If someone was being disruptive, she would always chastise them for being childish– it wouldn't surprise Jim if one day she put someone in time out.
"Would you care to watch him for me while I attend to my duties? If that is alright with your Captain of course."
Mac'hla looked to Kirk excitedly, "Sir?"
Jim sighed in relief, "Please, by all means."
"Then I would be delighted." Mac'hla whispered, holding out her finger for the baby to hold.
"Wonderful," Jori smiled, "I appreciate it Lieutenant."
She took off her baby bag and handed it to Mac'hla.
"It is my pleasure." Mac'hla assured her, and bounced Ores as Jori headed off with Jim.
Mac'hla looked around, making sure no one was around before smiling, "You are just the most darling thing!"
Ores cooked and played with her jewelry. Mac'hla giggled softly.
"Come, ashalik*, let us go for a walk." they whispered, slinging the baby bag over their shoulder, "I am hungry, and I imagine you are as well."
Mac'hla strolled down to the recreation room, humming quietly to Ores.
Ores began to fuss as they neared the rec room.
"Oh, I know, my love. You are hungry." Mac'hla soothed, "Allow me to sit and I shall feed you."
Mac'hla sat at a table in the corner and balanced Ores in one arm while fishing around in the bag for a bottle.
"There we are," she whispered, cradling him, "I have found your bottle."
Ores immediately latched onto the bottle and quieted.
Seeing as he was capable of holding his bottle on his own, Mac'hla went to retrieve her own lunch from a resequencer.
They sat back down and quietly ate with Ores, until her dear friend Uhura walked over.
"Oh my god, who's this little thing?" she asked.
"Ambassador Jori's son, Ores. I have been given the task of babysitting him." they explained.
"I didn't know Vulcans were good with kids! Spock is horrible with them." she giggled.
"I have seven younger siblings. I am quite familiar and comfortable with little ones." Mac'hla said, running her fingers through Ores' white hair.
"Little ones!" Uhura gushed, "You're so cute, Maggie."
"...thank you, Lieutenant."
"Mr. Scott!" Uhura called over, "Come look at Maggie's little friend!"
Scotty came over, a little confused, but immediately brightened up at seeing Ores.
"Oh, look at the wee lad. He's a cute little thing, isn't he?" he gushed.
Mac'hla was amused at how much the crew seemed to adore the small boy. Though, she could certainly understand, as she too adored him.
"Oh look at his little antennae!" Uhura whispered dotingly.
Ores dropped his bottle on his chest and clapped.
"Oh," Mac'hla smiled, "That is... that is adorable."
"Is that a smile I see?" Scotty teased.
"I have not the slightest clue what you are talking about, sir." Mac'hla said, still smiling.
"You'd make a great Mom, Maggie." Uhura said.
Mac'hla flushed, "Thank you– you are the second person to tell me that."
"Aye, well it's true, lass. Look at you!" Scotty grinned.
Mac'hla tapped Ores nose softly and hummed.
Ores eyes fluttered, "Sleepy, are you?" Mac'hla asked softly, "Go on, you may sleep. I will keep you safe."
"Oh my god," Uhura giggled, "I can't tell what's cuter– you or the baby."
Mac'hla slowly rocked Ores, humming quietly.
"I should find somewhere quiet so he can sleep." they whispered and stood.
She moved exceptionally slowly to make sure he wouldn't wake up.
"Goodbye." they said quietly as they left.
Mac'hla walked to their quarters, careful not to move too fast.
She sat in a chair in the corner of her room, looking out at the stars. She propped her feet up on the window sill and held Ores close to her chest.
Their eyes were beginning to feel heavy. They thought for a moment about the future. They loved caring for this child. The gentle innocence of Ores made Mac'hla realize how much she wanted a child in her life.
Mac'hla leaned back in the chair, holding Ores safely in her arms. Her eyes fluttered and she fell asleep, holding onto the darling baby boy and dreaming of the future.
~Babysitter~
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