It was just a side gig. A way to earn a bit of extra cash, that was all it was. Something you had to remind yourself of constantly being around Lily and her dad. You loved that little kid, she was the sweetest child you'd ever looked after. And hey, Art definitely wasn't a bad thing to look at after it all. No, you pushed all those things to the back of your head. You were professional, you would remain professional. Even when Art would come back into the house after hours on his private tennis court, shirtless and covered in sweat— No. You'd moved past this. Professional.

"What in God's name have you done to my child?" The first words Art muttered as you walked into the kitchen after a day out with Lily. You'd never seen him annoyed, ever. Yet here he was, near enough raising his voice at you. You could barely mumble a question in response before Art is crouched in front of Lily, his fingers around the newly pierced lobes of her ears. "This is unacceptable, how could you even think to do this without asking?"

Lily's confusion represents you both, of course you would never do anything of the sorts without his or Tashi's permission. You assumed after your call with Tashi at lunch, in which Lily pleaded with her mom to let her get her ears pierced, that she would have let Art know in the meantime. Clearly, you were wrong. Your mouth opens to speak again, as Art cuts you off once more. "Lily, let's go get you ready for bed." Left stood awkwardly alone in the kitchen, your heart in your throat as you patiently wait for Art to come back downstairs, hoping he'll let you explain.

"I'm so disappointed in you," Art mumbles with a shake of the head as he walks back down to the kitchen. God, why did he have to look so good while he told you off? His white t-shirt clad to his skin, leaning onto the kitchen counter as he sighs. His voice defeated, yet still firm. "You've been perfect for Lily, been wonderful to have around the house. Then, you go and do something like this?"