Diaper Study

PART ONE

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Yelena asked.

"For the millionth and twenty seventh time, yes, I can handle watching a tiny human for a few hours,"

Janco said, trying hard to keep the annoyance from his voice. New mothers could be such worry warts. Hmmm...he wondered where that term came from. Was it because people worried about having warts or the warts themselves were worrying?

"When's Ari coming back?" she asked as she balanced Liana on her hip. Yelena peered dubiously around Janco and Ari's apartment in the Commander's castle.

Granted, it wasn't the most well organized of places...well, Ari's side was militarily perfect, but his...never mind. "First, I'm insulted that you think I need Ari to babyguard Liana for a few hours, and second, Little Miss Assassin has him on a ten to twelve day mission."

Yelena shook her head. "You're still calling Onora that? She's your boss you know."

He grinned. "Even more reason to use it. Besides, it keeps her humble." Janco waggled his eyebrows at Liana. The baby giggled then continued to suck on a handful of her mother's long black hair. Drool glistened from the wet strands. Yuck.

"If you're sure..."

Janco plucked Liana from Yelena's arms. Pretty solid for a seven month old. Her short black hair curled at the nape of her neck. With her big blue-green eyes, this girl was going to be gorgeous.

Scratch that, she was gorgeous. "Go, have fun on your ride with Valek and the Commander. We'll be fine."

She finally relented. "Liana's had her nap and just ate." Yelena handed him an oversized bag. It weighed more than the baby.

"What's in here?" he asked.

"Diapers, a cleaning cloth, a bib, a blanket, toys, a change of clothes, a bottle, a book and a few medical supplies."

Janco stared at her aghast. "What do you expect to happen?"

"Hopefully nothing, but I've learned to be prepared."

"Prepared for what? A siege?"

"Maybe I should--"

"Say hi to Kiki for me." He pushed her out the door and shut it. "Mothers," he muttered. Liana stared at him. "You're going to have a tough time getting away with anything," he said to her. "Between your overprotective mother and paranoid father, you're going to have to be one smart cookie to fool them."

Janco smirked. "Good thing, you have your favorite uncle to teach you all you need to know."

She babbled back at him in complete agreement. Super cute. At least she didn't seem to mind her mother leaving her with him. Not too surprising. From what he'd seen since Yelena and Valek had arrived in Ixia for a visit, she'd been a happy and easy going baby as she was passed from lap to lap.

Ari was going to be mad he missed them. Too bad, so sad. More love for Uncle Janco!