Chapter Text
Scott scrolled through his phone. Everyone else was so boring, all the same photos and outfits. He sighed, letting his head tip back against the couch.
He sat forward again and swiped open Abolish’s contact.
Scott: What are you wearing?
Luvaboy: A hoodie. I need some help with something.
Scott: Taking it off? ;)
Luvaboy: I need you to come pick up Shelby and Drift.
Scott: Why?
Luvaboy: We’re at that cafe they like.
Scott sighed, but slid off the couch. He took the lift down to the car park, and jumped into the car. He actually quite liked this car, it was sleek and dark, with lights that he could change the colour of. It had a very vampiric effect when he made them red. Sad that he would have to get rid of it in a few years. He didn’t actually have to drive, but if Shelby and Drift needed him to collect them, flying probably wasn’t a good idea.
He pulled up outside the cafe, switching off the engine. He slid out and scanned the cafe patrons. He found Abolish sitting at a table in the window. Why did he have a red haired toddler on his shoulders?
The door jingled cheerily as he pushed it open, and ducked over to sit in the chair across from Abolish. He realised there was, in fact, two toddlers at the table; the one around Abolish’s shoulders, and the one standing on the chair between him and Abolish.
“What’s going on? One, why do you have toddlers, and two, where’s Shelby and Drift?” Scott asked softly. Abolish raised one eyebrow at him.
“Oh.” Scott mumbled. He examined the toddler currently playing with Abolish’s hair and noticed the similarities between her and Shelby. She noticed him looking, and turned her yellow gaze on him with a brilliant, if crooked, grin.
“Sco’!” She exclaimed happily. Scott sighed, putting his face in his hands.
“Hello, dear.” He muttered.
He glanced at the other toddler, who had yet to make a noise.
“And you’re Drift, then?” He guessed. Mini-Drift nodded.
“Am Drif’.” She mumbled. He couldn’t help the tiny smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth. He turned back to Abolish.
“So, what happened?” He asked. Abolish shrugged.
“I have no idea, but can we get them back to the apartment before we lose one?” He sighed.
“Right.” Scott said, looking at Drift.
“Do you want to go for a drive, doll?” He whispered. She looked up at him with shining eyes, and nodded slightly. He smiled again, scooping her up into his arms.
“No! I wan’ go with Sco’!” Shelby squealed, trying to jump off Abolish’s head and across to Scott. Abolish narrowly caught her halfway to the ground. Scott sighed affectionately.
“Can you go with Abolish, doll?” Scott asked Drift. She nodded silently. He passed her across to Abolish, and exchanged her for Shelby.
“Alright then, off to the car.” Abolish sighed.
Shelby wriggled and kicked the entire way out to the car. Scott actually struggled to keep a hold on her, having to juggle her to keep her in his arms.
“Sit still, Shelbs.” He muttered. Shelby giggled and kicked more. She managed to catch him in the gut, managing to actually wind him for a minute. Scott grunted, shuffling her around to sit more comfortably, and restraining her against his chest.
He swung the door open with one hand, and paused.
“Love,” He said, glancing over his shoulder. Abolish hummed.
“I don’t have car seats?” He said. Abolish’s eyes slid to the car, and back to Shelby in his arms.
“I mean, it’s only a few blocks, right?” Scott suggested uncertainly. Abolish bit his lip.
“If we strap them in well enough, we should be fine. I’m going to drive though.” He said. Scott rolled his eyes but nodded reluctantly.
He leaned in to the car, setting Shelby down gently. She giggled, and tried to wriggle free of the hand he kept her pinned to the seat with. He pulled the belt across and clicked it in place. Abolish put Drift down in the seat on the other side, clicking the belt in place for her as well. Scott pulled out, shutting the door gently. He slid into the passenger seat, glancing over his shoulder into the back seat.
Shelby was struggling against her seatbelt, but thankfully had yet to get free. Drift was studying the belt clasp curiously, but was sitting neatly still.
He turned back around as Abolish dropped into the seat beside him.
“Let’s go before Shelby can free herself.” Scott chuckled. Abolish rolled his eyes as he pulled out.
They were halfway back to the apartment when there was a soft click in the backseat. Scott glanced back to find Drift sitting unrestrained in her spot. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“What?” Abolish muttered.
“Drift has apparently figured out seatbelts.” Scott sighed. Abolish muttered something under his breath as they pulled into the carpark.
Scott glanced over his shoulder again to check on Drift. She was still sitting perfectly still in place, and Shelby was still writhing underneath the seatbelt. He chuckled to himself as Abolish switched off the car.
“Did you keep all that stuff the girls ordered last time?” Abolish said as they collected the girls from the back seat.
“Yeah. Shelby teases me, but it’s helpful now, isn’t it?” He said, glancing down at Shelby in his arms. “Isn’t it?” He cooed, tickling under her chin. She giggled and tried to kick him away again.
They took the lift back up to the apartment, and Scott unlocked the door with one hand. Abolish set Drift down once he had closed the door, and he set Shelby down beside her. Shelby laughed and darted away into the apartment. Scott sighed.
“The cups are in the cupboard next to the fridge, get some food out for them?” Scott suggested. Abolish nodded, and wandered into the kitchen.
Scott started to the hall cupboard where he had put the toys and clothes, but was stopped by a little tug on his pant leg. He stopped to glance down at Drift, holding on tightly. He smiled encouragingly.
“Don’t you want to go explore with Shelby or go get food with Abolish? I’m just going to the cupboard.” He said gently. Drift shook her head resolutely. Scott rolled his eyes fondly.
He took Drift’s tiny hand in his and walked over to the cupboard half stooped. He opened the door, and grabbed Drift under her arms.
“Can you see the box with all the baby things?” Scott asked quietly. Drift put her hands on the edge of the shelf, and then pointed at the cardboard box shoved in the corner. She glanced back at him for approval. He nodded encouragingly, pulling her back onto his hip. He managed to hook one hand around the box, and tugged it out.
He carried her and the box out into the lounge area, and set them both on the couch. Shelby squealed as she ran past, waving her arms madly. Scott rolled his eyes with a chuckle, pulling the box open. He handed one of the shirts and pairs of the pants to Drift, and kept digging through the box. He realised that a toddler probably couldn’t dress themselves, and glanced up to help, but Drift had apparently figured it out, leaving her adult sized shirt abandoned on the couch.
Abolish came in as Scott continued hunting through the box, passing one of the cups to Drift, waiting on the couch. He sat on the couch beside her, watching Scott.
“What are you looking for?” Abolish asked.
“I specifically remember that last time, you woke up with a dummy, and I’m determined to get at least one photo of one of them with a dummy.” Scott muttered, shaking out the other shirt. Abolish rolled his eyes and sat back.
He sat forward again almost immediately. Scott paused, watching him swivel his head one way, and then the other.
“Where’s Shelby?” He asked slowly. Scott paused to tip his head. He couldn’t hear her, or the pounding footsteps of her madcap run. Scott swore under his breath, standing up abruptly.
“Shelby!” He called. There was a faint giggle from somewhere in the apartment. Abolish rolled his eyes.
“We should probably go make sure she hasn’t drank drain cleaner or something.” He muttered. Scott made a choked noise.
“Don’t joke about that!” He hissed, hurrying in the direction of the faint laughter.
“Shelby!” He called again. Another giggle.
He checked in his and Drift’s rooms, and the bathroom, but all were empty. He pushed in Shelby’s door, and glanced around. He almost pulled back, but fleetingly glanced up.
Scott was pretty sure if his heart could still beat, he would have had a heart attack. Shelby was perched on top of her bookshelf, swinging her legs happily. Scott pushed into the room fully, waving to Shelby to try and get her to climb down. He then realised that was a terrible idea, and stopped to think about the situation. Unfortunately, Shelby didn’t agree with this, and giggled as she tipped forward towards him. Scott yelped, and dove forward to catch her. She landed narrowly in his arms with a bubbly laugh.
“Jesus, Shelby. Don’t do that.” He grumbled, sitting up against the bookshelf with Shelby in his arms.
Abolish peered around the door, and blinked at Scott panting against the bookshelf.
“I’ll be on the couch.” He said, disappearing again. Scott rolled his eyes.
“Really helpful love.” He called.
“I know.” Abolish replied. Scott stood up, still holding Shelby, and carried her out to the lounge area. Abolish passed her the other cup as he set her down. Scott collapsed on the couch.
“Can you help Shelby change?” Scott muttered. Abolish hummed, and Scott let his eyes slide shut as Abolish shifted around.
“Sco’?” A small voice called. His brow furrowed.
“‘Bolish?” They tried. Scott sat up again.
“Drift?” He replied. He stood slowly and trailed around to try and find her.
He wandered around and into the kitchen area. He found Drift crouched in the corner, hugging one of the teddy bears to her chest like armour. He ducked down to be more level with her, reaching out to cup one side of her tiny face. He gently wiped away one of the tears streaking down her face.
“What’s up, doll?” He whispered.
“You gone.” She mumbled. He shuffled closer, frowning a little.
“Sorry, hun. I didn’t realise you would get scared.” He whispered. Drift turned her tear streaked face up to him.
“Can have cuddle now?” She murmured.
“Yeah, doll. You can have a cuddle.” He chuckled softly, pulling her up to his chest.
He stroked her hair gently, rocking and shushing her as she pressed her face into his shoulder.
“I got you. I got you.” He whispered into her hair. He stood slowly and made his way back to Abolish.
Shelby was playing calmly with some blocks by his feet as Scott entered. He watched Scott silently, tipping his head questioningly.
“She got scared.” Scott whispered as he sat down. Abolish nodded, turning his attention back to Shelby. He leant into Scott’s shoulder, one arm snaking around his waist. Drift twisted a little in his arms, to look at Shelby.
“Do you want to play blocks?” Scott suggested softly. Drift nodded slightly. He set her down gently, letting her and Shelby knock the blocks together.
Scott sighed, letting his head rest against Abolish’s.
“Do we know how long we’re babysitting for?” He asked. Abolish shook his head.
“Can’t remember.”
“Amazing.” Scott muttered.
“Maybe we get lucky and it’s only for a day?” Abolish suggested weakly.
“People have been turned into toddlers on two seperate occasions, we are not lucky.” Scott grumbled. He glanced at his phone for the time. Almost four o’clock. He sighed.
“What time are children supposed to have naps?” Scott asked Abolish. Abolish shrugged.
“Whenever they want?” He tried.
“That sounds like bad parenting.” Scott observed.
“You do better then.” Abolish muttered. Scott snorted.
He glanced back at the girls, and found them both passed out next to the blocks.
“Looks like they figured it out themselves.” Abolish whispered. Scott sighed.
“We should probably get them off the floor.” He muttered. He gently picked up Drift, carefully supporting her head. Abolish got Shelby, and together they carried them in to Drift’s room. They set them both on her bed, tucking them in carefully. Scott stooped to press a kiss to both their foreheads lightly.
“Goodnight, darlings.” He murmured. They both slipped out of the room silently.
———————————————————————
Scott was playing snake with one hand and playing with Abolish’s hair with the other. He and Abolish were sprawled on the couch, with Abolish’s head in his lap. He glanced up as Drift’s door creaked open in the hallway.
“Sco’?” Drift called. Abolish sat up so that he could get up.
He walked into the hallway, finding Drift dragging her teddy bear from the doorway.
“Hey, doll. How was your nap?” He asked.
“Good.” She mumbled. He smiled.
“Is Shelbs up yet?” He said. Drift shrugged. Scott chuckled,
“Why don’t you go get Abolish to get you some dinner while I check on her?” Scott suggested, ducking down to ruffle her hair. She nodded quietly, wobbling down the hallway.
Scott ducked into the room, leaning down to check on Shelby. He pushed the hair away from her face gently, rubbing a thumb on her cheek. She blinked blearily at him.
“Hi Sco’.” She chirped. He smiled faintly.
“Hey, sweetheart. Wanna come get some dinner?” He whispered. She nodded, jumping up. She made little grabby motions with her hands.
“Uppies!” She squeaked. He chuckled, scooping her up.
He smiled as he carried her out to the kitchen. He put her on a stool at the bench, ruffling her hair.
“You stay here while I get you your dinner, huh?” He said. She nodded, bouncing in place. Abolish was precisely measuring out halves of a bottle of blood into two sippy cups in the kitchen. Drift was standing by his feet, watching with wide eyes. Scott laughed under his breath as he leant down to wrap his arms around Abolish’s waist and rested his chin against his shoulder.
“How’s it going?” He breathed.
“About as well as you would expect.” Abolish replied. Scott huffed a small laugh, one hand coming up to tilt Abolish’s face into his, pressing soft kisses to his jawline and the edge of his lips. Abolish leant into it, pressing one long kiss against his lips before he pulled back. Abolish glanced down at Drift, who was tugging insistently on his pant leg. Scott chuckled.
“You hungry, doll?” He laughed. She nodded.
“Better deal with that, hey, love?” Scott breathed in his ear.
“I was. It’s your fault I stopped.” Abolish grumbled as he turned back to the cups.
“I reject the implication.” Scott said as he led Drift over to the stools where Shelby was waiting. Abolish rolled his eyes as he set down the cups in front of the girls.
Scott smiled, resting his chin on his hand.
“Want to come finish that kiss, love?” He whispered. Abolish rolled his eyes again but moved around the bench. Scott caught the front of his shirt and pulled him in to plant a firm kiss on his lips. One hand snaked up to catch in Abolish’s hair, pulling him closer. Abolish smiled against his mouth, one hand trailed up his arm to draw circles on the skin at the base of his neck.
“‘Bolish!” Shelby yelped. Abolish twitched, but Scott kept a hand on the back of his head.
“Sco’!” Shelby yelped again. Scott finally pulled away to glance around Abolish.
“What’s up, sweetheart?” He asked. Shelby pointed at the empty seat beside her.
“Drif’ go bye-bye.” She informed him cheerily. Scott glanced around wildly. Abolish turned around to scan the apartment as well.
“This is why we’re not allowed to kiss.” Abolish grumbled, poking him in the chest.
“Drift, doll, where’d you go?” Scott called. He went to look around, and then grabbed Shelby as a second thought. He wandered down the hall, checking all the doors were still shut. They all were, except Drift’s bedroom. He nudged inside, Shelby still bouncing on his hip.
Drift was curled on a pillow, thumb in her mouth with one arm around the neck of her teddy bear.
“Oh, hun.” He muttered. He ducked down to check on her, swiping the hair out of her face and rubbing a thumb across her cheek.
“Drif’ ‘eepy.” Shelby observed brightly.
“Yeah, but you’ve gotta be quiet, sweetheart.” He whispered, tapping a finger to her lips. She made an ‘o’ with her mouth.
“Why?” She stage whispered. Scott laughed under his breath.
“Because she’s asleep.” He told her gently. Shelby pouted.
“Wan’ play with Drif’ now.” Shelby said. Scott shook his head affectionately as he stood back up.
“We can go play blocks together until Drift wakes up, or you fall asleep.” Scott said. Shelby seemed to consider that.
“Oki.” She decided.
They went and set up on the lounge room floor, Scott occasionally nudging a block in Shelby’s direction. Abolish was watching from the couch, kicking a block closer if Scott couldn’t reach it. Eventually, Shelby’s tower got tall enough that she couldn’t reach the top, and she started handing the blocks to Scott. He obediently added them to the top. When they got to the last block, Shelby didn’t hand him the block.
“I put it on.” Shelby said resolutely. Scott laughed softly, lifting her up so she could put the last one on.
She giggled as he put her down.
“Go play with Drif’ now!” She laughed, sprinting away down the hall. Scott sighed, jumping up to chase her. He caught her by the middle before she could get into Drift’s room.
“Ah-ah-ah, sweetheart. Drift is sleeping.” He reminded her. She pouted, her bottom lip trembling.
“Wan’ play with Drif’!” She complained. He shook his head.
“I know, but you can play with her in the morning. I think it’s time for you to go to bed as well.” He suggested.
She shook her head quickly.
“No’ tired! No!” She said quickly. Scott cradled her against his chest.
“Sleepy time for Shelby.” He sang softly. She tried to wiggle free again, whining and grumbling. He sat on the couch beside Abolish.
“Do you have any idea how to put fussy toddlers to sleep?” Scott muttered as he sat down. Abolish shrugged. He gently scooped up Shelby from Scott’s arms, pressing her head into the crook of his neck. He patted her back rhythmically, shushing her gently. After a few minutes, Shelby settled, little fists curling in Abolish’s shirt. Scott gasped softly, so as not to wake her.
“Magician.” He muttered. “I’m in love with a magician.” Abolish rolled his eyes. He stood slowly, still gently patting Shelby’s back as he walked her down to Drift’s room.
Scott followed a step behind, leaning against the doorframe as Abolish tucked the girls in. Abolish moved back over to him, leaning into his side.
“I don’t think we’re supposed to be parents.” Abolish muttered. Scott chuckled, rubbing a hand up and down his arm.
“If we get lucky, they’ll wake up all back to normal.” Scott whispered. Abolish sighed, leaning all his weight against Scott’s side.
Scott rolled his eyes.
“Alright, mr. Magician man, time for a certain half-vampire to go to bed.” He breathed against Abolish’s ear. Abolish grumbled into his chest, but Scott steered him out towards his room.
———————————————————————
Scott passed a mug across the bench to Abolish. Abolish took a long sip. Scott leant against the bench with a grin.
“Feeling coherent yet?” He chuckled. Abolish held up one finger, drained the mug, and slammed it down.
“Now we can talk.” He sighed. Scott snorted.
“You need to get into a better sleeping schedule. Every time you sleep over here, you crash until nine in the morning.” Scott observed. Abolish rolled his eyes.
“That’s because you have weird brain magic that makes me tired.” He grumbled. Scott rolled his eyes as well.
A door creaked open in the hallway. Scott glanced up.
“I’ll go check in on that.” He said, turning to duck down the hall. Shelby was lingering in the doorway uncertainly.
“Hey, sweetheart. What’s going on?” Scott asked gently.
“Drif’ big now.” She grumbled. Scott paused. He leant around her slightly to see in, and spotted a full-sized Drift curled protectively around a teddy bear. He huffed a laugh.
“You go find Abolish for some breakfast, yeah?” He said, pushing her gently in the direction of the kitchen. She nodded, wobbling away down the hall.
Scott slipped into the room to pull a shirt and jeans out of the dresser, and left them folded by the foot of the bed. He ducked back out of the room, shutting the door with a click. He went out to the kitchen again to find Abolish and Shelby at the bench, Abolish nursing another coffee and Shelby with a sippy cup. Another sippy cup was sitting on the bench on Abolish’s other side. Scott chuckled drily, sliding it over to Shelby.
“Drift is big again.” He informed Abolish gently.
“Ah. Is she up yet?”
“No.” Scott shrugged, stealing a sip of Abolish’s coffee. He made a face as he handed it back.
“You know you are allowed like, a little bit of sugar or milk or something in that.” Scott commented. Abolish snorted.
“If I’m having a bad day, I’ll mix red bull in.” He offered sarcastically. Scott pressed a hand to his temple.
“That stuff will stop your heart. And yours doesn’t even beat.” Scott muttered. Abolish rolled his eyes, and grabbed the side of his face to kiss him. Scott grinned, resting a hand against his neck.
“Drif’!” Shelby exclaimed brightly. Scott pulled away to find Drift lingering awkwardly by the hallway.
“Morning, doll.” Scott called. She nodded.
“Quick question, why did I have a teddy bear, and why is there a toddler at the kitchen bench?” She asked. Scott snorted.
“Take a wild guess.” Abolish said drily. Drift’s face fell into her hands.
“Can I get a coffee?” She groaned. Abolish laughed into his coffee as Scott wandered around to start the coffee machine again.
“I wan’ coffee!” Shelby squealed.
“No you don’t, sweetheart.” Scott said without looking up.
He passed the mug to Drift, and leant on his elbows against the bench.
“How did you sleep?” He asked Drift casually. She shrugged.
“You know, could have been better, if I didn’t spend most of it as a four year old, apparently.” She muttered. Scott laughed.
“Don’t worry, you were a cute toddler.” He reassured her. She shot him a sarcastic look.
“We play now!” Shelby proclaimed, throwing down her empty cup. Drift jumped, and offered her miniaturised girlfriend a small smile.
“Okay, Shelbs.” She said, helping her down from the stool. She allowed Shelby to lead her out to the lounge area where the blocks waited.
Scott sighed. Abolish glanced at him sideways with a lifted brow.
“Is it weird that I was kind of enjoying them being toddlers?” He muttered. Abolish chuckled.
“That is a little weird.” He agreed.
Scott heard someone yelp in the lounge area.
“Hey, you guys okay?” He called, starting down to the living area.
“Yep! Yes! Fine! Stay out there though!” Drift yelled. Scott paused.
“That doesn’t sound fine.” He replied skeptically. Abolish snickered into his coffee.
“Can you get some clothes from my room please?” Shelby yelped. Scott snorted, almost doubling over as he realised what happened.
“I’ve got it, dear.” He said, barely managing to not break out into laughter.
He grabbed a shirt and pants from her wardrobe, and came out into the kitchen. He tossed them out into the lounge area.
“Thanks!” Shelby called.
He laughed to himself as he slid into the stool beside Abolish.
“I’m so glad I got pictures of them yesterday afternoon.” He sighed wistfully as he put a hand on Abolish’s waist. Abolish rolled his eyes.
“You’re so petty.”
“That I am.”