Double Trouble (Sequel to Baby of the Band)

Six

By the End of the first week spent as toddlers, Rob and Richie proved to do excellently under their band mate's care. He managed to find a balance between babying them like the toddlers they were physically and leaving them to do their own things like the grown men they still were mentally. As if that wasn't enough, the blonde'd proven to the younger toddler's parents that he was capable of being a loving caregiver, but still dish out Discipline when they needed it–like when they'd gotten into makeup Deanna'd left behind and made a mess with it.

        They'd all discussed their options at length, but after seeing how good Rikki was with the two boys for themselves, the Kotzens'd decided to let their son stay out West. Like Lynda the Summer previous, they Feared they'd forget he was still grown mentally, which wouldn't do anything but stress all of them out. Not only that, but they'd been introduced to Bret, Kelcey, and Marina, and after getting the young Witch's take straight from her, they couldn't bring themselvesta take him back to Philly with them.

        No one wanted to see the pint-sized musicians stuck as toddlers indefinitely, if they didn't start growing like they'd done when they really were between one and two Years old. If they really needed to work on Communication–with each other, the rest of their band, outside parties, etc.–they wanted them both to have that chance. They wouldn't be able to get that, if it was Communication between the two of them that needed the most work, were they to take Richie back home with them. With that in mind, they were also okay with the drummer managing to get his hands on a fake Birth certificate for their son that he signed. After a slight name Change like they'd done with Rob, he was given the Power to do what he needed to care for him, including ER visits.

        "Good Morn, boys." Rikki'd just come outta the master suite to find his de-aged band mates emerging from their room, the clothes they wanted to wear in hands.

        Both grunted at him, rubbing their eyes as they yawned.

        "Either of ya need fresh Pull-Ups?" he asked, squatting down so he wasn't towering over them in an intimidating way.

        "Uh, uh," they chorused as they shook their heads.

        "Then what's say we getcha dressed?" the drummer asked. "We might go out to the park, depending on what the Weather report says."

        Rob's eyes lit up at that Thought, although Richie seemed a lil less sure about that.

        "Hey, some fresh Air and burning off some Energy'll be good for ya," Rikki chuckled, ruffling his hair.

        The pint-sized guitarist squealed and batted at his hand, then attempted to smooth it back down.

        "Besides, we can try some jamming later this Eve," he told him. "Bret's not quite done modifying those ukuleles for y'all to use, so going to the park'll give him a few more hoursta finish up."

        He couldn't help a sigh that was equal parts reluctant and dejected as he finally nodded his agreement.

        The pint-sized bassist grabbed him for a gentle hug, knowing exactly how he felt since–for the moment–the best he could do was play a few things on piano.

        "Like we've said several Times in the past week, Bobby knows how ya feel, lil man," the drummer said as he hugged both at once. "It's not easy, but that doesn't mean we can't make the best of it. Besides, ya get to be as childlike as ya want without getting bitched out for it–and Gods know I'd kill to have that luxury."

        Both boys burst into hysterical giggles at the Thought of Rikki getting to act as childlike as he wanted, but not have to put up with anyone telling him he was more than old enough to know better. Then again, on the other hand, knowing that he'd to be the adult at all Times without much, if any of a break put things back into perspective.