One thing I will admit, though I’m not fond of doing so, is that children can be some of the cutest beings on the Planet. Now, do not think of me as soft just for that comment. Even I am aloud to have a moment when I can shock people with an accusation of something being ‘cute’. This whole thing only recently started…my saying ‘cute’ that is.

It is Tifa and Cloud’s fault anyway. Had they not forced that ridiculous request on me, I’d never be saying ‘cute’. To ask a Turk…err…Ex-Turk to do something as ridiculous as baby sitting an 9 year old child. Again. Ridiculous. Babysitting was never in the handbook back 35 years ago and it still isn’t. As a teenager, I had refused to even look at any child that was under the age of 13.

My apologies…that did not sound right.

But now, back to the subject at hand.

Where was I?

Oh yes, the scandal in which Cloud and Tifa tricked me into. Thinking back, I realize that I had it coming. Had I decided to take a bounty for money that I needed for repairs on Death penalty and Cerberus and went hunting beasts for two weeks, I wouldn’t be here, right now, at the Seventh Heaven, watching as Marlene colored surprisingly quietly for the first time in two days.

I remember the morning when I arrived, the day hell’s spawn, aka Tifa, ran about, gathering junk and valuables, also making sure that there were supplies in the cupboards, fridge, freezer, linen cabinet, you name it, she was checking. It is pathetically sad when you are even given a list of common rules and things to do. I may have been in the future for only four years, but common knowledge is something that does not need to be written down and handed to you as if you were a child.

For Gaia sake’s, you are but a child compared to me Tifa, I may only look 27, but I am MUCH older then you.

I am starting to regret this already.

Yes, I know how to cook.

No, I won’t burn the bar down.

Yes, I can straighten up…though I very much hate doing so.

No, I won’t leave the place looking like a pigsty just because I hate the thought of having to clean.

Yes, I’ll make sure Marlene gets to bed at a decent hour.

Yes I know 3 o’clock is not a decent hour and no, I will not let her stay up that late.

Yes, I know you’ll be gone for two weeks….

Wait…

No, I did NOT know you two would be gone for two weeks!

Two weeks?!

You traitors! You promised only a few days, but two week?! That is ridiculous!

I am stuck with a child for two weeks.

On my own.

Gaia...Save me.