirah said, looking up at them. "Arguing is stupid."

"We don't argue, dear." Malik said, smiling.

"You have to love each other thaaaaaaaat much." She made an extravagant movement with her arms as if she wanted to embrace the whole world.

"We love each other very much."

"Very, very, very much?"

"Very, very, very much," confirmed Malik. Her blue eyes turned to Mariku. She looked at him expectantly as if she would only believe it if Mariku confirmed it as well.

Mariku sighed. "Very, very, very much," he said with a slight nod. His words made her smile. She seemed satisfied. Mariku was relieved that he was spared children. They had a cat. That was perfectly adequate.

They sat down beneath a tree and Mariku was glad when he finally got his sandwich. While he ate, Malik played with Amirah.

But when he had just munched his second sandwich, Amirah was suddenly in front of him and looked at him with big eyes. "Do you push me on the swing, please?" she asked.

"Why me?"

"Please, please, please, Uncle Mariku."

Mariku looked at Malik, who nodded encouragingly. For the umpteenth time that day, Mariku sighed. "Alright." He got to his feet while Amirah already ran to the swing. "I'm glad we don't have children," he muttered as he walked past Malik. Malik laughed.

Mariku looked at the swing skeptically. He didn't quite know what was expected from him. "Push me." Amirah said happily and wiggled her legs. Mariku gave the swing a hesitant push. "More, Uncle Mariku." The girl laughed and squealed as Mariku pushed with more force. "Higher! Higher!" she cried.

"You would be such a good father." Grinning Malik leaned against the frame.

"You're crazy." Mariku muttered while his eyes followed the movements of the swing.

Malik came to him and gave him a kiss. He stroked over his shirt. "I'm pretty sure."

"Don't get any strange ideas."

Malik laughed. Again he kissed Mariku. "On the other hand, I don't want to share you."

On the way home Malik took Amirah by the hand again, but the girl wasn't quite satisfied with the situation. "Uncle Mariku."

"Hm?" She stretched out her hand and looked at him hopefully. Mariku looked at Malik, who watched the scene interested. Resigning Mariku took his niece by the hand too. It was a strange feeling holding such a small hand. Amirah hummed happily to herself and Mariku shot Malik a side glance. Their eyes met and Mariku felt himself blush. He quickly looked away and squeezed the little hand he held slightly.