Baby talk

'Thanks for inviting me over.'

'No problem, man.'

'I need an evening to relax. Feels like it's been ages since I've had the chance.'

'Same here. All I ever do is work, practice, exercise. The rest of my spare time goes to Raya.'

'As it should.'

'Damn right. There's no way I'm gonna neglect my marriage. That's important.'

'Good on you. Things aren't like they used to be, huh?'

'What do you mean?'

'Being teenagers and not giving a shit. I mean sure, we still had some responsibilities, like exams. Or you did, anyway. I farted around and ended up a big fucking failure.'

'Hey, you're not a failure. I think you're doing pretty well these days.'

'Thanks. But I'm no success either. Guess I expected too much of the band. All I wanted was to be a fucking rock star. What was I thinking? I should've tried a lot harder in school.'

'Maybe, but you can't change that now. You still had a dream. Fuck, me too. That hasn't changed, right? Don't tell me you're giving up.'

'Oh, hell no! No, that's not happening.'

'Good! I won't let it. Even if we never do hit the big time, we've still gotta try. 10 years means too much to just throw it away.'

'Rest assured, I didn't mean that. All I was saying is you've got a great job and I don't. And it's my own fault. It's no biggie. Just an observation.'

'It's not like you had a great start in life.'

'No... Maybe it would've been different if Mum'd tried to push me into my studies. No, the only thing she was interested in pushing was more drugs up her nose.'

'Sorry. Didn't mean to go heavy on you.'

'Ah, don't sweat it. You're not wrong. Hey, you know something? It'll sound soppy as fuck, but having you around really helped. It got pretty fucking miserable sometimes and I needed your support to make it this far. Yours and Ive's, and Raya's too. I'm glad I got to spend time with you two instead of going back home where I wasn't wanted.'

'Heath, you know you've supported me too. You always stood by me, even through some difficult shit. You're one of the few people who knew me before I transitioned. That's a long time, y'know?'

'Yep. You're stuck with me, sadly for you.'

'Oh, how awful. Seriously though, you're no failure. And the band's a worthwhile investment. Let's see how it goes, okay?'

'Mm. Real life gets in the way, doesn't it? Even though I don't work any more, I feel like parenting might just count as a full time job. It should, anyway. Especially with a baby who barely sits still.'

'She's a handful, that one.'

'No joke. She got into my makeup the other day. Apparently Edward looks lovely with lipstick on.'

'Wish I'd been there!'

'He was gorgeous. She just screamed "PRETTY" at him and shoved my lipstick into his mouth.'

'Oh man... Stuff like this is making me want a kid now. They're kinda hilarious.'

'Heh. When's that happening then? Thought you were waiting.'

'Me too, but... I dunno. I can't decide.'

*knock knock*

'I'll go see who that is!'

'Hi honey! Am I alright to pop in? I won't hang around if you're busy, just thought I'd look in on my way home.'

'No, it's okay! I've got Heath over.'

'Aww, lovely! I haven't seen him in a while.'

'Hey, Maria! Long time no see!'

'Hello Heath! It's great to see you. How are you and the baby?'

'All good. She's lively. Yourself?'

'I'm good too, thanks!'

'Lovely.'

'Should I go out and leave you two to it?'

'Aaaahh, don't get jealous.'

'Yeah, I can't help it if I'm like another son to her.'

'Aww, that sounds great. I should've adopted you! You and Logan could've been brothers!'

'There's still time!'

'Absolutely! What do you think, Logan?

'May as well. Probably wouldn't change much! So, speaking of adoption... how would you feel about becoming a grandma?'

'I'm happy for you, honey. Sure, I might be a young one, but that's what I get for having you so early! Why, are there plans in place?'

'Not yet, but I'm wondering if I should start. I'd like to, but what if I'm not ready?'

'Nobody's ever ready, Logan.'

'He's right! Although some people are more ready than others... you're certainly in a better position than I was. Remember, adoption is a long process. It's not a case of being a dad within a week. If you look into things now, you'll be quite prepared by the time the day does arrive.'

'...Yeah, you're right. Thanks.'