As per his previous day's promise Connor arrived at the home of Gavin and Abby to spend some time with Aria while the young married couple went out for their date night for the first time since Aria had been born just over a year prior. Since Connor was friends with Abby, on much better terms with Gavin, and was Aria's godfather, he had no issue with volunteering his time to watch over the baby so her parents could have some fun and not suffer from undo stress. It was a little difficult to watch over the baby after enduring a painful close call the previous day, but Connor was determined to keep his word and spend some more time with his beloved goddaughter.
It was also a struggle for Connor to endure his troubled emotions after surviving so much disappointment over the course of a year. Not wanting to celebrate the holidays that year since he was still coping with the loss of his bondmate, Luke living so far away and being denied the right to adopt a child of his own, Connor desperately needed the chance to have a positive moment with someone he had grown to truly care for.
"You are a peach for doing this." Abby happily passed her daughter over to Connor to hold while she struggled to get on her slightly tighter jacket. She was four months pregnant as she played surrogate for a friend, and she was already over it. "Having a one-year-old crawling all over the house while I'm carrying another baby is not very much fun."
"I imagine being pregnant isn't comfortable regardless of how many occupants are running about." Happy to be spending time with Aria and away from work for a while, Connor held his goddaughter in his arms and against his shoulder as he casually hung his leather jacket on the hook by the front door. "How do you feel?"
"Like this is officially the last time I will ever bear children." The kind technician and loving mother admitted. "Especially since twins run in Gavin's family..."
"Twins?"
"Yeah, and as big as Aria was and how big I think this one is going to get," as she spoke Abby rubbed her palm over her steadily swelling middle and watched as Gavin walked down the staircase to get to the livingroom. "I don't want to even think about how big I'd get with twins. I'd explode..."
"That is a frightening scenario to imagine."
"At any rate, we'll be having dinner downtown at the nice French place, 'Ne T'étouffe Pas', and then we're going to see a movie. Just call if you need anything."
"I can handle things with Aria." Speaking with pure confidence in his words Connor spoke around Aria as she playfully patted his face with her hands and giggled with pure joy. "She's a delight to spend time with."
Gavin smirked as he slipped on his shoes and pet Lucky's back to show the family cat some affection. "Yeah, now that she's well out of the colicky phase and starting to talk she's fantastic to be around." Joining Abby by the front door he made sure he had his wallet and phone then wrapped his arm around Abby's waist in a supportive manner. "Ready babe?"
"Yeah. I'm getting hungry and I know our 'little guest' could use some fancy food so they appreciate what I'm doing for them."
"Before we leave the restaurant I'll get you a nice big bottle of champagne to celebrate after the new kid's born. How does that sound?"
"Like you know exactly how to keep a pregnant woman happy. All right," giving Aria's cheek a kiss Abby grabbed her purse and opened the front door. "we'll be back around ten or eleven. Thanks so much again, Connor."
"You're welcome. Have a nice night." Stepping aside Connor watched as Gavin and Abby left the home and then proceeded to lock the front door out of instinct and a need to keep Aria as safe as possible. "We'll have a fun night, too, Aria. I promise."
The little baby was excited to see Connor and was making near-words as her godfather carried her into the livingroom and sat her down in her playpen for a moment. It was the best way to keep her contained while Connor set up the livingroom for a game.
"Give me one minute and we'll play."
Sliding the coffee table aside and grabbing a large soft quilt off the back of the couch, Connor smoothed the blanket out over the middle of the livingroom floor and then located Aria's toys in the small toy box tucked between the couch and the side of the staircase. Selecting a few stuffed animals and foam stacking blocks from the box, Connor carried the toys to the quilt and spread them out before picking Aria back up.
"You're at the approximate age to begin speaking and communicating with your parents. I know they'll be thrilled when you say your first word."
Sitting down on the quilt Connor placed Aria down on the quilt in front of him as he presented a stuffed orange and white kitty cat for the baby to play with.
"It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since I helped deliver you, Aria. You won't recall that particular moment, but I'll never forget it. It was incredible and an honor to be a part of your life at the very beginning."
Focused on her toy kitty Aria just giggled and pointed at Lucky curled up on the couch watching everyone sitting in the middle of the floor. The fluffy cat had a very mellow personality and just took to watching the baby while remaining out of fur pulling range.
Following Aria's hand Connor saw Lucky and pet her side gently. "That's right. Lucky is a cat, too. Can you say 'cat'?"
Aria cut babbled as she proceeded to make her stuffed kitty bounce up and down on the floor.
"You will in time." Noticing a few children's books sitting on the arm of the couch next to Lucky the deviant decided to read to Aria and encourage her to speak more words. "How about a story? I enjoy reading and I'm sure you will, too."
Opening the book, an alphabet book with animals as the theme, Connor placed the book down on the quilt in front of Aria and began reading to the baby in an attempt to help her learn to speak. By the time he had gotten to 'G' is for goat, Aria was ready to explore the livingroom and proceeded to crawl away from Connor and toward the staircase.
"No, don't go over there, Aria."
Scooping the baby up into his arms Connor glanced about the livingroom but saw no sign of a protective baby gate.
"You're still a little too small to try to use the stairs on your own."
Aria leaned toward the staircase from Connor's arms and made fussy noises as she was bound and determined to play on the carpeted steps.
"How about we play another game after you have a snack? You're not interested in the book and you're too young to play any games on the staircase."
Wanting to keep the baby distracted for her own safety and his comfort, Connor carried Aria into the kitchen with the intention of making her a snack so she'd go to sleep a little easier later that night and wouldn't be fussy when her parents returned. As he turned on the overhead light in the kitchen Connor noticed that the dining table had a small, partially eaten birthday cake protected in a plastic case and a bright purple balloon attached to the top of the case sitting in the middle.
The cake was three days old, which lined up with Aria's birthday, and Connor realized that the baby had a small birthday party for her parents' sake.
"I'm sure when you're older and can remember your birthdays your mom and dad will have a bigger celebration with more people involved. I have a birthday gift for you, too. I'll let you open it after you have something to eat."
Securing Aria in her highchair and placing a bib around her neck, Connor proceeded to check the refrigerator for Aria's food and make her a nutritious meal. There was a large variety of foods designed specifically for Aria's dietary needs ready to be warmed up, but Connor felt like he owed the baby something special. Since he couldn't be at the house during Aria's big day and her own parents were out having a fancy meal, it was only fair that the birthday-girl got something special for herself beyond just a small slice of birthday cake.
Using the ingredients in the refrigerator and a few cybernetically downloaded recipes Connor created a special meal of fruits and vegetables that Aria would surely enjoy. It only took the deviant a few minutes at the stove to create three new recipes for Aria to try for her dinner. Cooking was something Connor enjoyed and was glad he could cook for someone other than Hank or Rose.
"Okay, Aria." Carrying over the prepared meal to the kitchen table Connor set everything out and explained to his goddaughter what he was doing. "This is a steamed carrot with a very small amount of broccoli and cheese for your dinner. And for dessert," placing the small bowl with the tiny baby-safe cutlery down on the highchair's tray, Connor spoke to Aria as if she could perfectly understand him. "I made you a blueberry cobbler. One that is safe for babies to consume."
Aria eyed the bright orange, yellow and green meal in her bowl and made babbling sounds. She was entranced by the colors and eager to try her new food.
"I've also prepared you a small cup of apple juice to drink. I understand you have no food allergies and are not a diabetic like your father."
Using the small fork Connor pierced the carrot's side and picked up a small portion for Aria to try. As he offered her the food Connor was amazed by Aria reaching for the fork in an attempt to feed herself.
"Oh, it appears you don't need any assistance."
Tasting the carrot made Aria grimace for a moment and then smile as she tasted the carrot on her fork. The new flavor was different but in a good way.
"I imagine having a soft, warm food to chew will also make your teeth feel better. From what I've researched budding teeth hurt and can continue to hurt for some months after cutting through the gums."
Aria wasn't listening to a word Connor was saying. She was having too much fun experimenting with the new food and quickly ate the carrot as if it were candy and not a healthy vegetable.
"I'm glad you like the carrot." Focusing on the broccoli and cheddar next Connor made sure the tougher green vegetable was thoroughly cooked through so it'd be soft enough for Aria to eat without any problems. "Let's see how you like this."
Again using tiny portions from the prepared meal Connor offered Aria the green vegetable and watched as she tasted it but didn't seem as enthusiastic about it as she had been with the carrot. Add a little more cheese to the broccoli Connor saw Aria warm up to the new meal and finish it all with only making a small mess of cheese sauce around her lips.
"You're eating very well, Aria. Good job."
The baby recognized the positive feedback and smiled as Connor wiped off her mouth.
"I'm impressed. I was told that children are often very picky eaters, but you seem to be the exception."
Rewarding Aria with the blueberry dessert Connor was not at all surprised by how quickly the baby tried to devour the sweet treat. A smear of blue and purple quickly stained Aria's lips, her chin, her cheeks and her hands as she didn't even want to use the little fork to feed herself. In a matter of seconds the baby had eaten every crumb of her dessert and was now licking the palms of her hands to get some more.
"I'll be sure to leave all three of these recipes for your parents to use in the future."
Leaving Aria in the highchair for only a moment Connor retrieved the bottle of baby-wipes from the bathroom and used them to clean up Aria's face and hands after returning to the kitchen. Removing the bib to be washed later on Connor sighed and decided it was time for Aria to get changed into a clean outfit that wasn't stained with blueberries and cheese.
"I think it's time for you to get changed into your pajamas. After that we can watch a movie or try reading again until you fall asleep."
Carrying Aria through the kitchen, up the stairs and into her bedroom for a quick change of clothes. Instinctively Connor did a quick diaper check to ensure Aria was clean and happy, then changed her into a freshly laundered and hand crocheted lavender colored 'footie' pajamas. Noting that Aria's bedroom had a purple color scheme and that Gavin wore purple colored shirts on a weekly basis made Connor shake his head a little.
"It seems your dad has a lot of influence on your own tastes. I hope your color preference actually is purple."
With Aria ready for bed Connor wrapped the baby up in a slightly darker purple blanket and held her against his shoulder. Almost instantly Aria snuggled in against Connor's shoulder and let out a small yawn as she pulled on the blanket wrapped around her.
"I'll read to you for a while and if you don't fall asleep I'll find a suitable children's movie for you to watch instead."
Aria just made small babbling noises as Connor carried her downstairs to the livingroom and picked up the book from the floor as he sat down on the quilt with the baby sitting on his lap. Holding up her alphabet book again Connor did his best to try to get Aria invested in the story and focus on the basic lessons on speech and phonetic recognition. As he reached 'Z' is for zebra and brought the story to an end, Connor noticed that Aria was more interested in the styrofoam blocks on the floor beside them.
"Your blocks have letters of the alphabet printed on the sides. Maybe that'll be more engaging than the book."
Placing Aria down on the quilt Connor picked up the blocks and spelled out her name for her to see.
"A. R. I. A. is how you spell 'Aria'."
The baby picked up the block with the letter 'R' and threw it weakly at Connor and giggled as he caught the block and held it in his hand.
"Now it just says 'Aia' and that's not your name."
Still giggling Aria fussed with the other blocks and casually began stacking them on the floor to build a small tower. Enjoying her time with Connor and having someone to play with, Aria handed Connor one of her blocks for him to play with as she resumed her work on her tower.
"You seem to have excellent hand-eye coordination. It's fascinating to see you growing up and hitting your milestones."
Aria crawled about the quilt to get more blocks and keep adding to her tower. Working to stand up with Connor's help the baby girl managed to make her tower rather tall and kept adding to it until every block was used up.
"It's interesting that your parents don't want any additional children. If I had the ability to procreate I'd like to have a minimum of two children to raise, but since that's something I cannot do I'll appreciate my time with you."
Watching the way Aria explored her growing world with genuine curiosity and a sense of wonder made Connor grin. She was entirely innocent and was sure to become someone amazing thanks to her parents being amazing people as well.
"Your mom helped saved my life many times and has become a good friend of mine. She's a wonderful woman and I know you'll be just as wonderful as she is."
Aria babbled her near-words and crawled over Connor's lap and pulled on her blanket again. The care that went into crocheting the blanket made it as beautiful as it was soft and warm.
"As for your dad, well..." Trailing off for a moment Connor tried to think of a way to explain his evolving relationship with Gavin. "He's a very protective person and doesn't put up with a lot nonsense. We didn't always get along but over the past three years we've become fairly good friends as well. I doubt we'll be close or want to spend time with each other outside work, but since he's asked me to be your godfather I think it's safe to say your dad trusts me. I know he loves you and your mom very much, so I don't doubt that he'll be the best possible dad for you."
Crawling over to the couch Aria pulled herself up to her feet and tried to climb up on to the furniture. Making small noises of distress Aria was soon given help by Connor as he helped her to climb the rest of the way on to the cushion to cuddle with Lucky.
"That's very good, Aria."
Joining the baby on the couch Connor wrapped her up in the blanket again and cybernetically turned on the television. Finding an animated movie for the baby to watch Connor hoped Aria would be interested and lay down long enough to fall asleep.
"It's also getting late. You should try to go to sleep so you have plenty of energy to play with your mom and dad tomorrow morning."
Aria looked up at Connor as she crawled onto his lap again and snuggled in against his chest to keep warm and get comfortable during the movie.
"I've never seen this movie before." Playing the movie on display, 'The Aristocats', Connor leaned back against the back of the couch and made sure Aria was fully wrapped up in the blanket to stay warm. "Since you like animals, especially cats, I think you'll enjoy this film."
As the movie played Lucky stretched out her body and then crawled onto Connor's lap as well to curl up and get warm. The fluffy cat was laying right against Aria's legs and purring softly as she enjoyed Connor's company as well.
The movie played out with only one interruption, Aria needing a diaper change, and then continued on well into the credits without the baby showing the smallest sign of fatigue. In a way it was impressive that someone so small could hold so much energy throughout the day.
"Your parents will be home soon and I know they'll be tired and want to go to sleep. You should sleep, too."
Aria refused to lay still now that the movie was over and Connor had to hold her a little tighter to keep her from escaping the couch.
"Your mom told me that music helps you when you get fussy. I sang to you the last time I babysat you and you seemed to enjoy it."
Standing up from the couch Connor carried Aria over to his jacket hanging on the wall beside the front door as he retrieved a small box that had been wrapped up and tucked away inside his jacket pocket. Showing Aria the box wrapped up in shiny red paper Connor caught her attention and carried her back to the couch for a minute.
"This is the gift I had purchased for you for your birthday." Holding the box in his hands Connor helped Aria to peel away the paper to reveal the small box hidden beneath. "It isn't much but I think it's something you'll like."
Showing Aria the wooden music box he had purchased for her, Connor opened the lid and watched Aria's eyes light up as two porcelain koi fish rose up on a glass pedestal and began to swim about in a circle as a lullaby played in a low volume. The song playing was a version of the android anthem that Connor had sung to her all those months ago.
"I wasn't sure what to give you as a gift since... Since I'm not a dad." Sounding a little sad Connor sighed and carried Aria back upstairs with the music box in his hand. The little baby was enthralled with the gift and fascinated by the sight of the two koi fishing slowly swimming in a circle as the music played. "But I did my best."
Placing Aria down inside her crib Connor placed the music box down on the nearby dresser where Aria could see the swimming fish as well as hear the song.
"I hope you enjoy this music box. Music is something that always makes me feel more relaxed and I enjoy listening to new genres whenever I get the chance. I wonder kind of music you'll like as you grow up?"
Slowly Aria's eyes closed as she fell asleep while listening to her new music box playing the familiar lullaby just a few inches away. As she relaxed in the crib to drift off into a deep sleep, Connor draped the purple blanket over her legs to keep her warm as she slept.
"Abby and Gavin are incredibly lucky to have you."
Admiring the baby as she slept Connor couldn't help but feel a strange sense of wanting that he couldn't explain. It was as if he been given a new mission and needed to complete it before the lack of progress drove him into insanity.
"I wish I could spend more time with you and watch you grow as a person. Humans are incredible with how they change, evolve and adapt to the world around them."
Leaning over the edge of the crib Connor observed Aria sleeping and was tempted to pick her back up to hold again, but he didn't want to disturb her rest.
"You're a special little girl. I wouldn't be surprised if you followed in your parents' footsteps to become someone who wants to fight to change the world for the better and help people in need."
The sound of the front door opening and then closing softly caught Connor's ear for a moment and he knew he'd have to leave soon. Reaching his hand down into the crib Connor gently rubbed his finger along Aria's cheek in an affectionate manner.
"It's strange to think about how your dad once loathed androids, specifically me, because of what had happened to his little sister. Your Aunt Kimmy isn't here right now because an android let her down when she was a child, but now your dad is willing to trust me to watch over his own daughter. Everyone is capable of change and can become better with each passing day."
"Connor?" Abby whispered as she entered the bedroom and looked down at Aria sleeping for a moment and then noticed the music box on the dresser against the nearby wall. "What did I miss?"
"Nothing negative. Aria was very receptive to the meal I prepared for her and she likes the music box I gifted her for her birthday."
"That was sweet of you." Looking at the intricately carved wooden box with the circling porcelain koi fish swimming with the music, Abby smiled and put her hand on Connor's shoulder. "I know Aria will appreciate the music box as she grows up."
"How was your night out?"
"Well, I was able to eat enough to ensure this little one," holding her palm over her belly Abby whispered to her friend as she rejoined Connor beside Aria's crib for a moment. "is in a bit of a food coma so I can sleep through the night. The movie was a little boring, but it was nice to spend the night with my husband and not have any emergency call interrupt us."
"That's good. Where is Gavin?"
"He's putting the doggie-bag in the fridge and is making sure our special bottle of champagne is kept in an ideal location to celebrate after I give birth. After having Aria I can confirm having a shot or two during the recovery process is a must since childbearing and childbirth is a nightmare on the human body."
"I'll take your word for it."
"So, are you going to let us pay you for babysitting this time?"
"No. Being asked to spend time with my goddaughter doesn't require payment."
"You're way too good for this world, Connor."
"Apparently that's still not good enough." Retracting his hand from Aria's cheek Connor stepped back and gave Abby a small, sad smile. "It feels like I'm still being punished for what I had done prior to deviating and will continue to be denied something I want until I've finally atoned for my mistake."
"You did nothing wrong and you're not being punished by some unseen cosmic force." Looking her friend in the eyes Abby put her hands on the deviant's face and offered him a kind voice to listen to. "You're more than deserving of anything you want to have."
"If that were true then I wouldn't have been denied my adoption application."
"That's just a setback, not a punishment."
"It doesn't feel that way. I just... I want to have the chance to experience what it means to have a family in the same way that Hank had done." Looking down at Aria again Connor felt his heart breaking a little at the idea of being unable to have the one thing he wanted more than anything else. "I want to have a family to call my own and have the chance to help the world become a better place by helping a new life become a good person."
Moving her hands from Connor's face and down to his hands Abby gently rested his palms over her 'bump' and sighed. "Give it time. The world is changing, you're changing, and you won't be left wanting forever. You're a good friend, an amazing detective and a fantastic son for Hank to call his own. You've done so much good in this world and you deserve to have everything you want."
"I wish I could believe that."
Gavin appeared in the bedroom doorway and let out a small yawn. "Believe her, 'Tinman'." Peering down at his sleeping daughter Gavin adjusted the blanket over Aria's legs before leaning down to kiss her cheek. "From what I've seen you're too stubborn to give up on something when you really want it. I swear you're the reason Hank's lost so much weight since you scare the shit out of him all the time."
"Actually," pulling his hands back from Abby's belly, the baby wasn't kicking and was seemingly asleep, Connor sighed and looked over at the Sergeant curiously. "Hank lost twenty-three point four pounds due to him cutting out all alcohol, eating healthier, exercising again and by having two artificial kidneys that ensure his body is excreting all harmful waste rather than let it collect inside his body."
"You've been around humans for three years and still can't grasp jokes or sarcasm." Shaking his head a little Gavin dismissed Connor's scientific remark as if it were nothing. "Weird."
"I'm aware of the humor behind your words, I merely wanted to emphasize all the positive changes Hank has made in his life."
"Yeah, because of you." Gavin gave Connor a smug stare from where he stood. "And don't try to bullshit me. I know you're a good influence on him and that you enjoy taking care of him. Kinda' weird if you ask me, but, whatever. I'm not exactly an expert on normal anyway."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Good. It was meant to be." Nodding at the music box on the dresser behind Connor, Gavin acknowledged the gift as he hovered protectively over Aria for a moment longer. "That's new. Is that for Aria?"
"Yes." Connor confirmed as the song end and the fish stilled. "It's her birthday gift."
"Not bad. Next year when Aria's able to run around, talk and Abby isn't pregnant anymore, we'll have a bigger birthday celebration for her. I want her to remember as many good moments as possible."
"As do I."
"You know you can come over and visit Aria whenever you want, right? I mean, us being detectives won't make it easy to have a social life, but-"
"It's all right, I understand what you're saying." Ready to take his leave of the house before he felt his heart break any further Connor gave Aria one last thoughtful glance before walking toward the opened bedroom doorway. "I'll do my best to spend time with Aria whenever I'm not busy. I enjoy spending time with her and I know you two enjoy being able to spend time as a couple and not just as her parents."
"Yeah, having dinner without someone throwing their fork on the floor or soiling their pants is pretty nice. By the way," Gavin gave Connor a confused glance as he walked with the deviant down the hallway and down the staircase toward the front door. "what did you make Aria for dinner? I've never seen her completely clean her plate like that."
"I left the recipes on your kitchen counter for you to use." Connor replied casually as he didn't want to boast about his cooking skills. "I would suggest adding slightly more cheese where necessary since Aria seemed to enjoy it."
"That's something she got from me. Cheese is my weakness and I love it on just about everything I can cook."
"Interesting..." Reaching for his jacket Connor slipped on the leather garment looked back at the staircase before opening the door. "I'll see you at work. Goodnight, Gavin."
"Yeah, see ya' around, 'Tin-', I mean, Connor." Dropping the nickname for a moment Gavin showed Connor a little more respect than usual. "Thanks for taking care of Aria and showing her some love. Me and Abby were a little deprived as kids and we're, uh, we're still working on finding that right balance between work and time with Aria, and then time with just each other."
"You don't have to explain anything to me. It's my pleasure to spend time with Aria."
"Good to know we chose the right guy to be her godfather. Drive safe."
Connor only nodded as Gavin closed the door behind him while he walked over to the Corvette parked in the driveway beside the house. Ready to return home to check in on Hank and then take care of Sumo before going to bed, Connor looked back at the window to Aria's bedroom on the second floor as the pang of wanting washed over him again.
"Being a son and a godfather are both wonderful things, but I still want just a little more in my life. I hope that isn't a selfish request."
-next chapter-