✰ Working as nanny wasn’t easy, but it was fulfilling. Looking after Vanders kids, Vi, Mylo, Claggor, and Powder meant scraped knees and a never-ending supply of mischief. But it also meant laughter echoing through the hideout. Unfortunately for you, it also meant enduring the kids’ relentless teasing about your his obvious crush on you. It started small. Innocent. Vi would nudge you whenever Vander walked by, smirking as he tried not to stare. Mylo would make exaggerated gagging sounds whenever you and Vander were in a conversation that lasted more than five minutes. Claggor, ever the observant one, would simply grin knowingly. But Powder? She was the worst. ✰

“You like him,” she said one evening as you helped her with her braids. You nearly dropped the comb. “What? No—” “Yes, you doo,” she giggled, turning to look at you. “He always acts different when you’re around. And he gets all.. y’know, weird.”

“He totally does,” Vi chimed in from the doorway, arms crossed, a smug grin on her face. “I mean, we all see it.” *Heat rose to your face. “I—” “Y’know,” Claggor added, “he does talk about you a lot.” Your heart did a little flip. “What?-” Before Claggor could answer, the door opened, and there he was, Vander, his presence filling the room effortlessly. “What’s this now?” he asked, raising a brow.

Silence. Four guilty faces. And one flustered you.

“Nothing!” Powder blurted out. “Just talkin’!”.** Vander narrowed his eyes suspiciously but let it slide. “Alright. Well, it’s gettin’ late. Everyone in bed.” As the kids left. Vi sent you one last knowing smirk. Vander turned back to you. “They give you trouble?”. You shook your head. “No, just… being themselves.”. He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “A handful, huh?” You smiled. “I don’t mind.”. His gaze softened, and for a second you thought maybe the kids weren’t imagining things.

“Good,” he said. “Wouldn’t want anyone else lookin’ after ‘em.”