Chapter Text
Nico didn’t know what was worse. Their babysitter cancelling them, the last possible moment? Will trying to figure out what they’re going to do as it was too late to cancel their own plans? Or the fact that someone was ringing their doorbell the instant they managed to put both their newborn and their toddler down for a nap which made Ryder start crying?
He didn’t know how long he and Will were going to last in their apartment until their move to New Athens. He went inside his and Will’s room were Ryder’s crib and took the crying baby in his arms before going to answer the door. Will hadn’t even noticed what was going on as he was outside on the balcony trying to find a new sitter.
Nico opened the door, and he was even more surprised when two Gods walked into their living room, arguing with each other, and completely ignoring Nico. “What are you doing here?” He asked them as Ryder started calming down.
Will came inside, confused as well. They were both waiting for their fathers to stop arguing. “Your babysitter cancelled so I thought that I could come and look after Bianca and Ryder, but it seems like someone had the same idea,” Apollo said and glared in Hades’ direction.
“I was here first,” Hades replied a bit irritated to the other God.
“But I knocked on the door and stepped inside before you did.”
“You’re being childish.”
“I’m being childish? I can’t believe that you’re accusing me of something as being childish. I am very mature.”
Hades chuckled. “Okay, that’s a nice joke. I’m sure the muses will enjoy your dramatic monologues as soon as you get back to Olympus while I’m watching my grandchildren.” He motioned the door.
“Yeah, no. I’m sure you’re so much busier than me. Death and stuff. I think I have everything under control without your help. Say hi to Persephone from me.” Apollo crossed his arms.
“Hi, I don’t know if you remember us.” Will caught their attention. “I get that you’re both here because you’re spying us from Olympus and the underworld.”
“Looking after you.” Hades corrected him.
“Okay, you’re in Olympus and in the underworld and looking after us. You want to babysit Bianca and Ryder?” Will was trying to get his facts straight. He had his first full 24 hours off work since Ryder was born and he was both sleep-deprived and on the tip of caffeine addiction. He was supposed to stay at home with Bianca and Ryder, but Ryder was a month premature, and the hospital was understaffed which meant that he couldn’t start his paternity leave earlier.
“Yes!” They both said in unison.
“It’s very generous of you, but we could never ask you to babysit,” Nico added.
“I didn’t ask you if you want me to babysit, son. I am just telling you that I’m babysitting tonight.” Hades declared to them.
“I told you, I’m babysitting. I’m obviously better with babies. I can make them fall asleep with my majestic voice. What can you do?” Apollo asked him.
“I am not sure I like what is happening,” Will whispered to Nico. “We appreciate both of your offers, but I’m sure you have much better things to do right now.” Will noticed that Ryder fell asleep, so he decided to put him back in his crib. And also escape that awkward situation that stuck in.
“Plus, I’m pretty sure that neither one of you have ever taken care of an infant and a toddler at the same time, and I don’t think that we want you to experiment with our kids,” Nico said.
“Wait, so you don’t trust me? I can’t believe that. Hades, can you believe that?” Apollo turned to him.
“I was present when you were born,” Hades told to Nico.
“Hate to be the one to break this to you, but it was almost a century ago,” Nico whispered to him.
“We can prove you wrong. We’re both staying and taking care of Bianca and Ryder.” Apollo suggested.
“Both of you. Together.” Nico said. “You know what? I don’t care. I just want them mentally stable with all ribs attached at the end of the night.” He and Will hadn’t gotten any time to themselves since Ryder was born, and they had to check the final details in their house in New Athens before moving in.
Will heard the last part as he got back in the living room. “It’s not a bad idea at all. If it’s okay, and you don’t have anything else to do, you can both babysit.”