What's Living Without a Struggle? {Jack ~ Matt/Vy/Brookie}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

These damn dreams, correction nightmares. Never before has Vy ever been effected by them, simply too strong to be plagued by such a thing. Well, till now. Such as her inability to stay asleep for longer then an hour tonight, tossing and turning more often then anything else. Every time she manages to rest her eyes Jins scars her with his image. To make matters even worse, Jeran's bloody face then replaces him, frightening her to the awake world more then anything else. She doesn't fail to check on him after each occurrence, making sure that his chest is still rising and falling, and that no new wounds have formed due to her. His actual features are scarier then her dreams, probably because of how real it all is.

The worst one of them all finally consumes her slumber, refusing to allow her anymore rest. She's back in the forest, exactly where she was a couple of hours ago, though her body at least remains still on the couch. Jins is there, and without hesitation she attacks him and his threatening smirk. Just as before she carves her knuckles into his horror of a face, until Jeran then replaces him again. Instantly she stops and begins coaxing his face. "Jeran, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" She cries for him to wake up and be alright, but he doesn't budge. Only being pulled from her sleep, saves her from the terrors of her thoughts.

"Jeran?" She begins searching for him before she even opens her eyes. Just as earlier, and the other times she woke up with a scare, he's fast asleep on the other side of the sofa. His expression is so peaceful past all of the scrapes and bruises present, all of the damage that she caused. It's tempting to wake him for reassurance that he's fine, but with a moving chest it's clear that he's at least doing decently.

As quietly as Vy can, she rubs her baggy eyes and runs her fingers through her hair, prior to slowly getting up to tiptoe into the empty kitchen. There's no going back to sleep, not when she knows what's waiting for her. Plus the least she can do is prepare breakfast for everyone after all that she's done.

Knowing that everyone's back home and safe has the little one drifting off to sleep easily, even if she was lied to with the promise of candy. After such a long night of drama, slumber is exactly what she needs. But of course, she still manages to wake up bright and early. Two people that's she grown quiet close to, share the large bed with her, and for once she gets the choice of who to wake up. Could disturb the both of them, though with how often Ky's been caring for her, the rugrat finds the heart to let her sleep in. Instead Matthew gets the joy of an early morning call.

"Mattew." She whispers, never successful on pronouncing that h in his name. "Up sleepy head." Brooklyn giggles quietly as to not startle Kyanite, pinching Matthew's nose to finally get him up.

[Jack Lexington]

Was it three or four in the morning when everybody finally settled down?
I was one of the first ones to go to bed again because there wasn't really anything i could do anymore. Vy and Jeran had to talk this through and I could only get in the way. So after saying good night and giving Kyanite a kiss I retreated to her bedroom where I had put the little curly head to sleep earlier. For a moment I contemplated carrying her over to her moms room but then I looked at her remembering the way she bashed Jeran's face in.
I looked over my shoulder to the door but couldn't bring myself to leave the girl with her mother , who was still downstairs trying to medn things.

So I simply climbed under the blanket with the toddler, leaving my shirt on to sleep against my habit, and spent the rest of the night cuddling up to her.

Being pinched in the nose is quite a rude awakening. The little hand gets squatted away before I growl. "Don't!"

Not much later I make my way downstairs with her little hand in mine because she just won't leave me alone until she had breakfast.
I cannot tell you how tired I still am so instead of getting her some milk I turn on the coffee machine first. My feet fell cold against the kitchen floor.
Outside the sun hasn't even fully come up when I cast a glance outof the window where forst has formed small ice stars.

the kid is standing on the chair trying to fish a box of cereal from the counter so I run a hand over my face and scoop her up.
"Wait, let me get that for you."
I don't understand how she can be so bright and cheerfulthis early but it's a little infectious. So i give her a smile. Nottoo long and I will have a little oneof my own fishin for the cereal box.

"Can you eat cereal? Or do you need porridge?" I'm not sure how old she is or at what age kids start eating real people food.

The sound of the coffee machine behind me gives away that it'll still be a minute until it's done so I pull a jug of milk from the fridge and pour some in a glass before I sit down and she climbs on my lap.
"There's a chair, Brooklyn."
The little girl doesn't care. My lap is higher and more comfortable so she can actually reach for the glass.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

"Shh, no wake Ky ky." Brooklyn continues with her soft chuckle, and her desire to keep Matthew awake. Doesn't take long to convince him that he's not falling back asleep, and soon enough they're traveling downstairs hand-in-hand. Just like always there's a little skip in her walk because she got her way, plus there's no one to accidentally wakeup out here.

That weird brown stuff is Matt's first priority, and with a growling stomach Brooklyn decides to help herself to some food. Having only daring bones in her body, her petite self climbs on top of a chair to retrieve the only thing she knows how to make. Adding together cereal and milk has become a professional talent of hers, perhaps not mountain climbing yet though. Arms wrap around her to prevent her from falling and evokes a rupture of giggles. As long as she receives the box, she doesn't care how she gets it.

"Tank you." She grins widely when the box is passed over to her, horrible with her th sound in any word. The cereal's captured like it's a giant stuffed animal as she hugs it tight.

Her innocent features tilt to the side when he asks if she can even eat cereal, baffled by the question. To no surprise she only giggles in return, keeping the box close to her. Once an empty lap becomes available, she crawls on top of him for a higher seat. A glass of milk is not usually how she eats cereal, but with no desire to protest, she shrugs it off. Seconds later she makes a huge mess with an attempt to pour the small flakes into the cup. More laughter.

"You guys are up early." Vy greets from the doorframe, her voice still quiet and raspy from the night before. It's more then obvious that Matthew has no experience with little ones, but is giving his all to try. A small grin even makes it way to Vy's exhausted face from the sight. "Creative way to eat breakfast." She observes, gesturing her head to the counter in front of them. Least he's kind enough to occupy Brooklyn while everyone sleeps.

The smell of coffee is the next thing that catches her attention, and with the two of them distracted, that's exactly where she goes. At a time like this, it's certain that the big people need some caffeine. "Wanna cup?" She asks rhetorically, pouring the liquid into two separate mugs. Guessing he wasn't making it for Brooklyn. "How do you like it?" Looks like he's a little busy with the toddler, might as well try and be nice in return.

[Jack Lexington]

As awkward as it feels to have a little girl on my lap it's also somehow nice. I guess my fatherhood in spe is starting to change my perspective on things a little. It's not bothering me anymore. On the contrary. I like it but I'm still a little helpless.

The cup was supposed to be for her to drnk from. Then again I didn't bring a bowlthat she could use for her cereal so I should't be surprised when it gets poured into the small cup and next to it.
"Hey...wait. I can get you a bowl."
It's already too late.

I hand her the spoon I brought with a sigh. "Enjoy."

That's when the raspyvoice of her mother sounds from the kitchen door where she's leaning.
I look up and she sure as hell looks as bad as she sounds. Puffy eyes, dark circles, hanging posture.

"Creative way to eat breakfast."
"Yep, I'm all about creativity." I reply wondering whether she'll assume my position with her kid
but she goes for a cup of coffee first so I sit tight and watch her.

Some milk dribbles onto my arm when Brooklyn greets her mother with a mouth full.
Even that doesn't annoy me, so I lick it off. It tastes slightly sweet from the cereal.

"Wanna cup?" Vy asks me while she helps herself to my coffee. "How do you like it?"
"Sweet and steamy." I cheekily reply forgetting for a moment I'm not talking to Kyanite here so I rephrase.
"No sugar, just milk."

I return my attention to the little curly head and see that half o her cereal is gone.
"Wow, you're hungry, aren't ya? Does mom want some of this stuff, too?"
I eye her with curiosity wonderung how she's feeling this morning and whether she sorted things out with Jeran.
"Is Jeran still asleep?" I hint towards what happened.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's surprising, yet cute, to see Matthew watching over Brooklyn. Never really thought he'd be that close of a friend until witnessing it for herself. Sure he spent a second with her in the hospital, came looking for her last night; but Vy's also best friends with his girlfriend, which might of been the only case. Well until this precious sight in front of her. If he's willing to look out for Brooklyn at this hour of the morning, they all must pretty good friends. He doesn't even fret over the mess the little one has created, chopping it down to a unique way to have breakfast.

"You're full of surprises Dunham." Vy compliments jokingly, might as well keep things light after last night. It'd be a shame to break up such an adorable moment and needed practice for the future, which is exactly why she heads for the coffee instead of taking his place.

What occurred just hours ago is only something Vy can hope to ignore, and with the presents of her daughter it might be possible. "Hi Mama!" Brooklyn greets after swallowing enough of a bite to communicate with her mouth still partially stuffed. Crumbs and sprinkles of milk go everywhere, though neither of the older Blondes get angry in return.

"Hi babygirl." Another tiny smirk even manages on Vy's lips while she replies to her youngster, it's a difficult task to resist when around that sweet bundle of joy. No wonder Matthew can put aside his tough-ass reputation for a moment, who couldn't? Even pulling out a joke of his own that has Vy's eyebrows arching up in confusion. How the hell does he like his coffee? "Uhm..." She eyes him questionably before he corrects himself, and she turns her concentration back to the preparation of caffeine.

Two hot mugs are set on the counter, and a good distances away from the two year old. "These are for me and Matthew, okay Brookie? They're very hot, and you have enough energy as it is." The little one smiles wide back at her and nods her head vigorously.

"You're just a bottomless pit, aren't you?" Vy comments after Matthew shares how fast Brooklyn's consuming her food, and questions if Mom's also hungry. It's awfully weird to be titled such a thing, especially from him, but she's in no place to protest. "I'm good." She denies a cup of cereal for herself, her appetite far gone. "How about you?" The offer gets thrown back Matt's way, looks like he's a little preoccupied to serve himself. Either way a clean empty cup gets placed in front of him, anything for humor that last night might of destroyed.

Speaking of the devil, Matthew then questions how Jeran's holding up. "Yeah, and he should be fine." Vy's head nods up and down a couple of times before finally dropping to stare at the mug in front of her. This topic just brings a horrible taste to her mouth, one that she attempts to cover with a sip of the strong coffee. "We stayed up for a bit last night to make sure he doesn't have a concussion or anything." And to also prevent another sleepwalking explosion, but that doesn't have to be included. "He's sleeping on the couch, doing a lot better." Well that's just optimism, guess it's better then anything else though. She falls silent from the discomfort of this subject, internally begging for it to get dropped.

[Jack Lexington]

It's surprising that Vy won't take her daughter from my lap right away and even more so that the toddler doesn't change positions.

"You're just a bottomless pit, aren't you?"
That actuallymakes me laugh because my own father still says that to me some days. The fridge is never full enough. I just never thought about a kid being so hungry.

Vy rejects any food, maybe she's still working things through and asks me about wanting cereal but I shake my head.
"That's baby food. I need men's food. Bacon and eggs, darling." I joke around a little trying to lighten the strangey heavy mood.
"Gotta produce that sperm somehow."
Where am I getting these aweful jokes from this early in the morning?

Vy visibly tense up when it comes to Jeran butclaims he's fine....'right!' He didn't look fine to me last night.

"We stayed up for a bit last night to make sure he doesn't have a concussion or anything. He's sleeping on the couch, doing a lot better."
"I think you need to do an aweful lot of nursing and making up for ...you know what." I don't want to mention more in front of her daughter in order not to scare her.

The girl has now finished her cereal but is pouring more into the small cup and onto the table, which has me frowning a bit, especially since she's trying to sppon feed me.
The milk goes all over my pants so I shake my head and quickly say.
"No Brooklyn, I don't like cereal. It's all yours."
"Please, Mattew. Open your mouth." She's begging with those mini puppy eyes.
"Nope." I clench my teeth,which hurts my jaw, when she tries to stuff another spoon i my mouth and proceeds to dribble all over me.
"Give me that." I grumpily tell her and take the spoon to have a bite.
"Where does she get that persistence from?" I cock an eyebrow at Vy, who looks like she's about to fall over.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Coffee nearly spills from Vy's lips due to what Matthew jokes about. Did he really just mention sperm, and how a well rounded breakfast is deserved because of it? Well it certainly has her cracking up with laughter she assumed she wouldn't have for a while. "You're going to need to ask Kyanite to cook for you, because I have no interest in your supply." She assures as the chuckles still continue. Leave it up to Matthew to make light of any situation, and to think she predicted Brooklyn to always be the one to achieve that. Perhaps she's learning that talent from one of their friends.

If only the mood could stay like that, as he then asks about Jeran, and the room turns slightly cold. Surprisingly it's not the worst, though there's still some pain that comes with that topic. He's doing better, and that's all that matter. For some reason Matthew still keeps it light though, possibly due to the toddler in the room. As for Vy, she couldn't appreciate it more. "Working on it." She replies to his suggestion of making up for all that's she done, it's the only thing she can consider.

Just as talked about earlier, Brooklyn comes along with a precious moment to entertain and distract them. As much as it pisses off Matthew, she's determined to feed him her cereal like he was the youngster here. "Brooklyn..." Vy comments lightly while more chuckles come about. Might as well see how he'll handle it, though he only grabs the spoon to stop the event, erupting more giggles from the two female blondes.

A shrug is gestured from Vy when Matthew questions where Brooklyn gets her persistence from. "Couldn't tell ya." She jokes, despite knowing very well that it's from herself. Like mother, like daughter. "Come here Brookie, lets give Matthew a break." Not wanting to torture him anymore she collects the little one in her arms and snuggles her close.

"How about we make some bacon for everyone? Show our appreciation." Of course Brooklyn doesn't object in the least, nodding her head like crazy in agreement. The tiny Tyke just loves bacon for some reason. She places the rugrat on the counter to sit while she collects the ingredients, then turns on the oven. "Don't get used to this Matthew." She warns with a smirk while she waits for the pan to heat up. "So how'd you guys sleep last night?" She asks to make small conversation.

[Jack Lexington]

At least the sperm joke brightens her mood a little and almost distributes the coffee from her mouth all over the floor.
"You're going to need to ask Kyanite to cook for you, because I have no interest in your supply."
"Nah." I shake my head. "She has no more interest in that either. I think one baby is enough."

I tease the little one in front of me bypoking my fingers into her side a little to make her giggle, too.
"She's cute."
Something definetly changed. Either it's just that I underestimated these girls and know them better now or I'm becoming softer. My father would scold mefor it but I quite like it actually. At least at those times when Kyanite doesn't toy with my heart like sometimes.

I can practically see the regrets on Vy's face when she claims to be working on making Jeran better. poor girl. She might not even know what happened.
"I bet you will." I smirk remembering their naked push ups at the academy.
"Do some work out on top of him." I cover Brooklyns ears while saying this.

Sunsequently she gets taken away from me. "Come here Brookie, lets give Matthew a break."
I'm not complaining though.

"How about we make some bacon for everyone? Show our appreciation. Don't get used to this Matthew."
I'm not objecting bacon either as I sip on my coffee and enjoy the bitter, warm taste, that wakes me up.
"So how'd you guys sleep last night?"
"Better than you I bet. Although she has a habit of pulling your hair." I point to Brooklyn, who had sent the night in between us.

I watch the small girl run away because she's heard a sound from the living room.
"What happened, Vy?" My eyes now settle on Vy while I get up to grab some more milk.
"Do you even know?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's relieving to hear Matthew make humor this morning, almost like it's another forgiveness for the night before. Sure it may be about inappropriate sperm, but it takes away from the painful subject she'd rather avoid. Apparently he can't even get Kyanite to cook either though, since she's already affected by his fertility. Poor fellow. If only he was the one to get beaten half to death, he'd get whatever he desires. "Guess you're out of luck." She jokes back, thankful for their conversation choice. He even brings out a compliment for her little one, as if she couldn't be more shocked by his acceptance.

"Thanks." A smile comes across her face in return, extremely happy to see Brooklyn gaining another adult figure in her life. It's all a single parent could ask for from her friends. Well that and forgiveness from the horrors she's created, and it seems Matt has both.

Hands cover the toddler's ears for what he has to say next, advising a workout on top of the one she destroyed. A reference from the time Jeran and her got in trouble at the academy? Most likely. Any other time Vy may be offended by his inference on what's going on between them, but she can't currently. It's far too obvious. "Nice suggestions." She actually chuckles out with a slight shake of her head. Never would of guessed her close friends would be this nice after everything. She couldn't appreciate them more though.

To show her gratitude, Vy actually begins preparing breakfast. It's far from an enjoyable task, but at this point she doesn't mind it. Small talk occurs during this process, and Matthew shares how they must of had a better night then Jeran and her. "You can say that again." She comments lightly since she hardly received any slumbers from all the horrors, both Jins but mainly Jeran. Finally he's getting some shut eye though. The terrible things she did to him just refuses to leave her mind though.

Occasionally Brooklyn has perfect timing, and other times the worst. Such as now as she runs into the living room to retrieve some toys, leaving the older Blondes to themselves. Should of assumed Vy couldn't avoid this topic for long, and sure enough Matthew brings it up. "Some of it." She answers truthful while her focus stays distracted by the cooking.

"I think I thought Jins was still alive." Vy explains with a hushed voice as if someone could be over hearing, concentration remaining on the stove. "Doesn't matter. I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen again." She reassures and begins flipping the bacon to keep her hands occupied. It's simply dreadful to talk about this, but she knows it's unavoidable. "So what's your plans for today?" Doesn't mean she can't try though.

[Jack Lexington]

When it comes down to the actual topic Vy isn't very chatty as expected. She's one hell of a proud, self relying chick and that she simply went off the deep end and further can't be easy to handle.
She claims she remembers some of it. But what happened?

"I think I thought Jins was still alive." She states.
Maybe she dreamt that. Oh howI wish that was true. Then most of my problems would be solved...or not...if he come around and shootmore of my friends.
"I wish..." Escapes me. But soon I correct myself.
"You must have dreamt that. I can tell you for sure he's not alive anymore. I've watched him drop and he never stood back up. I swear, Vy. I put that bullett in him."
I'm pretty sure she knows all that and probably also that I'm not proud of it just from the unpleasant talk we had while she was still in the hospital.

"Doesn't matter. I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen again."

That doesn't make much sense to me.

"How? Are you goingtio cuff yourself to your bed?" Under different circumstances that would have mae for a great joke but not now. This is a sensitive subject.

"What if you think he'salive again and beat up the next person...or child?" I hint not very subtly.
"Go get some help, Vy."
Who amI to say such things?

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Right, there's that conflicting interest in everyone's struggle from the Jins incident. Some are grateful that it's all over with, or battling with the aftermath, and others are regretting how far they had gone. This exact debate has already occurred between Matthew & Vy back in the hospital, on whether Jins death is a good thing or not. He still wishes that he hadn't taken a life away, but she doesn't even want to imagine that outcome. "So you think." She comments in a whisper. Life would only be a lot worse for everyone if that was the case, even if he can't see it that way.

"I know he's dead." Vy clarifies after Matthew finds the need to reassure her of this. There's no doubt in her mind that they're telling her the truth. It just wasn't her that did it. She was only the one that let him escape from the woods, allowing him to create all that destruction on her friends. She couldn't stop him. O'Rourke wouldn't be suffering, Kyanite wouldn't of had to face that stress...Matthew wouldn't have regret. But it's too late now.

All Vy can promise at this point is that she'll handle her own problems. Apparently Matthew doesn't have as much faith in her though. "You're just full of helpful advice this morning." She attempts to make light of his sarcastic suggestion. Of course it only spirals down from there though.

"What the hell did I ever do to make you guys think I'm an abusive mother?" It's just as insulting coming him Matthew. And to think a year ago she couldn't give two shits about what someone thought of her. But ever since Brooklyn was born, Vy's done everything in her power to be the complete opposite of her own Mother. To hear her friend think otherwise, it's as painful as when it came from Jeran. Least he's willing to help instead of putting her off on some paid stranger.

"Don't worry, I'll get some damn help." She agrees with a pitch filled of anger. "Feel free to go get Kyanite. I'd hate to attack you." Perhaps she's taken a little offense.

[Jack Lexington]

"I know he's dead." She tells me confirming that she never had any doubts.

Then she's getting a little sur, which I can't blame her for because who wouldn't. Vy does everything she can to be a good single mom- except for quitting the academy maybe- a step that had been done for me, so I can't really pride myself in coming to this grand decision and can't blame her. "You're just full of helpful advice this morning. What the hell did I ever do to make you guys think I'm an abusive mother?"
"You're not an abusive mother, nobody said so. You're a great loving mom and that's why you maybe should protect your girl from outbreaks like last night. Who's to say it was a one time thing only?"
My words might be harsh but that's what I'm here for-give her the truth and help if I can.

She doesn't appreciate the truth so and gets slightly aggressive.
"Don't worry, I'll get some damn help. Feel free to go get Kyanite. I'd hate to attack you."
I'm pretty sure she'll never see a counselor just like I never did. That's not who we are.
"Try me, little girl." I give her a smirk because we've done this before and usually I'm a little stronger, at least physically. It would be strange if I wasn't since I'm a head taller and about 30 pounds heavier.

"Maybe you should take your aggression out on somebody who can actually defend themselves and hit back if necessary." That slipped out before I can hold it in and instantly I regret it.
"I didn't mean that Vy."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

A heavy sigh is released from Vy's lungs. Okay, so maybe Matthew isn't trying to be a complete douche. He even corrects himself with reassurance that she's actually a caring mom, the complete opposite of violent...at least to her little one. Which is exactly why she has to prevent Brooklyn from ever witnessing an event like last night. There's no telling if it was a one time thing or not, and Matthew's right about that. All she can do is promise to deal with it, stop it from happening again, something she has no clue how to do or even control.

Is that her only option? Getting help. Just doesn't seem like talking about her feelings is going to make a dent of a difference. Though to avoid being the group's next feared enemy, guess it'd be worth it. Still it's a difficult thing to swallow, keeping her annoyed & pissed off. Even warning Matthew to get backup before she attacks again. Apparently he's not as intimidated by her though.

That's surprisingly a bit relieving, even if he does add in a tittle for the Blonde that she hardly appreciates. A sharp glance shoots his way, though it doesn't include as much anger as it did before. Perhaps his girlfriend is good with being called a little girl, but Vy certainly isn't. It's his underlining suggestion that catches her attention though, that maybe getting out her aggression is the solution. Haven't had a good spar in a bit.

It was going so smoothly until he had to cross the line. Guess it is always one of them messing things up. But to go that cold so soon? Mentioning that she should attack someone that's going to fight back... Clearly it's about Jeran, but with the recent addition of Brooklyn, it's far more painful to hear. Seconds later he attempts to take it back, it must be true if he can say it so easily though. "Sure you didn't." She mumbles her sarcasm, while her chances of making everything better slips away like his words.

"I obviously lost everyone's trust last night, I get that. But do you have to joke about it already?" Two can play at the harsh game...until mother duty calls due to a loud crash from the living room. Damn, and that's where Jeran's sleeping to. Least Brooklyn coming to the rescue, because Vy had no interest in hearing a reply from Matthew. At this point, he can keep them all to himself. With no desire in asking him to take over the cooking, she simply turns the stove off before disappearing without another sound.

Books crashed down from a shelf because of Brooklyn's curious hands, and a half-asleep Jeran still remains on the couch desperate for more slumber. "Brooklyn..." Vy sighs with a slight chuckle, bending down to the child once she reaches her. "How about you go bother Matthew, so I can put Jeran back to sleep?" Instantly the small head nods up and down before she sprints off.

"Night night Jeran." The rugrat stops at the couch to say goodnight to her friend, returning a small grin back to Vy's angered face. Seconds later the toddler's off.

A moment's taken to observe his tired, broken features. She did that, and it still mentally hurts as much as it did last night...even if Jeran might of forgiven her. Those marks have gotten darker if anything, and she's just unable to wrap her mind around what happened. "Lets get you to your room, make sure no one wakes you up again." She offers and patiently waits to get underneath his arm to support him upstairs. Far too soon he's fast asleep his own bed, and Vy has no choice but to rejoin in the kitchen.



((OOC: Felt the need to have Vy step away for a second after all that, hope it works))

[Jack Lexington]

My joke wasn't a good one, I'll admit that and I did apologize but Vy doesn't care. With a sour face she heads away after telling me. "I obviously lost everyone's trust last night, I get that. But do you have to joke about it already?"
"Wait...you..."
She doesn't hear me anymore because she's already gone next door and I'm not the type to run after a girl, not unless she's my pregnant girlfriend. I might make an exception for her.

The breakfast sits there uncooked and I don't really expect her to come back but the thought of bacon lingers in my head so I get up with a sigh and turn the stove on.
Patiently I wait and listen to their muffled voices next door.

Soon the bacon starts sizzling lightly when somebody wraps their arms around the bottom of my legs. To balance myself out I take a step back and accidentally knock the curly head on her little butt.
Instantly she starts crying but instead of rolling my eyes and telling her to suck it up I scoop her up and 'shhh' her.
"I didn't see you behind me. Sorry."
She looks at me with big teary eyes and damn near melts my heart so I put a smile on my face and tell her. "If you suck it up, you get the first slice of bacon."
"Bacon?" She asks and nods, sniffling.

Lesson one about kids learned: Bribery works wonders.

Together we turn the slices over and enhalethe wonderful smell.
"Mommy doesn't know what she's missing because she's pouting." I share with the girl while she tries to turn the bacon again and makes it slip out of the pan.
Quickly I pick it up and blow on it until she can have it.
"Careful, hot."

Little did I know that her mother was watching us with a weary eye untilI turned around.
"Ah, there you are, sunshine."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Never would of predicted the scene that Vy walks into. Certainly she knew that Matthew's grown to stand her little girl, just assumed it was no more then that. Simply practice for his upcoming offspring. Seeing the two cooking bacon after she walked out changes that though. Perhaps he has become fond of her Tyke, it's not like Brooklyn's never achieved that before out of someone. On top of that it relaxes Vy from the last comment he had, he did claim to not mean in after all. A smile is even evoked upon her cheeks as she quietly watches him offer the first piece of bacon to her Rugrat, that's not easy thing to give-up.

Seconds later her presents is noticed and greeted with a silly tittle. Sunshine? Everyone in this house is closer to being that then Vy, including Matthew. A questioning look comes from her before she finally takes a seat at the kitchen counter. No point in being a complete douche by leaving Brooklyn with Matt when he may not be completely comfortable with it. Plus the smell of bacon is causing an appetite she didn't know she had this morning.

"Didn't think you knew how to cook." Not like it's a difficult task sizzling bacon, but he's not burning them. A finished piece is stolen while he's distracted with cooking the rest, and the taste is phenomenal. That alone has her not wanting to stay mad at him over a stupid comment.

It's precious to see Brooklyn attempting to cook with someone other then Vy, a moment that hardly ever comes about. Even more so it's Matthew that's giving this patients. "Looks like you're getting better with kids to." She observes with a light grin. A few months ago it seemed like an impossible task, guess Kyanite has some powers though...or perhaps he's just evolving with his maturity.



((OOC: Sorry it's not that much, trying to get back into things. My next post will be better))