#my babysitter had this in her yard and me and the other kids she babysat would play a game where if you were bad you had to go in this house

[libraryofloveletters]

The Babysitter

Chapter One: First Name Basis 

Nick Amaro x Fem!Reader

Series Summary: Nick wasn't looking for love and you weren't looking for a job. A phone call and one day together seemed to change both of your lives. for better or for worse ? that’s up to you.

Warnings: Reader is 19, shameless flirting but they’re both too shy, a millisecond of angst at the end. 

Word Count: 2746 words 

Author’s Note: Hi honeys!! this is my Nick series cause I’m back in my feels for him and I can’t get rid of the idea so here we are. // this won’t exactly follow canon so just go with it. 

the babysitter taglist :)  // series masterlist

---- 

Things had been a struggle to say the least. Maria upping and taking the job in DC threw Nick for a loop. Especially when she left Zara with him and it wasn’t like he didn’t love his daughter because he did. It was the fact that they had to find the rhythm of things without Maria which was 10x harder now that they had both just adjusted to her being there.

When his nosy neighbour decided to chat him up one afternoon as their kids played with Zara in the front yard, Nick wanted nothing more than to fling himself off a building. 

“I had this wonderful girl named y/n babysit the kids when Jack and I wanted a date night,” the woman smiles at Nick. “She’s in college now so she’s a bit busy but I’m sure she can make it work if you want her number. A call won’t hurt.” 

Nick took the number from his neighbour, calling Zara in for dinner in hopes to get away from his neighbour. He thanked her for the number and promised they’d come over for dinner soon- even though he knew they would not be going over there anytime soon. 

Nick sat beside Zara on the couch, the little girl cuddled into his side. He glances down at his daughter, her eyes heavy with sleep but she keeps forcing herself to stay awake as she wants to finish the movie. 

“Babygirl, c’mon. Time for bed.” Nick lifts her up off the couch, she groans. 

“Dad!” She scolded him, groaning all the way to her bedroom. Nick sets her down on the bed. “Do you want me to stay or are you okay?” He asks, making his way around her room to make sure the windows are locked. 

She shakes her head, pulling the blanket up over her as she scoots down and makes herself comfortable. Nick smiles at the little girl, tucking in the edges of her blanket before pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

“I’ll be just down the hall if you need me, baby.” Zara sighs, looking up at her father. “I know dad, I'm not a baby.” She tells him matter of factly tone, making Nick shake his head in amusement. 

He raises his hands in surrender. “Whatever you say. Goodnight kiddo.” “Night dad,” she smiles at him, watching as he shuts the door. 

--

Nick finds himself in bed, it’s half past one in the morning and he can’t seem to settle down. Begrudgingly, he drags himself from bed and makes his way to the kitchen. 

He tumbles through the cabinets - tea, come on, I know I bought tea at some point. 

The tea seemed to be hidden behind a few different types of coffee stored in various shaped bottles. He made a mental note to clean the cabinets the next time he had some free time. Nick went through the motions- put the tea bag in the mug, fill the kettle with water, set it to boil and now he waits. 

His phone sat disregarded on the counter, the conversation with his neighbour replaying in his head. “A call won’t hurt.” 

Nick needed the help desperately. Even if he couldn't admit that to others, he could admit that to himself. 

Considering the time, Nick thought a text would be more considerate. You could always return his text in the morning. He hesitated, only for a second. What kind of impression does it make that I’m awake at 1:56 in the morning and I’m texting a college student ? 

Pushing the thought aside, Nick drafts the text and reads it over 8 times before he actually sends it. 

From Nick: Hi y/n, I’m Nick. I got your number from my neighbour, Jessica. She mentioned that you babysat for her a few times and she couldn’t stop gushing about how great you were. I’m looking for a babysitter as well and I was wondering if you were available. Give me a text back or a call whenever it’s convenient for you. Thanks. 

He barely set the phone down to pour the boiled water into the mug when his phone chimed. 

To Nick: Hi Nick! I’m available! Could I give you a call now or would in the morning be better ? 

From Nick: Now is fine. 

Nick’s phone buzzed in his hand, he clicked the little green button before lifting the phone to his ear. “Hi!” you sounded half asleep yet somehow happy at the same time.  

“Hi y/n. Sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you.” he hums. 

“Totally fine, I was up doing class work anyways. Jessica told you about me huh? That woman doesn’t stop talking- not in a bad way of course. Oh man, I'm rambling aren’t I?” you sigh, Nick chuckles. 

He’s already taken a liking to you. 

“It's true. She never stops talking.” you both laugh before Nick speaks up. 

“I've got a daughter. Her name is Zara, she's 9. I drop her off to school in the mornings and I need someone to look in on her while I'm at work in the afternoons.” Nick tells you, you nod but then realize he can’t see it. 

“Would it be okay for you to come over and meet Zara ? I wouldn't want her to be uncomfortable and we can just gauge if it’s a good fit or not. We can discuss details if that’s okay with you?” Nick finishes.

“A straight to the point kind of man, I like you already, Nick.” 

Nick would be lying if he said his cheeks were a bit redder then they were moments ago. 

“When are you free?” he asks. “Tomorrow, well technically today. Up to you know, I don't know if you're busy or anything.” 

“Tomorrow is fine, I'll text you the address.” 

“Oh wait! I gotta ask since I’m coming to your place, you're not a serial killer or anything right ?” Nick laughed at your question, his hand pressed over his mouth so he could muffle the sound, hoping not to wake Zara. 

“No, actually I'm a cop.” 

“Haha, very funny- wait, are you actually a cop?” 

“Yeah, but I'll see you tomorrow ?” he asks, you nod once again and realize the same thing. 

“Yeah, goodnight Nick.” 

“Goodnight y/n.” 

That twang in his stomach made him want to take a cold shower. If the sound of your voice made him feel this way, what is he going to do when he meets you? 

Little did he know, you were giddily skipping around your room. You had the same feeling about Nick. Something about him and the way he spoke had you in a sort of trace, you were itching to meet him. 

---- 

The doorbell rang, you waited on the front steps as you heard someone shout something resembling the word coming. The door opens and a man is standing in front of you- tall, handsome, tan skin, brown hair to match his eyes, dressed in jeans and a blue polo. 

“Hi, you must be y/n?” he stuck his hand out, yours reaching for his. “I am, it's nice to meet you.” you smile when your hand reaches his.

“Please, come in.” Nick steps aside and lets you in. When you walk in, you see a little girl sitting on the couch. Her long brown hair matched her eyes, it’s clear who she looked like. 

“Zara, this is y/n. y/n, this is my daughter, Zara.” Nick introduced the two of you, Zara looking between you and her father, her face scrunched into a confused look. 

“Are you dad’s girlfriend ?” her question catches both you and Nick off guard. 

“I- uh, no.” you shook your head, biting back a laugh. Nick’s face was red, his eyes glued to the girl on the couch, his brows furrowed. 

You watched the exchange between the pair, she looked so much like him. 

“She might be looking after you when you get home from school, I just wanted you two to meet.” he tells her, before ushering you towards the kitchen. 

Nick steps by you, reaching for a glass in the cupboard. “Can I get you something to drink?” 

“I’m alright, thanks.” you smile, admiring the man as he leans in to grab something from the fridge. 

There was no way he didn’t know he was attractive, he exuded this masculine energy that you couldn't seem to find in anyone else. The way his blue polo clung to him was enough to make a girl swoon. 

Nick hands you a glass of lemonade even after you mentioned that you were okay. “What’s your class schedule like ?”

“Not too busy, most of my classes are in the mornings so I’m free anytime after 2:30 and I have one evening class on Thursdays but the professor is pretty lenient. He knows some people aren’t able to make night classes in person so he live streams them.” 

“Perfect. Zara is off school at 3:10 and she walks home with Jessica and her kids. Would you be able to pick her up from Jessica’s and hang out with her here until I'm home ?” 

“What time are you off?” “It depends on what we’re working.” 

“I take it you’re not a patrol cop then?” you take a sip of the lemonade. 

“Detective Nick Amaro, Special Victims Unit” he takes a little bow making you giggle. 

“So tell me, do I call you detective Amaro then?” 

“Nick is fine, but just for you.” he teases and your cheeks flush red.

Changing the topic back to Zara, you look at him. “I can stay here with her as long as you’re okay with me doing my work and whatnot.” 

Nick smiles, his hand resting on your bicep. “Of course, if you're gonna be here, I want you to be comfortable.” 

You’re blushing, you can feel it. 

Nick glances at Zara, moving his hand from your arm. “Baby, come here.” Nick calls for Zara, your heart flutters when you hear the word slip past his lips- Oh his lips were perfect and pink and kissable. How you wanted to kiss- 

“Y/n, do you like baking?” The little girl was in front of you, looking up at you. 

“I love baking, I take it that you do too?” You smile at her, she nods with a smile on her face. “I have the best brownie recipe!” she gushes, grabbing your hand and pulling you off with her. 

You follow her, glancing back at Nick who was smiling at you two. He couldn't remember the last time he saw Zara excited like that. He knew how much she liked to try new things. She used to bake with her grandmother but when Maria came back, he figured she would pick up that but she didn’t and that put a halt in her hobby. 

Nick finds the two of you in Zara’s bedroom. Zara had a book in her lap, pointing to different pictures. “This one seems cool, look at the frosting!” she points out, showing you the blue swirled frosting on top of the cake. 

You glance at Nick who was leaning on the door frame, “well, when’s your dad’s birthday? We can make it for him.” 

“Yeah!!” Zara leaned to look at her father, “can y/n stay for dinner ?” 

“Oh- you gotta ask her sweetheart. It's okay with me.” Nick tells her before leaving the two of you in her room. He wanted the two of you to get to know each other without him peering in all the time. 

---

Somehow you ended up spending the entire afternoon with Nick and Zara. It was a little past 7 and the sun was starting to set. Nick sat next to you in the front steps of his house, watching as Zara rolled up and down the driveway on her scooter. 

The breeze blew, the sudden coldness causing you to shiver and wrap your arms around yourself. Nick noticed the shiver, his arm wrapping around you instinctively as his hand rubbed against your arm in an attempt to warm you up. 

Anyone passing by could easily mistake you two for a couple watching your kid but you weren't. 

In fact, you were just the babysitter and he was your boss but that didn't seem to stop you as you shifted towards Nick. “Still cold ?” He glances at you, you shrug. 

“Watch her, I'll be back.” He gets up, the loss of warmth makes you shiver again. 

It was only a few minutes later that Nick returned in a black V-neck sweater and two other hoodies in his hand. “Zara! If you're gonna stay out here, you need a sweater!” he calls for her and she comes running over. 

She pouts, “it’s not cold dad.” Nick almost gives into her, she has that man wrapped around her finger and she knows it. 

He steps down to her level, kneeling in front of her and helps her pull on her purple sweater. 

Nick kisses her forehead, “15 minutes then we’re going back inside.” he shouts to her as she runs off back to her scooter. He returns to his spot beside you, handing the navy blue hoodie to you. 

Passing the hoodie back to him, “Nick, I’m fine.” You just met the man, you can’t take his hoodie. 

“Y/n, don’t be difficult.” He drops the hoodie in your lap. “Don’t pull a Zara on me.” He looks over at you, a semi stern look in his face but there was a glint of mischief in those brown eyes of his. 

Sighing, you give in and pull the hoodie over your head. It was slightly big on you, but comfortably so. It was warm and smelt like Nick, manly but not in an overpowering way. 

His eyes were on you and you could feel it. “How do I look?” shifting on the steps, you look up at him. 

“Like you’re ready to join the academy.” he gives you a small smile, your brows furrow before looking down. 

The letters NYPD written across the front on big bold yellow letters. “Haha, very funny detective.” You roll your eyes playfully. Nick gives you a nudge with his shoulder, smiling before looking over at Zara. 

“She really likes you, y’know?” “I like her too, she's a good kid.” 

There’s a comfortable silence between the two of you but curiosity killed the cat and you had to ask. 

“If I can ask, where’s her mom?” Elbows propped on your thighs and your chin resting in your palm when you look over at the man next to you. His expression hardens before he lets out a sigh. 

“Took a job in DC.”

“So.. you two aren’t together ?”

Nick turns to you, eyes flickering over your face. “Are you always this nosy?” 

Your mouth opens but nothing comes out. “I- sorry I didn’t mean to pry.” mumbling, you turn your attention back to Zara. 

Nick signs, running a hand through his hair. “No, I’m sorry. It’s fine for you to ask, I just- I don’t really talk about her. I would assume our marriage is over but neither of us said that. I think there’s someone else but again, nothing’s been said.” 

Nick watches you watching him, his head tilting to the side and you mirror his actions. The two of you are smiling at each other like a bunch of teenagers in love. 

It's disgustingly domestic. 

“Sorry to unpack that on you, I barely know you.” He chuckles, resting a hand on yours. You shake your head, your free hand resting on his. “It’s fine.” you smile. 

There’s a sadness in his voice but nothing is evident on his face. How could someone who's clearly hurting be so.. normal ? 

That was the moment you vowed to never hurt him. 

You couldn't. 

---- 

taglist: @hurricanejjareau​ @hes-going-to-sacrifice-himself​ @aineagrey​ @fighterkimburgess​ cause you all told me to do it :) @hanan6450 

[fairiesnova]

Fun in the Sun

Late entry for the Gratsu Summer Solstice Event run by @fuckyeahgratsu for the prompt: fun in the sun

Note: The kids in this fic are apart of my Erzajane Home is Where They Are series but this fic can be read as a stand alone. 

Read on Ao3

“Are you sure you can handle this?” Erza asked shifting from one foot to the other. It was a nervous tick. One that years of staring down enemy after enemy should have gotten rid of. But Erza did not stand before him as guild master of Fairy Tail. No, Erza stood before him as a nervous parent hesitating at the thought of separating from her children despite them both knowing she needed the break. The tell-tale signs of pure exhaustion were written all over Erza’s face weighing down her body. It wasn’t too obvious of course, this was Erza, she still keep that level of grace in her movements and a blank stare to ward off any prying questions. But he knew Erza and so did Gray.

Natsu looks over to his husband to find him staring worriedly at Erza. Gray’s teeth sunk into his lower lip in a way that made Natsu’s eye linger before traveling up to the eyebrow scrunched high on his face. He too could see what Natsu saw and knew they needed to do this.

With practiced ease, Natsu called a wide cocky grin onto his face. “Oh, come on Erza, we’ve babysitter for you a bunch of times remember?”

But as Gray and Natsu could see though Erza’s facade, she could see through theirs. She narrowed her eyes at them. “Rhea. You babysat Rhea alone. I’m warning you now that this is not the same. Rhea has always been self-sufficient even when she was younger. Andre can be…difficult sometimes. Toddlers are a lot of work.”

Gray interrupted this time moving closer to the mother. “Stop trying to scare us off Erza, you know that only gets us fired up.” Natsu’s grin turns into a smirk as he redirects his attention to Gray. “Stealing my lines now Snowflake.” Gray gives him a challenging stare back but says nothing. The two just smirk at each other like idiots in the Scarlet-Strauss yard speaking a thousand words without a sound. Erza always held strong for their guild, for Gray and Natsu, no matter the cost to her. That type of behavior had led to her self-destruction more than once, and each time the boys were there catch her before she fit the ground.

There was no way they were going to leave without the kids.

At that moment, the door opened again, and Rhea walked out. Heading their instructions, she brought along with her a bathing suit and towel carried on her cake-shaped backpack. The eleven-year old looks between her two rowdy uncles and her tired mom. Secretly, she had noticed that both her mothers had looked more down the last few weeks. Between issues at the guild and Andre tearing through whatever he could get his hands and/or teeth on, her mothers were always fixing problem after problem. Rhea tried to make up for it by being extra good. She cleaned up after herself and did her chores without her mother’s asking. She even tried to talk to Andre about being good too, but he just stared and giggled at her as if she were telling a joke. Rhea wasn’t anymore immune to that cute giggly face than her parents and ended up on the floor reading him stories.

Still. She was going to keep being good for her uncles as well. Especially since they seemed blissfully unaware how much of a little terror her brother has been for the past few weeks.

Mirajane smiled at Gray and Natsu and so did the little person slobbering on her dress. Andre giggled as Gray made silly faces and went willingly into his arms. Her turned to shoot a I-told-you-we-could-handle-it look at Erza only to be stopped by the same look of hesitance that flashed over Mirajane’s face.

At this rate, they’d never leave. Gray and Natsu exchanged looks again and subtly nodded to each other. It’s game time.

Gray started down the pathway with Andre in his arms and Rhea following right behind them. Natsu waited for them to move further down the road before stepping forward to grasp both women’s shoulders. “Listen, you two deserve this break. We all know how hard you’ve been working both at the guild and at home. Me and Gray handle the kids for a few days, just trust us alright?” Without waiting for an answer, he kissed both women on the cheeks and grabbed the baby bag Mirajane had brought along with her. With another reassuring grin, he headed to meet his lover.

“Natsu wait-” He turned to see Mirajane and Erza’s hands intertwined. A look of sincerity on their faces as they whispered, “thank you.”

 This time, the smile that came onto his lips was genuine.

~

He and Gray had spent hours arguing over where the best place to spend a week with little kids was. They had come to a standstill glaring from opposite sides of their kitchen table when Happy’s fish went sailing through the room and ended up dropping between them. When Natsu turned to yell what the hell was that for! Gray’s eyes had lit up in the mesmerizing way.

Now here they were in a 5-way race across the beach. Happy won of course, the cheater, but Natsu gladly headbutted Gray out of the way allowing for Rhea to race past him. In retaliation, Gray picked Natsu up off the ground and swung him around under the eyes of a giggling Andre. Andre had given up on trying to race on his short unsteady legs pretty early and instead seemed content to run his fingers through the sand and watch his uncles wrestle. Rhea was celebrating her victory with Happy by trying to bob for fish underwater. At the sound of a scuffle, she raises her head and turns to the fighting men fight men on the beach. She jolts up out of the water when recognizes her uncles. “Are they okay?!” She askes Happy worried. The blue cat just rolled his eyes. “Yeah they’re fine. That’s just their version of fun. Come on, the fish aren’t going to catch themselves!” Rhea hesitates, but as she looks back she could see the little details she missed before. The light tone in their voices as they called insults back and forth, the smiles they exchanged when one managed to pin the other, the way the hands lingered and caressed the other in between moves. In that moment, they reminded Rhea so much of her own mothers when they bickered back and forth just to have an excuse to get closer to each other. With a smile she decided that Happy was right and they continued their dives.

The rest of the day passed by in a splash.

Natsu tried to teach Rhea how to swim while Gray wadded around the shallow end with Andre on his hip. Then they broke for lunch and devoured the triangle sandwiches Mirajane had packed. Shortly after eating, Andre fell asleep on Natsu’s chest while the rest of the gang built sandcastles. They spent some more time in the water until the sun started to set and both kids movements began to slow. They were in the process of packing up their stuff when Gray placed his hand gently over Natsu’s, “so, kids hun?”

Natsu squeezed his hand back. He didn’t need to respond to the question verbally. The look exchanged between the two lovers spoke a thousand words.

[purplesurveys]

762

How do you feel about your neighbors? They’re okay, I guess? I don’t know them for the most part but at least they don’t do anything that gets on my nerves, and that’s good enough for me. My biggest annoyance used to be a group of kids who were very loud and would run all over our front yard, but I think they grew up now because I don’t see them playing outside anymore these days. Did any of your babysitters ever let you do things your parents wouldn't? I was never babysat and tbh paying strangers to take care of kids isn’t a choice  here. It’s either older siblings/cousins are assigned to take care of the younger kids, or there’d be full-time househelp living in the house. What is your favorite swimming stroke? Idk dude I was never a good swimmer. Freestyle is always my go-to stroke. The breaststroke can be fun to practice too, but only when I’m swimming alone because I can’t do it 100% properly haha. Would you ever want to learn to play the bagpipes? I have no reason to refuse it, so sure. You have one match. What would you like to burn? I don’t think there’s anything I have to or want to get rid of right now.

What are your thoughts on men wearing kilts? Roddy Piper looked badass wearing one, I don’t see why this should be a problem. Aren’t kilts part of Scottish culture anyway and have always been worn by men? What underwater creature scares you the most? Anything that lives in the deep sea that hardly looks like any of the fishes I’m used to lmao. Was there ever a bomb threat at the school you go/went to? Not during the period I’ve been enrolled; I’m not sure if there have been bomb threats before that. Though a few months ago the university beside us did get one, and it was scary to drive to school that week. Do you befriend others because of something you might gain from them? Not really. I hate beating around the bush and most if the time if I need something from someone, I prefer to go right ahead and ask them. Which excites you more: Spring Break or X-mas vacation? We don’t have spring break, which leaves me no choice but to pick Christmas vacations even if I’m not exactly crazy about them either. Do you contribute to charities? Not for now, but I’ve always wanted to. I plan to do it more once I have a bit of extra cash. Would you rather dye your own hair or have it done by a stylist? Have it done by a stylistttttt. I always wreck anything I try lol so I’d rather have someone much better at the job help me with something as prominent as hair. Would you rather live in a pyramid or in a castle? I’d pick the castle; I feel like it would feel to warm and dark inside a pyramid. What do you feel is the ugliest part of the human body? I don’t think any part of us is ugly... What's your take on Will Ferrell movies? Funny or annoying? I haven’t watched any of them, actually. At least I don’t think I have, and I’m too lazy to check Google to confirm. Insert a totally random phrase from another language here: Haha I’ll give y’all a couple of fun ones. There’s “Bababa ba?” (“Is it going down?”) and “Kakabakaba ka ba?” (it’s a little tricky but it roughly means “Are you getting worried/nervous?”) Does your family go crazy cleaning house when relatives are coming over? My mom does. We just get out of her way because she does get crazy. What was the last thing you broke? A mop. Do automatically flushing toilets annoy you? No, if anything I’m thankful I don’t have to touch anything anymore. Would you rather have waffles or pancakes? Waffles if I’m having something savory along with them, like fried chicken. I prefer pancakes for breakfast. Do you look like an idiot when you run? I don’t think so.

Have you ever moved? How many times? Yes. Several times as a toddler, once as a grown kid. What body of water is closest to where you live? Some river. Do you like using big words to confuse people? No...that’s Know-It-All Trait #1 lol. As a journalism/mass communication major we were always taught that your safest bet is to, at the very least, talk at the 4th grade level because that’s when most people understand you best and it’s a level wherein you’ll be able to attend to both fluent and non-fluent speakers. Have you ever built a Lego masterpiece? No. I was never into Legos much. I’d put a few pieces together and call it a house or castle, but that was all there is to it and I’d move on to another toy. I wasn’t interested in testing my creativity even as a kid apparently haha. Have you ever developed your own film in a darkroom? Nah. I’ve only been in one. What's the weirdest street name in your town? I honestly can’t recall any at the moment because I haven’t been out of our house in so long. Can you bust a move? Never. Do you buy colorful shoelaces? No. I just go with whatever kind of laces my shoes go with already. Where did you have your first date? It was at this Italian/American restaurant called Marciano’s. It’s been shut down for a while now and replaced with a Japanese restaurant, but I still smile every time I pass by the place. Did you ever have to wear a retainer? Yep, but I lost them and am pissed about it to this day. Do you have any weird phobias? Not anymore. Have you ever felt an earthquake? Yeah, several ones. We’ve been having a number of them every year for a couple of years now. It’s never been too bad though, just noticeable enough to report it on social media haha. Were you a planned pregnancy? Yes. What store in the mall would you never get caught in? Those stores for car supplies. I mean I do visit them when my dad does and I go alongside him, but I wouldn’t enter one on my own. Are you prepared with a foam finger when you watch sports? No. I’ve never seen a legit foam finger but they’ve always fascinated me hahaha. Were you brought up with Nerf toys? No. We had enough toys and there were enough kids in the house to bring about chaos lol we definitely didn’t need another batch of toy guns.

[nessnessquik]

The Nanny - Chapter 3

I can't apologize enough for the amount of time it's taken me to write more for this story. Please know that I do intend to continue writing for it though! 

The support for this story has truly been overwhelming. Thank you, thank you!! I'm so grateful for all your comments and kudos! =) And huge THANK YOU to @katrinacornwells, who continually encourages me. I love you so much!

Also, here's to hoping for some good Philinda moments in this next episode!!

Also on AO3.

Phil flipped on the lights in his apartment before shutting and locking the door behind him. He made his way through his tiny kitchen, grabbing an orange as he went. He’d been awake since 4am to get some hours in at the bakery before hurrying back to his apartment, showering, and leaving to meet Dr. May. Melinda. His thoughts drifted to their  afternoon together. She was a captivating woman, that Dr. May.

He was about to settle down and watch some Food Network when the music to “The Star Spangled Man With A Plan”  broke through his cloud of exhaustion. He picked up his phone and answered it to stop the ringing.

“Hello?”

“Phil! How did the meeting go?” Tony’s voice filled his ear. “Ol’ grim-faced May didn’t scare you away, did she?”

Phil thought about the soft look on May’s face when she described her daughter, and the one time he’d made her laugh. “She was nice. Maybe she’s only ‘grim’ around you.”

“Nah, that can’t be it. Mel thinks I’m great. But that is interesting, because she usually hates meeting new people and–Pepper, no, I’m talking to Phil…" Phil heard rustling noises, like Tony was moving quickly. “Well someone’s gotta warn him about May. Aw, come on, Pep! I’m just telling him-”

Phil shook his head in amusement and tuned out their argument. Naturally, Pepper eventually got the upper hand (with some threat no doubt, Phil mused) and, in her usual chipper voice, demanded he tell her everything.

“I thought the talk went well. I may have rambled a bit. They had this amazing quiche that I managed to get the recipe to! Definitely going to try that soon. I couldn’t figure out why I liked it so much, but then then Sif’s cook told me they used-”

“Phil. Focus.” Pepper interrupted him. “What did you think about May? ”

“Uh, shouldn’t you care what I think about Daisy more?” Phil replied, eyebrows drawing together.

“Of course, but you met May first. Let’s go in order.”

Phil sighed, but gave in to Pepper’s insistence. “She’s…” He paused and thought about the woman that had captured his attention so effortlessly. He’d known what she looked like before meeting her, thanks to the pictures Pepper had shown him, but they didn’t do her justice. She was stunning. And, despite her seemingly solemn air, every once in a while he would catch a glimpse of something intriguing in her dark eyes. Maybe it was interest? Or something more like mischief? Humor? He wasn’t able to decipher it before it disappeared behind a polite mask. The spark made him want to learn more about her, and he remembered his disappointment when she didn’t share anything about herself.

Phil cleared his throat, realizing he’d kept Pepper waiting. “She’s a good interrogator.” He grimaced as he recalled the intense gaze that had caused him to babble even more than usual.

Pepper huffed through the phone. “That’s all? ”

“Well, she was pleasant enough to talk to, even though she’s not very open about herself. And Daisy is just as cute as can be. I’ll have to work to keep up with her though.” Phil hoped she would accept the switch in topics and move on. He didn’t want to admit to himself how fascinated he was by Dr. May. Not if she was going to become his employer. In his (albeit limited) experience, acknowledging any attraction in that kind of a relationship would just be asking for trouble. It would be better to be professional, ignore it, and focus on Daisy, Phil was convinced.

“May said to come to the house early on Monday and she’ll show me around. Then I’ll pick up Daisy from school later and watch her until May gets back from the hospital.” He finished.

“Great! I really think you’ll fit right in with them, Phil.” Pepper sounded happy. “And I’ll want to hear all about the first day, so don’t you forget to call me."

Phil chuckled tiredly. “I’ll try. Thanks, Pepper.”

“You’re welcome. Have a good night."

“You too.” Phil hung up and leaned his head back against his couch, closing his eyes with a sigh.

His mind wandered back to the afternoon at The Tower—the gym Tony owned. May had asked him to meet her there after she picked up Daisy from school, which he happily agreed to. The four-year-old had been very energetic when they arrived, especially after being cooped up at school all morning. But she had shown a little interest in him when May first introduced them in the lobby of the huge building.

“You’re a babysitter?” She asked, a mixture of doubt and suspicion on her face as she looked up at him.

Phil bit back a smile at the adorable look of distrust she was giving him. He wanted her to know he would take her seriously, even if she was cute as a button. He squatted down to her level. “Well, sort of.” Phil decided to be frank with the girl. Children could see through lies more easily than some adults could, he’d learned over the years. “I’ve babysat a lot of kids, but I mainly work as a baker.”

At that, her brown eyes lit up, causing Phil to grin back without thinking. “You mean you know how to make cakes and cookies?”

Phil laughed. “Yeah, lots of other things too.”

“Cool!”

After their exchange, Jemma and Peggy came out from the back office to meet them and Daisy ran off to play with her friend. Peggy and Phil chatted for a bit before she excused herself to see to another matter. Although Tony owned the gym, Peggy, along with Maria Hill, were the ones who ran it. Without the children or Peggy, Phil and May were left alone again. Phil stood there a bit awkwardly before May brought up the possibility of him watching Daisy for her.

“It would still be a trial, just to make sure this is a good fit, but…how about starting as soon as Monday?”

Phil smiled reassuringly at her, sensing her hesitation and caution. “Absolutely. I’ve already mentioned the possibility to my boss at the shop. He’s not very happy about it, but he still needs me, no matter how few hours I’m able to work.”

May nodded, and Phil could see some relief on her face. “Till Monday then.” She reached out her hand and he took it, shaking it to seal the deal.

If he also took note of how nice her hand felt in his (strong, yet soft), that was neither here nor there.

A loud knock startled Phil from his daydreaming.

“Phil, it’s me.” Garrett’s voice came from the other side of the door as he knocked again.

Phil winced and, not for the first time, wondered why he ever decided that getting an apartment in the same complex as his friend and boss was a good idea. He’d known John Garrett since they were young, but something had changed over the years—and not for the better. Since Phil started working at the bakery Garrett owned, he’d begun questioning if he was really a man he wanted to continue claiming as a friend or not.

In spite of his negative feelings, Garrett was still one of his employers and it wouldn’t be a good idea to get on his bad side.

“Took you long enough.” Garrett snarked playfully when the door opened. “Getting harder to get those old muscles moving, huh?”

“You would know, with you being 2 years older and all.” Phil replied dryly.

Garrett scoffed with a grin. “I just came to check and make sure I’d have you working all day at the shop tomorrow. No snotty-nosed germ-carriers you’ve gotta abandon me for then?”

Phil chose to ignore his passive aggressive question. “I’ll be at the shop.” He confirmed.

“Good. We’ve got a big order for 9am pickup, so I’ll need you at 4:00 sharp.” Garrett clapped him on the shoulder before turning to leave. “Better get your beauty sleep while you can. Can’t have you scaring away the customers.” He called behind him.

Phil shut the door and made his way to his bedroom, already feeling the weariness settle on top of his shoulders.

May’s house was beautiful, Phil noticed as soon as he pulled into the driveway early Monday morning.

The house sat on a tall incline, and the front yard was green and freshly mowed. Its walls were painted white while all the accents were a dark, wooden brown. The cozy covered porch he stepped into as he walked up the front steps contained two wooden chairs and a porch swing, and was probably perfect for watching the sunset. The main characteristic that struck Phil was the simplicity of it. It was definitely larger than the average house, and looked very well-kept, but it wasn’t…excessive or elaborate. May was a specialist, and a very good one, according to Natasha and Pepper. She could probably afford an entire mansion if she wanted it. But perhaps he was just used to the overly-lavish, expensive look of Tony’s home.

As Phil knocked on the door, he had to admit he thought the elegance and style of the home was very pleasing, and he was even more intrigued by the owner than before.

The door opened after a moment, “You’re early.” were May’s first words.

“Oh, yes, sorry. It’s a tendency I have…” Phil rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, trying not to stare at May in her dark purple scrubs. “But,” He stuck out his other hand toward her to show off the brown paper bag he’d brought with him from the bakery. “I did bring muffins! I, uh, hope you two like blueberry though.”

A ghost of a smile appeared on May’s lips as she took the bag from his outstretched hand. “There are worse habits to have. And who doesn’t like blueberry?” Phil looked relieved as she tilted her head in a gesture for him to follow her through the house.

Despite Phil sensing that May herself was a fairly organized person, there was still a four-year-old living in the house, and the very first room Phil was introduced to made that rather obvious.

“That’s the library in there, which mainly acts as Daisy’s playroom now, as you can see,” May nodded at the French doors on the right as soon as they walked in. Through the glass Phil could see open toy bins, dolls, and books scattered across the carpet, as well as an upright, plastic easel with a half finished drawing still attached to it and a spilled crayon box on the ground.

Phil sent a charming smile to May. “Multi-purpose rooms are the best.”

The side of her mouth lifted slightly at that. After taking another couple steps forward, May pointed out the living room and dining room on the left, the latter containing an open archway that led to the kitchen. Before taking him in there, however, she walked him straight ahead and showed him a long hallway that contained several doors.

“The first one here is my bedroom,” May indicated the closed door on the left side of the hallway. “The second is the guest bathroom, the last one is Daisy’s room. The door at the very end of the hallway leads to the garage, and the one door on the right side leads to the basement floor.” May rattled off quickly, as if giving out orders. Phil nodded and tried to commit them all to memory.

He had to admit, the house was larger than he originally thought only a minute ago.

“Basement floor?” Phil questioned as May lead him back to the kitchen.

“Yes. This house used to be my parents. They built the bottom floor for me for…after I finished my residency.”

Phil noticed the hesitation in her voice, but didn’t pry, and instead chose to smile at the girl impatiently sitting at the breakfast table. She sat up immediately when they entered.

“Hi, Daisy. Remember me?”

“You’re the baker babysitter!”

Phil chuckled and glanced at May, seeing her shake her head affectionately.

“His name is Mr. Coulson, Daisy. Or Mr. Phil?” She looked at Phil with her question.

“Either is fine,” Phil nodded. “I’ve been called worse.” He thought he saw May’s lips quirk up again briefly before she turned away to add one of the blueberry muffins and what looked to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into Daisy’s lunch box.

“Does that mean we could make some cookies today?” Daisy asked after taking a bite of her cereal. Lucky Charms, Phil noted. “I made sugar cookies at school before.”

“Sure thing, Daisy. That sounds fun! When I pick you up from school, we can swing by the store and pick up a few groceries for my famous chocolate chip cookies.” Phil grinned at Daisy’s “Yay!" of excitement.

He looked around the spacious, black and white kitchen to see what May could have eaten for breakfast, but the sink was empty and all he saw was a forgotten coffee mug on the island. That wouldn’t do. The best way to start the day is with a good breakfast, his mom always told him. Phil vowed right then and there to make sure Daisy and May had a hearty, home-cooked breakfast whenever he was here.

“Just keep those receipts and I’ll reimburse you for it.” May spoke to Phil, her voice didn’t leave any room for arguing. “Daisy, go find your backpack and shoes while I finish speaking to Mr. Coulson.”

Daisy hopped up and started to run out of the room.

“Daisy.” May spoke without so much as glancing her daughter’s way.

The little girl settled for skipping the rest of the way out the room, much to Phil’s amusement.

“Here's the key for the front door.” Phil took the silver house key and put it in his pocket, while May continued without pause. “I made a few more notes about things you may need to know and left it on the fridge, as well as the hospital’s phone number in case you can’t reach me on my phone. You can also call Peggy with any questions. There’s an SUV in the garage that you’ll use when taking Daisy anywhere. It already has her car seat in it. Car keys are next to the door. I trust you'll drive carefully in it.”

Phil began to assure her of his caution and vigilance, but she cut him off and started ushering him back towards the front door. “You can familiarize yourself with the house more later, I’m running a bit behind today.”

“Oh, I completely understand. Thank you, Dr. May. I will–”

“One last thing,” May interrupted again, glancing behind her as if to check that Daisy was out of earshot. She stepped close to him. Phil swallowed at her sudden proximity, as well as the the cold stare she fixed on him. All at once he knew exactly what Tony was trying to warn him about. Petite and beautiful as she was, he was 100% convinced that this look from Melinda May could bring the most deadly assassin to their knees.

She spoke slowly and carefully, voice low. “If you do anything that could even potentially hurt my daughter at any moment, I will find out, and I promise I will make you regret it for the rest of your life. Understood?”

Phil felt like he couldn’t breathe for a solid moment, but shook himself and nodded vigorously. “I-I’ll take the very best care of her, I promise.” He stammered nervously.

May nodded once and slowly stepped back. “I’m looking forward to hearing all about your day. See you later tonight, Mr. Coulson.” She smiled at him politely before swinging  the door shut.

Phil blinked at the front door, unable to remember when he had physically stepped outside of the house. As he took in a deep breath and made his way back to his car, he couldn’t help but wonder if he knew exactly what he was getting into, and if he was prepared for it or not.

Despite his stunned thoughts, a small grin began to grow on his face as he drove. He’d rarely seen a woman so direct and fiercely protective of their child before. And he had definitely never been threatened so convincingly by anyone. He was certain she meant every word she said, unlike the complaints and empty threats he received from time to time as a high school teacher. It was fascinating, admirable, and more than a little bit frightening.

And it really brought a whole new level to the term “Mama Bear.”

Terrifying or not, Dr. May and her daughter had complete hold over his attention, and he was absolutely eager to embrace this new challenge they presented.

Even though it seemed like a very reasonable idea to attempt to prepare himself for being scared out of his wits the majority of the time.