Little Wonder (Phan)

Chapter Sixteen.

"Be careful, cub!" I anxiously watched her chase the pugs around the rather large living room, tapping my fingers against my leg, and trying to not let it show. But I apparently wasn't as good at hiding my emotions as I thought as I was, as Marzia put a hand on my knee and beamed at me, trying to tell me to relax without many words. She was sweet, and didn't speak often, but it was still reassuring. "Right, right. I'm sorry, I just- you know. I worry." Felix wasn't in the room at the moment, he was currently recording for the day, so it was just me, Marzia, Winnie and the pugs. And let's just say she was in love with the pugs. "Thanks for allowing us to come over, I know you two are busy these days, so we won't be long."

With a roll of her eyes she called over Maya, who came without a second thought, and picked her before setting her on my lap. "You need to relax, Daniel. Stress isn't good for the body, ages you quicker. And even you, with your graceful aging, could fall victim." Her dark eyes smiled at me, and I couldn't help the smile that crept upon my face, and I nodded, gently beginning to pet Maya, who was content on my lap, having already fallen asleep. "Besides, me and Felix love you over, though this is the first time Winnie has been over. And I think Felix may be in love with her." I had no clue what she'd meant by that, and I didn't feel like asking, so I just kept my mouth closed and watching silently with a small smile as Winnie ran around.

"Recording was a /pain/ today! None of the equipment was working, and Brad had to come in and we had to fiddle with everything for like, 10 minutes. It was annoying." With a huff he walked down the stairs and joined us in the living room, plopping down onto a comfy looking chair, letting out a relieved sigh I had to believe that felt nice to him, I knew how painful it was for him to stand up, with him having some issues with his back. "Nice to have you over though man, it's been far too quiet around here." Running his fingers through his hair, he closed his eyes and lay back, an expression of relaxation overtaking his features.

"UNCLE FELIX!" But not for long. Upon hearing the shout, he sat up straight in bewilderment, and looked around frantically, before his eyes landed on a small blur of curls and fabric that was bolting towards him, jumping up and onto his lap, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck with a happy squeal. "UNCLE FELIX! UNCLE FELIX! COME PLAY WITH ME!" She was tugging on his hand, already on the floor again, and he gave an exasperated look towards me and Marzia, but didn't complain as he stood up and was dragged who knows were.

Soft giggles bubbled past Marzia's lips as she watched the scene, obviously amused that her boyfriend was obeying a girl of not even half his height, without so much as a complaint, though I had to admit, it was pretty funny. "You know, we could babysit for you anytime you'd like, we'd be more than happy to." Looking back towards the young woman, she smiled sweetly, tipping her head out of curiosity. "I mean, it's you're decision. But I'm almost certain Felix would have no issue with her being over for a few hours, or even a night."

"/No/! That's not how you play, Uncle Felix!" I heard his frustrated groan. I knew he wasn't frustrated with Winnie, most likely he was frustrated at not knowing how to play. I got like that sometimes, her games didn't always make sense. Before too long I saw a familiar blur of curls rush past us and up the stairs towards Felix's office, Felix not too far behind, but breathing awfully hard. He obviously wasn't used to running too much, and after children.

Wincing when I heard something crash, and eventually realising it was Felix himself, I smiled sheepishly at Marzia. "That is a wonderful offer, Marzia. But it doesn't seem like you two could keep up with her, she puts a different spin on your normal lifestyle. Trust me." I knew I must've sounded rude in some way, but she just shook her head, giving a knowing look at me. I was grateful for friends like this, so caring and understanding.